Local Women Magazine Down Edition May 2021 by Local Women Magazine

www.shannonsboutique.com

YOUR BESTSELLING LOCAL MAGAZINE ONLY

£1

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

Weddings

The wedding of Roisin Grant from Cabra and Padraig McManus from Ballygalget

Lurgan singer

EMMA HORAN SHANNON’S BOUTIQUE

MAY 2021 EDITION

turns her passion for singing into a career

Put a spring in your step with a BARISTA BAR half price reusable cup

- see pages 10 & 11

DRUMANESS MUM

COVER GIRL: Slimming World consultant

SHARON MCMAHON

LOUISE JOHNSTON

REACHES OUT TO OTHER PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS ISSN 2515-5016

from Markethill

9 772515

501006

WELCOME BACK TO BEAUTIFUL SKIN Younique Aesthetics Clinic’s Michelle McConville gives you a warm welcome back and discusses the latest treatments you need to get a glowing, youthful post-lockdown complexion. PRODUCT OF THE MONTH Y SKINCARE PREPARE DAILY SOOTHING CLEANSER Prepare is an anti-aging cleanser that

formulated

with

natural

calming properties and fragrant To say we are ecstatic to ﬁnally welcome back our clients is an understatement. Not only are we delighted to be back carrying out our fabulous ‘tweakments’ and enhancing our clients’ natural beauty, but we are also over the moon with our classic new signage and branding. We think it looks amazing, just like our clients when they leave the clinic.

BRAND OF THE MONTH Y SKINCARE

sweet orange oil to care for your skin. It also contains jojoba oils that are clinically proven to have antioxidant and skin softening properties. We recommend applying Prepare to damp skin and massaging it gently. It is then removed with a clean, warm, damp cloth. Once it is patted dry continue with the second cleanse and follow the same routine. Prepare is priced at £38 and is available to purchase in clinic or younique-online.com.

Early last year BL (before lockdown) we decided to shake things up, starting with the Younique logo.

DOUBLE CLEANSING

Once the decision was made to change

Cleansing is the most important step

Younique from blue to gold, silver and

in your skincare routine, morning and

white, we thought what better time to

evening.

rebrand the Younique Clinical range and

The importance of double cleansing is

introduce to you the Y Skincare range.

that the ﬁrst cleanse is to rid the skin of any

Your favourites are all back in stock

traces of makeup, dirt or excess oils.

including cleansers, Prepare Daily Cleanser

The second cleanse addresses your skin

and Reveal our bestselling glycolic wash (a ﬁrm favourite with teens) as well as Vitamin C-10 and C-20, Hydrate Serum (all the girls in clinic include this product in their daily

All our Y Skincare range is available to purchase in clinic or online. If you would like information on any of the above

skincare routine). Protect Tinted SPF 50

products or any Y Skincare products you

and Recover Night Cream are also back

can arrange a consultation with one of our

in stock.

highly trained therapists.

type or concerns, and this is when you are actually cleaning the skin leaving it smooth and radiant. Remember, when choosing a cleanser, it should clean the skin leaving it dehydrated and refreshed NOT sore and tight.

TREATMENT OF THE MONTH VENUS VERSA TRIBELLA Tribella is still very much in demand at

Younique

get

lots

questions about this three in one skin resurfacing treatment. Tribella consists of three technologies:

1: IPL PHOTO FACIAL This helps even out skin tone, eliminates pigmentation

and

discoloration

and

revealing an overall brighter skin complexion.

2: RADIO FREQUENCY TECHNOLOGY This is a skin tightening treatment, plumping collagen to the surface of the skin softening ﬁne lines and leaving you with an overall tightened and ﬁrm effect.

3: NANO FRACTIONAL This is excellent for those suffering from large pores, ﬁne lines and deep wrinkles, leaving you with a rejuvenated youthful appearance. Results can be seen after one treatment but for full results a course of three is recommended. This image is of our client before and after a course of three treatments and the results speak for itself. This three in one treatment is ideal for those wanting to get rid of their lockdown skin or to solve more than one skin concern at a time. Please call any of our clinics for information on our offers.

TIKTOK SKIN CARE TRENDS: TRY OR AVOID TikTok skincare advice is taking social media by storm at the minute. Since starting to write the column I have been watching lots of skincare hacks. One I saw recently was @rogerwh0 who used Vaseline

and

clingﬁlm

try

and

remove

blackheads from his nose. He got a cotton bud and rubbed the Vaseline over his nose. He then covered his nose with cling ﬁlm, and placed a hot, damp face cloth for 30 seconds. Once the cling ﬁlm was removed, he wiped his nose and rubbed a cleansing oil to the area and rubbed until the Vaseline came off. Again, he got

CELEBRITY SKINCARE HACKS

a clean cotton bud and rubbed in downward

It is believed that Victoria Beckham is a fan of a

motions to remove the blackheads.

traditional Japanese Geisha facial.

Did it work? According to @rogerwh0, it didn’t!

Apparently, to get Victoria’s glowing skin there

I asked our Skin Therapist Aileen

is one key ingredient, wait for it… bird poo! The

paste

made

from

her opinion.

nightingale

Aileen says: “Avoid - There

droppings. If anyone reading this is brave

are better ways to de-

enough to ﬁnd somewhere that carries

clog pores. Try using a

out these facials and have one, please

clay mask or a product

let us know what you thought and most

containing AHAs and

importantly - did you get glowing skin?

BHAs.

contact

I’d much prefer one of our Obagi Blue

us to book in for a

Radience or Alumier peels.

suction facial.”

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

/youniqueaestheticsclinic

Younique Aesthetics Newry

MONDAY

PORTADOWN

ARMAGH

Ellie 07775449651

Patricia 07842654648 Geraldine 07587254669

CRAIGAVON

SATURDAY

PORTADOWN

Isabel 07980747155

Mandy 07523235553 Patricia 07842654648

TUESDAY PORTADOWN

Phyllis 07795152342

LURGAN

Ann 07540086197

PORTADOWN

ARMAGH

LURGAN

Geraldine 07587254669

WEDNESDAY

Sharon 07590206715

ARMAGH

Sophie 07845590334

LURGAN

Lynsey 07717 893804

Letty 07787164996

Lynsey 07717893804

Amanda 07515945461

THURSDAY

PORTADOWN

Patricia 07842654648

PORTADOWN

LURGAN

MARKETHILL

FRIDAY PORTADOWN

Sophie 07845590334

Welcome!

Editor Kim Kelly

I think the fashion accessory for this about, but ﬁngers crossed this is the last time we will have to go through lockdown and life summer will be – the winter coat! If like me you’ve enjoyed a meal out al fresco can return to normal for good. recently, you’ll know why. The easing of the I’ve loved being able to browse about the lockdown restrictions is amazing but let’s face shops, visit the salon and just get back to the life we had pre-pandemic. It really is the simple it, we don’t live in Spain. As I sat under a thin canopy, outside a things in life that make a difference. restaurant enjoying my dinner, with the wind whipping round me and the rain bouncing on the pavement, I cursed my spring dress and bare legs. My winter coat will be coming back out until further notice.

I’ve been enjoying meeting up with friends and having drinks in the garden. After such a prolonged period of being housed, a simple barbecue feels like a proper night out.

If only we could have a return to the glorious Still, it’s nice to get back to a bit of normality and weather of lockdown 2020, everything would with my hair and nails done I barely recognise be perfect. myself – a big shout out to all the hairdressers Until next month, out there working round the clock to catch up on appointments. It all still seems a little strange to be out and

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Send in your wedding pictures! Finally, after months of disappointment and setbacks, weddings seem to be resuming once again.

To celebrate National Walking Month, BARISTA BAR is offering Local Women readers a half price reusable cup.

It’s been so difﬁcult for all you couples out there with cancellations and closures affecting your big days. In fact, with only a handful of guests, most weddings in the past year have been small days. But yet lockdown weddings have been really beautiful, and we love that so many of you have chosen to share your intimate ceremonies with our readers. If you have had a lockdown wedding, we would love to print your pictures in the magazine and if you have been able to enjoy a bigger celebration, we’d love to see it! We love it when you send in your pictures and share the joy of your special day with Local Women readers. So, if you have recently married, had a civil partnership, or had your civil partnership converted to a marriage, get in touch.We’d love to share in your celebrations by printing the pictures of your big day.

All you have to do is email 10 of your wedding pictures to editor@localwomensnews.com with details of your bridal party.There is no charge for this.

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

6 | Local Women Magazine

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0845 241 1640

Local Women Magazine

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

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.

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“I LOVE SEEING SLIMMING WORLD MEMBERS CHANGING THEIR LIVES”

8 | Local Women Magazine

Local Women cover girl Sharon McMahon from Markethill lost weight with Slimming World and now she helps others achieve their weight loss goals. World

I couldn’t believe that the majority of what I was

shells. Their confidence rises as weight falls off.

consultant who runs groups at the Courtrooms

eating was good but there were just a few things

Then when they see someone new coming into the

in Markethill and more recently online.

that were not – making small changes made the

group, they start to talk and offer advice.

Sharon

McMahon

Slimming

The 50-year-old achieved a significant weight loss

biggest difference.

I love seeing members coming in and knowing

with Slimming World when she joined in 2016 and

I lost the weight in the space of two and a half

that I am in tune with how they are feeling. We have

has maintained her weight over the years.

months at a nice steady pace.

all felt those emotions and we understand.

As a consultant she now supports over 100

DESCRIBE WHAT HAPPENS AT A GROUP MEETING.

Seeing

When a member comes in, they get themselves

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST SUCCESS STORY YOU HAVE SEEN OVER THE YEARS?

members. She is passionate about the power of Slimming World and believes there is no better way to achieve your weight loss goals.

HOW DID YOUR JOURNEY WITH SLIMMING WORLD BEGIN? Long before I walked through the doors of a meeting, a leaflet came in through the letter box at home advertising Slimming World. At that time, I had been thinking about losing weight for a long time. I was so down about my weight. I was really low. My husband would want to go out, but I didn’t want to because I felt disgusting, which is an awful way to be. I remember sliding the leaflet under the rest of the letters and I kept on looking at it. Then one night I

weighed and take a seat. We put the seats in a horseshoe shape so every can see each other and listen. It makes it more friendly.

them

blossom

wonderful.

It’s

transformation in front of your eyes.

I have a current member who lost 16 stone and he is

We go round the members and find out how they

still doing great and there’s another male member

are getting on. We help each other with tips and

who has achieved his four stone off award.

advice, and awards are given out. We do a lot of celebrations to raise members’ confidence. The interaction is lovely.

HOW HAS IT WORKED OVER LOCKDOWN?

WHAT KIND OF EXERCISE DO YOU RECOMMEND? Any form of exercise. We have members at all different stages. People think you need to go to the gym, but you just need to move more. It depends

In March 2020 I was amazed how quickly Slimming

on your mobility. There are great online fitness

World changed over to virtual groups. At this time,

classes or just get outside for a walk in the fresh air.

I did a few Facebook lives to support my members

I went to the meeting in Markethill in 2016 and I

and we gave every member the option to enjoy the

HOW IMPORTANT DO YOU THINK IT IS TO DO YOUR FOOD PREP AND BE ORGANISED?

remember sitting outside in the car hoping no

interaction, even if they didn’t want to be weighed.

It is very important as life gets in the way of healthy

one would see me. I was so ashamed. But going

Offering support and checking in on the members

eating. Plan out your meals and then do your list

in I was welcomed with the biggest smile. I had

was very important to us during lockdown.

and then go to the shop, otherwise you will forget

decided that I would do it. I just thought - enough is enough.

nothing to worry about. All those emotions had just built up in me and I was worried, but once I walked in everything was okay. For the first few weeks I hid in the back row – never did I think that I’d be leading a group now.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR OWN WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY? I was 11 and a half stone when I started, and I was two stone overweight. When I first went in, the consultant greeted me and took me over to the new members’ section. She went over the plan and explained it all to me. It made me really excited. I

and then the virtual groups on Zoom started. I encouraged members to come to Zoom meetings

Our virtual groups quickly took off – members sent in their weight and then we had the group chat with the same celebrations. It worked well.

BRIEFLY EXPLAIN HOW THE PLAN WORKS. The plan is called Extra Easy and uses free foods to satisfy your appetite such as rice, potatoes pasta, meat, chicken, fish, fruit, and veg. You weigh out your calcium and fibre choices and your Syns for the week - things you feel you can’t do without. Nothing is banned, it’s all about balance with Slimming World.

or buy the wrong thing. Batch cook food and always have a few Slimming World frozen meals in the freezer for when you are having a lazy day.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN THINKING OF LOSING WEIGHT BUT DOESN’T KNOW HOW TO START? I would say from my own personal experience that Slimming World will give you the knowledge about the food you are eating. Once you have educated yourself, you will be able to lose weight. The plan works 100 per cent. That’s why I became a consultant.

wanted to be healthy and fit.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR ROLE?

Finding out about the food I was eating was

I love to see a new member coming in. At first,

I have made videos showing my cooking to show

important to me and I believe that how you look

they are usually very timid and don’t want to talk,

people what you can eat on Slimming World. The

after yourself now will set you up for later life.

but as the weeks go on, they come out of their

reaction was great. People couldn’t believe it.

wanted to learn about the food I was eating, and I

People have a misconception that we only eat salads – we don’t! We eat burgers and all sorts.

Local Women Magazine | 9

LET´S GO WALKING

To celebrate National Walking Month, Barista Bar is offering Local Women readers a half price reusable cup. Put a spring in your step with this environment but anyone who registers with fabulous environmentally friendly offer the popular loyalty scheme will also pick up double points when using their reusable from BARISTA BAR! cup on each hot drink purchased in-store, It’s National Walking Month so it’s time to so users are helping the environment and get out for a walk, run, hike – or maybe just getting more FREE drinks sooner. a gentle stroll with your dog. And, if you are looking for some interesting Put on your trainers and get out and about new places to walk, why not check out and explore the beautiful local parks, www.walkni.com and www.trekni.com. beaches, and countryside while the days There are some amazing hidden delights are just that little bit brighter. to be found off the beaten track across the And what could be nicer than a cup of country – what are you waiting for? freshly brewed coffee, a delicious hot chocolate, or a nice cup of tea to fuel your daily exercise? But sustainability has never been so important and BARISTA BAR, the leading coffee brand sold in SPAR, EUROSPAR, ViVO and ViVOXTRA stores across Northern Ireland, is fully committed to reducing waste and the amount of singleuse plastic in the local environment. That’s why they are offering Local Women readers a half price ‘keep cup’ which you can use over and over again on your outdoor adventures. So, help support sustainability #onecupatatime by bringing this coupon to your nearest SPAR, EUROSPAR, ViVO or ViVOXTRA to pick up your half price reusable BARISTA BAR cup for just £1.50. Using a reusable cup not only beneﬁts the 10 | Local Women Magazine

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C O M PA NI O N @baristabarni

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EMMA’S MAKING MUSIC…EVEN IN LOCKDOWN From singing in her bedroom as a schoolgirl and posting videos on social media, Lurgan singer and songwriter Emma Horan has turned her passion for music into a successful career. By Maibh Shiels Emma Horan has been performing since she was just six years old and now the 22-year-old from Lurgan has made music her career and is gaining acclaim worldwide for her talents. A talented actress who starred alongside James Nesbitt in ITV drama The Secret, Emma is now focusing on her music career after initially finding success through YouTube and Facebook. Emma has been posting covers of songs to her Facebook page since she was 14 years old, but she never dreamed that this would lead to her studying a Masters degree in Songwriting in London, releasing her own original singles, and reaching over a million streams on Spotify. She shares her story of how she found success, the struggles she has faced, especially since lockdown started, and her future plans for singing and songwriting. Emma tells of her small beginnings: “I started posting a lot of videos of covers and mash ups on Facebook, and that blew up when I was 14. “The videos got attention from X Factor stars like Janet Devlin, Bars and Melody, and HRVY, so that’s how I grew online.” The singer quickly started to put her own spin on the songs and was surprised by the response she got. “Whenever I was around 16 or 17, I did a cover of ‘Little Lion Man’ by Mumford and Sons. I did my own version of it, and it got to number three on the iTunes Singer/Songwriter Charts. “From that I wanted to take it more seriously,” says Emma who started to see music as a career choice for herself. “My intention was never to go to university. All I wanted to do was music, so I didn’t do UCAS or any of that.” That all changed when Emma went to London and visited Tileyard Music Studios, where she was offered the opportunity to study songwriting. 12 | Local Women Magazine

ƒ Emma Horan

“I met a lovely Irish guy called Jamie who worked there, and he offered for me to do the Masters course.

ƒ Singing for Harry and Meghan in 2018 at the Eikon Centre, Lisburn

“I said that I didn’t have an Undergrad and he told me if I proved all of my experience, I could do the Masters. Emma says the course helped her as a songwriter: “I focused solely on songwriting skills and perfecting them. “Having that break from releasing music to working on those skills was good, because whenever I started to release my songs, they got such a nice response. They got played on Cool FM and radio stations in the south.” While she loved living in London, Emma chose to come home to continue her career in music: “I knew it was the right thing to do. “Within three months of coming home I met Jonny Fitch, who is now my producer and songwriting partner. He is absolutely the best of the best in Northern Ireland. I’ve got a great team. Coming home from London was definitely the best thing.” However, she still keeps ties with London, and she and Johnny held a Zoom collaboration class with London musicians recently. London isn’t the only location they have linked with over Zoom, they have held similar songwriting sessions with Australia, which they want to keep up even when lockdown lifts. She says that, in some ways, lockdown has brought about opportunities like this that wouldn’t have happened before.

ƒ Emma Horan

supportive of one another. “We all just want everyone to do well, and everybody champions everybody. They’re all amazing.” She wants to continue collaborating after restrictions relax. “After everything has settled and we’re all able to get back to real life I can’t wait to do in person sessions for songwriting. I’m so excited for that.”

The young singer/songwriter has other plans for after the pandemic, too: “We’ll definitely be travelling. singles which she shared in lockdown that got When the restrictions lift, we’re ready to go.” “We were meant to go to Amsterdam and her to one million Spotify streams. Emma has found so much success since she record over there and write music with a guy There is more to look forward to as well: “I’m started out, but she seems to still love the type called Raz Nitzan, but Covid has stopped a lot releasing my next single in May, so I’m so of performing that she started with. of travelling. excited for that. I’m releasing all new music and “On social media I post a lot of covers still, and “We’re writing with Raz on Zoom, but hopefully working with other artists.” musical theatre will always have a place in my when everything opens, we’ll be going over to She says that herself and her producer have heart. I did musical theatre from when I was six Amsterdam.” set-ups at home which has meant that they can years old until I was 13 or 14.” This is not the only opportunity that Emma keep making music even while the studio is shut. Emma admits that she loves acting as well. “I’m lost due to lockdown, as she was one of three She talks of how her new music takes a turn with Rising Talent Agency and I’ve been acting singers selected by the Arts Council for Northern from some of her previous songs. all my life.” Ireland to go to Nashville in 2020. “Last year my music was very pop, and this She explains why her name may sound familiar The Arts Council select three singer/songwriters year’s stuff focuses heavily on vocals. Covid to us: “I was in The Secret with James Nesbitt a annually to be sent on this trip, which is made me focus on my skills.” couple years back which was such an amazing funded by Panarts Belfast Songwriters, but unfortunately for Emma, she was chosen for the Emma also shares that she has not been experience.” year that Coronavirus hit. working solo: “We were working over lockdown An actor as well as a singer and songwriter. It is with other female Irish and Northern Irish artists. no surprise that Emma has had so much success “It was two days before lockdown, and I was packing my suitcase when I got the email to say “So, we were working with Sarah McTernan, and will surely continue to climb in the charts. However, the musician admits that it has brought about some setbacks for her as well.

it was cancelled. Sad was an understatement.

who did Eurovision for Ireland two years ago, To listen to Emma’s music, you can find her as and we were working with Gemma Bradley, Emma Horan Music on Spotify, iTunes, and all “I was meant to go last month because it didn’t who is now presenting on Radio 1. major music platforms. You can also find her on happen last year, but I couldn’t go again, so hopefully I can go next year. “ “It’s been nice to release new music, but I’m her Facebook page, Emma Horan Music, or on Instagram, @emmahoranmusic. loving collaborating at the minute.” In spite of these struggles, Emma has not allowed lockdown to stop her. She has released Emma sings the praises of other Northern And don’t forget to stream her new single, ‘3 original songs already, and it was one of her Irish musicians and says that they are all so Words’, which is out on 7 May. Local Women Magazine | 13

A DYNAMIC APPROACH TO FITNESS Dolores McVeigh-Smyth is in the best shape of her life with her transformative Pilates sessions - and now she wants to help you achieve your fitness goals at Dynamic Studio

Dynamic Studio, founded by Dolores McVeigh-Smyth in 2020, is an online fitness studio teaching Pilates to both beginners and advanced individuals. Having been in the fitness industry for over 30 years, Dolores is happiest when helping people be the best version of themselves and when the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2019, it was a catalyst for her to focus on being able to do exactly that and Dynamic Studio was born. Dolores qualified as a sports therapist in the early 80s with her thesis on the Alexander Technique specialising in postural gait and Swedish massage. Dolores has always been a self-starter, starting by teaching aerobics and step aerobics in church halls and gyms. Teaching took Dolores as far as Canada where she worked in Powerhouse Gym in Toronto. Dolores’ love of fitness has been a constant throughout her life and she has attended classes and workshops around the world, always developing and learning new approaches and techniques along the way, dramatically changing the way she trains herself and teaches today. Dolores attended her first Pilates class seven years ago and found it life changing. Having recently turned 50, she admits that she is in the best shape of her life, with time spent training reduced by a staggering 50%. Best of all, by being a lot kinder to her body, she is injury free and has been rewarded with a flexible, mobile, strong and toned body. As a busy wife & mum, Dolores left behind the world of 9 to 5 and designed her unique evolving programme which can be done from the comfort of your own home. Understanding how life can be busy and even hectic at times, Dolores wanted to create a series of simple and enjoyable sessions which are do-able and crucially, proven to work, for all fitness levels. Incorporating diet, training and lifestyle advice into her sessions, Dynamic Studio is the fuel you need to reach your fitness goals. If you are ready to experience the transformative power of Pilates workouts, Dolores at Dynamic Studio can be contacted at dolores@studiodynamic.co.uk or on 07841421451 to book a place on her fitness programme!

