North Coast Local Women Magazine August 2021

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LOSING WEIGHT THROUGH MENOPAUSE

At Slimming World experienced consultants like Liza Trainor can help you navigate your way through the menopause and keep your weight under control.

A Slimming World Consultant who experienced

“I fell in love again cooking Free Foods which are

severe menopause symptoms, reveals how

at the heart of Food Optimising. They include a

she lost weight, got fit and became a happier,

wide range such as fruit, vegetables, pasta, rice,

healthier person.

potatoes, pulses, lean meat (and some meat replacements), fish and poultry. Free Foods are

Liza Trainor (52) tells how she was so frightened

low in energy density and high in protein and

about how she was feeling and didn’t know where

carbohydrate, which really helped to satisfy my

to turn.

appetite by keeping me feeling fuller for longer.

Liza says: “My lapses in memory were happening

I loved that I could eat Free Foods in unlimited

at the same time as I was experiencing severe

amounts – with no counting, weighing or

anxiety, mood swings, lack of sleep and difficulty

measuring needed!

concentrating. I felt deeply troubled but could not

“I started to walk my dogs once a day for 15

put my finger on the cause.

minutes and gradually increased the time and

“I had little or no energy due to not sleeping at

distance each week. Soon I began to feel much

night. I would wake up exhausted and irritable

better, I formed new habits by choosing fruit over

which made it hard to concentrate during the day.

sugary snacks and making tasty, filling meals that

The exhaustion made me more anxious which

I really enjoyed.

exacerbated my trouble sleeping and the vicious

“Losing weight didn’t just lift the burden of the

cycle repeated.

physical weight, it also lifted the psychological

“The exhaustion led me to turn to high calorie

burden of being overweight, primarily the guilt I

sugary, fatty snacks which gave me an instant

was feeling – I feel emotionally lighter, freer and my

energy boost, but it quickly wore off and I found myself wanting to lie down every afternoon.

confidence and self-esteem has returned from the

It

support I received within my caring and supportive

wasn’t long before I noticed that I had gained a

group. Now, three stones lighter, I am fitter and

lot of weight and as a Slimming World Consultant

healthier than I have ever been.

as well as a singer/musician, I felt more and more

“As lockdown eases and we all look forward to a

depressed and became withdrawn.”

taste of freedom, I know more people than ever

Liza decided to make an appointment with her GP where she explained all of her symptoms and feelings. “My doctor was really understanding and said that she would run some blood tests, one of which was to find out if I was in peri or full menopause. I went home and did some research into menopause and was really surprised to see blogs and features from so many high-profile

will be looking for support to embrace the coming feeling like the ‘old’ me again.”

months feeling happier and healthier.

Liza was relieved to read that there’s little evidence

determined to help my members and to ensure that

that the menopause should be a direct cause of weight gain or inability to lose weight. Some people see an increase in weight, and/or notice a change in where weight is stored, as they get older – this

women like Meg Matthews, Penny Lancaster and

is thought to be primarily due to change in lifestyle

Davina McCall all - who were experiencing the

and a gradual decrease in the amount of physical

same symptoms.

activity we do. So, a healthy diet and exercise was

“A few weeks later the doctor rang me and

what was needed to get back to her ideal weight.

confirmed I was in full menopause; I was relieved

She continues: “Slimming World had been a huge

that I finally had a diagnosis for all the symptoms

part of my life for that last 13 years, I knew there

and could now do something about it. My doctor

was no easier or more effective way to lose weight,

said I was a suitable candidate for HRT, but I

I could cut calories without counting them and it

knew this would not be enough; I needed to make

gave me the freedom to live life whilst enjoying

a change my lifestyle too if I wanted to get back

great food.

I’m so

they don’t put their weight losses on hold. Looking after our health is more important than ever right now, I hope my success will inspire other people who’d like to lose weight, improve their health and form new lifestyle habits to take action. Just think, if you join a Slimming World group today you too could feel like a completely new person!”

To find out how to join your local group visit www. slimmingworld.co.uk

Local Women Magazine | 5

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LOOK YOUR BEST, FEEL YOUR BEST...

SUMMER - IS IT A BLESSING OR A CURSE FOR YOUR SKIN? Hot summer weather can wreak havoc on our skin— especially for those with hyperpigmentation. rays, inflammation, hormonal changes, or skin injuries. Hyperpigmentation can occur anywhere on the body and affect all skin types.

laptops iPads etc) might actually be giving you

Hyperpigmentation falls into one of three categories:

have found that this light can penetrate your

*Actinic lentigines, also known as sunspots, age spots etc

WHAT IS HYPERPIGMENTATION? This is a common condition in which darkening of the skin occurs due to an increase in melanin production.

This

melanocytes

(pigment-producing

darkening

occurs

when

6 | Local Women Magazine

over-

skin into a deeper level than UV rays, causing symptoms like pigmentation, age spots and fine lines. Apply your SPF three to four times daily.

An excellent broad-spectrum sunscreen and my personal favourite is Elite Clinical protect SPF 50.

*Melasma - caused by hormonal changes and can be the most difficult to treat.

enhanced Q3 and Q6 actives and vitamins that

HOW TO TREAT HYPERPIGMENTATION STEP 1: SUN PROTECTION Please, please, please wear an SPF, but remember not all SPFs are created equal.

Sun exposure and damage is cumulative. SPF will protect your skin from harmful rays which produce melanin, forming concentrated deposits cause aging (UVA rays - think “A” for aging) and of brown pigment in the skin. burning (UVB rays - think “B” for burning). As more Hyperpigmentation may be caused by sun of us will be working from home right now please exposure, specifically exposure to the UVA/UVB be mindful, your computer screen (phones, cells)

light (or blue light) emitted from screens, studies

*Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation - a result of inflammation in the skin caused by acne, burn, rash or traumatic injury.

There are an array of celebrity cosmeceuticals and hyperpigmentation treatment options available at Elite Aesthetic Clinic to combat any of the above

By Emma Heaney, Elite Aesthetic Clinic pigmentation issues. However, our clinic doors RN RM PHNS INP remain temporarily closed. So, here is a basic road In Europe, 20 per cent of women over 25 have map for effectively treating hyperpigmentation. some degree of hyperpigmentation, which increases I have given focus to at home skin care which significantly as they age. One in three women over will keep your pigmentation at bay until we can the age of 40 suffers from this skin disorder, a figure welcome you back into our clinic. that can rise to 90 per cent among women over 50.

wrinkles. Coming from the high energy visible

It is a full protection cream with a light, velvety texture suitable for all skin types. It contains protect against oxidative stress and photoaging.

BEFORE

STEP 2: AT HOME SKIN CARE REGIME Two years ago, I was invited to Barcelona to visit the HQ and laboratories of the only company that singly specialises in the treatment of hyperpigmentation. Since then I have developed some excellent result driven protocols .

Say goodbye to dark spots, uneven pigmentation and dullness with Elite’s bespoke Meline home care routine, which comprises of a day and night active treatment serum, a daily Hyaluronic acid, together with a weekly at home depigmentation mask. This at home plan is a prescriptive approach.

Meline Skin Care is fabulous as a standalone home treatment or in conjunction with our inclinic treatments.

A less invasive mix of products and ideal for uneven skin tone, I would recommend Reveal cleanser C20 serum Protect SPF 50 Glow Exfoliate And at night: Illuminate serum.

AFTER 6 TREATMENTS

As a clinical trainer in chemical peels, I have witnessed several burns created by the wrong peel, wrong strength, on the wrong skin either applied by patient or practitioner. NEVER underestimate the power of a chemical peel, but in the correct hands amazing results can be achieved.

Some at home peels are of no significant clinical value. Yes, they will leave your skin feeling refreshed, but you could equally achieve the result with your exfoliator.

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BEFORE

AFTER

Meline provides integrated solutions which combine professional treatments with home care products, which act together in synergy.

Treatment intervals: Two to three treatments, second treatment four weeks followed by three treatments six to eight months later Treatment time: 30 -60 mins depending on the treatment area.

on the treatment area.

Recovery time: Minimal downtime, slight redness for one to two days, 48 hours of sun avoidance.

STEP 5: MICRONEEDLING

STEP 4: IPL

STEP 3: IN CLINIC CHEMICAL PEELS

AFTER 2 TREATMENTS

Elite exclusively offers Meline which acts at the cell level, going to the root of the pathology. By regulating the uncontrolled growth of melanocytes, Meline products not only eradicate dark patches, but also effectively prevent their reappearance.

Recovery time: Minimal down time.

Elite Clinical Skincare will cleanse, promote cell turnover, exfoliate and target existing pigmentation and uneven tone to prevent future dark spots from occurring. C20 is rich in antioxidants that mops up the free radicals that act like vandals in the skin.

BEFORE

IPL Skin Pigmentation treatments work by transmitting heat to the pigmented skin areas. The IPL technology is attracted to dark pigmentation, effectively drawing the discolouration to the surface of the skin, allowing the dermis to begin the healing process of correcting the blemishes over time.

IPL Photo Rejuvenation treatments are often the perfect complement to Skin Pigmentation treatments.

When used in conjunction with each other, you cannot only treat pigmentation, but also rejuvenate your skin leaving you with even skin tone and an even clearer complexion.

Treatment Intervals: Four to six treatments, two to four weeks apart.

Microneedling in the correct practitioner’s hands, using a brightening and antioxidant cocktail can rebalance, regulate, and unify uneven skin tone.

A combined depth treatment may be performed to manage and correct uneven tone without overstimulating or harming the skin.

Microneedling and uber chemical peels combo and/or an IPL combo treatment package are available in clinic at a reduced package price.

Treatment Intervals: Three to six treatments, two to four weeks apart.

Treatment time: 60 minutes depending on the treatment area.

Recovery time: Minimal downtime, slight redness Treatment time: Five to 30 minutes, depending for one to two days, 48 hours of sun avoidance.

Glenaden Business Complex, Altnagelvin Business Park, Trench Road, Derry-Londonderry

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Local Women Magazine | 7

Welcome!

What a whirlwind this summer has been!

Maybe it’s the novelty of things just opening up, but there has just been so much to do – and everything feels fresh and new because we’ve been cooped up for so long.

with positivity that we will see the end of Covid-19 before long.

But let’s not wish the rest of the summer away.

The last spell of hot weather was just amazing. It’s been years since we had a heatwave like that, and it makes you grateful that we live in a country with I know it’s only August, but I definitely feel like so many beaches where we can enjoy the sunshine. this year is flying by – in fact this month the first Who needs Spain anyway? I hear rumours there mention of Christmas appears in Local Women! will be a second heatwave coming – fingers crossed.

This was swiftly followed by about 10 emails I hope you enjoy this month’s magazine- and that I received promoting Christmas products don’t forget, if you have a story you’d like to see … I can’t cope! in Local Women, just drop me an email editor@ And don’t even get me started on Back to School! localwomensnews.com.

It’s time to start buying the uniforms – and hope Until next month, that the schools will stay open long enough for the kids to get the wear out of them. It’s been such a rollercoaster for our children with two years of interrupted schooling but I’m looking to the future

Delilah’s smells just paw-fect!

Usually, my little French Bulldog Delilah smells far from sweet! Although she looks cute, I think all you dog lovers will know she isn’t as pretty smelling as she looks.I was delighted to receive some great products from Dogue Scents who know how to help you look after your pets. Set up by local businesswomen Racheal Greenfield, Dogue Scents has a range of great chemical free grooming products to keep your pet healthy and sweet smelling.

Congratulations Karla!

Here at Local Women, we have followed the career of Co Antrim ice-skater Karla Quinn for many years. From her early years as an international award-winning ice skater representing GB and NI to setting up her own gym in Ballymoney.

Coalisland beauty salon owner Janice Devlin let me try out some of her amazing beauty products from her very own RBF range.

RBF was created during lockdown and it’s really fabulous.

It’s a great, hardworking range of products with a little bit of sass!

Now, you’ll not see me with no makeup very often but here I am after using the products for a few weeks - check out my review inside.

Delilah now smells like pears – which is a welcome change!

So, we were delighted to see Karla picking up the award for Best PT in Northern Ireland and the Best PT in Co Antrim at the inaugural NIB-FIT Awards.

Karla works so hard and is dedicated to her clients at her gym Karla’s Physical Excellence where she has built up a wonderful community of health and wellbeing for women of all ages.

Well done. Karla!

MANAGING EDITOR: KIM KELLY editor@localwomensnews.com DESIGNER: AIDAN NELIS design@localwomensnews.com SALES: salesmid@localwomensnews.com ACCOUNTS: accounts@localwomensnews.com 8 | Local Women Magazine

Barefaced beauty with RBF

Here come the girls…

So, here they are – the 24 gorgeous contestants who will compete for the Miss NI Crown in September.

All the girls paid a visit to Rosie’s Closet in Newry to try on the amazing array of formal dresses last month. If you’ve never visited Rosie’s Closet – you simply must - It’s a dream! Just look at those frocks.

Local Women is delighted to be sponsoring the competition and it was lovely to meet so many smart and confident young women. Each and every one is a winner in their own right.

There were a couple of ladies missing on the day - but check the full 24 pictured inside the magazine this month.

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

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A Love Story galgorm.com

EMMA ROCK PHOTOGRAPHY

CEE’S MANUAL FOR MOTHERHOOD Coleraine mum Cee Rainey has written a book sharing her experiences of childcare, from being a nanny to becoming a mum herself.

By Maibh Shiels When it comes to being a mummy, there really is no manual.

Cee, Damian and Aoife.

But Cee Rainey, from Coleraine, has written a handbook of sorts, made up of helpful advice, honest humour, and her own stories of motherhood.

Cee, 45, is originally from Auckland, New Zealand, and qualified as a nanny in her early 20s. She spent the next 25 years helping to raise children in countries including the US, Australia, and England.

She had the idea of sharing what she had learned about childcare, and first began to pen her parenting advice book seven years ago - but then her own life took a turn.

“I had enlisted the help of an editor to help me polish my manuscript,” Cee says. “But then life got in the way – in a good way. I moved to Coleraine to be with my soulmate, and we had a baby together. That in itself is a story!”

Cee was coming close to 40, she was single, and dreamed of being a mum so she began to look into having a child with a sperm donor.

But then she remembered something an old boyfriend, Damian who is from Coleraine, had said to her during their two-year long relationship in their 20s. The two had met in London and their relationship had reached an amicable end as Cee wanted to travel some more. But, before they went their separate ways, Damian promised Cee that if she ever needed someone to help her have a child, he would be there for her, as he knew how much it meant to her.

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They became friends, so Cee knew that Damian was a single father of three living in Coleraine.

She chose to first see if he remembered what he had said to her instead of finding a sperm donor.

Cee Rainey

“A lot of other parenting books are absolutely brilliant, and you can take what you need from each one, but I wanted to talk about what the other ones didn’t cover.

“I decided to take a chance and message him to see if he still remembered that promise. It was either going to be a really great story, or something I would never talk about again!

“It’s about all the small things that mums talk about in coffee groups or say in whispered tones. It’s the things mums don’t want to talk about because they’re embarrassed.

“It turned out he did remember, and, to my surprise and delight, he was willing to honour it.

He took about 10 days to think about it and came back and said yes.”

Cee flew to Northern Ireland to meet Damian and discuss co-parenting and all the details, but they soon realised that they still had strong feelings for each other.

“I run a free website for parents of the Causeway Coast to find free and paid for classes and coffee “At the time, he had some older children, and I groups, www.littlehandsbigplans.co.uk, which is asked him if he really wanted to go back to the slowly coming back after Covid. sleepless nights and the nappies and he said, “I also help facilitate the CRS volunteer motorbike ‘Yes, because it’s you.’ riders to collect milk from mothers and deliver to “He said he was going to spend the next nine the Human Milk Bank and neonatal units all over months making me fall in love with him again, Northern Ireland.” because I was going to take the baby back to New Zealand, and after that it took about nine seconds. I knew I wasn’t going anywhere.”

They became a couple once again, and soon after Cee became pregnant by IVF - Damian proposed just a month later.

