Local Women Down Edition January 2021

www.shannonsboutique.com

YOUR BESTSELLING LOCAL MAGAZINE ONLY

£1

JANUARY

SOUTH DOWN, NEWRY, DUNDALK, PORTADOWN, LURGAN & DROMORE

2021

This girl is on fire!

GEMMA KENNEDY

FROM DONAGHCLONEY IS KEEPING DARCY’S MEMORY ALIVE

SHANNON’S BOUTIQUE

Meet Katesbridge artist Catherine Bradford

Support local businesses this January

COVER GIRL:

SHANNON BENNETT FROM SHANNON’S

Mullaghbawn’s

BOUTIQUE, NEWRY

Rosie Kirk

ISSN 2515-5016

01

on living with hearing loss 9 772515

Diamond House, 63/65 Hill Street, Newry, BT34 1AF T: 028 3026 3379 | R.O.I: 048 3026 3379 E: diamonds@jmj.ie | www.jackmurphyjewellers.com

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ADAPTING TO NEW SKINCARE TRENDS IN

2021

Younique Aesthetic Clinic Newry has the perfect skincare packages to enter the New Year with a flawless complexion.

Here at Younique Aesthetic Clinic Newry, we are delighted to be entering the New Year with a fresh new set of ideas. From finding ways to tackle ‘maskne’, to examining our ‘Zoom face’, 2020 has brought us countless skincare trends to take with us into 2021.

Masks and Acne (Maskne) In the medical and skincare industry, ‘maskne’ was a major problem last year due to increasing breakouts and skin irritation caused by the daily use of face masks. Specifically, the mask is creating a barrier across the face

to keep the virus out, but this then also traps bacteria and humidity inside.

The fabric rubbing against your skin can cause friction and irritation. As sweat, dirt and the oils in your make up get into your mask, it’s basically a breeding ground for breakoutcausing bacteria.

This caused many people to look into medical grade treatments and products in order to treat this growing skin concern. As a result of this, we at Younique Aesthetic clinic in Newry, provide our clients with a tailored package to combat active breakouts, leftover hyperpigmentation and scarring caused by the daily use of face masks.

Maskne package - £199 1. THOCLOR LAB GF2 SKIN REJUVENATION Due to its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effect, GF2 has been found to be beneficial in the treatment of acne, Rosacea and cold sores. The anti-bacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties of GF2 by far exceed any known disinfectants and is completely safe to use. Thoclor Labs has perfected a pure

HOCl immune solution, as found in the GF2 Rejuvenation spray, offering amazing results when used on acne-prone skin. In fact, it helps to completely reverse acne by destroying the bacteria that causes acne.

It reboots the skin’s normal function, normalising oil secretion and reducing the thickness of the dead cell layer on the skin’s surface that causes the blockage of the oil glands.

While your skin is ‘reset’, the formulation also calms down any inflammation, redness and pain he hypochlorous acid in the product has powerful disinfectant properties that have been proven to be 80 – 100 times more effective against viruses than the bleach chlorine you find in hand sanitisers. It’s completely safe to use on kids and adults, so you can spray it on your face (even in your eyes and mouth) and inside and outside your mask to kill any harmful germs that may be clinging to the fabric.

2. PROFACIAL ProFacial treatments combine the latest facial techniques such as Aqua Peeling, Cyclone Extraction, Ion Lifting and Ultrasound to gently

The procedure takes only around 30 minutes and can be simply integrated into your schedule, as there is no recovery time after the treatment. The results are visible after the first treatment and are achieved without pain or unpleasant feeling. Actually, most of our customers compare the procedure to a warm massage.

and effectively combat skin concerns such as congestion, acne and uneven skin tone and texture. Overall, this fabulous treatment controls acne or oily-prone skin to help the prevention of breakouts especially while wearing face masks.

WHY VENUS LEGACY IS FOR YOU! • Improves the elasticity and tightens your skin • Diminishes fine lines and wrinkles for smoother skin • Increases the radiance and vital look of your skin • Individual parts of the face (around the eyes, chin, forehead), neck and décolleté can be treated.

We are proud to be an Aesthetic Awards finalist!

We are delighted and humbled to be selected as finalists for Best Clinic in Ireland along with the Croma Award for Clinic Reception Team for the prestigious Aesthetic Awards 2021. We look forward to celebrating this amazing night on May 29th in central London!

WISHING YOU ALL A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR!

Abigail xx

3. OBAGI BLUE RADIANCE PEEL Treatments such as chemical peels will work wonders especially Salicylic acid peels like the Obagi Blue Peel Radiance which works to decongest, brighten and smooth the skins texture. The Salicylic Acid within this peel will help you shed dead skin, clogged pores and areas of pigmentation to reveal a brighter, newly refreshed complexion. By targeting spots at the very source, as well as providing surface exfoliation, this peel is able to target your deeply clogged pores and reduce any post-inflammatory spots that have been left 2. Botox 2 areas by breakouts, so it’s a great treatment if you Botox injections are noted primarily for the ability to reduce the appearance of suffer from acne-prone skin. facial wrinkles.

Zoom Ready Skin?

It’s Your Call…

Zoom has played a huge role in our lives during 2020 and, let’s be honest, we’ve all been staring at ourselves rather than watching our friends and colleagues! These prolonged periods of examining our faces have definitely led to an increased interest in injectables and better educating ourselves on what can be achieved with skincare. We decided to kick off the new year with a Zoom Face Ready Package for you!

ZOOM FACE PACKAGE – £299 1. VENUS LEGACY FACE LIFT The Venus Legacy procedure offers you the most modern way to fight wrinkles, sagging skin , and other signs of aging of the face.

3. Y Skincare SPF 50 Protect Moisturizer Daily Tinted Broad Spectrum Sun Protection. A highly effective photo-stable broad spectrum, lightweight physical sunscreen, containing a combination of clinically proven filters to protect the skin against the harmful effects of UV rays. There is a science to suggest that light from screens can cause damage and that you should use daily sunscreen, indoors and out. This is more important than ever especially with the increased use of Zoom.

With the Y Skincare SPF 50, no matter where you find yourself—out in the sun, in front of screens, or under bright lights—you know that you are protecting your skin.

WALK IN APPOINTMENTS AND FREE SKIN CONSULTATIONS AVAILABLE DURING JANUARY

5 Monaghan Court, Monaghan Street, Newry, BT35 6BH |Tel: +44 (0) 28 3025 6254 /youniqueaesthetics

/youniqueaestheticsclinic

Younique Aesthetics Newry

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Local Women Magazine | 5

WEDDING LOANS WITH THE CREDIT UNION: Wedding Bells Ringing in Warrenpoint

The financial cost of saying ‘I Do’ becomes a reality for couples at this time of year. With December the most popular month for engagements, many couples will embark on their wedding plans in the New Year.

Where the Mournes sweep down to the sea, Warrenpoint is the perfect location not only to host a wedding but also to shop for your big day. It’s not surprising that a substantial two-thirds of couples will go over-budget and many will need to borrow for their big day. So how can they do this without racking up unnecessary debt?

“It’s understandable that even with the best intentions in the world, couples can end up spending a lot more than planned. W.B.R Credit Union is always here for those couples who need a little financial assistance to make their wedding dreams a reality. We offer wedding loans with realistic terms, which can be paid back in a way that works best for each individual couple. Our wedding loan is available at a reduced rate of 6.7% APR, we don’t have any hidden transaction fees or charges. Should any couple wish to pay back their loan early, they can easily do so without incurring

any penalty or additional fees. We would encourage any couples out there feeling the financial strain of wedding planning to call us or visit www.wbrcu.com and see if we can be of help” says Yvonne White, Manager of W.B.R Credit Union.

Whether you’re dreaming of a knees up at home, or eloping overseas, we can help you finance your big day with ease.

ENQUIRE ONLINE OR IN PERSON TODAY FIND YOUR LOCAL CREDIT UNION AT WWW.CREDITUNIONNI.CO.UK Loans are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. If you do not meet the repayments on your loan, your account will go into arrears. This may affect your credit rating which may limit your ability to access credit in the future. Credit Unions in Northern Ireland are authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

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IMAGINE MORE

Local Women Magazine | 7

“I FINALLY FEEL LIKE ME ”

Meet our amazing Local Women competition winner Maria McCracken from Bangor who, thanks to Enhanced Hair Studio, has regained her crowning glory after beating breast cancer.

When Maria McCracken underwent gruelling rounds of chemotherapy in her battle against breast cancer, it was the toughest time of her life.

Diagnosed in 2015 at just 47 years old, Maria knew that this treatment was necessary to save her life – but what she didn’t know at the time was that her particular course of treatment would leave her with permanent hair loss.

So, while she says she is extremely grateful for the lifesaving treatment she received, she was left with a permanent reminder of the trauma she went through.

Maria explains: “Unfortunately, I wasn’t informed that one of the types of chemo I received was known to cause permanent hair loss. I expected to lose my hair going through chemo and was prepared for that, but as I had not been given the full information about the long term side effects of that particular chemo, I was not prepared for the added trauma of losing my hair permanently.

I would still have had the chemo, I would not have changed that, I just would have appreciated the full disclosure of the permanent damage that it does so I could have prepared myself mentally. I also lost most of my eyebrows, my eyelashes grew back though for which I am very grateful.”

Of course, surviving breast cancer was the best possible outcome and, despite her hair loss, Maria says she feels very blessed that she had such an early diagnosis.

So much so that she has become an ambassador for Action Cancer and tries to raise awareness whenever she can. She is well aware that early diagnosis saved her life.

She says: “I am very grateful that I am here, and I feel very blessed as I could have had a different outcome. I had been attending Action Cancer in my 40s and having mammograms at Action Cancer House. It is because I was getting mammograms that at the age of 47, Action Cancer detected my cancer early. It had already spread to my lymph nodes, but I had not been experiencing any symptoms.

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I was told at the hospital if I had waited until I was 50, which is when the NHS carry out your mammograms, then I might have had a different outcome.”

But the impact of losing her hair permanently left Maria feeling very low. She was looking forward to enjoying her recovery but sadly she now had a reminder of a terrible time of trauma in her life - a time when she had been so ill and frail.

She lost her confidence and felt like everyone was staring at her. She felt uncomfortable venturing out in public. She missed her old hair that she had always worn long and felt like it had been part of her identity.

She attempted to hide her head with scarves and hats and spent a fortune on hair products – but nothing helped as her hair follicles had been permanently damaged by the chemo.

Every flippant remark of “sure, it’s only hair” cut her deeply and she says she no longer felt like the same person.

Then she saw the advertisement for the competition in Local Women for Enhanced Hair Studio and applied hoping she would be suitable.

Maria says: “I thought their pictures looked great, it looked so natural. At my consultation they reassured made me and I felt at ease. It was informative and everything was discussed, and my questions answered. I felt reassured about how the system would work and what was involved.

Enhanced Hair Studio owner Conna Nagle discusses the amazing work they do at Enhanced Hair Studio in Belfast and Newry.

WHAT KIND OF SERVICES DO YOU OFFER FOR HAIR LOSS? We specialise in female hair loss. Our team has 20 years of combined experience in the hair loss industry. Our Enhanced Hair System is a non-surgical solution designed for females with all types of hair loss, each system is bespoke made for every client. We use only the finest materials and real human hair; the results are so natural looking giving our clients back their confidence that hair loss had taken from them. We also provide a wide range of extension services for ladies suffering from thinning hair to give them extra volume and length.

WHAT TYPES OF HAIR LOSS DO YOU DEAL WITH? We can help women with all types of hair loss. From fine hair, genetic thinning, alopecia, alopecia areata, trichotillomania (a hair pulling disorder) and even women who are losing their hair due to the effects of chemotherapy. Some of our clients may even suffer from temporary hair loss through stress, postpartum and even undiagnosed reasons. Our Enhanced Hair System works well with all types of hair loss as the mesh is breathable, helping keep the scalp healthy.

No glues are added so there’s no risk of pores being clogged up and further damaging the hair. Our system also allows the hair to grow naturally underneath. In some cases, like trichotillomania it can even help as the mesh acts as a barrier helping prevent the client from pulling their hair out.

WHAT DID YOU DO TO RESTORE MARIA’S HAIR?

“It is so easy to look after. I wake up, brush it and go. I only need to wash it once or twice a week. I have the fab styling system too that was part of my prize. It makes styling and straightening it so easy.”

We used our innovative Enhanced technique which is different to anything on the market. Our Enhanced Hair System is custom made from the beginning to the end as each system is uniquely designed for every client. Your existing hair is pulled through a fine light weight mesh and secured in place using a silicone lined micro bead. In some cases where there is complete alopecia, we attach a small polyurethane strip, and a sensitive surgical tape is used to keep the system in place. Once the system is securely fitted to the head, we sew on custom made silk-based closures and our own brand of Enhanced Hair extensions. When this is completed, we cut and style to your desired look.

So, the big question is – how does Maria feel now?

HOW EASY WILL HER HAIR BE TO MAINTAIN?

The treatment itself took about four hours, but it flew in as we were having such great craic. I had a lovely day.

“Until I had my consultation, I had not been inside a hair salon since 2015. I had been having my hair cut by a hairdresser in my home.

The thought of going into a salon would have upset me. Conna and her team made me feel so comfortable and I really enjoyed the day.

I felt totally relaxed knowing I was in the hands of experts.

“I was a different person leaving the salon. I feel fab and , I look more like the ‘old me’. Thank you so much Conna. I love it.”

Our bespoke systems can be washed as normal at home.

We would recommend washing them once or twice a week using our Enhanced Hair styling range. Maria’s hair will also need maintained in the studio every 4-6 weeks so it’s just like going to the hairdressers for regular maintenance. The great thing with wearing our systems is no more roots so you never need to worry about your regrowth again.

HOW MUCH DOES THIS COST? The pricing all depends on what is required for the client.

It all depends on how long they wish their new hair to be and how big the Enhanced System is. Our systems start from £300 for a top piece and a full Enhanced Hair System can vary between £800-£1200 depending on what is required.

We do offer a free no obligation consultation in a private room for anyone wanting to come in and find out more.

Local Women Magazine | 9

Welcome, It’s no exaggeration to say I am humbled by the people I meet as the Editor of Local Women Magazine.

These days of course I tend to meet them virtually over the phone or via email, but all the same, every day I hear so many stories of women in our area doing amazing things.

In particular it is the women who are running their own businesses who never fail to impress me. Despite the awful trading conditions over the past year, women across the country have been forging ahead keeping their businesses going. Some have ‘pivoted’ (that’s a word I would like binned this year along with ‘new normal,’ ’social distancing’ and ‘unprecedented!’) and started trading in new ways - and many have actually started up new businesses in these most uncertain of times.

The one thing I notice that all these women have in common is their tremendous work ethic. Despite balancing childcare and family commitments, they work round the clock to keep their businesses successful. It’s only when I check my inbox and spot emails arriving at 2.30am that I realise just how much these women do.

Their determination is amazing and as we enter into another uncertain year, I know they will continue to succeed.

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In fact, I know we will all continue to succeed. The very fact that we are here right now is enough! It is testament to the fact that we as women are able to cope with whatever is thrown at us. I know sometimes it doesn’t feel that way. We all see those glossy images on social media and worry that we aren’t coping as well as other people.

But of course, social media is an illusion. If you want proof of this simply check out my Instagram page @the_kimkelly. As you can see from my daily stories, I definitely do not look like the picture that accompanies this editor’s letter most of the time. I look like this maybe five percent of the time – the rest of my life I am in gym gear or pajamas, but that’s ok!

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I guess that’s why this year I am making no New Year’s Resolutions! I am happy enough just to keep on going, muddling through the best I can.We all put far too much pressure on ourselves, so if we make one resolution let it be to give ourselves peace and be kinder to ourselves.

There is an exciting New Year ahead. Things will get better and we will find a way to navigate this new world. In a few years’ time, as we are sitting on a sun lounger in Gran Canaria, we will look back on 2020 and 2021 with pride at how well we coped.

So, let’s look forward to the good times and focus on getting through 2021.

Happy New Year,

MANAGING EDITOR: KIM KELLY editor@localwomensnews.com DESIGNER: AIDAN NELIS design@localwomensnews.com SALES: salesmid@localwomensnews.com ACCOUNTS: accounts@localwomensnews.com

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SALES

0845 241 1640

Local Women Magazine

Unit 6, Springrowth House, Derry~ Londonderry, BT48 0GG

w www.localwomenmagazine.com The publisher does not guarantee the accuracy of statements by contributors or advertisers, or accept responsibility for any statement that they may express in this publication. The publication of an advertisement does not imply endorsement of a product, service or promotional event.

DON’T SPREAD CORONAVIRUS LIMIT YOUR CONTACT WITH OTHERS

nidirect.gov.uk/coronavirus Local Women Magazine | 11

ƒ Catherine Bradford runs Simply Mourne art studio from her home at Katesbridge, Co Down

THIS GIRL IS ON FIRE!

Katesbridge artist Catherine Bradford was delighted to receive support from Loose Women star Andrea McLean.

A Co Down artist has been given a ringing

Her work now features on Andrea McLean’s

Catherine Bradford said her art started from

endorsement by Loose Women host Andrea

online marketplace This Girl Is On Fire (TGIOF).

her love of nature.

McLean, after her nature-inspired creations caught the eye of the celebrity journalist.

The online shop was set up to help women showcase their talents and sell their products and services.

Catherine Bradford (41) who runs Simply Mourne art studio

with the work of the Irish artist.

“I’m passionate about supporting

she was thrilled to receive the

all women,

support from the lunchtime

themselves in these difficult

The mum-of-two says her

times,” she says.

inspiration comes from the

and lonely it can be and

the natural world around

that is why I have created

her home at Katesbridge. says

from the

the

the TGIOF marketplace.

support

“It is the perfect place for

Loose Women

businesses like Catherine’s

anchor is a shot in the arm for

her

business

the coronavirus pandemic after

she

– Simply Mourne – to

during

experienced

a

dramatic downturn of trading opportunities.

12 | Local Women Magazine

ƒ Andrea McLean presents Loose Women and is helping female entrepreneurs.

Picture credit Nicky Johnson

showcase

their

talents

to a wider audience. A personal favourite of mine is the Love Birds.”

“The first lock-down caused a temporary closure of these outlets so I was forced to look for alternative routes to market.

“I noticed Andrea McLean had called out to female business owners to get in touch about her TGIOF marketplace where she is supporting female entrepreneurs.

“I understand just how hard

Mourne Mountains and

She

especially those

trying to build a business for

TV chat show host.

grown 95% of the business to sell throughout Ireland in shops,” says Catherine.

Andrea said she was impressed

from her home in Co Down, said

“I design art using natural materials and I had

“I got in touch and was delighted when Andrea responded and requested a sample of my work. She loved the sample and invited me join her marketplace platform.

“My work is now available to Andrea McLean’s huge audience and that is a lifeline for my business, my family and my community during these hard times. It is amazing to have her support for small businesses” https://simplymourne.com www.thisgirlisonfire.com

AUSTRALIA'S MOST WANTED SEE OUR REVIEW OF THIS WINE ON PAGE 95 MERLOT

The grapes for this Merlot were picked and crushed during the cool of night, thus ensuring the retention of varietal character, while modern winemaking techniques were employed throughout. Much of Merlot’s popularity is derived from its juicy flavours, and mellow mouth feel. Therefore, this wine was fermented in rotary fermenters, which helped bring out the wonderful colour and flavours, but ensured that the tannins were soft and fine. Minimal oak handling was also an important feature inclusion of the winemaking allowing for the fruit to be the primary feature of this wine. The of some central Victorian fruit in the blend has further intensified both the colour and flavour, creating a wine of increased complexity and quality.

PINOT GRIGIO

This wine is made from a blend of fruit grown in the Goulburn Valley and South East Australia from a combination of our own vineyards and our contract growers. Following crushing of the grapes during the cool of the night, the Pinot Grigio juice is cold settled and racked clean ready for fermentation. An aromatic yeast was used for inoculation and the juice is cold fermented in stainless steel tanks. The resulting wine is fresh and vibrant displaying applesand pears with floral spicy notes. The palate is clean, displaying green crunchy fruit with a crisp long finish.

CHARDONNAY

SHIRAZ

The grapes for this Shiraz were picked and crushed during the cool of night, thus ensuring the retention of varietal character, while modern winemaking techniques were employed throughout, all of which help to create the signature McPherson style. Fermentation took place in sweeping arm red fermenters, giving the wine a denser, richer colour and allowing for gentle flavour extraction. Softer tannins are also a result of this process, an important feature of the McPherson Shiraz style. Careful attention was also paid to the oak selection for the Shiraz. This wine was aged on American oak for approximately 8 months, giving the wine a noticeable, but not an excessive oak influence. The inclusion of some central Victorian fruit into the blend has boosted both the colour.

The fruit for the Kelly’s Patch Chardonnay was sourced from the Goulburn Valley on the vineyards neighbouring the winery. This region has long, warm sunny days and mild evening temperatures which are perfect for the growing of good quality Chardonnay.

The grapes were harvested during the cool of the night to maintain fruit freshness and gently pressed to minimise phenolic characters.

The wine was fermented in various parcels, with a small portion receiving careful oak treatment, with extended lees contact to build structure yet retain good fruit balance.

KELLY’S GANG SHIRAZ

Kelly’s Gang Shiraz is bold and full of flavour.