Let’s talk about periods!

ƒ Chelsea Dunwoody

16 | Local Women Magazine

Young women in North Belfast are working to smash the period taboo once and for all.

By Mandi Millar

id you know there are around 5,000 ways to say you’re having your period?

That’s according to the Women’s Health Coalition and they should know having surveyed 90,000 people in 190 countries. That’s not even counting the weird and wonderful euphemisms we have Northern Ireland... time of the month, Aunty Flo’s visiting, you’ve got your ‘thing’... But it needn’t be so complicated; all you really need to say is that... well, you’re ƒ Working hard to banish the taboo surrounding periods having your period. Simple? You’d think so. past because they had no access to period ‘psychos’ during that time, that they were But the reality is very different. products,” she continues. ‘dirty or unclean’, or if a pad leaked then That’s why a group of young women from “What our members are lobbying for is that it was ‘disgusting’, how you had to hide North Belfast are spearheading an innovative period products will be freely available in your tampon or pad if you were going to new project to tackle the enduring taboo of public toilets and we’re delighted that they the toilet, how you shouldn’t talk to boys the menstrual cycle. are at least going to be available free in all about periods. “Period poverty is a global issue which schools in Northern Ireland.” “Suddenly they realised they weren’t the affects women and it is becoming more only ones feeling the way they did about But aside from period products these recognised. What shocked us though were these things and they’ve been coming up young women want to see the so-called the results of a survey we did among our period taboo smashed too and they reckon with ideas about how to change things own girls here which starkly revealed the going forward. education is the key. scale it still is right here, right now,” says “They’ve suggested films and the media “Young people have access to so much Chelsea Dunwoody (23) a youth worker information today thanks to the internet but could portray periods more positively, for with Ardoyne Youth Club, North Belfast. it’s not always helpful and despite the fact instance; boys should be taught about “When the Education Authority made older people might think today’s young people periods as well as girls, and age appropriate funding available for a programme to tackle are more knowledgeable about these things education should start sooner as young period poverty we jumped at the chance. than they were a generation or more ago, the women are taking their first period earlier “What we quickly realised was that – as truth is things haven’t changed that much. than ever. well as a lack of access to period products “In practical terms we are also reaching “So, it’s this poverty of period knowledge poverty of knowledge about what periods are which our young women are also tackling out to the community with period packs was a major issue. Young women didn’t know as they work through the project,” continues containing various period products for what was ‘normal’, when you should see Chelsea who, along with the team at Ardoyne, women who don’t have the access they your GP if things aren’t right and generally have managed to keep the momentum going need to supplies and we have partnerships lacked the confidence to talk about periods, all through the Covid outbreak, despite its with local soup kitchens and the Homeless seeing them as something embarrassing or many challenges. Period Belfast who can give these out,” says indeed shameful.” To keep the content age appropriate, the Chelsea, who’s been inspired by the work of The young women from the club, which young women taking part in the project were the young women in the youth cub and the Chelsea herself attended when she was split into the 12 to 16-year-old age group positive response from the wider community. growing up through its partnership with R and the 17 to 19-year-old group. “It’s so important women, all woman, have City, a youth organisation in neighbouring this information about their bodies. There “It was incredible to see what having an Woodvale where she still lives, were outlet like this meant to them for finally are things even I’ve learned through this initially surveyed. project!” she admits. “We were actually shocked by some of the they had somewhere they could talk opening “And after all, as virtually every woman results. For instance, well over half have about periods and ask questions about issues had to miss a night at the club because of that worried them or about things they didn’t will have a period every single month of her life until the menopause, any investment in their period; a staggering 84% said they’d understand,” says Chelsea. “They talked too about how destructive tackling period poverty – both financially have been too embarrassed to ask a youth worker for period protection, while 61% the negative stereotypes around periods and in terms of knowledge – is bound to said they’d had to use toilet roll in the were – like girls being over-sensitive or deliver a life-long return.” Local Women Magazine | 17

18 | Local Women Magazine

HELPING PARENTS WITH LOUISE’S SENSORY BOXES Drumaness woman Louise Johnston harnessed her experiences as mum to a child with profound disabilities and launched an online sensory toy box venture during lockdown. By Mandi Millar He’s only four but already little Riley Johnston has cheated death at least as many times. “Och he’s a wee dote but he’s already had two or three DNR notices and is profoundly disabled,” admits his mum Louise, from Drumaness near Ballynahinch. Helped by a team of carers 80 hours a week she manages to juggle Riley’s round-theclock needs with that of his younger brother Ruben (3). Throw a pandemic into the mix and it’s easy to see the incredible challenges facing this remarkable family. Yet despite it all she’s now decided to launch a new online venture too and business is booming. The success of her fledgling new start though is a long way from the darker days of the last four years. “Before Riley, life was just sailing along. I’d been working with people who have learning disabilities when I was pregnant. I loved my work and had every intention of taking just four months maternity leave,” she recalls. But suddenly, 30 weeks into her pregnancy, everything changed. “I just didn’t feel right. The GP was concerned about pre-eclampsia which can be life-threatening and sent me to hospital,” recalls Louise.

ƒ Louise and Riley

Although premature Riley seemed stable but breathing. Only that I had a monitor fitted that changed overnight after he suffered a to the cot and was literally waiting for every massive bleed in the brain and liver. breath I think I’d have found him dead “There were so many different things going that morning,” says Louise who had to on. They kept warning me they didn’t think resuscitate his tiny body.

“The baby wasn’t moving as much as he should be but they sent me home the next he was going to make it. We even had him day, to see the consultant the following week. Christened but it was more like a funeral,” says Louise. “The morning of that appointment I was feeling great and even put on my make-up! At 17-days-old Riley was moved to the Royal Victoria Hospital where slowly he started “But as soon as the consultant examined improving. Three months later Louise finally me he said ‘this baby needs to come out got to take her baby home. now’. A crash Caesarean followed. I was in complete shock,” recalls Louise. “The third night though he stopped 20 | Local Women Magazine

“It was awful. He was readmitted God love him and repeatedly over the next few weeks needed resuscitation.” Five months on with Easter approaching the plan was to get Riley home again but on Easter Saturday he started having seizures and by the Monday they were constant. Back in ICU and they diagnosed meningitis

which had been made worse by his hydrocephalus. Daily spinal taps were needed to drain the fluid.

“These toys can help parents carry on with developmental work at home.” Louise sourced a range of sensory, affordable toys and made up boxes which she put online to sell a few weeks before Christmas 2020.

“We nearly lost him again. Finally eight months after he was born we got Riley home but he’s been in and out of hospital since,” says Louise.

“I couldn’t believe the response! They were so popular I’m launching subscription boxes this month,” says Louise who’s since completed the Go For It business programme with Newry, Mourne and Down Council.

“2018 was a very bad year. He was in ICU three times with as many DNR notices. It was like the doctors were saying ‘enough is enough’ but by some miracle every time he rallied.”

But it isn’t easy, for although carers undertake Riley’s care three nights a week, she manages the rest single-handed.

Covid though brought a whole new layer of complications. “At the start they were saying they weren’t even going to treat disabled people,” says Louise who decided to shield her family, despite the challenges that meant.

ƒ Louise with Riley and Ruben

“Having a child like Riley is very isolating anyway and I was definitely grieving my old learning disabilities,” she explains. life – I’d lost my job, my friends, and now I “Because he’s deaf and blind Riley relies couldn’t even get out of the house!” mainly on other sensory stimulation With her mental health suffering, Louise I’ve got to know about sensory toys knew she had to do something to save her and products so I thought why not do sanity. That’s when Louise’s Sensory Boxes something around that. were born – boxes filled with stimulating “Health visitors tell parents their child toys for children with sensory needs. isn’t meeting developmental markers but “It was something I could do from home and parents are often at a loss about what to do. I could bring to it all my experience not only Lockdown too has meant that children like as a mum to Riley but as someone who’d Riley haven’t been having the specialised worked extensively with people who have help from school.

“Riley needs attention every hour and I find it’s easier to just stay up all night so that’s when I make up the boxes and do paperwork,” says Louise. “It’s good to be able to talk to customers, parents facing similar challenges to mine and to feel you’re doing some good. I get incredible job satisfaction. “People say it’s too much for me but at the very least it’s what’s got me through this year. “With a child like Riley you really don’t know what tomorrow will bring but thanks to all this I’m optimistic for the future once again.” * Find our more at Louisessensoryboxes. co.uk or on Facebook

SEE NEXT MONTH’S LOCAL WOMEN MAGAZINE FOR OUR NEW FEATURE

THROUGH THE KEYHOLE

We visit the home of inﬂuencer Cliona Arthur and her Architect husband Jason Arthur thestylebee

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You got this!

You’ve worked hard and finally received that promotion you always wanted – but now it’s turned into a nightmare as you struggle to delegate and are exhausted all the time. Business mentor Joanna Denton shows you how to get to grips with your new role.

Dear Joanna, I work in an accounting firm and was promoted to manager six months ago. I was delighted to get the promotion, but now my life is a nightmare. I spend my days putting out fires, everyone wants a piece of me, and I am exhausted. My day seems to be all about getting my team unstuck and finishing work that they should be doing so I know it’s good enough. How can I get my life back?

Maggie

organisation and/ or (b) those that are easy to drop, delegate or outsource. Of these, decide which you can drop completely and go ahead and delegate the others as appropriate. You might think that everything you do is important and cannot be done by anyone else. If you are unsure about whether you can delegate or drop certain things, speak to your boss or mentor for guidance.

Let’s keep them off your plate.

Dear Maggie,

Congratulations on the promotion! This is a real milestone in your career, and you should be proud of yourself. Secondly – precisely that - this is a real milestone in your career. Career transitions like this can be the most challenging times of anyone’s career - none more so than the ﬁrst step into managing a team. Before you could just do the work; as manager, you need to shift focus to getting the work done by the team. This is challenging because you need to let go of enjoyable work that had previously deﬁned your success; you have to allocate time to support and coach your team; and you must trust someone else to do the work to the standards you expect.

HERE ARE A COUPLE OF THINGS THAT MIGHT HELP.

You mention in your email that you spend your time getting your team unstuck and ﬁnishing work that they should be doing. Part of your role as manager is to be there to help your team if they have problems, so I am afraid that you do need to allocate time to that. It can be incredibly tempting to take back and ﬁnish work that you have delegated to your team, particularly if you are worried that the standard of the work will not be up to what you would do. But this is not the answer. This will do nothing more than frustrate and de-motivate your team. You need a different approach, one based on encouraging them to problem solve for themselves. •

Be clear when you delegate as to what you expect in terms of deliverable and standards.

•

If they are new to the job explain how to get the job done; if they are more experienced, trust them to take care of the “how” within the framework of deliverables. Distinguish between the form the ﬁnal product takes, and the content. If the content is right, stop clinging to a particular form just because you would have done it that way.

Let’s get some things off your plate. When you are running around putting out ﬁres, it is hard to think about anything else. So, let’s get some stuff off your plate. Write down a list of the things that you do on a regular basis and identify the low value activities. These are activities that are (a) not that important to either you (your role and objectives) or the

24 | Local Women Magazine

•

Help them anticipate common pitfalls in advance and identify resources available to

overcome those pitfalls. •

If they come to you because they are stuck, resist the temptation to simply tell them how to get unstuck. Instead ask them questions to help them identify the problem, think about different solutions, and guide them to the best way forward.

• Only take back the work as a last resort, e.g., if critical deadlines will be missed, if there will be a major impact on the overall project, or if major mistakes will be made. Working this way will develop your team’s problem-solving skills, encourage them to take ownership of the solution, and free up time in the future when they solve the problems for themselves without needing to revert to you.

And ﬁnally Taking on a promotion is a big step, and it can take a while to settle in as you get to grips with a new role. Take baby steps where needed and do prioritise time for yourself to rest and recover. If you think you need some training on the new aspects of the job, talk to your boss and ask for some. And remember to breathe! You’ve got this!

Joanna

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MORE THAN JUST A FOOTBALL CLUB

At Glentoran Inclusion FC, players get the chance to be part of a team – and a family, thanks to Lisburn coach Trina Dyer. By Maibh Shiels

I have a bit of banter with them, I join in with them.

When Trina Dyer’s son Joshua wanted to play in a football team, she struggled “I’m not only their coach, but I’m also their to find one to fit his needs due to his friend. They can come to me any time, with any problem. It’s just like one big family.” disability. But undeterred the mum-of-five, who has three children with additional needs, became a football coach at Glentoran Inclusion FC two years ago, so that her son could play the game he loves.

And as a mum of children with special needs, Trina is able to help other parents in a similar position.

Trina’s journey with Glentoran Inclusion FC began when a friend suggested she should become a coach, saying that her own experiences with special needs would mean she would be a great asset.

players from all different backgrounds, all with a unique set of challenges. They accept both children and adults, and Trina says the team currently has players aged 16 through to 45.

Trina explains: “Joshua started showing an interest in football. But sadly, he didn’t fit into mainstream football, and it was hard to find a disability football team. As a mother of children with special needs I know what it’s like to fight for certain things. So, I knew I would have to do something to help.

“There’s players with a whole range of disabilities within the team.

“Joshua thought for a while that he wouldn’t be able to play football, and it is reassuring to him that he can. He kicks a ball better than I do. Nothing stops him, and he absolutely loves football.”

“Being able to play on a team makes them more confident. It reminds them that just because you have a disability, it doesn’t stop you from doing anything.”

Trina’s eldest son, Jordan, is hearing impaired, her daughter Natasha was born Trina, 37, from Lisburn, says the team, with a brain injury, and Joshua has a rare which has been going strong for over 10 condition called amniotic band syndrome, years and has around 25 team members, which affects his hands and feet. has become like a family to her. The team includes a diverse range of

“One of the players is hearing impaired but can lip read and sign and I can do that because of my oldest son. “Some have mental health issues, autism or ADHD, cerebral palsy or brain injuries.

Trina says that she herself has received support from within the club.

The coach says her interactions with the players can mean so much. “The guys on “My oldest son had mental health issues, the team want to be treated normally, and when he was going through that hard and so they should. I treat them like that. time, the team were like my family. They 26 | Local Women Magazine

were there for me.

“It was just lovely seeing them enjoying “There are a lot of parents who would themselves and having a laugh. It’s not maybe struggle with their child and you can just about coaching.” relate to them if they’ve had a bad day. Trina says this closeness goes beyond “It’s tough when you have kids with football continues even while the team special needs. You have your good days were not able to train, and during lockdown the players shared Zoom calls and your bad days.” and kept in touch on social media. Trina explains how this close friendship between the team means it isn’t just “I check in all the time, just letting them know that I’m there for them, because a about football. lot of them do struggle. They are finding it The first year she was a coach on tough, probably due to the lack of routine.” the team, she took them all out for a Christmas dinner, and has made it a Trina says that in her house, routine is important for all of her children. Her habit to get the players presents. daughter Rhianna and son Lorenzo When they met most recently, in do not have additional needs like their November before restrictions stopped siblings, but Trina keeps all of her kids them from training, she gave them in a regular routine with training twice a their presents and took the team to Tim week at Glentoran Inclusion FC. Hortons for coffee. As well as training, the team would often attend tournaments prior to the pandemic. “They have the George Best Cup, and they would then go to Blackpool where they would have a weekend of football. We have other tournaments, and they love getting out and mixing with other people and enjoying a kickabout.” It is clear that Trina cares so much about the players and for her family and many others, the team is so much more than just a football club. If you are interested in joining the team, you can find them through their Facebook page, Glentoran Inclusion FC, or on Instagram @glentoraninclusion.

Local Women Magazine | 27

TAKE A MOMENT TO PAUSE WITH WELLNESS BY LV Creating beautiful home fragrances and hand poured candles is a dream job for beauty lover Laura Vance who loves to provide her clients with a sense of calm and wellbeing.

Beauty is a passion for Laura Vance. With over 20 years in the beauty industry, Laura knows the importance of self-care. So, when she was looking for a way to move her business forward, creating her own brand of candles and scents was a natural progression for her. Laura, 38, knows how creating the perfect ambiance is of paramount importance when it comes to relaxation. She loved how her beauty clients visibly relaxed when they walked into her treatment rooms and said they adored the smell of the candles she always burned. As a self-confessed candle lover, Laura experimented with all kinds of brands over the years and become somewhat of an expert on her favourite scents. But she always felt she couldn’t quite get the perfect candle. So, when it came to expanding her beauty business, she decided that rather than learn a new treatment, she would start her own product range and focus on making candles and home fragrances.

And so, the idea for Wellness by LV was born – however the pandemic

TELL US HOW YOU CAME TO START YOUR BUSINESS?

hit and what had initial been an Over the years I had been adding new skills addition to Laura’s business suddenly as the beauty industry changes quite rapidly. become more important as salons I knew I wanted to learn something new closed for months. Laura spent the ﬁrst lockdown learning everything she could about candle making and researching scents and

that wasn’t just a new beauty treatment, but something that I could bring into my beauty business and really compliment it. Then Covid hit! This created panic as I was

so worried about my business that I worked waxes. By October, Wellness by LV so hard to build. All of a sudden, I felt I was was up and running and her candles losing it. After the panic subsided, I realised have proved to be a huge hit with Covid had given me the nudge and time I those seeking a little calm within their needed to bring my idea to life. own homes.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE CANDLES?

Here Laura tells Local Women how she As a self-confessed candle lover and a lover started her own business and why she’s of beautiful aromas during my treatments, never been happier. 28 | Local Women Magazine

candle making seemed like the perfect

WHAT DO YOU MOST LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

addition. I just love how a client walks into my treatment room and takes a moment to enjoy the beautiful fragrances, immediately their eyes light up as they take in the beautiful aroma and their shoulders drop as it has such a calming effect on them. So, creating my own brand of candles was the perfect addition.

I love my job in beauty and I adore making beautiful home fragrances. I’m a very lucky lady to love what I do. I go to work every day being thankful for that. Overall, I love making people feel good. I love that feeling when a client leaves a treatment, happy, relaxed and calm. More importantly they are the most important person to me during that time and it’s my job to make them feel better. Creating a beautiful candle or home fragrance is just as important to bring that feeling of “a moment of pause” to their busy lives. It is a way of expanding my love of making people feel good.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED? Over the summer I did some online classes in candle making. Choosing the wax along with trialling wicks etc. Choosing the fragrances was the hard part, as I loved them all. I never intended to have 10 fragrances, but I just couldn’t say no to any of them.

HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU FROM INITIAL IDEA TO ACTUALLY SELLING YOUR CANDLES?

Brand labels and safety labels are added to HOW DO YOU RELAX AND UNWIND? the candle and then they are placed in a I love to take my dogs for a walk through the forest, enjoy a coffee in calm peaceful The initial idea started in July and I was cabinet awaiting their new home. surroundings and this is where my ideas up and running by October. I lived and All my candles are hand poured and made come to life. breathed candles during this period, it was in small batches to ensure a high standard a busy time. I was even seeing candles in CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR of quality. my sleep. I also worked on the design of my PRODUCT RANGE? brand and how I wanted it to look. I knew WHAT INSPIRES THE SCENTS? I wanted my brand to be eco-friendly, so we I wanted Wellness by LV to be more than The fragrances were inspired by chatting offer a recycle your candle glass service and you another candle business, so the giftsets were to people and getting a feel of what they receive a small discount off your next candle. introduced which added that extra luxury love. I used the time in July when salons feel to the brand. I don’t know another opened again to secretly ask questions I have four different candle sizes and I have candle brand that offers the stunning giftsets to my clients and get an insight into their just brought out a new Ceramic Bespoke that I create. favourite fragrances. I found out what they Candle. I worked alongside a fantastic local enjoyed and how each fragrance made lady who helped create the timeless piece I CAN YOU TALK US THROUGH THE them feel. Some people loved the ﬂoral was going for.

PROCESS OF MAKING THE CANDLES?

It starts with washing my candle vessels ﬁrst to get rid of any dust. I like to gently heat my glasses to prepare them for the wax being poured, this prevents sink holes appearing in the centre due to a change in temperature.

scents and popular perfume fragrances, I offer five giftsets that suit all budgets so the Fragrance Inspired Collection idea along with home fragrance sprays, luxury came from this. floral melts and recently have launched Then others loved the feeling of fresh reed diffusers and reed diffuser refills (we uplifting Lemongrass and the calming effect love to recycle) as the requests were of Lavender. So, this is where the Wellness building for this.

Then I move to attaching the wick WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE to the base of the glass ready for the Collection got its inspiration. pouring process. I also wanted to have a collection TO A FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR STARTING OUT? I begin pouring the wax into a pouring jug and which changed with the seasons and add something new Don’t let fear hold you back. I think we all leave to cool to the correct temperature. where I could let that little self-doubt creep in from time While cooling I will then measure out the every few months. to time. If you believe in yourself and your correct fragrance oil. Once the desired DO YOU HAVE PLANS TO EXPAND creativity, then reach for the stars! temperature has been reached, I throughly YOUR RANGE? mix the wax and fragrance together and I’m currently working on a new collection pour into each candle glass. which I’m very excited about. It hopefully The candles are then left to set in the pouring area for a few hours. Once set I will move them into a dark cool area, and they will be left for the rest of the setting period. A candle needs to be left for up to 72 hours before lighting to ensure it has fully set.

will be launched in early May and I have created something amazing with another local business lady to celebrate the launch of the collection. When this is launched, I have a few ideas that I will be moving on with. Watch this space!

