Local Women Mid Ulster Edition February 2021

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MID ULSTER, ARMAGH & ENNISKILLEN Love In Lockdown WEDDING SPECIAL ...featuring the wedding of Siobhan McKernan from Creggan and Brian Jude Glackin from Cookstown RT SUPPO CAL LO YOUR ERS TRAD RING E DU ONLIN DOWN LOCK

Dungannon author EMMA HEATHERINGTON’S new online Hollywood masterclass

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2021 YOGA FUN FROM BRISBANE TO MID ULSTER VIA ZOOM COVER GIRL:

Miss Universe Ireland,

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AUSTRALIA'S MOST WANTED SEE OUR REVIEW OF THIS WINE ON PAGE 16

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.

Welcome, So, here we are … still in our pyjamas!

I decided to make an effort for my editor’s letter picture this month by washing my hair and putting on new pyjamas – how times have changed!

Go on, admit it – you’ve had days recently when you took your nighttime pyjamas off, showered and then changed straight into a fresh new pair of ‘day jammies!’

And sure, why not? The positive way in which things have been going recently with the vaccination programme rollout and with the falling number of cases of COVID-19, there will be a way out of this lockdown before too long.

Which of course means we go back to normal life. I don’t know about you, but the thought of that excites me and alarms me in equal measures. I’m excited because I want to get (need) my roots done, I want to meet my friends and maybe have the odd cocktail or seven. But then part of me is so used to being in the house that I think I have forgotten what to do in the real world.

I’m pretty certain I can’t walk in heels anymore, I have no clothes apart from pyjamas and gym clothes and I can’t remember the last time I was awake after 10pm. The transition period back to normality is going to be hard!

We’ve been getting into the mood for romance here at Local Women – just in time for Valentine’s Day (when once again it will be clean pyjamas and a takeaway pizza!). We’ve enjoyed seeing your wedding pictures arriving on our desks again. For a while there weren’t too many people getting married because of the ever-changing restrictions. The pandemic has wreaked havoc with your arrangements - but slowly we have seen more of you going ahead with your weddings. It’s so lovely to see how you have adapted your plans and made the most of the small numbers allowed. We have weddings from across Northern Ireland in the magazine this month and each couple has a lovely story to tell about finally tying the knot after numerous setbacks. It will be a great story to tell your kids in years to come.

Don’t forget, if you want to share your wedding with Local Women readers, just get in touch at editor@localwomensnews. com.We print all weddings at no cost, and as we are now available online, your relatives in America who couldn’t make it will be able to see your pictures!

By the time we meet again the evenings will be longer, the mornings will be brighter, and we should have a clearer picture of the end of lockdown.

Until then, keep on snuggling up in your jammies and watching Netflix.

Stay safe and look after yourselves.

Love,

MANAGING EDITOR: KIM KELLY editor@localwomensnews.com

0845 241 1640

DESIGNER: AIDAN NELIS design@localwomensnews.com

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AN EXCITING NEW HOLLYWOOD PROJECT FOR EMMA Tyrone author Emma Heatherington is teaming up with LA-based actor and former EastEnders heartthrob Sean Maguire to share the secrets of their trades.

By Maureen Coleman

W

hen faced with a daily barrage of dark and depressing news headlines last year, Donaghmore writer Emma Heatherington counted herself blessed that for a few hours each day, she could escape reality and immerse herself in a world of fiction.

The author who had one novel to finish and another to start, says creative writing became her salvation during the Covid-19 lockdowns.

If at any stage Emma, who shares her home with her children, Jordyn, Jade and Adam, partner Jim McKee, her stepson Dualta and their little boy Sonny, needed a break from the news, she was able to step out of one world and into another – losing herself in the plot of her upcoming novel, The Promise.

The will they/won’t they story of friendship and love, which begins against the backdrop of the Omagh bomb and is something of a departure for Emma, is due for release in the South in April, then in the UK later this year.

While she ponders her next book, the prolific novelist is gearing up for another literary project, having recently signed up to an online creative initiative, launched by former EastEnders star and singer Sean Maguire, through his acting school, The Players Conservatory.

The venture, set up by the LA-based actor, brings professionals together to pass on their skills, including other actors, directors and writers. Emma will deliver an online six-week course for budding writers this Spring and says she cannot wait to get started.

ƒ Emma with partner Jim, Sean Maguire and his wife Tanya at their wedding in Co Kerry.

writer,” says Emma. “This will be a global with two of the children who’d normally be at university home, another studying for A Levels project so it’s a fantastic opportunity.

“I’ve delivered creative writing courses locally and me home schooling Sonny, the youngest. in the past and when Sean approached me to do this one, I already had a six-week programme developed. It was completely serendipitous. What I proposed to do with my course was exactly what he was after, so I was pretty much ready to go.

“Creative writing saved my sanity. It was a brilliant escape from the horrible reality we’ve all been living in. I was working on The Promise and was able to switch off for a few hours every day and go into that fictional world.

“I love the idea of being able to pass on my “Once I got into it, I found it almost addictive.

“I’m over the moon to be asked to join as love of creative writing to other people. During It was sometimes hard to snap out of that The Players Conservatory’s in-house creative these lockdowns, it’s been a mad house here, world. I find writing very therapeutic. And I’m 8 | Local Women Magazine

very passionate about it. I want other people

Ireland only or had enjoyed eBook success so to have Harper Fiction behind Secrets in the Snow was exciting. But the novel was published at a time when book shops were shutting down to meet Covid restrictions and Emma was worried.

to share that enjoyment too.”

Emma’s involvement with Sean dates back to 2012 when her partner Jim provided the music for the rom com Songs For Amy. Sean played the lead male role in the movie, which

“It was such a scary time to be putting out a new novel and my confidence hit a low,” Emma explains.

was shot in Galway, and became friendly with Jim. When the actor, who also starred in Grange Hill, crime drama Scott and Bailey

“This was a huge opportunity for me; it was only my second paperback with Harper Fiction and the timing was awful.”

and ABC hit show Once Upon A Time, married his wife Tanya in Co Kerry in 2015, Emma and Jim were invited to attend.

Two years later, when Emma’s novel, The Legacy of Lucy Harte, was published, Sean’s online support helped boost American sales.

When he asked her to help with the writing course, it was the perfect way to thank him for his backing.

Emma says the online course won’t be too academic but instead, will be based on real life experiences and stories from the heart. She doesn’t want the participants to feel like they’re being lectured to or in an educational environment; it’s more about enjoyment and fun.

“Writing can be lonely so delivering creative writing classes is something I look forward to as I get to meet interesting people,” she says.

ƒ Cover of Secrets in the Snow.

But Emma needn’t have been concerned.

Not only did Secrets in the Snow make it to second place in the prestigious Bookseller Heat Seekers chart but author and former ƒ Emma signing one of her novels. television presenter Fern Britton selected it for the Tesco Book Club. Secrets in the Snow “The course is open to 10 people at a time, but flew off the shelves, giving Emma her biggest we’ll keep rolling it out for as long as people success story to date. want to take part in it.

A writing career, she says, is all about building “The plan is to take the class for two hours a brand. The hope is that each new publication once a week; discussing things like how to brings with it new readers. And so she keeps get started, the planning process, coming up pushing ahead, never resting on her laurels. with plots and characters, what to do with the Her next book, The Promise, looks set to finished novel. broaden that readership even more.

“I’ve worked with a few publishers, I’ve “It’s an interesting one because it’s the first of worked with and without an agent, so I’ll my novels to touch ever so slightly on growing be able to share experiences, the highs and up here and what it was like,” says Emma. lows of writing, tips on what to do and what “The Promise is about a boy and girl who meet not to do. on the day of the Omagh bomb. They’re both “But I’d also like to have a feedback process caught up in it, they survive and they help and there’ll be exercises and homework to do. each other through the trauma. They promise “Being part of a class gives you focus and a each other that they will meet up again. chance to meet other like-minded people who “The novel follows them over the next 20 share your passion. And it doesn’t matter what years. It’s an epic love story about two people your reason is for writing; whether you’re from very different backgrounds. David is the wanting to write a book or because you find son of a church minister who’s very staunch in it therapeutic or healing. There are so many his political beliefs. Kate is the daughter of a reasons why people choose to write.” republican activist.

Just before the Covid-19 pandemic struck last “While Kate goes off to be a nurse, David year, Emma had been putting the finishing joins the forces. Their lives take very touches to her last novel, the hugely successful different directions but there’s a bond that Secrets in the Snow. The winter romance has been formed that day and it develops and her previous book, Rewrite The Stars, over the years. were the first paperbacks to be published by Harper Fiction – the same publishing camp as “It’s been an emotional story for me to Cecelia Ahern and Barbara Taylor Bradford – write and I’ve included an author’s note to and it was a massive opportunity for Emma. acknowledge Omagh and its people. But Her first few novels had been published in ultimately, it’s a story of love.”

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Local Women Magazine | 13

A BEAUTY QUEEN WITH A DIFFERENCE Newly crowned Miss Universe Ireland, Nadia Sayers from Omagh, is using her own experiences to raise awareness of mental health issues and make a change. #MOXIEMindset

W

Pictures by Alexandra Barfoot hen Nadia Sayers told people that she wanted to be a model when she was younger, they laughed.

But, as she was crowned Miss Universe Ireland, it looks like the stunning red head from Omagh got the last laugh.

With her amazing hair, beautiful face and gorgeous figure, Nadia is the picture-perfect beauty queen – but she didn’t always feel like she was model material.

“I have pale, freckly skin and red hair, so I guess I’m not your average beauty queen says Nadia. “I hope my journey gives all those little girls out there, who don’t feel like they conform to beauty stereotypes, hope that they are as good as anyone.”

Added to her doll-like, delicate, stunning good looks, Nadia is extremely articulate and a passionate mental health advocate.

Her aim in entering Miss Universe Ireland was to raise awareness of mental health issues particular those affecting young women like herself.

Growing up, Nadia suffered from depression and low mood, and even considered ending her own life at her lowest point.

But she bravely chose to speak out about her experiences, and during the Miss Universe Ireland competition process, she reached out to others who may be suffering.

Nadia explains: “As a young girl growing up, like many other people I felt I wasn’t good enough. I struggled to find my place and my mood was up and down.

“A breakup with a boyfriend triggered the lowest part of my journey and I considered suicide. I felt like I had nowhere to turn to.

“Depression is such a taboo subject and so personal, I felt embarrassed and ashamed to talk about it.”

Nadia, who now works as Youth Development Officer for the mental health charity Hope 4 Life NI, thankfully was able to access the help and support she needed to make positive changes to her life.

But she recognises that there are not enough resources available for young people in Northern Ireland and wants to use her reign as Miss Universe Ireland to highlight this.

She wants to encourage young people to find their voices and become part of the process of change.

14 | Local Women Magazine

ƒ Miss niverse reland, adia Sayers

She says: “I hope to highlight the importance of young people’s voices, to encourage and empower young people to use their voices for their own benefit, and to stand up for what they believe in. We have seen this happen at times, especially this year, and this is how we create positive change in society, every single voice matters and can make a difference. We need to harness that power and use it to positively impact our own lives and the lives of others. Working in mental health, too many times I have been told by a young person that they don’t speak up about problems because ‘nobody want to hear.’

“We need to encourage everyone to use their voice, to prioritise their mental wellbeing by being pro-active as opposed to re-active and develop those ‘well-being toolkits’ and strategies early. I am a big believer in talktherapies, and I do feel that they are positive resource to be used - get regular top ups because life can get heavy!

If you don’t off-load that in a healthy way, it’s going to weigh you down and impact your day to day, just like if you avoid the dentist for years!

“I want to highlight some amazing charities and community organisations who do wonderful work with people in mind all of the time. They work to better their communities and help people, and I feel that

they need support and recognition. I am always on the lookout for more wonderful groups to learn about support and work with!”

Clearly Nadia is no ordinary beauty queen, because while she looks amazing in a bikini and can walk the catwalk with the best of them, her intelligence and wisdom shine through.

She is proud of her work within Hope 4 Life NI where they believe that everyone has a basic right to good mental health with the emphasis on prevention.

“As a team we are committed to working for this right to become a reality for all within Northern Ireland, Ireland and the UK,” says Nadia.

“The team deliver programmes that have been shown to positively impact the lives of many. We share the knowledge and experience from both global research and our own grassroots discussions in our programmes to empower people to understand that simple changes can and do increase resilience and enable long-term wellbeing.

“I currently work on ‘The Uberheroes’ programmes, where we share the stories of our own young people, through the use of comic books, superheroes and villains, in an age-appropriate way. We bring these comic books

into schools and community groups to share the stories with young people, and springboard into a conversation about mental health, enabling them to both open up about problems without feeling vulnerable or exposed and develop tools and strategies that will benefit their wellbeing through life.”

NADIA’S JOURNEY TO MISS UNIVERSE IRELAND With lockdown and travel restrictions, the Miss Universe Ireland pageant was a little different this year. Nadia explains the process behind her entry.

It began with an online application process, as it does every year. We told the team about ourselves, our interests, our passions and why we wanted to compete for the title of Miss Universe Ireland.

Then we submitted videos so that the team could get to know us more and could get a feel for our personality.

Once the Top 12 was announced, we all took part in a series of online and social media home assignments, my favourite was the ‘#Unfiltered Series’ where each contestant opened up so that those who follow Miss Universe Ireland could get to know us and our social causes on a deeper level.

We then took part in our first round of interviews (virtually of course!),with the amazing Miss Universe Ireland team and judges, as well as submitting videos of both our bikini and evening

gown walks for judging.

The Top 7 contestants were then announced, who went on to do a further two interviews, as well as a social media challenge.

We had to show that we could create good quality content through social media for the organisation, charities and sponsors, as social media is our main channel of connecting and communicating during this pandemic. This social media challenge comprised of creating three social media posts, one in evening gown (mine was sponsored by The Wildrose Boutique), one is our interview outfit (mine was second hand from a charity shop - all about the pre-loved purchases!), and one in our sponsor Liliana Montoya’s bikinis.

The purpose of this was to showcase our personalities in a way that may be necessary with restrictions always changing, utilising

our creativity, exhibiting our dedication and showing that #MOXIEMindset - that fighting, evolving spirit.

Finally, the Top 7 pre-recorded a closing statement. A short video that the judges would view if you were chosen in the Top 3, this would determine the winner.

At each stage, we were given training, that is one thing that I have been asked by girls who are considering competing next year - quite a few of the girls this year, as well as in previous years, had never competed before.

You don’t necessarily need to have experience; Brittany and the MUI team give you an abundance of group and one to one training.

I would definitely recommend that anyone considering applying, keep a close eye on the social media pages, as well as mine.

What have you got to lose by applying, right?

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WE REALLY MISS ALL OUR LOVELY CLIENTS AND LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU BACK SOON! In the mean time we are offering all the leading brands in home hair care including:

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Kellyʼs Patch Chardonnay 2013 is a wonderfully ripe and fruity Chardonnay, which has lots of peachy and melon aromas to the fore along with hints of citrus to keep it fresh.

On the palate it is crisp and lively and has good length with a clean finish which means it matches really well with lots of foods like grilled chicken or fish, seafood or salads, you name it. Lightly chilled is best to allow all the aromas and flavours to shine.

Lesley xoxo Lesley McGarrity Local Women Columnist

Supporting local businesses At ASM Insolvency and Restructuring, the financial experts are helping local businesses formulate strategic plans to move forward and recover.

Back in January 2020, when the Coronavirus pandemic first came to light, we could not have foreseen the far-reaching effect it would have on people’s lives, families, communities and the global economy.

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Despite the bleak economic reality, many businesses have however positively displayed an ability to adapt and diversify quickly in response, driving a dual agenda to protect lives and livelihoods. In just a few months, the COVID-19 crisis has brought about years of change in the way businesses operate in all sectors and regions, and the fact is that many of these changes will stay. The most obvious is the dramatic move for consumers, businesses and industries towards online channels.

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From Brisbane to Mid Ulster…via Zoom!

Meet the Co Tyrone teacher who is teaching yoga to local children live from her new home in Australia hen Co Tyrone woman ebecca uinn left home in to e plore a new life in Brisbane with her husband Eoin, she e pected to continue her eight year career as a primary school teacher.

However, an introduction to yoga has since taken the 30-year-old from Donaghmore on a path of mindfulness and positivity which she is now bringing through ‘Be You Children’s Yoga and Wellbeing’ to children across Northern Ireland in weekly online classes, all the way from her home Down Under.

ƒ ebecca

uinn e ou Children s oga and

when I watched the news from home about how the pandemic is affecting children’s lives, many of whom I taught in the classroom, including the stress surrounding the Transfer test I was heartbroken. I felt I had to try and help in some way, even from afar, so I reached “I’ve seen the profound effects yoga has on out to parents I know to try it out and the children after just one class here in Oz, so results have been so positive.”

ellbeing.

“Yoga has changed my life in a very short space of time,’ says Rebecca, who trained with Lorraine Rushton’s ‘Zenergy’, the internationally renowned premier children’s yoga programme.

Yoga develops healthy bodies, minds and spirits and Rebecca’s sessions, aimed at five- to 12-year-olds, include physical, emotional, social and inner values within every lesson with breathing, yoga poses, mindfulness exercises and relaxations.

Each class has a specific intention and is age specific to meet the needs of children.

Rebecca incorporates yoga therapy exercises into the sessions which tackle many issues including stress, depression, asthma, self-esteem and so much more.

ƒ Juno Molloy, aged

en oying her yoga class.

ƒ ugo McCrory, aged en oying his yoga class.

schoolwork but it helps me when I feel overwhelmed. Everyone in the class is listened to carefully and we all have a lot of fun!”

Rebecca’s aim is to bring back all she has learned home when she and Eoin return at the end of this year, but in the meantime, children here can continue to be benefit by joining her weekly online classes via Zoom which are now open for bookings.