The nose displays sweet plums, cassis, chocolate and spice. The exuberant palate delivers ripe berry fruit along with a touch of pepper and spice. Enjoy now or cellar for up to 3-4 years. Enjoy with pizza, pasta or your favourite BBQ dish.

KELLY’S GANG SAUVIGNON BLANC

Kelly’s Gang Sauvignon Blanc is vibrant and refreshing. The nose displays lifted passionfruit and citrus notes. The fruit forward palate delivers ripe fruit flavours balanced by some lovely crisp acidity on the finish. Enjoy now or cellar for up to 2-3 years. Enjoy with salads or your favourite seafood dish.

SAUVIGNON BLANC

This wine is made from a blend of fruit grown in the Goulburn Valley Eastern Australia from our own vineyards. Following delivery and crushing of the grapes during the cool of the night, the Sauvignon Blanc juice was cold settled and racked.

An aromatic yeast was used for inocculation and this parcel was cool fermented for 7 days. The resulting wine is fresh and vibrant showing lovely tropical fruit flavours with a hint of typical herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc characters.

KELLY’S GANG The Last Word

At Kelly’s Patch we are increasing the outlets where you can buy our wines daily.

At present you can purchase at Tesco’s, Sainsbury’s and Chill off licence.

Check www.kellyspatch.com new outlets.

Local Women Magazine | 13

“I LOVE WHAT I DO!” Local Women meets Newry’s Shannon Bennett, a super mum with a passion for fashion, who is successfully trading online and instore with her brand ‘Shannon’s Boutique.’

She started a business during lockdown, opened such a success that she has already expanded the best life possible for our family.” a shop in December and is expecting her third and opened premises in Newry town centre.

Let’s meet the busy young mum with a passion baby just about now – Shannon Bennett really is With her fiancé Jason by her side helping out with for fashion. a super mum! getting the store up and running, Shannon says WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO LAUNCH Oh, and did we mention that she’s just 24?! While opening her boutique is a dream come true.

INTO FASHION RETAIL?

many young women her age haven’t a clue She says she is inspired by her family to work hard Fashion and accessories have always been a what they want to do with their lives, Shannon is and be the best she can. passion of mine so starting my own business already making a name for herself as a successful Shannon says: “People always ask me how I do it was a dream come true for me. When I had independent retailer. with two young kids and one on the way. The truth my first son Shea, I knew I wanted to work for myself so straight away I thought of selling She launched her business ‘Shannon’s Boutique’ is - I do it because I love what I do. online in May during the first lockdown and it was “Jason and I work so hard and we want to create handbags and jewellery.

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HOW DID YOU GET STARTED? I started sourcing products and selling them online. When I started to get busy and everything was going my way, I was able to leave my fulltime job.

WHEN DID YOU LAUNCH THE SHANNON’S BOUTIQUE WEBSITE? I started a website back in May and it just took off for me. I will always be grateful for my good customer base. If it wasn’t for my loyal customers, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO OPEN A SHOP? Every week we were growing and growing, and stock was starting to take over our house. With two sons, Shea and Carter, at home I wanted to keep our house as our home. I finally took a massive risk and decided to have my own store which I opened Being so close to having our third baby meant that WHAT TRENDS WILL WE SEE COMING in early December. getting the shop open was a massive weight lifted INTO 2021?

IT REALLY WAS A FAMILY EFFORT GETTING THE BUSINESS UP AND RUNNING – TELL US ABOUT THE SUPPORT YOU RECEIVED FROM HOME?

off our shoulders.

It’s hard to tell the style for this year as we are in

WHAT CAN CUSTOMERS EXPECT FROM SHANNON’S BOUTIQUE?

such uncertain times with COVID-19. Should we

for all the hard work he put in every evening and weekend on top of his own job in Dublin.

I also want to say a massive thank you to both my family and Jason’s, and all the workers, designers and friends who helped us get the shop ready.

different and bring a modern shop to DO YOU HAVE PLANS TO EXPAND? Newry. We have something for everyone We have lots of plans for next year and we’re not

stock dresses for races, weddings and events?

We have created the most amazing shop in Newry Who knows? Only time will tell. I really hope we can My fiancé Jason and I have worked so hard that has brought a new lease of life to the streets. get back to normal life soon as taking on a massive on the new shop since we took it on back in risk with the shop has been stressful on its own.

August. I will forever be so grateful to Jason We wanted to go for something a little

in our store, from shoes to handbags to stopping now. I want to extend my business into the latest fashion. Our opening day was a the south in the next two years, but with Brexit just massive success for us, and we hope it stays around the corner, everything is so uncertain at that way.

the moment.

Local Women Magazine | 15

NEW YEAR BEAUTY RESOLUTIONS 2020 has been a year unlike any other in our lifetime and as the year draws to a close, we want to help your 2021 be the best year yet.

Sit back and let us take your through some of our top New Year Beauty Resolutions!

TREAT YOURSELF TO REGULAR FACIALS Get glowing skin this 2021 and treat yourself to regular facials.

At Younique Beauty Salon, we offer a variety of facials suited to all skin types; acne prone skin, aging skin, dull, tired, dry and sensitive skin. Whatever your skin needs are, we have a facial for you!

Investing in regular facial treatments has many beneďŹ ts; Facials allow for the deep cleaning of the skin. When your skin is exposed to pollutants, your pores may clog up and as a result, restrict our skins breathing. These blocked pores will then cause acne and other skin problems. When you come for your regular facials, our therapists will thoroughly cleanse the skin, unblock 16 | Local Women Magazine

pores and exfoliate away dead skin cells.

Facials also help in the regeneration of collagen in the skin which in turn helps to tighten the skin and visibly reduce the appearance of aging skin.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR NAILS Are your nails brittle and dry from the constant washing recently? Or do you very rarely get your nails done and think they deserve a bit of TLC? Then a visit to Younique Beauty Salon and getting your nails done every couple of weeks is something your should consider for 2021.

Getting your nails done regularly is essential for maintaining your nail health.

As it provides a deep clean for your nails, as well as ensuring that they look great.

This is an important part of positive nail health, as our hands go through a lot on a daily basis. Regular manicures ensure the removal of dead skill cells, which is an essential part of encouraging new skin cell growth.

They are also very relaxing and help us to feel fabulous! and the hair is heated destroying the papilla which produced hair.

FAT FREEZE If you are struggling to get rid of that little pocket of fat, then a fat freezing treatment at Younique Beauty Salon is the answer to your prayers.

Fat Freezing is a form of non- surgical liposuction that can be used to break down unwanted fat. This painless, noninvasive weight loss treatment has become extremely popular in recent years.

INVEST IN IPL HAIR REMOVAL Did your know summer legs are made in winter? If you’re not happy with shaving, tweezing, or waxing to remove unwanted hair, IPL hair removal may be an option worth considering in 2021.

If you would like more information about any of these treatments, or you would like to book an appointment, please phone us.

Happy New year and we look forward to meeting you in 2021.

At Younique Beauty Salon, we use Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) which delivers multiple wavelengths of light to target the melanin. The light travels through the skin until it strikes the hair root. This is where the highest concentration of melanin is located. As the light is absorbed the root

Younique Salon | 26 Monaghan Street | Newry | Co Down | BT35 6AA, Tel: +44 (0)28 30 267606 | Email: youniquereception@hotmail.com @younique.newry

@youniquenewry Local Women Magazine | 17

DAISIE’S A LITTLE RAY OF SUNSHINE

18 | Local Women Magazine

Larne teenager Daisie Conway sang to cheer up her pals at the start of the pandemic and ended up launching a music career.

Talented teenager Daisie Conway was day. I wanted to sit my exams because I’d determined to spread a little love when worked really hard for them and I wanted the March lockdown meant saying to earn my grades.” goodbye to friends, school and exams.

After a few weeks Daisie realised that The Larne woman posted her people were struggling with isolation and performances online and was blown dug out her favourite songs. away when she clocked up thousands of The fiasco surrounding A level and GSCE views which led to virtual concerts, radio results didn’t help, although she was airplay, her first single and a booking to lucky enough to have an offer for law at support Hothouse Flowers next year.

Queens, where she’s in her first term.

Now Daisie is recording a duet with The “A lot of people were getting buried in Voice winner Andrea Begley and planning their own thoughts. a range of events with Social Enterprise Northern Ireland having sung at their “That’s one of the reasons I wanted to put Christmas Cheer hosted by Cate Conway positive messages out there. and starring actress Caroline Curran.

She’s a trained soprano and member of Belfast Operatic Company and plays the piano and ukulele as well as classic and Irish traditional violin.

Until this year she had only performed in school shows so when the singer took to the mic in her kitchen for a rendition of I’ve Been Waiting for You from Mamma Mia 2, it was her first solo run.

and performed in the Celtic Songbirds virtual concerts last year.

Music Life recently posted an interview of Daisie with her singing a range of songs including At Last by Etta James, which has currently received over 90,000 views, with encouraging comments from around the world about this rising star.

Radio Ulster’s John Toal has played her on his show and has praised her “gorgeous voice with a real quiet intensity.”

Daisie has now secured her first live festival gig next year with Eddi Reader and Hothouse Flowers at The Friends Goodwill Music Festival on 1 May in her “I thought it would be a lovely thing to hometown of Larne and as well as a bring us all together when we were so Songbirds solo concert, she will also be far apart. performing at the Songbirds International “It was really nice to see all of the Valentine’s Day Concert. comments coming in and seeing She’s also released her debut single people happy.” on streaming platforms, a version She shared a version of At Last by Etta James which has been a huge hit and with favourites like Love Never Dies word soon spread that she has a voice to remember.

of Tell Me I’m Not Dreaming and is busy writing her first album alongside talented Northern Irish based singer/ songwriter Patrick Moore.

“It was the first time I had ever sung a full When her mum Linzi reached out to The song on my own,” says Daisie.

Voice winner Andrea Begley the Pomeroy The teenager was just trying to beat singer said she loved Daisie’s voice too. the boredom and cheer up her friends, The pair have remotely recorded a version but nearly 12,000 people tuned in to of Tell Him which is due for release soon.

The law student plans to share songs about all of her experiences in an album of original tracks, and believes she’ll have plenty to tell.

“I’m taking inspiration from everything “Andrea and I have a lot in common that’s happening in my life,” she says.

“I wanted to relieve some stress and because she did law too,” says Daisie.

“I was not expecting anything to spread some positivity,” she says.

“We became friends when we were doing this extent. her video.

“The lockdown took everyone in my year group by surprise. We never expected anything like it, that we wouldn’t be able to go to school or see our friends or do our exams and could only go out once a

the duet, which we chose together.”

“It’s still really strange seeing my face The young singer, who turned 19 on Spotify.” just a few weeks ago, has also been Check out the website clocking up industry endorsements, www.daisieconwaymusic.co.uk

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REVIEW: A perfect day to night palette

Make up artist Chloe Hetherington works her magic on Local Women Editor Kim Kelly using the fantastic new Ellora Paris Palette.

The new Ellora Paris Palette, created in collaboration with Belfast-based MUA Katie Madden, is an absolute game-changer when it comes to high-quality, creamy shadows that give you looks that will take you from day to night.

It’s an impressive and versatile palette with 28 highly pigmented shades of eyeshadow, comprising of 16 rich and buildable matte colours, as well as 12 stunning glittery shades.

Unlike many palettes these days which tend to theme colours in separate collections, meaning you end up with too many similar colours – not to mention having to buy different palettes for different occasions – Ellora has everything you need in one place.

The range of colours is astounding from vibrant festival shades, party glitters and my favourites - a range of smoky Victoria Beckham style colours. It really is the only palette you will need from summer to winter and day to night.

The hues of the powders on the Ellora palette span earthy, natural shades and vibrant, universal shades, resulting in an eclectic mix of shades that will compliment every skin tone and colour.

Usually,

palettes

are

squarely at the teenage, early 20s market but there are some gorgeous sophisticated colours here perfect for all ages.

Added to the amazing eye shadows there is a rich bronzer, creamy blush and two glowing highlighters to help you perfect your look.

It’s clear that experienced MUA Katie Madden of KM Studios has had a big influence in the design of the versatile palette and shadows as they are simple to use, highly pigmented and so, so blendable.

When it comes to applying make up, I believe it’s important to ask the experts. So, I ask make up artist Chloe Hetherington from Younique Clinic in Belfast to try out the colours on me.

Chloe is really surprised at the range of shades in the Ellora Paris Palette as there really are an extensive range of colours.

Chloe says: “I am very impressed. There is everything here. There are so many colours, it would work for all skin tones and all ages which is unusual for a single palette.

“I really enjoyed working with it as the shadows are very pigmented.

You don’t need to use much product to build a look.”

aimed

Chloe created a lovely smoky eye look

Chloe gives me a lovely smoky eye using the browns and neutral shades which really bring out the blue in my eyes.

I really like the finished look and it lasts well into the evening without smudging. The colours are lovely and strong and bright without being too garish and young for me – which is always a worry when you are in your 40s!

I am really impressed with the Ellora Palette and I know you will be too - and what’s even better is that it is vegan and cruelty free.

Chloe applying Kim’s make up

You’ll have a great time blending and buffing these colours. Get ready for countless make up possibilities that will easily take you from day to night.

Make up artist Chloe Hetherington

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“WE WANT TO HELP OTHER PEOPLE TO COPE” Gemma Garrett and Molly McCann on their new podcast that has shed some light during dark times.

The pandemic has been difficult for everyone – lives have been lost, families have been torn apart, businesses have closed for good.

But now, she is looking forward to the future. paused because of the lockdown.

“It’s been hard and I was really down about it and then someone said to me to pick myself up, that we’re all in the same Yet, amid the darkness and uncertainty boat, and I realised they were right,” that surrounds us all, there are those who said Gemma. have refused to waiver, who have been “I just have to get on with it, getting upset able to create something positive from isn’t going to change anything.” the challenges we face.

Besides, Gemma has lots to be excited about.

Gemma Garrett is one of those people.

In addition to her hugely successful She admits a positive mental attitude business, Buella Life, she has launched isn’t always easy – the news of another a new vlog cast alongside Liverpudlian strict lockdown, beginning at the end of MMA fighter Molly McCann.

Christmas Day and likely to last at least Gemma herself admits they are an six weeks – has cast a dark shadow. unlikely pairing – a former beauty queen And like so many, Gemma struggled and a martial arts expert – but something with the decision to impose more about them together works. draconian restrictions.

Up and running for just a few months, ƒ Molly McCann Brunch Club by Buella has been an instant hit, with thousands of viewers tuning in to catch up with the ladies and their guests.

“The vlog cast looks at serious issues, we’re both quite passionate about mental health and we want to concentrate on the kinds of subjects that people are talking about on social media.

“We’re concentrating on current affairs and we invite different guests on to talk about the various topics.

“We have done one on mental health, we’ve done one on plastic surgery, another on trolling, we did one on OnlyFans.”

For those who aren’t familiar with the online platform, OnlyFans is a content subscription service which allows people to earn money from users who sign up to their posts.

What started out as a business opportunity, particularly for those in the media spotlight, it now has somewhat of a seedy reputation.

Gemma and Molly invited one And it only came about as a result of the successful OnlyFans creator onto the Covid-19 lockdown. vlog cast and they have been delighted Gemma explained: “It’s funny, we’re so by the response. different but we get on really well.

“She has actually had people come “When we were doing the photo shoot up to her since appearing on vlog cast for the front cover of the magazine, I told saying that they used to judge her before Molly she would have to wear makeup listening to her talk and explain what she and she wasn’t looking forward to it, but I does and they don’t judge her anymore,” told her she had to just trust me. said Gemma.

“The vlog cast came about because we ended “She wasn’t sure about coming on but up isolating together during lockdown. now she is really glad that she did.”

“I have my own pod cast and so does And that is at the very heart of what Molly but we decided we would do Gemma and Molly want to achieve. something together.

The pair want to encourage debate, discussion “It was quite good timing because some and also shine a light on topics and to ultimately things that I was meant do have been make a difference in peoples’ lives.

22 | Local Women Magazine

“The

response

so

far

has

been

unbelievable, we’ve had people phoning

ƒ Gemma Garrett

up asking whether they can sponsor it.

“I think it’s because we get people on to tell their story, we have had someone on who spoke about suicide as her brother took his own life in January because of trolling.

“I’m hoping that it has helped people to realise that trolling can be pretty hardcore,

maybe

someone

was

watching who has been trolling and it has made them realise that they have to stop doing it.

“We actually had a psychologist on and they explained trolls need help, if you are going home after a night out and you’re going on the internet and setting up a false profile to troll people, then you need help.

“We know that we need to be careful

“I would say I’m quite immune to it now, I’ve had it for so many years,” she said.

Gemma is hoping to continue building her business in the coming months, but

“But sometimes, if you’re having a bad don’t want to become a bully either, so day anyway and then someone says we make sure we’re balanced about something nasty that might not normally everything we do and speak to people bother you, it can push you over the edge.

she also wants to develop the vlog cast.

who are experts in the field.”

few more recorded already, so hopefully

and responsible about what we do, we

Of course, being so high profile herself, Gemma is no stranger to trolling.

“I would say I’m 95% immune to it and it most of it washes off me, but I hope we’re been able to help others with the vlog cast.”

“Molly is back in Liverpool so I don’t know when she’s going to be able to come back now with the pandemic, but we have a they will keep us going.”

So, looking to the future, what does 2021 look like for Gemma?

Last year, she launched the animal cruelty free Buella Beauty & Body range and it has proven to be extremely popular.

“I literally can’t keep the products on the shelves,” she said.

Local Women Magazine | 23

SWAP THE JANUARY BLUES FOR A GOLDEN GLOW

The sisters behind the incredible Lusso tan range have come up with another amazing innovation to keep you glowing all year round.

Let’s face it… we aren’t escaping to the sun this January.

But don’t despair, if you are used to enjoying a bit of winter sun, there is a wonderful alternative that will keep you looking sun kissed.

The Belfast-born sisters behind Lusso Tan, Leah White, Sarah White and Lynsey Bennett, who also run the award-winning Secret Day Spa in Belfast and Sistine Beauty in Holywood have spent more than 15 years in the industry and are experts on all things skincare and tanning.

And now to add to their unrivalled Lusso tan range, they have developed a new ‘Tan Be Gone’ soap bar tan remover.

The organic, cruelty free Lusso tan range is already a huge hit with all beauty lovers.

It’s a personal favourite of mine and so easier to apply.

I’ve been using the Rapid Tan Mousse For Face And Body and it gives you such a deep golden glow. It has a lovely non greasy formula that isn’t messy and is odour free. It’s so easy to apply as it is tinted, and it develops within one hour – if you leave it on for longer you get a deeper tan.

This natural tan looks and feels amazing - it hydrates, soothes and protects and enhances the natural beauty of the skin with key ingredients of Witch Hazel, Aloe Vera Leaf, Glycerine, Green Tea Extract and Vitamins A & E. I’m no expert at applying tan, but even I can’t get this wrong – not that it matters if you make a little mistake because with the new ‘Tan Be Gone’ soap bar you can wash the tan off easily.

ƒ Editor Kim Kelly loves the Lusso glow No more scrubbing with a nail brush (come on you know you’ve done it!) to get rid of patches, simply jump into the shower with the soap bar and the tan comes off easily.

This is the latest development in the Lusso range after the super successful tan remover bath bomb.

The bath bomb, which took the market by storm on its release, contains avocado oil, lemon essential oil, and witch hazel, helps to remove tan and also moisturise skin.

Now there is a soap bar to use in the shower that also melts tan away in the same way. It really is magic!

It means that you don’t have to deal with your tan wearing off, when you are ready to reapply your tan, simply jump in the shower, remove the tan on your skin and start again.

This is fantastic as it means you can have the perfect tan all year round.

Congratulations Lusso on another amazing product!

WIN THAT LUSSO GLOW The lovely Lusso ladies are offering you the chance to win a tanning kit of your own.

This beautiful kit contains a primer, tanning lotion and a skin perfector to get you glowing this winter.

To be in with a chance of wining this great prize, simply answer the following question.

WHERE IS THE SECRET DAY SPA?

A: Belfast B: Bangor C: Lurgan Send your answer A, B or C to editor@ localwomensnews.com, along with your name, address and contact number.

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24 | Local Women Magazine

Matchmaking in Later life Have you ever thought of using a Matchmaker to find your sole mate as dating can be a minefield to navigate but with Covid keeping us all locked up, it makes finding a partner near on impossible.

This is where Jacqui Baker steps in. She is the founder of Select Connections, a matchmaking service for singles aged 45 upwards which will officially launch in December.

Jacqui first started helping mature singles on the cusp of the pandemic, when all the planned events were cancelled. But it soon became apparent that loneliness was a huge issue. Jacqui immediately got to work and started Sip Chat & Fun Quiz nights, which were free online groups has now evolved from just a drink and a chat to Murder Mystery events with live actors, team challenges, support evenings for lonely singles, support for men post separation, book club evenings and live art lessons.

Jacqui said “I have always had the instinct of matching friends, colleagues and acquaintances over the years. This has given me so much

satisfaction and delight. I decided why not turn my love for socializing into a business. I recently completed a very in depth matchmaking course making me an accredited matchmaker of the Association of British Introduction Agencies.”

Jacqui worked in corporate events and missed the buzz you get when a plan comes together.

When Jacqui’s relationship broke down she tried the dating apps but decided there must be a better way of finding a partner, and the rest is history.

HOW MATCHMAKING WORKS After you have made the first phone call you will be invited along to meet with Jacqui over a cup of tea or coffee, this is an informal chat where you can be open and honest about your dating and what you are looking for in a partner.