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Wellness by LV Local Women Magazine | 29

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“SUPPORTING AND HELPING FAMILIES IS A PRIVILEGE” “Families in Northern Ireland are on their knees,” Ruth-Ann Delija from Action for Children tells Local Women’s Mandi Millar. By Mandi Millar Ruth-Ann Delija adores her little girl but some nights she hugs her extra tight. “When you see the lives some children here are living it’s completely and utterly heartbreaking and those evenings I go home from work and hug her that bit more!” confesses the local mum. As Interim Operational Director of Action for Children, Ruth-Ann and her team work with some of Northern Ireland’s most vulnerable children, young people and families providing intervention and support to help them cope with what have often been – especially this year – increasingly challenging circumstances. “When a 10-year-old is self-harming or tells you they don’t want to go on living, or a teenager tells you their friend has completed suicide, you realise the horriﬁc situations these young people are in,” continues Ruth-Ann. However, her role this year has arguably been her most challenging to date in what she says has seemed like a constant state of crisis management.

Ruth - Ann Delija - Action for Children. “Ideally our success lies in stepping in early before crisis point and the year before Covid we reached 15,589 children, young people and their families,” continues Ruth-Ann who joined the charity seven years ago. “We do that in collaboration with statutory and non-statutory sectors – health trusts, Housing Executive, National Lottery, for example, as well as fundraising monies.”

Ruth - Ann with husband Ben. 32 | Local Women Magazine

Action for Children, previously known as National Children’s Home (NCH), began in 1869. Ironically many of the challenges faced by children and families today are not so

different to those 150 years ago. “Just as in 1860, homelessness among young people now is on the rise so we deliver where help is needed,” explains Ruth-Ann, whose husband Ben also works for a charity within Health and Social Care. “Our family support services offer practical help for parents and we also provide emotional support for families dealing with challenging behaviours, mental health issues or ﬁnancial hardship. “Indeed, mental health is a key focus. Our Choices programme offers a whole family approach to better mental health, while our ﬂagship Blues mental health programme increases the resilience of young people aged 13-19. So far, we’ve offered it in 41

schools across Northern Ireland.” Action for Children also hosts Sure Start services for children under five, with family centres and parenting programmes and runs a Young Carers service and a Young Adult Carers equivalent for those over 18-years-old. All that runs alongside the training and support of foster carers and placement of children in safe loving homes through its fostering service. “It’s a privilege to work with these children, young people and families; it makes you realise how precious family life is,” says Ruth-Ann. “Some stories especially stick with you. For instance, I think of a family whose father had to give up work during lockdown when his wife gave birth to twins. “The babies had to remain in hospital for a protracted period, during which time the mother was also unwell. The hospital was miles away and without support because relatives were in lockdown, only the father was left to look after everyone. “This was a family who had always held their own but the pandemic has made things very challenging. Thankfully, Action for Children was able to help with food and fuel costs for this family through its Emergency Fund. “Another mother was in constant pain due to a chronic condition and her young daughter was her carer. When the mother’s bed broke she was unable to sleep properly so would waken repeatedly at night. “That family had to choose between a new bed or food. We were able to replace the bed. “Other families have needed computer tablets so children could carry on learning during lockdown; others needed children’s shoes. Families are on their knees. “Financial hardship is very real and has been made worse by loss of jobs through lockdown,” says Ruth-Ann who’s all too aware of the Ann and her team see opportunities. funding challenges facing charities like hers. “We have a fantastic team here in Northern “Action for Children isn’t unique though - Ireland who repeatedly go above and the country was in crisis before Covid. With beyond and really proved that during the last projects funded for a finite period, it is difficult year. We are always thinking of innovative to plan long term so you can’t factor in ways to tackle things,” she continues. sustainability. “We have a very open culture in Action for “With the many issues challenging families Children. We’re always there to support each as a result of the pandemic, the statutory other and being able to help families achieve services need their resources for the growing their full potential is what keeps us all going. number of increasingly high risk cases. “It’s been challenging, especially working “There are fewer resources left for our early through the current pandemic and multiple intervention programmes, despite the fact that lockdowns, but exercise has always been a these are proven in study after study to prevent great stress reliever for me and I’ve a good many situations escalating to high risk.” work-life balance – something I’ve always However, where some see problems, Ruth- been very clear about. You’re not going to

be effective to others if you don’t look after yourself,” says Ruth-Ann who sees many parallels in her work and home life. “The skills needed in work are very like those you need in a family and the most important thing you can do is keep open lines of communication with people. “That’s key in leadership too. You also have to show vulnerability and be ‘real’ with people. We’re not emotionless. “But I wouldn’t want people to think this job doesn’t have a profound impact on me either. I love my job and I feel immensely blessed to be in the position I am. Working with these children, young people and families is indeed a privilege.”

Contact our friendly fostering team today on 028 9046 0500 or email fostercareni@actionforchildren.org.uk

www.actionforchildren.org.uk/fostering

@AFCNIFostercare Local Women Magazine | 33

TAKING OFF ON

TikTok spreads love, laughs, and life stories like no other social media platform. Local Women meets three local content creators who are making a name for themselves on the popular app by just being themselves. By Maibh Shiels

MAMMY BANTER:

“I show real life, warts and all!”

Derry mum-of-two Serena Terry made millions of mums laugh through lockdown, as she shared the burdens and blessings of daily life. The 35-year-old mum is better known by her username @mammybanter, and has over 440,000 followers on her TikTok account, as well as tens of thousands of followers on Instagram. Drawing on her own experiences as a parent, Serena makes videos showing the realities of motherhood through honesty and humour, but she says she never expected such success. She explains how she started: “My daughter was on TikTok for quite some time. She’s 12 and she was forever laughing and showing me videos. “At the start of the first lockdown my husband and I downloaded it and we sat and had a bottle of wine and laughed the whole night. “We continued browsing and just enjoying the craic and I thought, ‘I could do that!’ And I did. And here we are.” What started as Serena simply enjoying herself soon exploded, with her third video on the app reaching 10,000 views. Her

most

recent

videos

frequently

reach

hundreds of thousands of views, with some even entering the millions. She has followers from America, Australia, and Canada, as well as from the UK and Ireland. Serena says: “Not in a million years did I think I would get this response. I just thought this would be a hobby, something to keep me entertained and have fun with.” She believes that it is her realistic representation of parenthood that makes her page popular. “I try to be as real as possible, to show real life with a comical twist, warts and all. It’s about being honest, and I think that’s what people resonate with. “I think Covid has made people want to be able to relate to others’ experiences and know that they’re not alone in what they’re feeling or going through.” Serena is honest about how the pandemic has made parenting harder. During lockdown she has been working for a software company as well as being a mum to a 12-year-old and 5-year-old. “Home-schooling and having to work 9 to 5 has been one of the hardest things I’ve had to do in my life. “I have missed shopping and meeting up with friends and getting out for a nice meal but the biggest challenge of the pandemic for me was home-schooling and trying to entertain the kids. No one prepared us for that.”

“I think in Northern Ireland it’s definitely our sense of humour that appeals. I think it’s our attitude, too. We’re laid back, and we’re not really here to keep up appearances.

The TikTok creator also admits that it wasn’t always easy to stay creative during Covid. “Motivation levels do dip. There are days where I won’t feel like making videos.

“It’s real-life experiences. It’s about thoughts and feelings that you might feel you couldn’t say out loud, things that happen day to day, things that you worry about, things that you find funny.”

“If you start putting yourself under pressure and focusing on the number of likes and views, I think the enjoyment will go. So, I try to keep this as fun for me as possible.

The mum also says she herself finds it helpful to see relatable and realistic content on TikTok, instead of so many other social media platforms that present a picture-perfect representation of life.

“There are times where you have a video go viral, and you feel like you have to live up to the expectations of it in the video that comes after that.

“You will see people on TikTok who all are going through the same challenges and the same trials. It makes you feel normal, to go on there and to see that other people have been through what you have.”

“You do have to try to step back and remind yourself this is supposed to be enjoyable.” Serena talks freely about her challenges with creativity, even with her followers. “Not being motivated is a topic in itself that you can reach people about, especially people who are working from home.” It is this kind of relatable content that has people returning to Serena’s page. As Serena herself says: “It does move away from that stereotypical representation of what women in their mid-30s 34 | Local Women Magazine

or mothers should be, and it is a quite honest representation of what we are.

“I think the pandemic made people a bit tired of the stereotypical influencer type content you usually see on Instagram. “Having to view other people’s perfect lives, expensive purchases, flawless pictures and unblemished skin personally does nothing for me. Especially during a global pandemic.” “Don’t get me wrong I love genuine product reviews and some celeb gossip, but 100% of that

EMMA KEARNEY:

“They love our accent on TikTok”

Emma Kearney is a 20-year-old salon owner from Newry. Her TikTok account is @emmakearney32 and has over 640,000 followers. Initially, Emma posted videos with voiceovers, but soon saw that her own accent and laugh were attracting more attention.

fed through to you each day via social media is not good for your mental health. “I need humour. I need real life and real experiences that I can relate to.” Serena says she has met many new friends through TikTok which is an unexpected bonus. “I’ve met so many amazing people around the world, and people I speak to daily now. A few I’m even planning to meet up with after restrictions are lifted. “I would encourage everyone to try it out at least, with the warning that you’ll blink, and two hours will have gone past. But it’s enjoyable. No matter what age you are, try TikTok.”

“I started doing videos of myself, and me talking and laughing, and people seemed to really enjoy them, so I kept doing them, and it gradually blew up.” Emma, who posts a mixture of funny videos and beautybased content, says she notices that many Northern Irish content creators are finding a following. She puts this down to our accent, among other things. “It’s because of our humour. I think we come across as relatable people and people you could get along with easily.” Emma says that she makes a point of supporting other creators from Northern Ireland on TikTok. “We all like each other’s videos and comment on them. “I just do the videos for people, to keep them entertained but I do enjoy it too, and I’m grateful for all the opportunities I have.”

SOPHIE GREER:

brings a lot of people to her page, as a lot of her songs are parodies, funny songs about current events, or songs about her day.

“I love making people smile”

“I do have primarily followers from Northern Ireland. I think that is because we all have that similar sense of humour. We do have a natural banter. We look for ways to pick ourselves up, and we don’t like to be down for too long.

Another Northern Irish creator who was surprised by the success she has found is Sophie Grier.

“And we’re good at making fun of ourselves too. I don’t take myself too seriously and I don’t think any Northern Irish TikTok-er really does.”

Sophie’s page @sophygrier, where she posts videos of her singing original songs, has over 240,000 followers.

Even though she doesn’t take herself too seriously, Sophie does seriously appreciate the support she has been shown.

Sophie, 23 from Whitehead, had no intention of becoming famous when she started posting. “It was never meant to be a big thing. I never thought that I would have lots of followers. It was just a way for me to have a laugh and create things. “I started posting videos and some of them ended up with millions of views.” For Sophie, making TikTok videos is a way of expressing her creativity since she was put on

“I’m very grateful that people enjoy watching me. furlough from her job last March. The singer had been teaching through Uplift Performing Arts and was part of the Bjorn Identity Abba tribute band before the pandemic hit. “I’ve always loved the arts. It’s my career. Covid hit and that got turned upside down.

“I don’t know what in particular I have done to gain a following but I’m glad that other people get enjoyment from it. “I’m enjoying it and other people are enjoying it with me. As long as it makes other people smile and I still get fulfilment from it I’ll keep doing it.”

“Having TikTok has really been that creative outlet for me. I felt like I wanted to make things and connect with people, and I was bored.” “I get a lot of comments saying, ‘This made me smile,’ and that’s the point of it. “If you can make someone smile that’s the best. Bringing a smile to people’s faces is what every performer wants to do.” Sophie also agrees that her humour is what Local Women Magazine | 35

GOODBYE OIL TANK, HELLO COOKING ON NATURAL GAS

Did you know that when you switch to natural gas not only do you say Goodbye oil tank, you

say hello to a multitude of benefits such as more space inside and outside your home, constant hot water, instant heating, and smart controls. One of the many benefits our customers love is ‘cooking on gas!’ Cooking on natural gas is the top choice of professional chefs, and each week householder’s across Northern Ireland are making the smart switch away from oil.

HEALTHY POTATO SALAD INGREDIENTS • 500 g small new potatoes • 25 ml white wine vinegar • 1 tsp. Dijon mustard • 1 tsp. wholegrain mustard

INSTRUCTIONS Boil the potatoes in salted water for 20 mins until just cooked, drain, then cool. Cut the potatoes into chunks, then place into a bowl with the radish, chives, dill, and spring onions and Bind.

• 75 ml extra-virgin olive oil

Mix the olive oil, vinegar, honey, and mustards

• 2 tsp. honey

then combine with the potato mix.

• bunch chives, finely chopped

Season to taste with salt and pepper before dressing

Whether you love to cook or can’t cook, we have

• bunch flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

with the finely chopped parsley and serve.

many customers who have found themselves as

• bunch dill, finely chopped

kitchen whizzes, after having had gas installed,

• 10 radish, topped and tailed, finely sliced

as the saying goes “life’s easy now you’re

• Salt & Pepper to taste

cooking on gas” The ease of cooking on natural gas comes down to the precision, consistency, and flavour which the controllable flame offers. You can cook food faster and with greater ease and precision than any other fuel source. With natural gas, you can control the cooking temperature immediately, unlike electric cookers that take time to heat up and cool down. Natural gas is instant, efficient, and is a cleaner fuel choice. So as summer makes a welcome return and we prepare to venture outdoors, we have some classic side dishes for you to try out. Whether it’s to accompany A BBQ, a side dish for a meal, or a light lunch we will ensure that by cooking on natural gas you spend minimal time in the kitchen and maximum time unwinding in your happy place. Say Goodbye oil tank and Hello to fast, full

INGREDIENTS

flavour food, with firmus energy you can! firmus energy natural gas is the ultimate home improvement. Not only do you get more space at your place but you’ll get all the normal benefits

too

including

instant

heat,

ZESTY KALE AND PROSCIUTTO PASTA SALAD

smart

controls, endless hot water, and the peace of mind of never running out. You’ll also be doing your bit for the environment by reducing carbon emissions by up to 48%*. Right now firmus energy has a number of brilliant offers making it even easier to switch. Choose from 0% finance which means you can spread the cost of installing natural gas over two years or £200 cashback. So, what are you waiting for? Find out how you can make the switch by heading over to firmusenergy.co.uk/more-space or calling the team on 0330 024 9000. To date, over 100,000 customers now use

• 3 cups uncooked penne pasta • 8 ounces prosciutto or Parma ham • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved • 1/2 yellow pepper, chopped • 2 cups (packed) kale stems removed and chopped finely • 1/4 cup red onion, chopped finely • 2 cloves chopped Garlic • 1 tsb. lemon juice • Salt & pepper (to taste) • Dressing: • 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar • 3 tablespoons olive oil • 1 clove garlic minced • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning • 1 teaspoon brown sugar

go along.

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine the pasta and kale with the other

Boil a large, salted pan of water for the pasta.

ingredients in the large salad bowl.

Cook the pasta al dente. Once the pasta is

Add the dressing ingredients to a separate

done, rinse and drain.

bowl using a fork to mix the flavours.

the garden, more efficient boilers to simply

In a lightly oiled pan gently Sautee the kale

Pour the dressing onto the pasta salad

being a better choice for the environment.

with some Garlic and lemon juice, taking care

until coated. Season the pasta salad with

Homes and businesses interested in making

that it remains crisp.

salt & pepper as needed. You can eat it

the switch to firmus energy natural gas can

Meanwhile, prep your other ingredients

right away or chill it for an hour or so

find out more by calling 0330 024 9000 or

and add them to a large salad bowl as you

before eating.

natural gas supplied by firmus energy and are enjoying the benefits that natural gas brings - from constant hot water to more space in

visiting www.firmusenergy.co.uk

36 | Local Women Magazine

PREPARING FOR A GOOD HAIR DAY

With hairdressers back at work, Local Women’s hair expert Charlene Hawthorne from Haus of Hair helps you get ready for the most important appointment of the month. APPOINTMENT PREP

Eeekkk! Salons are ﬁnally open!

I recommend using a deep cleansing shampoo such as Alfaparf Semi di Lino Purify to remove any build up on your hair before colouring. This will ensure optimum results as a lot of home lotions and potions create a barrier around the hair with can affect the colouring service.

Stylists up and down the country are buzzing now that we are back at work – don’t forget our last day of opening was December 24, so that’s quite a stretch. With that in mind I have focused this month’s column on getting back into the swing of things, what and what not to do during your upcoming appointments.

DISCOUNT CODE FOR OLAPLEX

THE BRAND NEW EASI-CURL

HOW TO MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT.

•

Suitable for all hair types, even ﬁne fragile hair

•

6 adjustable heat settings 150 – 200 degrees

•

Use it on the go lightweight compact and cordless

•

Create curls and waves

•

Damageless: ceramic coating technology perfect for sensitive hair

Every salon has a different protocol in place, for example you may need to add yourself to a waiting list, or email only, or call and leave a message etc. So ﬁrstly, ﬁnd out what protocol your salon is implementing, when contacting your salon of choice try to give as much info as possible in one go - for example the full service you require, days and times that work for you and your preferred stylist this saves a lot of back and forward messaging especially at a time where every salons inbox is at maximum capacity.

•

Completely automatic no skill required!

BE HONEST!

•

Anti tangle, auto lock system turns off after 10mins if not used, heat proof body, comes with charging cable

But ﬁrst, I’m excited to announce the launch of our brand new Easi-curl. Create your unique style at the press of a button.

See it in action on Instagram @hausofhairhq

Do not book for highlights and stroll into your appointment with sunset orange roots from your previous DIY disaster and expect the salon to have time to do full corrective work. Lay it all out during booking so the stylist knows what to expect and allocates the appropriate time.

SKIN TEST

Yes, I know - it’s the height of inconvenience to call in to have it done. But there is evidence to suggest that there’s a heightened risk of allergic reaction after having Covid. Most reactions are mild, but a severe reaction (anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock) can be life threatening. Even if your stylist isn’t demanding you have a skin test, I would still recommend calling in for one at least 48 hours before your colour appointment. It takes two minutes and if you were to have a reaction at your appointment without being skin tested prior, the salon’s insurance would be null and void.

Using good hair care to keep your hair healthy will allow to stylist more freedom with colouring. For example, with bleaching if the hair is damaged your stylist may not wish to lighten it further. We stock the entire Olaplex range on our website www.hausofhairhq. com to help heal broken bonds in the hair. Its patented technology cannot be beaten! It will stop damage in its tracks use your discount code localwomen10 for your 10 per cent discount.

CONSULTATION

If your hair hasn’t been professionally coloured since before Christmas, please have realistic expectations about what can be achieved. Box dye black isn’t going platinum in one appointment! Be honest with your stylist if you have been colouring at home, trust me we can tell. Being open and realistic in consultation is going to leave you both buzzing about your new hair and no surprises for the stylist when she opens a foil to check your processing. If you’re recommended products, buy them! No stylist is retiring off the £3 proﬁt from a bottle of shampoo – so if they are telling you to get this product, it’s because your hair needs it! I am looking forward to seeing all your hair journeys, tag me @knotsosecretdiary. There’s nothing more satisfying than a good before and after pic! All the products mentioned in this article are available on www.hausofhairhq.com with an exclusive discount code localwomen10 Until next month,

Charlene x

Find us at www.hausofhairhq.com Haus of hair HQ

hausofhairhq

COMPETITON TIME

Win a little luxury with Buick House Candles

Buick House Candles is offering one lucky Local Women Magazine reader the chance to awaken their senses with this amazing competition. Buick House Candles is a luxury candle range handmade in Co Down. The beautifully scented candles evoke memories of happy days and promote relaxation at a time when self-care is of paramount importance. Lose yourself in the gorgeous scents which have been carefully curated by owner Gail Lynas, who followed her dreams and set up her business during lockdown. Gail’s candles are hand-poured in a Co.Down studio and she wants all her customers to feel a sense of well being when using her products. And now Gail is offering you the chance to try her candles with this amazing competition. One reader will win some wonderful products from this bespoke range of beautifully scented candles.

THE PRIZE IS: • The Spring/Summer fragrances from the Buick House Candle range The Lane, The Meadow and the new fragrance, The Kitchen Garden • a glass cloche to keep a favourite candle dust free • a French, wooden, indoor/outdoor candle lantern To win this lovely prize simply answer the following question.

Where is Buick House Candles based? A: Co Antrim B: Co Down C: Co Fermanagh Email your answer A, B or C to editor@localwomensnews.com. Don’t forget to include your address and a daytime phone number. Closing date is midnight on May 31, 2021. Winner will be contacted directly. No purchase is necessary. This competition is hosted by Local Women on behalf of Buick House Candles. No cash alternative offered. Prize may vary. Over 18s only. Editor’s decision is final.

SARAH’S IN A LEAGUE OF HER OWN

Northern Ireland football star Sarah Robson from Bellaghy on juggling motherhood and a full-time job with playing the game she loves. By Mandi Millar Bellaghy-born football international Robson is in a league of her own.

Sarah

ƒ Playing for Northern Ireland (picture by Press Eye)

As a member of the Northern Ireland women’s team which made history last month by taking the country to the Euro finals, she’s at the top of her game on the pitch – and off. But the mum of one – like women’s football generally - has come a long way from the days when they had to take Persil tablets to tournaments so they could wash their only training kit in the wash basin between fixtures. “Getting through to the Euros has been unreal! Unbelievable! Class!” beams Durham Women’s

midfielder Sarah, the first in the NI squad to become a mum, a role she juggles with full-time lecturing at Newcastle College.

nothing like it.

“Not to do be playing at the very top of my game wouldn’t be fair on him,” says Sarah whose But she’s quick to admit it’s only the support of kickabouts in the streets and fields of Bellaghy Geordie-born husband Damian, a Civil Servant, were her first taste of football. which enables her football career to continue at “We were a Liverpool and Manchester United international level. family. Dad watched the big matches no ƒ In action

40 | Local Women Magazine

“Since we had Harper (3) he’s given up so much matter what and my granda went to the so I can carry on and that’s really what motivates Moyola matches. me – that and running out for my country. There’s “One of my sisters played netball and got me into

that too. I played for NI but when the time came to choose the football won, though I don’t have a big back story about why I got into it, it was something to do.”

as long as I felt well,” says Sarah who didn’t tell too many people her news. “There’s still this idea that when you’re pregnant you should stop doing everything immediately but it was the only thing keeping me sane!