Be You Children’s Yoga and Wellbeing Kitty Rose Greensword (12) from can be found on all social media Dungannon is just one of the local children networks, or contact Rebecca for who is currently benefiting from the weekly more information directly by email online sessions. rebecca@beyou-childrensyoga.com or “Yoga with Rebecca has really helped me visit her website relax more,” she says. “I’m so busy with www.beyou-childrensyoga.com

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“ One call cleans it all ”

Claire McMullan BDS is a partner at Dental 32 with a special interest in Dental Implants

ACHIEVING A BRIGHT AND HEALTHY SMILE laire

c ullan from ental , agherafelt answers your uestions about how to get a pearly white smile.

HOW CAN I IMPROVE MY DISCOLOURED TEETH? If your teeth aren’t what you consider to be the ‘perfect’ shade of white, it can affect your confidence and the si e of your smile. he colour of our teeth varies according to individual genetics in the same way that people have different hair colours or complexions. ut every smile is personal to the individual, and for some people yellow teeth can make them feel embarrassed and o protect your teeth and safeguard your smile, therefore re uires treatment to restore whitening treatments should only be carried their confidence. out by a dentist or regulated dental professional such as a dental hygienist. dentist will carry WHAT CAUSES out a full health check of your teeth, discuss DISCOLOURED TEETH? with you the cause of the discolouration and esides genetics, yellow teeth can be the most appropriate treatments to ensure a caused by several factors, including healthy smile as well as a whiter one. oor dental hygiene iet, consuming black coffee, red wine, green tea, curries and overly acidic foods. ooth decay and teeth that have darkened after trauma. ad habits like smoking. ge, our teeth can naturally darken over time.

• Genetic conditions that affect the surface of the teeth. n the pursuit of brighter, whiter teeth, some people turn to beauty salons who promise to deliver the ollywood look. ut beware, unless there is a dental professional present, teeth whitening like this is illegal.

CAN TOOTH DISCOLOURATION BE REVERSED?

then composite bonding, porcelain veneers or crowns may be the best solution. eeping good oral hygiene is essential to maintaining the natural whiteness of your teeth. rushing correctly twice daily, flossing and good interdental cleaning are the best way to ensure that any stains are removed on a daily basis, while regular trips to our hygienist will prevent any long term accumulation of pla ue or tartar to maintain healthy gums.

here are several treatment options WHEN SHOUD I SEE MY DENTIST available depending on the cause and the ABOUT DISCOLOURED OR extent of the discolouration.

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Wry

Ramblings

LOCAL WOMEN COLUMNIST EMMA-LOUISE JOHNSTON TAKES A BREAK FROM THE LOCKDOWN BLUES WITH A FUN SNOW DAY.

“NOT LONG NOW, JUST A FEW MORE MONTHS”

W

ith squeals of delight my kids

garden. I wore a mask and kept my distance,

shout different songs to be

making sure the children didn’t go too close

played at Alexa (or Echo as we

either. It’s so cold at the minute, it’s hard to do

call her.) I regale them with a colourful account,

that and what’s really stopping us is my fear that

explaining just how lucky they are.

the police, obeying orders, would pull us over

When I were a lad...I mean, when I was

and say it wasn’t an essential journey.

young, I wasn’t allowed near my parents’ vinyl

How we will all treasure so much after this.

collection. Fair enough, as the one time I did, I

When that will be, who knows. Everything

managed to leave a massive scratch across one

seems so far off in the distance. I have a greeting

of their prized Motown albums. (My folks have

card in my drawer that reads: “Enjoy the little

phenomenal taste in music - Motown, Rolling

things in life, for one day you may look back

Stones, The Beatles, Elvis, Neil Young, The Kinks

and realise they were the big things.” — Robert

etc.) So, the best way to hear a song you really

Brault. How true that is.

liked was to ring up a radio station and ask the

The other evening, I heard on the radio that

DJ to play it for you, then wait by your radio, for

there was going to be snow the next day.

possibly hours, with cassette player in hand to

Ordinarily, I’d be thinking how that would slow

record it.

down the school run and possibly stop me

When they started playing the charts on a

getting out for my run (depending on how icy

Sunday to see who had made it to number one,

the roads are) and how many changes of clothes

it was such a treat. I remember many happy times spent at my friend’s house recording the ‘countdown.’ There used to be a song called Love Shack by the B-52s. I don’t even particularly like the song or at least there are so many other better songs, but I remember us stopping the recording to simulate the “knock, knock” in the song when they sing “Bang, bang on the door baby.” We thought we were cutting edge. Pete Tong wouldn’t be in it. You hear the loud click of the tape stopping and the rustling and movement of us running to the door to bang, bang on the door, then my friend Zara’s

“KINDNESS IS LIKE SNOW. IT BEAUTIFIES EVERYTHING IT COVERS” - KAHLIL GIBRAN. away, as we’re all experiencing at the minute.

I feel like a broken record with my ever so patient parents. “Not long now, just a few more

I’d have to wash from the constant, “My socks, leggings, trackies, top, coat, hat etc are soaked.”

But I went to bed as excited as a kid. I kept waking up during the night and looking out the window to see how the snow was progressing.

The first time there was just a skiffle and I went back to bed disappointed. I woke up again and before I looked out, I already knew it was starting to lie. There’s something special about the quality of sound when it snows, the muted stillness that you hear from your bed, gives you a pleasant premonition about what you’ll see before you even fling open the curtains. It was

mum yelling up to come down for our Sunday

months”...I’ve now been saying the same thing

dinner! Classic.

to them for nearly a year.

and listened to that wonderful silence of the

My kids have an instant Friday night disco, with

They want for nothing except hugs and chats

snow which had blanketed the garden and the

disco ball and any tune under the sun on tap.

with their grandchildren. We had been calling

distant mountains. I seem to be all about the

They don’t know how good they have it.

and chatting across the garden and they loved

greeting card, inspirational quote today but

I suppose you never fully realise how good you

that, it was their lifeline. I’d bring a mix of

I thought this one was appropriate and very

have it until some of your privileges are taken

groceries and the kids would run about the

lovely too. Hope you agree.

26 | Local Women Magazine

too early to wake up the kids, so I lay smiling

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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.

HOPE AFTER MISCARRIAGE 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

Sometimes one or both of these tests need repeating in order to confirm a miscarriage.

This is a stressful time for patients and their families, however, occasionally there is no effective alternative.

WHAT ARE THE MANAGEMENT OPTIONS? •

for one to two weeks after diagnosis of a

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

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF MISCARRIAGE?

This month Dr McComiskey will look at early pregnancy loss.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MISCARRIAGE? The most common sign of miscarriage is vaginal bleeding which may be heavy or light. Vaginal bleeding is quite common in early pregnancy and does not definitely mean that a miscarriage is happening.

Other symptoms can include cramping, pain, discharge and lack of symptoms of normal pregnancy like sickness, tiredness, breast tenderness.

Any of these symptoms should result in consultation with a medical practitioner as soon as possible.

Ectopic pregnancy can sometimes complicate early pregnancies. This is especially suggested by severe abdominal pain, shoulder tip pain, collapse, diarrhoea or vomiting. This should prompt immediate attendance at hospital for assessment.

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

Expectant management: This is waiting

ften, no cause is identified.

miscarriage to allow for natural passage of the pregnancy sac. If the pregnancy

he most

sac passes, then a pregnancy test is

chromosomal

recommended after 3-4 weeks. If this

abnormality linked to the joining of the egg

doesn’t happen then a further ultrasound

and sperm at conception. This is unlikely to

should be offered and a re-discussion

happen again in subsequent pregnancies.

regarding options.

common

cause

is

of

a

The risk of early miscarriage is increased with the increasing age of the mother. Other

•

Medicine: designed

Medication to

speed

exists up

the

that

is

natural

factors include obesity, smoking and drug

approach. This may be a good idea if

and alcohol use. About 1 in 100 women

the expectant approach doesn’t work or

experience recurrent miscarriages (3 or more

if the mother doesn’t want to wait. The

in a row) and many of these women go on

monitoring following medication is similar

to have a successful pregnancy (see the

to that of expectant management.

upcoming article next month).

•

Surgery: In some cases, surgery may

WHAT TESTS MIGHT BE PERFORMED?

be offered to remove the pregnancy

Ultrasound scan will often confirm if the pregnancy

tissue. Some situations this may happen

is progressing normally or if a miscarriage has

include very heavy bleeding, infection or

occurred. Sometimes the ultrasound scan is

unsuccessful other treatments.

inconclusive and a repeat scan along with other tests may be required.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A MISCARRIAGE? A miscarriage can be very upsetting for everyone

Blood tests to monitor pregnancy hormone

involved, especially the parents. Counselling or

(HCG) level may be offered. Two blood tests at

support may be required. It can take a long time

48 hours apart are often recommended. The

to emotionally recover from a pregnancy loss.

purpose of this is to check if the hormone level in

Any future pregnancy though is very likely to lead

the blood rises (suggesting a normal pregnancy),

to a much better outcome.

falls (suggesting a miscarriage) or remains static

For any queries do not hesitiate to get in contact

(suggesting an ectopic pregnancy).

with myself at info@drmarkmccomiskey.com.

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30 | Local Women Magazine

“ANNA ROSE IS OUR WORLD”

As we prepare to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day, East Belfast mum Laura Houtman introduces us to a very special little girl who is helping to challenge perceptions and break down stereotypes.

“Anna Rose is the very heartbeat of this family,” says mum-of-three Laura Houtman as she describes her 13-monthold baby girl.

And you only have to take a look at the pictures of this gorgeous little girl to know that she is absolutely perfect.

Laura loves to share her journey of motherhood on her Instagram page @ the_houtmans where she posts daily about the ups and downs of being a busy mum.

But she set up her page not only to chronicle her day-to-day life but to reach out to others, raise awareness and change perceptions of Trisomy 21.

Trisomy 21 is one of three different types of Down Syndrome and Laura is determined to break down the stereotypes that are associated with the conditions.

She also wants parents to know there is support for them and is proud to be associated with ‘Positive About Down Syndrome’ which is a charity set up by parents for parents and offers advice, real life experience and a safe space for people to talk.

Laura readily admits that before she had Anna-Rose she was guilty of knowing little about Down syndrome and was unaware of the discrimination that people living with the condition can face.

ƒ The Houtmans

Laura wants to live in a world where the negative perceptions of Down syndrome are left firmly in the past and shine a light on the happy, fulfilling life that Anna Rose is leading.

funny, loving and she is very much the centre of this family.

“For many years people living with Down syndrome have been invisible in our

society and hidden away. Thankfully, this “Our day-to-day life is not overshadowed is changing but there is much work still to by the fact that Anna Rose has Trisomy 21, that’s only a small part of her,” explains be done.”

Laura.

Lauren, who is also mum to John, 18, and

ƒ nna ose

“There is so much more to Anna Rose than Sophie, 4, had no idea she was expecting a a simple genetic condition. She’s clever, baby with Trisomy 21 during her pregnancy.

at me with such pity and said: ‘Ach, God love her.’

“I smiled politely and left. I don’t want pity or sympathy. I want people to change their mindsets.

“Another time I was talking to a lady who is a teacher who told me that people with Down syndrome could enter the world of work and listed a number of jobs that Anna Rose could do. All of these jobs were low paid, unskilled type jobs. I know she meant well but why should Anna Rose aim so low?

“I have great expectations for Anna Rose. I want her to grow up feeling she can do and be anything she wants to be.

ƒ nna ose

She was in the middle of a stressful time “She’s only a baby, I have no idea what she with a house move and caring for a toddler will be able to do or what she will be good and a teenager, when she gave birth early at, but I will certainly aim high.” to Anna Rose.

She says she felt totally unprepared as Laura would like to see a change to the her due date was scheduled for January negative language used around Down - but Anna Rose made an early arrival syndrome. She says that words like ‘risk’ need to be eradicated. before Christmas.

“With a house renovation and a house move, you can imagine the chaos. I didn’t have a great pregnancy. Anna Rose was measuring quite small, so everything moved very quickly, and I found myself in hospital early.

“As soon as she was born, I knew she had Trisomy 21. She had almond shaped eyes which were very noticeable. None of the medical staff mentioned it but I knew. I didn’t feel sad, I just knew and that was okay.

“About six hours after her birth, I was told she was showing ‘markers for Down syndrome’, but I already knew. I wasn’t upset or disappointed. I loved her immediately.

We all did.”

Like most new parents of a child with Down syndrome, it was the reaction of other people that upset Laura. The outdated and often misguided ideas people have about the condition led some people to react in a less than positive manner.

“Mostly people were great and delighted for us, but I did get one ‘sorry’ text,” says Laura.

“That was upsetting of course. Another time I had Anna Rose at the baby clinic and, when I told the lady sitting next to me about her condition, she looked

She explains: “It is disheartening to see negative language used to describe her beautiful little face.

“I recently received a letter from the hospital which included the phrase: ‘The risk we would quote for any further pregnancies…’ The risk? Anna Rose isn’t a risk. What about chance? It was chance that she has Trisomy 21, nothing bad happened for her to have it. It wasn’t something that I or anyone else did – just chance to some and destiny to me.”

With an amazing mum like Laura, and a brother and sister who adore her, the future looks bright for Anna Rose.

She is meeting her milestones, learning every day and loving life. But while she is learning she has taught the Houtman family so much more.

“Anna Rose has brought so much to us as a family,” says Laura.

“Her brother and sister are just amazing with her. She has brought out the most beautiful nurturing, loving side of them and it is a joy to watch.

ƒ ig brother John and nna ose

“For us as a family, Anna Rose has taught us to slow down and take each day as it comes.

She has shown us to appreciate what we have, and we are truly blessed.”

ƒ ig sister Sophie and nna ose

WHAT IS ‘POSITIVE ABOUT DOWN SYNDROME?’ We are a website by parents, for parents and parents to be.

We are the experts on living with Down syndrome and know that life is so much more than a diagnosis, there is a good deal to celebrate.

Our children and young people with Down syndrome lead full and rewarding lives, they are muchloved sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, who our families wouldn’t be without.

We are here to try to answer your questions, address your worries and concerns, never to judge, but to offer you the opportunity to see the reality of living with Down syndrome.

If you are a new/expectant mum, dad, friend or relative and you want to find out more about Down syndrome, have a question or just want a chat, please get in touch, we’d love to hear from you. Whilst everyone’s experiences are unique, we’ve all been where you are before. www. positiveaboutdownsyndrome.co.uk

ƒ nna ose Local Women Magazine | 33

LOVING YOURSELF THIS VALENTINE’S DAY BUSY MUMS RARELY HAVE A MOMENT TO THEMSELVES, BUT AS NAOMI PALMER FROM BLOOMING KIDS NI ADVISES, ENJOY A LITTLE LOVE AND SELF-CARE.

H

appy February readers!

Would you believe that it has been a full year since we first went into lockdown?

A year like no other with much sadness, new-found skills and appreciation for what really matters in life.

At this time, when the wheels are almost off our wagons with fatigue around home schooling, Zoom calls and lack of contact with our nearest and dearest, I feel that more than ever we need to take time to look after ourselves.

Usually February is full of love hearts, chocolates and evenings dining out– a ritual fuelled by commercialism to show how much we love our partners on one day of the year. But this year I feel that the emphasis should very much be on loving ourselves- not just for one day but all year long.

As mums, we are usually the captain of the ship in home life. When the ship is cast into fierce and stormy waters, like a global pandemic, we are often the ones who battle the seas of home schooling, our careers, motherhood and general ‘keeping everyone alive’ day in, day out without a break in our voyage. Throwing ourselves a life vest every so often is absolutely essential to see us through the storm. I am always reminded of the safety announcement on airplanes- ‘Please attach your own oxygen mask before helping

34 | Local Women Magazine

comparison with ‘perfect lives’ will damage you. Set the phone down, get out a board game and enjoy some playtime with the kids. Laugh together and let those feelgood hormones flow.

Go outside- Get lost on the way back from the bin, even for a few minutes! Tune into the sound of bird call, running water or even the feel of wind on your face.

Being in tune with our wonderful world is a great natural healer. Take a wee walk and enjoy the fresh air- it will lift your spirits and help your fitness. others’ and that is exactly what we all need Pamper yourself. Take a bath, invest to be doing right now. in a skincare routine or take more time So, what can we do to help ourselves? Here looking after your own skin. No matter are a few simple suggestions that we can what shape and size, your body is a gift and all achieve without spending a fortune or should be cherished and celebrated every relying on childcare. single day. Take time to really look after Go to bed early! Stop yourself from yourself every day- and be thankful for watching those back-to-back series to the your health. wee small hours- I know we all need to Phone a friend. There’s nothing quite switch off at the end of the day, but once a like having a chat with a good friend. week treat yourself to an early night. Your Someone who will love you no matter body- both mentally and physically will what. Laugh or cry- you’ll feel more thank you for it. empowered after a blether with a friend.

Lay off the alcohol. I know, I knowbut you will feel the benefits immediately without the depressive affects that alcohol has on us. A strong body and mind is crucial during these tricky times.

-

Take more time away from your

phone- especially social media. Constant stimulation, fake news, unrealistic

I hope that you find time to love yourself this month and every month. You’re doing great!

Lots of love,

Naomi x

What are dentists doing right now?

Liam Diamond, principal and practice owner of Diamond Dental in Cookstown explains how dental services are operating during the latest restrictions.

With all the upheaval over the past year, many people will be wondering are you back doing routine dentistry?

The good news is we are able to carry out all dental treatments, albeit with lots of safety protocols. Current restrictions have reduced our working capacity to below 50% of normal capacity. We are still having to prioritise which treatments are carried out. So able to do everything? - yes, routine dentistry? - not quite.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN I COME TO THE DENTIST NOW? Obvious changes would be asking patients COVID-19 screening questions while booking your appointment, which must be done by phone. When patients arrive, we must ask the screening questions again before we can see them. Screens on reception and socially distanced seating are in place, though we are still asking patients not to arrive too early and come on their own where possible. We will also look a bit different with extra PPE.