It is with that information a plan can be developed and the process of finding your partner can start.

If you are interested in finding out more please contact info@select-connections.com

Local Women Magazine | 25

CREATING A LIFESTYLE WITH VICTORIA PATTERSON Local Women’s new interior design columnist for Belfast, Victoria Patterson, is creating beautiful homes at Design by Mayfair.

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR INSPIRATION FROM?

While the Mayfair Group is building houses across the country, Design by Mayfair, headed up by Victoria Patterson, is creating beautiful bespoke interiors.

Mostly from travelling and seeing some of the most spectacular hotels, which it seems never get their design ethos wrong! I also enjoy the trade shows where all the new and innovative ideas get their first outing.

The talented designer has worked on many high -end projects both here in Northern Ireland and internationally.

WHAT ARE YOU FAVOURITE PROJECTS TO WORK ON?

Victoria, 26, has a reputation for creating elegant and sophisticated interiors which blend the classic with the contemporary.

Everything appeals to me. We have designed bars, nightclubs and rental apartments in France and Los Angeles. Each job is unique; however, we thoroughly enjoy designing within new builds as you can start from scratch and have a clear direction from the beginning.

With a wealth of knowledge and expertise, Victoria can realise your ideas and inspirations and transform your home into an elegant and luxurious, but also practical, understated, individual and comfortable place.

Local Women met up with the interior designer to find out more about her design vision.

HOW DO YOU COMBINE HOME LIFE AND WORK LIFE?

TELL US ABOUT DESIGN BY MAYFAIR?

I try not to sweat the small stuff nor bring my work home with me.

Design by Mayfair is an inhouse interior design team specialising in affordable, stylish interiors.

Our main focus is new builds across the province, offering bespoke packages for our parent company, Mayfair Group.

WHY WAS THIS CONCEPT CREATED? We identified from our clients a gap in the market where the properties’ interior could be tailored to individual buyers. We strive to offer luxury add-ons such as panelling and imaginative lighting at an affordable price, with our design team liaising with clients during each phase of the build and finish.

26 | Local Women Magazine

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF NEXT YEAR?

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE IN THE COMPANY? At the moment I am wearing many hats, apart from leading the design team, I also identify potential sites, build brand awareness and marketing.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE STYLE? Whatever style the client wants, however mine would be classic.

Woah, what a question! In these current times, does anyone know where they will be next year? But hopefully for everyone it will be a happier time. In spite of this, we would like to see the company forging ahead, building homes, and creating a lifestyle.

92 Great Victoria Street, Belfast. BT1 3GN E: info@mayfairgroupltd.com

A HOME OFFICE OF YOUR DREAMS

Victoria Patterson has been working on some interesting projects recently creating home office spaces for busy clients.

Homeworking has never been so popular with the current restrictions on movement.

Interior designers like Victoria have seen a huge increase in clients wanting to create a proper space in their home for work and avoiding the dreaded kitchen table Zoom meeting scenario.

From re-purposing spare bedrooms to creating multi-use rooms with furniture that can be hidden away for the weekends, Victoria can make your design vision a reality.

HOW POPULAR ARE HOME OFFICES NOW? Mayfair Group is now offering home offices for each of our new developments. The most recent office that we upgraded was my own home office - pictured here. Our own executives have been delighted with the result and plan to use this space as a show area for clients going forward,

WHAT IMPORTANT DESIGN FEATURES DO YOU NEED FOR A GOOD HOME OFFICE? Apart from the obvious wi-fi, function and accessibility to power, the layout and interior finishes are especially important. I myself favour a more masculine ambience, with wood and leather detailing. Tastes differ and others prefer a light and airy Scandinavian look.

We cater for all tastes.

WHAT MAKES AN OFFICE LESS FUNCTIONAL AND MORE STYLISH? I myself believe that personal photos (not too many!) make an office. Pleasing touches include textured wallpaper, bronzed mirror for the back of bookshelves, antique books, feature lights for displays and a large, scented candle for when you need to relax, with your glass of wine after a hard day.

92 Great Victoria Street, Belfast. BT1 3GN | E: info@mayfairgroupltd.com

www.mayfairgroupltd.com MayfairGroupUK

mayfairpropertygroup

@group_mayfair Local Women Magazine | 27

Keeping Darcy’s memory alive Gemma Kennedy, from Donaghcloney, speaks to Local Women about the tragedy of losing her baby daughter Darcy after she went into premature labour.

2

020 was a tough year for most of us - but for Gemma Kennedy it was a year of heartache after the loss of her precious baby girl in September.

ƒ Gemma wants to break the silence on baby loss

Gemma, who is married to Simon, was less than 23-weeks pregnant when she went into premature labour and her beautiful baby, Darcy, survived for two hours before passing away.

The early stages of the pregnancy were marred by severe hyperemesis, but the sickness was finally started to ease by the time she reached the 20-week mark and Gemma, from Donaghcloney, was looking forward to welcoming her baby in January.

However, her hopes and dreams for her growing family were cruelly shattered just a few weeks later. ƒ Covid restrictions meant family could not attend Darcy’s funeral so they left white roses and messages at her grave

“I went to the assessment unit because I anything until he was there. wasn’t feeling great, but I really thought I “It was so hard getting that news was going to be checked out quickly and sent without Simon and from the dad’s home,” said 28-year-old Gemma. perspective, it’s their baby too, so that “Simon wasn’t even allowed in with me was really, really hard.” because of Covid so he dropped me off and I At 22-weeks and six days into the pregnancy, went into the hospital myself, I told him to go the doctors outlined a number of harrowing and find a space and I would ring him when choices to the couple.

I was done.

“The team was lovely but they weren’t telling “I was fully expecting to be walking out 20 us what we wanted to hear,” said Gemma. minutes later.”

“They basically told us they would attempt But shortly after arriving in the assessment resuscitation at 23-weeks but she wasn’t unit at Craigavon Area Hospital, doctors told going to survive, they said they could attempt Gemma she was in labour. resuscitation and put her into an incubator “I just went into shock,” she explained. for 24-hours that would keep her alive, but “I actually don’t know if I responded or said we would have to make a decision about what to do. anything, it was just so unexpected.

“They said they could do palliative care and “They were trying to talk to me and all I would say was that I wanted to phone my keep her comfortable so we could spend time husband, they realised I wasn’t going to do with her and hold her.

“They said we might get five minutes with her or it could be an hour.

ƒ The couple was able to spend time with Darcy after she was born

“We decided we would rather have quality over quantity, we didn’t want her hooked up to a machine for 24-hours and only be able to stare at her.”

As it turned out, Gemma was in labour for three days before Darcy finally arrived.

She originally accepted pain relief but then made the decision to refuse any further medication as she was terrified she would not remember Darcy’s birth.

“I would never have forgiven myself,” said Gemma.

“I was in so much pain for a couple of days and under different circumstances I would have taken everything.

“It was so hard for Simon to watch as he felt so helpless.

“Darcy was born at 2.40pm on September 23 and the midwife put her on me, at first I was afraid to look.

“We had been warned that she was so tiny that she might not even survive the labour and I was scared in case she had already died but the midwife told me to look at her.

“Even with everything that was happening, it was still amazing to meet our daughter, she had long fingers like my mum, she was perfect, everything about her was perfect.

ƒ Wave of Light for Darcy

“When I read some of the comments that people left her, it was like she was my best friend and I had to protect her and I found myself responding to people on the internet which isn’t like me at all.

“We were so grateful to get time with her, when an older person dies, you have a lifetime of memories, but we had to cram it all into two hours.

“People were asking why she would take pictures of such an awful situation but that was their child and they are entitled to their memories.

“The staff left us alone and we were able to hold her, take pictures and tell her we loved her, but it was hard because we knew it was going to end.”

“There were people saying they wouldn’t do that if it happened to them and I think it was almost like a fortunate ignorance in that they were fortunate enough to never have experienced something so terrible.

In the weeks since losing Darcy, Gemma has clung to those precious memories, sharing photographs of Darcy with family and friends.

“Under different circumstances, these are people who would have been a massive part of her life,” said Gemma.

“That’s what pushed me to speak out because I felt like Darcy is my daughter and she shouldn’t be hidden away, she was a person and she died but I’m not going to pretend that she wasn’t here.

“They have been a great support to us, they want to talk about Darcy and see her picture and that’s been really important.

“The post also helped me because for the first few weeks I wasn’t able to speak about what happened but writing it down, I was able to put down everything that I felt.

“Just because she was a baby doesn’t mean she shouldn’t be remembered.”

It was with this in mind that Gemma took to Instagram recently to defend the US model Chrissy Teigen after she was criticised for sharing pictures of her time in hospital as she suffered a similar devastating loss.

“I think her posts helped me because it wasn’t just me that it happened to,” continued Gemma.

ƒ Gemma and Simon

“I’m glad I did it and I hope it has started a conversation, it’s time to break the silence of previous generations so we can talk about our babies that we’ve lost.”

Local Women Magazine | 29

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School of Nursing and Midwifery at Queen’s University is calling for adult carers of patients with heart failure to take part in a new study

ƒ Dr Loreena Hill and Miss Lorna Cassidy,

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A study is being conducted through the School of Nursing & Midwifery at Queen’s University Belfast, led by Miss Lorna Cassidy, Professor Donna Fitzsimons and Dr Loreena Hill.

Its aim is to determine how best to support and guide caregivers of patients with heart failure. Individuals may be allocated to participate in a 6-week educational online programme delivered via Zoom by expert health care professionals, along with a tailored information booklet.

At each session important everyday topics will be discussed, including changes to lifestyle, medications and communicating with doctor or nurse.

We believe that this study could be very beneficial as it is an opportunity to engage with others and to discuss any concerns they may have about looking after themselves and their loved one.

The study is targeted to adult carers of patients with heart failure.

If you are interested in the study or would like more information please contact Lorna Cassidy at: lorna.cassidy@qub.ac.uk or on 07561678436.

Local Women Magazine | 31

ANGLED BLINDS...

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CHICKEN FILO PIE SERVES: 4

INGREDIENTS

• 4 chicken fillets, diced • 1 broccoli, cut into florets • 1 carrot, diced • 1 leek, sliced • 8 mushrooms • chicken stock • 1 tbsp cornflour • 100ml cream • 6 sheets filo pastry • seasoning METHOD In a pot, fry off all diced chicken and vegetables for 6-8 minutes. Stir in chicken stock, cream, seasoning and add 1 tbsp of cornflour to a little water, add to pot and thicken.

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Transfer to an oven dish and then crumble filo pastry sheets on top. Brush on egg/milk mix on top of pie and bake in oven for 20 minutes until golden brown.

Serve with roasted vegetables.

www.theacademymasterplan.com Follow us on Facebook and Instagram 32 | Local Women Magazine

Theacademymasterplan

@mydalymasterplan

“I LOST 7ST WITH THE ACADEMY MASTERPLAN!” Aoibheann Gordon joined the Academy Masterplan and now she’s living her best life.

I hope you had a magical Christmas, and all your wildest dreams came true!

that all the foods can fit in easily with her hubby and young family! She has a new zest for life and is truly living her best life!

Here at The Academy Masterplan we would love to help you make 2021 your healthiest and happiest year EVER! I am excited to share a member story with you to help inspire and empower you into action.

Aoibheann Gordon joined our Masterplan course online in January 2019 and little did she know what was ahead! In 2019 she became one of our most inspirational members ever, losing an incredible six stone in six months!

Yes, you read that right - just six months! In just half a year she completely transformed her life and felt amazing. Then towards the end of 2019 life was to get even more exciting when she found out that baby number two was on the way!

Aoibheann remained a member and still kept one eye on the plan.

Once she was ready to give it her all, after having a baby girl last summer, she lost over three stone in just four months to reach her dream weight again. This time with an amazing seven stone gone forever!

Aoibheann is loving life whilst enjoying the most amazing food ever. Some of her favourites include Thai curry, nachos, zinger burgers and she loves

Aoibheann says: “I’ve lost count of the times I’ve cried today! All happy tears though and I honestly can’t thank you enough - you have literally changed my life. I was stuck in such a rut feeling miserable about myself. I never thought I could feel this good again. The knowledge, the motivation, the craic, the recipes, just everything. I really couldn’t have done it without the Academy. My confidence is back, I’m saying ‘yes’ to so many things that I would have been shying away from for the past five years! It really is life changing!”

Our online courses are designed to educate, excite, and empower you into action and each week you will be motivated and inspired through live cookery demos, live workouts, motivational sessions plus lots of educational content! Join Ireland’s fastest growing weight management programme with hundreds of success stories.

We know you can do it too!

The Academy Masterplan – If I Can, You Can!

JOIN OUR SIX WEEK COURSE NOW! LOTS OF MEMEBERS LOSE ONE STONE IN SIX WEEKS

www.theacademymasterplan.com

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“I CAN HEAR THE SOUNDS OF NATURE NOW…” Mullaghbawn mum-of-two Rosie Kirk has lived with hearing loss since birth – but thanks to Covid-19 she is finally able to hear the world around her.

There won’t be many people sorry to see the end of 2020.

With the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, there aren’t many moments to look back upon and savour.

So, Rosie Kirk is definitely an exception to the rule.

As far back as she can remember, the mum-of-two has struggled to hear the world around her.

Following her lessons at school, chatting to friends, even listening out for important phone calls – none of it was easy Over the years, the make-up artist from Mullaghbawn developed coping strategies, relying heavily on lip reading to communicate with those around her.

So, the arrival of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland and the subsequent introduction of face coverings was a devastating blow.

But it was also a defining moment – pushing Rosie (40), who has suffered with hearing loss since birth, to make a dramatic change that has transformed her life.

After four decades living in a world where she couldn’t hear the birds sing or the wind blow through the trees, Rosie, who is married to 39-year-old Martin, took the plunge and splashed out on a hearing aid.

“I went to my own doctor about 10 years ago and was referred to the NHS about my hearing,” she explained.

“I was tested and it showed that my hearing was badly affected and they recommended that I use a hearing aid.

“I really didn’t want to look like I had a disability and the hearing aids they showed me were so big and obvious.

“Working in the fashion and beauty industry, wearing hearing aids was going to be a big deal for me and they were so awful, I didn’t want to be seen as different so I decided to keep going with the lip-reading.”

And so, Rosie – mum to seven-year-old Mamie-Rose and six-year-old Charlie - struggled on.

Yet, despite her best efforts, her hearing loss took its toll over the years. ƒ Rosie is a make-up enthusiast 34 | Local Women Magazine

She continued: “People would talk to me and I would have to ask them to repeat themselves three or four times and I still wouldn’t get it.

“I would guess what they were saying and respond to what I thought they had said and say something that wasn’t related to the conversation, or I would ask them what we had been talking about.

ƒ Mamie-Rose and Charlie with Rosie

“It led to a lot of embarrassment and some arguments with my husband because someone would ask me a question and I would ramble on about something completely unrelated.

“I was very self-conscious as well because I would have to ask people to repeat themselves so much.

“When I was at school, I would always ask to sit at the front of the class so I could try and follow the teacher.

“If I went out for dinner I would have to choose where I sat because if I couldn’t see the person’s face, I wouldn’t be able to tell what they were saying to me or if I went to a gig or concert, I would get seats at the front so I could read lips.

they came in different sizes and colours, even see what they were saying. the tubing was much finer.

“My hearing aid even has blue tooth so I can “I went for one that was brown to match answer my phone and speak to people. my hair, my hair is actually very short and “Before I used to have rely on the LED light even with that I was comfortable with the from my phone to tell when someone was “There were so many times where I would hearing aid.” ringing me and it meant I would miss really be out and would leave early and go home To begin with, the aid was only switched to important phonecalls. because I couldn’t follow the conversation.”

80% to enable Rosie to become accustomed “It also makes my work easier now, I love None of this was enough to prompt Rosie to to the daily sounds and noises that most make-up, I’m so passionate about making people take for granted. give a hearing aid a try. women feel better about themselves and I It was only when everyone around her began to “When I went to pay and I was typing in my especially love doing bridal make-up. wear a face covering, making it impossible for PIN number, I heard the machine making the “Before I was missing so much of what my her to communicate, that finally encouraged beeping sound,” said Rosie. clients were saying, I would have to keep her to do something to help her hear.

“I never knew they did that. asking them about their likes and their dislikes, “I was really struggling as I couldn’t lip read so I “It’s the same with the dishwasher and the whereas now I can have proper conversations. did some research and made an appointment washing machine, I hear them beeping now “I can hear the sounds of nature now, I can with Specsavers in Newry,” she said. when they’re finished, I can even hear the hear the wind blow and the birds sing, I’d “It was during lockdown so they had to do an indicator in the car. never heard any of that before, so, yes, that initial assessment over the phone and they “My husband is so pleased and my children was quite emotional.” told me they definitely needed to see me. are too, they used to get so frustrated because However, the most significant change for “I went in for my appointment and they told I couldn’t hear them.

Rosie is the fact that she can now hear me my hearing was really very bad.

“I would really struggle when I was driving the referee whistle when her children are “They showed me a range of hearing aids and and they were sitting behind me and I couldn’t playing sport. ƒ Rosie was averse to the idea of wearing a hearing aid

“Normally I would be asking Martin what was happening but now I can hear when the whistle is blown and I feel involved in what is happening,” she explained.

“For me, it’s been the biggest thing, I wish I had done it years ago because I really feel like I have missed out on so much.

“I have posted about my experience on my blog, @rosie.kirk_, and the response has been amazing, I’ve even had older men contacting me to say I’ve inspired them to go for a hearing aid.

“That’s why I’m speaking out, I want people to know what is available to help with hearing loss, it’s the best money I’ve ever spent and I would encourage anyone who is in my position to just go for it.

“You won’t regret it.”

Local Women Magazine | 35

BOTTLING THE SPIRIT OF WILD ATLANTIC DISTILLERY

In just under two years, Tyrone-based Wild Atlantic Distillery has established itself as creators of top-shelf premium Irish spirits.

The distillery creates its Wild Atlantic Irish Gin with botanicals sourced from the waters of the Wild Atlantic Way, including sugar kelp and dillisk which give the gin its unique and distinctive flavour.

Adding to its portfolio in 2020, Wild Atlantic Distillery launched its Wild Atlantic Irish Vodka towards the end of last year. Speaking about the new vodka, cofounder Jim Nash says: “In spite of everything that happened last year, 2020 was actually a good year for our business. We launched our new vodka, inspired

by Queen Maeve of Connaught, and the reaction has been brilliant. Our premium, small batch vodka is hand-crafted with real Amalfi Lemons, using a natural process of extraction, capturing the intense fragrance and balance of acidity that only the best lemons in the world can achieve. The end-result is a fresh and zesty vodka with a smooth and citrusy finish, full of warmth and character, with no artificial flavours or additives.”

Wild Atlantic Distillery works closely with its distribution partner, Robb Brothers, to ensure the distillery’s spirits are available in premium outlets all over Northern Ireland. The distillery is also continuing the tradition of craft whiskey distilling in Ireland and is now offering a limited number of casks to reserve for private investors. Co-founder Brian Ash says: “The whiskey is distilled in our handmade copper pot still, using a combination of traditional and modern skills to produce an exceptional spirit. The casks are limitededition, inspired by the Wild Atlantic Way; each cask is named after a specific point along Ireland’s most spectacular coastal route. They are labelled and bottled bearing the name of these points and are a unique expression of Ireland’s whiskey making traditions.”

“We source the very best oak casks, with full traceability, to ensure the right type of maturation in Bourbon, Sherry, Port, Wine and Rum casks” adds Jim. “Made from American oak and sourced from distilleries and cooperages in Kentucky, Bourbon casks impart flavours of vanilla, fudge and spice along with a creamy texture and caramel colour. Port, Sherry, Madeira, New Oak, Red Wine, Marsala and Sauterne casks are also available and provide a multitude of flavour profiles, from slightly drier to sweeter, adding complex notes to the whiskey depending on the cask chosen. Butts and Port Pipes casks impart spice to the spirit coupled with dried fruits, berries and currants which impart a slight dryness and darker colour to the whiskey.”

Wild Atlantic Distillery is located on the outskirts of Aghyaran, close to the Sperrin Mountains.

www.wildatlanticdistillery.ie

Trienamongan Road | Aghyaran | Castlederg BT81 7XF T: 028 9600 2525 | E: info@wildatlanticdistillery.ie

www.wildatlanticdistillery.ie

We make our Wild Atlantic Irish Gin with botanicals sourced from the waters of the Wild Atlantic Way, including sugar kelp and dillisk which give the gin its unique and distinctive flavour.

Trienamongan Road | Aghyaran | Castlederg BT81 7XF T: 028 9600 2525 | E: info@wildatlanticdistillery.ie

www.wildatlanticdistillery.ie

RE-BALANCE AND HEAL IN 2021

At Complete Wellness Therapies in Lisburn, reflexologist Natalie Nugent works with women to bring their bodies back into balance, with amazing results.

Review by Kim Kelly

Reflexology works alongside holistic principals

The most valuable lesson we learned in 2020 was to

aiming to treat your mind, body and spirit. All

look after our health.

And now as we enter the New Year, the emphasis remains firmly on health issues and how we can take care of ourselves during these troubling times.

For women, the stress of living through the past year of COVD-19 has been intensified with home schooling, money worries and caring for relatives.

And, without your own health and wellbeing, you can’t properly care for others.

Complimentary therapist Natalie Nugent from Complete Wellness Therapies works with many women who are seeking to find balance in their lives.