And she loved it, soon running rings round her male cousins in those Bellaghy kickabouts.

“I was still out running at 30 weeks and in the gym to 38 weeks!

“You always want to beat the boys!” laughs Sarah whose life, like her game, has been blessed with some great timing.

“Being on maternity leave gave me time to focus on getting back to fitness and I started training again seriously after three months.”

“At Bellaghy Primary our teacher was just starting the first ever girls’ team and then at secondary, if I hadn’t gone to Magherafelt High I wouldn’t have had the chance to play on, because girls at the other school in the town played hockey.”

Once back in the locker room though Sarah says no-one treated her any differently.

From school she was then getting picked for regionals and county teams before starting her career with Moyola Park Ladies, moving to Ballymena United Allstars.

ƒ Sarah with husband Damian and daughter Harper

Stints with Icelandic teams Fylkir, Grindavik and FH followed – just after she’d spent “I keep an eye on diet too. I never feel I play as three years in the US playing varsity football well if I’ve had a big carryout during the week!” having won a scholarship to the University of There’s a lot of discipline then involved in Southern Mississippi. Robson family life but that’s something Damian FA Women’s Superleague side Manchester City understood when they married in 2016 after wanted her too but it was before their major meeting through mutual friend and fellow NI investment in the side so there was no salary. player Rachel Furness. “I needed to work so I was delighted to secure a spot at Sunderland for five years where I was studying for my Masters degree, before switching to Durham in 2017,” says Sarah who at 33, is one of the club’s veterans.

“Furney was organising a friendly – girls and against boys – and Damian was on the team. They fielded their weaker players because they thought they’d win but we smashed it!” recalls Sarah.

“I’m wil’ old!” she laughs, “and having to work harder to stay fit and healthy. It takes longer to recover from training and games.

Love blossomed and Harper arrived, giving Sarah a daughter and her teams a new mini mascot.

“NI manager then Alfie Wylie asked me if I wanted to train with them. Harper was eight weeks and I hadn’t left her before but there had to be a first time,” admits Sarah who then went to Slovakia with the squad. “I ended up on the pitch as Alfie said I was the best person to play.” Durham’s acceptance of the new mum was the same. “They’ve been brilliant and said Damian and Harper are welcome to travel with us to away matches. It’s been unreal. Everyone has just been amazing,” says Sarah who often brings the little girl to training where the other players look after her while she’s busy. “She’s massive part of everything with an accent that’s sometimes really Northern Ireland and sometimes really Geordie!” Looking ahead Sarah would love to see more opportunities for women in professional football in case Harper shares her passion.

“England are making massive strides but there “I train with my club four nights a week and play “As soon as I was pregnant I’d spoken to the NI are still only five NI players who are professionals. at weekends and that seems to be enough. team doctor about training and she said to carry The rest of us are juggling often full-time jobs or study and that’s why the gap widens between the stronger and weaker teams,” she explains. “UEFA have just pumped another £24m into the women’s champions league so that’s bound to trickle down to the nations ultimately - NI wants to be a part of that “In 10 years time I’d like to see tens of thousands of girls playing rather than thousands and to see NI continue to qualify for championships so our success isn’t a one-off. “For me it’s about making as many memories now as I can to share with Harper when she’s older.

ƒ The Northern Ireland team (picture by Press Eye)

“It would be so good to be able to tell her that getting through to the Euro finals this year was a watershed moment in the history of Northern Ireland women’s football – and that her mum was part of it.”

Local Women Magazine | 41

AUSTRALIA'S MOST WANTED SEE OUR REVIEW OF THIS WINE ON PAGE 103

CHARDONNAY

SHIRAZ

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

42 | Local Women Magazine

Get creative at the Hidden Treasure Trove At the Hidden Treasure Trove in Banbridge, you can learn to create beautiful, bespoke furniture. Book a class today. GET THE LOOK Here’s a few tips on how to restore furniture: • Always prep your items before painting. • Wash your items with sugar soap as this takes grease and grime off. • Sand your surfaces as this gives your paint a better surface to stick to. • Apply your paint - lighter coats are better than heavy thick coats. • If you’re looking to create that shabby chic look, let your paint dry and in the places the piece would most naturally wear, slightly sand back on edges. Then apply wax depending on what you want to achieve.

My inspiration for creating bespoke furniture has always been my love for art and design mixed with an accent of French styling. I love the concept of shabby chic, and my passion is making out-dated, run down furniture look like French style, rustic pieces to be treasured. Recently, I have seen a lot of white and grey minimalist style furniture which is sophisticated looking, but personally I find it a little dull. I love the opportunity to be creative and design unique pieces using colours that you would not usually find commercially. I like to be a little different and as a decorative chalk painter, I specialise in transforming wooden furniture and bringing it back to life.

COURSES AND CLASSES

Recently I designed these bathroom units for Loughanmore Court - a five-star wedding venue in Co Louth which just oozes class and vintage charm.

Our classes book up pretty quickly, so if you would like to book in advance, please call us on 07708556737.

The white French-style dresser and table was designed to keep within the theme of the wedding room, and it is just so elegant.

Our diary will be opening soon for all our beginners and advanced classes.

We are really looking forward to getting back to these classes and getting creative again.

The oversized 8-foot dresser was designed for the bathroom and is painted in Frenchic paint with touches of gold leaf.

Local Women Magazine | 43

Welcome Back! Our Secret Garden is in full bloom and we are delighted to welcome you back Booking is recommended and can be made via: • Facebook.com/NumberSevenDukeStreet via contact us link • Instagram/numbersevendukestreet via booking link • Online at www.resdiary.com • Call us on 028 4175 3149 to reserve your table • Booking for 3 hour slots 7 Duke Street | Warrenpoint | BT34 3JY | Tel: 028 4175 3149

www.number7restaurant.com Follow us on Facebook/@NumberSevenDukeStreet 44 | Local Women Magazine

FRESH, PREMIUM COCKTAILS AT HOME DESIGNED TO SHAKE & POUR ALL YOUR FAVOURITES INCLUDING:

Mojito | Pornstar Martini | Sex on the Beach | Bramble Expresso Martini and much more Now available from lots of off licences across Co Down and Armagh

Find us on Facebook/NumberSevenDukeStreet

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

GUIDING YOU THROUGH EVERY STEP OF THE LEGAL PROCESS

BEEN MADE REDUNDANT?

Rosemary Connolly LL.B. L.L.M. rosemaryconnolly@solicitorsni.net Leanne McKeown LL.B., Solicitor leannemckeown@solicitorsni.net

In the current economic circumstances, many people are facing redundancy situations because their employers are in financial difficulty and have become insolvent. If you find yourself in that situation where your employer has gone insolvent, then you need to act swiftly to ensure that you receive your redundancy entitlements, if you are eligible. If your employer is unable to pay to you the sums you are due in a redundancy situation,

PURCHASING AN APARTMENT Emma Sheppard LL.B, Solicitor emmasheppard@solicitorsni.net

When you purchase an apartment, you are essentially purchasing the internal structures of the apartment. However, the common areas of the building (exterior walls, roof, hallways, lifts, garden, car parking areas etc) must also be maintained and therefore apartment buildings are managed by Management Companies. Upon the purchase of an apartment, a share certificate should be issued in the purchaser’s name as this confirms that they have a share in the Management Company as a shareholder/member and are therefore responsible for the common areas along with the other apartment owners. The Management Company arrange for regular maintenance of the common areas and for a yearly block insurance policy to be in place. These services provided by the Management Company are funded by the individual apartment owners who pay an annual service charge. If the directors of a Management Company fail to file its annual accounts or the service charge accumulated isn’t covering the outgoings, the company may have to be dissolved and the apartment building would have no legal entity in charge of its common areas. It is also essential that the developer arranges for the transfer of the common areas into the name of the Management Company, upon the sale of the last apartment. If the developer has not done so and becomes insolvent, difficulties can arise for the Management Company/apartment owners as they would not hold legal ownership of the areas being maintained. Please contact Emma on 028 4175 3121 or emmasheppard@solicitorsni.net for assistance with any property matters.

then you will need to make an application to the Redundancy Payments Service (RPS) as soon as possible.

remember that there is a strict time limit of three months from the date of dismissal in which to issue a claim to the Industrial Tribunal and there is a requirement to contact the Labour Relations Agency to consider early consideration prior to that.

To be entitled to a redundancy payment from the RPS you must have been made redundant, have worked for your employer for two years or more and have written to them requesting your redundancy pay and submitted an application form to the RPS within 6 months of your dismissal or issued a claim in the industrial tribunal. If your employer is not legally insolvent then the RPS will be unable to make a payment to you unless you receive an award from the Industrial Tribunal and have taken reasonable steps to try and enforce that Judgment. It is important to

Payments from the RPS can include, statutory redundancy pay, arrears of pay (to a maximum 8 weeks pay), holiday pay (to a maximum 6 weeks pay) and notice pay (to a maximum 12 weeks pay), however, what you may be entitled to will be entirely dependent on your individual circumstances and that of your employer. Our Employment team are available to provide further advice and assistance on your legal entitlements if you are facing a redundancy situation.

EASING OF COVID RESTRICTIONS

• gyms, swimming pools and indoor leisure facilities may open for individual exercise and also one-to-one training/ coaching with social distancing.

Rachel Rice LL.B., Solicitor rrice@solicitorsni.net

As we are all aware the easing of some restrictions came into effect on 30th April meaning many businesses such as retail and outdoor hospitality can reopen. This is no doubt very welcomed by many people looking to return to some sort of normality. Below are examples of what restrictions have been eased. •

•

up to 15 people (including children) from no more than three households can meet up outdoors in a private garden, but you should maintain social distancing. you can stay overnight in self-contained accommodation with your household or bubble. You must not stay overnight with anyone not in your household or bubble. Overnight stays are permitted in self-contained tourism accommodation (such as self-catering houses and caravans). This is accommodation with no shared facilities, which can be exclusively used by a single household/ bubble. Outdoor areas at hospitality venues (cafes, restaurants, bars, pubs, social clubs) can reopen. A maximum of six people from two households can be seated together. Children aged 12 and under are not counted in the total. More than six will be permitted if they all belong to a single household. Venues will also be required to collect customer details to help with the Test, Trace, Protect contact tracing programme. all shops can reopen and off-licences will be permitted to sell alcohol after 8.00 pm

However, it is still important to note that the Covid Penalty Notices are still active and anyone found to be going outside of the remit of the revised restrictions may be punished. Below are the penalties that can be given out. •

CRN: Community Resolution Notice (no ﬁne, just a warning).

•

COV2: COV2 in effect amounts to a ‘warning’ for the purposes of stopping a person from continuing to breach the regulations and are broken into two types: COV2 Prohibition Notice are issued to commercial premises so can be given to a shop, hotel, licensed premises and for Restriction of Gatherings in a private dwelling

•

COV3: COV3 is a Failure to isolate (£1,000 ﬁne)

•

COV4: COV4 may only be given to persons 18 years and over and can be issued for a number of reasons including for example; indoor or outdoor gatherings breaching the allowed maximum number of people. Fines now start at £200. The £200 penalty amount will reduce to £100 if paid within 14 days.

•

COV5: COV5 ﬁnes can now be issued to a business and/or premises as required for breach of the regulations, starting at £1,000 to a maximum of £10,000.

•

COV6: Penalty Notice of £200 issued for failure to wear a face covering without reasonable excuse.

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

Get your Fit2Fly Certificate

Accurate Covid-19 testing

MedChecks offers rapid Covid-19 testing with a mobile service for private and corporate events.

One of the key approaches to the management of Covid-19 is testing.

MedChecks offers a range of rapid, noninvasive tests carried out by medical professionals to put your mind at ease and help get things back to normal as soon as possible.

MedChecks offers: • Covid-19 testing at private and corporate events • A mobile service available provincewide • Fit2fly certificates complying with government requirements • Test to Release (Days 2, 5 & 8) • PCR/Antigen/Antibody testing • Test to check your status after vaccination.

HOW ACCURATE ARE THE RESULTS?

Since the commencement of testing there

Set up by Anaesthetist and Intensive Care Doctor Dr John Doherty, MedChecks aims to help people return to normal life post lockdown through the range of tests offered. Dr Doherty says: “As restrictions are now easing and we come out of lockdown we want to be in a position to help people get back to normal - for children to go to school safely, for employees to return to the workplace, and for people to begin to travel safely.”

WHY DID YOU SET UP MEDCHECKS?

I have had an interest in Medical Diagnostics and Screening and have been working in this sphere for the last 10 years. I provided extra help and support during the pandemic when I saw the alarming high infection and transmission rates, particularly in the North West area of the country. I believe that one of the key approaches in management of Covid 19 is in testing.

has

been

significant

development

and

advancement in the tests’ reliability - they are now exceptionally sensitive and accurate.

CAN I GET A TEST CERTIFICATE?

All tests are provided with certification which supports the fit2fly programme.

WHAT TESTS ARE OFFERED? We offer a range of tests:

1. PCR - This is a nasal swab and is sent for analysis to a lab. Results will be returned typically in less than 12 hrs.

WHERE IS MEDCHECKS BASED?

MedChecks is located in Derry but covers all

of Northern Ireland and Donegal. There are several mobile teams that can cover anywhere in the province on any given day.

2. Rapid Antigen - This is also a nasal swab. The lateral flow test is performed quickly, and results are available immediately.

There is also a fixed testing site at McCausland

3. Rapid Antibody - This is a finger prick blood test and results are also available immediately. This test can be useful to tell you if you have had Covid-19 in the previous months or if you have had a response to the vaccination.

HOW DO I ARRANGE A TEST?

ARE THE TESTS PAINFUL?

All tests are relatively non-invasive and performed by trained healthcare professionals.

Car Park at Belfast International Airport where a drive through facility is offered.

Tests can be done in person by booking at

one of our available sites or requesting mobile appointment where we will come to you. Details of the tests, availability of

appointments and booking can be found at

www.medchecks.co.uk. Local Women Magazine | 47

25 Antrim Business Park, Randalstown Road,Antrim, BT41 4LD | T: 028 9446 4434

www.bladesandbeauty.co.uk Model: Yasmin Doyle | Photographer: Alexandra Barfoot bladesandbeauty

48 | Local Women Magazine

bladesandbeauty

BACK TO THE BEST AT BLADES & BEAUTY With a revamped salon, extended opening hours and extra training for the dedicated staff, it’s back to business stronger than ever for Blades & Beauty.

Hello Local Women readers and welcome to our May column, It is amazing to come back and be able to talk about the salon being open again after a few very surreal months. The feeling when I arrived at my salon late last month for our first day’s business in months. Words can barely describe it. I was like a kid at Christmas. The atmosphere was absolutely electric. The queue of people outside and around the corner. It was like the atmosphere you get at Christmas in the salon environment. The customers were so happy to be back, and we were so happy to have them. We had to put various extra precautionary measures in place in line with government legislation changes which was added pre reopening. But I must say my staff and I coped well with the changes and the customers were very understanding as like us, they were just so glad to be back.

the backlog which has accumulated over the lockdown period.

I always say this but again I am so blessed to have an amazing team working for me as you well know I am extremely proud of them.

The staff have been doing additional refresher courses and our MUA is doing some upskilling training with top local Belfast MUA Aine Knocker. It’s great as a local businesswomen to support local artists and businesses too.

My beauty department has been revamped and extended. We have two new members and I’d like to welcome Zoie and Brenna to the Blades & Beauty family.

Everyone has to constantly update their skills and game as no matter how long you have been at the job as trends change and evolve constantly in such a fast-paced industry.

We have extended and added additional opening hours and days to accommodate

The nails technicians are finishing another advanced course too and of course the stylists, Janie and Alicia, are doing advanced colour and cutting training with Alfaparf Milano. We aim to always do our utmost to provide the best and most up to date service for the public. We are so happy to have back our existing clientele and amazed by the amount of new customers too. See you all soon. Lots of love,

and the team at Blades & Beauty

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 | 49

SELFCARE AT UTOPIA BEAUTY

Keri Patton from Utopia Beauty recommends reflexology to help you re-balance and heal after lockdown. If we have learned one thing from the be mapped onto areas of the feet called pandemic, it’s that we have to look after reflex points. By working these reflex points, our health. you can bring about a response in the So now as lockdown ends and we begin to corresponding part of the body and induce a resume the hustle and bustle of normal life, deep sense of relaxation, restore energy, and the emphasis should remain firmly on our promote the body’s own ability to restore wellbeing. and heal itself. For women in particular, the stress of living Keri has been a reflexologist for many years through the past year of COVD-19 has been and sees first-hand the benefits that her overwhelming. clients get from the treatment. We have all had to care for others, often For women in particular reflexology can be putting our own needs to the side. very beneficial and help to balance hormones But as the saying goes: “You can’t pour from During my consultation Keri and I discuss my an empty cup.” Without our own health and health issues before I get comfortable on the wellbeing, we can’t properly care for others. heated treatment bed. Therapist Keri Patton, owner of Utopia Beauty in Castlereagh, is a great believer in selfcare. If you have never had reflexology before, you She encourages her clients to take time out are missing out. It is the most wonderful and for themselves and recommends reflexology relaxing therapy but more than that you can as one of the best holistic treatments for actually feel it working. overall wellbeing. Keri gently manipulates Reflexology is a gentle, non-invasive touch different parts of my feet. She therapy working on the reflex areas of the feet can tell so much from my feet which correspond to the structures and organs which I find incredible. She can of the body. feel the tension in my shoulders Reflexology works alongside holistic and also that I have some principals aiming to treat your mind, body, inflammation in my intestinal and spirit. All organs and body systems can area – as most women know this is very common but I didn’t mention it to her. It feels wonderful and relaxing, and I drift off as she touches my feet before placing them in heated booties. Keri warns me that afterwards I might have a sore head as the toxins leave my system and says I will sleep well later on. After the treatment I feel energised and that night I do indeed sleep deeply. Over the next few days, I feel much more relaxed. I can definitely feel the benefits of this treatment and would recommend it thoroughly.

Utopia Beauty, 31 Glen Road, Castlereagh, Belfast, BT5 7LT. T: 028 9079 4562 E: utopiabeautyandtanning@outlook.com Instagram: @utopiabeautyandtanning

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Real stories. Real Women. Is now the time to rewrite your story? Book title: The Woman’s Journey Available: Amazon & Sheehys Cookstown Author: Evelyn Mc Aleer

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Local Women Magazine | 53

MODERN UNISEX HAIR SALON STUNNING NEW COLOURS ARRIVING FOR 2021

UPSTYLES

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MAKE UP PACKAGES AVAILABLE WITH THE FABULOUS

DAVID FULTON MAKEUP ARTIST

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54 | Local Women Magazine

Coming Soon on

Friday 14th May 2021 LL Luxe Lounge is a Luxury Womenswear Label designed in Newry, Co.Down The ethos behind this brand is to create quality pieces, that are stylish, comfortable, timeless and affordable. We want to celebrate the world of stylish loungewear and fashion. Follow our socials for regular updates on the launch of our first collection and subscribe to our website on

https://ll-luxe-lounge.myshopify.com LL Luxe Lounge

@llluxelounge

llluxelounge@gmail.com

Lift Suppliers Northern Ireland

With over 30 years experience in the lift industry, Patterson Lifts Ltd have been delivering Stairlifts, Goods and Passenger Lifts for businesses and homes across Ireland and in the UK mainland. With over 45 years experience in the industry, Patterson Lifts have already made their mark in the UK and Irish Market Place with completed contracts in Dublin, Kingscourt, Oxford, Manchester, Birmingham, Bedford, Pall Mall in London, Londonderry & Coventry to name but a few and we have worked along side major builders such as GA, Ganson & Grahams. Our lift installations just don’t stop at new sites as we are involved in refurbs and lift replacements; a recent replacement for a lift installed by us 25 years ago within the Cultra Folk Museum Complex using one of our new Hybrid lifts. We have a full range of lifts starting from Stairlifts for domestic use, Access Lifts, Goods Lifts from small Micro lifts to larger box and pallet lifts and high speed Traction Passenger lifts. We have recently designed a very special Hybrid Plus lift which provides all the beneﬁts of a full Passenger/Bed Lift without the need to provide all of the expensive building works and costs associated with it.

We look forward receiving your enquiry and assisting you with your project.

Local Women Magazine | 55

SMETICS

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LAYER UP MOISTURISER

The moisturiser that keeps on giving , stay hydrated all day long with this fusion of Vitamins A, C and E, this musthave combination of vitamins is for great anti-ageing while the creamy, easy absorbed formula is perfect with or without makeup. Our beautiful formulas will help boost collagen production, resulting in tighter, firmer skin and will reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Boost your skin with our AHA fruit acid & as if you needed more..... our alter It Up Moisturiser is also rich in antioxidants. All this adds up to the perfect moisturising partner that Every woman needs in their life.

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EU Exit

BUSINESS ADVICE Customs, VAT & post EU Exit trade Return to business informed Learn from PWC experts how the NI Protocol impacts trading in 2021 Join Us Live Wednesday 12 May, 10-11.30am* Free 1:2:1 advice consultations also available after the event. From sole traders to corporations, anyone can register now for free at investni.com/eu-exit-events *This event is part of a series.

BUILDING BUSINESS FOR A STRONGER ECONOMY

LUXURIOUS LIVING

Victoria Patterson from Design by Mayfair reveals the details about the Mayfair Group’s latest luxury development in Cultra. TELL US ABOUT THE MAYFAIR GROUP? Mayfair Group is a progressive UK property development company with the homeowner at its focus. We have an established track record dating back 25 years with a focus on high end luxury developments, creating communities and family orientated developments. Our approach to affordable family living within the UK is a cornerstone of our social housing projects. Our schemes are thoughtfully designed and considered to create vibrant, resilient and sustainable places to live and work, with the health and well-being of communities at their heart.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE NEW HENLEY DEVELOPMENT IN CULTRA? A luxury collection of house sized apartments with serene, timeless appeal. Situated on Seafront Road in the heart of Cultra, Henley offers unrivalled 62 | Local Women Magazine

WHAT DO YOU THINK ADDS VALUE TO A HOUSE OR DEVELOPMENT? That’s a hard question as each development is different. Location will always have a massive influence on price, and curb appeal is key. Access to amenities and distance to local towns or cities for commuters is always a factor. As much as energy is important and the future, it is yet to be determined how much solar panels or batteries adds to a house development. We hope to be able to have an add on service for solar and renewable energy to our developments with our new company ENCOM launching in September.