“I said at our wedding that me contacting Damian was either going to end with a restraining order or a baby,” Cee laughs, “Luckily, there were no charges!”

“I have a whole section called ‘The Motherload’ which is about all the things that people don’t tell you. It’s what a lot of mums don’t speak about.

While this kept Cee busy, she knew she needed to start sharing her experiences of being a mum.

“As well as being a blissful time, my first 12 months of being a mum made me realise that despite all my years as a nanny, I still had a lot to learn. It was time to get writing again.”

So, she started writing a blog, which became her debut book ‘All The Small Things,’ where she talks about Their daughter, Aoife, is now three years old, and everything from baby’s first they live in Coleraine along with Damian’s other steps, and teething, to mum’s three sons. Cee soon became an active mum in battles with postnatal anxiety the community of Coleraine. and mastitis.

“It’s things they don’t want to ask, because they think they should already know somehow, or it’s things that they want to know if it’s normal to go through.”

“It’s everything I’ve picked up, physically and mentally. But, also, every baby I’ve picked up has taught me something new because each child is different, but there’s a general way of getting them to where they need to be.

“I’ve designed it so parents can dip in and dip out of it as and when they need. It’s not meant to be read chronologically. It’s more of a conversation.

“Every mum has a story, and I’m just sharing my story, and hoping someone can learn something from it.”

Cee’s book, All the Small Things, is published

by Wrate’s Publishing and is available via Amazon or through Cee’s website www.allthesmallthingsbook.com

Cee self-published with the help of her original editor in London, and since publishing the book in June, she has received orders from across the globe.

“Getting my book out there has been another dream come true,” says Cee. “I wrote the book about the struggles of surviving and thriving the first year of parenthood. Motherhood is really lovely and lonely all at the same time. You’re just handed a child and told to keep it alive.

Cee and Aoife.

“From my days as a nanny, I had the practical things down, and knew what was coming on the physical side of things, but what threw me was the emotional and mental side of it all.

Human milk volunteer rider.

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Make Our Space

rabb itho tel.c om

TACKLING PERIOD POVERTY IN STRABANE Sure Start Manager Sharon Callaghan is working to make period products available free of charge to women in the Strabane area.

By Maibh Shiels

Northern Ireland followed suit, approving a proposal to provide period products in schools in Sharon Callaghan is determined that no young December 2020, which is scheduled to come into woman in the North West should miss school or be action in September 2021. disadvantaged because of period poverty.

But, in the meantime, there are months where Sharon, 49, who is the Strabane Sure Start many may go by without access to period products, Manager, is part of an ongoing campaign which Barnardo’s is hoping to help prevent. against period poverty funded by the Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership and Sharon is hugely involved in the campaign, carried out by both Barnardo’s and Sure Start which is run by Barnardo’s, Sure Start’s Lead Accountable Body. charities in Strabane.

Period poverty has been acknowledged as a major issue for countless women across the UK, with England, Scotland, and Wales announcing schemes to provide period products in schools since 2019.

“There’s a common thread between the two of supporting children, families, and young people.

The two work together for a common purpose. I see myself as part of the Sure Start and Barnardo’s families. They’re both involved.

“Barnardo’s have a long history of supporting people in poverty. Our main focus would have been child poverty, but we deal with all types of poverty.

“During lockdown, we launched an Emergency long-term outcomes. We know, too, that students Scheme, which helped 228 families by providing face many financial hardships, and that doesn’t just over £16,000 worth of vouchers for fuel, oil, help with period poverty. and gas.

“The gap in educational achievement “When the funding for the period poverty between richer and poorer children is too campaign became available from the CYPSP, it wide, and girls are doubly disadvantaged was an obvious choice for us to become involved. because of period poverty.”

“They provided the funding, so our role was to purchase the items on their behalf and roll out the This same sentiment was expressed by Maxine Gibson, Professional Advisor of CYPSP, the campaign locally to tackle period poverty.” organisation that funded the campaign.

Sharon talks of the problems which period poverty can cause. “A major concern for us is She said: “Period poverty should never be a barrier that girls will miss school because they can’t to education or activities. We hope our support will afford period products. enable more girls to engage fully with education “That has an impact on their education and has and any activities they wish.”

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showing period poverty is a real issue.

The statistics said 1 in 7 girls in Northern Ireland struggle to purchase period products, and 1 in 10 have been unable to afford them at some stage.

“That’s why we want to roll this out. We know that it is a real problem for people, and we believe that every individual should have equal rights and access to opportunities”.

The issues around period poverty go beyond just the physical impacts. “There’s also the embarrassment and discomfort of it. Being without period products has been an experience for thousands of girls across Northern Ireland, and across the world.

While there is a focus on young girls, the campaign allows people of all ages to avail of it and has provided products to a long list or organisations.

These include sporting organisations, local community groups, the Scouts, Strabane Association for the Temporarily Homeless, and Foyle Women’s Aid. Sharon shares that the East Strabane District is the most deprived Super Output Area in the Derry & Strabane District Council Area, according to the Employment Deprivation Domain.

“Girls are then forced to create their own crude forms of protection, from things like toilet paper, or socks. I’ve read about people having to make pads from scrap material. All of this is not only So, it is no surprise that the campaign has been so popular. She urges people to come forward if they completely ineffective, but also shameful.” need period provisions.

The campaign was rolled out across the community, providing period products to the two “We hope that people will reach out to us if they’re local secondary schools, Holy Cross College and in need. We want to reduce the stigma around period poverty by talking about it. We want people Strabane Academy. to realise that this isn’t a taboo subject. It’s better They also asked individuals and organisations to for people to talk about it. get in touch through their social media pages, and those who required sanitary products were then “We’re told at a young age not to talk about periods, and that it’s a private matter not up for provided with some. discussion. We want to change that. We want “The uptake has been amazing. The products to change the narrative that periods are ‘gross’ have been taken very quickly. We have a few left, and not for discussion publicly. Yes, they may be but not many.” private, but they’re not a secret.

Sharon also shares that the response to the “Through campaigns like this, and having campaign has clearly shown how much it has conversations, and education, we can erase the meant to those who have received period products. stigma and the shame around periods.

Aodhan Harkin, the Manager of Fountainstreet Community Centre, said, “Fountainstreet Community Development Association greatly welcomed the recent provision of sanitary products by Barnardo’s.

“Not having the discussions can be as damaging as not being able to afford the products. It would be ideal if period products were seen as essential as toilet roll, where they’re visible and available in all toilets outside of our homes.

“These free products were widely available to local girls and women, and it’s great to have this type of initiative in our area.”

“They’re not a luxury product. They are essential and we do have to buy them.”

Feedback also came from Holy Cross College: “We were able to give the girls a full pack of products and leave full packs in the toilet so they could take them when they needed.

Sharon encourages anyone who needs assistance accessing period products to contact Barnardo’s Strabane through telephone, email, or on social media, through the Strabane Sure Start & Family Centre Facebook page.

“They were used, but not abused, and the pupils A larger, wider campaign is also across the were very grateful,” said school nurse, Georgina UK, and can be accessed through the website McGonagle. periodpoverty.uk.

It is unsurprising that there has been such a response to the campaign, as the Northern Irish Assembly Research Service published statistics SUPPORTED BY

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Ballymoney Local Women Magazine | 15

CELEBRATING FOUR YEARS OF FASHION Stylish mother and daughter duo Barbara Allison and Jayne Gilmore, owners of Stable Lane Boutique in Coleraine, have created a brand and a clothing store that has become a fashion destination on the north coast.

Pictures by Alexandra Barfoot

For many local businesses, lockdown was a quiet time - but at Stable Lane in Coleraine, it was a period of expansion and growth for the boutique which has become a firm favourite with fashion lovers on the north coast and further afield.

Dynamic mother and daughter team Barbara Allison and Jayne Gilmore used the closure of their fashion store to make plans for the future – and now restrictions have lifted, they have re-opened Stable Lane in gorgeous new, spacious premises and put it on the map as a must-visit

boutique on the north coast.

The re-opening of Stable Lane (in the former Laura Ashley premises, just a few doors away from their original store) has coincided with the fourth anniversary of the business. And since it first opened in August 2017, Stable Lane has been a huge success story.

Stocking an array of labels exclusive to the boutique, Stable Lane combines fashion with lifestyle. With a hands-on personal service, customers can be sure that they will find an outfit that flatters. And because mother and daughter Barbara and Jayne are working in tandem, the store caters for all age groups.

Stable Lane is not just a boutique, it is a shopping experience where the staff will work with you to find the perfect outfit.

Whether you are looking to add to your capsule wardrobe or choose an outfit for a special occasion, there is everything under one roof.

And if you can’t visit the store in person or you need a little inspo before you visit, Stable Lane’s social media channels are perfect for browsing.

Jayne does regular Instagram video ‘try-ons’ so you can see the clothes on a real woman – so important in a world of filtered pictures. The stunning mum-of-one, who is expecting her second baby, is the perfect person to model for her own brand and her videos are incredibly popular. Customers can simply click a button and purchase an item and have it delivered direct to their door.

Local Women catches up with Barbara and Jayne to find out about their fashion empire and how social media has opened up new markets across the country.

CONGRATULATIONS ON THE 4TH ANNIVERSARY OF STABLE LANE TELL US HOW YOU CAME TO START YOUR BUSINESS? It's something that we have always wanted to do together and when we saw the ideal premises in Coleraine on the corner of Stone Row and Stable Lane, we decided to go for it! Jayne has always wanted to own her own boutique as she has loved fashion from an early age.

HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU FROM INITIAL IDEA FOR YOUR BUSINESS TO ACTUALLY TRADING? It took seven months from finding our shop to opening our doors in August 2017. We had to completely refit the store, source stock, design a logo - the list was endless, but we did it! Moving to a bigger store this year meant that we had to do it all again.

WHAT ARE YOUR WORK BACKGROUNDS? Jayne: I studied Fashion Marketing at Glasgow Caledonian University after which I worked in Retail Management in various

high street stores for seven years. I decided I wanted to work for myself and open my own boutique and I have never looked back.

WHAT PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE FUTURE OF THE BUSINESS? Our business is growing rapidly, and we are constantly on the lookout for new brands to always try and bring something new and exciting to our Stable Lane customer. We never sit still and constantly look for new and exciting ways to develop our business. Watch this space!

Barbara: I was a Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness franchisee for 13 years, teaching classes around the North Coast. Five years ago, I set up my own business as Zest Fitness. Covid made many changes and I decided to ‘retire’ from teaching fitness classes this year. I miss all the wonderful members I had but it’s lovely to see some of them pop into Stable Lane to say hello.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR STARTING OUT?

DO YOU ENJOY WORKING TOGETHER?

Hands on experience in your industry is essential and you must be prepared to put 110% into your business to make it successful to get the rewards that you want.

Yes! We work well together and often have different ideas but it's good to see each other's viewpoint. As a mother and daughter owned business, we like different styles, but we think this works well, appealing to all ages of customers.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING DURING YOUR TIME OFF? Jayne: Nothing beats a good coffee shop trip (brownie shop as my three-year-old son Alfie calls it!) We have a seven-month puppy called Marley who keeps us busy as well. Baby Our day starts from 8.30am when staff start number two is on the way at the end of the sorting our online orders and we prepare the year so I'll will be kept even busier! shop for opening. There is no typical day in Barbara: I enjoy fitness - I wear a Fitbit at work Stable Lane, but it always includes: customer and aim to do my 10,000 steps before the shop service in store and online, merchandising, closes. After work, I enjoy walking my dog Fudge window displays, sorting deliveries of new stock every day as well as going to a Reformer Pilates which arrive most days, social media, ordering class and doing a couple of home workouts stock online or buying trips, keeping up to date using weights every week if I can. with emails and of course… paperwork!

YOU'VE RECENTLY MOVED TO NEW business. During lockdown we relied on social PREMISES - HOW ARE YOU ENJOYING media to communicate to our customers.

THE NEW SPACE? DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY? It really is great to have more space to display our clothes and for our customers to shop. We also have developed a social media space and a website room which we didn't have before, and it makes such a difference to running our business.

HOW DID YOU COPE WITH LOCKDOWN - DID IT AFFECT YOUR BUSINESS? DID YOU TRADE ONLINE?

HOW DO YOU ACHIEVE A GOOD HOME/WORK LIFE BALANCE?

We were fortunate that we had an established website before lockdown, so we worked hard to keep that going and had great support from customers locally and further away.

During this time, we developed our own App to give our customers another platform for online shopping. It is lovely to meet customers who started to follow us on social media during lockdown and have now come to visit the store.

DESCRIBE YOUR TYPICAL CUSTOMER?

STABLE LANE HAS AN ACTIVE SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE - HOW IMPORTANT IS SOCIAL MEDIA TO YOUR BUSINESS?

WHAT DO YOU MOST LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

ARE THERE ANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE HELPED YOU ALONG THE WAY ON YOUR BUSINESS JOURNEY?

Meeting people and giving great customer service so the customer leaves the store with something they love that really suits them. Buying stock for the next season is also really exciting to see what's new for the year ahead and of course it's always great to see our customers wearing something from Stable Lane.

Our staff - we couldn't have built up our business without the support and ongoing dedication of our Stable Lane team. Also, our families - running your own business is not a 9 to 5 job and our families are always there at all times to help with everything and anything!

Social media from day one has been a big part of our business and, over the last two years especially, we have really utilised these platforms. Jayne does clothing ‘try-ons’ several times weekly, and this has really helped our

Being a mother and daughter owned business, we aim to attract ladies of varying ages who want to look and feel good in their clothes.

We try hard to make sure that our stock is affordable, and wearable - and we always encourage our customers to wear their clothes for various occasions whether dressy or casual.

It has been difficult the first few years not to take your work home with you but since moving premises this has got easier to a certain extent with a good team around us.

We will however still be buying stock online and having conference calls at 10pm for a while yet!

WE HAVE RELOCATED, FIND US AT

2-6 Stone Row | Coleraine | BT52 1EP | T: 028 703 55888 | E: stablelaneboutique@hotmail.com

Local Women Magazine | 19

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WORKING TOGETHER TO HELP LITTLE OLIVER

Ballymoney mum Vicki Blair tells Local Women about her hopes for the future of her adorable two-year-old son Oliver after he was born with a twisted malrotation of the bowel.

By Maibh Shiels Pictures by Samuel McMullan Laughing, smiling and full of personality, little Oliver Beverland is a typically mischievous little boy.

But the Ballymoney two-year-old has been through a lot in his short life after being born with a twisted malrotation of the bowel.

Despite surgery to sort the issue out, he still has feeding problems, and is still awaiting a diagnosis.

His mum, Vicki Blair, was a youth worker before the birth of her second son, Oliver. But, when Oliver was born, and the complications around his situation became clear, Vicki, 24, gave her job up to become a full-time mum and a carer for her baby boy.

When Oliver was first born, the initial feeding issues he had were believed to be severe reflux, but when the bowel problem was discovered, and then corrected, it seemed like it was all solved.

Soon, though, it was easy to see that the surgery was not the solution it was supposed to be. The feeding difficulties were not over, even if the reason for them wasn’t determined.

Vicki and little Oliver

He has a PEG, which is a sort of button, into his stomach and a jejunostomy, which goes into his bowel.

Currently, the closest thing Oliver has to a “He is also fed intravenously TPN, Total diagnosis is severe gut dismotility and 90 per Parenteral Nutrition, which is artificial food cent intestinal failure. The cause of both of via his central line. these things still has to be found.

“That goes straight to his heart, and is made Vicki says she would love to see her son up of his vitamins and nutrients, and he has a getting a proper diagnosis after two years of separate bag for fat to keep weight on. ups and downs.