WHAT NEW SAFETY MEASURES HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED? Luckily dental surgeries are places where cross infection procedures and regulations are of the highest order already. Most of what we do remains the same around instruments and cleaning. Apart from all the social distancing measures and screening procedures, the biggest extra safety measures are around how we carry out certain treatments. Aerosol Generating Procedures (AGPs) are what we call any treatment that creates a spray within a patient’s mouth. These could in theory spread the coronavirus within the room

so extra precautions are needed for these treatments.

Additional PPE like Gowns, FFP3 masks and visors are now a must for AGPs. Downtime and extra cleaning between patients mean each dentist needs two surgeries to work within. Hence the big drop in access.

WHAT PROCEDURES ARE YOU NOT CARRYING OUT AT THE MINUTE? At the moment we can still carry out all treatments but because of the need for

two surgeries per dentist, we aren’t just as easily accessed. We are doing our best and thankfully all our patients have been so understanding.

ARE DENTAL HYGIENISTS STILL CARRYING OUT APPOINTMENTS? Where surgeries are available, some are still carrying out treatment. As you can imagine, the request for access to surgeries isn’t only from the patients.

HOW CAN I TAKE CARE OF MY TEETH BETTER IF I CAN'T GET TO THE DENTIST? Basic things like reducing the frequency of sugary or acidic food and drinks, plus brushing well and regularly with Fluoride toothpaste will go a long way to reducing the risk of problems.

WHAT DO I DO IF I EXPERIENCE PAIN AND NEED TO SEE A DENTIST IN AN EMERGENCY? Ring your dentist. We are all running our own emergency cover seven days a week and have been since March 2020. It has been a tough time for patients but thankfully with access allowed to remain open, we can fix whatever problems you have.

Joanna Denton

“Share your brilliance with the universe!”

After suffering two work-related burnouts, Joanna Denton became a business mentor, helping others who are experiencing struggles at work. Each month Joanna will use her expertise to help you with any business-related problems you may be experiencing in these uncertain times.

The Beauty Salon Owner Dear Joanna,

I own a salon in Belfast and my business has been impacted badly by COVID-19, like so many others. I have managed to hang on and keep going these last months, but it has been really, really tough.

For the last couple of months, I have been working on the idea of starting a series of Facebook lives talking about different treatments that people can do at home. figure if enough people watch can end up getting lots of advertising revenue and secure my business.

But here’s the thing. I have never done this before. I am so scared of messing it all up, that people will laugh at me, not take me seriously, so much so that I have been working on the idea for months and I haven’t actually started. It feels like I only have one shot at getting it right, getting it perfect, and if I mess it up, there is no going back or do over. I also get really scared about speaking in public.

However, if I keep waiting, I will miss the boat completely.

What can I do?

Yours,

Jenny

Dear Jenny,

Your brilliance needs to be in the universe, even if it’s not pretty.

Thank you for sharing all that is going on for you at the moment.

I am a regular salon goer, but during the shutdowns all my regular visits have gone out the window. My hair is now a grey streaked bob, my eyebrows have gone crazy, and my legs are like sandpaper.

I really understand what it is like to have a great idea for the business, but then to worry about it needing to be perfect first time.

And you know what. That’s okay. Take a deep breath, we got this.

However, there are things I would be willing to do for myself at home, but I just don’t know how.

It can be so tempting to think that everything is riding on this one idea and we have to get everything perfect the first time. s women, in particular, society tells us that we have to have it all worked out – and as business owners, our staff and our customers are looking to us to be strong.

Think of everyone out there like me that you could be helping with these videos, that are left high and dry because you are not sharing what you know. Better that your brilliance be out in the universe, even if it’s not pretty. almost selfish to do otherwise, right

The challenge comes when our desire to be perfect means that we don’t even start.

Imagine you are sitting down for a cuppa with a client.

What could you learn?

Finally, one thing I suggest to my speaking clients for the nerves about speaking online – imagine that behind that camera is your most favourite client.

What if you saw this idea not as an all or nothing experience, but rather a laboratory to experiment and find out something

If it was just her you were talking to, and you knew she would love whatever you say, what would you say to her?

What if you took the pressure off? No longer think of it as a big all or nothing plan to secure your business.

Picture her face, and just talk to her. No one else matters.

So, sometimes it’s better to start ugly, than not at all.

Instead, you asked yourself a question, like: “I have never done a Facebook live before; I wonder how it works? Can I do a two-minute Facebook live and talk about three reasons why I love my favourite product?”

I hope this has been helpful. Remember, sometimes it ta es those five seconds of courage to press “go live.” Good luck with this, and do let me know how it goes.

And then just do that.

And then see what you learn.

Remember – if you hate it, you can easily delete the video. No one need ever see it.

And if you love it – you can come up with a new question for the next one.

What question would you want to answer in such an experiment?

36 | Local Women Magazine

JD Speaking and Strategy Ltd River House | 48-60 High Street | Belfast | BT1 2BE T: +44 (0)7795085297 |E: joanna@joannadenton.com For further information check out

www.joannadenton.com

LESLEY’S ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY

Once the Doctor’s house.

Craving green space and thinking of moving to the countryside?

Local Women columnist Lesley McGarrity did just that and moved to a rural retreat near Toomebridge.

Lockdown, for those lucky enough to be healthy and have a garden or live near some green space, has been a chance for us to walk and exercise outdoors.

Victorian period property, in Toomebridge, Co Antrim which boasts many fabulous period features, that I can’t wait to start refurbishing.

Our new home once spent its life as the doctor’s practice for the village and is classed Ninja Squirrel – the squirrels are tough in the country.

Well, I didn’t just think about it, I actually as a gentleman’s residence, so the took the bull by the horns and walls can tell did it. many tales I am sure! I Yes, I have recently moved am going to be working very to the countryside and hard and collaborating guess what? I am not the with some local only one! companies to New research shows that refurbish this A Game of Thrones set on my doorstep. the COVID-19 pandemic Hubby collecting the keys fabulous home to our new life. has prompted a shift in back to its former town and city dwellers to glory and I will be rural locations. People similar sure to share some of the to me decided to move to rural highlights with you. areas as the pandemic restrictions exposed Despite the terrible circumstances the shortcomings of our living arrangements, that surround us with the pandemic, I with many of us wanting more space as we can tell you I am trying to make sure, that work from home. With lockdown we craved I am living the best life I can. I think that if space for larger home offices, bigger gardens for entertainment areas, places to work out Paddington enjoys his 6th birthday in new home. and hold gym equipment, areas to walk that I love my garden. are not over-populated by others …the list you are not happy with where you are, take goes on. control of what you can and start taking your Whether you dream of fresh air, more life back, whether that be moving home, space or a simpler outdoor or making adjustments to your work/life life, don’t forget moving balance, or making changes to your lifestyle to the country can also in general. bring financial freedom, as Don’t forget your home is your sanctuary, so if you can get so much you don’t feel happy there you need to make more for your money. changes. Happiness breeds contentment and We sold our lovely let’s face it that’s all we all want to feel. town centre house Stay home and stay safe, close to the beach in Newcastle, Co Down and purchased a fabulous old It has led to many of us thinking about what it would be like to have a country home or live somewhere with much more open green space.

Let’s get this show on the road.

Local Women Magazine | 37

HELPING PROPERTY INVESTORS MEET THEIR GOALS If you want to start a new career in property investment it pays to work with the best estate agents. Mayfair & Morgan offers great advice on making the most of your money.

the average rental prices, the number of rentals in the area, housing demand, rental void periods, and also loo at the local amenities in each area together with any development plans in the pipeline.

You want a property that will appeal to both tenants and buyers. n that basis, we recommend an area located close to shops, schools and transport lin s as well as a property with the right features tenants love, such as off street par ing, a garage, storage space and outdoor areas.

SHOULD I BUY A PROPERTY THAT IS A LOWER PRICE THAN OTHERS? roperties on a lower price point and positioned next to ma or amenities, lifestyle features and with rising incomes in the area are li ely to perform better in the long run. t’s generally easier to sell a property in an affordable location than an expensive one. xamine the property in detail to see if it has the potential to be renovated, subdivided, extended or redeveloped in the future.

WHAT IS CONSIDERED A GOOD RETURN ON INVESTMENT? HOW DO I GET INTO PROPERTY INVESTMENT? here is no one si e fits all’ so research and networ with other property investors, as well as contacting an experienced estate agent are good places to start. now your current financial position, your ris profile, income levels, savings, credit score and e uity as they all have a part to play in determining what your chosen strategy should be. re you investing for short, medium or longer term returns re you hoping to achieve a regular income or a lump sum return o you want to carry out renovation wor or are you loo ing for no initial expenditure when you purchase a property ave clear goals so you are not swayed by glossy mar eting brochures.

WHERE SHOULD I CONSIDER BUYING PROPERTY?

We li e to pic pro ects that will deliver a growth rate of over . Combine this with a rental yield and you should earn a total return on the property asset of at least pa. his is only a drop in the ocean of property investment so for further advice and details, we recommend coming in and chatting with one of our team. We have been in the business for years and have assisted hundreds of investors meet their goals on their property ourney.

roperty is all about buying within a budget that will deliver the best capital growth and yield. When deciding where to buy, research is ey. tudy geographic housing trends which are readily available online. gain, contact a good agent who nows the areas you are een to consider. o you want to invest locally so you can be readily available or further afield if returns are greater Carry out research on your preferred location, what are

23 Fountain Street | Antrim | Co. Antrim | BT41 4BG T: 028 9446 4902 | E: info@mayfairandmorgan.com mayfairandmorganproperty.com | mayfairandmorgan.com 40 | Local Women Magazine

Local Women Magazine | 41

NEVER IGNORE CHANGES TO YOUR BODY Cancer charity Action Cancer says don’t ignore worrying signs and consult your GP.

A

By Maureen Coleman

leading cancer charity in Northern Ireland has urged people with non Covid-related medical concerns or who have noticed worrying changes in their bodies to not shy away from contacting their GPs.

ƒ Gwyneth Hinds

BREAST CANCER – changes in shape of size of the breast, lump in the breast or under the armpit, dimpling, puckering of redness in the skin, nipple discharge, change in the position of the nipple, veins that stand out more than normal, a pain or odd sensation that isn’t normal for you.

With Northern Ireland now in the second month of the latest lockdown and the Trusts still under pressure as they tackle the pandemic, many people are still reluctant to speak to their doctors about health concerns.

But while the Belfast Trust announced last month that it was cancelling all urgent cancer surgeries due to mounting pressure on NHS staff and a lack of bed space, Action Cancer is calling on the public not to be deterred from contacting their doctors about worrying symptoms or body changes.

CERVICAL CANCER – bleeding after sex, bleeding between periods, bleeding after the menopause.

Some women also have a vaginal discharge or pain in the lower pelvis.

OVARIAN CANCER – persistent bloating, pain in the pelvis and lower stomach, unexplained tiredness, loss of appetite, needing to pass urine more frequently, back pain.

In an attempt to reduce a backlog and a wave of later stage diagnoses, which often require more intensive and expensive treatment than those diagnosed at an early stage, Action Cancer says unusual symptoms should not be ignored, particularly related to the four main cancers – prostate, breast, lung and bowel.

Gwyneth Hinds, a doctor and board member of Action Cancer, points out that even if there are delays in surgery, investigations and other forms of nonsurgical treatment can still be carried out.

And she says to bear in mind that not all symptoms turn out to be cancer.

“For the vast majority of people, they will be given good news that they don’t have cancer,” she says.

TESTICULAR CANCER – small lump/hardness, swelling, tenderness, dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin.

“A lump in the breast is something to always flag up but also, if you notice any changes at all, particularly around the nipples or skin that is pulled or dimpled, do not ignore these signs. Speak to your doctor straight away. Don’t go to A & E. Your own GP knows you and your medical history and will refer you on if your symptoms are suggestive of cancer.”

“In saying that, there are things that should definitely not be ignored, especially when it comes to the Big Four cancers. For example, if men are having to urinate more at night-time, there’s blood in the urine or the flow takes longer, it could be prostate cancer.

Action Cancer offers interactive gender specific Cancer Awareness sessions to workplaces and community organisations to increase knowledge of the signs and symptoms of common cancers and to help people learn how to reduce the risks of developing the disease. The charity also offers a Step into Action programme, delivered virtually. It includes up to six one-to-one sessions with a health and wellbeing coach to help encourage and motivate people wanting to get healthier and is available to the general public.

“If you have a persistent cough for a few weeks and a Covid test has come back negative or if you’re coughing up blood, that needs to be investigated.

Similarly, any changes in bowel habits, a persistent dull ache or unexplained weight loss, must be investigated too.

In addition, Action Cancer provides a range of health checks aimed at increasing awareness of the importance of early detection and how a healthy lifestyle can help set you up for the future. These include blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and body composition.

“The risk starts to increase over the age of 55. One third of all diagnoses are in people over 75, so if you’re having problems with your bowels, for example, or you’ve found a lump in your breast, be reassured that you will probably be given good news.

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

3 3 3 3

PROSTATE CANCER - passing urine unexpectedly, passing urine several times a night, needing to strain to pass urine, urgency to go but barely producing a trickle, pain passing urine, discomfort such as pain or a burning sensation, dribbling after stopping, blood in urine.

BOWEL CANCER – blood in stools or bleeding from rectum, loose and frequent bowel movements lasting three weeks or more, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, extreme tiredness.

LUNG CANCER - a persistent cough, shortness of breath, coughing up sputum with traces of blood, persistent chest pain, fatigue, unexplained weight loss.

SKIN CANCER – Non-melanoma – spot or sore that doesn’t heal within four weeks, spot or sore that continues to hurt, scab, bleed or itch, areas of skin that have broken down or formed an ulcer and doesn’t heal within four weeks.

Melanoma – (most commonly occurs on a mole) – change in size, colour, shape, loss of symmetry, itching or pain, inflammation, bleeding or crusting.

www.actioncancer.org

BRAKES 3 CLUTCHES TIMING BELTS 3 SPRINGS MOT CHECKS 3 TYRE SALES 24 HOUR RECOVERY

NEW LOCATION 76 AUGHRIM ROAD, MAGHERAFELT, BT456JY CALL 028 7944 4333

42 | Local Women Magazine

SCHOOL LEAVERS INVITED TO ‘BE MORE AT TOBERMORE’ LEADING PAVING AND WALLING MANUFACTURER TOBERMORE HAS LAUNCHED AN EXCITING NEW APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS AND PUPILS RECEIVING THEIR GCSES THIS SUMMER.

T

obermore Academy Apprenticeships give the opportunity to ‘earn as you learn’ by combining on-thejob experience with study at college.

Apprentices will gain real life experience and understanding of the production process.

They will also have day release to attend college where they will study towards a 3rd level qualification.

The World Class hard landscaping manufacturer is seeking quality apprentices that are ‘mechanically minded’ to join their Production Facility at Tobermore, based just outside Magherafelt, Northern Ireland.

Tobermore Academy is now recruiting young people to apply for the role of ‘Apprentice Maintenance Fitters.’ The apprentices will work within Tobermore’s Maintenance Team and will have designated mentors throughout their Training.

David Henderson, Managing Director of Tobermore

34

|

Local Women Magazine

commented on the scheme: “We are so proud to launch our new Tobermore Academy. We have identified Apprenticeships as a key priority for the future success of our business. This Apprenticeship Scheme forms part of our ambitious £30m expansion plans. While earning as they learn, these bright apprentices will be sharpening specific skills needed by our business. This scheme will be invaluable for young people to access a great start in their career. Remember, University isn’t the only route towards qualifications and a good career!”

Tobermore are inviting applicants to apply now, before the closing date of 12 March 2021.

For more information and to apply, please visit www. tobermore.co.uk/careers , alternatively you can request the ‘Tobermore Academy Booklet’ by emailing hr@ tobermore.co.uk or phoning 028 796 42411.

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@edenhillinteriors Local Women Magazine | 43

Looking forward to Spring at

Gasp Boutique

We are all getting used to shopping online and at Gasp Boutique, the new season’s styles are dropping daily. Let’s see what we can look forward to this Spring/Summer.

Hello to all my readers, Yet again as you all know our doors are currently closed but we are as busy as ever selling online and offering you all wonderful bargains. We like to keep you all in the shopping mood and what better way to do this during these unprecedented times than through our social media platforms?

I am so looking forward to opening my doors once again and feeling a sense of routine and normality in our daily lives.

I am sure you are all feeling the same while longing for the bright sunny summer days to shine upon us - this will lift our mood along with our physical and mental health. But in the meantime, we must all stay positive and keep going.

I thought I would give you a quick insight into what has been showing on the virtual catwalks for Spring/ Summer 21.

44 | Local Women Magazine

MONOCHROME MAGIC Designers showed a collection for black and white most often known as monochrome. At Dolce & Gabbana, chequerboard patchwork dresses utilised archive rolls of fabrics from previous collections while at Chanel crisp layering showed a new mood of summer.

COATS WITH AN ARRAY OF MIXED FABRICS AND COLOURS. While 2020 was quite literally been about isolation, these designers have splashed out with the notion that it is about time to stand out from the crowd. What better way is there to approach that than in a brightly hued statement coat. Come spring, you will have your choice of stripes, patchwork, and checks. Just look at these coats from Burberry, Christian Dior and Dolce & Gabbana! I have to be honest, I don’t think I would actually ever sell one of these at Gasp.

GO XXL It is all about oversizing with XXL shirts.

It is time to go and raid the hubby’s wardrobe and dig out his shirts , these large, oversized shirts were all over the designers’ virtual catwalks. I actually think they might be over doing the home comfort desires - however it is most definitely comfort at its best.

The have reimagined the XXL Shirts in bright shades of pink, yellow and orange, done up as dresses, shown extra-long and extra wide, or with proportions that simply make you look twice. Shown here from Michael Kors, Balenciaga, Coach and Valentino.