WHERE DO YOU SEE THE COMPANY IN THE FUTURE? waterfront living, with some of the most breathtaking views Co Down has to offer. Henley is a contemporary development of five apartments designed to an immaculate specification, each of which are characterised by bright and airy interiors. Each home benefits from over 1,800 square ft of living space and a private garage. No detail has been overlooked in the quest to ensure that these new homes lend themselves to luxurious living and easy maintenance.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ASPECT OF THIS DEVELOPMENT? The penthouse at the top consists of 7000 square feet and has a rooftop indoor pool, with a roof garden looking over the ocean. There are two lifts, one for the middle floor and one private lift for the penthouse. We were very specific on every detail from design and fit out due to the level of spec that was involved. The entire building was built using Insulated Concrete Framework which offers superior performance and increased energy efficiency. Added to this are the state-of-the-art heat recovery and solar energy systems making this a future proof development.

Mayfair over the years have acquired sites with and without planning, entered into joint ventures and option agreements. Our aim is to build and sell 100+ houses across 3-4 developments each year. Schemes range from high end coastal developments in Cultra to first time buyer developments across NI. We are currently working on schemes in Moira, Belfast, Mallusk, Dromore, Cultra and are seeking more opportunities in 2021. Our aim is to expand and grow thorough the UK and hope to be the best in what we do from quality, delivery and design. As an entrepreneurial family business, we are eager to invest in new and innovative technology particularly solar energy and renewable power. Over the past 30 years we have been passive investors, helping others create their dreams in the business world. We will always welcome your business plans and ideas if you would be interested in partnering with the Mayfair group. No idea is too small or big and we enjoy hearing your story. Whilst our main successes have been in the healthcare and property development sectors, some of the other industries we have invested in include the hospitality sector, nightclubs, fashion, retail, communications and transport.

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

www.mayfairgroupltd.com MayfairGroupUK

@designbymayfair

@group_mayfair Local Women Magazine | 63

KEEP YOUR HAIR LOOKING SWEET

Local Women chats to salon owner Sonya Smith, from Hair Candy in Waringstown, about post lockdown hair trends, getting back to work and why ‘me time’ has never been so important. Over the past year we have realised just how Here she talks to Local Women about the exciting plans she has for Hair Candy. important hairdressers are to us. Not only do they make us look gorgeous, but HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN they are mentors and counsellors who we trust THE HAIRDRESSING INDUSTRY? I started working in a salon when I was in with all our secrets – and we’ve missed them! school. Since then, I have gained 16 years of Sonya Smith, owner of Hair Candy in experience and have been self-employed for Waringstown knows just how important the seven years. relationship is between a client and their stylist – and since she has been back at work, WHAT IS YOUR WORK HISTORY? she has thoroughly enjoyed catching up with I started my training in Surgery her customers who she describes as friends. Hairdressing in the Moy, where I worked for three years and gained experience After months of closures, Sonya has enjoyed and training. I worked restoring her customers’ hair and is looking forward along with my boss, to growing her business in the next few months. doing editorials for magazines which I enjoyed. We also did shows like Wella Trend Vision and L’Oreal Colour Trophy in Dublin and Belfast, which is very competitive but gives you a real buzz for your job. I also trained in Belfast and Dublin. There is always something new to learn, new techniques, new colours and trends are always changing. From then I worked in diﬀerent salons doing editorials, fashion shows, and competitions. I gained a lot of experience and met so many lovely people and then decided to open my own salon. 64 | Local Women Magazine

WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO OPEN ON YOUR OWN? I opened Hair Candy in 2014 in Moira, because I felt it was my time. I loved the hustle and bustle of the village, met loads of lovely people. I wanted to focus on my salon. After four years I decided to move the salon to my home. My husband helped me make the decision. He always gives the best advice when it comes to my salon, he even picked my curtains which I never heard the end of! Now that I have a little boy, working at home is brilliant because I can spend more time with him if I’m free.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS AND WHAT YOU OFFER YOUR CLIENTS? I do a mix of balayage, colouring, cutting and upstyles. I’m a L’Oreal Professional salon and a Kevin Murphy stockist, so my clients can maintain their hair between appointments. Another great factor about the salon is that clients don’t need to worry about parking, as there’s ample free parking right at the front door. Since working from home, I’ve been able to invest more in my business, so plans for this year include making an outdoor relaxation area. I’m really looking forward to that and I can’t wait to bring back the caramel lattes – something a lot of my clients have missed!

essential oils so it’s brilliant to be able to oﬀer the best to my clients.

HOW DID YOU COPE WITH LOCKDOWN?

HOW HAS COVID-19 AFFECTED YOUR BUSINESS? Any time we have been able to open during lockdown, it been so busy. Opening and closing constantly has been annoying, so hopefully now we are open it will be for good. All my clients have been brilliant at following guidelines, wearing masks, and sanitizing. I am glad to get back as I miss my clients. By doing their hair for so many years, you create a real bond and friendship, and I missed that.

WHAT PRODUCTS DO YOU RECOMMEND TO KEEP OUR HAIR IN GOOD CONDITION UNTIL WE CAN GET AN APPOINTMENT? I’ve recently started retailing Kevin Murphy products which are linked on my Instagram. It’s an amazing Australian brand. The packaging is made from recycled plastic taken from Australian beaches, and they support many charities, including a non-proﬁt breast cancer awareness charity. The products are all made free of parabens, sulphates and are non-animal cruelty. They have the best ingredients and

It has been hard for everyone, especially if you live on your own, or were trying to manage home-schooling. I think it’s given us time to reﬂect, the world needs to slow down and appreciate the little things and to just be content instead of always on the go, go, go. I’m grateful for the extra time with my little boy, coming 3 his personality and our wee adventures I would never have got the extra time with him otherwise, I’m very grateful for my husband Steven who’s a farmer, his job is 24/7 so he has kept me busy (or sane) with an endless list of jobs on the farm, you’re sure to be busy around here. Glad to see the better weather coming back again, it’s good to get outside again and we all hope for a little sunshine in 2021.

ARE THERE ANY HAIR TRENDS WE SHOULD LOOK OUT FOR IN 2021? I see a lot more people being adventurous. I’ve seen girls use crazy colours and cut their hair short, or even shave their heads. I think this year has let people be creative in lockdown, although people are still going for easily maintained styles. Grown out bangs, curtain fringes, low maintenance colours, choppy haircuts, and texture and volume are all very popular. I also don’t think bobs and balayage are going anywhere fast, but think people are making them a bit more texture, tousled and low maintenance is key..

FREE PARKING AT THE DOORSTEP

38 Valley Lane | Waringstown | Craigavon | BT66 7SR For appointments call Sonya 078 8932 0583 Hair Candy Waringstown

haircandy_waringstown Local Women Magazine | 65

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Relax and calm with ethos Win a set of NATURAL, BALANCE and SLEEP CBD oils from ethos and enjoy a sense of calm and relaxation.

WIN Local Women has teamed up with ethos to offer one reader the NATURAL, BALANCE and SLEEP oils. Each of the products; NATURAL, BALANCE and SLEEP combine rich CBD extracts with carefully chosen botanical ingredients and adaptogens to deliver the speciﬁc health and wellbeing needs of the ethos customer.

Post lockdown, looking after your health has never been so important - and like most people, I do everything in my power to keep myself feeling good. CBD oil is rapidly becoming a popular selfcare alternative to traditional medicine and vitamins. I have heard about the many benefits of CBD and was delighted to try a new Irish brand ‘ethos.’ Founders of the premium brand Fergus Kerrigan, from Galway and Amy O’Flaherty from Dublin both experienced personal health issues and sought a natural alternative to traditional medicine. They both experienced first-hand the benefits CBD had on their own health and became passionate about sharing their experiences – so much so that they left their successful careers in the corporate world to found ethos.

But how does the product make you feel? Like most people I have been in a bit of a lethargic lockdown slump. I had quite low energy and felt a little anxious – hardly surprising during a global pandemic. CBD is said to have a therapeutic property that helps in various health conditions such as inflammation, depression, pain, and anxiety. And I can report that it definitely makes a difference. I was using the NATURAL, BALANCE and SLEEP oils on a daily basis and noticed an improvement in my mood. BALANCE and SLEEP come in mint flavours, while NATURAL tastes like olive oil. All of them are easy to take and taste pleasant. BALANCE for me worked the best as I could feel that it “took the edge off” my anxiety and made me feel quite relaxed.

Their mission is to pioneer a new form of health that can be achieved through natural, plant-based products.

SLEEP is great to take at nighttime and deﬁnitely makes you feel tired, so you get a relaxing night’s sleep.

All products are made from hemp organically grown by the team in Ireland. Amy and Fergus collaborated with scientific and medical experts in the health and wellness field to formulate a range of premium CBD products tailored to specific wellbeing needs.

I noticed a difference within about two weeks, and I have to say, I was impressed with the results. It is deﬁnitely something that I am going to continue with as apparently the beneﬁts increase with usage.

NATURAL – CBD extract blended with organic MCT Coconut Oil and Hemp Seed Oil. This is a multi-functional oil, suitable for a range of wellbeing issues. Two half droppers to be taken daily. BALANCE – CBD rich extract blended with Ashwagandha Extract, Peppermint Essential Oil, MCT Coconut Oil and Hemp Seed Oil. This oil is formulated to help the body with balanced responses to stresses and anxiety. SLEEP – CBD rich extract with, Chamomile Extract, Spearmint Essential Oil, MCT Coconut Oil and Hemp Seed Oil. This range is designed to calm the mind & body and help improve sleep. Two half droppers to be taken daily.

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Looking forward to seeing all our customers again and to get back to normal . We have introduced fabulous new brands from all over Europe . We have an amazing range of mother of the bride and groom. Guest wear casual clothing and shoes. We also have an extensive range of ﬁrst communion. We look forward to dressing ladies from all over for their special occasion. If you can’t get to us soon take a look on our website. www.gaspboutiques.com. Love

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MAMA-TO-BE IS READY! Lady in waiting Hollie Campbell gets ready to say hello to her new arrival this month.

Our baby is due this month and we are so excited. I am fully prepared with my hospital bag ready and I have all the baby stuff set up at home, I absolutely love the nursery. I got these amazing built-in wardrobes made by M&M Carpentry and Fitout - you will find them on Instagram and Facebook, I cannot recommend them enough. I have been making an effort these past few weeks with some maternity clothes on my Instagram, sharing links to some comfortable bits to help me through the last few weeks as my bump has got so big. It’s important for us women to try feel good throughout pregnancy as there are tough days even though the end result will be worth it all. I have saved the links to my highlights on Instagram so people can look back at them if they wish. I’m chilling as much as possible for my last few weeks and reading a great book on hypnobirthing that has really helped me feel more relaxed about labour. The book is called “Practical ways to make your birth better” by Siobhan Miller. I ordered mine on Amazon. I will look forward to next month’s article on becoming a new mummy and sharing my news. Hopefully more restrictions will be lifted, and we all have more normality for summer. Take care. Love,

Check out my website at

www.holliecampbell.com Contact me at holliecampbellblog@gmail.com

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THE PROMISE OF EATING IN RESTAURANTS… Local Women food and drink columnist Paula Gracey rejoices at the end of lockdown as the days of takeaways and cooking at home become a distance memory. COOK AT HOME GOODIES

SPICING IT UP AT INDIA GATE

Even though the end is finally in sight and the promise of enjoying a meal inside our favourite restaurants is tantalisingly close, we are still having to enjoy the occasional take-away to break the monotony. We also soon realised that another hospitality casualty of lockdown is the good, old Groupon voucher. Like many devotees, we’ve accumulated a backlog. Thankfully all the establishments whose deals we snapped up are allowing us to extend and some are accepting them for takeaways… like India Gate on Belfast’s Great Victoria Street. We’d been looking forward to dining in this highly rated restaurant after hearing so many recommendations and being impatient and eager for variety, we decided to opt for the takeaway.

We seem to being going through an Asian food phase at the minute as we also loaded up with some Marks & Spencer goodies to cook at home (I say cook - a couple of minutes in the microwave is about the height of it). Like the 18-piece Dim Sum selection, new to Marksys, and then we got stuck into a Prawn and Coconut Sri Lankan Curry – so yummy! To go with the challenge of Asian flavours, Gewurztraminer is always a good choice of wine and we found a classic in Lidl’s Gewurztraminer Camille Meyer (£8.99) from Alsace. It has a rich depth of flavour, is wonderfully aromatic, with hints of spice, low acids and underlying sweetness so it paired really well with the delicious coconut curry. For quality aligned to value, serious wine buffs will tell you Lidl’s new range of top shelf wines is really exciting, from some fabulous fizz to Chianti, Vacqueyras, Chablis and a lovely Patricius Tokaji Furmit to name but a few. If you follow my Instagram (@paula.gracey) you will see further reviews.

A SPRING MAKEOVER

Speaking of Instagram – Mr Bojangles featured again this month… after an intense grooming session (cats don’t do restrictions), he emerged ready for summer, excess hair gone, and I seem to have acquired a longhaired guinea pig from his cast offs!

It didn’t disappoint; what a feast they served up and bang on the requested collection time. I just love the flavours of Tikka so Chicken Tikka starter was my choice, marinated in yoghurt and spices to make the chicken so soft and tender and a generous portion made my heart happy when I opened the tin foil container to reveal the hot and juicy chicken pieces, onions and peppers. Hubby went for the Lamb Tikka starter, equally soft and juicy. We also discovered two hot and crispy Poppadums and a chutney, provided complementary, a nice touch, which we crunched our way through along with our starter while keeping the mains warm in the oven. I went for one of my favourites again, Chicken Shasklik with boiled rice, while himself couldn’t look past the Special Tikka Khajana, spiced chicken, lamb & prawn cooked with diced onions and peppers and cooked in a medium spiced sauce, with plain naan bread, and all for under £30. It was definitely a case of eyes bigger than belly. Don’t order food when you are really hungry because despite being absolutely delicious, again with juicy pieces of chicken, peppers and onions, I did my best to demolish it all, but hubby ended up with some tasty leftovers for lunch the next day. We can’t wait until India Gate opens its doors properly – we will be first in the queue. The menu is fantastic with lots of Chef’s Recommendations that I had never even heard of, so plenty of new things to try – just let us at it!

76 | Local Women Magazine

GOING LOCO FOR LOKO

Since we’ve been going loco in lockdown this past year, it’s only fitting a new drink brand should make a timely arrival to capture the mood and offer some escapism. Four Loko, the best-selling vodka flavoured drink in the US, is now available here. Created over a decade ago by two college graduates, Four Loko offers something different in a crowded market. It stands out thanks to flavours which really pack a punch. To satisfy a sweet tooth, the Four Loko Gold gives a delicious, sweet hit which tastes like sweet fruits and tutti fruity combined. The cool version, Four Loko Blue, is bursting with a delicious berry blast flavour with a hint for fresh meadow dew. Four Loko Fruit Punch blends together everyone’s favourite fruit flavours in one incredibly delicious drink. And finally, for a sweet and subtle sour flavour, Four Loko Sour Apple is exploding with a sweet, tart and tangy flavour all in one. Sold in convenient 440ml cans, Four Loko is available from SuperValu, Centra, Wineflair and NISA stores, price £2.99.

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Local Women Magazine | 77

MEET THE ARTIST WITH GALLERY 1608

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EERRNNTHERN H H T T R R O NO NN S’S AND’S D’R NDO A L A E L RIER RGEEISRSTETLRGEST AG LRAY LALR LEERGYALLERY L A G L GAL

Christmas Gi�t Guide Christmas Gi�t Guide Christmas Gi�t Guide Taking her inspiration from the dark beauty of Irish nature, owner of ‘A Little Dark’ Louise Maguire talks about the joy she gets from the bespoke pieces of jewellery she handcrafts.

forArt ArtLovers Lovers for Give a loved one the gift of stunning local art Lover this year for Art

jewellery that’s a little edgy and is tactile to touch, reﬂecting what I ﬁnd. In some respects, that decay or the natural progression of life is what I try to capture with the pieces I make. it's not a stretch to say that the things I come across, or forage for, live on beyond their life span, cast in silver to be loved and needed With Christmas just around the corner, this month by the wearer.

WHAT MAKES YOUR DAY WHEN YOU'RE MAKING OR SELLING YOUR WORK? What makes my day is when a customer buys a piece of jewellery and loves it so much that they put it on right away and walk off touching it and smiling. That’s a wonderful feeling. I have so many customers from who I thoroughly enjoy meeting over and over again, it has given me so much joy to see and catch up with them over the weeks and years and to hear and swap stories.

Give a loved one the gift of stunning local art this year withone Gallery 1608’s Christmas Gift Guide. GiveLocal awith loved the gift of stunning local art this yea Gallery 1608’s Christmas Gift Guide. Art…

ocal Art…

with Gallery 1608’s Christmas Gift Guide.

have pickedthe ourcorner, favourite th Christmaswejust around thisChristmas month gifts from WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT CREATING? some of our top Irish artists. This have picked our favourite Christmas gifts year, from why not When I'm not designing, making or thinking about avoid homogenous high street me of our top Irishthe artists. This year, why not presents and buydesigning or making, I’m usually cooking which I something which iscorner, both unique and collectable for hristmas just around this and month oid the homogenous highthe street presents buy love - and I’m always planning when and what your loved ones. A bit of extra thought will provide a ve picked our favourite Christmas gifts from mething which is both unique and collectable for I’m going to eat next! I love sea swimming, on giving. HOWgift DIDwhich YOUkeeps INTO DESIGNING AND walking and reading and I’m trying to learn the ur our loved ones. A bit of GET extra thought will of top Irish artists. This year, whyprovide not a MAKING JEWELLERY? piano. I love decorating our house, which is a Top of our list this year are limited edition prints by the which keeps on giving. homogenous high street presents and buy

al Art…

I've been and makingartists. jewellery for two of designing Ireland’s most well-known Belfast

fun, ongoing project, and I'm looking forward to

It's also incredibly special being asked to make a commission piece. The customer trusts me to create what they have visualised. It’s usually a previous piece of my jewellery and they would change some details of it and create a similar but personalised piece that will stay with them forever.

which is both unique and collectable nine years now as A Little Dark, but I’ve always getting back out to see live concerts when we phing of our list this year are limited edition prints byfor artist, Terry Bradley’s depiction of dock workers and been Ain the industry inartists. some shape or form. I ﬁnally can again. o of Ireland’s most well-known Belfast oved ones. bit of extra thought will provide a and we burlesque type women are always popular Maguire, Robert Spotten, NUA, JG, NI Silver, Ghost, worked for 13 years in of a dock very busy retail jewellery ist, Terry Bradley’s depiction workers and WHAT'S NEXT ON THE RADAR FOR A LITTLE DARK? all of his most recent prints in stock. Bonesetter and Spirit Jewellery. hich keeps have on giving. shop in Belfast and for four years in an amazing WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO OVER THE WHAT DOES A GREAT DAY CREATING rlesque type women are always popular and we Maguire, Robert Spotten, NUA, JG, NIOF Silver, Ghost, Keith Drury’s edition workprints is also by very antique shop inlimited Dublin. These years were so our list this year are limited edition NEXT 12 MONTHS? LOOK LIKE FOR YOU? Local Ceramics… ve all of his most recent prints in stock. Bonesetter and Spirit Jewellery. collectable and popular with our clients. His work is much fun, and I learnt a lot about jewellery and

Ireland’s most well-known artists. Belfast

I Ceramics absolutely work and gift myand favourite arelove also my a very popular again we

I can’t wait to get back to work at full

the limited business from these both quirky and contemporary, th Drury’s edition work is experiences. also verydepicting diﬀerent speed again making stock and getting new kind of day is when I can Pieces work range with from no can accommodate all budgets. Local Ceramics… Terry Bradley’s depiction of dock workers and scenes seamlessly brought together in one piece. interruptions. I start each morning with a But I local really started intowork myisown when lectable and popular with ourcoming clients. His commissions. I’m also looking forward to functional pottery to bespoke sculptural pieces. Ceramics are Robert also a very popular gift and again we Ghost, The artwork has appeared ondiﬀ television’s The and huge que type women are always popular and we Maguire, Spotten, NUA, JG, NI Silver, myand husband and our two girls lived in Fall San going back to jewellery classes to learn new breakfast before going for a walk on th quirky contemporary, depicting erent Represented are household can accommodate all budgets. Piecesnames rangesuch fromas Sharon is even in the collection of Princess Prints from Francisco and LA for together 16 that time, the beach with Greg, my amazing husband ll of his most recent prints inyears. stock. Bonesetter and Spirit Jewellery. al scenes seamlessly brought inDuring oneAnne. piece. Ian Carty, Rory Shearer, Leona Devine and ways of stone setting. I studied gemmology functionalofReagan, pottery to bespoke sculptural pieces. both artists canjewellery be boughtmaking framed ornight unframed. I went to various classes for years and I want to make more stone set 35 years. Then I put the music on loud in e artwork has appeared on television’s The Fall and Patrick Colhoun. Represented are household names such asthrough Sharon a list rury’s limited edition is also pieces and also, I’m really looking forward to and when we work returned to very Ireland, I went to my tiny 6x6 workroom and work even in the collection of Princess Anne. Prints from Reagan, Ian Carty, Rory Shearer, Leona Devine and meeting new customers. Belfast Metropolitan College for three years of pieces I need to get made. I love it when I able andcan popular withframed our clients. His work is Local Books… th artists be bought or unframed. Ceramics are also a very popular giftbyand again we manage to get everything done the end learning the practical skills. I then started selling Patrick Colhoun. The gift of a book never fails and at Gallery 1608 we