“He is fed by TPN for 12 hours overnight, She says: “The twist in Oliver’s bowel was every night. He gets his tube feeding into the surgically corrected when he was nine weeks jejunostomy for 16 hours each day. old in the Royal Hospital, but since then he “Also, into his stomach he gets a blended can’t absorb food properly. diet once a day. That part’s new to us. He’s “There is still something wrong with his wee only been getting that for a few weeks. We’re bowel and he can’t absorb all of the nutrients hoping that gradually we’ll be able to build and vitamins and everything that he needs. the blended diet up and take some of the TPN “Currently, he is tube-fed two different ways. or jejunostomy away.”

22 | Local Women Magazine

All of this sounds complicated, and it is.

Connecting and disconnecting Oliver to his TPN via central line is tricky, as it needs to be completely sterile because it goes straight into his heart.

This alone takes two people, and a lot of this falls to Oliver’s family, especially his mum Vicki. Now, as restrictions relax, they are trying to get more family members trained up to help take care of Oliver.

“That would mean that if his grannies wanted to take him and his brother out for a day, they could do that.”

While for most families, taking children for days out is something simple, taking Oliver away, along with his four-year-old brother, is a lot more difficult.

“When you’re going somewhere , you need to

Vicky Blair along with 2yr old Oliver and his big brother Carson.

take everything with you,” Vicki shares.

When asked if there is any time when her positive attitude has been put to the test, Vicki admits there have been trying times.

“I do try my best not to just sit in the house, because that’s not fair on Oliver either. He needs to live.

“Last year after his daddy went back to work after the first lockdown, he was away almost 13 hours a day. That was difficult, but once I got used to it, it was okay. I think as Oliver grows older the whole thing will get easier.”

“But it is a lot more difficult. It takes more planning and time to get organised. Especially when you have other children, too.”

Things that most families take for granted are a gift to Oliver and those around him. Vicki’s attitude, though, is that Oliver deserves all those things too, even if they aren’t as easy to arrange.

Going on holidays, for example, means all of Oliver’s equipment needs to be moved.

Vicki says the TPN company are very good at “The ward became our second home, and sorting the shipping of the equipment for the we were in lockdown straight after. We were family, which helps. thinking, he has to experience things the They have booked to go to London in same way as any other child would.”

November time, which may come with its own difficulties and stresses, but will be something The mum and carer adds that Covid-19 the family can enjoy together like any other created anxiety for the family given Oliver’s condition. family would.

This determination carried through to Vicki’s charity effort in May of this year, when she walked 100 miles to raise money for ‘Helping Hands’, the Royal Victoria Hospital’s children’s charity.

She successfully completed the challenge, and gathered over £500 in donations for the charity, all to show appreciation for them taking care of her son.

While the hospital has been a great help, Oliver has been referred to Great Ormond Street Hospital in the hopes he will get a diagnosis after an in-depth study.

Vicki shares where this determination to do things comes from: “At the beginning we didn’t know what was wrong with him, and he was getting worse every day.

“Oliver is immunosuppressed, so we were very careful. One of his consultants wasn’t as worried because he has no respiratory issues, but we took more precautions anyway.”

Vicki talks of what this would mean for Oliver’s family, “It would give us an answer as to what life will be like in the future. Right now, we have no idea whether Oliver will be like this forever, or not.

“We didn’t know if we were going to lose him. He was in Causeway Hospital for five weeks and then transferred to RBHSC for nine months.

Oliver’s dad did contract Coronavirus in December last year but thankfully it did not pass onto Oliver. The family are relaxing and enjoying themselves as restrictions now ease.

“A diagnosis would mean we would know what way to go forward. It will determine whether he will be on TPN forever or gradually move off it. Small stuff like that will become clear.”

Local Women Magazine | 23

BACK TO BUSINESS AT THE WALLED CITY MARKET Summer shoppers enjoy a return to Derry City & Strabane District Council’s Walled City Market at Guildhall Square.

Pictures by Gerard Gormley

Maoliosa, Kayle & Dmirtri.

Donna, Grace & Denise.

Having a great time at the Walled Cuty Market.

Damien, Ruben & Paityn.

Caroline, Loki & Dickie.

Alexandra & Naomi.

Kathryn & Gerard.

24 | Local Women Magazine

Joanna & Caoimhe.

CHANGING THE FACE OF CONSTRUCTION George looking to buy something from Maureen & Catherine from Nature’s Heart.

Our vision is to create a ‘new normal’ in the construction industry; encouraging and enabling more women to get involved in this exciting industry

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Josh & Paddy.

We support and strengthen the success of women in the construction industry, providing bespoke training and helping them to gain the skills, knowledge and tools to enter and progress in the sector and to fulfil their full potential.

We assist contractors and clients to recruit highly motivated, trained and skilled women, helping to reduce skills gaps and promote gender equality in construction.

BENEFITS FOR WOMEN Advice - Personalised advice and guidance on training requirements and opportunities available in construction.

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Mayor of Derry & Strabane District Council Graham Warke with Margaret from Dohertys.

Jobs - Brokerage into jobs in the construction industry and continued support once in employment.

BENEFITS FOR CLIENTS The team from She Built It NI will support contractors and clients with: • Providing a direct flow of trained female construction operatives.

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www.shebuiltitni.com @shebuiltitni

she_built_it_ni

Sharade & Prabha.

Local Women Magazine | 25

ON THE MOVE WITH NI PROPERTY GIRL

NI Property Girl Eimear Gourley tells Local Women how you can make a great return from investing in property – even if you donʼt want to do anything!

Last month you read about me, and my business and I told you a little bit about how I can help those wishing to make money from property.

This month I am going to go into a bit more detail and show you how I have helped recent clients make great returns from investing in property. Some of my clients have had a little bit of input into the projects, while others have had no input at all!

If you follow me on Instagram (@ni_propertygirl) you will see pictures of some of my projects and some great before and after shots of recent refurbishments. Over the years I have worked on a wide variety of projects, from small houses which needed very little work to larger properties that have needed fully re-fitted.

Some are properties that are buy-to-lets, while others were ‘flipped’ on for a profit.

No matter your level of involvement, I am with you every step of the way with my team of dedicated professionals.

This month, I will show you some of my recent and ongoing projects – named after Northern Ireland’s best places to visit. You can continue to follow the journey on Instagram or LinkedIn (eimeargourley).

CASE STUDIES: MY PROJECTS PROJECT CIRCUS This two-bed terraced property was purchased for a client who leads a very busy life. They work extremely long hours and as much as they have always wanted to get into property investing, they simply did not have the time.

I met with them and after a fairly brief meeting, we agreed on what their investment criteria would be. By that I mean, how much they had to spend and how much money they wanted in their account every month after all the bills.

26 | Local Women Magazine

This property was purchased as a buy-tolet and the client wanted between £200 and £250 a month profit after bills.

The house was in pretty bad condition, and it got the full NI Property Girl treatment with a new bathroom, all new flooring, freshly plastered and painted walls, and new kitchen cabinets. I also had the team carry out some work outside with a new shed roof, fascia board and a general tidy up.

The client was extremely happy with the finished property, as were the new tenants who actually paid more than advertised for the rent, just to make sure they got it! Happy client - happy Eimear.

PROJECT CASTLE This is my most recent ‘flip’ - and my client is actually in the construction industry.

They are so busy in their own business that their property investing aspirations were always put on the back burner. Even when they did have a look for houses, they were not able to find anything suitable that met their criteria. They contacted me on social media and after a couple of meetings, they were signed up as a client and I was on the hunt!

This property is a three-bedroom terraced house which was purchased using cash and was in poor condition. The bathroom had PVC panelling which had holes punched in it. The kitchen had cabinets hanging off the walls and the floor had broken and loose-fitting tiles. The walls do have an interest in is making money throughout had holes in them and it was without having to do anything. These in pretty poor condition. clients invest money with my business for This house most definitely got my full a fixed period and they get an agreed treatment, with the kitchen repaired, return on an annual basis. The business new taps, new modern flooring, a new uses this money to invest in property and bathroom suite, fully tiled, new carpets to produce the client’s returns. upstairs and newly plastered walls as DIRECT HOUSE SALES we were met with horrific wallpaper that The other type of customer I take on would not come off without a fight! board are those wanting to sell their I am just about to have this one house to me. I then match these people advertised for my client, and we are with my list of qualified investors. Most of definitely looking at achieving some 50% these investors will be using cash to buy above their minimum investment criteria. the properties which allows for a swift This was another very happy client! and hassle-free selling process.

OTHER SERVICES NI PROPERTY GIRL OFFERS

Their property can be bought with no viewers apart from me and no sales falling through. I have bought several HANDS OFF INVESTMENT houses this year direct from homeowners This is a service I provide for a number who also benefit from no selling fees. of my clients. Some have absolutely no I have bought houses from landlords interest in property whatsoever. What they with sitting tenants, those with inherited

property and from those that just cannot be bothered with a long, drawn-out selling process. I find this a very satisfying part of the business as I love helping people and those that have been my customers have been extremely happy and grateful for the service.

CONTACT ME I hope this has helped you all understand my business a little more and if any of the above situations seem like something you would be interested in, then please reach out. Message me on any of my social media channels, send me an email or just pick up the phone and I will be happy to help. You will be seeing me more often over the next few months, where I will be sharing hints and tips about property investing in your Local Women Magazine.

Contact me today

M: 077 838 79534 E: eimear@keegoinvestments.co.uk @ni_propertygirl

linkedin.com/in/eimeargourley Local Women Magazine | 27

“I’M SO PROUD OF SÓ SOY” Starting her own successful candle making business ‘Só Soy’ from scratch in her parent’s kitchen has been a long journey of hard work and dedication for Hannah Magee. Local Women meets the young Bushmills entrepreneur who has created an exclusive range of beautifully scented and eco-friendly candles, reed diffusers, carpet fresheners and melts.

It was earlier this year, in the middle of yet another lockdown, after several years of combining a full-time job with her own part time business that Hannah Magee realised she had been burning the candle at both ends – if you’ll pardon the pun!

So, Hannah, 28, who is from the Giant’s Causeway near Bushmills, decided it was finally time to start focussing on her own candle making and wax melt business Só Soy and left the world of working for other people behind her.

The young entrepreneur combines her love of scents with a passion for environmentally friendly business practises at Só Soy and she handmakes all her own products.

Initially starting at her parent’s kitchen table, Hannah has now expanded and has a studio at Acorn Business Premises in Ballymoney which she opens as a shop on Saturdays.

Although she is extremely busy and works long hours, Hannah is delighted with her decision to work for herself and has no regrets about quitting her job in the middle of a pandemic.

She says: “I’m so proud of myself. Creating my own business from scratch is something it wasn’t as easy as I first thought. I stuck at it and after a lot of trial and error, Só I can’t quite believe some days.”

Soy was born in October 2016 and is still Local Women catches up with Hannah growing to this day. (who in the middle of July’s heatwave, was prepping for the Christmas rush!) to WHAT IS THE CONCEPT BEHIND find out more about her beautiful range YOUR BUSINESS? of products which are all handmade in I love to create products that are both aesthetically pleasing and smell great; Co Antrim. this was something that I struggled to find TELL US HOW YOU CAME TO START before I created Só Soy. I want people YOUR BUSINESS? to experience a little armchair travel I first started to make candles out of sheer in their home with each fragrance and curiosity and a love for fragrance. I soon the memories they evoke. I knew early realised the work that goes into it, and on that I wanted to use soy wax as a

base for candles and wax melts, and I only use wax from suppliers who are responsibly and ethically minded. Even as a small business, I know how important it is to make conscious choices; I use ecofriendly packaging and even work with a company who recycle leftover wax.

A FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR STARTING OUT? I managed to create Só Soy without any help, and although I’m proud of that, if I were to do it all again, I would be sure to utilise help that’s available. With more women choosing to be entrepreneurs, there’s more help and support available than ever. I’ve also discovered so many other female-owned businesses through social media; there’s a great network of support both locally and worldwide at your fingertips.

HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU FROM INITIAL IDEA FOR YOUR BUSINESS TO ACTUALLY TRADING? I’d say the best part of a year. I spent a lot of time researching techniques, tools, and safety regulations to ensure I was 100% happy with the products before launching. As a designer, the branding came to me quite quickly and before I knew it the brand was born. It was a real learning curve, but I had a lot of fun.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING DURING YOUR TIME OFF? What’s time-off!? This is something that I struggle with, with Instagram playing a big part in my sales, I always find it difficult to switch off and put the phone down.

When I do take time off, I’ll probably be spending it with my other half, chilling out and bingeing Netflix. I do find that if I have a quiet period (doesn’t happen often!), my brain will normally scramble up a new fragrance, or product idea. I’m always thinking about what’s next.

WHAT IS YOUR WORK BACKGROUND? When I started Só Soy I was working as a visual merchandiser, a sales assistant, and a lingerie fitter. I then progressed to a graphic designer, and most recently I was a PA for NHSCT during the pandemic. I’ve taken skills learned from each of these jobs and transferred them to Só Soy. I’d always worked a full-time job alongside Só Soy until February 2021 when I left work to become full time self-employed. I think the pandemic put a lot into perspective for me; too many nights I’d spent burning the candle at both ends!

and friends for their thoughts. Fragrance ARE THERE ANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE is such a personal thing and I like to make HELPED YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY TO sure I have something for everyone.

BECOME A BUSINESS OWNER?

DO YOU MAKE THE CANDLES YOURSELF? Yes. Every single product I make myself.

HOW DID YOU COPE WITH LOCKDOWN I started initially in my parent’s kitchen - DID IT AFFECT YOUR BUSINESS? in 2015 pre-launch and have recently The lockdown actually had quite a positive effect on my business. Although I was still working full time, the lack of social life gave me more time to spend focused on Só Soy on the weekends and evenings. I also found an increase in gift orders for loved ones; although writing some of the gift messages was heart breaking, it was lovely to see how people supported each other during such a difficult time.

moved to my Ballymoney based studio.

DO YOU HAVE PLANS TO EXPAND YOUR RANGE? Currently I’m finalising Christmas (yes in mid-Summer), and I have a little surprise up my sleeve for the Autumn.

DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY?

A typical day is usually unboxing, ordering supplies, pouring candles, post office runs, click and collects and sorting out admin. Every day is different and as CAN YOU TALK US THROUGH YOUR a sole business owner, I have to wear a PRODUCT RANGE? lot of hats. When I leave the studio, the Currently the Só Soy collection consists of work still continues. I’ll constantly be candles, wax melts, reed diffusers, and drafting social media posts, updating the the latest addition is carpet freshener. website, or answering emails at night.

Every product is available in nine fragrances, with the bestselling being WHAT DO YOU MOST LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB? ‘Black Coffee, Jasmine & Vanilla.’

I’ve always been a very creative person WHAT INSPIRES THE SCENTS? so the choice to create any fragrance or Family plays a big influence, including my product I want is so exciting. mum’s signature perfume. I never launch a fragrance without asking my family WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO

Yes, my mum and dad because for a long time they put up with me taking over the family kitchen to make candles and almost every room in the house was used for storage. I have two younger sisters who are also a big support to me, whether it’s fragrance feedback, sharing my social media posts, or covering for me in the shop. Lastly, my other half Jason who is my biggest supporter, and always manages to pick me up when I’m stressed or struggling with self-doubt. Not one of them questioned my decision to quit my fulltime job this year mid-pandemic, their belief in me means so much; I couldn’t do it without them.

All products are available to buy at www.sosoy.co.uk and at the Ballymoney shop each Saturday from 11am-3pm.

(Unit 17 Phase 1, 2 Riada Avenue, Acorn Business Centre, BT53 7LH). Weekday collections or shop visits are available to book on www.sosoy.co.uk. There is also a range of NI and ROI stockists that are available to view on the website. Facebook: /sosoycandles, Instagram: @sosoycandles

Local Women Magazine | 29

Fountain of Youth with added tan remover

RELAX AND BATHE AWAY YOUR STRESSES WITH MERMAID COVE’S NEW RANGE OF BATH BOMBS CREATED FOR YOUR WELLBEING. A new luxurious bath bomb range has been created by Mermaid Cove in Derry, inspired by nature and packed full of natural ingredients.

reduce swelling of the skin, fight blackheads and eliminate blemishes. Contains essential oils of Clary Sage , Lavender, Rose Geranium and Tea Tree.