As a reflexology, Natalie work with girls and women from the onset of puberty right through to the post menopause period.

She also works alongside women who are experiencing infertility issues and has been hugely successful in guiding many women through their journey from infertility to motherhood.

Reflexology is a gentle, non-invasive

organs and body systems can be mapped onto areas of the feet called reflex points. By working these reflex points, you can bring about a response in the corresponding part of the body and induce a deep sense of relaxation, restore energy and promote the body’s own ability to restore and heal itself.

Although Natalie also works with men, it is her work with women to bring their bodies back into balance that she finds fascinating.

Reflexology can be very beneficial for women in so many ways.

“I have had many cases where it has alleviated period pains, brought periods back into a regular cycle and I have also worked with cases such as endometriosis,” she explains.

“Women who are menopausal also see huge benefits. Often, they tell me they are fatigued, suffering from sweats, and generally feeling all over the place.

“I work with them to bring the body

touch therapy working on the

back into balance and together

reflex areas of the feet which

we can manage the symptoms.”

correspond to the structures

As a woman in my 40s I am

and organs of the body.

keen to see what Natalie can do to help me. Like most people I constantly feel tired, I am stressed and often have mood swings.

During my consultation Natalie and I discuss my feelings and my health issues before I get comfortable on the treatment bed.

If you have never had reflexology before, you are missing out. It is the most wonderful and relaxing therapy but more than that you can actually feel it working.

Natalie gently talks me through the areas she is working on as she manipulates different parts of my feet.

She can tell so much from my feet which I find

ƒ Natalie is a reflexologist 38 | Local Women Magazine

incredible. She can feel the tension in my back, and she can feel my emotional state as she

ƒ Kim relaxing at Complete Wellness Therapies

works on the areas that relate to my ovaries and reproductive organs.

It feels wonderful and relaxing but at times I also feel very emotional, almost tearful. It is a very intense feeling and I drift off to sleep during the hour-long treatment.

Natalie explains that she is aligning my hormonal balance which may leave me feeling tired but ultimately will make me feel better.

After the treatment I feel energised and that night I sleep deeply. Over the next few days, I feel much calmer and more relaxed. I can definitely feel the benefits of this treatment and would recommend it thoroughly.

As the saying goes: “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Look after yourself and invest in your own wellbeing.

Contact Natalie at Complete Wellness Therapies, 6b Market Square North, Lisburn, BT28 1AF Telephone: 02892789208 or 07850466105,

www.completewellnesstherapies.com

Sisters by the Sea is a new homegrown brand which promotes wellness and self-care for all age groups.

With health and wellness at the top of everyone’s agenda, Sisters by the Sea is a new homegrown brand, creating Yoga mats for adults and children to promote self-care.

Sisters by the Sea is a female led, eco-conscious

inspirational Yoga mats for kids and adults. All mats

During normal times, Sisters by the Sea offers mini-

wellness brand co-founded by Aisling and Kellie, two

are designed in-house including the artwork, with

retreats in Northern Ireland where they encourage

sisters and mums with a huge dream.

no PVC, no plastic, TPE, no silicone, no phthalates,

women to schedule time to recharge and

Looking after yourself has never been so vital but with

no harsh chemicals and no other nasties used in

rejuvenate, with a mix of hiking, yoga and sound

the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions on movement, and

the production.

bath supplied by local wellness practitioners and

worries about caring for children and family has placed

All mats, as well as their packaging, are completely

also the sharing of a nutritious plant based picnic

huge pressures on women, causing significant stress.

biodegradable and therefore not just kind to the skin that

supplied by Leafy Greens & Co.

Through their online hub, the sisters have created a

use them but also kind to Mother Earth.

The retreats are open to anyone aged 18 plus, with plans

space where women can come together and share

This is also part of Sister by the Seas mission to

to cater for kids currently in the making.

conversations that will inspire one another.

‘leave no trace.’

Sisters by the Sea works hard to bring you some of the

The idea was also born from a love of wellness, nature

Their brand is created with a heart centred ethos to inspire

best wellness practitioners in the business to the retreats,

and the outdoors, and the realisation that time spent in

wellness in all of their community, to encourage more self-

including Yoga instructor Terri Ann McCrink and Sound

nature promotes balance between the body, mind, spirit

care, self-love and self-belief in the young and older.

Bath and holistic practitioner Emma Rose from Octagon

and environment itself.

In our modern world that comes with many challenges

Health Studio Dundalk.

These days exercise is largely taken at home

Sisters by the Sea comes with a message promoting

Follow them on Instagram @sisters_bythesea or email

and so the website offers luxurious eco-friendly,

wellness, hope and inspiration.

hey@sistersbythesea.co and visit www.sistersbythesea.co

www.sistersbythesea.co

@sistersbythesea.co

sisters_bythesea

THE TRUTH ABOUT BURNOUT Ballymoney’s Joanna Denton was at the top of career when she experienced two work-related burnouts. Now, she’s written a book to help others struggling to cope in this uncertain world.

By Kim Kelly For months, maybe even years, Joanna Denton knew something wasn’t quite right in her life.

As a tax consultant, Joanna, originally from Ballymoney, lived an enviable lifestyle as she climbed the corporate ladder in her adopted home of Luxembourg.

A two-time TEDx speaker, Joanna appeared as a conference speaker on stages all around Europe and further afield during her 16-year tax career.

Successful and at the peak of her profession, Joanna should have been on top of the world… but instead, she says, she felt nothing.

“Every day I felt like I was walking through molasses. I felt nothing. I felt like the joy had been sucked out of my life. I existed,” she explains.

“I was just so tired of it all. I didn’t know how to slow down or breathe or take time for me. I just knew how to work. And so, I did, and I kept on working.”

Worryingly, Joanna had also developed a number of repetitive habits which at the time she felt were completely normal.

She became paranoid about forgetting things and so started to video her walk from her office to her car on her phone so she could play it back in case she had forgotten something.

“I didn’t really think anything of it at the time, but I remember videoing the ground as I walked

40 | Local Women Magazine

to my car in case, I dropped working women, as health worries, financial something. It didn’t seem at all problems, and career struggles clash. strange really.”

The build up to her work-related burnouts were The stress of Joanna’s working gradual for Joanna but looking back she knows life and drive for perfectionism the signs were there. led her to two work-related And when she was forced to confront her feelings burnouts. She finally phoned and she finally admitted that she had a problem, her dad back in Northern it was a life changing moment.

Ireland and admitted: “I can’t Since then, Joanna has completely transformed do this anymore.” her life and now works as a consultant mentoring As we scurry through our busy lives, juggling work, businesspeople to avoid falling into the traps that with family commitments, we rarely get a moment caused her such stress. to ourselves Joanna is the very definition of success. An With the Corona Virus pandemic hitting in 2020, academic highflyer at Dalriada School, there has never been such stress placed on Ballymoney where achieved a string of A grades

Five ways to take control of your life in 2021 2020 – was a year of uncertainty.

How will your business or job be impacted by COVID-19?

How can you take decisions with little or no concrete information? How can you avoid the crowds and get the food in? Will the kids be ok? Will your parents be ok?

If we as women were already bearing the brunt of unpaid work in the home, during COVID-19 and lockdown we took on even more (home-schooling, extra organisation, food runs to elderly parents).

at GCSE and A Level, led on to a degree in English and French law, followed by a Masters in Business Law, and then the College of Law in York.

After graduating Joanna moved to Leeds where she landed a job as a tax consultant specialising in VAT, and then moved to Luxembourg in 2003 where she would continue to work for Big 4 Accounting firms untill 2016.

So, it’s been a year of spinning 142 plates at a time, just hoping none will fall. All this without burning out and crashing into a wall How would you like to put this year behind you, and start 2021 with a bit more headspace and control back in your life?

2021 will be a year to breathe again.

•

Give yourself a break and remember that those glossy images in social media of everyone with their stuff together – that’s not real life. Everyone is losing it a little, you are in good company.

•

Find one small thing that you can do and get finished in five minutes – like hanging the washing out or cleaning up the cat vomit. Something easy, that can be achieved and finished, and use the momentum to break down the bigger work things into small bite sized chunks that can be finished

•

Find your people and tell them what is happening – the ones who have your back and wont judge.

Remember you do not need to do this alone. Let them support you.

•

Learn to surf the grey. Life is not black and white that we can control – it’s the areas of grey that cause the stress. Learn to accept the difference between what you can or can’t control and breathe.

•

Remember that “no” can be a complete sentence. You do not need to always put everyone else’s wellbeing before your own and say yes to everything even if its inconvenient for you. Where are the areas that you need to start saying no? How can you work together with your family and team to all help each other?

She finally had the career she had always dreamt of, but yet she was plagued with doubts and the dreaded imposter syndrome that many women will understand.

“These feelings are hard to shake. The thought that someone is going to find out that you haven’t a clue what you are doing.

“On the outside I had everything, but it came at a price,” says Joanna.

There will be few women reading this who don’t understand exactly what Joanna is talking about. The pressure placed on women – often by our own need for perfection – has only become heightened since the rise of social media.

It is no longer good enough to be successful in business, you feel like you have to be beautiful, youthful and a successful parent as well.

And with our lives played out on social media, sometimes it is difficult to distinguish reality from fiction.

Following her second burnout in 2014 Joanna says she found the courage to make changes in her life. She decided to leave the tax world behind and change her life completely.

She used her experiences to write a ‘A Different Truth’ to start a conversation about choices and help anyone who wants to take back control of their life, by taking back control of their choices.

Joanna started coaching, first in-house and then with her own business as of 2016.

Today, she’s back living in Northern Ireland, helping her stressed out and exhausted clients take back control and headspace in their lives so they can start to breathe again.

She explains: “Over the last five years, I have also realised that I am not alone in this adventure. I realised just how long we all took to learn these lessons and that inspired me to write this book.

“Why should you have to wait until your world is falling apart to start making different choices?”

A Different Truth - Reject the Truths That Are Killing Your Career, and Learn to Make Choices That Are Better for You

by Joanna Denton. For further information check out www.joannadenton.com.

Local Women Magazine | 41

Creative, Professional & Individual Floral Design

Book Your Complimentary Wedding Consultation

124B Upper Lisburn Road,Belfast, BT10 0BD www.fleuriste.co.uk | 028 9060 1616 @fleuristebelfast

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Designer Tracey McKay brings new life to vintage furniture to create bespoke pieces for your home.

Tracey McKay has a passion for design.

items on request and offers help in designing bespoke pieces.

From her studio at The Hidden Treasure Trove in Banbridge, Tracy works with vintage pieces of furniture which she lovingly restores with professional care and creativity.

At The Hidden Treasure Trove there is also a wide range of gifts available. Gifts range from the most affordable and transportable to unique, exclusive products with prices to suit all pockets.

Tracy has an eye for colour and design and a passion for home styling and interiors.

They are also proud stockists of ecofriendly Frenchic paint with a wide range of stunning colours.

She loves creating piece of art from furniture and giving you a bespoke style that will look amazing in your home.

Tracey says: "I am passionate about generating a beautiful environment for customers. This is a unique shopping experience not to be missed.

We have paintings from local artists and quirky handmade gifts."

Tracy from Annaclone has been working in interior design for many years after initially training as a florist.

She studied art and design at school and then went on to Greenmount College where she studied floristry.

LEARN TO CREATE

Working at weddings allowed her to combine floristry with design as she created artistic decor at venues and churches.

“Creating designs with colour is so therapeutic and good for the mind. I find it uplifting,” says Tracey, who is inviting you to share her passion.

As a hobby Tracey always enjoyed helping friends with decorating and designing rooms, and as her love of design grew, she learned to upcycle furniture.

If you want to learn about upcycling, Tracey will help you hone your skills at one of her workshops.

She says: “I have always enjoyed painting furniture. It’s wonderful to breath new life into an old piece. I look at an old piece of furniture and I think how I can make it better.

“I love rescuing dated furniture that just needs a bit of TLC and a makeover. Vintage furniture is usually extremely well made and absolutely oozing character. It’s extremely satisfying to transform old and loved pieces into something bespoke that will be a stunning focal point in any room and would certainly not be found on the high street.”

Tracy works on project large or small and has created bespoke pieces for wedding venues, salons and art galleries.

Tracy undertakes commission work on request. She also sources particular

33 Cavehill Lane, Annaclone, Banbridge, BT32 5AE T: 077 0855 6737 | E: tracey.clarke66@yahoo.com TheHiddenTreasureTrove

thehiddentreasuretrove

Would you like to know what pieces you can start upcycling and what you could do with them? Tracy will use her expertise to help you get started.

At her workshops you will learn how to spot an upcycling opportunity, what materials and tools you will need, what to change, keep and transform, as well as upcycling techniques (stencilling, decoupage, textiles). She will also share many tips and useful information for you to start upcycling your own pieces.

44 | Local Women Magazine

JOHN DIVEN & Co 69 Main Street | Moira | BT67 0LQ | Tel: 02892 106 160 Showroom Visits By Appointment Only

LUXURY PERIOD PANELED DOORS We offer a range of luxury period panelled interior doors and complementing architraves etc to create an authentic period look to any home.

Local Women Magazine | 45

MODERN UNISEX HAIR SALON STUNNING NEW COLOURS ARRIVING FOR 2021

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46 | Local Women Magazine

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Local Women Magazine | 47

48 | Local Women Magazine

Local Women Magazine | 49

Back to work for Diane!

Newtownabbey’s Diane Marks is starting paid employment after 12 years, thanks to the RNIB.

A

Newtownabbey woman is starting the New Year on a positive note after landing a full-time job.

Diane Marks, 48, is blind, and is just one of many who has benefited from participating in ‘Eye Work Too,’ a supported pre-employment programme from the RNIB in Northern Ireland.

The programme offers life-changing opportunities for blind or partially sighted people to gain, sustain and retain long-term paid employment.

Diane lives in Newtownabbey with her partner and guide dog Morris and started the Eye Work Too Programme in September 2019.

She has now been offered a full-time, paid, permanent position with the Northern Ireland Health and Social Care Board and she is very much looking forward to starting.

She found the programme invaluable as it gave her the opportunity to gain essential experience through extensive on the job training and support.

Diane explained: “My social worker told me about RNIB’s Eye Work Too project as I had been saying how frustrated I was getting that I couldn’t get a job. five years, added: “I needed to work. I refused to sit “I have a wealth of experience in volunteering and on my backside doing nothing. Also, my partner and campaigning for disability equality, but somehow, I I realised we were barely making ends meet and we couldn’t transfer all of this into paid work. I didn’t just wanted a better quality of life.” want to be living on benefits. I just wanted to work.”

Diane’s partner also has sight loss and is also a

scheme allows Eye Work Too to reach blind and partially sighted people from every part of Northern Ireland by loaning laptops, assistive technology and other IT equipment.

All participants are offered personal one-to-one tuition to ensure successful completion of accredited qualifications in IT. “A new virtual drop-in ensures that all participants have the opportunity to develop new friendships and keep up-to-date, with exciting social activities and other services offered through RNIB. We ensure ongoing support and IT Training for those wishing to engage in further education – this ensures full and smooth engagement in their learning.”

Diane really appreciated the one-to-one support from the Eye Work Too team. She said: “Stephanie from Eye Work Too was just fantastic. She filled out any necessary forms, supported me through training and interviewing and she was so positive and encouraging.

“Stephanie was able to ensure there were adjustments in place for me in my current job placement and my colleagues couldn’t have been any more accepting, tolerant, supportive.

“It was just nice to have someone to touch base with and to have a cheerleader in my corner, someone to bat ideas of, etc. - this is why the Eye Work Too team is so good. They want you to be candid with them and they want to get you a job.

Only one in four blind and partially sighted people participant on the Eye Work Too programme. of working age are in employment. The Eye Work Anne Cahill, Eye Work Too Project Co“I’m nervous about starting the new job. I haven’t Too programme is working to change that.

Ordinator, said: been in full-time, permanent employment for 12 In the last quarter, the programme has supported “We want to highlight the benefits and positive years, but being on my Eye Work Too placement has five local people into paid jobs – no mean feat outcomes from this programme. From July been amazing as it’s taught me that I can do it.” considering the challenging jobs market and impact until September we supported five people into And what would Diane say to others in the of Covid-19. employment - 75 per cent of our annual target.” same situation who are maybe apprehensive Diane lost her sight overnight at the age “Unemployment rates are rising in Northern Ireland of 24 due to complications after contracting and increasing numbers are facing redundancy. For about working?

“Don’t be frightened; you can do this too!” bacterial meningitis. people with disabilities, such as sight loss, who are For further information on the Eye Work Too Born in South Africa, she moved to England and already substantially disadvantaged in the labour trained as a physiotherapist at the University of market, and who are much less likely to be in Programme or to arrange an informal chat with one of the Eye Work Too team, please get in touch via: Brighton before moving to London to work. Diane employment, this is very concerning.” volunteered for RNIB as a campaigner before Stephanie Holland, one of Eye Work Too’s Telephone 0303 123 9999 moving to Northern Ireland to live with her partner. Employment Advisors, explained that equipment Email EmploymentTeamNI@rnib.org.uk Diane, who has had a guide dog called Morris for can be borrowed too: “Our new loan equipment Eye Work Too project 50 | Local Women Magazine

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HELPING CHILDREN DEAL WITH GRIEF

James Brown & Sons offers comfort with children’s grief support book

We have been living through an unimaginable time for some families who have had to deal with losing a loved one and embark on their grief journey during the pandemic.

Staff at James Brown & Sons Funeral Directors have witnessed first-hand the impact that these difficult circumstances are having on the next generation and during National Grief Awareness Week they focused on helping the bereaved children in our society deal with their grief.

Faced with the enormity of losing siblings, parents, grandparents, and pets, it is often difficult for children to express their grief or to understand what is happening in their family and James Brown & Sons Funeral Directors is offering some comfort with an interactive ƒ Beverley Brown of James Brown & Sons with Finn and sisters Jessica (9) and Lucia (7) Barr book of remembrance aimed at answering with the children’s grief support book available from James Brown & Sons some tough questions and helping children articulate special memories of the loved one of the death of a loved one but also the offer any physical comfort to the bereaved they have lost. disruption to their daily lives due to the at this time, we want to reach out to offer Andrew Neale of James Brown & Sons pandemic. While the adults around them support through the provision of these Funeral Directors said: “Throughout this are trying to navigate their way through remembrance books which we trust will be year we have seen the upset and confusion their own pain of loss in these most unusual of some comfort and help to the little ones on the faces of children attending funerals of circumstances. Caring is at the very who maybe can’t quite comprehend what who are not only trying to make sense heart of our business and since we cannot is going on around them.”

Each page of the fully illustrated book helps the reader evoke memories of their loved one through the senses and encourages them to put pen to paper, to include photographs of people and places as reminders of happy times and explains the meanings of words which might be unfamiliar to their ears.

James Brown & Sons Funeral Directors has limited copies of this children’s grief support book available. To request a copy, please email jamesbrown.belfast@funeralpartners.com.

ƒ Sisters Jessica (9) and Lucia (6) Barr with the children’s grief support book available from James Brown & Sons Funeral Directors 54 | Local Women Magazine

James Brown & Sons Funeral Directors is part of the Funeral Partners family of high-quality funeral homes with branches in Antrim, Bangor, Belfast, Carrickfergus, Donaghadee, Derry/Londonderry, Dundonald, Dungannon, Dunmurry, Holywood, Larne, Newtownards, Portadown and Whiteabbey.

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2021 IS THE YEAR FOR SELFCARE It’s a New Year and a new start for the ladies at MM MamaMia Hair & Beauty where they are embarking on a journey of self-improvement and learning new skills

Happy New Year! On behalf of the girls here at MM MamaMia Hair & Beauty, we would like to take this opportunity to wish all the lovely readers of Local Women Magazine a happy and healthy new year.

We also offer Wellaplex in all our colouring services, this product protects the integrity of the hair through colouring and maintains strength and vitality.

So 2021, what surprises will it have in store for us?

After last year I think we can handle anything. For us here in MamaMia, we are going to use 2021 to further educate ourselves, grow our business and push ourselves outside of our comfort zones.

We stock Moroccan Oil Colour Masks there are available in a range of colours, but in particular any blonde or balayage clients would have fun with these. There’s a rose gold, rich golden caramel and icy platinum to name just a few.

We are setting ourselves a list of realistic goals and achievements to reach by the end of year.

For myself, Emma, I have a few things in mind, mostly education. I’m looking at adding a ‘Colour Degree’ to my portfolio, along with possibly heading back to college to study marketing so I can be more hands on with our branding in the salon. We are also hopefully going to be adding hair extensions to our hair salon menu. I’m currently looking at different brands - there are some really good ones out there which are affordable and great quality.

All products are available to purchase on our website www.mammamia-beauty.com

you all over the coming year.

We are beginning this year with the ‘New Year, New Me’ mantra – so, why not join us and embark on something similar? Pamper yourself a little more, get into some selfcare, maybe once a week get a blow-dry, add some diversity into your colour with a fresh balayage or some highlights or indulge in some Aishlinn, our amazing boss lady, is going to expand professional products. the range of face and skin treatments we offer.

Aishlinn has a lot of experience in spa treatments, so I know that having every possible peel, facial, and massage treatment on our menu is something she aspires to do. So, we are embarking on a year of self-improvement with a twist here in the salon.

Aishlinn would highly recommend a good skin routine and giving yourself that extra little glow with a treatment - from a Skinician Lactic or Glycolic Skin Peel to a Skinician Facial.