Local Ceramics…

uirky and contemporary, depicting diﬀerent of the day. my pieces in the fabulous St George's Market can accommodate alllargest budgets. Pieces range from have perhaps the selection of Irish Art Books cenes and seamlessly in one piece. Local now mybrought work is together in The Ulster Museum, two IBooks… work on the orders I get from the functional pottery to bespoke sculptural pieces. under one roof in the whole of Northern Ireland. work galleries, has appeared on television’s Fall and a retail shop and aThe Tattoo Studio Thein gift ofMarket a book never fails and at Gallery 1608 we on household Sunday, each Monday Represented are names such asand Sharon as myAnne. website. Tuesday and selection then on Thursdays in theGermany, collectionasofwell Princess Prints from have perhaps the Paintings… largest of Irish Art Booksand Irish Reagan, Ian Carty, Rory Shearer, Leona Devine and I work allofday on pieces stock WHERE YOU framed GET YOUR Finally, painters have been working under oneFridays roof in our the whole Northern Ireland.oftirelessly rtists can be DO bought or INSPIRATION? unframed. Patrickfor the market I have my A lot of my work features skulls, claws or toColhoun. ensure we haveand new the worksshops available for the

Irish Paintings…

jewellery. I love and the the noise, smells and dirt bones. I love the elegant detail of skeletons Christmas season range and quality of our of making jewellery. I wear ear protectors and how it all fits whether it’s bird, animal or show is amazing. Finally, ourcurrent painters have been working tirelessly when needed but I still love the different evenIfa leaf. I’m not your a lover pink jewellery is more idea of of anything to The gift ofhave a book fails at the Gallery 1608 we ensure we new works for Remember, wenever can offavailable erthe 10and months interest free hammer noises and sound of the saw or glittery. I tend enjoy matte, a gift why not to support our local black, spikey Christmas season and the range and quality of our have perhaps the largest selection ofthe Irish Artof Books credit on all pieces over andend you can and polishing machines and£100 at and makers? heavily We detailed items so of my inspiration have a wide range current show isday amazing. take the workof away immediately. the I in have clean, shiny and oxidized under one roof the whole Northern Ireland. all comes from the dark beauty of Irish nature. jewellery available at many different ewellery is more your ideabeach of jewellery which great A greatwas way made to spreadintheacost of I walk a lot on the and in the forest Remember, and we can offer 10 months interest free price points, ranging from costume loving environment. gift whyI’m notalways supporttaking our local Christmas. photographs of the pieces I

Local Jewellery…

ocal Jewellery…

Local Books…

10 MONTHS INTEREST FREE LOANS NOW AVAILABLE Irish Paintings… jewellery to more bespoke pieces. credit on all pieces over £100 and you can akers? pick We have widethe range of of nature and I make up. a I like decay PLUS YOU TAKE HOME Wehave would like toworking wish all our We have sourced many of Ireland’s take the work awaybeen immediately. Finally, our painters tirelessly wellery available at many diff erent THE PIECE TODAY customers a very happy finest jewellers and have work available great way to spread the cost of Christmas to ensureAwe have new works available for the 10 MONTHS INTEREST ce points, ranging from costume and a peaceful New Year! from well-known names such as Louise 83-85 Main Street, Bushmills, Antrim, Christmas. FREEBT57 LOANS8QD NOW AVAILABLE Christmas season and the rangeCo. and quality of our wellery to more bespoke pieces. PLUS YOU TAKE HOME T: many 028of Ireland’s 2073 1324 | E:current info@gallery1608.co.uk | W: www.gallery1608.co.uk al Jewellery… show is amazing. We would like to wish all our e have sourced 83-85 Main Street, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, BT57 8QD THE PIECE TODAY customers a very happy Christmas est jewellers have work llery is moreand your idea ofavailable 78 | Local Women Magazine we can off er Year! 10 months interest free T:such 028 2073 1324 Remember, E:info@gallery1608.co.uk W:www.gallery1608.co.uk and a peaceful New m well-known names as Louise why not support our local

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Positively Annie

She’s pregnant in the pandemic As she entered her second trimester and her bump started to show Local Women columnist Annie Finnegan quickly discovered that people say the funniest things when you’re pregnant.

By now, all our family and friends knew, and I was still getting my head around the idea of walking into the shop and someone asking me how me and baby where doing.

People say the funniest things while you are pregnant: •

“Wow, you are so small”, I got this right up until I was about 24 weeks pregnant with people asking me was I even pregnant at all! Then when I hit about 25/26 weeks I exploded and it went from everyone saying “Wow, you are so small” to “Wow you are massive, there could be twins in there.” Every female body is completely different in pregnancy and they really can’t be compared.

•

“Can I feel your bump?” Considering we are in a world pandemic, I’m not the biggest fan of this.

•

“Are you hoping for a boy or a girl?” I honestly don’t know why anyone would answer boy or girl. I don’t think any pregnant woman cares when they are pregnant just once their baby is happy and healthy.

•

“Enjoy your life while you still can!” This one really bugs me. Yes, your life becomes harder when you have baby, but the baby doesn’t make an appearance and ruin your whole life forever!

•

“Aren’t you a little too young/old to be having a baby?” My life, my decision.

•

“Are you still pregnant?” Well, clearly the baby is still in there if it’s not here!

Everyone had told me to do everything I needed to do in my second trimester after my 20-week scan – and I now know why, trimester three hits like a ton of bricks! So, I took on that advice and started preparing and organising for the baby to come. We were quite lucky because we didn’t have that much to buy with my mum having kept some of her bits and pieces after having my two-year-old sister. The best thing to do I found was to I start writing out a list of what I had and what I needed and started gathering bits and pieces as the weeks went on. Finneys Pram & Nursery Specialists in Newry is where we got our travel system and Moses’ basket and Alan is so helpful in the shop, I couldn’t recommend him enough. In terms of nursery and baby supplies and clothes we did most of our shopping online or in Tesco and Asda. Being pregnant in a pandemic isn’t easy and coming from a girl who loves to shop, not being able to go to a shop and buy your baby something is hard. Now, with the easing of restrictions everyone is excited to hit Primark, get their hair done or go to a beer garden, but I just can’t wait to head into a children’s boutique and buy something! Thankfully there are so many great baby and childrenswear local online businesses where I was able to come across some nice pieces: Lavish Lanas Children’s Boutique, Little Dolls Boutique, Bopeep Babywear and Eden’s Closet. But definitely the hardest part of being pregnant in a pandemic is your partner not being able to attend scans and a p p o i n t m e n t s. It can be a very daunting experience for women, 80 | Local Women Magazine

especially if you are a first-time mum like me with underlying conditions. I was always anxious at every scan and appointment, fearing I would hear the worst with no partner there to support me if this were the case. Some women have suffered alone with no one by their side and this to me is one of the most horrible things to have happened during COVID-19, not to mention the men who have missed out on their child’s birth. I’m just hoping with the recent announcement that Gavin can be with me through my whole labour experience, fingers crossed. He truly is the only person who can calm me down and I’m thinking I might need that!

People mean no harm by it all and most of the time it’s just general chitchat, but you have to laugh at some of the things people say. Read next month’s article to find out what happened next and all about my experimentation with old wives’ tales and whether I believe in them or not. As trimester three was approaching I couldn’t help but wonder, what would my medical condition mean for me and our baby in labour? Hello trimester three and goodbye to the sight of my feet! We are nearly there baby, and we can’t wait to meet you. Just a gentle reminder if you are reading this and you haven’t already done so, please book your fertility check today, male or female. Lots of love,

Annie xx

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BRINGING BEAUTY DOWN UNDER When Caroline Quinn moved to Australia to start a new life, she missed her favourite local beauty brands – and so she set up a new business ‘Beauty Closet’ to sell our favourite products on the other side of the world.

Starting a new life in sunny Australia is like a dream come true – sunny days on the beach and barbecues instead of the drizzly rain at home. But for many ex-pats living abroad, it’s the little things about home that you miss the most and for Caroline Quinn from Co Derry, it’s our homegrown beauty products that she found she couldn’t live without. Caroline moved to Sydney eight years ago and, although she loves her new home, she couldn’t ﬁnd the beauty brands that she wanted in Australian pharmacies. From

tanning

products

skincare

and

makeup, Ireland is leading the way in the beauty industry – and we often take for granted that the beauty staples we can buy in local chemists are not available worldwide. And Caroline soon discovered that other Irish and Northern Irish friends she met living in her new home country felt exactly the same. And so, the idea for an online business was formed. Caroline set up Beauty Closet last year selling the brands we love like Polished, LMD and Bellamianta. Not only can ex-pats living in Australia buy the products they want but their families back in Ireland can use the website to send presents that are guaranteed to be a hit. Added to that Australians can try out the Irish brands that we know are amazing. 84 | Local Women Magazine

break from my full-time work and some days I

CAN YOU TALK US THROUGH YOUR PRODUCT RANGE?

ended up with time to think. I put pen to paper

We currently have 11 Irish beauty brands

in June 2020 and we quickly launched with our

available in Australia, including Bellamianta,

ﬁrst brand Polished London in July 2020.

Polished London, SoSue, LMD Cosmetics,

WHAT IS YOUR WORK BACKGROUND?

Iconic Bronze, Luna By Lisa, Bperfect, Sculpted

needed something to keep me going. I had a

Back home I worked for Oasis, so I always had a retail interest. Since arriving in Australia, I have worked in Executive Search running the internal talent for the businesses. I returned from

by Aimee, Ella & Jo, Oh My Glam & Bare By Vogue. We also have one jewellery brand The Temple Wolf - they design the beautiful Eire necklace which has been very popular.

maternity to the recruitment industry in February 2021 and I’m slowly adjusting to working full time, running the Beauty Closet and running after a one-year-old. No day is ever the same but I’m having fun so I cannot complain.

HOW DID YOU COPE WITH LOCKDOWN - DID IT AFFECT YOUR BUSINESS? Mum of one, Caroline is delighted with the success of her new business and tells Local Women how she

I am very fortunate to say Covid has not affected my life personally or professionally. We have

has introduced a little Irish glam to Australia.

been very lucky in Australia as lockdown was

WHEN DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS?

ready to go on maternity, so I was a home with

The Beauty Closet commenced in July 2020. After giving birth to ﬁrst child Mason in May 2020 I decided to bring it to life - because I thought I had so much time on my hands!

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO SET UP BEAUTY CLOSET?

short – just two months at the start. I was getting my feet up! Beauty Closet started as an online business at a time when online sales were growing rapidly. Covid helped dramatically with my sales because if family in Ireland were posting presents to loved ones, they couldn’t do this during lockdown, so they came to the Beauty

I have been living in Australia for eight years

Closet. In Australia everything has opened up

along with 100,000 other Irish emigrants. I

for us. We run monthly markets in Coogee and

love all things makeup and beauty. Each

had our ﬁrst event with 90 people in March 2021,

year when I travelled back home to Ireland

which was fantastic because if you hadn’t seen

to visit my family, I would stock up on all the

friends from other states, it was a great night to

latest products from makeup to fake tan and

get everyone together and have lots of fun while

everything in between! During the year when

learning from makeup and skincare experts!

new products came out my mum would post me over surprise gifts, it was great. But when

DO YOU HAVE PLANS TO EXPAND YOUR RANGE? Yes, we are always on the lookout for local brands, and we are adding to our brands each month. We have The Belle Brush coming soon!

WHAT DO YOU MOST LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB? I love the interaction with our customers. They are the life of the business. The excitement when customers come to pick up their orders is fun to see and when I get to meet customers at events. The Irish are very loyal to their brands and it is amazing to see.

WHAT PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE FUTURE OF THE BUSINESS? The business is growing rapidly which is exciting!

Covid hit, the postal service got slow and even

We are looking to expand more into New

stopped, so I thought - let’s give the Beauty

Zealand and hopefully down the line, we will

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be able to open stores across Australia to give

makeup and I always loved the idea of having

our customers the ultimate experience.

my own business and having the ﬂexibility of

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HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU FROM INITIAL IDEA TO ACTUALLY TRADING?

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beautycloset.au Local Women Magazine | 85

CITY OF DERRY AIRPORT EXTENDS COMPLIMENTARY PARKING GESTURE FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS TO THE END OF THIS YEAR City of Derry Airport is extending its offer for free airport parking to the end of this year for all healthcare employees. It initially introduced a year of free parking for the healthcare community on the 21st April 2020. It extends the duration of this offer to the end of December 2021 as a thank you to healthcare workers who are still amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. This offer is for all NHS and HSE staff across the caring community. To avail of this offer, healthcare employees should take a parking present the parking ticket to the Customer ticket when they enter the airport car park, Services Team to get it validated and use this go to the Customer Services desk in the main ticket at the exit barriers to leave the airport. terminal building, and show NHS or HSE For more information visit: staff identification and the parking ticket to the Customer Services team. On return to CODA, www.cityofderryairport.com

86 | Local Women Magazine

This summer, City of Derry Airport will have flights to Glasgow, Liverpool and London with Loganair. From £44.99, fly with Loganair to any of these destinations – included in your fare is 15kg hold luggage, 6k hand baggage and complimentary onboard refreshments, to book visit:

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cityofderryairport.com Local Women Magazine | 87

MONTHLY COLUMN

Women’s Health WITH DR MARK MCCOMISKEY

Dr Mark McComiskey MD MRCOG is a specialist gynaecologist and gynaecological surgeon. Dr Mark McComiskey is a specialist gynaecologist and gynaecological surgeon who trained at the world-famous Christie Cancer Hospital in Manchester. His work has been published widely in peer reviewed journals in obstetrics and gynaecology and his work has been presented at international meetings throughout Europe and North America Dr McComiskey takes a holistic and caring approach to managing all general gynaecology conditions with the aim of maximising women’s quality of life. Each month Dr McComiskey provides Local Women readers with healthcare advice, dispelling some of the many myths surrounding women’s health.

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

Dr Mark McComiskey is a specialist gynaecologist and gynaecological surgeon who trained at the world-famous Christie Cancer Hospital in Manchester. His work has been published widely in peer reviewed journals in obstetrics and gynaecology and his work has been presented at international meetings throughout Europe and North America.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT THE GP APPOINTMENT?

Dr McComiskey takes a holistic and caring approach to managing all general gynaecology conditions with the aim of maximising women’s quality of life.

HOW DO YOU TREAT RECURRING THRUSH?

You will be asked a series of questions about your medical health. Your GP will examine your vulval skin and your vagina. A swab test may be taken to look for other infections and conﬁrm thrush.

This month Dr McComiskey looks at the treatment of thrush.

WHAT IS THRUSH? Thrush is not classed as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it can be triggered by sex. It is caused by a fungus called candida that is normally harmless. Thrush tends to grow in warm, moist conditions and develops if the balance of bacteria changes. This can happen if skin is irritated or damaged, if antibiotics are being taken, with poorly controlled diabetes, pregnancy or with a weakened immune system (for example because of HIV or chemotherapy.)

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF THRUSH? •

Thick, white vaginal discharge (often like cottage cheese)

•

Usually there is no odour

•

Vaginal itch or pain

•

May be no symptoms

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

WHAT OVER THE COUNTER TREATMENTS CAN BE PURCHASED? Antifungal medicine is available to buy from pharmacies if you’ve had thrush diagnosed in the past and you know the symptoms. This medicine can be a tablet to take orally, a tablet to insert into the vagina (pessary) or a cream to be applied onto the skin. Sexual partners will need treated if they are symptomatic. Standard advice would be to not use antifungal medicine more than two times in six months without speaking to a pharmacist or GP.

WHEN SHOULD I CONTACT THE FAMILY DOCTOR? You should seek medical attention if the thrush keeps coming back or treatment has not worked. Also, if it occurs during pregnancy, or with a weakened immune system – for example, because of diabetes, HIV or chemotherapy.

You might need to take long term antifungal tablets for up to six months if you have recurrent thrush which you get it more than 4 times in a year.) This would need prescribing by a GP or a specialist.

HOW CAN I MAXIMISE MY VULVAL HEALTH? Use water and emollient instead of soap to wash the affected area. Dry the skin carefully after washing and wear cotton underwear. Avoid intercourse until thrush has cleared up and avoid douches or deodorants on the vagina. Do not wear tight ﬁtting underwear or tights

A NOTE OF CAUTION If you have sex during treatment, be aware that antifungal creams can damage condoms and diaphragms. This means your contraception might not work. Dr McComiskey can be contacted at

www.drmarkmccomiskey.com info@drmarkmccomiskey.com

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

CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN AND SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION

At Health Hub Professionals NI you can discuss your intimate health and sexual issues with an expert in a private and non-judgemental environment. It is estimated that chronic pelvic pain syndrome affects 15-20 per cent of women. It is a debilitating condition that can disrupt work, physical activity, sexual relations, sleep, and general family life. It can have a massive impact on a woman’s mental and physical health. The pain experienced by women varies from person to person, ranging in severity, type, or longevity. It is usually felt in the area below the belly button – it can also spread to the buttocks, lower back, and thighs. Chronic pelvic pain can occur due to lots of different conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and some intestinal disorders. There is, however, increasing evidence that pelvic floor muscle dysfunction is associated with chronic pelvic pain therefore pelvic floor rehabilitation is a part of the treatment.

vaginismus can include anxiety disorders, childbirth injuries, previous surgery and fear or negative feelings about sex (perhaps due to past sexual abuse, rape, or trauma).

We can work the pelvic floor muscles without realising, causing over activity of the muscle, increasing muscle tension, discomfort and preventing relaxation. This can then affect the function of your bladder, bowel, and vagina.

SO, WHAT ROLE DOES PHYSIO HAVE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN AND SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION? •

Education of anatomy/pain/ sexual dysfunction

If the muscles are overly tense this can also cause issues with intercourse and any internal examination or procedure e.g., smears.

•

Vulvar skin care advice

•

Self-exploration/desensitisation with fingers/dilators – reducing fear and pain

Common bladder symptoms with chronic pelvic pain are; frequency, urgency, nocturia and incomplete emptying (women often have the sensation of having a UTI).

•

Pelvic floor muscle release/manual therapy/pelvic floor awareness – reducing tension and tone

•

Pelvic stretches

•

Breathing techniques

•

Relaxation/mindfulness

A common bowel symptom is constipation – the muscles simply can’t relax enough to empty the SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION bowel effectively. One of the most taboo subjects in pelvic health is With bladder and bowel issues it is often sexual dysfunction - so many women are afraid to thought that doing pelvic floor exercises will mention these issues to a healthcare provider and help but, in some circumstances, they may not feel ashamed and embarrassed by them.

As well as physiotherapy patients can benefit from medication, CBT, and psychosexual counselling.

At Health Hub Professionals NI, you can expect to be able to share your story and discuss your issues in a be appropriate and could increase pain and The most common sexual dysfunctions are private and non-judgemental environment. As well as symptoms. It is often a combination of lifestyle dyspareunia and vaginismus. my expertise in pelvic health I am currently studying changes, muscle release and relaxation, and Dyspareunia is recurrent vaginal pain during or with the Institute of Psychosexual Medicine so can stretching exercises that help to manage chronic immediately after intercourse. It can be either bring this element of therapy into treatment sessions. pelvic pain. superficial (felt at the entrance to the vagina) or The overall aim of treatment is to reduce symptoms, As well as bladder and bowel symptoms chronic deep (felt deeper in the pelvis). improve function and improve quality of life. There pelvic pain can also cause abdominal pain, Vaginismus occurs when the muscles in or around should be no shame or secrecy associated with genital pain, lower back pain, pain while sitting the vagina go into spasm making sexual intercourse these issues. So, come on ladies; speak up, reach painful or impossible. Factors contributing to out, seek help. or pain during or after sex.

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

www.healthhubprofessionalsni.com Follow us on Facebook/@healthhubprofessionalsni

Local Women Magazine | 89

TACKLING SPORTS INJURIES AT NWIH

As sport gets underway again, at North West Independent Hospital there is a dedicated team of physiotherapists who can keep you moving with no waiting lists. As the Northern Ireland Assembly starts to lift restrictions on participating in sport and gyms reopen, we are mindful of the fact that for the past year most people have not been as active as they normally would be.

Conditions frequently treated include: • • • • • • •

This will have led to becoming deconditioned - so to avoid injury, our advice to the public would be to start re-introducing exercise slowly, work within your capability and always take time to stretch and allow for recovery in between training sessions.

Back and neck injuries Shoulder injuries Muscle strains or tears Ligament injuries Achilles Tendon problems Plantar fasciitis, Rehabilitation following surgery e.g.: ligament reconstruction, hip and knee replacement, spinal surgery, shoulder surgery etc.

This advice coupled with maintaining proper nutrition and hydration, and wearing suitable footwear and clothing applies to anyone who has gone through a period of reduced or inactivity, whether you are a recreational runner or cyclist, take part in team sports, enjoy gym exercise or classes or simply enjoy hiking in the beautiful countryside.

Our team of Physiotherapists have access to the expertise within the Hospital and are able to refer to other specialisms such as Orthopaedic Consultants, Specialist Podiatrists, Hand Therapists and MRI.

The Consultant led specialist team at the North West Independent Hospital expect that over the next few weeks and months they will see an increase in sports related injuries. In addition to their expertise in assessing and diagnosing injuries, our Consultants have access to x-ray and MRI. Unlike the NHS the North West Independent Hospital does not have waiting lists. To see one of our Consultants all we require is a referral from the patient’s GP. Some sports are covered by their team insurance but where this is not the case prices for procedures are available and are not always as costly as you might imagine.

Hilary Finlay BSc Hons, PgDipHSc, PgDip ORT is the team lead and joined the North West Independent Hospital in 2000 after returning from New Zealand. She has worked extensively in the health service and in private practice and has considerable experience of physiotherapy treatment following orthopaedic surgery and musculoskeletal injuries and recently completed post graduate qualifications in Orthopaedic Technology and Rehabilitation.