FLOWER POWER From daisies to lilies, name your favourite flower because am sure you will see it this season on every shirt and dress that lands on every showroom floor. he bolder the brighter and the more impactful seems to be the way forward for some designers this season! So, how does your garden grow with all the floral motifs in sunny yellows, on neon tulip dresses, and on gala worthy ball gowns in shades of pink. I just hope we get a good summer to appreciate these vibrant shades, but I have to say that they are a mood booster .

COMFORT WEAR MIX The new working from home routine certainly influenced what designers turned out. ow else to explain the mood for wide leg trousers made for bold strides, floaty sheer maxi dresses with noticeable hoodies , as seen with Prada , and pencil skirts with bomber jackets, as seen at Max Mara. I noticed this year that a lot of designers have tried to mix a sporty look with that casual skirt or pants and combine the two into a funky everyday wear. I think this is because the casual look has dominated the fashion scene especially during the pandemic and they are looking for a way to think out of the box .

That is all for this month , I really do hope you are all

keeping safe and well and please feel free to browse our online store, where I am showcasing bargains every day on

www.gaspboutiques.com Keep safe and well.

Regards,

Ann Doyle Proprietor of Gasp Boutique Armagh

Local Women Magazine | 45

“IT IS A PRIVILEGE TO CARE FOR PATIENTS”

HOSPITAL AND REGISTERED MANAGER AT NORTH WEST INDEPENDENT HOSPITAL IN BALLYKELLY, FINOLA CARMICHAEL FROM GREYSTEEL, TELLS LOCAL WOMEN ABOUT HER COMMITMENT TO CARING.

Pictures by Gerard Gormley

WHAT CAREER PATH DID YOU FOLLOW?

Even as a little girl Finola Carmichael seemed destined for a career in nursing.

After obtaining my O Levels, I attended college and completed an OND in Business Studies. I always thought that as a nurse you needed to have an understanding of other professions. I completed my training in 1984, and at that time, it was common practice for you to remain on the ward where you had completed your management placement. So, I remained on the Ear, Nose and Throat ward, for six months, and then I had the opportunity to transfer to the Intensive Care Unit.

This was an amazing experience, sometimes sad, where you were supporting parents on the death of children, or relatives on the death of their loved ones. My heart goes out to all the staff working in these units during this pandemic as it is a stressful environment in normal circumstance. I then relocated to Jersey, where I continued to develop skills and worked within a Medical Unit and I became a Ward Sister. This was an exciting time for me, and I met my partner and we moved back to Derry in 1992.

As a child and the eldest of six children, Finola always took on the responsibility of caring for her siblings and enjoyed looking after them.

And now as she proudly celebrates almost 40 years in nursing, the Greysteel woman who is the Hospital and Registered Manager at North West Independent Hospital in Ballykelly, looks back with pride on her career that has seen her working in hospitals across the UK after qualifying in 1984.

Originally from Staffordshire, but brought up

by Irish parents, as a child Finola, 60, dreamed of working at The Royal Victoria Hospital which was near her dad’s childhood home.

So keen was she to be a nurse that she even wrote to the Royal College of Nursing to ask what she had to do to fulfil her dream.

Once qualified Finola took up a post within the NHS before eventually moving to the North West Independent Hospital where she has worked since 1996.

Finola has thoroughly enjoyed her nursing career and is proud to have given the highest level of care to her patients throughout the years and in particular during the last year when we have been in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Finola says: “There is nothing better than knowing that we have delivered excellent care and the patient has had a great experience. It lets us know what we are doing right. It gives me great job satisfaction.”

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A NURSE? My dad was a proud Belfast man, and I am told that I loved him talking about The Royal Victoria Hospital, close to where he was brought up, and I said: “I would love to work there when I become a nurse.” Unfortunately, this did not happen, but I also wrote a letter to the RCN at a young age to ask what I needed to do to become a nurse. Definitely keen!

My mum worked as a carer, and I worked as a nursing auxiliary before I went to college, to see if I was capable of being a nurse. I had an amazing Ward Sister who spent time with me and taught me the basics of excellent care.

She had been a Ward Sister for years and she held all her patients in the highest regard, and always said that it was a privilege to be able to care for someone.

This remains close to my heart, particularly in these difficult times.

I worked in Altnagelvin Hospital on the Infant Unit.

I met some great staff - Bernie, Nuala, Georgie, Vera- these were great characters, and I suppose I gathered up some of the ‘Derry lingo.’ I am sure they were tortured by all the questions I asked!

I then had the opportunity to work in Coronary Care Unit, with Sr Evelyn Smyth, Veronica Brown, Geraldine Boggs, to mention but a few.

The welcoming experience I received in Altnagelvin was amazing, and I have fond memories of all the staff I met and learned from.

WHEN DID YOU COME TO WORK AT NWIH? Unfortunately, from 1992 to 1996 there were no permanent jobs in Altnagelvin, so I was on a temporary contract as were half my colleagues. My partner and I decided we wanted to buy a house, a big decision for two people who had lived in rented accommodation most of their working life, but you had to have a permanent contract.

So, a job was advertised in Rush Hall Nursing Home and I applied, but when they saw my CV, they asked if I was happy to attend an interview for NWIH. I said ‘yes’ and I underwent two interviews, with Consultant Mr Brian Dane, and Mrs E Dallas and then I met Dr C Stewart for further scrutiny. I was offered the job.

I commenced my role here as a Ward Sister in April 1996, I then moved into the post of Hospital and Registered Manager in 2017.

HOW DOES YOUR JOB AT NWIH DIFFER TO YOUR ROLE WITHIN THE NHS? I feel that as a nurse the patient must always be your focus and that you deliver the care to the highest standard, so that would remain the same here as in the NHS. There is such a variety of surgery here that it helps to develop your skills in all areas.

I feel it is a very welcoming unit and I remain excited about what we are doing and how we are moving forward to develop processes that will modernise the hospital. I am lucky to be directly involved in those decisions being made, which is very satisfying.

WHAT HAVE YOUR EXPERIENCES BEEN WORKING DURING THE PANDEMIC? We were able to support the NHS, by completing Red Flag surgery. This has been especially poignant for staff on the ward, who felt they were making a difference.

I worked closely with staff from the HSCB, Consultants, the Trusts, but particularly the WHSCT to ensure that we had everything in place for the patient’s journey, and I must say that each person had the patient at the centre of that focus.

There was lot of behind the scenes work to ensure that PPE delivery, mask fit testing, training, extra cleaning regimes, obtaining equipment for specialist surgery, screening processes and risk assessments were in place. This was a small part of the whole management of the contract. We were also able to offer our outpatient unit to facilitate Head & Neck Services, ENT, and eye injections.

We all worked to together to limit the waiting time for these critical patients.

We continue to complete work for the NHS to help to alleviate the overstretched health service.

Local Women Magazine | 47

HAVE YOU HERD ABOUT THE HR ELEPHANT?

Our mission is the three E’s- We want to Embrace, Educate and Enable every business on this island to effectively lead and guide their ‘herd’ to success.

We are a Human Resource Consultancy based in Newry, Northern Ireland. We are a local professional service, helping business owners ensure that they comply with employment regulations and best practice guidelines in a timely, cost effective and efficient manner. We will educate and empower business owners to successfully manage their people, taking the jargon out of HR whilst providing straightforward practical solutions!

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Do you need help to manage your staff?

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I only have part-time staff; I don’t need to issue contracts?

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What are HR policies and procedures – what do I need in my business?

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GET HELP WITH PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE The experts at Health Hub Professionals NI can offer help and relief for women who are suffering from pelvic floor prolapse.

Pelvic organ prolapse is a common occurrence • among women - but to discover a ‘lump’ or bulge in the vagina for the first time, or to be told • you have a prolapse, is often a very scary or frightening experience.

Bladder problems – going often/not emptying properly/leakage of urine/frequent infections.

In primary care in the UK, over 8% of women reported • a vaginal lump or bulge, but on examination prolapse • is present in up to 50% of women.

Issues during sex – discomfort/lack of sensation

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the bladder/ bowel/womb move down in the vagina causing the feeling of ‘something coming down’ or a feeling of vaginal heaviness. These organs within the pelvis are normally held in place by ligaments and muscles known as the pelvic floor. When the pelvic floor becomes weakened the organs fall or drop from their natural position.

Prolapse is classified as anterior wall descent (bladder), uterine descent (womb) or posterior wall descent (bowel) and each of these can be graded as first degree (contained within the vaginal cavity) second degree (visible/felt at the entrance of the vagina) or third degree (extends beyond the entrance of the vagina).

Bowel problems – constipation/not emptying properly/having to apply pressure (splinting) to help stool pass.

Increasing symptoms of pressure/heaviness with being on feet too long or at the end of the day WHAT CAUSES PELVIC ORGAN PROLAPSE? There are many reasons why women develop prolapse – it’s usually a combination of these things that contributes to its occurrence.

1. Pregnancy and childbirth are a major contributing factor – having a large baby, an assisted birth (forceps or vacuum), a prolonged labour and multiple births are all risk factors.

3. Being overweight (more pressure down on the pelvic floor.)

5. Persistent cough or persistent heavy lifting (a lot of pressure downwards on the organs and muscle.)

6. A natural tendency to develop a prolapse (genetic.)

SYMPTOMS Each woman’s experience of prolapse is very individual - for some women it can cause little trouble and for others it can be quite severe causing many problems and affecting quality of life.

The symptoms are varied but may include: • Being aware of a ‘lump’ or something down in the vagina •

Feeling or seeing a bulge

Create good bladder habits – try not to pee ‘just in case’/don’t push or strain to empty your bladder/ don’t reduce your fluid intake to avoid frequency.

•

Create good bowel habits – avoid constipation/ do not strain sit properly on the toilet/don’t hold your breath.

•

Use vaginal oestrogen – vaginal dryness is a symptom of menopause and can make the symptoms of prolapse worse.

•

Use a vaginal pessary – a device that is inserted into the vaginal cavity to support the vaginal walls and pelvic organs.

2. The risk increases with age (natural decline in muscle function.)

4. Chronic constipation (pushing and straining to empty the bowel.)

Graphics by APOPS

•

7. Hormonal changes during the menopause (decreased oestrogen can increase the symptoms of prolapse.)

8. Previous pelvic surgery (a previous repair or hysterectomy increases your risk of a subsequent prolapse.)

SO, WHAT CAN YOU DO? • Make lifestyle changes – avoid heavy lifting/avoid prolonged periods on your feet/weight loss.

STRENGTHEN AND TONE YOUR PELVIC FLOOR The pelvic floor acts like a hammock to support your pelvic organs and it can be strengthened and retrained so that it gives effective support making the symptoms of prolapse less bothersome.

An assessment with a pelvic health physio will help you identify issues with your pelvic floor function. The physio can also help you identify the other factors affecting your prolapse so that you can make changes to reduce its affect on your daily life. Having a prolapse is not life threatening but it can cause pain and discomfort and greatly affect quality of life.

There should be no shame or secrecy associated with pelvic floor problems. So, come on ladies; speak up, reach out, seek help.

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 | 49

While we have time on our hands during lockdown, the design experts at Houston Homewares show us how to make a mood board to create the perfect interiors.

Once again most of us are spending more time at home and it’s only natural that those rooms that are not quite working for us are getting even more of our attention.

Anyone who has tackled an interior design project over the last year will know it’s difficult to get things done. Whether it’s finding tradespeople, waiting much longer than normal for furniture or having the kids running around while the decorators are in, it’s been a challenging time.

There might have only been a very small window of opportunity for shopping last year, but the home interiors industry saw higher demand than ever before.

With another lockdown and the prospects of 2021 summer holidays looking less likely by the day, it’s set to be another year filled with DIY and interior projects.

While it may be tempting to ‘impulse buy’ online out of lockdown boredom, why not use this time to really plan ahead? Create mood boards, set out a budget and list your priorities.

If you have children who have been missing out on creative art projects, getting them involved could be a fun family activity. Getting input from everyone who uses the room is also a good idea as it can help inform decisions on layout and usability of the space.

There are some fantastic inspirational interiors on apps like Pinterest, Houzz and Instagram, use these to find the style you like and begin looking for products that will create this style in your home.

Whether you are planning on starting a project imminently or daydreaming of that lottery win, an interiors mood board is a great way of getting your ideas out of your head and onto paper (or screen). The purpose of a mood board is to help explore ideas and figure out the general style, colour scheme and overall feel of a room. Mood boards are an interior designer’s go-to tool for the initial planning phase of a space.

It’s a means of visually communicating ideas for a design project. They let you put all your ideas in one place. Then take a step back to see what works together and what doesn’t to inform your design direction and avoid potentially costly mistakes when the project begins.

When I’m starting a mood board, I generally follow the following order: •

Fixed decor: A good starting point is to begin with the walls and work your way out. Consider paint colours, wall coverings, curtain/blinds, and fabrics.

•

Architectural fixtures like wall panelling, fireplace etc and flooring.

•

Primary furniture items - sofas, dining tables, and beds. Depending on the function of the room, these items are the most used and define the space. It’s always a good idea to get these planned early. Depending on the market level of furniture you want for your project, the lead times for delivery will vary.

The lower end of the market will generally have bulk availability, whereas higher end items that are not mass produced will generally need to be ordered specially or custom made.

•

Secondary furniture, side tables, consoles, credenzas etc. While these pieces do serve a function, they are more decorative than functional. Again, depending on the market level, the availability and affordability of these items will vary.

Prioritise which items you want to invest in!

•

Wall decor: Artwork, mirrors and photographs. Remember not every wall needs to be filled, create a good balance and plan ahead with placement of wall decor. All elements in a room should flow but you don’t need to obsess over exactly matching colours in artwork.

•

Lighting: lighting should never be an afterthought. Having multiple light sources is a good way to create ambience in a space. For example, in a living room the primary lighting source would be a central ceiling light, secondary lighting sources would be your table and floor lamps and tertiary lighting like wall sconces, picture lights or strip backlighting.

•

Accessories: the finishing touches are what brings a room together, and interior styling is a skill on its own. When I’m putting together mood boards for clients, I usually include a few accessories to give an idea of the style.

Though with these items the mood board can be more flexible. Accessorising is the fun part and doesn’t necessarily need to be planned in advance. So, spend some time during this lockdown planning and be ready to hit the ground running when the shops re-open.

You don’t need to have all of your ideas completely set in stone before you begin. It’s very much trial and error and process of elimination but having general ideas ahead of time will provide guidance for your choices as you progress.

ƒ Caroline Girvan

CAROLINE IS FEELING EPIC!

Meet the Greenisland mum who is helping people across the world achieve their fitness goals during lockdown.

G

reenisland mum-of-two, Caroline Girvan has become a YouTube sensation after her online health and fitness classes became a phenomenon during the first lockdown.

Their popularity has continued to grow, with her videos achieving over 300,000 daily views, and people tuning in from 190 different countries.

Caroline is a full-time certified personal trainer who usually trained one-to-one with clients before the pandemic.

But due to the pandemic, the 36-yearold fitness enthusiast began creating workout videos for her clients to follow and came up with new and innovative ways to coach and train due to social distancing restrictions.

As a result, Caroline’s videos went viral and have created a huge online fitness community, with people from American, India, Canada and across Europe tuning in daily.

Her YouTube channel has gained 525,000 subscribers and her home workout

videos, designed for all abilities, have achieved a phenomenal 50 million views in nine months.

Not only is she creating these free-to-access fitness videos online, but her daily workouts are not just for the camera, they are the workouts she does to stay in shape and feel good.

Speaking about the success of her videos and her new-found fitness community, Caroline said: “It started out with me filming simple workout videos for my clients, family and friends, so they could work out safely at home with no equipment.

I uploaded the videos to my YouTube channel for easy access, not expecting interest from hundreds of thousands of people. It was not my intention at all, but I am so proud of the community we have now built together.

“After having my children and becoming a personal trainer, my focus was on helping people feel good about themselves rather than the numbers on the scales. There is so much misinformation out there about losing weight and fitness. My ethos is as much about how

you feel as it is the physical side of training.”

It was important for Caroline to continue posting her workouts online to support people through another lockdown.

She adds: “Now we have entered another lockdown in the UK and across many parts of the world, people need ways to stay motivated and keep healthy both mentally and physically. My workouts can be anything from 15 to 60 minutes. I know from so many subscribers who contact me, this time to themselves each day is of huge benefit.

“What motivates me each day to create new content is the community that has been created organically.

The feedback and positive changes mentally and physically are inspiring. My workouts are free, and I think that is what encourages people of all abilities to at least give it a try.”

During lockdown, Caroline developed a bespoke 10Week EPIC programme created for everyone from beginners to those more advanced. It is designed to help build strength and muscle, improve definition, learn new ways to move, improve mobility, increase flexibility, and simply feel EPIC! Caroline has just released EPIC 2 to help people through another lockdown.

To get involved with Caroline’s free online workouts, visit www.carolinegirvan.com.

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WRAP UP AND GET OUT! We might be in lockdown but get up, get out andget fit. Here’s some great active wear from Kular that will keep you cosy when you exercise outdoors.

Three Ways to Enjoy Exercise this February

It might be easier to stay indoors, wrap up with a blanket and binge on Bridgeton but we all know how great it feels to say we’ve been outside and enjoyed some kind of daily exercise.

Gyms are still closed, and motivation is at an all-time low. But with this month’s column, we’re giving you three different ideas that will help you enjoy exercise again.

Get your Bubble on Board

Getting active doesn’t have to be a chore – you can make it as much fun as you like. Encourage the people in your household to get on board and make it part of your routine. Why not schedule in a daily walk or run somewhere close to your home? You could explore local forests or spend some time at the beach if it’s within your local proximity. We’re lucky to have lots of beautiful landmarks on our doorstep to choose from.