So, this year, enjoy the little things in life more because guess what? You deserve it!

For most of our lovely readers, January will be probably spent as usual focusing on health and We have the full range of Alfaparf hair care which We are looking forward to seeing what all our local fitness after an indulgent Christmas, meanwhile our is sodium/sulphate free and we also have some women get up to this year. heads will be stuck in the books, studying hard. vegan friendly options for any of our ingredient We are looking forward to sharing our progress with conscious clients.

Take care,

Team MM MamaMia x

Browse and purchase online at our new website

www.mamamia-beauty.com For appointment call +44 (0)28 3084 9650

Unit 2-3 | Finnegans Road Retail Park | Jonesborough | Newry | BT35 8HR @mmmamamiaJonesborough

infomamamiabeauty

LOCKDOWN LED ME TO SLIMDOWN! With an amazing 10 and ½ stone weight loss thanks to Slimming World, Bronagh O’Neill is looking forward to her wedding in 2021.

Despite

the

challenges

presented

by

went on to enter the national competition, making it

lockdown, Co Down woman Bronagh O’Neill

through to the final ten in the UK and Ireland.

is looking forward to her wedding in 2021,

Bronagh said: “Whilst I was looking forward to

after shedding 10 and a half stones at her

Christmas, I knew it would be very different to

local Slimming World group.

the previous year. After making many changes

Bronagh said: “It’s crazy to think that this time last

to my lifestyle in the last 12 months with food and

year I wasn’t even a Slimming World member. I

exercise, I knew Christmas was the time that would

had no idea the Food Optimising Plan would be so

put me to the test.”

easy, nor did I realise how good I could feel from

Bronagh was reassured, as she knew she could

the inside out, just by losing weight.”

fill up on many of her favourite foods, still have

Bronagh’s stunning transformation saw her fellow slimmers’ vote her winner of their group ‘Woman of the Year’ competition in September. She then

a turkey dinner as well as other family favourites such as curry and rice, chips and lasagne without any guilt, and still keep her weight loss on track.

“I loved the principles of Slimming World from the beginning, the promise of weight loss with no hunger, no judgment and freedom from guilt, that’s exactly what I needed to hear to get me started, and I have never looked back.”

Slimming World’s Food Optimising Plan is based around satiety and satiation – eating foods that are best at satisfying your appetite and keeping you fuller for longer. Members learn how to make healthy choices, lose weight and keep it off without ever feeling hungry.

There is also great support from the group, where you will find encouragement, inspiration and celebration every week. You will also receive compassion and care to help you uncover and understand your weight loss hurdles, helping you succeed all the way to target.

“I’m looking forward to January this year because I love to see new people join our group, and with so many people struggling with their weight

BRONAGH AFTER always offered sustainable, long-term weight loss, so it’s definitely the best choice for anyone wanting to get slim for life this year and to have a great time in the process.”

“For me, this year is more exciting than ever, I’m getting married and have reached my chosen target weight losing over 10 and a half stones!

I can’t wait to walk down the aisle in my dream dress feeling fantastic, and it’s all thanks to Slimming World!”

To find your local group: Tel 0344 897 8000

throughout lockdown, it really could be life changing, so take that first brave step and contact your local consultant.”

BRONAGH BEFORE

“There’s no such thing as a ‘quick fix’ when it comes to losing weight, but Slimming World has Local Women Magazine | 61

Rosemary Connolly Solicitors Employment | Family and Child Law | House Purchases and Sales | Accident Claims | Wills

GUIDING YOU THROUGH EVERY STEP OF THE LEGAL PROCESS

Given the unusual circumstances faced by most

employers throughout the course of 2020, we have seen a rise in the number of businesses reviewing and

proposing

changes

to

their

contracts

of employment.

There can be a number of reasons as to why an employer

may

want

to vary an employee’s contract important

but that

it

is both

employers and employees know their rights in this respect.

If an employer proposes to make changes to an employee’s contract of employment, they must ensure to follow the below steps: ● Check the contract of employment – some contracts may contain clauses which allow the employer to vary certain aspects of an employee’s contract. They may also provide information on the notification required and process to follow when

BREXIT COMING INTO FORCE ON 31ST JANUARY 2021 – GOV.UK GUIDELINES Rachel Rice LL.B., Solicitor rrice@solicitorsni.net If you are travelling to the EU after January 2021 you will need to check the following;

implemented those changes.

● Consult meaningfully with their employees – regardless of whether the employment contract provides for variation, employers should always consult with their employees before making any changes to their employment contract. The purpose of the consultation should be to try and obtain the employee’s agreement to the proposal and to advise the employee why the proposed change/s are needed and what it is that they employer is trying to achieve. More often than not, we find that when employers are open and frank with their employees about the reasons for their proposed changes, matters can be agreed more swiftly and amicably. ● In certain organisations, employers must consult with trade unions or employee representatives before agreeing any variations to employee contracts. If a change generally affects more than 20 employees,

employee representatives should be consulted. ● Employers should be willing to consider all viable alternatives to the proposed changes if suggested by their employees. They should also be willing to consider negotiating with their employees and providing incentives and/ or meeting their employees half way before taking any action. ● If employers and employees can simply not agree on the proposed changes following a meaningful consultation period then it is possible for employers to dismiss the employee and offer to immediately reengage them on the varied terms and conditions. This is a risky process and employers must ensure that they follow the statutory dismissal procedure if matters get to this stage.

If any employers or employees find themselves in the situation where they have been asked to consider varying terms and conditions of employees contracts of employment and require further advice then please contact rosemaryconnolly@ solicitorsni.net or leannemckeown@solicitorsni.net.

with the right cover if you have a pre-existing medical condition. This is because the EHIC scheme covers pre-existing conditions, while many travel insurance policies do not.

Border control: you may have to show your return ticket and money At border control, you may need to:

You may need to renew your British passport earlier if you’re travelling from 1 January 2021. On the day you travel, you’ll need your passport to both:

•

show a return or onward ticket

•

show you have enough money for your stay

•

use separate lanes from EU, EEA and Swiss

• •

you’re a tourist

have at least 6 months left be less than 10 years old (even if it has 6 months or more left)

citizens when queueing Visas for short trips: you will not need one if If you’re a tourist, you will not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein,

If you do not renew your passport, you may not be able to travel to most EU countries and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for

These rules do not apply to travel to Ireland. You can continue to use your passport as long as it’s valid for the length of your stay.

If you visit these countries, visits to other EU countries

Healthcare: check you’re covered

to work or study, or for business travel.

You should always get appropriate travel insurance with healthcare cover before you go abroad. Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will be valid up to 31 December 2020.

Check each country’s travel advice page for

It’s particularly important you get travel insurance

same way as before.

up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Different rules will apply to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus and Romania. will not count towards the 90-day total.

You may need a visa or permit to stay for longer,

information on how to get a visa or permit.

Travel to Ireland will not change from 1 January 2021. You’ll also be able to work in Ireland in the

DON’T JUDGE A HOUSE BY ITS COVER, BEWARE!

Emma Sheppard LL.B, Solicitor emmasheppard@solicitorsni.net I recommend any clients that are purchasing a property to obtain an independent survey and valuation from an appropriately qualified expert to ensure they are aware of the condition of the property prior to signing the contract to purchase.

The latin term ‘Caveat Emptor’ (let the buyer beware) is an important legal principle for buyers to remember. As the buyer is expected to ‘beware’, the vendor has no obligation to disclose physical defects such as damp, woodworm or subsistence. Please note that a valuation report prepared for a lender during the mortgage application process is not a fully detailed report on the physical condition of the property.

Please contact Emma on 028 4175 3121 or emmasheppard@solicitorsni.net

Rosemary Connolly Solicitors, 2 The Square, Warrenpoint, Co. Down T: +44(0)28 4175 3121 email: rosemaryconnolly@solicitorsni.net Find us online at www.solicitorsni.net

End of 2020 & Your Heating Oil?

We Can Give You A Warm New Year!

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NEW YEAR AND NEW PLANS FOR 2021

Introducing the talented team at Blades & Beauty, Antrim.

Photography by Kevin Cobb

Hello to our Local Women readers, A very Happy New Year from my team and me.

We thought we would start things off by introducing you to the Blades & Beauty team.

Our senior stylists are Janie and Alicia, our senior beauty therapists are Paula and Danielle, and I am Catriona, owner, body artist and creative designer I’m very hands on and take great pride in my 5-star award-winning salon and award-winning team. They continue to make me proud.

I believed it was important for me also to train in the beauty sector so that I would have an understanding of the processes, treatments, timings and gain the knowledge to enhance my skills to enable me to share and explain with bookings, enquires and general customer service.

Paula

Janie

Collectively as a team we have been published globally and worked in major shows and productions in fashion, beauty, music and film.

I want to take this opportunity to thank our loyal customers, friends and family for their support during 2020 which was a tough year.

I am so pleased with my salon and I want to thank my staff, family and customers for their patience and support during the changes this year, it wasn’t easy, but we did it.

Special thanks to Halo and Alfaparf Milano.

We always like to keep up to date with the latest products in skin care, and hair.

My recommendation for this season is rosewater which is my number one beauty must-have for skin that is dehydrated or spot prone from wearing masks.

My salon will be launching several new treatments in the New Year.

Catriona

• Microneedling • Dermablading • Brow lamination • Henna brow • Lash lift We always ensure we are up to date with all the latest trends so that our customers get the 5-star service which the good salon guide has endorsed us with. We endeavour to maintain this high standard always.

Following on from these treatments we anticipate that we will start doing an aesthetic clinic around March time.

2021 has so many good things to come for Team Blades & Beauty.

Danielle

Alicia

25 Antrim Business Park, Randalstown Road, Antrim, BT41 4LD T: 028 9446 4434 | E: blades&beauty@gmail.com bladesandbeauty 64 | Local Women Magazine

bladesandbeauty

www.bladesandbeauty.co.uk

DREAM WEDDINGS AT

Blades & Beauty in Antrim is a dream for all brides to be, with an award-winning staff to cater for all your hair and beauty needs.

We want to tell you about the amazing bridal services we offer at Blades & Beauty.

so it is up to us to be on top of our game with what’s trending and use our skills and experience to help the bride decide.

Our salon is not any ordinary salon, it is as many of my previous brides have described before a “bridal party’s dream.”

We offer packages to help clients who may have skin issues like scarring, pigmentation or rosacea and we work together on the period running up to the big day, performing treatments to get the skin in tip top condition.

There is an award-winning hair and beauty team full of knowledge and experience A salon to cater for every treatment possible on the run up to and on the day.

We recently did a couple of weddings where microneedling treatments and LED light therapy facials were performed on the bride. The brides were astounded with the results. On their wedding day, they didn’t have to be conscious of having heavy makeup on to cover skin imperfections.

They were able to achieve that natural, fresh, timeless look that every bride dreams of having on her day.

And we have enough space to cater for large groups.

We are really popular with brides from all over the country and my team has also been commissioned for weddings abroad.

A bride’s wedding is one of the most important days of her life, her choosing you to share that with us is an absolute privilege.

It’s such an exciting time for them and us.

We will do the same with the bride’s hair whether she wants to go from being bleach blonde to something more demure and natural, like a balayage or an all-over darker colour. We will suggest products and perform treatments to ensure those tresses are in tip top condition.

An excited bride will call up and we will offer a bespoke consultation. We will ask the bride to bring along any mood boards or pictures of hair and makeup she envisions for her perfect look for her big day.

There are so many looks to choose from, for example, classic bride, boho bride or princess bride and you need to decide whether you want ornate accessories like a

Our nail technicians will also cater for your every need, be it acrylics or gel nails, French polish to nail art.

Model: Gemma

We offer spray tanning as well as our inhouse state-of-the-art sunbeds.

Literally we can do it all for you, from waxing to makeup, it takes any additional stress away from the bride in that area.

We absolutely love getting to share the experience and day with the bridal party. Seeing all the plans come together and knowing that we helped play a part in that makes it all the more special for all involved.

When the bride comes in with her wedding album proudly and you get the opportunity to see you work in all its glory - it is magical.

The gown is courtesy of Peony Bridal, Hillsborough, Pearls and Polkadot. The model’s hair is softly curled and is half up put up and drawn to one side. Makeup chosen is peach and nudes, finished off with a veil and pearl hair accessories.

veil, tiara and jewellery. It’s all about finding and creating that perfect look for our bride.

Makeup trends and hair are constantly evolving, even faster than fashion at times,

25 Antrim Business Park, Randalstown Road, Antrim, BT41 4LD T: 028 9446 4434 | E: blades&beauty@gmail.com bladesandbeauty

bladesandbeauty

www.bladesandbeauty.co.uk Local Women Magazine | 65

PETRA CARROLL HAIR Safely Beautiful HALF PRICE COLOUR SERVICES MONDAY - WEDNESDAY THROUGHOUT JANUARY AND FEBRUARY WITH SELECTED STYLISTS

41 Thomas Street, Armagh, BT61 7QB | 028 3751 1374 Find us on Facebook and Instagram @Petrashouseofcolour Armagh.

AN EXCITING NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR 2021

NEW YEAR, NEW CAREER - Be part of the change with Mayfair & Morgan

Our team at Mayfair & Morgan believe the property industry needs a makeover. Our clients want local experts, people who live and breathe their community and who have integrity and commitment. We are a breath of fresh air to an outdated business sector that needs a wave of change and we are empowering people to excel in Property Management.

Our Ambassador Programme provides a unique opportunity in Northern Ireland for those with passion and determination to succeed at becoming the go-to agent in their town. Our industry-leading business model gives you all the tools to be a successful estate agent and a valued Ambassador for Mayfair & Morgan.

HAVE YOU EVER FANCIED GETTING INTO REAL ESTATE?

Now is your chance to be part of an exciting team of Ambassadors developing skills and building a property portfolio in their local area. If you love Homes Under The Hammer, Selling Sunset or Escape to the Country, then this is the perfect opportunity for you.

WHAT IS AN AMBASSADOR?

In essence, an Ambassador is a fully supported, selfemployed estate agent, covering their local area with total independence on how they manage their days. Our Ambassadors all receive industry training on selling and letting property as well as the backing of an established brand and ongoing mentoring from our Ambassador mentor. With an experienced core team running the processes and systems, our Ambassadors are free to do what they do best, build relationships and become property experts in their area.

BE YOUR OWN BOSS WITH A GREAT SUPPORT NETWORK

Kerry Green is our Ambassador Mentor who is building the team across Northern Ireland.

Kerry began selling and letting then, after gaining momentum with the support of our business model, transitioned into recruiting, training and supporting our Ambassadors. “My advice to anyone thinking of being their own boss and joining our team is to know your area, be disciplined and motivated to make a difference and you will do very well in the property industry. I am here to help you every step of the way, so you are not in this alone, there is a great team behind you.”

In the Toomebridge/Mid Ulster area Christine Keenan is our local Ambassador, becoming the regional expert in all things property.

“Determination, consistency and thinking outside the box is needed to be a successful Ambassador. I love property and engaging with the local community to become their number one choice in Estate Agency. I am excited to be in my own hometown’s driving the change that the property industry needs!”

the innovative systems we have helps us to do this. Our landlords as well as vendors find our service smooth and as stress free as we can make it. As an Ambassador you will have full access to the systems and the support of everyone to help you succeed.”

NEXT STEPS

We have three new Ambassadors in training, all set to cover Greater Belfast and County Down and now want to expand our reach and team to cover every district in the Province.

If you are passionate, motivated, forward thinking, and have great interpersonal skills then we want to hear from you. Call us today to find out more about this unique opportunity in Northern Ireland and enter 2021 with an exciting new career in property.

Karen McClurkin is our head of operations, overseeing the smooth running of our property management and processes. “We want to provide the best possible service to property owners and

23 Fountain Street | Antrim | Co. Antrim | BT41 4BG T: 028 9446 4902 | E: info@mayfairandmorgan.com mayfairandmorganproperty.com | mayfairandmorgan.com

‘Customer always receive first class support’

Jemma McKee, Energy Advisor with firmus energy, answers all your questions about natural gas and switching to firmus.

W

e can all probably agree that 2020 has been unlike any other year but despite the disruption and the obvious concerns for our health and the health of our loved ones it hasn’t been without its plus points. For many, it has been a time of reflection, of working out what’s important, spending quality time with loved ones and reconnecting with community life in the places we live.

This time of self-reflection often is the start of new healthier habits and of new ways of living and that’s certainly something that Jemma McKee, Energy Advisor with firmus energy has witnessed in her interactions with customers since the start of the Corona Virus pandemic.

This month Local Women Magazine chats with Jemma about her job and her role at firmus energy.

What does your job entail?

My role involves connecting homes to the firmus energy network in the North East area of Northern Ireland. I am one off eight energy advisors that cover firmus energy’s natural gas network and I help over 400 customers per year convert from oil to natural gas. It’s essentially a customer focused role which I love as I’m very much a people person.

Tell us about customer service at firmus?

I work very closely with firmus energy’s customer services team which is widely known as being the one of the best and most responsive in Northern Ireland. Each year this team handles over 15,000 customers enquiries and all manner of questions. It’s great to have that weight of experience behind me when I’m talking to customers and it makes my job easier to know customers will receive first class support.

Did you always want to be an energy advisor?

Jemma McKee

I knew I wanted to work with people. I have a Sociology degree from Jordanstown which in its most basic form is the study of people. I spent my early career in retail and joined firmus energy in 2018 as a member of the customer service team and progressed into the energy advisor role eight months later.

What’s it like to work in firmus energy? firmus energy is a great company to work for. It’s really focused on recruiting the right people and then providing opportunities for those people to grow within the business. Personal development and internal career progression is really important. It conducts its business around four key values clarity, empathy, integrity and teamwork and everyone lives by those values. When many other companies were being forced to make tough decisions and furlough staff over the past year that was not on the cards at firmus energy. I can honestly say the management team were really supportive. It was a very worrying time and I was hugely grateful for that.

What’s your career progression?

My first job was in customer services and eight months later a position as an Energy Advisor became available.

When I was considering moving to the energy advisor team the company allowed me to shadow an energy advisor for a week before applying for the position.

That way I understood the role fully before making the change. It was a great opportunity and it made the move really easy.

What do you attribute your success to?

Determination, passion and honesty but in my role you have to love working with people. I really enjoy talking to customers and helping them through the natural gas installation process. They always have lots of questions which I’m more than happy to answer.

What are customers’ most common questions?

The most frequent question is how long it will take to get natural gas, how much extra space will they get in their house and garden and will it be messy! The answer to the first question depends on whether they live in an area that we have a pipeline. If that’s the case we can connect them very quickly. People are also surprised at how much space they can reclaim when the oil tank in their garden is removed as well as all the pipework and water tanks in their house. I think working from home has lead people to reevaluate their living and outdoor space. We have definitely seen an upsurge in people making home and garden improvements and making their space at home much more liveable and I think that’s because we are spending so much time there. I think the pandemic has forced people to re-evaluate how they are living their lives and what is important to them and certainly, from conversations with customers, it’s about having a nice place to come home to and to welcome family and friends. Natural gas is also really easy to install. Often the installer is in and out within a day and there’s very little trace of them being there. More recently there have been questions around whether natural gas is better for the environment than oil and the answer is a resounding yes!

Why is natural gas better environmentally?

When people switch from an inefficient oil boiler to a high efficiency condensing gas boiler and controls they can immediately reduce their carbon emissions by an amazing 48%*. This is because natural gas has lower carbon emissions than oil and you use less energy by installing a high efficiency natural gas boiler and controls. I’m finding that people of all ages are much more environmentally aware these days and they want to do their bit for the environment. Of course the government has its own environmental targets to meet and firmus energy is helping by enabling immediate carbon savings to be realised once customers convert from oil. The company also has wider plans to inject sustainable renewable gases like Biomethane and Hydrogen into its existing network in the future.

Over 100,000 natural gas customers have already made the switch away from oil and it’s only a matter of time before others follow suit. Really, the only factor customers need to decide is when to make that move, and with lockdown restrictions still in place, many people are making it earlier so that they can take advantage of the benefits of having natural gas - constant hot water, instant heat, cooking, more space in the home and garden and long-term savings as smart controls give people full control of energy usage.

Over 100 new customers convert from oil to natural gas each week and enjoy the benefits that natural gas brings - from constant hot water, instant radiator heat and cooking to more space in the garden, more efficient boilers to simply being a better choice for the environment. Homes and businesses interested in making the switch to firmus energy natural gas can find out more by calling 0330 024 9000 or visiting www.firmusenergy.co.uk

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Across the Miles SPONSORED BY CITY OF DERRY AIRPORT

City of Derry Airport wishes Local Women magazine readers a Happy New Year and best wishes for 2021.

The airport was delighted to assist Local Women magazine in connecting people this Christmas and New Year period. It hopes the messages have helped many people during this somewhat, different, and difficult festive period.

Like many, City of Derry Airport is looking forward to a new year, and when the time is right, it looks forward to connecting the North West safely, with its regular services to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool and London and its Majorca summer route.

For more information on City of Derry Airport visit:

www.cityofderryairport.com

I would like to wish my Daddy a happy New Year! He lives in a Nursing Home and has Huntington's Disease and I haven't been able to see him since February because of Covid! Happy New Year to all the staff and thank you for all their love and care towards my dad.

Ashley Clarke X

CONNECTING THE NORTH WEST SAFELY Local Women Magazine | 71

Happy New Year

Here’s some heartwarming greetings for the loved ones you didn't get to see over the festive season. Here's to better times in 2021.