Named ‘The Fountain of Youth’ range each bath bomb contains minerals and vitamins as well as a fake tan removing formula.

OCEAN BALNEOTHERAPY BATH BOMB

Working with their cosmetic chemist Mermaid Cove created the bath bombs which mimic a hot spring experience in your bath, moving around under the water stopping occasionally and releasing micro mineral bubbles on the surface.

ruby grapefruit, geranium, jasmine, and tangerine.

The bath bombs were inspired by the Fountain of Youth - a mythical spring that restores the youth of anyone who bathes in its waters.

These are intended for adults only and are a luxury high-end product for anyone serious about skin care and giving their skin a spa treatment of moisture and active anti-ageing ingredients.

The range contains anti-ageing properties as well as vitamins and minerals which promote health and wellbeing.

They may look simple but the results are anything but.

come in a range of fragrances each with their own unique properties.

Embrace and love your skin but fight ageing every step of the way with this skin-loving blend of exotic oils, vitamins, sea minerals, and marine collagen.

Stunningly beautiful and luxurious bath bombs packed with ocean minerals, Celtic seaweed, essential oils, exotic tropical butters, and magnesium.

This formula leaves the skin feeling silky, refreshed, and relaxed. The concept behind this bomb is to mimic the popular Euro-spa balneotherapy soaks that have been in use for centuries. This is a slowrelease formula that fizzes away gently with a light foaming action.

Not your average bath bomb formulae, this one has added Marine Collagen, Magnesium, Vitamins A, C, E, oils of almond, argan, coconut, and sea buckthorn with essential oils of sandalwood,

Embrace and love your skin but fight ageing every step of the way with this skin-loving blend of sandalwood, grapefruit, geranium, tangerine and ylang.

ANTI-AGEING SKIN LOVE The high-end luxury bath bombs are vegan and BALNEOTHERAPY BATH BOMB

These products are an excellent fake tan remover

COLLAGEN KISS - ANTI-AGEING SKIN LOVE BALNEOTHERAPY BATH BOMB

CLEAR SKIN BALNEOTHERAPY BOMB

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Stunningly beautiful and luxurious bath bombs packed with ocean minerals, Celtic seaweed, essential oils, exotic tropical butters, and magnesium.

This formula leaves the skin feeling silky, refreshed, and relaxed. The concept behind this bomb is to mimic the popular Euro-spa balneotherapy soaks that have been in use for centuries. This is a slowrelease formula that fizzes away gently with a light foaming action.

The scent on this variety is a fresh ocean marine scent with shades of briny seaweed.

RELAX BALNEOTHERAPY BATH BOMB Stunningly beautiful and luxurious bath bombs packed with ocean minerals, Celtic seaweed, essential oils, exotic tropical butters, and magnesium.

This formula leaves the skin feeling silky, refreshed, and relaxed. The concept behind this bomb is to mimic the popular Euro-spa balneotherapy soaks that have been in use for centuries. This is a slowrelease formula that fizzes away gently with a light foaming action.

In such a busy world it is important to take time out to relax, but it is rare that we actually get to really relax and unwind. Sit comfortably, play music softly, shut your eyes and relax with this blissful blend. Contains essential oils of lavender, patchouli, mandarin, marjoram, geranium, and chamomile.

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The concept behind this bomb is to mimic the popular Euro-spa balneotherapy soaks that have been in use for centuries. This is a slow-release formula that fizzes away gently with a light foaming action.

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“THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE” As a volunteer with a suicide prevention charity Orlaith Deane is one of ‘Derry’s Angels’. But it’s her own experiences of trauma and loss which drive her to help others.

By Mandi Millar Derry woman Orlaith Deane is one of many people in the city for whom its river is an everpresent reminder of loss.

Orlaith Deane with fellow volunteers at suicide prevention charity Maiden City River Watch

Her family still lives in the shadow of suicide having lost an uncle to the Foyle 20 years ago.

But now, as a volunteer with suicide prevention charity Maiden City River Watch, she’s part of team which patrols the river offering support to people like him before it’s too late.

In helping to save other people’s lives, though, she’s saving her own too for although she’s only 23, Orlaith’s faced more than most in a lifetime beset by trauma, anxiety, addiction and all its attendant mental health issues since childhood.

“Many of the people we encounter are at rock bottom. I’ve been there too, when it seems easier to give up,” says Orlaith.

“Although I was very young when my uncle went off the Foyle Bridge I’ve still grown up with the huge knock-on effects on my father’s family. It’s destroyed other lives too.

“That’s part of the reason I think I developed anxiety. I’ve been at that point where we find many of the people we meet on patrol, but I think that’s what gives me the place in my heart which drives me to do this.”

Orlaith’s mental health problems date back to her early teens: “I started noticing depression around puberty. It was very difficult. Your head’s changing, menstruation comes along, and I wasn’t coping well.

“I’d lived through trauma since childhood, through family issues, and I had to be an SUPPORTED BY

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adult before I was ready. That was scary.

I had counselling from then for a long time,” says Orlaith who admits she was a rebellious teenager.

“Around 15 I started drinking as an escape from reality and left home before I was 16 which was a massive strain on my family.

“My drinking escalated so I could barely function sometimes and that added to my anxiety, so it was a vicious circle.”

Ironically though it’s the very trauma she’s faced and survived which Orlaith believes allows her to empathise and gain the trust of people at their lowest ebb.

“I’ve met people out there who are on that same journey, and they’ve opened up to me because I can tell them, yes I’ve been there,” she says.

“I wish I could tell them it’s easy to overcome their situation. I can’t. But I can tell them it gets better once you learn how to cope.

“I can’t know how someone feels but at least I can understand how their emotions might be impacting on them,” says Orlaith who’s faced life and death scenarios on the banks and bridges of the Foyle.

“I’d love to say I don’t often get involved where someone is actually in the act of trying to end their lives, but I can’t.

“I remember one man wasn’t making any headway with our male volunteers and I was called in. He literally had one foot on the railing and was clinging to the other as best he could.

“I finally got him to tell me his name, got a smile then a laugh out of him and eventually we had a positive outcome.

Orlaith Deane

“But we do lose people and we were all deeply we look after both other people’s and our affected by the loss of one woman we’d dealt own mental health and we have close links with a range of mental health agencies in the with a number of times. city,” continues Orlaith, who still battles her “She said she was our ‘Number One fan’ and own demons. called us ‘Derry’s Angels’. She came down to the river when she knew we wouldn’t be “There are still times I trap myself in my bed there and ended her life. She’d decided it because I can’t face the day because of was her time to go -though there’s times I still anxiety but now no matter how I’m feeling find myself looking out for her,” says Orlaith I get up, showered, put on my uniform and who’s found a second family among her get out there. It’s a great motivator for me – a lifesaver! fellow team members.

“But I think because I know what that feels like it allows me to empathise on a different level and when someone I meet on the river asks why so many bad things are happening to them, I try to turn it around and put into action “No matter what we’ve been through out the coping mechanisms I use. there we always have each other to talk to.

We undergo continual training too ensuring “I try to bring in a bit of sass. When I feel “We’ve all ended up in scenarios we never dreamed of and that can bring up old feelings of personal trauma, but the team support is spectacular.

like that, I challenge those negative feelings to bring it on, I stand my ground, run at it and face it down because I know I can get through it.

“I can tell people first-hand that once they do get through a bad patch, they’ve got to remember what that feeling is like and hold onto it for that’s what’ll keep them going. I can tell them that from the heart,” says Orlaith who admits the demands of the river watch are a huge commitment for volunteers.

“But I’ve sat in A&E too many times now with friends who’ve been suicidal. I had to do something for the city is heartbroken.

“The saddest thing though is that this tragedy continues but if we can show even some people there is always hope then at least that’s one heartbreak less.”

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Limavady Local Women Magazine | 33

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON… As demand for home interiors continues to soar, it’s time to start thinking about Christmas!

will also ensure that your room has a cohesive designer look.

As the summer comes to an end, whether we like it or not, the countdown is on to Christmas!

Home interior consultation appointments are limited and require advance booking.

To find out more information on our design service call in store or contact us through our social media accounts @houstonhomewares.

After a year and a half of massive demand in the home improvements and interior design sector, this is likely to continue and even ramp up as we get to the end of the year.

As demand for goods and services remains high, it has never been more important to plan ahead. In short if you want a room ‘done for Christmas’ the time to act is now.

At Houston Homewares, in addition to our interior design service, we offer free instore design advice and supply a large range of products including wall coverings, fabrics, furniture, lighting, wall decor and home accessories. Sourcing of larger furniture, sofas, dining tables and chairs, sideboards etc can be done in store without an appointment. With suppliers across the UK, Ireland, and the rest of Europe we can

source a wide variety of unique furniture and decorative items.

Clever styling can transform a room making it much more aesthetically pleasing.

If you already have the perfect piece of furniture or built-in cabinetry but are struggling with how to style it, then simply take a picture of the area and call in-store for some educated assistance.

The finishing touches make all the difference, so let us help you create that wow factor with the accessories.

For larger projects, our interior design service includes a home consultation, colour scheme building, product sourcing and mood boards showing your room concept. Having the scheme planned out for you to sign off before ordering anything not only helps save the stress of doing it yourself, traveling the country trying to find wallpaper, fabric, furniture etc and

34 | Local Women Magazine

EXERCISE – THE ULTIMATE SELF CARE

The experts at Benmore Nutrition and Fitness can help you discover the power of movement and introduce exercise to your life for lifelong wellbeing.

HAVE YOU EVER BEGUN A FITNESS REGIME SOLELY TO LOSE WEIGHT?

STEP 5: GIVE

Moving more certainly can contribute to this goal but it is not a requirement. The benefits of exercising stretch way beyond this and offer us many things that enable our bodies, minds, souls, and communities to thrive.

Moving regularly can have a direct and positive impact on our wellbeing. The buzz term self care, which in my mind is all the things we do to achieve our level of wellbeing, often gets diluted to refer to the wine, chocolates, and bubble baths that we might indulge in as part of relaxation. Whilst these are fun and have a place in our leisure time, in reality there is really only so much they can do for our wellbeing in the long term.

I love the quote by Nadia Narain and Katia Narain Phillips in their book, Self Care for the Real World: “Self care means being switched on, fully present and engaged in your life. It's the opposite of switching off and retreating from the world. Ignoring your own needs leaves you depleted, but self care will energise and recharge you.”

Movement is one of many self care activities that can help us achieve great wellbeing. The Public Health Agency (PHA) published its 5 steps to wellbeing and define it as "feeling good and functioning well".

It makes sense, right?! If we feel good and function well both physically and mentally then we probably consider ourselves to have good wellbeing.

Pictures by Oliver Hegarty from Islander Visual Media.

The PHA goes on to list the five steps and they're a great way to demonstrate the power of movement in our lives...

STEP 1: CONNECT

Our choice of exercise can involve the very rewarding actions of giving our time and skills to others e.g., being a member of a sports team, gym community or by taking an elderly relative out for a walk. But, by regularly committing to any exercise (with others or alone) we are giving to ourselves. This is an incredibly important action that can increase our sense of selfworth and allow us to recognise our own value by acknowledging our needs. True self care indeed!

So, find something that you love doing and do it regularly. Perhaps even do it with someone else.

If you're also getting a boost of Vitamin D and out there immersed in the green stuff, then all the better for it too!

Movement in all its forms can enable us to connect with individuals, groups, animals, nature, and our surroundings. Nurturing these relationships is both enriching and supportive to us as human beings. We are social creatures at our very core.

STEP 2: KEEP LEARNING Stimulating the grey matter gives us focus and interests to carry us along. Whether you're learning a new sport, physical skill or about the wildlife on your recent walk the challenge and new material keeps things fresh, and exciting. Every day's a school day!

STEP 3: BE ACTIVE By virtue of moving, we are being active. It really doesn't matter what we do - just find something you love and can commit to doing regularly. Whether it's team sports, hiking, water sports, dancing, yoga... just schedule some time to do it.

STEP 4: TAKE NOTICE When we engage in a physical activity we focus and often without realising it are practising mindfulness.

Speaking from experience, it's hard to think of much else when in the middle of a heavy deadlift or a set of pull-ups! In that moment I truly connect with myself and what I'm doing. It's a great stress-buster and brings a sense of space and accomplishment too.

GET INSPIRED AT AN EXCLUSIVE RETREAT Movement is just one of the spokes in the wellbeing wheel but it's one in everyone's gift, whatever your level of ability and fitness. What matters is that you find a way of moving and frequency that suit you and give your body what it needs. If you're keen for some movement inspiration, get in touch regarding a very exclusive retreat we are co-hosting with Sally Laverty Physiotherapy and Blackrock House B&B on the North Coast in late September!

Benmore CrossFit is situated at 11b Ann Street, Ballycastle.

www.benmorenutritionfitness.com For more about Benmore Nutrition and Fitness:

Email address: hello@benmorenutritionfitness.com @benmorenutritionfitness

benmore_nutritionfitness Local Women Magazine | 35

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

www.bladesandbeauty.co.uk Model: Katie Channing | Images and Styling: Blades and Beauty | Assisted by: Niamh and Keeva Goodchild Photographer: Kevin Cobb | Collection: Fightbladesandbeauty for Freedom – The Fairy’s Wish bladesandbeauty

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Summer Sparkle at the Diamond

McCloys at the Diamond in Kilrea have some very special new arrivals that will give you the dazzle you deserve this summer. first month while we get to grips with the hundreds of toppers and jewellery, before launching online at www.mccloyskilrea.com with the rest of our jewellery brands. Our display is mesmerising and every time I walk past, yet another gem catches my eye! Don’t forget to pop in to see us and check Qudo out this month!

Introducing Qudo We’ve been extremely busy throughout July, welcoming in lots of new and exciting products to offer to you at the Diamond in Kilrea.

We have been patiently waiting to welcome our new jewellery brand to McCloys. If you haven’t already seen through our social media channels, we are now stockists of the gorgeous Qudo Interchangeable Jewellery. For those of you that maybe haven’t heard of Qudo as of yet, this is a range where you can personalise your interchangeable items by changing the coloured stone toppers. Qudo jewellery is designed for interchangeability, allowing you to effortlessly update your colour and style with their innovative gem tops. This beautiful brand, handmade in Germany, is a dazzler, I am sure from looking at the images you’ll see why!

We are stocking jewellery in both silver a n d rose gold, including interchangeable necklaces, bracelets and bangles as well as the iconic rings. Additionally, we have the beautiful Eternity

In the meantime, remember that you can shop our other wonderful jewellery brands online for click and collect or UK-wide tracked delivery, such as Nomination Italy, Rebecca, Pilgrim and Life Charms.

big spacer rings in stock in both the crystal and rainbow colours. These are breathtaking and the perfect blingy addition to your Qudo ring stack.

Our Qudo collection has just hit our shelves in store and will be exclusively available in store for the

Get pearly white teeth with Spotlight In other news, another brand-new range is Spotlight Oral Care. This Irish company, specialising in everything teeth-related, was created in 2016 by two sisters who are dentists. Their range of products combines the latest advances in oral care research with the highest quality of ingredients. They identified a gap in the market as their patients struggled to find safe and effective oral care products, that contained clinically proven active ingredients to target their dental needs, and so Spotlight Oral Care was born.

We are stocking a great range of their products such as their Teeth Whitening Strips, which comes with a free Teeth Whitening Toothpaste, and also available for men too, with sleek black packaging and larger teeth whitening strips.

Additionally, we have Teeth Whitening

Pens, Rebuilding Toothpaste, a Sonic Toothbrush as well as a Pregnancy Toothpaste with folic acid and sodium fluoride to name a few more products.

Call in and our helpful staff will advise you on the different products. Their packaging is beautiful and the products are so well presented, these would make great gifts as well.

Light up your senses Last but certainly not least, in July we launched our own range of candles, ‘The Fairythorne Candle Company’. To celebrate our 20 years at McCloys, we wanted to create something that connected to our local heritage, and what better symbol that the famous fairy thorn tree located in Church Street.