Get together with Friends

We’re all missing our friends right now, and it seems like forever since we last caught up with them in person. While we might not be able to for another while, we can still get together virtually and work out online via Zoom or Google Hangout. Send out an invite and get your besties together for a virtual yoga or aerobics class. You could 56 | Local Women Magazine

even make it a bit of fun and sign up to an online dance or Zumba class. Even if you don’t burn off those January wines, you can laugh on the phone afterwards at how ridiculous you looked trying to master the moves.

Get competitive

Another great way to get active this February is to set yourself a challenge. It’s safe to say we’re all feeling a little down and out, but what better way to inject some excitement into your life than a daily challenge. The sense of achievement at the end will boost your mood and you’ll feel even better for it. Some ideas include: • Walking 5,000 to 10,000 steps a day • Jogging three times a week • Hike up a local mountain • Try cold-water swimming at your local beach Whatever it might be, try to get your friends and family involved too – you could even set up a dedicated group chat to motivate each other every week.

Wrap up in Style

It’s important to wrap up while you’re enjoying all this outdoor activity. You might work up a sweat if you’re working out, but it is still super cold in February so a few layers are a necessity.

We’ve lots of great unisex layering pieces online from The North Face and Napapijri that can work for both men and women.

Long-sleeved t-shirts, a fleece and a heavier coat will keep you feeling toasty while you’re tackling the elements. And don’t forget about your hat, scarf and gloves.

All these pieces will take you into Spring because let’s face it, we’re never too blessed when it comes to Mr Sunshine.

Enjoy free local delivery on all orders in the Derry/Londonderry area.

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kularfashion Local Women Magazine | 57

SLIMMING SUCCESS DURING LOCKDOWN

Lockdown is a great time to start your weight loss journey from the comfort of your own home with Slimming World’s online meetings and support.

Lisa McCallion joined Slimming World in June 2018.

invaluable and I continued to lose weight.”

She lost 12lbs in her first two weeks and celebrated

Lisa has maintained her six stone weight loss and says

winning Slimmer of The Year in 2019.

she feels like a different person. She says: “Losing

Lisa dropped from a dress size 24/26 to size 12/14,

weight has made such a big difference to my life. I

losing six stone.

Lisa said: “When I first joined Slimming World, I never dreamt I would be in this position.”

Lisa had tried to lose weight a few times before but this time she promised herself to give it her best.

She remembers: “I was nervous and embarrassed walking into a meeting for the first time as I was at my largest, but I soon felt at ease. Every person there was fighting their own personal battle with weight, so it was judgement free. From that first group I was helped to make new choices and easy changes from new friends in a powerfully supportive, safe environment.”

Lisa soon got to grips with the generous Slimming World Food Optimising Plan, eating her favourite foods, just changing how she cooked them and making simple swaps.

Lisa says: “The plan is so easy to follow, I couldn’t believe that I was able to eat such lovely food, like roast dinners, curries, Slimming World chips and pasta dishes, honestly I was never hungry, and was losing weight consistently.”

When lockdown happened last year and then again this year, Lisa was worried how it would impact her weight loss success.

She says: “I remember thinking I could come out of lockdown looking and feeling much better or it could go the other way. I decided that in these uncertain times, the one thing I could control was food and my weight loss journey.”

Lisa says: “My Slimming World group

enjoy cooking and eating delicious food. I have more energy, I am happier and feel more comfortable in my own skin.

“It was such a great decision to join Slimming World.”

She adds: “To any members out there, please don’t put your weight loss on hold, virtual support is so easy to use and really does make a difference.”

Groups were able to meet in venues again in August 2020, however, due to the current restrictions, they are currently running from home. Lisa’s consultant Helen says: “It’s fantastic still being able to run our groups with all the fantastic ideas, support and motivation, but from your own living room.”

She continued, “I’m so proud of what Lisa has achieved, she’s a real inspiration to everyone in our group.”

Dr Sarah-Elizabeth Bennett, Slimming World’s Senior Research Associate, says: “Many factors influence whether or not a slimmer achieves their weight-loss goals. This data shows us that one of the biggest predictors of success is a strong weight loss in the first week as those who lost 5lbs or more in their first seven days were four times more likely to go on to lose 10% of their body weight within three months. Significant weight losses are often associated with ‘quick fix’ diets or restrictive, faddy plans; however we can see from our research that it is possible to see big results on the scales by following a healthy, balanced eating plan. At Slimming World we know many new members are astonished by the results on the scales in week one as they can’t believe they‘ve been able to lose so much weight

continued to run virtually, we had weekly

by making simple, easy changes to how they

meetings online and had great support and

shop, cook and eat, while still enjoying a satisfying,

ideas on Facebook. Being able to interact with other members and my consultant Helen was 58 | Local Women Magazine

healthy and varied diet.

“There are several key factors which influence

a good first week – an understanding of how to make changes that can work for you, a healthy eating plan that’s easy to live with and a realisation you’re not alone.

Feeling confident that you can go and get started on your new healthy eating plan straightaway and having support throughout the week if you feel your motivation is waning are also key. Slimming World’s expert support recognises all these things and every member who walks through the doors of any of our groups receives a warm welcome, an introduction to our Food Optimising eating plan and why it is so very different to other weightloss diets, and an understanding of how to confidently get started and overcome past barriers to success. They hear what their fellow members have achieved, and share advice and strategies for coping with setbacks, so they leave inspired and motivated to make changes themselves. This new understanding, and a growing sense of determination and self-belief is cemented when members return to group the following week with a great weight loss without having felt hungry or deprived.”

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Looking good, feeling good and dressing for success Stylist Mary McGuigan will help you invest in yourself to create the best version of you.

How many times have you bought an outfit on ine t ese da s t in ing it wi ma e ou oo so isticated and st is on to tr it on and ee crus ing disa ointed The little black dress that was supposed to make you look effortlessly chic with a hint of Parisian style, but in reality, makes you look washed out, the hem is a frumpy length, and your tummy is doing you no favours.

It’s so demoralising when the idea of an outfit you have in your head ust doesn’t materialise in real life.

Why does this look not work on me? How can I wear patterns? Why don’t I look business-like even when I wear a suit in work?

This is where stylist Mary McGuigan from Corporate and Creative Image can help you.

Mary has long been fascinated by how some women dress for success and can look totally polished in and out of work.

Mary set up Corporate and Creative Image to help women find a loo that suits them and gives them the confidence to stand out from the competition.

Using colour analysis and a range of styling techniques, Mary can unlock the secrets of looking good all the time.

She hosts workshops and one-to-one style consultations as well as online sessions so that she really gets to now her clients and find out what works best for them, taking into account work, lifestyle and personality.

She has a ‘less is more’ attitude to styling and helps women to create that all important capsule wardrobe and stops them from wasting money on clothes that don’t make them feel and look their best.

Her aim is help working women express their own style and feel like themselves while presenting a polished and stylish look.

Having worked successfully with many women, Mary knows how important image can be. he says “We are udged on our appearance within seconds of meeting someone, use it to 64 | Local Women Magazine

your advantage!

“I know there are many other women like me who ust want to run a really successful business, look really polished but feel like themselves too.

“Image is more than what we wear, it is our body language, our self-image and our goals.

“I understand about getting passed over for promotion, about feeling over dressed, under dressed and about wanting to make a difference.

“When you dress and align with your personality and lifestyle you welcome the right people and opportunities.”

WHERE DID THE IDEA OF CORPORATE AND R R I have always been fascinated by the image of successful people, especially women. Women like Madonna and Michelle Obama who wear clothes like armour to present an image to the world. I really look up to a lot of strong female role models.

However, I feel we as women need to raise our visibility as there is still a gender gap that exists.

I'd heard about colour analysis and how certain colours made you stand out, so I decided to employ a range of personal styling services for myself. I read tonnes of books and consulted with image consultants/mentors from across the water. I was really hooked on the idea and once Covid-19 hit I had every opportunity to partake in various training sessions so I could eventually run a business. I am not a girly girl, but it doesn't mean I don't care about my image or what I wear.

HOW DID YOU GO ABOUT SETTING UP R R R I set up my Instagram page as Corporate and Creative a few years ago as a creative outlet to escape my corporate life. I had worked in Accountancy and Finance for over 10 years.

I always had an urge to help people be more successful in their business but when you work in that industry you are really only expected to crunch out the numbers. I am a creative and empathetic person, so while I understand corporate life, I felt I was suited to a different career path.

WHAT COMMON MISTAKES DO WOMEN uying too much blac ! t really only harmonises with about 25% of people. We are too dependent on it, because we were told by the media that it makes us look slimmer but there are so many alternatives that would do the same and highlight our beautiful features. People also think they have to buy a new wardrobe - this is not the case, you've got to believe in using a seamstress to get clothes altered, trying second hand and in shopping sustainably.

R Well, the reason clients come to me is because they want to feel 'put together.'

Start with knowing your colour palette. My wardrobe has everything in my palette. I have less now than what I did two years ago but everything goes, new outfits emerge from it all the time. Know the styles and cuts of clothes that work for your proportions, scale, personality and lifestyle.

I WANT TO CREATE A CAPSULE R R R

After getting married and having my four children I decided it was time to put my career happiness first. vowed to find something more colourful and creative and too on many different pro ects and self development programmes.

R

R

R

I have worked since I was 11! I have worked in restaurants, hospitality, accountancy and finance. also have a degree in usiness and Finance and am a part ualified accountant.

This is why I work really well with business clients because I have come across almost every issue that they have.

TELL US ABOUT THE PROCESS OF R I usually always recommend a colour analysis first and foremost.

Once you enter the world of colour you won’t turn back! It is a real "a-ha" moment for clients. Even for people who work in very disciplined industries like banking, legal and accountancy where they are probably only allowed to wear navy and black etc, there is still a way for you to make what you wear your own. I also provide services on style identity and selfimage and work with business clients who want to pro ect a certain image or who really want their employees to feel empowered and thus more productive.

HOW WOULD YOU Style is a way of saying who you are without having to speak.

It also tells other people how to treat you.

I'm going to keep this as general as possible as everyone has a different lifestyle and of course we have Covid-19 which has introduced the tracksuit to the capsule wardrobe! All of the following should be in your colour palette and reflect your personality and style: •

1 x Winter Coat in your best neutral colour

•

1 x Lightweight Coat in your colour

•

x la ers Cardigans layering pieces 2 in neutral and 1 in accent colour

•

8 x Tops in a mixture of plain and print

•

x ottoms trousers eans s irts

•

3 x Dresses - belted/layered

•

1 x Suit in high quality, dark neutral if necessary, for formal business

•

x vening outfits (if we ever get out again!)

•

5 x Shoes/boots

• •

x elts in neutrals 1 x everyday bag in good quality (medium-large) • 1 x small bag • Jewellery - 1x ring, necklace, bracelet • 1 x pair of gloves, scarf, sarong, sunglasses • Sports and hobby wear as required

WHAT CLASSIC PIECES DO WE ALL R R R Everyone has a few 'Colour Commodities' - these are your very best colours and the ones that you absolutely should invest in. There's about five or six out of the colours in your palette that will really make you pop. One of mine is olive. I suggest having pieces in those colours. On those days where you feel demotivated or you forget to set your outfit out the night before these colours will serve you. Colour really lifts our mood and develops our confidence and m a big believer in strengthening our mental health right now.

KAMALA IS DRESSING FOR SUCCESS Take inspiration from the Vice President of the USA, Kamala Harris, who knows how to make an impact.

i e t ere was definite a monoc romatic ur e t eme going on ama a was a so ute wearing a great s ade o ur e or er at t e nauguration. e now t at t is was a i artisan roduct o t eir art co ours o ue and red as we as a su ragette co our owever t ere is an overa vi e o ema e em owerment eading t e wa orward.

Spiritually purple helps people align themselves with the universe, great choice in the Vice President role! Purple like pink is a strong feminine colour however dark purple shows more authority and authenticity which absolutely suits Kamala’s lifestyle. She could have chosen black or navy, but she is saying, “I’m a female and I’m here to stay!”

She is such a classic lady in her style, very understated in her footwear and ewellery but it is of very high quality. There will be a no fuss approach with Kamala’s image because this lady hasn’t had time for fuss in getting to where she is, but she is nonetheless determined to create an impact and she is someone I admire very much.

Follow Mary on Instagram @corporateandcreativeimage or email her on corporateandcreativeimage@gmail.com Local Women Magazine | 65

WHAT IS BIOREPEEL CL3?

• Treats Melanosis or Skin Pigmentation is an innovative treatment, using patented bi-phase technology. So it • Can also be combined with other Aesthetic Treatments • It can be performed on the face, neck, decolletage, hands, feet, provides a bio-stimulating, revitalising & peeling-like effect. arms, legs and other parts of your body.

The product has been developed by CMED AESTHETIC (Italy).

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

Its rich composition sets BioRePeel Cl3 apart from its competitors. 4-6 treatments, every 7-12 days.

BioRePeel is excellent in anti-ageing due to it containing all the essential amino acids and vitamins your skin needs. It also contains 35% TCA ( for HOW LONG DO THE RESULTS LAST? face and neck) and 50% TCA ( for body)and GABA (Gamma Aminobutyrric Your beautiful skin will last around 1-2 months.

Acid) which is a muscle relaxant and thereby reduces wrinkles.

However, this may vary dependent on lifestyle, skin structure, age As a result, the combination of active components allows it to effectively and degree of perfection demanded as well as homecare. prevent the ageing of the skin. Also, it decreases damage from UV light, pigmentation or acne. The essence of the treatment lies within its mild exfoliation. In addition, the powerful stimulation of biosynthetic processes restore the structure of the skin.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF OUR BIOREPEEL? • Rejuvenated and brighter skin • Revival of dull skin • Removal of dead skin cells • Even skin texture and tone • Great for large pores and oily skin • Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles • Smoother, softer skin • Eliminated pigmentation and reduced effects of sun damage • Reduction of inflammation and breakouts caused by acne • Hydrated and nourished skin • Stimulated collagen production for plump and youthful looking skin • There is no preparation or downtime required • It exfoliates, removing dead skin cells encouraging skin to regenerate • It reduces Acne with its anti microbial and antibacterial properties

It is recommended to have this treatment on a monthly or bi-monthly basis for optimum results.

WHAT IS IT USED FOR? It is a biphasic medical device for topical use. It is used for the face, neck, and décolletage to treat fine lines & wrinkles.

In addition, the treatment is also suitable for younger skin. It helps during acute stages of acne, removal of blackheads, and with recent or “fresh” scaring.

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT DURING TREATMENT? After a facial cleanse, BioRePeel is applied to the skin, during this treatment you will feel a tingling sensation. It does not hurt, put simply it just feels like you have ‘refreshed’ skin. This stimulates the skin to trigger a healing process that rejuvenates it. This treatment is then neutralised and afterwards a hydration serum is applied and finished with a SPF50.

The peel is a non peeling peel meaning there’s minimal downtime, maybe a little redness. Excellent for that brighter tighter look .

After your treatment it is essential that you continue to wear a high SPF facial cream to protect your skin from sun damage and maintain best results.

And that’s it, you’re good to go!

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JUST 28 AND LIVING WITH ARTHRITIS

West Belfast’s Caitriona Roberts speaks to Local Women about the agony of living with arthritis and her harrowing fight to get a diagnosis – even being written off as an attention seeker - despite displaying a range of classic symptoms.

W

hen you think of someone who has arthritis, you imagine an elderly pensioner who has been affected over the passage of time.

However, west Belfast woman Caitriona Roberts is more than painfully aware that this isn’t necessarily the case.

At just 28-years-old, she has been living with the crippling condition for more than 15 years, having been diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis when she was just 12.

Perhaps more horrifying, however, is the story of her diagnosis – coming after months of fruitless visits to A&E as successive doctors appeared oblivious to the fact that it might be arthritis.

Caitriona explained: “My symptoms came on completely out of the blue, I went to bed one night completely fine and woke up the next day with a swollen ankle - it was the first time anything like this had happened to me.

“We thought it was an injury and I went to the hospital because I couldn’t walk on it, they said it was just a simple sprain.

“I certainly never thought it might be arthritis, I didn’t think children could get it.

“The doctors told me to go home and take paracetamol for it, but it made no difference to the pain and it was just as bad two or three weeks later.”

Caitriona continued on living in agony, making multiple return visits to the hospital over the subsequent months.

Then, as she was getting ready to go to Mass on Christmas Eve, she realised her right knee had swollen so badly that she was unable to pull her tights over the joint.

“I went downstairs to my mum and dad and they could clearly see that my knee was swollen quite badly,” continued Caitriona.

“I did think that maybe because my left ankle was so sore that I was walking slightly differently to try and protect it and that had maybe irritated my right knee.

“We went back to hospital on Boxing Day and were told again that it was a sprain.

“The doctor even suggested to my mum that sometimes teenage girls make things up just so they can get some attention.

“At that point we stopped going to A&E because they weren’t doing anything. ƒ Caitriona was diagnosed when she was 12

“We didn’t know what was happening, mum knew I was in pain but we just didn’t

“At that stage, the pain relief was very limited because I was a child and after a few months, it started to spread and moved into my hands and my hips.”

Caitriona was prescribed methotrexate, a powerful drug used to treat conditions such as arthritis, Crohn’s disease and cancer, which comes with a number of unpleasant side effects.

“I managed to get by on that for a few years but now I’m 28, my disease is still very active, I think I’ve two or three years where I’ve been in remission,” said Caitriona. ƒ Caitriona is unable to walk at times

She was subsequently moved onto another specialist medication which helps to reduce inflammation in so differently. the body but still suffers from painful flares that make “There are more options for pain relief now even the most banal activities almost impossible. that I’m older although I still don’t think it’s “There have been times when my arthritis has been particularly good. unbearable,” she continued.

“University was difficult because I wasn’t able to “You spend so much of your time in pain, but you be as independent and I have had to change my have to overcome it and learn to cope. career goals.

ƒ Caitriona has spent a large proportion of her time in hospital

“I had a classroom assistant in school and even “I always wanted to train to be a barrister but getting up in the morning can be really difficult I’m not sure I will be able to do that because my when your joints are very badly swollen. condition is affected by stress.