Kieran & Mary McCusker, Madden, Co Armagh, would like to wish our family in Arkansas USA, our son Richard and family, Dillon in Colorado, sister Roision Laragh in Cavan, our daughter Andrea and family in Belturbet, Cavan, our son Steven and family in Old Town, Cavan and our sister Bronagh and family a very Happy New year.

My sisters and nieces live in America and Australia, and I miss them so much. (Thank goodness for FaceTime!) Happy New Year and stay safe.

Love Frankie B in Newry x New Year greetings to my daughter Amanda Woodward who lives in Basingstoke. Love and best wishes to you and your family.

In 2021, hoping COVID-19 is under control, once again we shall meet up and travel and move into another new beginning. We can party till the cows come home. God bless us and keep us safe till we meet again.

Love mum,

Behave and remember to say your prayers and play your music - it’s easy carried.

Maureen Nolan in Ballycastle. X

Mary Mc Cusker X ƒ Frankie with her niece Ella Bannon Gaspard

ƒ Maureen and her late husband ƒ Maureen’s baby great granddaughter Jessica

To Sharon, Strav, Eva and Mia in Sydney Australia. We miss you so much but look forward to big celebrations in 2021.

Lots of love, Nicola BT and family x To Margaret, Jimmy and family. Have a Happy New Year and hopefully we will be able to visit in 2021.

Christmas is the time for families to get together and celebrate. With my sisters and nieces living in America and Australia, Christmas can also be a sad time for me as I miss them so much. (Thank goodness for FaceTime!) So, here’s to the ones we celebrate with and to the ones we wish were here. Merry Christmas and stay safe.

Love Frankie B in Newry x

Love, Maureen, Peter and family xx Happy New Year to all the friends and family I wasn’t able to meet up with in 2020. See you all in 2021.

Lots of love, Karen x

CONNECTING THE NORTH WEST SAFELY 72 | Local Women Magazine

Happy New Year Nicola Magee.

From all your cousins x

Happy New Year, Nana Anne.

From Del, Roisin and Johnny Tracey, Dublin Happy Christmas to all of our family who we won’t get to see this Christmas! We never thought in March that we would still be kept apart come December, but here we are, missing your visits and our family celebrations.

Wishing for better times, when we can all be together.

Happy New Year Jenni,

Love Chris x

Lots of love, Anna, Lorcan and Faolán xxx

Happy New Year to Stephen, Annemarie and the Gleeson family in Donegal.

From the best steak chef and wine giver ever!! Oh yes, and from Grainne and the boys also!

Happy New Year to Paul Rasper and his beautiful family in Kingston upon Thames.

From your long-term buddy!

Happy New Year to the Traceys in Dublin.

From everyone in Drumconready x Happy New Year to our big bro Colin in Vietnam.

You’re away but close to our hearts. We miss you. Hope to see you 2021.

From mum, dad and all your family xx Sending all our love fopr 2021 to the Mills and Clark families in Hartlepool.

All our love from Lesley and David x

Wishing Granny Rosemary and Vincent Gillan, Maghera a Happy New Year.

From grandchildren Marc, Daniel, Jack, Cormac, and Conlan x To Anne Marie, Damien, Kyle and Aine.

Thinking of you all the way in San Francisco. Hope you can come home soon. Happy New Year.

From James, Roisin, Martin, and your best brother!

Happy New Year to our mum Daisy McLaughlin in Portrush. We miss you mammy and can’t wait to see you soon.

Love from Paulette, Ronnie and Amanda xx

ƒ Daisy

Wishing Frank and Mary Dixon in Cheshire a Happy New Year.

From Anne and your family in Ardmore x We wish all the Hassons in Glenullin and Maghera a Happy New Year and next year, let’s have a big party!

Merry Christmas x Wishing all the McGrillens in Birmingham a Happy New Year. We think of Jim often.

From your family in Ardmore xxx

ƒ Daisy and her three children Amanda, Ronnie and Paulette

CONNECTING THE NORTH WEST SAFELY Local Women Magazine | 73

BE LFAS T

Leave the real world behind at The Mal Local Women Editor Kim Kelly enjoys a delightful break close to home at Malmaison Belfast – where you can leave all your worries at the door.

If 2020 taught us anything – it’s that the staycation is here to stay.

We head for dinner right next door in the brasserie. Here the tables are set far apart and again the staff are wearing masks and visors.

Girly weekends abroad have been replaced with girly weekends closer to home – and I for one am delighted! Who needs the stress of airports when we have everything right here?

But those physical barriers don’t stop their amazing personalities shining through.

We meet our waiter Carlos who is just a delight. His service is attentive, and he is such great fun, taking time with us and enjoying some banter. He really is such an asset to the hotel.

With the ever-changing round of lockdowns, a social life can be a little tricky. That’s why it’s nice to put yourself into the hands of experts who will make sure your safety and comfort are their priority.

We decide to keep it simple with steak and chips and we aren’t disappointed. It’s so fresh and tasty – just perfect.

Just before Christmas, my best friend and I decided to schedule some ‘us time’ at Malmaison in Belfast. Here we can meet up, have dinner, socialise and stay over all under the one roof.

I’ve long been a fan of the Malmaison group of hotels across the UK. They are chic, stylish and cosy, and come with lots of little extras that make it feel so special Malmaison in Belfast recently made the hospitality industry’s Safe To Trade scheme, ranking it among the safest hotels to stay in the UK. The hotel has undertaken a range of COVID-19 compliant related measures to ensure guests and staff safety, but at the same time they haven’t lost any of their quicky Mal charm.

We linger on after dinner and enjoy yet more cocktails – our research is thorough, before heading to bed at the 10.30 curfew.

Checking in is simple. It’s all so hassle free – the only difference is now I have to book a slot at breakfast.

Our room is absolutely lovely. Spacious with a huge bed and a nice seating area.

But we have some catching up to do and head straight down to the bar for a few cocktails before dinner.

One thing you will notice about Malmaison, and in particular at the Belfast hotel, is the staff. They treat you like long lost friends and they really can’t do enough to help.

It’s such a treat to be out in a bar! And what a lovely bar it is. The décor is so stylish with a real Sex in the City vibe, we peruse the menu and let the ‘Malchemists’ (as they call their mixologists) do their work!

We are warmly greeted at the reception and hardly notice the social distancing measures that have been put in place - it all feels so natural.

In the interests of research, I try a Cosmopolitan and a French Martini while my friend enjoys two Espresso Martinis – all are just perfect.

The staff are wearing masks although you can still tell that they are smiley and friendly, even though their faces are covered.

In spite of signage and mask wearing staff, for the first time in a long time we forget about Corona. This really feels like a word away from the pandemic and it’s such a welcome relief to relax and let someone else take charge.

In the communal areas, guests are advised to wear face coverings, there is hand sanitiser everywhere and the place is spotlessly clean as ever.

Luckily our room is very spacious, so we have lots of room to enjoy the evening further. We chat and drink and laugh (quietly of course) – and have the perfect girly catch up.

Once again, we remark that Coronavirus seems a world away and it’s lovely to be looked after in the hotel, to feel safe and not to have to worry about the real world for a while.

After a comfortable night’s sleep, we are up bright and early for breakfast. The old-style breakfast buffets are long gone these days, but to be honest I prefer the a la carte style menu and tuck into some tasty Eggs Benedict and fresh coffee.

In these strange times, keeping in touch with friends has never been more important and who knows when we will meet again.

I’m so glad we had this opportunity to meet in a safe and luxurious environment and would thoroughly recommend a stay at Malmaison Belfast.

For further information and offers www.malmaison.com.

34-38 Victoria Street | Belfast | BT1 3GH | Tel: 028 9600 1405 Book diredct at www.malmaison.com

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76 | Local Women Magazine

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DELICIOUS TREATS TO BEAT THE JANUARY BLUES Local Women’s Food and Drink Columnist Paula Gracey on the wonderful tastes that will get us through January lockdown.

Pictures by Kevin Scott

A Happier New Year to everyone! Let’s face it, could 2021 be any worse that the one we couldn’t wait to usher out the door?

Now, before we get started, I just have to make it clear that I don’t do ‘Dry January’ - the very idea is quite horrific as January is hard enough, but I also have quite a few family birthdays his month, including my own so there is absolutely no chance – lockdown or not!

Speaking of which, between the latest ‘circuit breaker’ and the Christmas-New Year shutdown, hubby and I dashed out to fill our boots with flavour and some Christmas spirit at the recently opened Seven Spice Bangladeshi restaurant at St Anne’s Square in Belfast.

We were initially attracted by those intriguing outdoor dining pods you must have noticed in the shadow of the cathedral, a real curiosity and talking point.

The fab fire heaters outside and those wonderful six-seater pods really make an impact on arrival (you need a party of six, though, so indoors it was).

First impressions were lasting. We found this bright and shiny new restaurant has plenty to offer inside, as well, with a warm welcome from the friendly staff who were meticulous with their cleaning and sanitising after every customer so we felt extremely safe and comfortable.

We were shown to our table which had a great view of St Anne’s Cathedral and each table was separated from other diners with heavy red curtains.

The decor is exotic but comfortable with black and white tiles, a fabulous zebra print sofa and wooden furniture

interspersed with a dash of red from the cushions and curtains, transporting you somewhere a lot warmer than a winter’s night in Belfast.

The menus comprise classic dishes from Kormas, to Tikka Masala and Jalfrezi to Tandoori with some I had never seen before like my starter of Chicken Bora – delicious little nuggets of spicy, garlicky chicken served with a tasty salad of shredded lettuce, carrot, and red cabbage. I really lovely balance of flavours.

Hubby opted for the Garlic Prawns which were fat and juicy and served in a little terracotta pot, with tomato salsa and roasted red peppers and herbs – he said it was delicious.

We chose a lovely bottle of Malbec which was served at just the right temperature in huge red wine glasses which always adds to the occasion. For mains, I chose one of my favourites, Chicken Shazlek which is served off the bone and himself had the Tandoori Mixed Grill, which comprise Chicken, Lamb and King Prawn – oh yum!

It arrived rather majestically with little roasted cherry tomatoes on the vine adorning the dish. It looked spectacular. My Chicken Shazlek was served on wooden skewers with roasted peppers and onions, again with the roasted cherry tomatoes on top which burst with favour in your mouth. We went for pilau and boiled rice and of course, a plain naan bread as accompaniments – you just have to.

The flavour and textures were delish and when things get back to normal we will most definitely return.

Now, even though we were full to the gills, the lure of the cocktail list was too much and I went for a “Viv Dirty Killer Martini” - named after the creator Vivek, our waiter! Hubby ordered a Seven Spice cocktail – a fabulous mix of rums and Vivek even tweaked the recipe to replace tomato juice with cream – absolutely yummy! I hope he remembers the recipe as we will be back for another Seven Spice cocktail in 2021!

80 | Local Women Magazine

CHOCOLATE LIQUOR ALL YEAR ROUND!

I thought I would tell you about a few discoveries I made over the festive season that will definitely be on my New Year shopping lists. First up, I was lucky enough to unwrap some Hotel Chocolat delicious chocolatey alcohol concoctions from under the tree at Christmas and they are definitely going to be an all year round favourite. Hotel Chocolate Salted Caramel Vodka Liqueur (£25.00) is a clever infusion of vodka with a malty, toasty cocoa concoction and then they melt in salted caramel – OMG, it is too yummy for words! On its own with ice – that’s all it needs, but in the cold weather, add a dash to hot chocolate or coffee to warm the cockles of your hear. Or pour a glug over some ice-cream or sticky toffee pudding to pimp your dessert to the highest level.

COFFEE TIME

Now I love coffee, in fact, it’s more dramatic than that as I would find it entirely impossible to function without it. Over and above the instant stuff that I survive the day on, I have so far managed to accumulate three coffee machines, an Espresso, a Dolce Gusto and a Percolator, the latter of which I had sort of overlooked lately until we received a fab hamper for Christmas which contained a bag of Bewleys Java Coastal Plain filter coffee – heaven! I have basically fallen back in love with my Percolator thanks to Bewleys. This full-bodied, rich, strong, earthy roast has such an intense aroma and flavour – my house smells absolutely wonderful as the Percolator bubbles away with that lovely sound. I have already checked out the other varieties of Bewleys filter coffee, Kenya, Brazil and Gold Roast to begin with.

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THE MISERY OF BOWEL DYSFUNCTION The experts at Health Hub Professionals NI want women to feel comfortable seeking help for bowel dysfunction.

For many women bowel dysfunction is a very difficult subject to talk about. It can have a huge negative impact on physical and psychological health and wellbeing – much more so than bladder dysfunction. It is more difficult to disguise and manage and much more difficult to talk about.

Passive faecal incontinence is being unaware of leakage of wind or stool from your back passage.

2. Hold on to go to the toilet at an appropriate place and time

Weakness in the sphincter muscles at the back passage can make it difficult to hold on when you need to go to the toilet. This can be caused by muscle trauma (e.g., during childbirth), chronic constipation (straining a lot to go to the toilet) or general muscle weakness. Having softer, less formed motions can also make control more difficult and can lead to faecal incontinence. It can also cause problems with wiping clean after having a bowel movement. Another cause can be nerve damage from trauma or neurological conditions leading to loss of sensation or muscle control.

Obstructed defecation is the inability to evacuate the contents from the rectum even with excessive straining. There is often the sensation of a blockage and the feeling We acquire bowel control at a young age and that the bowel hasn’t emptied properly. Some take it very much for granted …until something women end up having to use their fingers to help with emptying the bowel. This type of goes wrong! problem is often caused by poor muscle coIt is normal to open your bowels between three ordination when on the loo (the muscles can times a day, and three times a week. Everyone’s tense/close instead of relax/open) or by the bowel function is individual and will depend on presence of a prolapse when the stool can factors such as diet, fluids, lifestyle and age. We become trapped in a pouch or bulge in the should all be able to: lower rectal wall making it difficult to empty.

1. Have an awareness of the need to open our bowels WHAT CAN CAUSE BOWEL DYSFUNCTION?

3. Open our bowel completely, without straining when we sit on the toilet.

TYPES OF BOWEL DYSFUNCTION? Faecal incontinence is the leakage of gas, liquid or solid stool from the back passage due to the reduced ability of the muscles to close properly. Leakage can range from a smear on your underwear to loss of a full motion.

Faecal urge incontinence is being unable to get to a toilet quickly enough when you get the feeling of needing to go.

SO, WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT? A visit to a pelvic health physio is a particularly good place to start. Having a specialist pelvic floor assessment carried out will help to determine exactly how the anal sphincters and the muscles of the pelvic floor are working. If there is weakness in the muscles causing leakage of gas, liquid, or solid stool then a strengthening programme can be prescribed ensuring that the correct muscles are being used. If the muscles are tight or uncoordinated causing obstructive defecation, then they can be released, and the coordination improved to allow for easier passage of stool.

Learning to manage bowel dysfunction can also Symptoms of bowel dysfunction can be include life-style modification and dietary changes. very distressing and can have an extremely negative impact on daily life causing Bowel dysfunction is something that simply does embarrassment, hygiene issues, poor self- not have to be tolerated. Whilst it can be very esteem and significantly impaired quality of embarrassing to have to talk about the symptoms, life. It is thought that maybe 1 in 10 people taking that first step can have a life changing will experience it at some point, but statistics outcome. There should be no shame or secrecy are hard to come by as it is such a difficult associated with pelvic floor problems. So, come on ladies; speak up, reach out, seek help. topic to talk about.

1 Hyde Business Park, Pennyburn Industrial Estate, Derry, BT48 0LU T: 075 9324 0194

www.healthhubprofessionalsni.com Follow us on Facebook/@healthhubprofessionalsni 84 | Local Women Magazine

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Local Women Magazine | 85

MONTHLY COLUMN

Women’s Health WITH DR MARK MCCOMISKEY

Each month Dr Mark McComiskey MD MRCOG discusses gynaecological conditions and women’s health issues.

CANCER OF THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

Dr Mark McComiskey is a specialist gynaecologist

you may be eligible for further genetic investigations,

cancer and ensures the early detection of

and gynaecological surgeon who trained at the

particularly if you have had many relatives affected

any abnormalities.

world-famous Christie Cancer Hospital in Manchester.

or affected at a young age.

All women should consider engaging fully with the

His work has been published widely in peer reviewed

national screening programme.

journals in obstetrics and gynaecology and his

WOMB CANCER

work has been presented at international meetings

Endometrial (womb) cancer often causes

VULVAL CANCER

throughout Europe and North America

symptoms early in the disease process.

Vulval cancer is rare and many people are

Dr Comiskey takes a holistic and caring approach to

You should watch out for symptoms such as

unaware that it exists. Reporting problems early to

managing all general gynaecology conditions with

post-menopausal bleeding (bleeding after

the aim of maximising women’s quality of life.

you have gone through the menopause) or

to recover from.

This month Dr Comiskey will look at the various types

bleeding between periods or heavier periods

The presence of any of the following symptoms

than normal

should be reported:

Abnormal vaginal bleeding should always be

•

itch, burning or pain of the vulva

reported to check for womb cancer.

•

ulcer, swelling or lump that does not go away

It should be remembered though that

•

changes to the colour or feel of the skin

•

bleeding from the vulva or vagina

of cancer of the female reproductive system.

WHAT IS CANCER? Cancer

is

where

cells

in

the

body

divide

uncontrollably and can take over and destroy other tissues and organs

your GP makes treatment much easier and quicker

abnormal bleeding is often caused by non-

There is no evidence that a family history of cancer

cancerous problems.

increases your risk of cancer of the vulva.

WHAT ARE THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS?

The majority of endometrial cancers are not caused by an inherited gene.

The female reproductive organs comprise

CANCER OF THE VAGINA

However, for a small number of families there

Vaginal cancer is very rare but a small number

•

can be a family link to this cancer - particularly

of women are diagnosed every year with it in

where there is a history in the family of bowel,

Northern Ireland.

the ovaries (organs that are in the female pelvis and produce hormones and eggs for reproduction)

•

uterus (also known as the womb. The womb

womb, prostate, stomach or ovarian cancer.

Symptoms can include:

lining is called the endometrium) •

cervix (neck of the womb – where smear samples are taken from)

•

vulva (skin at the opening of the vagina)

•

vagina (a blind ending muscular passage from the vulval extending towards the cervix)

OVARIAN CANCER The symptoms of ovarian cancer can be non-specific

•

CANCER OF THE CERVIX

Bleeding after having sexual intercourse, bleeding between periods or bleeding after

Some cancers of the cervix cause no symptoms or problems.

They may be very small and very early and may be picked up through cervical smears. Smears are designed to check for pre-cancerous cells though larger tumours of the cervix may cause symptoms

the menopause (change of life) •

Further symptoms can include pain in the vagina, for example during sexual intercourse and abnormal vaginal discharge

Having an affected relative does not increase you risk of being diagnosed with vaginal cancer.

between menstrual periods.

GENERAL ADVICE REGARDING GYNAECOLOGICAL CANCER SYMPTOMS

Abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding after the

Gynaecological symptoms vary depending on

eating

menopause also requires investigation.

which organ may be affected.

•

increased size of tummy

Abnormal

•

altered bowel habits or urinary symptoms

relatively common, there is often a very

common symptoms.

If you experience any of these symptoms for more

straightforward cause.

than one week out of every four, you should arrange

Any new or persistent symptoms should be reported

Despite the range of causes, abnormal bleeding

to the family doctor immediately.

should be reported for assessment.

The family doctor may be able to commence

The National Cervical Screening Programme

treatment or tests before consideration of referral to

for women 25-65 years of age to have cervical

a gynaecologist.

and difficult to identify. They include: •

pelvic or abdominal pain and bloating

•

reduced appetite or feeling full quickly whilst

to see your GP If you are worried about ovarian cancer, it is important to mention it to your GP

such as bleeding after having sexual intercourse or

bleeding

of

any

nature

is

Around 5% of ovarian cancers happen because of

screening every three years up to the age of 50 and

an inherited gene.

every five years after 50.

If you have family members who have had cancer

It provides the best prevention of cervical

KINGSBRIDGE PRIVATE HOSPITAL Tel: 028 9066 7878 www.kingsbridgeprivatehospital.com

Abnormal

bleeding

and

pain

are

For further information contact Dr McComiskey at info@drmarkmccomiskey.com.

www.drmarkmccomiskey.com HILLSBOROUGH PRIVATE CLINIC Tel: 028 9268 8899 www.hillsboroughprivateclinic.com

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O R L A’ S E D I T I N A S S O C I AT I O N W I T H L E J A R D I N S PA As 2021 fast approaches we look forward in anticipation for a resolution to what has been the most confusing of times and at the time of writing it seems that the coming January will see Northern Ireland back in a strict lockdown scenario similar to that experience earlier this year.

Many individuals have used these past times of brief hibernation from the day to day to become active in other aspects of life.

Perusing creative ambitions and finishing tasks with a renewed gaze on family and self. The “at home expert” is on the rise as we take notes from health and skincare gurus online.

Sometimes however, the overload of information can lead to confusion. At Le Jardin we understand that the plethora of choice can be overwhelming so we have set ourselves the task of removing this for our spa guests and online followers by refining our offering and also simplifying our skincare routines to include 3 daily elements from our luxurious ranges.

Also this New Year we encourage you to trust in our team of spa experts as we launch our “Renew You” package for the

coming February and the end of this latest period of lockdown. Renew You consists of a 90 minute session completely tailored to your health and wellness needs drawing upon products from both our award winnning Natura Bisse skincare range and our own expanding range of vegan and organic botanical beautifying signature products.