Irish legend has it that it is bad luck to meddle with a fairy thorne and so Kilrea’s fairy thorne tree has withstood the test of time as one of our town’s landmarks.

With the four scents that are currently available, we hope that lighting one of our Fairythorne Candles will sprinkle some peaceful, hopeful, graceful and joyful fairy thorne magic your way! Let us know which is your favourite scent once you’ve smelled all four candles in store!

Follow us on social media or subscribe to our email list (via the website www.mccloyskilrea.com or Instagram) to keep up to date with what fabulous new jewellery brands are coming to Kilrea!

A BEAR-Y GOOD IDEA FOR A , CHILDREN S PARTY! Joanne Brown, owner of Crafty Teddies, loves to see the excitement on the faces of children at birthday parties as they hand make their very own Teddy Bears. The Ballykelly mum talks to Local Women about her creative party planning business.

If you call into Joanne Brown’s house, you’ll likely find her surrounded by fur and fluff!

For the mum-of-three from Ballykelly runs a ‘bear-y’ successful business called ‘Crafty Teddies’ where she creates soft toy making kits for children’s parties.

Joanne’s crafty parties where children make their own cuddly toys have been a huge hit and her services are very much in demand for birthday parties and community events.

With Joanne’s guidance children (and of course adults!) can make their very own teddy bears, which is an enjoyable activity and also very rewarding.

So now Joanne’s days are spent preparing her furry friends for their new homes –

sorting out bear skins, making sure there is enough stuffing and packing up the bear making kits ready for the children to make them at parties.

Mum-of-three Joanne, 47, hit upon the idea for Crafty Teddies when she spotted a gap in the market for planning children’s parties.

Previously she had worked for cosmetics brand Virgin Vie and held make up parties in people’s homes which they really enjoyed. She wanted to create a home party package for children and the idea for Crafty Teddies was formed.

Not only are Joanne’s teddies a hit with kids but couples have been using her services for gender reveals and as entertainment for children at weddings.

What’s more, Joanne really loves her job, as she gets to spend time doing what she enjoys.

Here she talks to Local Women about the pathway to setting up her own business.

TELL US HOW YOU CAME TO START YOUR BUSINESS? I always wanted to start my own business and knew I had a desire to work with children. I had previous experience in party plan work, and I spent every evening when my youngest daughter, who was then aged four, was in bed Googling d i f f e r e n t business ideas and options.

I

understood after having three children that there was a gap in the market for kids’ party options. I wanted to offer something creative, fun and memorable and also something environmentally friendly to eliminate the junk from party bags filling our landfill.

WHAT IS THE CONCEPT BEHIND YOUR BUSINESS? To offer a fun, creative and memorable activity for birthday parties, weddings and community and youth events.

WHAT SERVICES DO YOU OFFER? ● Individual bear making kits in two sizes (10”/15”) ● Bear outfits in two sizes (10”/15”) ● Bear making workshops ● Kids’ parties/events ● Gender reveal bears ● Heartbeat recorder bears ● Voice recorder bears

HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU FROM INITIAL IDEA FOR YOUR BUSINESS TO ACTUALLY TRADING? It took approximately three months to source a reliable and good quality supplier, set up social media accounts and complete a ‘Go For It’ programme.

WHAT IS YOUR WORK BACKGROUND? I have been a civil servant since 1995 and had previous party plan experience with Virgin Vie.

WHAT TRAINING DO YOU HAVE? Being a mummy! Three kids later I understand how to communicate effectively with children and have fun.

HOW DID YOU COPE WITH LOCKDOWN - DID IT AFFECT YOUR BUSINESS? Lockdown had a positive impact on our business with children being home and parents and community groups seeking fun, safe and creative activities for the kids to complete at home during this difficult time.

DO YOU HAVE PLANS TO EXPAND YOUR RANGE? Yes! We will be expanding our range on a regular basis and will be introducing our website very soon.

DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY? A typical day involves my living room floor being completely covered in "Friday was the SECOND time Joanne paid a visit to our group and what an AMAZING time we all had,. Even some of our parent joined in. The finished teddies are beautiful..."

Myra Canning

bear stuffing, bear skins in every corner of every room, answering customer queries, keeping on top of social media, packing orders and bribing my children to help out in any way possible!

DESCRIBE YOUR TYPICAL CUSTOMER? Our typical customers tend to be mothers, grannies or anyone involved with youth groups, nurseries or summer schemes etc.

"Excellent service, the bear packs arrived super quick and were really easy to make. My 6 year old twin girls had great fun making rhese and will treasure their rainbow bears. Thank you. Would highly recommend,

Christina Shiels

WHAT DO YOU MOST LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB? I love the excitement when I arrive at a venue and the kids are super excited to see the range of bears and start the activity! I also love seeing the kids cuddle their new furry friend and I get great satisfaction when I’m out and about and see Crafty Teddies’ bears which are years old still being loved and cherished.

WHAT PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE FUTURE OF THE BUSINESS? I want to expand my business further throughout the UK and I want my business to grow and allow me to recruit staff.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR STARTING OUT? I would advise a female entrepreneur to believe in herself and her ability to grow a viable business and most importantly to enjoy what she does.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING DURING YOUR TIME OFF? I love to spend time with family & enjoying every moment with my new granddaughter, Claragh. I also enjoy keeping active and love runs and walks - and who doesn’t enjoy a series on Netflix?

HOW DO YOU ACHIEVE A GOOD HOME/WORK LIFE BALANCE? Due to Crafty Teddies work being done from home sometimes this can be difficult, however family time is set aside every Sunday.

ARE THERE ANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE HELPED YOU WITH YOUR JOURNEY TO BECOMING A BUSINESS OWNER? From day one my mum, Margaret has been Crafty Teddies’ biggest support! She assisted at larger events and helps prep large orders.

My daughter, Chloe is a real unpaid asset to the business as she takes control of our social media accounts and also attends parties and workshops when required. Rebecca, who is only 10, has helped add fun to birthday parties and local events. Most Saturdays she’s up and ready with her Crafty Teddies uniform on but unlike Chloe, she charges £5 an hour!

You can place an order via Facebook or Instagram messenger and payment can be completed via PayPal or bank transfer.

T: 07515 772115 | E: craftyteddies@outlook.com @bearmakingfun

craftyteddies Local Women Magazine | 41

MAGNETIX: “THE BEST DECISION I EVER MADE” Local Women Wellness Columnist and Magnetix Consultant Karen Acheson’s own experiences of suffering from chronic pain inspired her to try magnetic therapy – with some excellent results.

NORTHERN IRELAND & DONEGAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

It seems like no time at all since I wrote my first column for Local Woman - it’s hard to believe that it was six months ago.

As this is my final month, I feel it is fitting to do a general summary of how I discovered Magnetix Wellness and how it has worked for me personally.

After a 30-year career in nursing, I had ongoing back problems. Back in the 80s and 90s there were no hoists or slide sheets available. It was all physical manual handling and I’m sure many of you reading this from a caring background will remember the ‘fireman’s lift’ and the ‘Australian lift.’ All hard on the joints, especially the lower back.

I had minor back surgery in 2003 but after a car accident in 2011 where I suffered a broken back, I had immense back pain.

Though recovery was slow I managed to relieve the pain by using morphine, tramadol, and anti-inflammatory medication.

Knowing the damage prolonged use of drugs do to the body’s organs, particularly the liver, I was determined to find an alternative way to ease the aches and pains.

A close friend introduced me to magnetic therapy in the form of a ‘Powerheart’ and truthfully, I have never looked back. It was the best decision I ever made and after I found that this product undoubtedly took the edge of the pain, I increased therapy by purchasing more products and decreased the prescribed medication.

Over a period of nine months, I was able to stop tablets completely and I now wear a Powerheart, three bracelets, earrings, a necklace and use the insoles, as well as the newest product to the range, the CBD oil.

It’s almost five years since I started magnetic therapy and I now rarely need medication. It never ceases to amaze me how much positive feedback I get from customers, and it genuinely seems to work for approximately 90% of people.

I always encourage new customers to give it a chance to work as it can take up to 21 days to feel the benefits and products need to be worn for a minimum of eight hours daily.

Commitment and stickability is essential.

NB. People with pacemakers, any medical devices with a battery and also pregnant ladies need to check with their medical professional before using Magnetix.

I’ve found that it’s good to listen to people’s individual health issues as this enables me to give the best advice possible.

Conditions that magnetic therapy has helped with range from arthritis, back pain, fibro and polymyalgia, PMT, hot flushes, fatigue and many more.

If you wish to chat, please feel free to ring me any Tuesday or Thursday evening between 7-10pm on the number below.

HOW TO ORDER Please feel free to contact me any Tuesday or Thursday evenings between 7-10pm to discuss best products for individual needs.

Telephone 07872558486 Check out my Facebook page to view live recordings and get more info on “Karen Acheson Magnetix.”

Browse my online shop at www.Karen.magnetix-wellness.com HOW TO PAY By card over the phone, online bank transfer or PayPal. Minimum charge for p+p.

42 | Local Women Magazine

View my portfolio at

www.jamesaikenphotography.com jamesaikenphotography_

@jamesaikenphotography.ni

‘A TASTE OF HOME’ WITH YELLAMAN HONEYCOMB VODKA LIQUEUR

Inspired by the traditional sweet treat Yellow Man From Ballycastle’s world famous Auld Lammas Fair, newly launched YellaMan Honeycomb Vodka Liqueur is a taste of the North Coast.

Local drinks company Niche Drinks have been manufacturing and exporting their range of Irish Cream Liqueurs for over 35 years and now they are trying to bring a local favourite to a wider audience.

Managing Director Ciaran Mulgrew explains: “When I was a kid, we spent a lot of time up in Ballycastle and I always loved the Auld Lamas Fair and in particular Yellow Man - the hard boiled honeycomb sweet that you find all around the North Coast.

“Over the years I always thought it would be a great flavour to put into a liqueur and that’s where the idea behind ‘YellaMan Honeycomb Vodka Liqueur’ came from – it’s a fantastic honeycomb, and burnt

caramel flavour which really comes through on the nose and on your palate.”

YellaMan has been launched locally by Drinks Inc. and Mulgrew has high SEE OUR REVIEW IN NEXT hopes for it. “When MONTH’S LOCAL people drink a vodka, the alcohol content at WOMEN 37.5% is quite high and all people really get on their palate is the alcohol burn and no flavour. YellaMan is a vodka liqueur which means it is at a lower alcohol level and that makes it easier to taste the flavours in the product, hopefully people will enjoy it.”

YellaMan – it’s honeycomb with a sting.

YellaMan Cocktails YellaMan is as mixable as you can get If you can think of a cocktail, you can YellaMan it.

For a full list of stockists check out our social media at

yellamanhoneycombliqueur @yellamanhoneycombliqueur

Local Women Magazine | 43

CELEBRATIONS FOR BALLYCASTLE LADIES Lady golfers from Ballycastle Golf Club enjoyed the recent Captain’s Day. Pictures by Samuel McMullan

Lady Cpt Rosemary Morton hands over the Back 9 award to Muriel Jones.

Lady Cpt Rosemary Morton presents the Section Two award to 1st placed Bridie McConville.

Terri Hendrie receives the Front 9 award from Lady Cpt Rosemary Morton.

Anne Marie Shearer (left) receives the Lady Visitors award from Lady Cpt Rosemary Morton.

Lady Captain’s Day Overall winner, Bernie Hegarty, receives her awards from Lady Cpt Rosemary Morton .

Lady Cpt Rosemary Morton presents Doreen Reid with the Committee Prize.

Mary Duffin, 1st in Section One receives her award from Lady Cpt Rosemary Morton.

Ballycastle Ladies Golf Club Captain, Rosemary Morton (right) presents the Longest Drive prize to Linda Busby.

Lady Cpt Rosemary Morton presents the Men’s Guest award to Chris Loughrey.

Libby Munnis receives the Section Two 2nd prize from Lady Cpt Rosemary Morton.

Ladies 8 hole winner, Joy Plumb receives her prize from Lady Cpt Rosemary Morton.

Susan Crawford receives the ‘Nearest the Pin’ award from Lady Cpt Rosemary Morton.

Rosie McCrea receives her Section One 2nd placed award from Lady Cpt Rosemary Morton.

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Latest collections now arriving wit h lots of new and exciting designer dr esses from Essense of Aus and Maggie tralia Sottero.

Bespoke Floral Designs at Blossom & Birch

Antiques & Collectables

For sale instore now raging from one off furniture to antique jewellery

Blossom & Birch

Beemobile

Coming to Ballymena soon

Blossom & Birch Flowers by Shannon Ormandy 4 Church Street, Ballymoney, BT53 6DL

Blossom & Birch The Flower Shack 36a Broughshane Street, Ballymena BT43 6EB

Wedding Boutique Blossom&Birch Wedding Centre Randalstown

NEW LINES ARRIVING INSTORE AND ONLINE DAILY

SHOP NEW SEASON LINES NOW AT

daisymaeboutiqueni.co.uk 10 Kingsgate Street, Coleraine, BT52 1LB | Tel: 028 7055 6020

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“WE REALLY CAN CHANGE LIVES” The stakes don’t come any higher for Fermanagh’s Charlene Mullan whose work with Action for Children can make the difference between life and death for young people there.

By Mandi Millar ‘I just can’t believe this is my life now!’ beamed the young woman as she stood on the cusp of a bright new future.

In her 19 years Kelly (not her real name) had been shunted from pillar to post as she chased her childhood through the care system.

By the time she reached Action for Children’s local Supported Living Accommodation she had lost all faith in the process.

“Initially we struggled to engage with Kelly, so I sat down and asked her why,” says Charlene Mullan, participation worker in Action for Children’s Sperrin and Lakeland Floating Support Service.

“She rhymed off the litany of placements she’d experienced in her short life. I asked her to just give us a chance for a couple of weeks and thankfully she agreed.”

At Action for Children they do things differently – with them it’s personal.

“Kelly enjoyed baking and knitting so along with staff she agreed to do those activities with us every week,” explains Charlene.

“She was also sitting her essential skills qualification for a third time but had a real negative mindset with no confidence she’d succeed. I told her she could and what that would look like – we’d work towards it together.

“A couple of months later she not only got her essential skills but her driving test too and has become 52 | Local Women Magazine

such a positive young woman. The change in her has been amazing. “‘I can’t believe this is my life now, ’she told us,” says Charlene, who only has to think about young Kelly’s story to know she too has found her calling.

“Growing up my mother was always involved in the community. Our estate at Carrowshee Park had some issues, like most places, and the Carrosyl Community group was always working to address these and make life better,” recalls Charlene, who sat on Fermanagh’s Youth Council before becoming a youth leader in her community.

A youth work apprenticeship with Youth Action NI followed and from that a youth work degree course at Ulster University.

Following graduation Charlene worked with the Education Authority but her heart was in the voluntary sector where she felt she’d have more opportunities addressing individual needs.

Now she works between Action for Children’s Floating Support Service and its Support Living Accommodation, supporting 16 to 24-year-olds with activities tailored largely by the young people themselves.

“We usually have about 60 young people engaged in services as well as the young people in the 13-bed accommodation site which is almost always at capacity,” says Charlene.

“They can self-refer or be referred from a social worker or the Housing Executive so we’re working with homeless young people, those at risk of homelessness and those coming out of care.

“They struggle about where and how to fit in. They’re stuck on social media, not getting involved with activities because they don’t have the confidence. Basic resilience skills aren’t there or are weakened.

“That sense of community was there for me when I was growing up but these young people lack good solid foundation friendships and think people on social media or people they party with are friends but when they need them they’re not there,” continues Charlene who is also frustrated by the lack of funding for both the statutory and voluntary sectors.