“It was very difficult with my family as well because I was always in so much pain and I was exhausted, “At the same time, I was still trying to get by and and I had to put on a front all the time which meant manage the pain with paracetamol which was I had nothing left to give with my family. obviously having no effect at all.”

“I struggled with my sister in particular because know where to go.

A breakthrough finally came when Caitriona’s GP I was off school so much and always going to became concerned with how she was walking hospital for appointments or to get bloods taken. during an appointment for an unrelated matter.

“It isn’t really a visible illness either, so people don’t By coincidence, while she trained to be a doctor, always take it into account that you’re in so much she had spent some time working with Dr Madeleine pain, so it was hard for her to see me being treated

“I’m living with family at the moment which helps and I volunteer for the charity, Versus Arthritis, which is really good as it means I get to speak to other people affected by the condition.

“Living with arthritis is very much a balancing act, you aren’t able to achieve everything that you want to do.

“It affects my ability to work and walk, it stops me from seeing friends and I definitely think the system needs to be improved.”

Rooney, a paediatric rheumatologist in Belfast.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

She was able to spot the tell-tale signs of arthritis and referred Caitriona for an appointment with Dr Rooney the following week.

“It was the first time anyone had mentioned arthritis,” said Caitriona.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is inflammation of one or more of the joints. It first occurs before a person’s 16th birthday.

Within seconds of arriving in Dr Rooney’s office, the specialist confirmed suspicions that Caitriona had the agonising disease.

It is slightly more common in girls and most commonly occurs in pre-school age children or teenagers.

“I had no idea that young people could get it, I remember learning about it in school and it was very much talked about as an older person’s disease,” said Caitriona.

If you have any of these symptoms for more than a couple of weeks, you should see a doctor:

“I knew older relatives who had rheumatoid arthritis and it was quite debilitating, but Dr Rooney diagnosed me as soon as she saw me.

“I knew it was something I would have for life, but I was glad I finally had an answer.

“I was so happy that people knew I wasn’t lying or faking, but I still knew it wasn’t something that was going to go away, and I was going to have to try and live with it and cope with it.

ƒ strict medication regime helps to keep the arthritis under control

•

painful, swollen or stiff joint(s)

•

joint(s) that are warm to touch

•

increased tiredness

•

a fever that keeps returning

•

a limp but no injury.

To find out more, log on to www.versusarthritis.org.

Local Women Magazine | 71

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Less is more or accessorise?

With the array of jewellery, hair pieces, veils and tiaras on offer, it can be confusing when picking your accessories for your big day – but at No.8 Bridal, they have all the answers.

H

i everyone,

This month I have decided to talk about bridesmaids and bridal accessories. Even though we are in lockdown I have been inundated with messages and emails with your queries about bridesmaids and bridal accessories. So, I’ve decided to dedicate my column this month to answer just some of the most common queries.

1. Should I wear a necklace, earrings, headpiece and bracelet on my wedding day?

Well, this all depends on the style of your dress and personally am a firm believer in less is more.

Remember your dress is a statement whether or not it is fully embellished with crystals and pearls or a more classic look with very little detail.

Most of our No.8 brides wear a headpiece, we either make it specially to suit their dress or we match one of the many we have in stock. If you choose to wear statement earrings, then I would recommend no necklace, however you could wear a matching bracelet to finish of the look.

2. Can I wear a headpiece and a veil on my wedding day?

Yes, you can. My advice would be to get a hair trial and then look for your bridal headpiece.

Our No.8 brides usually book their hair trial and then come straight to our bridal accessories department where we fit or design your headpiece and try a variety of veils to help you decide on the look you would like. We also design veils to suit your dress so don’t worry if you can t find what you are looking for. s we are still in lockdown we can try our best to help you by Zoom consultation.

3. Do all my bridesmaids dresses have to match in colour and shape? simple no to this uestion. his is entirely personal choice, my only advice would be to make sure the colours you choose blend well and complement each other and your wedding dress. lso, with shape and style - keep it simple and choose styles, or necklines that complement your bridesmaids. fterall if they 76 | Local Women Magazine

are happy and confident in what they are wearing they will look fabulous.

4. Should my bridesmaids wear hairpieces and jewellery?

I would opt for less is more. Diamante or pearl crystal earrings are always a great option and normally earrings and a bracelet are enough to finish the look. Hairpieces are not essential for bridesmaids however we have made small brooches into hair combs recently for a bride and they looked amazing on all the girls.

8 James Street, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone T: 028 8676 7109 www.no8bridal.com michelle@no8bridal.com

5. My bridesmaid has found out she is pregnant, what if her dress doesn’t fit?

Let your bridal shop know as soon as possible.

Depending on when your bridesmaid is due in relation to your wedding, you can check if the dress can be altered to suit her new shape or delivery time for a new dress. Best advice is to work with your bridal shop, and they will guide you. There’s a solution for everything, so don’t panic.

Remember you can call into the store when restrictions are lifted, and in the meantime just send us a message or email any of your bridal enquiries on michelle@no8bridal.com or check out our website www.no8bridal.com.

Until next month,

Exciting News No8 Bridal and our sister company Hall & Guild have moved to our new premises for when we reopen. We can now be found at:

The Holmes 73 Urbal Road, Coagh Co. Tyrone, BT80 0DP Until next month, stay safe,

Michelle x

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W W W. H A L L A N DG U I L D.CO M The Holmes, 73 Urbal Road, Coagh, Co. Tyrone, BT80 0DP T: 028 867 67109 M:07545504980 michelle@hallandguild.com

Get adventurous in the kitchen with firmus natural gas

Did you know that natural gas isn’t just brilliant for heating the home or providing constant hot water (although these benefits are great too), it’s also brilliant for cooking!

I

n fact it’s the top choice of professional chefs, and a growing number of home cooks, too. The reason comes down to precision, consistency, and flavour. Simply, cooking on natural gas is a joy. 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 if you, like many others have found yourself dusting off the cookery books during lockdown and rediscovered the joy of cooking we have some great recipes to try that will get your 2021 kick started in all the right ways.

And if you are yet to venture too far into the kitchen don’t worry there’s still time! Cooking is a skill that requires very little investment and improving your culinary prowess or starting from scratch isn’t as daunting as it sounds with natural gas.

Chickpeas in a spicy tomato and Coriander Sauce (serves 4) • 450g (1llb) dried chickpeas, soaked • 115g (4oz) onions, finely chopped • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • 1-2 small red chillis, finely chopped • 55g (2oz) celery, finely chopped • 115g (4oz) carrots, finely chopped • 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil • Sea salt and freshly ground pepper • 300ml (1/2 pint) vegetable stock

Take a large, heavy-based pan and sauté the onions, garlic, chillies, celery and carrots in the olive oil for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Season and add the vegetable stock. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, then add the chickpeas, tomatoes, bay leaf and coriander and cook until the consistency is like a stew, stirring occasionally. Serve in bowls on a sweet potato mash or with a couscous and sprinkle fresh chopped coriander on top.

• 400g (14oz) can of chopped tomatoes drained

To date, over 100,000 customers have connected to natural gas with

• 1 bayleaf

firmus energy and are enjoying the benefits that natural gas brings -

• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh coriander, plus extra to garnish

from the flexibility of cooking with gas, to constant hot water, to more

If you do not have time to soak the chickpeas overnight, you can boil them in water for 2 hours then leave them to stand in the hot water for 2 hours. Whichever method you are using, strain the chickpeas, cover with fresh water (and fresh herbs if you have some to hand) bring to the boil and simmer until soft, which will take between 3040 minute. Drain well.

78 | Local Women Magazine

space in the home and garden, more efficient boilers, the convenience of a gas fire at the touch of a button or simply being a better choice for the environment. Homes and businesses interested in making the switch to firmus energy natural gas can find out more by calling 0330 024 9000 or visiting www.firmusenergy.co.uk Add in the 48% less emissions asset.

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Love the gas. I would recommend it to anyone.

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firmusenergy.co.uk/gas Call: 0330 024 9000 *Estimate based on converting from inefficient oil boiler to efficient gas boiler and assuming annual average fuel consumption

Local Women Magazine | 79

OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICINES IN PREGNANCY

Online pharmacy Chemist Connect offers advice to pregnant women on over-the-counter medicines that are safe to use.

It is generally accepted that during pregnancy most women are aware of the need to avoid where possible nonessential medicines.

Sodium bicarbonate is absorbed into the bloodstream and should be avoided in pregnancy.

The issue however is that pregnant women are just as likely to experience minor ailments and indeed are more likely to suffer from pregnancy-related symptoms such as constipation and heartburn.

Try non-pharmacological methods first. A head massage can help relieve headache, while backache can be eased by gentle stretching to relieve tight muscles, or a soak in a warm bath.

So, should you have to grin and bear those headaches, coughs and colds? Or are there over-the-counter medicines that are actually safe to use in pregnancy?

Paracetamol is generally regarded as safe for short-term use in all three trimesters.

HOW DOES A MEDICINE AFFECT THE DEVELOPING BABY? The trimester of pregnancy is often very important. Some medicines can potentially be more dangerous if taken in the first three months but safe in the second or third trimester, or vice versa.

HOW DO WE KNOW WHICH MEDICINES ARE SAFE? The answer is that often we don’t. Pharmaceutical companies rarely perform clinical trials or actual studies of their medicines on pregnant women. As a result, few medicines are licensed for use during pregnancy. Most information we get about safety in pregnancy often comes from practical experience with the medicine over time.

IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN TAKE TO TREAT MINOR AILMENTS? The best way to minimise any risk to your baby is to avoid all non-essential medicines, especially during the first trimester. There are however a number of over-the-counter medicines that are considered safe to use during pregnancy and may be useful in the treatment of the common minor illnesses detailed below.

Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine during pregnancy.

CONSTIPATION Try simple dietary measures such as drinking more clear fluids and eating more fibre. If these are not effective, there are a range of laxatives that can be used.

PAIN SUCH AS HEADACHE OR BACKACHE

Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen are not recommended during pregnancy.

Codeine and dihydrocodeine can affect the baby’s breathing if taken in the last trimester, or during labour in large amounts.

HAY FEVER AND ALLERGIES Pregnant women with allergic rhinitis are generally advised to try the following steps one at a time: If possible, avoid or limit exposure to the substance causing the allergy.

Apply petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or a wax-based ointment around the nostrils to trap dust, pollen etc.

Rinse inside the nose frequently with a salt water solution (saline). Pre-prepared nasal saline powders and solutions are available from pharmacies.

If this does not help, you can consider using nasal sprays containing medicines called corticosteroids, mast cell stabilisers or antihistamines, and/or eye drops that contain mast cell stabilisers or antihistamines.

Products containing antihistamines, such diphenhydramine, doxylamine, cetirizine and loratadine should generally be avoided.

Nasal decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, xylometazoline, oxymetazoline should also be avoided as there is insufficient evidence of their safety. Steam inhalations should provide some relief from nasal congestion.

COUGH AND COLDS

HEARTBURN AND INDIGESTION

Cough and cold remedies often contain a combination of several ingredients, sometimes up to 5! These include painkillers, antihistamines, decongestants and caffeine so it is important to make sure that each ingredient is safe before taking them.

Medicines such as Gaviscon that contain alginates are safe.

Cough expectorants for chesty coughs containing guaifenesin can

Bulking agents such as ispaghula (Fybogel) are safe.

The stimulant and osmotic laxatives such as senna and lactulose may also be used.

be used to help loosen a chesty cough.

For dry coughs, suppressants such as dextromethorphan is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy, providing it is only taken for short periods of time and using the smallest dose possible. However, it is probably best to avoid it in the first trimester. Cough suppressants containing codeine should be avoided in the third trimester.

Soothing cough mixtures such as simple linctus, or sucking lozenges containing honey or glycerol to coat the throat, are the safest option to reduce coughing.

DIARRHOEA Short bouts of diarrhoea won’t do the unborn baby any harm, but diarrhoea lasting longer than a few days can cause dehydration. This can be avoided by taking rehydration salts such as Dioralyte, which are safe to use in pregnancy.

Loperamide should be avoided, as there is insufficient information available to ascertain safety.

VAGINAL THRUSH It is very common for pregnant women to suffer from thrush. If you think you have thrush it is best to consult your doctor or midwife who will advise you as to whether treatment is recommended Sometimes antifungal medicines such as clotrimazole (Canesten) are recommended but they are only used under medical supervision.

ECZEMA, DERMATITIS AND SKIN ALLERGIES Moisturisers or soothing products such as calamine lotion should be your first choice as these are completely safe.

Steroid creams such as hydrocortisone can sometimes be recommended during pregnancy, but their use should be avoided over large areas of skin, for long periods of time, or under dressings.

FOLIC ACID This is the only over-the-counter medicine that is really important to take, both prior to and during pregnancy. One 400 microgram tablet should be taken every day by women planning a pregnancy and for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

This is to help the development of the baby’s spinal cord and nervous system and prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Taking folic acid daily also helps prevent birth defects such as cleft lip and palate.

HERBAL MEDICINES All herbal medicines should be avoided during pregnancy.

Many act just like regular medicines and can contain some of the same ingredients which may be harmful to an unborn baby.

For medicines not covered here ask the advice of either your pharmacist, doctor or midwife. If in doubt, ask!

www.chemistconnect.com | www.chemistconnect.ie

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Local Women Magazine | 81

L

ve is

e ruar is fina u on us and wit it rings an im ortant ca endar ce e ration a entine s a s t e ear as gotten o to a rat er roc start wit oc down . we t in it s more im ortant t an ever to i t our oved one s s irits ce e rating on t e t e ruar . e can sti ave a a entine s a i e no ot er and ut a creative s in on t ings. or e am e as we re not a e to go out to a restaurant or a mea w not su ort our oca os ita it getting a tast ta eawa mea eauti u decorate our dining room ta e and give our significant ot er a t oug t u resent to ma e t em smi e. nd i ou re sing e o course ou can sti ce e rate a entine s a reat ourse wit a am er da u o se care and u ourse a gorgeous gi t t at ou ve ad our e e on ecause in t e words o rea ou re wort it

Here at the Diamond in Kilrea, we have a treasure trove of products to suit all price ranges, just waiting to be discovered.

Perfume, accessories, cosmetics and giftware, you name it, there’s something here for everyone. As an essential business, we are open 6 days of the week and have all of the social distancing and hygiene measures in place to protect both our customers and our staff.

For those who need a Valentine’s Day gift or perhaps are getting well

h t in

r i A e

prepared for Mother’s Day in midMarch, we have a wide range of our gifts available online through our website www.mccloyskilrea.com. Our website lets you browse a fabulous range of our products, all from the comfort of your own home! We can even have your purchases gift wrapped if desired; this is a complimentary service.

Our website is not yet set up for delivery however, in the month of February we can arrange a local delivery on request within a 15-mile radius of Kilrea for purchases over £20. For any delivery queries please give us a ring on 028 295 40247 or WhatsApp us on 07554 927370.

We’re stockists of some of the hottest beauty brands around, such as the Polished London teeth whitening products, the Voduz hairstyling products and the latest beauty must-haves from popular cosmetic brands such as SOSU, L’Oreal, Oh My Glam and LMD Cosmetics.

In the jewellery world, we are stockists of leading Italian brands, Nomination and Rebecca.

These stunning jewellery ranges are full of glitz and glamour. What I love most about these two brands are the ranges that can be personalised. This adds an extra special touch to a gift when you have essentially picked out and

designed it yourself. The Rebecca My World necklaces and bracelets can be styled with a range of pendants, from initials to hearts and everything in between. Not to mention regarding the popular Nomination composable bracelet, there are literally thousands of silver, gold and rose gold charms to add to your base bracelet. Weddings, new arrivals, pets, family, hobbies, we have charms to commemorate every occasion! Additionally, we stock other jewellery brands such as Tipperary Crystal, Coeur de Lion, Pilgrim and Belle & Beau.

We want to let you in on a secret… We’re working extremely hard on lots of exciting new projects behind the scenes! If you

would like to receive email updates and ensure that you’ll be first to be ept in the loop with what’s happening at McCloys, you can find out mailing list sign up link over on our social media.

In the coming months, we look forward to receiving lots of fabulous new products from suppliers, both old and new.

Remember that you can keep up to date with our latest arrivals through our Facebook and Instagram channels and for any queries or personalised hamper enquiries please don’t hesitate to WhatsApp us on 07554 927370. n a final note, stay safe and loo yourselves this month.

after

Scan here to browse our website

www.mccloyskilrea.com Local Women Magazine | 83

GET RUNNING WITH KAREN! f you have ever dreamed of starting to run, now is your chance. aren aly is offering a un for ove course absolutely free.

Hey guys, I am sure many of you are trying divide your time between home schooling, work, house, family and partners while at the same time also trying to sta fit and ea t .not eas now

challenge and complete it together!

My goal after that was simply to keep running. I don’t thin have ever run during winter but right through Christmas continued to run about m per wee , which am super proud of and my audio boo s have now hit over completed!

So, this month we have a very special offer for you….you can join our Run for Love course FREE!

ots of our cademy embers were loo ing for me to set up another running course as many oined in with me last time so as a loc down gift, decided to set up a F running course .after all nowledge increases in value the more it is shared!

www.theacademymasterplan.com What is run for love you might ask?! Well in 2020 at the start of the first loc down my sister wildly suggested that we run m for my father’s th anniversary on the 20th of June, 2020 ….you can imagine my horror and mixed emotions. he is living in ew Yor and wasn’t going to be able to get home and felt it would be a challenge to eep us busy through loc down as well as something nice to do in memory of ad. t the time however was barely running m and really didn’t believe that could do it in ust wee s. ut off headed for my first m and absolutely hated every single second of it! he following wee end we managed to rope in two more of my five siblings and whilst chatting to my brother and moaning about the ominous tas ahead, he shared something that changed my feelings around running forever!

o, we have all planned to run on the last wee end in arch some members are running m, some m, some m and have decided to do a half marathon which is ust under m!! e assured me that at years of age, speed was never going to be my strongest s ill, so rather than set out every wee to beat my previous time should download a podcast or audio boo and see en oyment rather than speed ...GAMECHANGER! bought myself some headphones and off went eeping a slow and steady pace and every wee add a few more ilometres to my wee ly total. t times my head would race too far ahead, and would hear myself thin ing, “ ure will never be able to do m when can’t do m!” ut each wee taught myself to ignore the voices and focus on thoughts that help speed me up not slow me down and learned that your legs don’t give up, it’s the head that gives in!