With 32 years’ experience the North West Independent Hospital is well equipped to take patients from their initial Consultation, through to surgery , if required, and onto post-operative rehabilitation and after care. Hilary Finlay BSc Hons, PgDipHSc, PgDip ORT

All our Physiotherapists are registered with the Health Care Professionals Council (HCPC) and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).

Hilary Finlay and Manus MacGabhann

Our services are used by IFA, FAI, GAA counties and clubs who recognise we have some of the leading expert health professionals. Our Physiotherapy Clinic and Orthopaedic Consultants are skilled at managing a wide range of sports and outdoor activity related injuries. Our physiotherapists are highly skilled and use a variety of clinical techniques, drawing on evidence from research to support their treatment and rehabilitation programmes and are always looking for new advances in order to give patients the best possible outcomes from treatment. If aches and pains are affecting your training or enjoyment of exercise, our team of Physiotherapists are on hand to assess the problem and to give you advice on the most appropriate treatment pathway. This may include individualised targeted exercises to help improve your condition, manual therapy, acupuncture or other modalities such as extra -corporeal shockwave therapy. Our goal is to help patients rehabilitate following injuries or surgery and to prevent reinjury so that they can remain active and continue enjoying exercising and participation in sporting activities.

Manus MacGabhann BSc Hons, MSc joined the Physiotherapy Team at the North West Independent Hospital in 2015. He has worked with elite athletes in rugby, Gaelic football and soccer. He has a particular interest in rehabilitation following post-operative surgery and sports injuries and in the management of chronic pain syndromes. The Physiotherapy Team is also supported by Peter McCormick BSC Hons, who has gained extensive experience treating acute orthopaedic injuries, soft tissue injuries and fractures. The North West Independent Hospital is registered with most major health providers. If you wish to book a Physiotherapy appointment through your health Insurance a referral from

Manus MacGabhann BSc Hons, MSc

your GP or a Consultant may be required. You can also choose to self-fund and in this case a referral is not required, you simply ring through to the Hospital Physiotherapy Clinic and we will arrange an appointment for you.

North West Independent Hospital Church Hill House | Ballykelly | Limavady | Northern Ireland | BT49 9HS T +44 (0) 28 7776 3090 F +44 (0) 28 7776 8306 E info@nwih.co.uk

www.nwih.co.uk

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4 Drumadoon Road, Cloughmills Local Women Magazine | 97

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HAY FEVER AND HOW TO TREAT IT?

At Chemist Connect, there is a range of products available to combat the misery of hay fever symptoms. Pollen is the name given to the fine powder produced by flowers, plants and trees to fertilise, which is essential for cross fertilisation. The term ‘hay fever’ is often loosely used to describe the condition brought on by an allergy to pollen. Pollen can come from a number of sources including grass, flowers and trees. Grass pollens are the most common cause and tend to affect people in the grass pollen season which tends to be late spring to early summer. Tree pollens tend to exert their effects from early to late spring. Other people may be allergic to weed pollens, including nettles and docks, which tend to pollinate from early spring to early autumn. Essentially the allergic process begins when pollen comes into contact with areas of the body such as the nose or eyes, causing an immune response by releasing chemicals called ‘histamines’. The immune system normally defends the body against harmful invaders such as viruses and bacteria to ward off illnesses. In people with pollen allergies, the immune system mistakenly identifies the harmless pollen as a

Cetirizine

(Piriton),

include agents such as Becodefence, which establish a thin physical

Loratadine (Clarityn) and Fexofendine (Telfast). Anti-

barrier within the nostrils thereby reducing the adherence of pollens

histamines work to reduce histamine-like reactions,

and in this way blocking their effects. This provides an excellent non-

it is known as an allergen. The reaction leads to

by blocking the chemical effects of histamine

pharmacological choice of treatment for persons wishing to avoid

numerous irritating symptoms, such as persistent

within the body. Thereby reducing the likelihood of

the use of medicinal products.

sneezing, a stuffy nose and watery eyes.

symptoms developing and heightening. Most over-

As with all hay-fever remedies consistency is key and

the-counter anti-histamines are non-drowsy and taken

fundamental to success.

dangerous intruder. It begins to produce chemicals to fight against the pollen. This is known as an allergic reaction, and the specific type of pollen that causes

The incidence of hay fever is on the rise, with

(Zirtek),

Chlorphenamine

in a once daily dose regime, which help to optimise

approximately 30% of Europeans claiming to have

user acceptability and compliance.

symptoms annually. One of the main reasons for this

Those who have persistently itchy eyes may wish to try a sodium cromoglycate based eye drop (Opticrom). These products are known

is likely to be the increasing number of people living

However, if you take an oral anti-histamine and

as “mast cell stabilisers” and exert their effects by reducing cellular

in urban areas relative to the countryside, thereby

find that you still have a persistent runny nose, then

response to histamine release. Typically, drops tend to work better

experiencing increased levels of air pollution and

a steroid nasal spray should be considered. The

the more often and regularly they are used. For best results this should

probable reduced levels of pollen exposure. As such,

most common types are Beclomethasone

be around four times per day. However, they can also be

when urban living people are exposed to pollens, they tend to

(Beconase)

exert a much more potent reaction as tolerance is more likely to

nasal sprays. These medicines reduce the

be established with low level consistent exposure.

localised ‘immune response’ within the nasal

So, what is the best treatment for hay fever? Like many things in

passages, minimising mucus production

life, there isn’t a one size fits all approach. It depends on what

and the tendency to sneeze.

symptoms you are experiencing.

One important point is that they do not exert

is placed around the elbow region (LI-11 point). It is

All people (over two years of age) displaying typical hay fever-

their full therapeutic effect straight away, rather

suitable for use by Adults and Children over 3 years of

like symptoms, be they mild to very severe are recommended

they can take several weeks of consistent use

to take an oral “anti-histamine”. Common examples include

to establish full effect. Alternative products

Triamcinolone

(Nasocort)

used on an as and when required basis, according to patient choice and level of symptoms experienced. Finally, another very popular drug-free hay-fever treatment is the “Hay Band”. This product is based on traditional chinese medicine theories of acupressure points and

age. Anecdotal testimonies report this to be an excellent remedy for managing chronic symptoms.

www.chemistconnect.com | www.chemistconnect.ie Chemist Connect

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Tackling stress with Magnetix Local Women columnist and Magnetix consultant Karen Acheson from Ballymoney recommends natural remedies for anxiety, low energy and stress.

The pandemic has taken its toll on both adults and children - and anxiety has been a very real problem for many of us. In recent months I have fallen victim to these issues as the stress of the current situation becomes hard to deal with. Even as we are coming out of lockdown, the stress of our ever-changing situation can be tough to cope with. As a retired Registered Nurse with mental health training, I am not exempt from experiencing these feelings. But as a Magnetix consultant I work with a range of natural products that have given me relief and my customers have reported great results.

USING WATER PRODUCTS A selection of watersticks and coasters are available to suit individual lifestyles. These help to separate the molecules in water, so it passes easily through the body’s cell membranes to help with hydration. Customers have reported benefits such as increased energy, reduced fatigue, improvement in skin conditions and also relief of bowel and gastric problems.

WEARING MAGNETIX PRODUCTS Wearing a strong magnet helps to balance the body’s natural magnetic field and strengthen the core, giving a feeling of stability and being grounded. This in turn helps with low mood, high stress/anxiety levels and aids more restful sleep.

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Lesley xoxo

Lesley McGarrity Local Women Columnist

Local Women Magazine | 103

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Cheesy Bolognaise

Portion of Sausages (3)

American Sausage

Vegetarian Kebab

Crispy Chicken Wings

Classic BBQ

Chinese Chicken

SUPPER MEALS

LOADED FRIES

Sliced Chicken, Onion and Gravy

Sausage Supper (3)

Bacon and Mushroom Fries

Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry

Battered Sausage Supper (2)

Whiskey Fries

Battered Pastie Supper (1)

Peppered Fries

Breaded or Battered Goujon (4) Supper and Dip

Honey Chilli Fries

1/4 Cheeseburger Supper

Parmesan & Garlic Fries

Fish Goujons Burger Supper

Cheesy Bacon Fries

Sausage, Bacon, Egg, Buttie Supper

Frank’s Hot Fries

Salad Bap Supper

Mustard Fries

Goujon Wrap Suppper

House Kebab Fries

PASTA DISHES

SALADS

Chilli Chicken / Chilli Steak

Cold Chicken Salad

Homemade Lasagne

Warm Chicken and Bacon Caesar Salad

Penne Pasta Bolognese

Side Salad

Chicken Pasta Bake

Rocket and Parmesan Salad

Chicken, Bacon and Mushroom Pasta

Caesar Salad

Peppered Chicken or Steak Penne Pasta

Warm Southern Fried Chicken Salad, Tobacco Onions

Battered Cod Goujons (5)*

PIZZAS

Vegetable Curry and Naan

Italian Sausage Arrabbiatta Pasta

Cheesy Garlic Bread Chilli Cheese Garlic Bread

www.themillsidekitchen.co.uk Rathkenny 028 9443 8962

49 Cushendall Road, Rathkenny

Cloughmills 028 2763 8564

4 Drumadoon Road, Cloughmills

Order on the Millside app

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

@fleuriste_belfast

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WE ARE ONLY A CLICK AWAY! FULL RANGE OF PRODUCTS AVAILABLE QUICK & SECURE CHECKOUT FREE STANDARD UK & IRELAND DELIVERY ON ORDERS OVER £50

We’ve made shopping easy for those who are unable to visit our high street stores.

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THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT AT THE MAKE UP PRO STORE At the Make Up Pro Store there are some great courses on offer to help you get a new career in make up artistry on track.

HELLO PROLOVERS! We are delighted to announce our Make Up Pro Store is back up and running, after the latest easing of restrictions. So, let’s get down to what is happening at Make Up Pro Store this May.

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH It is often said a bad work person blames their tools, potentially in construction this may be correct (however we wouldn’t exactly know much about that!) But when it comes to make up, the proper tools really are important. When doing make up, your make up brushes are one of the core essentials to creating a perfect look, and ensuring your eye make up looks as effortless as possible. Which is why, you NEED Paddy McGurgan Brush No.19 £11.50. What Hagrid is to Harry, is what this brush is to Paddy McGurgan! Its soft bristles ensure a perfect wash of colour, however, is a perfect size, whether you are creating a dark or light eye look! It is the perfect brush!

FASHION AND PHOTOGRAPHIC MAKE UP ARTISTRY ACADEMY DATE: Beginning Monday 14th June 2021 finishing Sunday 23rd August TIME: Starting at 10am finishing at 5pm with time for lunch. DISCOUNT: 15% off all products on the ITEC COURSE: £1550

FIVE WEEK BEGINNERS COURSE DATE: Beginning Sunday 30th May 2021 finishing Sunday 4th July 2021 (Five Sundays- SKIPS, Sunday 20th June) TIME: Starting at 10am finishing at 5pm with time for lunch. DISCOUNT: 15% off all products on the day. DEPOSIT: £650

PADDY MCGURGAN CERTIFICATION £1250

ABOUT THE COURSE: This is a fast paced and intensive Make Up Artistry Academy with Paddy McGurgan and his senior team. Turn your love and passion for make up and beauty into a career with the help of award-winning Make Up Trainer Paddy McGurgan. This course will encompass all areas and aspects of make up artistry to ensure you are not only industry ready, but ready to excel in your chosen field. Whether it be soft glam make up, night time make up , mature make up, bridal make up or editorial, Paddy and his team will allow and nurture your artistry to ensure you finish your course feeling motivated, confident and ready to begin a new and exciting career.

TOTAL: £300 REMAINDER OF FEE: Due a week before the course starts.

ABOUT THE COURSE: Make Up Pro Store’s Five Week Beginners Course provides an intense and inspiring introduction into the world of professional make up artistry. This course is suitable for beginners who want to improve their personal presentation skills or for those who want to explore a professional career as a Make Up Artist.

108-112 Royal Avenue, Belfast, Co Antrim, BT1 1DL

www.makeupprostore.co.uk

Enjoy making plans As lockdown eases, Wedding Planner Kristal Olphert from Maiden Weddings is here to help you plan your big day. I’M HERE TO HELP

It’s finally happening, we are coming out of lockdown!

I run an advice clinic over Zoom offering help and guidance for couples who require professional and legal advice with price increases, changes to their contracts, loss of deposits and suppliers who can no longer commit to the wedding date and much more. If you need this help, please go to www. maidenwedings.com and sign up for a date and time that suits you.

This is such an exciting time for us all and especially for those of you who are engaged and planning your wedding day. With the regulations relaxing , I am here to guide you through what you should be doing right now to plan your perfect wedding and how to overcome any issues along the way.

BOOK IN YOUR HAIR AND MAKEUP TRIALS With close contact services now open you can go and plan your appointments as necessary with your hairdresser and MUA. Depending on when you are getting married you should ideally have your consultation with your hairdresser and make-up artist around three months before the wedding. If you are getting married soon and haven’t yet had your consultation, trial or cut and colour, then please reach out to me and I can help you arrange appointments with my suppliers who may be able to fit you in sooner.

SAY ‘YES’ TO THE DRESS I have teamed up with some of the industry’s best experts to talk all things wedding dresses and what to do now that you can go and find your perfect dress or bridesmaids dresses. Bridal shops will still have social distancing in place for the foreseeable future so it’s important that you take along your closest advisers when trying on dresses. They should be the people who will lift you up and encourage you to try new styles and the people whose opinions you trust more than anyone’s.

HAVE A HEN PARTY

(even if you’re already married!) Outdoor hospitality is finally open, and I hope by now you have had the opportunity to meet up with friends, family and your bridal party. If you missed any celebrations during lockdown then consider hosting a get together now in a local venue. Don’t deny yourself the happiness that getting engaged brings or having that hen party even though you got married over lockdown. There are so many things on offer for outdoor hospitality but here is my favourite suggestion. Bottomless brunch is huge right now and many venues are offering amazing prices for groups of you to get together in their beautiful outdoor spaces. It provides the perfect excuse to get the props out, get the girls together and have fun and celebrate you while you can all sit back and relax. 108 | Local Women Magazine

GET BACK TO PLANNING Once you have the celebrations completed then it’s on to the serious planning stages again. Contact your suppliers and ensure that they are still available on your date and that nothing has changed from their perspective. Give the venue a call first and ask them as much as possible about their restrictions and how it will impact on the day. The number of guests that can attend your wedding ceremony has now been increased and is based upon the risk assessment provided by the venue; this number should be made very clear to you well in advance of your ceremony. Normally the venue will ask you to sign a declaration to say that you understand the regulations and the restrictions that they have put in place for their venue, read it carefully and ensure that you can and will comply before signing it.

As part of my re-opening, I have completed a surefire way to help grow your partnership closer by offering you all a free downloadable document of fun things to do together on the build up to the wedding day. This ensures that you are keeping your relationship alive and focusing on the person you are marrying. In conjunction with this, I will be hosting podcasts and Instagram lives with relationship experts and coaches on how to communicate with each other using our love languages. If you don’t know what your love language is then listen in as it is an amazing way really connect and understand each other better. Believe me after 10 years of marriage it’s never to, early or too late to connect and reconnect with your other half, I cannot recommend this enough to you all, it will really nurture your relationships and it’s free!

In the event that you come across any issues with your venue or suppliers that you did not foresee or expect then be open and communicate clearly and ask them to explain everything including price increases to you fully and in writing where necessary. While the countdown to the wedding day ticks down it’s a good time to recap on what needs to be done and when. Take another look at your timeline and ensure that you have all your essentials booked in for the day. Then go out and enjoy the process and get back to normal life and making plans in a world that isn’t in lockdown.

www.maidenweddings.com E: maidenweddings@gmail.com

26 The Village | Templepatrick | BT39 0AA

Tel: 02893 039 676

www.thebridalcompanyni.com thebridalcompanyni

thebridalcompanyni

627 Lisburn Road | Belfast | BT9 7GT

Tel: 02896 936 900

www.laurenelizabethbridal.com laurenelizabethbridal

lauren_elizabeth_bridal

CELEBRATING THE FOOD HEROES Crumlin entrepreneur Aine O’Kane has launched the first Northern Ireland takeaway awards to recognise local food takeaway outlets which worked through the pandemic.

One of the first high street casualties of the pandemic lockdown was the restaurant and hospitality sector, as their doors were forced to close to diners for safety measures. However, as a truly resilient industry, chefs and their teams quickly adapted to ensure Northern Ireland foodies didn’t miss their fix of gourmet meals, with many establishments now offering takeaway and cook-at-home options. This has radically changed the image and status of takeaway food in the last year, elevating it well beyond its traditional limits of pizza and Asian-inspired dishes. And that is what inspired Crumlin entrepreneur Aine O’Kane and her fiancé Andrew Benson to create the first NI Takeaway Awards. They want to celebrate the food heroes behind the scenes who have battled against the odds to keep the sector alive in the most challenging circumstances. “We have previously staged the highly successful NI Fish and Chip Shop Awards, but like everyone, we had to adapt to the new COVID-safe regulations. With everything going on at the minute and takeaways being on the front line, we feel this is the perfect platform and time for our excellent food vendors to shine and get the recognition they deserve. “Our local takeaways are the heartbeat of our high streets. From incredible Indians to perfect pizzerias, every town has its food heroes. We are recognising the dedication of local takeaways across a multitude of cuisines and celebrating their contribution to our economy,” Aine O’Kane of AB Events, said. The AB Events Team and a group of esteemed judges have been on a mission to find Northern Ireland’s favourite takeaways since the end of 2020.

ƒ Anna Murphy, Dusan Kavcak and Alex Zoss from DK Service Global, Robin Elliott and Katie McTernan the hospitality sector to change its operations.

ƒ Event Organisers Andrew Benson and Aine O’Kane with sponsors Dusan Kavcak and Alex Zoss

With the finalists now selected, the competition is heating up ahead of the glittering gala awards ceremony scheduled for June in the Crowne Plaza, Belfast.

build confidence with their clients as consumers will recognise they have engaged the market-leading industry experts in the sanitisation field.

Event Sponsor Dusan Kavcak, Managing Director of DK Service Global, believes his company’s partnership with the NI Takeaway Awards underscores the food sector’s commitment to hygiene and safety.

“These awards are an excellent opportunity to highlight all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to delivery brilliant food in a safe way,” he said.

“DK Service Global is proud to sponsor this event. Our Omagh-based company has developed bespoke trademarked Protective Shield Technology to create safe and healthy environments for every facility, especially the food sector. We are working hard to help local businesses

ƒ Anna Murphy, Alan McWhirter, Stacey Johnston and Katie McTernan 112 | Local Women Magazine

Other event sponsor partners include River FM, So Good Juice, 38 Expresso, EB Gas Services, BP Foods, iDesign, Duct Services, Butlers Event Hire, D Foods and One Delivery. But the top-quality takeaway services now offered by local cafes and restaurants have provided more than just an economic boost. They have delivered a psychological lift to consumers in lockdown by keeping them connected to their favourite eateries. Award-winning local food writer and awards ambassador Joanna Braniff said: “Lockdown conditions during the pandemic have fundamentally changed the way people think about how they source their food. The massive increase in demand for takeaway options in 2020/21 has forced

ƒ Aine

“The image of the takeaway option has been rapidly elevated to a higher standard with gourmet venues now offering three-course meals for home delivery. Chefs and their teams must now be commended for how they have brilliantly adapted to the enormous challenges of replicating restaurant-standard food to be prepared at home. These awards are an opportunity to recognise this innovation, adaptation and quality chefs’ fantastic response to the crisis.” Divided into 11 categories covering everything from catering vans to takeaway desserts and a Lifetime Achievement Award, event organisers Andrew and Aine are keen to give a broad scope of all aspects of the newlyexpanded takeaway sector right across Northern Ireland. Aine said: “The competition is fierce because standards are so high, but we will be unveiling the overall winners in each category at a much-anticipated gala event in Belfast’s Crowne Plaza. In our opinion, every one of the participants is a winner as it’s a real achievement to get this far in the competition. With the success and interest in the first NI Takeaway Awards, this proposed annual competition will go from strength to strength as it promotes the hospitality sector and reminds consumers of the amazing and resilient local food industry we enjoy while spotlighting the heroes behind the scenes that make it happen.” Tickets for the awards finale are now on sale, priced at £85 per person, including a 4-course meal drinks reception and an evening of entertainment. Compere is broadcaster Robin Elliott. For more information visit

www.nitakeawayawards.co.uk

Garden Rooms | Extensions | Garden Pods Salon | Home Office | Customised Outdoor Living

B O O K A CO N S ULTATI O N N O W Call 078 0319 1825 / 078 7401 1845 or email sales@luxurygardenstudios.co.uk

FIND US ONLINE AT

www.luxurygardenstudios.co.uk Follow us on Facebook/luxurygardenstudios

SALON PERFECT HAIR WITH JM OFFICIAL HAIRCARE

Hair stylist turned entrepreneur Jude Mitchell from Omagh used lockdown to set up a business to provide the highest quality haircare and accessories. As an award-winning hair stylist Jude Mitchell believes everyone deserves to have salon perfect hair. At her salon HighMaintenance in Omagh, which she runs with her best friend Natalie, customers always leave feeling confident with beautiful hair. And for many years Jude, 32, has been advising her customers on the proper hair accessories and tools to use to create a great look between appointments. Jude knows that the correct brushes and tools make all the difference when it comes to home styling.

TELL US ABOUT JM OFFICIAL HAIRCARE? As a hairdresser I believe everyone should be able to have good hair and JM Official Haircare is all about professional haircare and accessories. From hairbrushes to designer silk scrunchies, I’ve got you covered. I hate waste and love to shop local, so I try to bring that to JM Official Haircare too. All my packaging can be reused or repurposed. And I try to source as much as possible as close to home as I can.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO SET UP YOUR OWN BUSINESS? So, with the pandemic forcing her salon to close and Jude’s customers seeking advice on how to maintain their styles, the time was right to start a business. Jude used all her expertise and spent months researching new products to set up JM Official Haircare – an online business providing customers with the highest quality haircare and accessories. The products are available on the official website www.jmofficialhaircare.co.uk and also in her salon. The Omagh entrepreneur tells Local Women how she used her free time during lockdown to start the business she had always dreamed off.