“Other supports, such as mental health, stuck in a cycle of drugs and alcohol,” have a year-long waiting list. Is it any “They’re all coming from differing admits Charlene who addresses those wonder young people lose faith?” stages in life and some have suffered issues through a range of programmes, says Charlene, who knows a timely complex trauma - we’re especially including mental health, self care, intervention can be the difference seeing the impact of child sexual cookery, and life skills. between life and death. exploitation,” says Charlene, though she agrees mental health is an over- “Basic things like budgeting, meal “If they feel they’ve been let down planning, cooking from fresh and simple they don’t always engage with arching issue. self-care remedies like just going for a statutory services yet are more likely “That can originate from a range of walk or mindfulness. We’ve a drawerto engage with voluntary sector grasssources – LGBTQ identity, for instance, full of face masks and hot chocolate roots services. We need more joined up where young people feel it’s more sachets here so young people can just thinking,” says Charlene, who’s driven difficult to be different in a small rural sit back and decompress for 10 minutes by her commitment to the young area where everyone knows everyone while they figure out what’s going on in people she works with. compared to a town – we lose so many their heads! of our young people to Belfast because “When I see the suicide rates here it just “The Wednesday cookery sessions are breaks me. But the right support at the of that. a favourite though. They just love the right time can make all the difference.

“We have intergenerational mental smell of home cooking wafting through health issues and young people selfthe place – it’s a real home comfort,” “Of course, there are tough times but medicating with alcohol or drugs and says Charlene, who believes many of if I ever doubt we are making that that leads to a vicious downward spiral. the issues stem from the lack of a sense difference, I only have to think about Kelly “We have young people who then get of community. to know we really can change lives.”

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

www.actionforchildren.org.uk/fostering

@AFCNIFostercare Local Women Magazine | 53

SHOP LOCAL AND MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE

Derry City and Strabane District Council is encouraging people to shop local as businesses re-open and get back to normal after lockdown.

Derry City and Strabane District Council is encouraging people to make a conscious effort to support local businesses as best they can, while continuing to respect COVID-19 guidelines.

The Small Spend Giant Difference campaign is designed to assist businesses by increasing local footfall and expenditure as much as possible.

If that means calling into your neighbourhood shop, booking a meal in one of the fabulous eateries or treating yourself at business belonging to a local trader, it can make the world of difference to those who have been most severely impacted by the pandemic.

Kevin O’Connor, Head of Business at Derry City and Strabane District Council, said: “The events of the past year have caused undue devastation to so many businesses in local areas, particularly those in the hospitality and retail sectors. Now more than ever, they need our custom to help them get back on their feet.”

your small spend makes a

GIANT

and the problems caused by social distancing, the close contact nature of the industry means it has had to adapt during these very trying times.

difference

One of the hardest hit sectors during the pandemic has been the beauty industry. With many months of closures

One such beautician is Catherine McCabe, who has been working in the industry for over 18 years. Catherine McCabe

Waxing Specialist & Beauty Treatments opened 12 years ago, but of course she had to close during the lockdowns this year and last year.

Catherine used her time at home to rebrand her salon and introduce new technology. She is delighted that, as she prepares to launch her newly branded salon Xceed by Catherine McCabe, Derry City and Strabane District Council are right behind local traders.

www.shoplocalderrystrabane.com 54 | Local Women Magazine

CATHERINE MCCABE:

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS OF SKINCARE Catherine McCabe has been a waxing and skin therapist for over 18 years now, and after working all around the world, she decided to become her own boss in 2009.

After opening Catherine McCabe Waxing Specialist & Beauty Treatments in Derry 12 years ago, Catherine is once again changing things up, as she expands and rebrands to Xceed.

So, whether it’s a facial, a wax, or a manipedi, the choices Catherine offers her customers will exceed your wildest dreams.

TELL US HOW YOU CAME TO START YOUR BUSINESS? After working in the industry for a number of years, I decided to bring my international experience and passion for customer service to my hometown, Derry.

WHAT IS THE CONCEPT BEHIND YOUR BUSINESS? I saw first-hand the difference that experience, training, and the standard of products used can make to results and I wanted to bring elite treatments to Derry using premier products.

WHAT TRAINING DO YOU HAVE? DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY? I am a Dermalogica Expert, and a certified HD Eyebrow Specialist. I have also completed training with CACI to be qualified to offer anti-ageing facial treatments and have had micro-needling training.

WHAT SERVICES DO YOU OFFER? HOW DID YOU COPE WITH So many! Dermalogica skincare, CACI non- LOCKDOWN - DID IT AFFECT surgical facials, micro-needling, Lycon wax, YOUR BUSINESS? and OPI manicures/pedicures.

It starts with coffee! I am usually in the salon early and have back-to-back treatments throughout the day. I thoroughly enjoy catching up with my clients - at this stage they are more like friends.

DESCRIBE YOUR TYPICAL CUSTOMER?

To be honest, I don’t have a typical customer!

I have clients from all walks of life, facing We were closed as the work we do is dermatology issues, all driven by the results very close contact. I used the time to DO YOU HAVE PLANS TO I can achieve for them. install an online booking system and EXPAND YOUR SERVICES? My business is currently in a phase of make the premises Covid-friendly. It WHAT DO YOU MOST LOVE rebranding to Xceed by Catherine McCabe, also gave me an opportunity to focus ABOUT YOUR JOB? as we expand our services to include on the Xceed rebrand.

My clients! I love meeting different people aesthetic skincare such as micro-needling. and seeing them happy with their results.

CAN YOU TALK US THROUGH YOUR PRODUCT RANGE?

HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU WHAT ADVICE WOULD I have used Dermalogica since I started my YOU GIVE TO A FEMALE FROM INITIAL IDEA FOR YOUR BUSINESS TO ACTUALLY TRADING? company and sell a range of their products. ENTREPRENEUR STARTING OUT? It was very fast! Around a month.

My top sellers are their Daily Skin range, and Running your own business is hard work, but Lycon body scrubs and moisturisers. it is very rewarding and empowering.

WHERE CAN I BUY YOUR PRODUCTS?

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING DURING YOUR TIME OFF?

You can buy products at the salon, and I love spending time with my family and friends. they will soon be available to buy from my HOW DO YOU ACHIEVE A GOOD website which is being developed.

DO YOU HAVE PLANS TO EXPAND YOUR RANGE?

HOME/WORK LIFE BALANCE?

It can be challenging at times, but I turn off my work phone to focus on my family - and With my Xceed rebranding, there will be with a two-year-old boy, I’m kept busy in the evenings new products available.

Visit Catherine at her salon on Carlisle Road.

Find her on Facebook: CatherineMcCabeWaxingSpecialistandBeautyTreatments and Instagram: @cabcatherinemc or call her on 075 2169 1334.

Local Women Magazine | 55

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@starlightandstone Local Women Magazine | 59

HOME & GARDEN STORE

Sustainable projects with a touch of luxury Paula Sweeney and her talented team at Fabric World have been enjoying some eco-friendly up-cycling projects which combine beauty and sustainability.

By Paula Sweeney at Fabric World, Maydown This month I’ve been looking at some of the amazing creative projects my clients have been undertaking - and we’ve been enjoying doing a few of our own.

I often think great design is evolutionary and comes from being challenged to work within the restrictions of a specific brief or the limitations of your environment.

and making Roman blinds and cushions from your finds.

My inspiration for our projects was reducing waste by using up some these smaller roll ends and upcycling some pre-loved furniture pieces by painting and upholstering them.

With the challenge set, I’ve teamed up with my very talented upholster and created some really great pieces.

It’s definitely a journey and, as it evolves, For your inspiration take a look at our journey you may find yourself traveling in a different in pictures. direction than anticipated.

With that in mind, I’ve been challenging myself and the team to get creative and make some exciting new products with sustainability as the focus.

We don’t like to waste any of our lovely fabrics, so this year we launched o u r in-store outlet with great success. And you all have been busy covering chairs and headboards

60 | Local Women Magazine

Chair 2: For my second challenge, I really wanted to add a touch of luxury, so I decided to gild the frame. I mixed Frensheen Gorgeous Gold with a touch of Sexy Silver and finishing coat for the perfect opulent gold that’s not too brassy. Then I added to the frame using one of the Frenchic natural fibre brushes.

Then for fabric choice I chose two remnants. The centre fabric in a gold damask from my own collection and the outer fabric is Flynn

by Prestigious.

I’m so delighted with this piece, it’s timeless!

Two fab chairs … two fab ways Chair One: Here, I’ve chosen to paint the frame in my favourite shade Panther from Frenchic the Original Range.

Then, I went about the task of choosing three different fabrics for my transformation from our remnant section. The centre body is Carrera by Porter and Stone, the outer frame is a Voyage remnant, and the piping is Bright Well by iliv.

Finally, I passed the chair over to my upholster who worked her magic by piecing it all together and adding stud trimming.

What a transformation! It really is one of my favourites.

And finally…

Here are a few other ideas for small projects. Hopefully, you enjoy them as much as we did.

HOME & GARDEN STORE

Local Women Magazine | 61

MYOPIA MANAGEMENT Local Women Optometry Columnist, Brian McKeown from John Laverty Optometrists, chats with his colleague Veronica Nellins about her professional and personal interest in Myopia.

WHAT IS MYOPIA? Myopia or short-sightedness is a condition which causes distance objects to appear blurred and near objects to remain clear.

Myopia is a leading cause of loss of vision throughout the world and its prevalence is increasing. The higher the level of myopia you develop increases your risk of eye conditions in adulthood like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

This picture represents only -1.00DS of short sightedness in a classroom. Can you see the board?

Short sightedness in 10–16-year-olds has more than doubled in the last 60 years.

WHAT MAKES THIS CONDITION OF PARTICULAR INTEREST TO YOU? I first needed glasses to correct my short-sightedness when I was eight years old, and I continued to become increasingly myopic through my childhood. I remember my father asking my childhood optometrist, “Why does her eyesight keep getting worse?” The answer was very kindly, “Don’t worry, we can make it better with stronger glasses.”

I now have three children of my own and know that with them having one parent who is myopic increases their risk of becoming short-sighted by 3x. If both parents are myopic research has demonstrated the risk is increased to 8x.

Last November my now 9-year-old became myopic and got his first pair of glasses.

At John Laverty Opticians with any child we look after we feel it is essential to discuss all the options available with parents about their children’s prescription and potential future.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF MYOPIA? Family history: As touched on above.

•

Not enough time outdoors: sunlight stimulates Vitamin D and dopamine, which are linked to healthy eye development.

62 | Local Women Magazine

Too much time focusing on nearby objects: modern lifestyles mean we spend more time focusing on nearby objects which can increase the chances of myopia.

HOW CAN YOU PREDICT IF A CHILD WILL BECOME MYOPIC AND WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE? Taking your child to have an eye test at nursery school or early primary school age would be recommended. Their prescription at that age along with family history and hobbies would help optometrists predict the chance of the child becoming short-sighted.

WHAT ADVANCES ARE THERE IN MYOPIC MANAGEMENT IN PRACTICE? 1.

•

WINNER OPTICIANS OF THE YEAR

•

2.

Dual focus contact lenses which are soft daily disposable contact lenses, they have a special optical design, proven to slow down the rate of progression.

Dual control spectacle lenses. These correct the myopic prescription centrally and use areas of

defocus in mid periphery to slow down the axial length (length of eyeball).

I have prescribed the dual control spectacle lenses to my son, Evan. As he gets older, I hope to combine it with dual control contact lenses when he matures and needs contacts for extracurricular activities. He, and other children we have prescribed them to in practice, has adapted to them without any problems whatsoever.

High level of myopia is considered over -6.00 and I am in that category. My aim for Evan would be that he stays below this level. Getting glasses can be so much fun and he, along with so many kids these days, see them as a fashion choice and love the clear vision they achieve with them. I just want to keep the prescription as low as possible to lower the risk of eye conditions in adulthood.

HOW TO FIND OUT MORE? Contact any of our practices and one of our Myopia Management Optometrists will give you a call to discuss whether this is an option for your child.

Call us today on 028 7034 2624 Ballymoney | Coleraine | Garvagh www.JohnLaverty.co.uk

DAVID AND BRIAN GET ON THEIR BIKES FOR CHARITY Brian McKeown from John Laverty Optometrists and his son

David are taking on a charity challenge from Cork to the Causeway Coast in aid of two worthwhile local charities.

“We try to help them work their way through it.

We’re there to listen. The money would help us recruit more volunteers and go into the community and let people know they can talk to us.”

David and Brian McKeown

David is also part of the Ballymoney Rotary Club, which has already raised some money to go towards John’s braille computer. A small group, including David, also take John out for a cycle on a tandem bike weekly, so raising money for him through a cycling challenge has even more meaning behind it.

Brian says: “It would get John connected.

Everybody’s leading a more digital life than ever before, and people who are visually impaired Father and son David and Brian McKeown are should not be left behind. scheduled to take on a challenge to cycle from Cork to the Causeway Coast this September - all “All those things that we take for granted these days, John has no access to. A braille computer to raise some funds for charitable causes. would allow him to get access to them.”

David, 71, and Brian, 40 have been cycling for many years, although never competitively, and As John is a patient of Brian’s at John Laverty Opticians, helping John is even more personal almost always for charity. for him. He says the moment where he got to tell The father and son have previously taken part in the news about the cycle to John’s mother was RideLondon, a 100-mile cycle including the Surrey highly moving. hills which has been a popular cycling event since “It was actually his mother who I had said it to, and it was set up in 2013. she was so thankful that we had thought of him.

However, with the Coronavirus pandemic John is such a kind chap, and he was so thankful affecting almost everything, the race has been too. He was ecstatic. It’s great to raise money put on hold for the last two years, leaving David locally for local people.” and Brian looking to complete a challenge But both David and Brian are taking the cycling closer to home. challenge on with optimism.

This meant the cycle from Cork to Causeway was set up, with money being raised for two causes “We’ll see if we’re completely crazy. When anybody says to me that I’m crazy, I tell them that my dad’s close to each of the cyclists’ hearts.

71 and he’s doing it,” says David.

David is the Director of the Coleraine Samaritans, so some of the money raised from the cycle will be “We won’t be going with a trailer and a tent. We will be travelling light, with just a credit card and going towards that charity. a toothbrush.”

Brain, from John Laverty Optometrists, usually cycles to raise money for a charity related to his The father and son say that they are hoping field of work. In this instance, he is hoping to raise people will hear what they are doing, and money for John Nicholl, a patient of his who is both about those that will be helped by it, and donate if they can. deaf and blind, to buy a braille computer.

David shares how the Samaritans would be helped by much needed donations. He explains: “We answer a phone call every seven seconds, and the demand for support since Coronavirus started has increased massively. Financial issues, employment issues and isolation issues have meant anxiety levels have soared.

“It’s a matter of telling people what we’re doing and letting people donate freely if they feel moved to do so,” David says.

“We’re very lucky to be as well off as we are. If life has been good to you, whether that be in health or in wealth, I think we should give something back.”

If you want to donate to two worthy causes, the “Samaritans’ aim is that less people will die from GoFundMe page for the cycle is currently open, suicide, but you don’t have to be suicidal to phone and called ‘To help local people’ as that is precisely Samaritans. If people are anxious about anything, what every penny will do. we will listen to them.

Brian McKeown

David McKeown

Local Women Magazine | 63

BACK TO SCHOOL with KRD Credit Union

Buying new uniforms and school equipment is a huge expense. At KRD Credit Union Ltd, they can help you spread the cost with a back-to-school loan.

Hello to all you wonderful Local Women readers,

for back-to-school costs. As you can imagine,

I hope you’ve all been having a great summer.

this uses a huge chunk of the budget and leads

I am delighted to be back as your columnist for

to many families having to tighten their purse

this August edition of the magazine to tell you

strings for the month.

how KRD Credit Union Ltd is here to help you

● One of the biggest sacrifices that families are

manage the costs of what can be one of the

forced to make is the family holiday. 33% (up

expensive times of year: sending our children

10% on last year) of families said that they have

back to school.

to forego a trip away in order to afford the costs

Can you believe it’s that time of year

of school.

already? It feels like the summer holidays

● On a similar note, 39% of families admitted

have barely started and we already have to

that their financial situation forced them to

start thinking about all those back-to-school

deny their children the chance to go on school

costs for September.

trips throughout the year because they simply

Whether you have one child or several, the

can’t afford them.

expense of those new uniforms, school bags,

It’s so important to make sure our children go

shoes etc, quickly mount and can leave many

back to school in September with everything

parents worried about how they can afford it.