Before I knew it, I was running 15km in just 8 weeks and had also listened to five audio boo s, so for me this was win, win. Learning as I ran!

any of the members have run before and are loving it already! We have only ust started so there is lots of time for you to oin us and run for yourself in memory of someone you love!

You’ll find the F course on our website www. theacademymasterplan.com as well as all our weight loss courses including our lose one stone in a month’ plan! emember, some say you stop running because you get old, but believe you get old because you stop running!

Stay safe.

Hugs always,

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listened mostly to running boo s boo s on endurance athletes as figured if some guy or other girl could run miles then could do this! hen when the day came myself and my two brothers ran from our family home and my sister ran in ew Yor she has decided to do miles she is ust and she was well fit for it despite the degree heat!! nd guess what Yes, we all did it!! he emotion was something will never forget and although thousands of miles apart, we felt closer than ever, so we were thrilled to have set ourselves an epic

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Heat pan and cook diced chicken pieces foe 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Add garlic to pan and add back cooked vegetables.

In a bowl whisk together chicken stock, honey, soy sauce and add to pan. n a small bowl, add in cornflour and mix with a tbsp of cold water, mix and add to pan to allow to thic en and bring to a boil. Serve immediately with wholegrain rice.

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Follow us on Facebook and Instagram Local Women Magazine | 85

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86 | Local Women Magazine

DENTAL CARE FOR DOGS It’s important to keep your dog’s teeth clean and there’s a range of ways to improve your pooch’s dental hygiene available at Pet & Country.

Did you know that February is Pet Dental Health month?

Looking after your pet’s oral health is an important part of maintaining their overall wellbeing.

Unfortunately, they cannot grab a toothbrush and clean their own teeth, so we need to help them along by providing the correct toys, chews, food and cleaning products to keep their teeth and gums healthy and their breath fresh.

TEETHING A new puppy has 28 temporary teeth which are replaced with 42 permanent teeth. These adult teeth will emerge when the puppy is about 4 months old – if you see any puppy teeth in the gums while the adult ones emerge please see your vet. By the time your puppy is 6 months old all their first teeth should have been replaced.

CLEANING AND DENTAL CLEANING PRODUCTS Introducing a toothbrush and toothpaste into your dog’s routine early with positive training methods will help make dental hygiene a breeze.

1. Before you begin, remember constant praise will make this training smooth and successful – don’t move on to the next step until both you and your dog feel comfortable.

2. Start by stroking your dog’s cheek – this will help him to become comfortable with your hand being near his mouth.

3. Let him taste the toothpaste by licking it off your finger or off a chew toy.

4. When your dog has shown they like the taste of the toothpaste move to rubbing it along their gum line.

5. Once you feel your dog is comfortable enough (and this may take a few days) then introduce the toothbrush. Allow him to lick it and taste toothpaste on it. Hold back on putting the toothbrush in his mouth too soon - this could put him off and you’ll be back to square one!

6. When your pup is used to the toothbrush, it’s time to start brushing those teeth. Start gently and focus on the front teeth to begin with. Use the brush in circular motions. You may need to pause to allow them to lick their teeth and the brush. Once you feel confident, move on to the back teeth.

As well as the traditional toothbrush approach, we stock new innovative products to help with dental hygiene. If you are starting out and your furry friend has good teeth you could add Tropiclean Fresh Breath Water Additive to their drinking water. A few drops can keep plaque and tartar at bay and leave your pup with fresh breath. We also stock a number of dental gels and foams that naturally and gently clean the teeth without brushing – just apply to your pet’s mouth daily and you’ll notice a difference.

DIET AND DENTAL CHEWS Your furry friend’s teeth are their knife and fork, crucial for tearing and chewing their food properly. Dental chews and the correct diet have some effect in reducing plaque and keeping healthy teeth and gums.

Feeding your dog a good quality dry food will be much better for their teeth as they have to ‘crunch’ through the kibble and this helps clean their teeth while they chew. If you are feeding your pet wet food, you may want to carry out other dental hygiene activities as your dog will be missing out on the ‘crunch’. Jellies in some foods contain sugar, which will cause a bigger build-up of plaque and tartar – so be conscious of this too.

Chat to us if you’d like recommendations for a dry

food that is packed with nutrients and has a taste which your dog will love.

TOYS

Toys are a great aid to dental care and especially for teething puppies. Like babies they will want to chew things and will inevitably start with the leg of your new sofa! Having chew toys that keep their interest will hopefully give them something to bite and save your belongings! The Rogz Cowboy toys with their teeth cleaning rope head, and the Whimzees Toothbrush Treats are not only fun to play with but will help clean your dog’s teeth.

GROOMING AND VET CLEANING Just like you, your dog should have his teeth cleaned daily but ask your groomer if you would like them to clean teeth at your dog’s grooming appointment. If your pet is already struggling with bad oral hygiene and seems in pain, talk to your vet who can help with deep cleaning and then you can introduce a good dental routine after.

For advice on looking after your dog’s teeth chat to our staff in store at Pet & Country.

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Forget the dreary skies and dark evenings, spring is just around the corner so it’s time to brighten up our décor with a little help from Paula Sweeney at Fabric World.

By Paula Sweeney at Fabric World, Maydown

With spring on the horizon, I’m looking forward to injecting some colour and style into the store with some of the amazing print trends for 2021.

GLOBAL INFLUENCE We have really missed our travels this past year and as a result this will be reflected in our choices of interior print.

Botanical leaves and flowers are a huge trend illustrating the global influences of a tropical getaway on some distant shore. We can dream!

In particular I recommend the new Caribbean collection from PT. Combining tropical landscapes and rich exotic colours, Caribbean makes a maximalist statement in all living spaces. Featuring luxurious printed velvets, embroideries and coordinating wallpapers, the collection explores the wonders of the Caribbean with cleverly camouflaged monkeys, tropical florals and colourful love birds.

This will transform any space from drab to fab by injecting vibrant colours and print.

Use to cover a statement piece of furniture or make a funky roman blind for dramatic effect.

90 | Local Women Magazine

COTTAGE PRINTS

QUIRKY KIDS

A very simple style of print, using small checks and ginghams mixed with elegant vintage prints and motifs to create a layered look of coordinating designs. This luxurious traditional style is showcased in a soft muted colour palette of pastel lemons and rustic shades.

There are some fabulous new quirky print designs around to brighten up our homes. I love the colour palette of Dino and Away We Go from the Big Adventure collection by PT.

With an abundance of soft neutral shades and inky or denim blues.

I love that the tropical trend has even found its way into our kids’ bedrooms with a new take on the classical jungle theme we all know and love.

I recommend the understated elegance of the Imprint collection by ILIV. Hope to see you all back instore when restrictions are lifted.

But in the meantime, feel free to contact me for a virtual appointment.

BEAUTIFUL BLUES Still dreaming of that poolside getaway and clear blue seas?

The blue shades are here to stay for another year. From soft aqua blues to softer denim blues, the choice is endless.

Don’t be afraid to mix your blue tones, for a stunning effect softer duck egg tones will contrast with richer darker blues.

Local Women Magazine | 91

BY GEMMA GARRETT BOOK YOUR MAKEUP APPLICATION WITH GEMMA T: 028 9067 1914 GEMMA@BUELL ALIFE .COM

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MENTAL ABUSE MATTERS

New project is unveiled to educate victims and perpetrators of mental abuse using virtual reality.

T

he woman behind a charity set up to help victims of emotional and psychological abuse has welcomed the creation of tough new domestic abuse legislation in Northern Ireland.

ƒ Lucy Baxter

The Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Bill will mean that coercive control becomes an offence here for the first time.

A person convicted of the worst offending will face up to 14 years in prison. Justice Minister Naomi Long also introduced separate legislation to make stalking a specific offence in Northern Ireland.

Lucy Baxter, Chief Executive of Mental Abuse Matters and a film lecturer at QUB, said she was encouraged to see that the wideranging bill covered emotional abuse and that the use of children to abuse a partner was now an aggravating factor. Parental alienation is something the charity is concerned about and will be the subject of its next creative project.

But she is keen to see greater education and awareness around healthy relationships and preventative measures to stamp out mental abuse.

“While it’s important that perpetrators will feel the full force of the law and that victims will feel empowered to speak out, what we’re interested in as an organisation is preventative relationship education, therapeutic interventions and healthcare training tools to deal with the epidemic proportions of mental abuse in our society,” says Lucy.

“People often do not grow up understanding what a healthy relationship is, and they go on to repeat abusive patterns that they have learned.”

Lucy, who is also a filmmaker, said mental abuse had physical and psychological effects and was often a precursor to physical violence.

She also pointed out that it could lead to depression, self-harm and thoughts of suicide and that healthcare practitioners often suspected there were issues with mental abuse in the relationship dynamics of a patient but lacked the time to diagnose and deal with this effectively.

As part of an awareness campaign, Mental Abuse Matters has put together an animated film in collaboration with Belfast company Enter Yes and is working on a pioneering live action virtual reality (VR) project with partners Queen’s University, Future Screens NI, Retinize and Darkley Film. The VR tool for victims - and perpetrators - of mental abuse, will provide first-hand experience of what it is like to go through it. The project will be rolled out this spring and Lucy hopes it will be used as a training tool for medical, therapy and care staff to improve trauma diagnosis and care and that it will encourage dialogue in schools about healthy relationships.

“The first-person narrative is just over 10 minutes long and when you put on the headphones, you become the victim,” Lucy explains.

“For purposes of this one, it is an intimate partner, male to female

abuse, but there are future plans to cover parent/child abuse and parental alienation.

“The setting is a dinner party with friends and the aim is to make it as visceral as possible so you feel in your own body the emotions that the victim will be feeling.

“There will be immersive sounds, replicating feelings of anxiety, panic and dread, such as base sounds in the chest, fast breathing, building up to a panic attack. But the user will be given the chance to get out of it, if triggered, and go into a safe space.

“It’s all about replicating the emotions associated with mental abuse and to see what it feels like to be isolated in a social situation.”

For further info, log onto www.mentalabusematters.com Local Women Magazine | 93

RELATIONSHIPS ARE VITAL TO OUR WELLBEING Ali Templeton from Relate NI talks to Local Women about how to keep relationships healthy during these stressful times when we are spending long periods of time together.

As we find ourselves in the middle of another lockdown, many women are under increased pressure as they try and juggle working from home, childcare as well as the often-arduous task of home schooling.

These next few weeks will be intense for many of us and this can affect our relationships. To help you and your family weather the storm as one, Ali Templeton, Clinical Lead at Relate NI is offering some advice on how you can negotiate new challenges even when you are under pressure.

“Our relationships are essential foundations to our health and wellbeing.,” explains Ali. “Through our experience of supporting people and their relationships we’ve come to understand that relationships not only give our lives meaning, but they are also of vital importance to our wellbeing.

“But women’s relationships are under pressure at the moment. After a turbulent year and a potentially difficult Christmas,

financial and other pressures might have begun to show up in our relationships. This can be exacerbated by the expectations we put on ourselves and our partners.”

within our families may be exacerbated when we are unable to communicate effectively or after we have spent long periods of time together.

“And as individuals, our relationship with ourselves “For mothers, there may be additional stresses may be suffering. Perhaps we are feeling from trying to juggle working obligations or demotivated, noticing persistent anxiety or that home working whilst also overseeing the home- we are not being kind to ourselves. schooling of our children, who are growing “Our expert counsellors have pulled together the restless and beginning to wonder when this will all tips below to help you negotiate the challenges be over so they can get to see their friends again. you may be facing, helping you to relieve the “As daughters and sisters, relationship issues pressure as we face a brand-new year.”

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76 AUGHRIM ROAD, MAGHERAFELT, BT456JY CALL 028 7944 4333

This may allow you an opportunity to inform your children and prevent them from worrying about things more than they need too. Perhaps you can share with them some of your own feelings and how you cope with these.

MAINTAINING YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR PARTNER With the best will in the world, rows can be quite likely when you are feeling under pressure. It’s how you deal with conflict when it arises that counts. Try to move away from always needing to be ‘right’ with your partner because that means that they of course have to be ‘wrong.’ Explore how you can both have your needs met and how compromising can create mutually supportive solutions.

It is a particularly difficult time for new relationships but on the plus side, this will be a good test for your relationship. Make sure to regularly check in with each other about how you are both feeling, and identify areas where you can support each other.

All relationships face pressure at some point and when it happens early you can find out some important things about your partner like how they are in a crisis, whether they can give you the support that you need and perhaps what some of their biggest fears and hopes are.

Reading to each other is a really nice way to do something intimate and sensual without the expectation that you’re going to come up with any hilarious or fascinating insights yourself.

RELIEVE THE PRESSURE ON YOUR CHILDREN

Young people may be feeling an array of emotions right now including disappointment, fear, frustration or even relief. It’s important that you take time to validate their feelings by encouraging them to talk about how they feel with you or a member of your family.

Include children and young people in decisions as much as possible. Listen to their hopes and wishes and be respectful of their feelings. Encourage them to be active participants in setting boundaries.

They will see that their opinions matter and be more likely to honour the guidelines set.

OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH OURSELVES IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE WE HAVE

having a baby. At the heart of maternal mental health are relationships – between mum and baby, family members, health professionals and across society.

It is important if you are feeling mentally unwell during the perinatal period that you reach out to your relationships for support, whether it is a new feeling or an existing illness is being exacerbated. There are also great perinatal peer support groups online through the Maternal Our relationship with ourselves is the one that Mental Health Alliance, where you can speak to is with us all day, every day. Despite having other women with lived experience of what you an internal voice talking to us throughout the are going through. day, we sometimes forget to take notice of our Feelings of inadequacy are normal, but try to personal wellbeing. remember that what your baby needs most is No matter the pressure you may face, it’s important that you continue to be kind to yourself. you. It’s a proven fact that your face is the most Much of the pressures we face are due to external interesting thing in the world to your baby and circumstances and through no fault of your own. even during pregnancy your baby can sense You can however take steps to relieve the pressure and learn from the outside world and how you’re feeling. Therefore, simply being with your baby on yourself. and involving them in your daily activities is As individuals we can become lost in our enough right now. But do remember to take time relationships. It’s important to carry on your to be kind to yourself, as this will in turn benefit own interests. Spending time apart to do some your baby. reading, enjoy a bath or work on your New Year’s Resolutions will allow you to cherish family time IT’S NORMAL TO SEEK SUPPORT Regular relationship maintenance can help when you return to it. you relieve the pressure on your relationships MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH before it gives rise to unhelpful conflict. We More than 1 in 10 women develop a mental illness have put together a series of digital resources during pregnancy or within the first year after which provide practical ideas and tips to relieve the pressure on your relationships with yourself, your partner, your children and your family.

Relate NI’s team of skilled and professional counsellors are also available to help support people and their relationships.

To access Relate NI’s free digital resources, visit relateni.org/relieve-the-pressure or call 028 9032 3454 to enquire about relationship counselling.

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“IChristmas want you to imagine walking Christmas Gi�t Christmas Gi�tGuide Guide Gi�t Guide for Art Lovers through my landscapes” for Art Lovers for Art Lovers Give a loved one the gift of stunning local art this year Give lovedone one thegift gift stunninglocal local art art this year Give a aloved the ofofstunning year This month Gallery 1608, Bushmills speaks tothis artist with Gallery 1608’s Christmas Gift Guide. with Gallery 1608’s Christmas Gift Guide.

Ciaran agill about his influences. with Gallery 1608’s Christmas Gift Guide.

Local Art…

Local Art… Local Art…

HELLO CIARAN, THANK FOR ME With Christmas justYOU around theWELCOMING corner, this month TO YOUR BEAUTIFUL STUDIO HERE IN NEWCASTLE With Christmas just around the corner, this month we have picked our favourite Christmas gifts from Christmas around corner, month ON With A SUNNY DAY.just CAN YOUthe TELL ME Athis LITTLE some of our top Irish artists.Christmas This year, gifts whygifts not we have picked our favourite Christmas we have picked our favourite fromfrom ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TO BECOMING AN ARTIST? the homogenous high presents and some of top our top Irish artists.

This year, why notbuy someavoid our Irish artists.

Thisstreet year, why& not In 1998, I of did a Foundation Studies in Art Design something which is both high unique and presents collectable for avoid the homogenous street avoid theenjoyed homogenous highunder street presents andand buybuy at UU and working Neil Shawcross, your loved ones.

A isbitboth of extra thought will provide for a something which unique and collectable whosomething was verywhich supportive of my and painting and for life is both unique collectable gift giving. yourwhich lovedkeeps ones.on A bit of extra thought will provide a

Artist Ciaran Magill at his studio in Newcastle at the foot of the Mourne Mountains

drawing.

Then in 1999, headed to will London your loved ones.

A bit ofIextra thought provideto a gift which keeps on giving. study at list Ravensbourne College ofprints Design Top of keeps our thisgiving. year are limited edition by giftFashion which on and Communication before toBelfast Belfast two most well-known artists.

Top of of Ireland’s our list this year arereturning limited edition prints by of our Terry list this year(Hons) are limited edition prints byand andTop completed aBradley’s BA degree in workers Fine and artist, depiction of dock two of Ireland’s most well-known artists. Belfast two of Ireland’s most well-known artists.

Belfast Applied Arts from 2006 to 2009.