It’s something that has always been at the back of my mind to do, and between our salon being closed and my poor husband (probably after hearing me banging on about it for too long) was the one that eventually made me take the jump and just go for it.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?

I had an idea about what I wanted so it started off with a lot of researching and a lot of nights sitting figuring everything out and getting feedback from family and friends.

HOW LONG DID IT TAKE FROM IDEA TO ACTUALLY SELLING? It took a few months from I started researching to my first brush sale. It felt like it took forever for everything to come together. But I wanted everything to be perfect and the best quality.

always have a special place in my heart, just because it’s where it all began. But I always get so excited about a new product when it’s launching.

WHERE CAN YOU BUY JM OFFICIAL PRODUCTS? You can buy everything online at www. jmofficialhaircare.co.uk and in HighMaintenance in Omagh. And hopefully you’ll see JM Official Products in some other salons very soon.

HOW HAS LOCKDOWN AFFECTED YOUR BUSINESS?

TALK US THROUGH THE PRODUCT RANGE? JM Official Haircare was born in lockdown. It I started with The WonderBrush. It’s the ultimate detangling brush for wet or dry hair and now comes in three colours. Then I added a ConditionerComb. I now have Pinny - a pin tail comb, the SuperComb - the perfect tool for creating soft glamorous waves. Silk and Silky scrunchies and Curl Clips as well as my Get A Grip Box, which is the perfect handbag accessory. I’m working on a few new launches coming soon.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PRODUCT IN THE RANGE? How could I pick? I genuinely love all my products, but I think the WonderBrush will

definitely pushed me to start a website which I was really nervous about, because I don’t get on very well with computers. But I probably could not have continued my business without it.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE OF THE BUSINESS? Hopefully in the very near future JM Official Haircare products will be popping up in salons throughout Northern Ireland and the UK. As well as a whole host of new products being launched, there will hopefully be an exciting collaboration coming too. Christmas will be BIG!

www.jmofficialhaircare.co.uk Connect with us at @jmofficialhaircare

JMofficialHaircare

jm_official_haircare

P O SH foyleside.co.uk Please check website for updated opening times*

11 The Promenade, Portstewart, BT55 7AD T: 028 7083 2645 www.thefashionshopni.com

STOCKING SIZES 8 - 30

AUTUMN AUTUMN // WINTER WINTER 2020 2020 STOCK STOCK NOW NOW ARRIVING ARRIVING

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STOCKING STOCKING SIZES SIZES 8 8- 30 30 11 The Promenade, 11 The Promenade, Portstewart, BT55 7AD Portstewart, BT55 7AD T: 028 7083 2645 T: 028 7083 2645

www.thefashionshopni.com www.thefashionshopni.com STOCKING ALL THE LEADING BRANDS INCLUDING: STOCKING ALL THE LEADING BRANDS INCLUDING:

AND MANY MORE! AND MANY MORE!

Lighting

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We are open! and we cannot wait to welcome you back

Level 3 | Richmond Centre | Derry

www.mermaid-cove.com Monday - Saturday: 9.30 - 5.30pm Follow us on Facebook/MermaidCoveDerryCity

Council helps steer businesses on smooth pathway to Covid recovery and encourages the public to Shop Local. It’s been a challenging year for local businesses who have once again reopened their doors to the public after over 100 days of lockdown, and it will be a testing time ahead as they adapt to a new environment where safety and reassurance are the key priority over revenue.

the Small Spend Makes a Giant Difference campaign in the coming weeks.

Derry City and Strabane District Council have been working closely with the local business community in recent months to prepare them for the future and Valerie Manning Jewellers, Strabane to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge carefully developed in conjunction with Council’s and support they need to welcome the public back Environment Health officer team. through their doors. Representatives from Council’s Environmental Health Officers have engaged regularly with the business team have been on the ground over recent months community since the beginning of the pandemic through offering support and guidance to businesses where a City and Town Centre Stakeholder group to help needed to ensure a smooth transition for the reopening manage the effects of Covid-19. This helped shape a of services as Seamus Donaghy, Head of Health and range of interventions including Covid workshops, one Community Wellbeing, explained. to one mentoring support and delivering Covid specific business grants designed to help start-ups and SMEs as “Staff have been out on the ground offering they resume trading during these unprecedented times. advice on compliance and assisting with the planned reopening of retail,” he said. A number of initiatives have also now been launched to help business owners respond to the changing “Officers have also been carrying out programmed requirements of the government restrictions as they ease, Food Safety and Health and Safety inspections including the development of the COVID Reassurance of businesses on a limited basis following the Mark aimed at supporting local businesses and re- completion of Covid Risk Assessments and Safe instilling confidence in the public to return to town Systems of Work procedures.

“Business Recovery Grants have also allowed them to plan ahead for the resumption of trading and meet the challenges posed by social distancing and other restrictions but they need the public to get behind them and shop local in the weeks and months ahead to ensure a successful return to full trading.

centres and support the local economy. This scheme offers reassurance to the public that businesses are adhering to safety rules, with a fivestep self-declaration of safety measures including the completion of a risk assessment focusing on important elements such as cleaning, hand sanitising, social distancing, respiratory hygiene and employee health. Once businesses are satisfied they have fulfilled these criteria they can apply for an official Covid Reassurance Mark to be displayed on their premises. The self-declaration process has been

Devine Scents

“The government support that businesses have received through business grants and the furlough scheme has facilitated their closure for long periods and allowed them to retain staff.

“Earlier this month we hosted our annual Enterprise Week events with a comprehensive programme to help guide local entrepreneurs through the Covid recovery phase. The free online events were well attended and offered support in building business resilience and tailoring operations and services to meet the demand of the reopening of trading.”

The Small Spend Makes a Giant Difference campaign aims to encourage a strong shop local message on “We’ve been working alongside Council’s Business supporting local independent businesses relying on the team on the Covid Reassurance scheme which has return of regular customers and new business. been designed to support local economic recovery and revitalisation while respecting the public health controls People are asked to think about where they spend their money and the ripple effect of spending money locally to reduce the spread of the virus. rather than online, keeping the positive impact within “The initiative is focused on boosting customer the local economy. confidence to return to our town centres and villages in the knowledge that businesses are taking the positive steps needed to keep customers safe. It will be a very busy time for local businesses as people are keen to get back to their local shops, and we want to make sure they are ready to make the most of this return of business by creating and maintaining the right trading environment.” Council’s Business support team have been advising local businesses throughout the pandemic, helping them tap into support grants and source the appropriate aid for their individual needs. Head of Business with Council, Kevin O’Connor, said his team would now be looking at further ways to keep the momentum behind the recovery of the local economy, with plans to resume

For full details and a guide to shopping local visit shoplocalderrystrabane.com 120 | Local Women Magazine

“We have supported a number of new startups who have emerged as a direct result of the lockdown restrictions and this is an exciting period for them as the reopening of our towns and cities creates new opportunities.

Atelier

your small spend makes a

GIANT

difference #supportlocalderrystrabane shoplocalderrystrabane.com

Soda & Starch, Craft Village

Local Women Magazine | 121

CREATING HEALTHY SMILES THAT LAST A LIFETIME. At Pure Dental Hygiene, you can access the services of award-winning hygienist Joanne Knox directly without a referral from a dentist - so now you can have the perfect smile you’ve always wanted.

Being a Dental Hygienist for me had been a lifetime dream, I love what I do and with 20 years’ experience under my belt that passion remains. In 2013 the government changed the rules allowing the general public to access a dental hygienist directly, without the need for a referral from a dentist. When this change in legislation happened, I saw the opportunity for hygienists to become a more accessible independent entity. I was fortunate to work in practices that embraced dental hygiene and encouraged me to pursue patients via direct access. With their support and encouragement, I was honoured with the title of Northern Ireland Health Care Awards Dental Hygienist of the Year 2018. Having my own practice has always been my dream. I think if there’s anything the last few years have taught all of us is that life is short and dreams don’t just happen, they require courage, risk and ultimately passion. So, Pure Dental Hygiene was born. So far there are only two practices in the whole of Ireland that operate this way , but I am pretty sure there will be more. This is your opportunity to see a hygienist and stay with your own dentist. No waiting lists. No extra charges. Free onsite parking. In the times we are currently living through we all understand how important it is to control bacteria and maintain good hygiene - your mouth is no different. All this considered I have set up the surgery with the most stringent Covid policies, to ensure your protection. We have a one person out and a one person in policy so you’re getting our undivided attention, and social distancing will not be an issue. So feel reassured that this surgery is built around protecting you and our staff, especially in these uncertain times. 122 | Local Women Magazine

We spend all the time it takes to meticulously remove all staining, plaque, and calculus from every tooth. Leaving your smile as perfect as your smile can naturally get. We will customise your treatment needs and educate you in how you maintain your smile and prevent dental disease. Prevention is BETTER than cure.

FACIAL AESTHETICS AT PURE DENTAL HYGIENE Respected dentist Dr Aisling Lalor is offering a wide range of non-surgical facial cosmetic treatments in a safe clinical environment. Dr Aisling Lalor, a cosmetic and general dentist based in Carrickfergus has a special interest in facial aesthetics. She has been practising facial aesthetics for over eight years now and has advanced her techniques over that period of time to offer a wide range of non-surgical facial cosmetic treatments, including muscle relaxing injections, dermal fillers for enhancement, the treatment of hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), spider veins on legs and body and other skin treatments packages involving medical grade skin care products. Aisling says: “What was once seen as a taboo treatment is now increasingly sought after by many women and men. Patients appreciate and respect my holistic approach, which coupled with the more obvious benefits of choosing a dentist (as they work in regulated, sterile surgeries and are skilled clinicians) makes for a compelling offering.” Aisling says that dental work and facial aesthetics go hand in hand - a lip asymmetry may be related to a mal-aligned tooth or teeth, a “weak” chin is most commonly due to an underlying skeletal issue, the patient might not want maxillofacial surgery but may consider re-sculpting of their jawline and chin with dermal fillers, a gummy smile is easily corrected with some botulinum toxin; these are just a few synergistic examples. Issues that we recognise and diagnose on a daily basis.

experiences over her eight years in the facial aesthetic business. A wheelchair bound lady suffered a stroke resulting in loss of muscle tone and lip tissue volume of her upper lip. Aisling made new dentures to help support and thus give fullness to her lips, although her denture helped, it was not enough. Lip fillers were suggested. The lady was overwhelmed. Being a bit of a joker, she immediately began pouting her lips at her husband. He was fascinated at the transformation. Another lady with severe facial scarring following an accident had her scarred lips subtly restored with dermal fillers to recreate their natural shape. Aisling has also corrected some unsightly lip treatments by safely breaking down the dermal filler using hyalase and when safe to do so reintroduced dermal filler to create the patient’s desired results.

Facial aesthetics are not just superﬁcial enhancements. Aisling reﬂects on some touching

At the other end of the scale, is the very real issue of body dysmorphia. Dentists build relationships with their patients therefore having a real advantage when it comes to safeguarding their patients. She says: “I feel privileged to be in a position to professionally advise and treat clients in a safe clinical environment.”

14 Sandel Village, Coleraine, BT52 1WW | 028 7087 8060 | info@puredentalhygieneni.com

www.puredentalhygieneni.com Local Women Magazine | 123

124 | Local Women Magazine

LW WEDDINGS

Natalie

Craig

BRIDE: Natalie McFarland Newbuildings Londonderry GROOM: Craig Garnett Manchester BRIDE’S PARENTS: Kenny and Andrena McFarland Newbuildings GROOM’S PARENTS: Sue Garnett Manchester BRIDESMAIDS: Amy McFarland (sister) Kirsty Burke (sister) Laura Warnock (friend) FLOWER GIRLS: Sophia and Abigail Burke and Charlotte Boyd BEST MAN: Mark Garnett (brother) GROOMSMEN: George White and Dale Baker (friends) PAGE BOYS: Jake Garnett (son) Oliver Boyd (nephew) WEDDING DATE: 03/10/2020 VENUE: Bishops Gate hotel PHOTOGRAPHER: James Aiken Photography DRESS: Calla Blanche Ultimate Dresses Dungiven RINGS AND JEWELLERY: Sproules Jewellers FLOWERS: John Paul florist SUITS: Tomorrow’s Londonderry

Our lockdown story: Craig and I planned to get married on the 17/04/2020 but with covid and everything closed we postpone to October. We went for a pinks and neutral colours as they suited any time of the year. The week of our wedding we had a lot of stressing but it was all worth it Our wedding day was so amazing even tho we had no dancing we done a mr and Mrs quiz Which everyone loved. We could not fault the cars the flowers bishops gate the service was unreal And food best venue for a Weddings. We where surrounded by our family and friends that could come and we said that we would have a party again when it’s safe to do so.

Local Women Magazine | 125

126 | Local Women Magazine

LW WEDDINGS

Catherine Chris BRIDE: Catherine Fitzsimons from Saul, Downpatrick GROOM: Chris Wright from Bedford, England BRIDE’S PARENTS: Charlie and Una Fitzsimons, Saul, Downpatrick GROOM’S PARENTS: Neil Wright and Sue Wright, Bedford, England WEDDING DATE: 23rd October, 2020 CEREMONY: St Philip and St James, Bedford RECEPTION: The Embankment, Bedford BRIDESMAIDS: Ellen Fitzsimons BEST MAN: Dave Wright PHOTOGRAPHER: Zoe Wright DRESS: A dress the bride owned

Our lockdown story: We were due to get married on the August 1, 2020 at Saul Chapel and The Mill in Downpatrick, Co Down. Catherine is a children’s nurse at her local hospital and Chris is an essential worker. Due to Covid-19 the date was changed to October 23, 2020 and relocated to Bedford England. 13 guests attended the wedding, and it was a fantastic day. The plans are to have a wedding party in Downpatrick with family and friends in the future.

Local Women Magazine | 127

Our lockdown story: Two days before our wedding, new lockdown regulations were announced for the second wave of the virus. This meant we were no longer able to have a reception, hairdressers were closed and there were more restrictions and reductions to our already reduced numbers were made once again. Despite all this, we still had the best day and are so thankful that we were able to get married. We also really enjoyed our honeymoon in the Costa del Portrush which also had to be changed from Vietnam.

128 | Local Women Magazine

LW WEDDINGS

Kirsty Matthew BRIDE: Kirsty Kelso from Curran, Magherafelt. GROOM: Matthew Gault from Bangor BRIDE’S PARENTS: Karl and Ann Kelso, Curran, Magherafelt. GROOM’S PARENTS: John & Ruth Gault, Bangor WEDDING DATE: 17/10/20 CEREMONY: Willowfield Parish Church in East Belfast RECEPTION: Due to lockdown we were unable to have our reception. BRIDESMAIDS: Amy Kelso, Rebecca Ambrose, Susan McFarland & Becs Barr. BEST MAN: Matthew Craig GROOMSMEN: Kyle Flanigan, Tom McCormick and Craig McAuley PHOTOGRAPHER: Simon Alleyne (Living Witness Weddings) HAIR: We did our own hair as hairdressers where closed. MAKEUP: Helen McClurg DRESS: Creative Bridal Cookstown FLOWERS: Flowers by Mee (Gill Tate)

Local Women Magazine | 129

130 | Local Women Magazine

LW WEDDINGS

Leanne James BRIDE: Leanne Davison from Kilrea. GROOM: James Savage from Coleraine. BRIDE’S PARENTS: Evan and Anne Davison. GROOM’S PARENTS: James and Ruth Savage. WEDDING DATE: Friday 23rd October 2020. LOCATION: St Tida’s Church of Ireland Parish of Ballyscullion, Bellaghy. MINSTER: Reverend Brian Hassan BRIDESMAIDS: Jacqueline Overend and Judith Davison. BEST MAN: Neil Fentie. GROOMSMEN: David McNaughton, Steven Savage and Scott McKinney. FLOWER GIRL: Kimberly Davison. PHOTOGRAPHER: David Scott. VIDEOGRAPHER: Joe Dalrymple. CAKE: Alison Galligan. FLOWERS: Flowerfairy Designs

Our lockdown story: Covid 19 changed the way we would live our lives in 2020, therefore we knew that the wedding day we had planned would have to be adapted in some ways. Invites were sent out in September as our reception was still able to proceed at this stage following a risk assessment at the venue, however our smaller church meant that not every guest could attend the ceremony beforehand. On Wednesday 14th October the government announced a ‘circuit breaker’, meaning that our reception was cancelled and the numbers at church were once again reduced. We had always wanted to get married on our original date if possible and as our church service was still allowed to go ahead, we decided to get married, nine days later! Friday 23rd October was an intimate occasion and celebration. Claire Savage read a poem that she had written for us and Ryan Sinclair sang from the gallery. We were blessed with glorious blue skies that followed us from the church to our photo venues at Maghera Walled Gardens, Portstewart’s ‘old fisherman’s cottage’ and the White Rocks beach at Portrush. After all the chaos that had been thrown at us, we wouldn’t have changed our special day, which ended with a perfect open air first dance under the stars.

Local Women Magazine | 131

132 | Local Women Magazine

Our lockdown story: Aaron and I had planned to get married on August 15, 2020 but due to Covid we moved our wedding to November 5, 2020. Unfortunately, three weeks before our wedding another lockdown was announced, and only 25 guests were permitted and no reception. We decided to go ahead with our wedding, and we are ultimately thrilled that we did. The style was classic black and white with a hint of colour from the flowers. We had originally planned a summer wedding and I had always wanted sunflowers as they would complement the black dresses and tuxes. Our florist Budding Designs was so creative and able to accommodate the sunflower idea with November autumn vibes. Due to the seasonal change, I added shrugs for the bridesmaids and flower girls and I got a feather bolero to wear when we were outside. The classic black and white theme allowed us to transition styling between the seasons. Before the service, the boys went to get some iconic pictures at the wonderful Harland & Wolff cranes which was a fun addition to our day. After the service we went to the picturesque Antrim Castle Gardens to get photos taken. The weather was beautiful, and our photographer captured some amazing autumnal snaps. We had some food at home and a few fireworks. Celebrating together with our close families was the most important and enjoyable thing. Unfortunately, I lost my father exactly five weeks after our wedding. It made our day even more special to know he walked me up the aisle and gave me away to my husband.

LW WEDDINGS

Mary

Aaron

BRIDE: Mary Devlin from Toomebridge, Co Antrim GROOM: Aaron Flaherty from Belfast BRIDE’S PARENTS: Sean and Finola Devlin, Toomebridge Co Antrim GROOM’S MOTHER: Ellen Flaherty, Antrim WEDDING DATE: 5/11/2020 CEREMONY: Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel, Moneyglass, Co Antrim Reception: None due to Covid restrictions BRIDESMAIDS: Joanne Loughlin (sister) and Sinead Mulholland (cousin) FLOWERGIRLS: Emily and Lucy Loughlin BEST MAN: Alan McVeigh GROOMSMEN: Bill Flaherty, Ian Moore and James Martin PHOTOGRAPHER: Sam Wolsey DRESS: Stella York from Marie Me Bridal, Randalstown FLOWERS: Budding Designs, Randalstown VIDEO: Broductions

The entire day was so relaxed and we both agreed if we were to do it again, we would not change one thing.

Local Women Magazine | 133

134 | Local Women Magazine

LW WEDDINGS

Roisin Padraig BRIDE: Roisin Grant from Cabra, Co Down GROOM: Padraig McManus from Ballygalget, Co Down BRIDE’S PARENTS: Brendan and Mary Grant, Cabra Co Down GROOM’S PARENTS: Paud and Ursula McManus, Portaferry WEDDING DATE: 8th April, 2021 CEREMONY: St Mary’s, Cabra RECEPTION: None due to Covid restrictions BRIDESMAIDS: Clare Grant, Fionnuala Grant, Ciara Grant and Shannen McCusker BEST MAN: Gavin Burns GROOMSMEN: John McManus, Paul McManus and Patrick Grant PHOTOGRAPHER: Paul Moane DRESS: Castle Bridal Castlewellan FLOWERS: The Flowerbarrow, Newry

Our lockdown story: We were due to get married on May 22, 2020, however due to the first lockdown, the wedding was postponed. We set our new date for April 8, 2021. We knew we wanted to go ahead no matter what restrictions were in place. We had a small wedding of 25 and it was the most magical day. It was very relaxed and was everything we could ever have imagined. It was a perfect day.

Local Women Magazine | 135

Signature Dish Struggling for recipe ideas? Check out these tasty recipes using Scotts Flavoured Crispy Onions

CRISPY ONION AND CHILLI BEEF NACHOS PREPARATION TIME: 10 Minutes | COOKING TIME: 15 Minutes | SERVES: 4 People INGREDIENTS • 90g Scotts steak flavoured crispy onions FOR THE CHILLI BEEF • 1 teaspoon olive oil • 1 shallot, peeled and finely chopped • 500g lean steak mince • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • 1 heaped teaspoon chilli powder • 250ml quality beef stock • 2 tablespoons tomato puree • 400g can of black beans, drained • Freshly milled salt and pepper TO SERVE • 200g lightly salted corn tortilla chips • 100g cherry tomatoes, quartered • 150g grated cheddar • 2 tablespoons sour cream • A small handful of fresh coriander, roughly chopped

METHOD

Heat the olive oil in a large non stick frying pan and gently fry the chopped shallot for a few minutes until soft. Add steak mince to the pan and break the meat up with the spoon as it cooks and browns. Stir in the garlic, chilli powder, beef stock, tomato puree and bring to a boil, then reduce the temperature and simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season and stir in black beans. TO SERVE

Arrange tortilla chips onto plates and top with chilli. Sprinkle with tomatoes, grated cheddar, Scotts crispy steak flavoured crispy onions tomatoes and coriander. Drizzle with creme fraiche, and squeeze over lime juice before serving.

CHECK OUT NEXT MONTHS LOCAL WOMEN FOR A DELICIOUS BREAKFAST RECIPE Find us on Instagram & Facebook

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Weddings at the 4* Ballyliffin Lodge & Spa Start your wedding adventure now!

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