The annual Credit Union ‘Back to School’ survey released last month revealed some interesting facts that gave great insight into the costs associated with sending our children back to school - and how parents across Northern Ireland are trying to afford it.

Let me share some of the standout figures that caught my eye: ● 62% of parents said that covering the cost of back to school for their children is a ‘financial burden’ with the average cost at primary school being £886 per child, and £1034 at secondary level. ● 70% of parents questioned said that they use their monthly income to pay

11 Main Street, Ballymoney, BT53 6AN

they need to start off their school year on the right foot. However, it’s clear that many families are feeling the pinch when it comes to these costs and experiencing financial stress because of it. I’m sure we can all agree that juggling our monthly bills can be stressful enough without the added pressure!

This is where KRD Credit Union comes in. Why not ease that ‘financial burden’ by taking out a small loan with us? You can get those school necessities

for a new laptop or tablet to make homework that bit easier, we are here to help.

Why KRD? Well, let me tell you. No loan is too big or too small, so just tell us what you need, and we’ll do what we can to help. As well as that, our loans have flexible repayments designed to suit you. So, if you want to spread the costs over several months to make payments manageable, or perhaps you wish to repay your loan early – it’s entirely up to you. We have fair and reasonable rates of interest, and there’s no hidden fees or charges.

So, if you’re interested, get in touch via the details below. We’d love to lend a helping

sorted and still afford that much-

hand and take the stress out of back to school.

needed holiday. So, whether you

Until next time.

need an extra £200 to sort the school uniforms, or maybe £1000

25/27 Church Street, Kilrea, BT51 5QU

Claire D 18 Main Street, Dunloy, BT44 9AA

www.krdcreditunion.com | P: 028 2954 1007 | E: info@krdcreditunion.com Find us on Facebook and Instagram KRD Credit Union Ltd is Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. KRD Credit Union Ltd is covered by the UK Government’s Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) and the Financial Ombudsman Service.

PRA Reg. No. NI 574095: Companies Registration No. CU76 Northern Ireland

Local Women Magazine | 65

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Creating scents and making memories

• Hand poured in County Down • Made from a blend of natural waxes With Buick House Candles I wanted to create elegant, luxury fragrances that would trigger memories of people, places, past times… and create new memories.

Leather reminds me of driving with my Father in his classic car, citrus of baking day with Mother and clambering to help her, lavender of laundry day at my Grandmother’s with piles of warm fluffy towels and crisp bed-linen…there is so much comfort in a smell.

I hope Buick House Candles unlocks your memories.

THE KITCHEN GARDEN

REVIEW: RBF COSMETICS

Local Women Editor Kim Kelly tries out a home-grown skin brand ‘RBF’ which is fast becoming a cult beauty must-have. three Janice Devlin, a beauty salon owner who has a passion for helping women look their best.

Like many of us, she was tired of not being able to find the perfect range of skincare – so during the long months of lockdown she created her own. She used her time to research and develop products she believes in and created a fivepiece collection, with plans for more product in the not-too-distant future.

And the range has been a runaway success.

First it was women who Janice knew locally who tried out RBF but soon word spread, and it has become a cult beauty brand already. I was delighted to be trying it out to see the products in action – so what did I think? Honestly, I am super impressed.

This is a much more high-end product range than I was expecting. It is far superior to any high street brand and much better than anything you will buy commercially at a beauty counter. All the products smell nice, but they aren’t heavily scented. If I had to make a comparison, I would say it is similar in quality to Image or Environ products – but without the hefty price tag.

The barefaced truth. After using RBF products I can go makeup free

I love skincare – and there’s nothing I love more than finding great new products that really works.

Finding a good skincare routine is vital if you want to keep yourself looking good but finding a brand that actually works is a different matter.

How many of us have expensive products cluttering up our bathroom cabinets that just didn’t do anything for our skin – or even worse brought us out in a reaction?

I am always delighted to try homegrown brands and RBF (yes, that does stand for Resting Bitch Face!) is made right here in Northern Ireland. I actually got a little bit of a buzz seeing ‘Made in Coalisland’ stamped on the packaging!

The lady behind this brand is talented mum of

So, here’s my RBF skincare regime: MUCK OFF CLEANSER I love that this does exactly what it says on the label – it gets the muck off your face!

Cleanser can be hard. If it’s too weak, it doesn’t cleanse properly, if its too strong it can strip oils and leave your skin flaky – or worse spotty! Muck off is a beautifully rich cream in a pump dispenser. Rub it on and rinse it off and it takes all the makeup off your face. I always double cleanse and there is not a scrap of makeup left afterwards – even when I had a heavy professional make up to remove. My skin was left soft and hydrated.

LAYER UP MOISTURISER This is a good hardworking moisturiser. It contains Vitamin-A to help with fine lines and wrinkles as well as Vitamin-C and Vitamin-E. It plumps out the skin nicely and leaves it feeling hydrated. During the day if I felt any dryness, I popped a little bit on, and it didn’t take off my makeup but gave me a nice layer of moisturise.

FORTY FACES VITAMIN KICK This is one of RBF’s wonder products and it contains Vitamin-A, C and E. This serum, which smells beautifully of oranges, brightens, and tightens skin. It really does give a lovely fresh glow on my tired looking skin first thing in the morning. I adore the smell and love the lift that it gives.

Janice really has created an amazing brand with RBF, and I am delighted for her. The packaging and concept very much reflect her fun, down to earth personality and mixes it with her obvious skincare expertise. If you don’t have a skincare regime, now is the time to start. It’s such an easy-to-use, no nonsense range and it actually works.

My skin feels great and is completely clear. I would definitely recommend RBF.

Start your new skincare routine now at

www.rbfcosmetics.co.uk

BUY NOW AT

www.rbfcosmetics.co.uk rbf.cosmetics

@rbfcosmetics

GIVE YOUR BATHROOM A MAKEOVER IN 2021 OPTION 1: BATH OPTION

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Includes shower enclosure, electric shower, flexiseal, floor standing unit & basin, basin mono with waste, pan, cistern, seat chrome towel rail & valves, H1200 W600, mirror H800 W600, 25 yards of tiles (a number of options available) including adhesive, grout & chrome trims.

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T: 028 7141 8087 E: henrysbtb@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook/Henry’s Tiles & Bathrooms

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT AT PURE DENTAL HYGIENE TODAY At Pure Dental Hygiene in Coleraine, award winning Dental Hygienist, Joanne Knox, is focusing on preventing dental disease.

You can access her services without a referral from your dentist.

WHAT IS A DENTAL HYGIENIST?

the government changed the rules allowing the general public to access a dental hygienist directly, without the need for a referral from a dentist. When this change in legislation happened, I saw the opportunity for Hygienists to become a more accessible independent entity. I was fortunate to work in practices that embraced Dental Hygiene and encouraged me to treat patients via direct access under their umbrella. With their support and encouragement, I was honoured with the title of Northern Ireland Health Care Awards Dental Hygienist of the Year 2018.

Dental Hygienists are trained to the highest of standards to treat gum disease and educate patients about preventing tooth decay. There’s a lot more than just cleaning teeth. A Hygienist manages the prevention and treatments to maintain gum health, which in turn makes the job of a dentist easier. People are now more aware than ever of the significance of periodontal health to holistic health benefits. In the times we are currently living through we all understand more how important it is to control bacteria and maintain good hygiene and your mouth is no different.

I AM A NERVOUS PATIENT -

WHY DO I NEED TO SEE DENTAL HYGIENIST?

IS IT PAINFUL?

No, we go to great lengths to ensure the Our primary focus is on the prevention patient is comfortable throughout. We can of dental disease because it’s true that even use numbing gel or in severe cases prevention is cheaper than cure. We local anaesthetic. do routine cleaning and polishing, the DO YOU TREAT CHILDREN? treatment of mild to severe gum issues, Yes, we offer a treatment called the Pure bleaching and we make sports’ guards, Tiny. This is a fun introduction to the dental among other things. surgery environment. The younger you get them sitting in the chair the better. We are HOW OFTEN DO YOU NEED TO VISIT all about preventing the actual need for THE HYGIENIST? treatment so preventative treatments and You should see a Dental Hygienist every education are key. Teeth can be disclosed, three to six months. Unfortunately, due to and the kids can physically see the plaque Covid-19, a lot of dental practices have (dirty bugs!) on their teeth - they then get a had to reduce appointments because they gentle clean and polish. need the surgery space to allow fallow time after aerosol generating procedures. A lot WHAT POLICIES HAVE YOU PUT IN of Hygienists have lost sessions of work purely PLACE TO PROTECT YOUR PATIENTS due to lack of chair spaces which means AGAINST COVID-19? patients can’t get treatment as often as I set up the surgery with the most stringent they would like.

Covid-19 policies, so the only people you will come in contact with will be myself and AT PURE DENTAL HYGIENE, PATIENTS my nurse. We have a one person out and a CAN ACCESS A DENTAL HYGIENIST one person in policy so you are getting our WITHOUT SEEING THEIR DENTIST - IS undivided attention, and social distancing THIS A NEW CONCEPT? will not be an issue. Feel reassured that this It’s a relatively new concept - in Ireland there surgery is built around protecting you and is only one other practice of its type. In 2013 our staff, especially in these uncertain times.

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

www.puredentalhygieneni.com 72 | Local Women Magazine

CLEAN FRESH SMILES FROM PURE DENTAL HYGIENE ONE OF IRELAND’S FEW INDEPENDENT HYGIENE PRACTICES

NO L RA R E REF DED NEE

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

www.puredentalhygieneni.com

DON’T MISS SUPERCAR SUNDAY

The largest car event of its kind will take place at Bishop’s Court Racing Circuit in aid of the NI Hospice and NI Air Ambulance.

Ronan Cunningham, from Portstewart, is putting on the perfect event for all car lovers – as well as those in need of a fun, family day out. It’s Supercar Sunday - and it’s all for a good cause!

Ronan himself has an interest in cars, and owns his own supercar, which is how this event came about, and with so much for fans of cars, and something for all the family, it isn’t one to be missed.

He shares what exactly the event will bring, what record it is breaking, and what to look forward to before it even begins - as well as whatever else you need to know about Supercar Sunday.

“NI Supercar Sunday will raise funds for the Northern Ireland Air Ambulance and the Northern Ireland Hospice.

“We are bringing hundreds of supercars to Bishop’s Court Racing Circuit in Downpatrick, along with lots of other car clubs from all over Ireland. supercar of your choice”.

“It’s going to be a massive car festival. There That’s not all, though, because after watching will be everything from vintage cars to the very the fast cars, the whole family can enjoy some latest supercars.” food and fun.

This kind of car show isn’t something you see every day. In fact, the event is even record-breaking.

Ronan explains: “It will be the largest gathering of cars that has ever taken place in Ireland.”

While there will be lots of cars to see, there will also be ways to take part in the event, too.

“The supercars will be going around the circuit and, for an extra donation to the charity, you can pay to be taken around the circuit in a

before it, to give people a taster, we’re getting 70 of the supercars to do a convoy all around the North Coast the day before.”

So, if you like what you see on the Saturday, make sure you get going on the Sunday! You “We’re trying to make it a fun day out for anyone don’t need to book a ticket, simply pay upon who’s interested in cars in any way, and there arrival, and all money raised is being donated are also other things there too. to charity, so it’s for a good cause, as well as a There will also be live music, catering, ice good day out. cream, trade stands, and that sort of thing. It’s Ronan explains his reasons for choosing the really a family day out.” charities which the funds from the car show If you’re still not sure that the car show would will go to. be a perfect summer day out, you can get a “The air ambulance saved the life of a friend preview of what’s in store on the Saturday. of mine a couple of years ago. And one of “The event takes place on the Sunday, but my friends lost his wife while she was young, and the hospice looked after her at the end of her life.

“Everybody who comes to the event helps to save somebody’s life or look after somebody’s life. It’s all about trying to raise as much money as we can for the charities.”

So, if you want to give to charity, love cars, or just like the thought of a fun day in the sun, Supercar Sunday is for you and your family.

A fun-filled day for just £10 per person, get yourself down to Downpatrick for Supercar Sunday on 15th August, and don’t forget to check the Facebook page, Air Ambulance NI & NI Hospice Supercar Sunday, or look along the coast on Saturday 14th for a sneak peek.

74 | Local Women Magazine

MCLISTER’S IS A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS WITH OVER 100 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN THE RETAIL SECTOR.

EXTENSIVE HOMEWARE DEPARTMENT STOCKING ALL THE LEADING BRANDS INCLUDING DENBY, BELLEEK LIVING, MARY BERRY, AYNSLEY & RAVENHEAD

CALL IN AND SEE OUR REFURBISHMENT TO OUR FOOD DEPARTMENT We now stock a range of local and artisan food products including over 100 types of cheese in our deli.

CHECK OUT OUR GARDEN CENTRE AND PET FOOD STORE ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF CAR PARK

17 - 19 Ann Street | Ballycastle | BT54 6AA | 028 2076 2216 Follow us on Facebook/@mclistersballycastle Local Women Magazine | 75

CELEBRATING THE SUCCESS OF THE SPECIALITY MARKET

For 15 years Causeway Speciality Market has showcased the best of local produce and crafts, attracting locals and visitors alike and celebrating the tradition of Coleraine as a market town.

For as long as people can remember Coleraine has been known as a market town.

So, it’s fitting that the Causeway Speciality Market has been such a success since it was launched 15 years ago.

Decades ago, people from across the area used to flock to the town’s Market Yard where all the trading was originally done, and stall holders sold fresh produce on market days.

But like many Northern Ireland towns, shopping trends changed over the years and the original market in the north coast town closed down and was redeveloped.

But the market was missed in Coleraine and local people felt that the town needed the market to be reinstated. So, Causeway Coast and Glens Council came up with the idea of a new style of market – and so the Causeway Speciality Market was born.

Located around the Town Hall, the market is now in its 15th year, and runs two monthly markets on Saturdays. It features 45 local artisan traders showcasing their fantastic range of arts, crafts, jewellery, gifts, and foods.

The market operates from 9am to 4pm and can accommodate 52 traders of which 36 are permanent stall holders. A reserve list is operated for the remaining stalls each month. The criteria for trading at the market are that the products on sale need to be grown, reared, or caught by the stallholder.

Brewed, pickled, baked, smoked, or cooked by the stallholder or made or created in significant part by the stallholder.

The market is a huge success and attracts a large crowd keen to see the amazing produce and wares on display at what is now one of the biggest markets of its kind in Northern Ireland.

76 | Local Women Magazine

“PEOPLE LOVE TO SUPPORT LOCAL” Lynne Rainey owns Angel Wood Candles, one of the original traders at the market, and enjoys trading at the Causeway Speciality Market where she has built up a great customer base over the years.

The market has opened up new customers to the amazing candles that Lynne, makes at her Newmills Road workshop. Come rain or shine, Lynne never misses a market where customers love to browse the artisan products and food and hand-crafted gifts.

TELL US HOW YOU CAME TO START YOUR BUSINESS?

Our business was actually started when my friend came home from Brunei in 2005 and couldn’t find a good quality candle at a reasonable price. We started to experiment, and Angel Wood Candles was born. In 2006 she emigrated to Australia, and I took over from then.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?

The business originally started by us going to many craft fairs and then we started trading at the speciality market in Coleraine. We have been there ever since building up a fantastic customer base. We also stock gift shops, beauty salons and garden centres.

HOW HAS THE SPECIALITY MARKET DEVELOPED OVER THE YEARS?

The speciality market has developed so much since the very early days and now has an amazing array of local food and crafts which showcases the vast talent here on our doorstep. It is now one of the largest and most diverse markets in Northern Ireland.