Let your therapist use their years of experience to deliver a completely unique experience not offered in any other spa. I myself took the opportunity to receive a treatment which started with a stimulating detox massage to help me shift the weighty feeling of good times spent overindulging, before receiving a oxygen blast facial to awaken my skin and then ended my session with a cocooning and hedonist scented diamond rose body wrap. A combination I would never have put together opting as many do for the traditional oil massage, but a true spa day is so much more.

To encourage you with your 2021 renewal starting in February when we re-open we are launching an exclusive competition to win one of our three popular facials during January to use from February 2021 onwards.

- R E N E W YO U COMING FEB RUARY 2021

onwards.

Orla Gallagher, Spa Director at Le Jardin Spa, The Linen Green, Moygashel

All the details on how to enter are below and if you have any questions in respect to your daily skincare routine, please don’t hesitate to contact info@lejardinspas.com and let our team of wellness and skincare experts give you some clarity.

All at Le Jardin would also like to wish all our Local Women readers a safe lockdown during January and we look forward to opening our doors again in February 2021.

Orla Gallagher Orla Gallagher, Spa Director, Le Jardin Spa

Win A Facial

FACE 2021 FRESH AND BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO YOUR SKIN VISIT LEJARDINSPAS.COM If your desire is a refreshing change and a day of escapism, join us in Le Jardin Spa in February for a totally unique spa experience. Let the Le Jardin team of spa experts help you decipier the best experience for you when you book“Renew You” 90 min of therapy designed around your needs from the cocooning envelopment of warm body wraps, to the stimulating and detoxifying result of botanical scrubs.

After a consultation with your therapist they will select from all our product ranges and their vast range of skills from Thai massage and reflexology to advanced facial techniques from across the globe to deliver a treatment as unique as you!

REGISTER YOUR DETAILS FOR NEWS & OFFERS YOU’LL BE ENTERED INTO THE PRIZE DRAW

Winner will be announced on 31st January 2021 and will be drawn from our full subscriber list. One entry per person.

To be one of the first to book the “Renew You” package book online at lejardinspas.com, call us on 028 8772 3656 or email info@lejardinspas.com.

88 | Local Women Magazine

Prize is not transferrable for cash but can be gifted. Terms & Conditions Apply. See website for details.

IT’s AS SIMPLE AS 1, 2, 3 1. CLEANSE The most important aspect of any skincare regime is to cleanse, removing damaging free radicals (which cause premature aging) and also polutants on the skin, the canvas must be fresh for the optimum absorption of products applied after. Le Jardins two favorite cleansers to provide a desired deep cleanse daily.

Le Jardin Honey & Hammellis Cleanser (£28)

Diamond Cocoon Enzyme Cleanser (£77) This ehanced cleanser removes 82% of

This Honey rich cleanser fights irritation and

pollutantparticles left behind with traditional

Inflammation whilst purifying and calming

cleansers, leaving a matt and hydrated finish.

sensitive complexions.

2. HYDRATE Bring back some much needed hydration during the winter months with your choice of these two top selling moisturizers.

Le Jardin SeaBuckthorn Moisturizer (£34)

Natura Bisses C+C Cream (£106) An advanced moisturizer packed full of

This vegan wonder is high in Omega 6&7

antioxidants Vit C&E. This cream promotes

these phytonutrients lock moisture in the skin

collagen production and improves skin

ideal for slightly dry and aging skin.

firmness providing hydration & suppleness.

3. RESTORE Nothing is more restoring to the skin than an oil or a serum, designed to penetrate deep into the tissue for optimum results. Two of Le Jardin spas hero oils both contain the humble carrot a vegetable high in beta carotene, vit A, and antioxidants.

Diamond Extreem Oil (£139)

Le Jardin Blueberry & Marula Oil (£34)

Worth every penny of its price tag and used

Marula Oil is 60% higher in antioxidants than

sparingly, this oil is infused with some of the

the famed Argan oil and is especially potent in

most exclusive pure oils on the market including

treating fine lines and scaring.

chia and added puric acid.

D I A M O N D E X T R E M E O I L H Y D R AT E S A N D I N C R E A S E S L U M I N O S I T Y, Q U A L I T I E S W H I C H S E E N T H I S P RO D U C T O N M A N Y O F O U R S PA G U E S T S C H R I S T M A S W I S H L I S T !

B U Y O N L I N E AT L E J A R D I N S PA S . C O M / G I F T- S H O P Local Women Magazine | 89

Advanced treatments for your wellbeing Owner of SKiN Private Aesthetic Clinic, Lee-Anne McCloskey, on the exciting new developments she has planned for 2021.

Never has it been so important to look HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN after ourselves. If 2020 taught us anything, IN BUSINESS? it is that selfcare is vital.

The business will be celebrating its 5th birthday on 1st Now, as we move into 2021, we know that making April 2021.

WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR Proprietor of SKiN Private Aesthetic Clinic, Lee-Anne TREATMENTS YOU OFFER? time for ourselves should be a priority.

McCloskey knows first-hand how much her clients get We have a wide range of treatment options - you can check these out on our advert or website. out of their visits to her clinic.

She offers a wide range of treatments for health, Laser hair removal is popular with all ages, other treatments are more specific to certain issues and wellbeing and beauty and gives her customers the complaints. But I strive to bring some of the newest opportunity to relax and take stock. and most advanced treatments I can find to the clinic.

Lee-Anne has sourced the best treatments available to We were the first clinic in Northern Ireland to offer give her customers what they need to feel like the best LipoContrast body sculpting and our favourite skin version of themselves. complex I found the medical aspects involved. Applying treatment the Hydrafacial.

Lee-Anne says: “For anyone who has been able to WHAT IS THE SECRET TO YOUNGER this knowledge and targeting to my own issues was literally life changing for me. When my children were attend the clinic, it’s great to see how having their LOOKING SKIN? treatments gives them a boost, and even just for a chat If I have to say one thing - everyone should wear SPF young, I decided to train so hopefully one day I could open a clinic of my own and help others experiencing - it’s therapeutic for them and me!”

30+ every single day - even on cloudy days or when similar concerns as I know the effect it can have on Let’s find out more about the prestigious clinic which it snows. If there’s daylight then the UV radiation can your overall well-being. cause cell damage resulting in skin cancers, premature specialises in skin and body treatments. aging and uneven skin tone. When we use our Observ YOU HAVE RECENTLY EXPANDED TELL US WHAT YOU OFFER technology to carry out a skin analysis in the clinic we YOUR BUSINESS - CAN YOU TELL US AT SKIN? can see the deeper layers of the skin and everyone ABOUT THAT? We are an RQIA registered clinic offering a wide is shocked to see the damage done to the deeper Yes, we added an additional room and the lovely range of services, from laser hair removal, laser tattoo layers, this will continue whilst not protecting the skin Saddiya has joined the clinic. We also had a few new removal and skin rejuvenation, to treatments for skin adequately resulting in poor quality skin, depleting your treatments we had planned to start in 2020 which concerns like acne, pigmentation, scarring, lines and collagen levels or worse skin cancers. were put on hold due to Covid which we will be wrinkles and overall skin health. We also offer body introducing over the next few months. We used our HOW DID YOU GET STARTED time during the closures to make a few enhancements treatments for fat reduction, body sculpting, cellulite, IN BUSINESS? to our existing rooms. I’ll be writing about them in my skin tightening. Treatments for issues like thread veins, My background is actually in accounts and business monthly column. skin tags, warts, milia, keratosis, Verrucae etc. We management which has been of great benefit when we have a wide range of injectables treatments to treat established our first business, a GDC registered Dental HOW HAVE THE LOCKDOWNS various concerns.

Laboratory and again when setting up and running the AFFECTED YOUR BUSINESS? We also stock Obagi medical grade and Juliette Armand skin clinic. My passion for skin health started a long time We are a close contact service, so we have been closed cosmeceutical skincare, nutraceuticals (oral skincare) ago when I started researching and getting treatments quite a bit. I’ve been trying to offer whatever help and and Jane Iredale mineral makeup. for personal concerns. I realised how interesting and support I can remotely to my patients and I’m also so grateful for all the support I have received.

As a registered clinic we have always followed strict infection control procedures anyway but when we reopened, we enhanced these in every way possible.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?

Hopefully we can get back to some sort of normality soon. We’re excited to continue to strive to be the first clinic in Northern Ireland to bring you the best and most advanced treatments available on the market. We will also be recruiting shortly all being well.

90 | Local Women Magazine

New Year, New Treatments

At SKiN there are a range of new treatments to give you a youthful start to the New Year.

We had lots of big things planned for the clinic that unfortunately were delayed in 2020.

So, lets start off with some of our New Year treatments coming soon.

BEAUTIFEYE & BIONUTRI GLOW & BIONUTRI NECK TREATMENTS WHAT IS NCTF 135HA BY FILLMED?

Developed and loved by the French, who certainly seem to know how to age gracefully, over 40-years of research and development have gone into to FILLMED’s celebrated NCTF® (New Cellular Treatment Factor).

This little cocktail is a unique PRO aging, polyrevitalising complex that hydrates the dermis (middle layer) by providing the ingredients it needs to thrive.

BEFORE Made with hyaluronic acid and 59 other ingredients, including amino acids, vitamins and minerals, NCTF stimulates the skin without changing the facial features The difficult eye and neck areas can be rejuvenated, or expressions, and alternative or an adjunct to your smoothed and firmed. anti -wrinkle injections.

HOW IS NCTF 135HA USED? Containing free HA, NCTF smooths out fine lines, deeply nourishes, and increases the health and quality of the skin by boosting fibroblast activity to form new collagen, elastin and our own Hyaluronic Acid, resulting in naturally enhanced, hydrated, smooth and radiant skin.

AFTER

NCTF can be applied topically with a SkinPen microneedling treatment or injected superficially with mesotherapy techniques (including our new BioNutri Glow/BioNutri Neck/BeautifEYE)

FILLMED BEAUTIFEYE

This unique treatment has been developed to treat and target the fine and fragile skin around the eyes.

Great for treating dark circles, aging skin, crow’s Natural yet effective and ideal for all ages, NCTF is feet, fine lines, wrinkles, vascular, pigmentation used for the prevention and correction of enlarged and generally brightening the eye area. A powerful pores, skin laxity, fine lines and wrinkles, blemishes combination of FILLMED’s and pigmentation. NCTF treatments help the skin to NCTF injected to fine lines and dark circles around retain essential moisture and leave the skin looking the eye area, together with lymphatic drainage glowing, radiant and more youthful. massage, FILLMED’s Skin Perfusion Eye Recover NCTF is used in a range of treatments to address Mask and a Celluma phototherapy treatment to skin concerns on the face, neck, hands and décolleté. finish addresses puffiness, dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles, and helps to lift the eyelid, hydrate the eye area and restore radiance.

WHAT CONDITIONS/ISSUES DOES NCTF 135HA TREAT?

FILLMED BIO NUTRI NECK

FILLMED’s NCTF treatment can be delivered to the neck, décolleté and hands to restore skin quality, increase density, reduce lines and wrinkles and tighten the skin. A unique treatment to treat the neck and décolleté area, which is often neglected, improve hydration,

stimulate collagen using the Nanosoft needle technology and the NCTF135HA serum. Improve the signs of aging, hydration, skin density, pigmentation and brightening. This treatment is also great to improve the skin density in neck lines.

Contact the clinic for further info or check our Facebook page for introductory offers.

Local Women Magazine | 91

JANUARY SALE 3 .25 1 .25 THE FESTIVITIES CONTINUE HALF PRICE 100ML

4.99 SALES WITH JANUARY AT GORDONS CHEMISTS HALF PRICE 60PK

T

he longest month of the year is upon us and the only way to beat those January blues is to, not only treat yourself but, eagerly splash the cash on our fabulous January Sales as Gordons Chemists are back again with even bigger and better savings!

3.25

After the predetermined Christmas overabundance HALF PRICE on gift giving, why not gift yourself with a special something or two? It’s time to relax and unwind, you deserve it after all! Enjoy a postChristmas cleanse with the Garnier Skinactive Micellar Rose Water for only £3.25 or get the Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes for just £2.99!!

fresh with the Zoflora Odour Remover & Disinfectant 500ml for a whopping £2.99!

Keep your Omega 3, 6 & 9, along with your

2.99

Start the New Year fresh with Oral-B 3D White Luxe Perfection 75ml 500ML for HALF PRICE! Wash away the dreaded January Blues with Head & Shoulders Classic Clean 250ml for an outstanding £1.79! We know life isn’t perfect, but your hair can be! Get that soft finishing touch with Nivea Men Sensitive Post Shave Balm 100ml for ONLY £3.25 – double the relief at just half the price!

We all know that 2021 will be the year of both health and hygiene so why not stock your cupboards with all of the cleaning supplies, toiletries and everyday essentials you could ever need? Keep your hands softHALF andPRICE sanitary with Dettol 75ML E45 Liquid Hand Wash for an amazing £1.25! Keep your home smelling and feeling

2.49

1.79

Vitamins D & E, topped up to the max with Paradox Omega Capsules 60pk for HALF PRICE – high in Omega but low in price!

250ML

Keep up to date with our FABULOUS weekly offers, competitions and exciting

product

launches,

by

following us on Facebook: www. facebook.com/gordonschemists.

We’ve got lots of amazing deals coming your way and all of our stores remain open.

With 54 stores across Northern Ireland, we have a store near you, or if you want to avoid the crowds, you can catch our outstanding deals

2.99

online at www.gordonsdirect.com

DONEGAL & ULSTER’S WEDDING VENUE OFT HE YEAR 2019

W e d t c d e f i n r e g P V e e h n ue T Book your appointment with the Wedding team to view our hotel setup for a typical Wedding!

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To make an enquiry please contact our Wedding Team on sales@ballyliffinlodge.com or +353 74 93 78200

www.ballyliffinlodge.com Local Women Magazine | 93

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94 | Local Women Magazine

New Year New Bathroom

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BEAT THE JANUARY BLUES WITH A RED

Crack open a bottle of Kellyʼs Patch Merlot 2012 - the perfect wine to accompany some tasty home cooking.

“This fabulously deep garnet coloured wine jumps at you with intense aromas of ripe plums and sweet cherries, which carry through to the palate with their ripe fruit flavours and it displays a lovely rounded character.

There are hints of spice thanks to some French oak and fine, soft tannins to enjoy. This wine is easy to sip as it is but lends itself brilliantly to all sorts of tasty Tapas and rich tomatoey pasta dishes to name but a few.”

Maureen Coleman

Local Women Featureʼs Editor

Local Women Magazine | 95

STAY INDEPENDENT WITH CAUSEWAY MOBILITY Shop local for mobility equipment at Causeway Mobility Centre where proprietor Gerry McEwan provides unrivalled customer care and back-up.

For 15 years Causeway Mobility Centre has been providing an extensive range of equipment, gadgets and aids to make the things you might find difficult, easier.

Proprietor Gerry McEwan said,

“I’ve made it my

business to provide the right equipment for each customer’s individual needs, and it seems to be a successful strategy. If you’re not sure if there’s something that could help you, please call me and ask.”

The range includes everything from mobility scooters to powerchairs, wheelchairs, stairlifts, bathlifts, electric beds, rise and recline armchairs and more.

Causeway Mobility carries a considerable stock in their showroom, but if it’s not already in the shop it can be ordered in within a few days.

They also offer prompt service and repair for the equipment that

they

internet

sell,

retailers

something from

the

“When you rely on your scooter or riser recline armchair for example, it’s nice to know that the man in the shop will come round and fix it,” said Gerry.

“That’s what our customers want – an excellent product with great back-up.”

Mobility aids can be the difference between struggling with everyday tasks and managing independently. Live independently with Causeway Mobility.

To request a consultation or a quote, call 028 7035 8866, click www.causewaymobility.co.uk. or visit Causeway Mobility Centre at Lodge Health, Lodge Manor, Coleraine.

Shop local – get better back-up, speedy service and keep jobs and money local.

mainland can’t match.

WWW.CAUSEWAYMOBILITY.CO.UK | 028 7035 8866 | INFO@CAUSEWAYMOBILITY.CO.UK 96 | Local Women Magazine

TREATING DRY EYE The experts at Chemist Connect offer advice on treatments to deal with dry eye.

Did you know:

Things to consider when choosing eye drops or artificial tears:

Some benefits to choosing eyelids cleansing wipes are:

• 7 out of 10 people experience dry eyes

•

•

Convenience – wipes are ready-to-use, with no additional pads required

•

Perfect for if you are on the go – easy to carry in your bag or pocket

• 80% of people who experience dry eye issues will benefit from eyelid cleansing •

•

Some people may find their eyes are easily irritated by preservatives, especially if they suffer from moderate to severe dry eye symptoms. Here, using eye drops that are preservative free is recommended

• Also a cleansing treatment plan – when managing inflammation or infection of the eyelids There are many causes of dry eye and this can influence the type of eye drops needed to 4. HEAT PADS treat the condition. For example, if you suffer from allergies, an eye drop that contains an Heat pads for eyes mimic the benefits of using a warm compress to alleviate dry eye antihistamine would be recommended. symptoms. Although they cannot cure dry eye, Some people significantly overuse artificial they can provide relief for the following dry tears eye drops, causing them to wash away eye conditions: their natural tears. Prolonged use and/or overuse can cause a dependency on the • Dry eye disease drops to soothe and moisturize the eyes, as • Inflamed eyes well as protect delicate eye layers. Use OTC • Blepharitis, eye drops only as directed by the packaging • Painful eyes, or your doctor • Sore eyes

Dry eye is a condition where the surface of the eye becomes inflamed and sore due to a poor relationship between the tear film and the eyelids.

This might be because your eyes are not producing Things to consider when using eye drops or enough tears, or that the chemistry of the tear film is artificial tears: out of balance. The most common cause is chronic • Before using eye drops, it is important to inflammation of the eyelids. wash your hands properly. This is to protect 5 WAYS TO TREAT DRY EYE SYMPTOMS your eyes from any bacteria.

•

General eye irritations

By unblocking the meibomian glands, tear quality is improved, which in turn has positive benefits for eye health, vision and comfort.

5. EYE NUTRITION Try to ensure the dropper does not get in contact with the eyes, lashes or eyelid.

As we age, we become more conscious of looking Some benefits to using eye drops are: after our health. This includes looking after our • If there is a separate dropper and it touches • Eye drops offer moisture to your eyes eye health. Foods and their nutrients are key in the eye, do not use it again, throw it and buy • Eye drops help to relieve dryness and improving not only our eye health but also our a new one. If you insert that again into the irritation, promoting comfort. overall health. Vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, bottle, the liquid will be contaminated. zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids all play a • Eyes drops provide relief to burning, stinging • Never use anyone else’s ointment and if role in eye health. and irritated eyes applying eye ointment to someone else, use Specifically, omega-3s help soothe inflammation in 2. EYE LUBRICANTS AKA ARTIFICIAL TEARS gloves where possible. your eyelids or on the surface of your eye. They Eye lubricants are essentially eye drops that help 3. EYELID WIPES may also help your tears do their job better. An your tear film work more effectively. Lubricating eye omega-3-rich diet helps glands in your eye called Eyelid Wipes are made to gently clean away drops, aka artificial tears, meibomian glands make the oily part of your tears. debris on the eyelid and eyelashes, such as • add moisture to the eyes to relieve dry eye crusting and stickiness, and to revive tired The oil helps keep your tears from drying up too quickly in your eye. discomfort eyes. Ideal for use as part of a daily eye • keep the eye moist, hygiene programme.

Products to treat dry eye are available from Chemist • help to protect the eye from injury and When you blink, you spread tear film over the Connect stores or online at www.chemistconnect. com and www.chemistconnect.ie infection, and surface of the eyes, moisturizing and nourishing • decrease symptoms of dry eyes such as burning, them. This also protects them from foreign particles, An online consultation with a pharmacist can be arranged for this and any other condition. eg. Dust. itching, and feeling as if something is in the eye.

1. EYE DROPS

•

www.chemistconnect.com | www.chemistconnect.ie Local Women Magazine | 97

FIREPLACES | GRANITE WORKTOPS | BAR COUNTERS | VANITY TOPS WIDE RANGE OF STOVES: MULTI-FUEL | ELECTRIC | GAS

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New Year, New Possibilities

German Kitchens and Bedroom specialists Newmac Interiors | Unit 4 | 126 Tamnamore Road | Dungannon | BT71 6HW (Directly at the M1 freeway junction 14)

T: 028 8723 7172 | E: info@newmacinteriors.co.uk

www.newmacinteriors.co.uk

WE’RE ALL ABOUT THAT ARM CANDY!

The three handbag styles every woman needs in her life – and there are all available at Kular Fashion.

We’re delighted to launch our amazing new Premium Ladies Handbag range at Kular Fashion. So far, we’ve introduced you to stunning collections from Michael Kors and Coach, with lots more brands to be announced throughout the year. Keep your eyes peeled.

that arm candy right now, and when you see this beautiful new range, we think you will be too.

For this month’s column, we decided to look at the three different bag styles that we think every woman should have in their wardrobe in 2021. And if you don’t have them already, Tell the truth, are you more of shoes or a treat yourself this January – we all deserve a handbag kind of woman? We’re all about little treat after 2020!