It was a wonderful burlesque type women are always popular and we artist, Terry Bradley’s depiction of dock workers and Maguire, Robert Spotten, NUA, JG, NI Silver, Ghost, artist, of dock workers and Bonesetter and Spirit Jewellery. surprise toTerry win the Emerging Artist Award have all Bradley’s of hisDIAGEO mostdepiction recent prints in stock. burlesque type women are always popular and we Maguire, Robert Spotten, NUA, JG, NI Silver, Ghost, burlesque type women arealso always popular and we at my degree show, which sold out, so it was Maguire, Robert Spotten, NUA, JG, NI Silver, Ghost, Keith limited is also very have Drury’s all of his mostedition recentwork prints in stock.

Bonesetter and Spirit Jewellery. the have icingall onofthe cakerecent all round! his most prints in stock.

Bonesetter and Spirit Jewellery.

Local Ceramics…

LocalCeramics…

Ceramics…

Local

collectable and popular with our clients. His work is Ceramics are also a very popular gift and again we Keith Drury’s limited edition work is also very CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR both quirky and contemporary, Keith Drury’s limited edition work INFLUENCES isdepicting also verydifferent can accommodate all budgets. Pieces range from collectable and popular with our clients.

His work is FROM THE ART WORLD? local scenes seamlessly together oneispiece.

Ceramics are also a very popular giftpieces. and again we collectable and popular withbrought our clients.

His in work functional pottery bespoke sculptural both quirkyalways andappeared contemporary, diff erent are also to a very popular gift and again we Locally,The I have been a depicting big fan of the artwork ondepicting television’s The Fall and Ceramics can accommodate all budgets.

Pieces from both quirky and has contemporary, diff erent Represented are household names such range asrange Sharon local scenes seamlessly brought together in one piece.can accommodate all budgets.

Pieces from spooky is landscapes of Elizabeth Magill and the even in the collection of Princess Anne.

Prints from functional pottery to Shearer, bespokeLeona sculptural pieces. local scenes seamlessly brought together in one piece. Reagan, Ian Carty, Rory Devine and The hasbeappeared onhis television’s The Fall portraitsboth byartwork Neil Shawcross, loose lines andand functional pottery to bespoke sculptural pieces. artists can boughtwith framed or unframed.

Represented The artwork appeared on television’s ThePrints Fall and Patrick Colhoun. are household names such as Sharon even inhas theBoth collection Princess Anne. from Represented youthfulis energy. artistsof are members of the areCarty, household names such Sharon Reagan, Ian Rory Shearer, LeonaasDevine and even in artists the collection ofmasterpieces.

Princess Anne. from RUAisare create timeless both can be bought framed or Prints unframed.

Reagan, Ian Carty, Rory Shearer, Leona Devine and Local Books…

Patrick Colhoun. both artists can be bought framed or unframed.

The giftColhoun. of a book never fails and at Gallery 1608 we Nationally, Scottish painter Peter Doig has Patrick CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR STYLE? have perhaps the largest selection of Irish Art Books influenced my thin ing in terms of creating a It begins with a process of painting multiple layers under the never whole fails of Northern Ireland. 1608 we Theone gift roof of a in book and at Gallery narrative, whereby the viewer tries to decipher The gift of a book never fails and at Gallery 1608 we to create a sense of luminous light breathing what is about to happen. Night Glow is an have perhaps the largest selection of Irish Art Books perhaps the largest selection of Irish Art Books Irish Paintings… through the canvas. Priming the stretchers in example of this, with backlight radiating through have under one roof in the whole of Northern Ireland.

Finally,one ourroof painters been tirelessly in thehave whole ofworking Northern Ireland. bright colours is then followed by working up the the trees at dusk and the viewer imagines under to ensure we have new works available for the composition and applying different mark-making standing in the landscape watching the glow and Christmas season and the range and qualitytirelessly of our waiting to see if figures or a vehicle will emerge techniques to create an Finally, our painters have been working LocaltheJewellery… current show is amazing.

Finally, our painters tirelessly from beyond forest. to ensure we havehave newbeen worksworking available for the energetic line. Then, the trick is to keep applying If jewellery is more your idea of toRemember, ensure wewehave available the of our Christmas season range and for quality can new offand er works 10the months interest free eanwhile, figurative enny more layers until a strong depth and contrast is a gift whynglish not support our local artist Christmas season theover range andand quality of our current show amazing. credit on is alland pieces £100 you can Saville instils a We sense in of her large-scale achieved, as if the landscape has a history scored makers? havehaunting a wide range current showtake is amazing.

If jewellery is more your idea of the work away immediately.

Remember, we can offer 10 months interest free jewellery available at many different into the canvas.

If jewellery is more your idea a gift why not support ouroflocal A great way to spread the cost of 10 MONTHS INTEREST Ciaran Magill: Glow, oil on canvas, 51 xand 61 cm Remember, we Night can 10 months interest free price points, ranging from costume credit onoff aller pieces over £100 you can a giftmakers? why notWe support local Christmas. have aour wide range of FREE NOW AVAILABLE TheLOANS paintings often try to capture a sense of jewellery to more bespoke pieces. credit ontake all pieces over £100immediately. and you can the work away makers?

We have a wide of erent jewellery available at range many diff child-like wonder at the world around us. It is my PLUS YOU TAKE HOME WeAwould like totoGerman wish all our We have sourced many of Ireland’s take the work immediately. great wayaway spread theartist cost of 10 MONTHS INTEREST canvases. Internationally, Gerard price available points, ranging from jewellery at many diffcostume erent hope theTODAY paintings will envelope the viewer and THE PIECE customers a very happy Christmas finest jewellers and have work available Christmas. great way to spread the cost of FREE LOANSINTEREST NOW AVAILABLE MONTHS Richter has Ainspired me to keep evolving and 10 jewellery to morenames bespoke pieces. pricefrom points, ranging from costume animate their senses as they imagine wandering andChristmas. a peaceful New Year! well-known such as Louise FREE LOANS NOW AVAILABLE innovating with new styles of brushwork.

Purple PLUS YOU TAKE HOME We would like to wish all our We have sourced manypieces. of Ireland’s jewellery to more bespoke through the landscapes.

Hopefully the audience Tree is like something from a dream, the vibrant PLUS THE PIECE TODAY YOU TAKE HOME customers a very happy Christmas fi nest jewellers and have work available We would like to wish all our We have sourced many of Ireland’s will experience the bliss I felt while creating the colours offerand ana exaggerated sense of optimism THE PIECE TODAY peaceful Newhappy Year! well-known names such as Louise customers a very Christmas finestfrom jewellers and have work available works. As artists, when we dive into this special

Local Books…

Local Books…

Irish Paintings…

Irish Paintings…

Local Jewellery…

Local Jewellery…

83-85 Main Street, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, BT57 8QD within the landscape.

T: names 028such 2073 1324 E:info@gallery1608.co.uk W:www.gallery1608.co.uk one, all our creative uices are flowing, and we and a peaceful New Year! from well-known as Louise get a wonderful Historically, Austrian artist Gustav Klimt created a 83-85 Main Street, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, BT57 8QDrush of adrenaline. Hopefully some of this magic becomes imbued in the series of mesmerising landscapes which convey 83-8575 cmMainE:info@gallery1608.co.uk Street, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, BT57 8QD T:Tree, 028 W:www.gallery1608.co.uk brushstrokes and it radiates a buzz of excitement a sense of bliss. His brushwork and compositions Ciaran Magill: Purple oil on 2073 canvas, 61 x 1324

T: 028 2073 1324 E:info@gallery1608.co.uk W:www.gallery1608.co.uk have always had a tremendous impact on me. to gallery visitors.

83-85 Main Street, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, BT57 8QD T: 028 2073 1324 | E: info@gallery1608.co.uk | W: www.gallery1608.co.uk 96 | Local Women Magazine

OPE 7D N A W AYS ALL EEK, ROUYEAR ND .

HERN T R O N D’S N A L E IR EST LARG RY GALLE

Rowland Davidson

Andrez Mazur

William Mullan

Philip McFadden

Gemma Best

Jonny McEwan

Kyle Barnes

Anthony McMenamin

Vincent Devine

Jin Yong

Cupar Pilson

Keith Drury

Colin Watson

Colin Gibson

William Collins

Emma Spence

Maurice Orr

Trudie Mooney

William Mullan

Stephanie Noble

Brian Smyth

Quinn Russell

Maurice C Wilks

Charles Harper Adam Pomeroy

Robert McLearnon

Josephine Kelly

Raymond Kennedy

Lucy Doyle

83-85 Main Street, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, BT57 8QD T: 028 2073 1324 | E: info@gallery1608.co.uk | W: www.gallery1608.co.uk

Artist Ashlee Gribbin has channelled her artistic talent into creating her own unique brand of artwork. The Co Down artist tells Local Women about the inspiration behind Rainbow Rave Art. Art has always been a passion for Ashlee Gribbin.

As a schoolgirl, the 33-year-old mum from Dromore, Co Down, showed real promise as an artist but she never thought in a million years that it could be anything more than a hobby.

Although she has always painted in her spare time, she trained as a hairdresser and barber, before working in retail, never believing that being an artist was an achievable dream for her.

But fast forward a few years and Ashlee has created Rainbow Rave Art and is selling paintings and taking on commissions for her stunning abstract compositions.

Ashlee began painting in earnest after the breakup of her marriage and she says she used her art as a kind of therapy.

She says: “Art has always been my happy place and after my marriage broke up my mental health wasn't in the best place, so I started doing my paintings at night when my baby went to bed.

“I use acrylic paints and occasionally I use watercolours, I love doing abstract designs and seeing what everyone interprets out of each picture.”

But she didn’t know how good her work was until she painted a picture for her cousin as a housewarming present.

Her cousin’s in laws saw the painting and liked it so much that they wanted to buy one of their own.

“I realised I might not be too bad if someone actually wanted to purchase a piece of my work,” says Ashlee, who is very modest about her achievements. “After that I made a Facebook and Instagram page and the business started from there.

“I was blown away by the nice comments that people were making and how many people actually wanted to purchase my pieces.”

Ashlee takes her inspiration for her art from everyday life, from walking along a beach to looking out her kitchen window. She paints 98 | Local Women Magazine

how she is feeling and says each piece is made with a piece of her heart.

She adores colour and mixing colours and says she often has no idea what the finished painting will look like until it is completed.

“My paintings are a range of different sizes and I have customised a lot of them to people's own taste.

“It is my dream someday to have my own art studio and sell affordable paintings.”

Check out Ashlee’s art on her Instagram page @rainbow_rave_art. You can contact Ashlee by email at angelashlee@live.co.uk or on 07743 446754.

For more information or to order call me on 07743 446754 or email angelashlee@live.co.uk Follow us on Facebook/ashleegribbin Local Women Magazine | 99

100 | Local Women Magazine

LW WEDDINGS

Aileen Liam BRIDE: Aileen McElwee from Bellaghy GROOM: Liam Kerrigan from Randalstown CELEBRANT: Father Kevin Mulhern PARENTS OF THE BRIDE: Joseph and Eileen McElwee PARENTS OF THE GROOM: Kevin and Carmel Kerrigan CHIEF BRIDESMAID: Irene Cushnahan BRIDESMAIDS: Sheena McGuckin BEST MAN: Ciaran McGuckin GROOMSMEN: Leo McElwee FLOWER GIRL: Alice McElwee and Caoimhe McGuckin PAGE BOYS: Padraig OKane and Shea McCartney

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LW WEDDINGS

Emma

Danny

BRIDE: Emma Coleman, Derry GROOM: Danny Breslin, Derry BRIDE’S FAMILY: I have two mammies - a Derry mammy Doreen White and a Dorset mammy Anita Harris. My daddy passed away.

GROOM’S PARENTS: Una Breslin and Daniel Breslin WEDDING DATE: December 21, 2020 VENUE: The White Horse Hotel, Campsey BRIDESMAIDS: Jennifer McLaughlin, Enya Breslin, Chloe White and Faye Breslin BEST MAN: John Davis GROOMSMAN: Ethan White and Tiarnan Breslin HAIR AND MAKE-UP: Ciara Smith DRESS: Bridal Showroom, Derry and Elaine McCloskey FLOWERS: Flowers By Ian PHOTOGRAPHS: Gerard Gormley and Jamie Mollisson

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LW WEDDINGS

Niamh Tomas BRIDE: Niamh White, from Jonesborough GROOM: Tomas English from Forkhill DATE: 17th of December, 2020 LOCATION: St Patrick’s Church Dromintee RECEPTION: Ballymascanlon House Hotel MAKEUP: Mrs Makeup PHOTOS: 4everPhotos HAIR: Michelle’s Hair Salon FLOWERS: David McConkey Floral Couture DRESSING OF WEDDING: Martina Crilly DRESS: Pnina Tornai

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106 | Local Women Magazine

LW WEDDINGS

Siobhan Brian Jude BRIDE: Siobhan McKernan from Creggan, Co Tyrone GROOM: Brian Jude Glackin from Cookstown, Co Tyrone DATE OF WEDDING: October 22, 2020 (postponed from June) CEREMONY: St Oliver Plunketts, Creggan, Co Tyrone MAID OF HONOUR: Nicola McAleer (sister of the bride) BRIDESMAIDS: Kerie Loughran (sister of the bride) and Shauneen Smith (friend of the bride) BEST MAN: Kevin Glackin (brother of the groom) GROOMSMEN: Conor Glackin (brother of the groom), Mark Anthony Nugent (friend of the groom) BRIDE’S DRESS: Amore Bridal Wear, Derry MEN’S SUITS: Ultimate Menswear, Derry BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES: JJs House FLOWERS: John Paul Florist, Derry PHOTOGRAPHER: Lynn Stanfield VIDEOGRAPHER: T9 images CARS: Glendale, Omagh CHAPEL DÉCOR: Ultimate Touches, Derry PHOTO LOCATION: Tullylagan Country House Hotel, Cookstown

Local Women Magazine | 107

108 | Local Women Magazine

LW WEDDINGS

Yvonne Graeme BRIDE’S PARENTS: Christine Thompson and Michael Thompson, Cullybackey GROOM’S PARENTS: Grahame Weeks and the late Celia Weeks from Belfast

Our original date was our shared birthday 20th May, 2020, but we had to postpone due to lockdown.

We initially postponed until October but quickly changed our minds and postponed a full year until May 2021 to allow more time for Covid-19 to pass.

However, at the beginning of October we got fed up with the changing restrictions and decided to bring our wedding forward to November - we just wanted to be married. However, the country then went into a circuit breaker which forced our venue to close again. We took the decision that rather than postpone again and put ourselves through more uncertainty, we would rearrange everything within three days. We managed to get married on 18th October, 2020 - the day before our venue closed its doors. In the end we had five proposed wedding dates in total!

As everything was rearranged at such short notice our wedding attire wasn’t ready, Graeme’s suit hadn’t been made and my dress wasn’t altered, but we didn’t care.

We just wanted to get married so we went casual and it was so relaxed, it was lovely.

Due to my father being extremely vulnerable to Covid-19, we opted for just three guests, my mum Christine, my dad Michael and sister Selina (who was supposed to be my only bridesmaid/maid of honour). We enjoyed a lovely meal with our celebrant after the ceremony, then went home.

We are hoping to have our reception on our birthdays this year, 20th May if restrictions allow.

It wasn’t how we planned our day, but we couldn’t be prouder of our little big day.

Local Women Magazine | 109

INTERIORS WITH

A LITTLE DRAMA...

Louise McKenna from Elle Designs is taking inspiration from our favourite Netflix period dramas The Crown and Bridgerton to create dramatic, sumptuous interiors.

If you haven’t already binge-watched The Crown, the Netflix-original drama about the early reign of Queen Elizabeth II, there’s no better time to start.

It is bringing back some notable interior design influences from the past. I can’t take my eyes off the sumptuous textures, rich patterns, ornate elements and exquisite detailing in the palaces.

I’ve even been known to press the pause button to scan the room properly, get distracted by the curtains not sitting properly and have no idea what they are saying when I spy the cushions where the braid has not been mitred at the corners properly.

Between The Crown and Bridgerton there has been a feast for the eyes of late on Netflix.

Bridgerton shows a bright twist on Regency style, whereas Season 4 of The Crown is set between the late 1970s to the 1990s. The interiors in this latest instalment are filled with extravagant frills, florals and more.

Princess Diana was obsessed with layered frills, the pie crust collar and big puff sleeves, as seen in her iconic wedding dress. Frills on cushion covers and pelmets, curtains were similarly edged with a frill and finished with super thick interlining, so they were more like duvets than window dressings, it was exuberant and extravagant.

Who wouldn’t want to introduce aspects of The Crown interiors into their home? There is so much to choose from. Anyone who knows my personal style will appreciate I adore Balmoral, the dark wood panelling, checks and plaids and of course the practicality of their boot room and cloaks area.

I might need to watch it again for the storyline!

Floral print was huge, rooms were filled with sofas and armchairs in flower patterned chintz.

The weekend country house look was the fashion, add in some trellis pattern and you had the makings of your perfect 80s interior scheme. It was a minimalist’s idea of hell. More is more was the motto, where you could see three different wallpaper dressings in one room.

We are certainly influenced by what we consume, so Zoffany timed their latest launch perfectly with the Palladio volume one collection.

They handpicked six of the favourite Palladio designs from their 1955 launch, along with some new creations and the designs are as relevant today as they were 65 years ago.

Luxury paint brands have captured this market well with their historical colours that suit period properties or those wanting to create that style in a new home.

We have even been influenced to go back to matt finishes instead of the practical mid-sheen as the colours look much more intense, just like they would in a palatial or period home.

Consultancy by Appointment Only Tel: 028 796 27777 | Email: interiors@elledesignsni.co.uk Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ElleDesigns Follow us on Instagram: Elledesigns_louise

110 | Local Women Magazine

START THE NEW YEAR IN STYLE

Consultancy by Appointment Only T: 028 7962 7777 E: interiors@elledesignsni.co.uk Local Women Magazine | 111

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