The Every Day

This style of bag is perfect for those days when you need to wear many different ‘hats’. Whether you’re a workaholic, super mom or travel extraordinaire (or all of the above, ‘cause we can do it all). It’s got lots of different compartments for lots of different things between work and home life. It’s big, reliable, and you’ll fit everything in it including the kitchen sink.

We’d recommend sticking to a neutral or black colourway for this style of bag, as it will go with just about everything in your wardrobe.

An alternative to the ‘every-day’ bag is a backpack. It’s slowly but surely becoming a popular choice as it allows you to go hands-free without compromising on space or size. These Michael Kors backpacks are not only stunning but can fit lots inside. Who said a backpack can’t be cool?

PHOTOGRAPHY: Neil McLaughlin Instagram: @neilmclaughlinphototours

The Cross Body

One of the most versatile bags you could own, the cross body is a definite must-have in your 2021 wardrobe. The cross-body will take you from day to night seamlessly, and works with both formal and casual outfits alike.

This style of bag is particularly great for travel or those busy days out. Keep all your belongings safe at the front of your person while remaining hands-free.

Whether you like something a little more casual like this tan leather style from Coach, or something with added glam like this Michael Kors style, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for at Kular Fashion.

These quilted styles are giving us serious Chanel vibes at a fraction of the cost.

The ‘Grab & Go’

Sometimes you don’t need a bag, as it only works as a distraction or encourages you to bring more than you need. I’m a huge lover of just grabbing my purse if I’m nipping to the shops quickly, or heading out for a walk.

These wristlet styles from Michael Kors are great as not only do they come with a strap that you can wrap around your wrist (hence the name), but they are also big enough to hold your smartphone. A win-win situation for those quick shopping trips.

They come in either the cream or brown colourway and of course, they match some of the bigger bags on offer.

Visit our brand new Premium Ladies Handbag range in-store now on level one.

Shop online 24/7 at

www.kularfashion.com Ferryquay Street | Derry~Londonderry | 028 7126 1326 @kularfashion

kularfashion Local Women Magazine | 101

HAVE YOU HERD ABOUT THE HR ELEPHANT?

Our mission is the three E’s- We want to Embrace, Educate and Enable every business on this island to effectively lead and guide their ‘herd’ to success.

Welcome to our final newsletter of the year. It is hard to believe we are saying this already, but I think there will be plenty of people extremely glad to see an end to 2020. We hope 2021 will be a much more positive one for all of us.

We always have a ‘glass half full attitude’ at The HR Elephant and 2020 for us had some high points. We took on some great new additions to the Herd and we celebrated our continuous growth.

I would like to sincerely thank each one of my Herd for their work and dedication over the past 12 months. I would like to give a special mention for Niamh Murphy who recently celebrated her first anniversary with the HR Elephant. I would also like to thank each one of you for trusting us with your people related activity, in what has been such a year of upheaval for businesses and the people they employ.

We have some exciting plans for 2021 and we look forward to sharing them with you in the new year. Our Herd will be taking a well earned break this Christmas as we were busier than ever this year. At times like this you realise the importance of family. We are looking forward to spending time with each of ours.

All that remains for me to say is I wish you and your family and friends a very safe, healthy and Happy Christmas. Thank you for your business in 2020 and we look forward to working with you in 2021.

HR CONSULTANCY

RECRUITMENT & SELECTION

2020 REVIEW We really valued your custom this year and we would like to thank you for choosing The HR Elephant.

We hope that the Herd contributed positively into your business. As we review our year, we would really appreciate your views.

We would be delighted if you would take five minutes to complete our client satisfaction form so we can continue to improve our service offering and our business in 2021. https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/2VDF2WT Thank you.

CONTRACTS & WORKPLACE POLICIES

TRAINING

CV BUILDING, COACHING & CAREER GUIDANCE

SIGN UP TO OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER To stay up to date with News & Views from The HR Elephant!! Sent directly to your inbox each month!

Free sign up at http://eepurl.com/hhucCz

57 Monaghan Street | Newry | BT35 6AY T: +44 2830 825304 E: info@thehrelephant.com @TheHRElephant

thehrelephant

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New Year, New You...

Happy New Year to all our amazing Local Women readers! With the new year, we want to invest in our skin and rid the skin of all those (delicious) indulgences over Christmas. Here are my top skin care products and recommendations for January 2021!

Want an all in one product that will act as your primer, moisturiser and cleanser - all in one. then try the hero that is Embryolisse Lait Creme Moisturiser. £25.00 Make Up Pro Store/ Boots UK. This is an all in one multi use product and will hydrate and prep your skin for the day ahead.

You can use this as a make up remover, a moisturiser to hydrate and prep the skin and will also act as a primer to help your foundation last longer throughout the day.

For a moisturiser I always recommend something that will hydrate your skin, but will not be emollient on the skin, as a busy woman on the go, needs to have a moisturiser that is fast acting and melts onto the skin seamlessly. For this I

to gently exfoliate the surface of the skin leaving it silky smooth and soft to the touch.

Cucumber extract, rich in Vitamin C, a natural anti-oxidant, moisturises as it soothes and refreshes.

recommend using Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation Perfecting Moisturiser. £36.00.

Sheer Transformation® Perfecting Moisturizer delivers weightless hydration and luminous perfection. With its whipped, silky texture, this bestselling multitasker imparts essential moisture to the skin as it gently refines uneven skin tone and texture.

Ensuring a well-maintained skincare routine will ensure your skin is enriched with the ingredients it needs. The skin is so specific, as we all know, so it is so important for you to diagnose the needs of your skin. So for example, if your skin is excessively red, search and use products that contain cooling and soothing ingredients that will help with this for eg Aloe Vera. One product that springs to mind with this is The Body Shop Aloe Vera Day Cream £14.00. This moisturiser is perfect for sensitive skin as it gently smoothes over dry patches, it is lightweight so absorbs into the skin instantly, perfect for anyone who does not enjoy a thick or emollient texture on the skin.

It is so important to invest in a suitable and tailored exfoliator that will rid your skin of dead skin cells, impurities in the skin and clear your pores. For this I recommend you try Elemis Rose Exfoliator Smoothing skin polish £32.50.

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Mother of the Bride FROM GASP BOUTIQUE, ARMAGH. Wishing you all a very Happy New Year , I hope 2021 brings you all an abundance of health this year and we can all look back on 2020 as a stronger Country. Just knowing that this year we will have so many positive things happen in our lives is something to very much look forward to.

This month I decided to open my column with an article on Mother of the bride, after all weddings are still going ahead even if the numbers are limited so it is the new year and if you have a special daughter or daughter in law getting married this year you will need to celebrate the day in style , so just keep in mind that it is also your time to shine brightly too! Here at Gasp Armagh we are one of Northern Ireland and Ireland’s leading boutiques specialising in mother of the bride outfits, designer brands such as John Charles, Sonia Pena, and Carla Ruiz, to name a few .

Gasp has always been known for the destination boutique for sourcing the very best brands and designs for all your needs.

We pride ourselves in customer service and we have a very long history for Mother of the bride Outfits that are unique, stylish and less traditional if required.

Whether you are looking for a whole outfit or even just a jacket or accessories to finish off the look, here at GASP we have a chock full of amazing labels and latest

trends and carry an extensive range of dresses also, we cover all colours, designs, shapes and sizes ranging from sizes 8 to 26!

If you know your style and have a good idea of what you want, you can still be truly unique and Wow At your wedding , all you need is a little guidance from our well trained team of stylists who truly pride themselves in helping you find that perfect outfit.

Please note that due to Covid safety we are taking personal appointments in advance as

we are getting booked up fairly quickly and we would like to give you that special attention that you deserve .

disinterested, but if that happens, don’t sweat it you’ve been heard.

Whether you’re the mother of the bride or the mother of the groom, there is a certain ‘look’ that people will expect from you timeless, tailored and above all very elegant and chic.

Some will swear by the “rule” that all the dresses must coordinate.

And some brides really love that matchymatchy look. But there are countless alternatives.

Maybe stay within one colour spectrum if the bridesmaids dress happens to be baby blue for instance the mother of the bride can wear navy. But mixing and matching can be ultra-stylish too.

What’s most important, however, is that everyone feels comfortable and beautiful, so come along to visit us here at Gasp we will do our very best to look after you!

It would be advisable and probably expected of you to notify the mother of the groom (presumably to prevent overdressing, clashing colours, and other fashion ideas) And while it’s certainly good form, it’s not a requirement especially if you’re worried about been pushy or bossy.

That said, the mother of the groom might really appreciate and even expect a heads up. I Have had so many Mother of the brides come in looking for an outfit and they are worried that the mother of the groom might wear the same colour etc so its best that you subtly pass the details along or better yet, give her a call yourself. Try to sound as friendly “I finally found a dress that fits! Do you know what you’re wearing yet?” Chances are the mother of the groom will want to know more. Of course, she might be totally

Another bit of advice is to start shopping for your outfit as soon as possible. If you must put it off because you are trying to shape up or you just dread the idea of shopping in general, you still really need to aim to have made a decision at least six months before the wedding it will also let the groom’s mom know so she can get her outfit orgainsed plus by doing this you can also get the father of the brides colour scheme in place also.

That’s all for this Month ladies, if you would like more information on the extensive range of our Mother of the brides designer labels,

sizes, accessories , hats, footwear, headpieces and alterations please feel free to visit us here at Gasp we are open six days a week and would love to see you!

Regards

Ann Doyle

Proprietor of Gasp Boutique Armagh

RHONDA’S LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS! MAGHERAFELT MUM RHONDA O’NEILL DREAMED OF CONVERTING A CAMPER VAN AND TRAVELING ACROSS EUROPE – AND SHE DIDN’T LET A SERIOUS ILLNESS STAND IN HER WAY.

L

iving with a debilitating illness isn’t easy as Rhonda O’Neill from Magherafelt knows only too well.

Rhonda, a classroom assistant, suffers from a serious neurological condition called Autonomic Neuropathy which affects every single part of her body.

She often spends time in hospital and most nights she can’t sleep properly because of the pain.

However, she refuses to let her illness stand in her way and last summer embarked on an unusual project to distract her from her suffering.

The mum-of-two decided to do a van conversion and create the campervan of her dreams. At times when she couldn’t sleep due to her illness, Rhonda got up and worked on her van – even planning the conversion from her hospital bed.

She says she started her latest project to remind herself that no illness can define a person or limit their dreams.

Rhonda, 47, a special needs classroom assistant at Kilronan School explains: “My condition is fuelled by very rare breast tumours. I have an ileostomy, catheters, a sacral nerve stimulator, gastroparesis, osteoporosis, blood pressure and heart problems as well as visual problems. “Everything that works automatically or autonomically for everyone else, doesn’t work for me.

“In the future I will most likely need a second stoma and a feeding tube as my stomach is

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Rhonda O’Neill

paralysed. I have involuntary jerks when I fall asleep but awake violently sick every morning at 4am. But I will never let it slow me down or beat me.”

Rhonda decided to buy a van which she nicknamed ‘Vanessa’ – but disaster struck the very next day when she was admitted to hospital.

However, as Rhonda tells Local Women – nothing could stand in the way of her vanlife dream!

be enough to put most people off a major project!

I Know! I was vomiting up blood, so I had to have an NJ tube and was in hospital for three weeks.While I lay in hospital, I did not dwell on the tubes, I sat from morning to night researching everything I needed to create my conversion. I researched, how to insulate her and ordered it online, I researched different lay outs and different interiors and I wanted her to be homely.The doctors came round every So, you bought a van – but the next day morning and were fascinated at my ideas were admitted to hospital. This would and asked for progress updates, nurses

from other wards would come to look at my ideas. By the time I got home my hall was like Santa’s grotto and full of absolutely everything I needed to work on my van.The very next day my husband went back to work and left me strict instructions to rest.The second I got him out the door, I was straight out to my van which I nicknamed ‘Vanessa’ and removed her bulkhead and the wooden lining that was in her.

Why did you decide to do a van conversion?

I first became interested in ‘vanlife’ during the first lockdown. I absolutely love the sea. It is my happy place. No matter what I suffer, I can go there, and everything disappears. I took up body boarding this year and was struggling to squeeze in and out of my wet suit in my tiny yellow beetle. I priced buying a campervan and I and thought what fantastic fun it would be to build one myself.

Have you ever done anything like this before?

I wish I could say this is my first crazy project, but it is very far from it.This summer I built two large fishponds in my garden, created six vegetable patches growing every vegetable imaginable and created a bee garden. I also built a large green house out of old pallets.

I absolutely love building. My husband despairs. In the post one day arrived an electric saw, a power drill, a sledgehammer, a crowbar and a set of false eye lashes.

What work did you have to do to ‘Vanessa’ and how much did it cost?

The cost of converting her was £3000. I had to insulate her first, then build the bed frame, then put the tongue and groove around the walls. My friends were unbelievable. Jamie Hamilton and Michael Wilson are two road racers, and they came and cut the holes in the roof for my roof windows. My dad was simply amazing, he encouraged me every step of

the way. I tiled the floor and another friend helped me fit the 12v leisure battery. I put tongue and groove on the ceiling and made a pull-out table with 90 degree locking hinges underneath and a pull-out kitchen with gas stove.

Where did you get your inspiration?

I got my inspiration from pictures of campervans that I saw on Pinterest, but most my ideas were my own as I wanted a country look.

How long did it take?

It only took me three weeks.The thing is when you wake at 3am to be sick, you are up for the day. I made good use of this time.

Although the work was hard and believe me nobody fully has any comprehension of the level of suffering I endure every day, I loved every single second of it.

What did people say when you told them you were going to do this project?

When I told people about this project, I got the same response from most. Total disbelief, total shock. Most thought I could not do it.

Many thought I should not do it taking my health into consideration. Some men told me to stick to the ironing and the cleaning and yet, my true friends, those who know and love me understood the motives behind this and were so supportive. They reminded me that I could do anything I put my mind to.When you are a tiny 5-foot blonde, never mind a very sickly one, you have something to prove. People ask me why I am always smiling whilst doing my crazy antics - it’s because of this. My illness has taken many many things from me - my dignity, my appearance but it will never rob me of my joy. Never! I have lost the ability to worry about what anyone thinks of me because I have endured so much.

Others will never comprehend that all that matters is how I see myself and that is not a quitter.

Where will you go to for your first van adventure?

On my first van adventure I would like to go to Castlerock Beach but after that I would very much like to tour Europe.

Have you made friends during this project?

The number of friends that I have met during this project has been unbelievable. I posted my van on various websites and in total I have over 6000 comments. Mostly positive. I have made many new friends.

What’s your next project?

I long to set up my own business converting vans, lorries, horse boxes, cattle trailers into homes and businesses at this very difficult time. I am trying to set up my own company called Staycation Delights. Most of all, I would love a double decker bus to work on. The possibilities with that are endless. Some people think I am crazy, that I should lie down and rest. Believe me there are many times when I have no choice but to. But personally, I think those people who do not get up every day and be thankful for this wonderful life that we have been given are the crazy ones.

I hope to hire my campervan out through a company which has shown an interest.The money I make from this, I wish to give to the school where I work.The children and young people there are examples of resounding courage, they teach me more every day than I can ever teach them. I have a few surgeries ahead but God willing, I will fulfil these dreams.

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HELPING VICTIMS OF SEXUAL TRAUMA SEXUAL TRAUMA CHARITY RECEIVES FUNDING TO ADDRESS WAITING LIST

A

local charity that provides a range of counselling services to help victims and survivors of sexual trauma cope with the long-term impact of their experience has received additional funding.

With over 1,000 people currently awaiting counselling and waiting lists steadily increasing, Nexus have welcomed funding from the Health and Social Care Board to provide an additional 4,480 counselling sessions per year.

The specialist support organisation which provides 12,200 counselling sessions annually has faced unprecedented challenges as they adapted and changed how they deliver their vital services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The additional funding will help provide a space where more survivors can receive support to enable explore their traumatic experiences.

The increased capacity the funding has brought will enable counsellors to provide support to even more victims and to those who have previously have had no, or very little, support and have had to cope with ongoing issues including mental health, social isolation, stigma, social attitudes, post-traumatic stress, anger, resentment and behaviour issues.

Nexus counsellors will continue to work with complex problems and explore the sometimes intense and complicated feelings that a survivor experiences, ensuring that any traumatic memories can be worked through together with the counsellor.

Brenda Kelly, chief executive officer of Nexus said: “With demand for our counselling services continuing to rise, this gratefully received funding is a welcome contribution to the increasing need for specialist services among victims and survivors of all forms of sexual trauma. This funding will enable more people to access the support they greatly need’.

The service Nexus provides is so vital to victims and survivors of sexual trauma with one recent client commenting: “Counselling helped me find my strength and confidence to deal with my issues and it has given me the courage to speak out; not ignore my problems but to face them. Finally, after 40 years of struggling I am now able to see that these dreadful things were not my fault in anyway nor could I have prevented them happening.”

Marie Roulston, director social care and children at Health and Social Care Board, said: “We are delighted to have secured additional funding for the Nexus contract that is managed by the Social Care Directorate of the HSCB. “From a population perspective the impact of high profile media cases has raised the awareness of sexual violence across the globe 42

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Local Women Magazine

Brenda Kelly and has given people the confidence to come forward to seek help.

The funding will make a significant difference to the Nexus waiting list that been under increasing pressure for some time.

“It will be the victims of sexual violence who will benefit from the increase in funding for counselling services who will not have to wait as long to receive counselling for the trauma they have suffered. It will also give victims the opportunity to begin their recovery from the trauma of sexual violence at an earlier stage.

“HSCB will continue to work with Nexus to identify the needs of victims of sexual violence across Northern Ireland, and are confident that the additional funding will make a difference for sexual violence counselling services”.

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LW WEDDINGS

Rachel Gareth BRIDE: Rachel Mc Callion from Derry; Daughter of Daniel and Jane Mc Callion GROOM: Gareth Mc Ginley from Derry; Son of Kieran and Ann Mc Ginley WEDDING DATE: 04.09.2020 CEREMONY: St Patrick’s Church, Pennyburn RECEPTION: Villa Rose, Ballybofey BRIDESMAIDS: Lauren Mc Callion and Leona O’Kane BEST MAN: Marty Mc Connellogue GROOMSMEN: Nigel Duffy PHOTOGRAPHER: Gerard Gormley and Jamie Mollison HAIR: Eamonn Muldoon at Reflections MAKE-UP: Kendra Hetherington DRESS: Amore Bridal FLOWERS: John Paul Florist

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The future of design

As an award-winning interior designer, Donna Monteith knows how to keep ahead of the trends that you will love in 2021.

As an experienced and award-winning interior designer, Donna Monteith is always ahead of the curve when it comes to what her customers want.

Donna cleverly mixes classic styling with new influences, creating interiors that make the most of your space and that you will adore.

2020, more than any other year, saw an incredible amount of change and of course this is reflected in how we live our lives and will have a dramatic impact on how we design and furnish our homes over the next 12 months.

Covid-19 and the subsequent restrictions mean that we are staying at home more and really taking a look at our living spaces and how to get the most from them.

Here Donna takes a look at the top five trends that you will love in 2021, from a love of natureinspired colours to even more smart technology in the home.

WHITE KITCHENS

With more and more people enjoying cooking at home, the kitchen has become the hardest-working room in the house.

As we spend more time in the kitchen, we are looking towards neutral, light-enhancing choices with sleek white units which reflect a pandemic-fuelled desire for clean-looking cooking spaces. Stunning white kitchens offer an uncluttered feel and a stripped back minimalist feel.

NATURE INSPIRED PALETTES

Elsewhere in our homes, it’s all about bringing the outside in. With restrictions on movement, it is more important than ever to incorporate nature into our interiors. Donna predicts that warm earth tones, such as burnt umber, terracotta and clay and contrasting forest colours like sage, pine and turquoise will be strong choices for 2021. These colours are perfectly complemented by natural

materials such as rattan, jute, wood and concrete which are all popular textures in interior design.

HOME OFFICES

2021 was the year we all started to work from home, with households having to live, work and play in one space during lockdown.

As a result, design experts like Donna have had to rework spaces in homes suited to the ‘new normal’.

Clever storage solutions have never been more important and spare bedrooms have to serve a dual function. Homeowners now need a spare bedroom that can double as an office while many of us work from home for the foreseeable future.

Donna’s design skills really come into the fore here as she uses her expertise to maximise space.

SMARTER HOMES

At Monteith Interiors, Donna works with a wide range of experts who can add all the high-tech designs into your home.

As technology continues to innovate and more household items can be controlled remotely, expect to see voice recognition tech used more commonly in the home, avoiding the need to touch switches, household appliances and remote controls, all common germ hotspots.

No-touch technology is likely to become more sought-after for the bathroom, too, with sensor-controlled taps and lights rising in popularity.

GET IN TOUCH TODAY Visit Donna in her stunning new interior design studio, where she will work with you during a consultation and plan the project from concept to completion.

She is there to assist you, showing you mood boards and schemes as well as letting you browse around the studio where you can see beautiful displays of luxury branded soft furnishings, curtains, accessories and wallpapers.

CONSULTATION IS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

NEW STUDIO NOW OPEN: Carryduff Road, Temple, Lisburn| W: www.monteithinteriors.co.uk CONSULTATIONS AVAILABLE: Contact me on 07545 243500 or via social media for more information

Local Women Magazine | 135

Diamond House, 63/65 Hill Street, Newry, BT34 1AF T. 028 3026 3379 | R.O.I. 048 3026 3379 E: diamonds@jmj.ie | www.jackmurphyjewellers.com