HOW DID YOU COPE WITH LOCKDOWN - DID IT AFFECT YOUR BUSINESS?

Lockdown was a treat at first as being self-employed you never really get any proper time off unless you’re away on holidays. We found that we were actually really busy online, although all our other wholesale outlets were also closed. The biggest hurdle was getting raw materials to make our products. I would also say that it made people more aware about supporting local and to appreciate the amazing local products right on their doorstep which was very evident during Christmas 2020 when consumers were not going to the big cities to shop but staying local.

CAN YOU TALK US THROUGH YOUR PRODUCT RANGE?

Our main product is scented candles with scents changing in spring and autumn. We also make wedding favours and we have recently added reed diffusers and wax melts to our collection.

WHAT PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE FUTURE OF THE BUSINESS?

NEXT CAUSEWAY SPECIALITY MARKET SATURDAY 14TH AUGUST & SATURDAY 28TH AUGUST: 9.00AM - 4.00PM

We continue to keep up to date with changing trends in home interiors and adding new products.

Contact details www.angelwoodcandles.co.uk, Facebook Angel Wood Candles Tel No 07963673762 or email ljrainey1@gmail.com

(WEATHER PERMITTING) Local Women Magazine | 77

Signature Dish

ITALIAN SODA BREAD Irish soda bread twist on an Italian classic

BAKING, COOKERY & FORAGING CLASSES • BASIC CAKE DECORATING • BAKE YOUR OWN AFTERNOON TEA • TRAYBAKE MASTERCLASS • ITALIAN FOOD THEMED NIGHT • MIDDLE EASTERN FOOD THEMED NIGHT • HEALTHY EATING/MEAL PREP

INGREDIENTS: • 450g soda bread flour • 2 tbsp grated parmesan • cheese • 400ml buttermilk • 1 sliced small red onion • 1 tbsp chopped rosemary • 1 tsp sea salt • 2 tbsp olive oil

• ADULT AND CHILD BAKING CLASS • DIGGING FOR BREAD AND GIN FORAGING • CHILDREN’S COOKING/BAKING CLASS • ZOOM COOKERY CLASS APPROX. 2 HOURS DURATION ALL INGREDIENTS AND EQUIPMENT PROVIDED REFRESHMENTS PROVIDED BOOKING ESSENTIAL

Oven 220°C Lined baking tin 9” x 12” approx

PLEASE ADVISE OF ALLERGIES

1.

Measure out the flour and cheese into a large bowl and mix. Make a well in the centre, add the buttermilk and mix into a soft dough with a flat bladed knife.

2.

Lightly knead the dough for a few minutes before transferring it to a greased lined baking tin. Push the dough into the corners and create dents using your fingertips.

3.

Scatter the dough with the onion and rosemary. Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle the sea salt on top before baking at 220*C for approx. 20mins until risen and golden.

Bakehouse | Bellaghy | Magherafelt T: 079 0080 6480 | E: bronagh@bakehouseni.com

www.bakehouseni.com

78 | Local Women Magazine

Bakehouse | Bellaghy | Magherafelt T: 079 0080 6480 | E: bronagh@bakehouseni.com

www.bakehouseni.com

SATURDAY 14TH AUGUST & SATURDAY 28TH AUGUST: 9.00AM - 4.00PM (WEATHER PERMITTING)

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“With BeautiEdit I feel healthier, prettier and slimmer” TV presenter Lorraine Keane, Brand Ambassador of new luxury anti-ageing, tanning brand BeautiEdit, shares the secrets of how she gets the perfect glow all year round.

BeautiEdit is giving women across Ireland a perfect tan this summer – without causing any skin damage from the burning rays.

And the new tanning brand also has anti-ageing and hydrating properties that actually improve your skin while giving it a fantastic colour.

Created by Lisa McDermott and Jennifer Cullen, who have over 20 years’ experience in the beauty and pharmaceutical industries, BeautiEdit tan will give us all that warm summer colour that is hard to get in the Irish sunshine – or absence of it!

The two women have worked hard to make sure the high end, luxury, innovative new product has none of the usual problems associated with fake tans.

Anyone who is a frequent fake tan user will be used to the problems that come with most tanning products.

From stained sheets, the strong smell, and endless scrubbing to get it off your skin, the struggle is real even if the glowing colour is fake!

But Lisa and Jennifer have eradicated these problems and BeautiEdit is pleasant smelling, goes on evenly with no streaks and wears off naturally.

Added to that, its anti-ageing ingredients make it a one-of-a-kind product.

The new tanning range is so good that TV presenter Lorraine Keane has become its biggest fan – and she can’t get enough of BeautiEdit.

The Irish TV broadcaster has become an ambassador for the brand and shares all the reasons why she has fallen in love with it.

BeautiEdit is formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera, which gives the product its anti-ageing and hydrating properties that Lorraine loves so much. The tan is scented with sandalwood, jasmine, and coconut, so it smells amazing.

Lorraine says: “The most important thing for me is that it is not only a faux tan but it’s also anti-ageing and hydrating, which I think is a first.

“It also smells divine! It doesn’t smell like faux tan. I actually stopped wearing faux tan about 80 | Local Women Magazine

Pictures by @JonathanLaverymedia

10 years ago because I just couldn’t stand the smell of it.

“I would actually joke that I didn’t know how Peter, my husband, could sleep beside me at night because I could hardly sleep with the smell of it myself.

“The smell was awful. It would ruin your bedsheets and everything! But this tan doesn’t. It smells of beautiful things, which is important to me.”

BeautiEdit also has 95% natural ingredients, which only adds to the appeal. “Us women don’t want to damage our skin unnecessarily,” says Lorraine.

Lorraine loves the way the tan looks – it goes on light brown so you can see where you are applying it and it tans you straight away. It then gets gradually darker over the next few hours.

The TV star’s daughters, Emilia, aged 17, and Romy, aged 14 are also fans of the tan which comes in varying shades.

Lorraine’s skin tans easily, so she opts for the lightest shade ‘Medium’. Her eldest daughter, Emilia, has pale skin, so goes for the ‘Ultra Dark’ shade instead, while Romy, whose skin in somewhere in between, uses the shade ‘Dark.’ The tan can also be topped up at any time.

Lorraine says: “I can have it on for a week and still have a tan that is as smooth as when I first applied it.

“I can then put on another layer. For busy working mums like myself, or for busy women everywhere, that is a gamechanger.”

“I have honestly been stopped almost daily

Tan | Treat | Hydrate

TA N | T R E AT | H Y D RAT E

about it. I sea swim in Dublin throughout the tan,” Lorraine laughs. year and have been testing the product for “A tan makes you feel better about showing a few months now. some skin, and maybe getting your legs out. I “People keep asking where I have been, always feel better when I have a little tan on. because until recently we haven’t been I feel healthier, I feel prettier, I feel slimmer.

After the last year, it’s time to celebrate the allowed to go away abroad. things that make us feel good again.”

“It’s because it looks so natural. It doesn’t grab around your hands, feet and ankles like “BeautiEdit is also Irish, which is hugely other faux tans do. That’s probably because important to me, and it is run by two female entrepreneurs which is great, too. They know of its hydrating ingredients.” what we want and what we don’t want. I Even women who might not normally wear don’t want that horrible smell, or for it to wash fake tan have purchased BeautiEdit after off streaky and patchy because that’s just seeing it on Lorraine – including her neighbour embarrassing. This tan doesn’t do that.”

Sadie, who at age 60 tried fake tan for the You can find out more about BeautiEdit on first time after seeing how good looked.

Lorraine’s Instagram, @lorrainekeaneofficial, “Susan is very low-maintenance, unlike BeautiEdit’s Instagram @beautieditcosmetics, myself!” says Lorraine. “But last week she and the website, beautiedit.com, where had a good colour and said to me, ‘Look! you can also purchase the tan and see the I bought your tan. I love it!’ I wish it was my list of stockists.

www.beautiedit.com Local Women Magazine | 81

Caldwells Est. 1895

98-100 Church Street, Ballymena, Co. Antrim BT43 6DF 02825 652810 • www.caldwellsjewellers.co.uk

11a Victoria Street|Ballymoney|BT53 6DW Call us on 028 2766 9999

TOTALLY DEVOTED TO… DOGS! Carrickfergus dog lover Rachael Greenfield has set up a new business dedicated to pampering your pooches and keeping them in the best health.

They say a dog is a man’s best friend but for one Carrickfergus woman, her love of pups has led to an exciting new business venture.

“I have completely devoted my life to working with dogs. I cannot call what I do a job because as they say, ‘if you find your passion you will never work a day in your life.’”

Dog groomer Rachael Greenfield, 32, is a dedicated dog lover who has devoted her life to her four-legged friends.

TELL US HOW YOU CAME TO START YOUR BUSINESS?

While working with pet pooches at her grooming business, Rachael spotted a gap in the market for home grooming and health care products to keep our animals in the best of health.

Grooming dogs naturally led her on to advising owners how to care for their pets at home and now she has launched a range of at-home products.

Through her business Dogue Scents, Rachael supplies products that will help her customers keep their pets in great condition and keep any health concerns at bay.

From shampoos and conditioners for skin conditions to dental care and supplements, Rachael has sourced a wide range of products that can really help your beloved pet.

All her products are completely natural, organic, and free from any nasties that could harm your pet.

They are suitable for dogs of all ages, from pups to more mature pets.

Rachael knows that owners love their dogs as much as she does and wants what is best for them - and she has seen a huge surge in customers seeking natural remedies to help their pets.

She explains: “Grooming led me from beautifying dogs to concentrating on bettering their health and in turn educating dog owners on how to manage their dogs’ home grooming and helping to overcome other health concerns their dogs may encounter.

84 | Local Women Magazine

I have been in the dog grooming business since 2013 and launched my own successful dog grooming salon in 2016 in Lisburn called Barking Style Boutique. After many successful years in the grooming industry and my adoration for dogs, I have learnt over the years of the many health problems our beloved pets have.

This in turn has led me down the alternative route of natural solutions to these many ongoing health problems. After much research and education, in 2021 I decided to launch not just another business but a potential solution to these problems, I named it Dogue Scents.

WHAT IS THE CONCEPT BEHIND YOUR BUSINESS? Dogue Scents Ltd is a brand based on the creation of grooming products and health supplement blends for dogs using 100% natural ingredients. By using natural ingredients, the health benefits are phenomenal from healing properties, soothing oils, organic plant extracts and fragrances which are safe compared to many commercial products with a multitude of ingredients which can be severe or disagree with your dog’s skin or general health.

We want people to feel at ease knowing when

they use our range, they are giving their dog the best products, especially the grooming side for the most sensitive of dogs without the worry of adverse effects on the skin. Our products contain ingredients with many health benefits and properties. Our bottles are also recyclable and therefore kinder to the environment. Our products are made up of sustainable natural resources and in turn we are helping to protect our planet. They contain zero harsh chemicals, no palm oil and no animal testing has been carried out.

CAN YOU TALK US THROUGH YOUR PRODUCT RANGE? We currently have four scents in our shampoo range. Baby Powder, Orange and Bergamot, Lime and Coconut and Antibacterial Yeast shampoo which contains soothing rosemary oil for the extra sensitive dog who suffers terribly from yeast issues. These products smell incredible!

WHERE CAN I BUY YOUR PRODUCTS? Our products are available buy online www. doguescents.com or from our current stockists: Barking Style Boutique, LISBURN Posh Pets Gilnahirk Road, BELFAST Bears Pets, Dunluce Avenue, PORTRUSH Natural Raw Feeding NI, MILISLE/NEWTOWNARDS fragrance and made up from beautiful natural plant extracts. Our dogs may begin to smell better than we do!

DO YOU HAVE PLANS TO EXPAND YOUR RANGE? We plan to expand our range already due to the popularity of the current product range and the need for help with more areas of common health concerns with dogs. Watch this space.

Our Parma Violet Dry/No Rinse shampoo is ideal for dogs (and owners) who don’t enjoy the stress of bath time, or for a quick fix after a trip to the beach, forest, or muddy walk. Simply spray on a wet or dry coat, rub the residue off with a towel, brush and go, leaving the iconic Parma Violets scent.

Our Detangling Spray speaks for itself and it really is a magic spray. For those dogs who often get their coats in knots and tangles or visit the groomers and always come home shaved, this is perfect.

Using this daily helps to reduce or detangle knots while leaving a beautiful soft coat and wonderful scent which smells like Starburst.

Our anal gland, dental care and bad breath and superfood natural blends are so simple to use and effective. Simply sprinkle 1 or 2 teaspoons (depending on weight) over your dog’s food daily.

It helps promote better health naturally and you can also say goodbye to the dreaded toothbrush!

A healthy dog is a happy dog.

Our stunning colognes, Delicious Pear and Black Pomegranate are exceptional in

What advice would you give to a female entrepreneur starting out? Believe in yourself!

Put your blinkers on, focus on the goal and put the work in. Success does not just happen overnight. I have run on nights of four hours’ sleep, but I have a dream and I have achieved so much already. Do the research and my biggest advice is don’t start a business with the outlook of just making money because if there is no passion behind what you do - 9 times out of 10 your business will fail. I had no business experience growing up. I am selftaught and enjoying learning every day from other business professionals and my own personal research.

Heatherlea Pet Shop, 130 Blackisland Rd, DUNGANNON

PAW-SOME!

Some very happy customers enjoying their paw-fect products

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING DURING YOUR TIME OFF? I’m pretty simple, I enjoy reading, travelling, going to the gym, spending time with family and friends or just walking my little dog Coco. I plan to try some new outdoor activities such as paddle boarding or learning other new skills. I’m pretty adventurous.

ARE THERE ANY FAMILY MEMBERS OR MENTORS WHO HAVE HELPED YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY? I am forever grateful to my parents Paul and Ruth as they have been my life coaches and have had my back throughout my years of business. They have been there through the rollercoaster of emotions, the happiness, the tears, and the celebrations. I have always had a dream and they believed in me and supported me every step of the way. I’m incredibly grateful to have such inspiring and supportive people in my life.

Find out more about Dogue Scents at

www.doguescents.com doguescents

doguescents Local Women Magazine | 85

T

By Myra Dryden

his month sees the seventh anniversary of the death of Jerry Anderson whose daily two hour morning show on Radio Foyle I was an avid fan of for years; and whose shinnagans, including hilarious exchanges between him and his co presenter Sean Coyle, had me laughing uproariously.

Three other entertainment stars died at around the same time as him: actors Richard Attenborough, Robin Williams and Lauren Bacall, and apropos of all of their deaths I couldn’t help but revisit an idea that I like to dwell on: that we all have a particular purpose on this earth, and when I go there I always think of George Bailey in the marvellous film, It’s A Wonderful Life, who was afforded the privilege of seeing what impact his existence had on the world around him by being shown what it became when he was removed from it.

And I firmly believe that Gerry Anderson and those film stars equally fulfilled their respective purposes on this planet by bringing so much happiness to masses of people whose lives might otherwise have been impoverished in numerous ways but for the existence of those human beings in their various artistic guises.

A gap was certainly left in my life which no other personality has filled as well as Gerry did. I haven’t laughed the same since.

I was reminded about him just today when I came across the Sean Coyle Show which I hadn’t heard for years. It was great fun and brought back so many memories of the two of them together bouncing off each other, giving so much enjoyment

to listeners. I wasn’t simply entertained on those occasions, I was spiritually uplifted.

And now that I have been reunited with him again, I will be going back to Sean Coyle as often as I can, and live in hope of his show being extended; one hour doesn’t do him justice, and I suspect that most of his audience feel the same as I do.

For quite a few years now I haven’t been able to listen to the radio or any of my music CDs. A kind of depression I am reliably informed. But just this week my friend Catherine provided me with the batteries I needed to get going again and I am looking forward to renewing my friendship with the air waves.

But before I leave all of the above and relevant to it I must tell you about a great find I made in America. Shortly after my starting to go there I encountered on national radio a duo very much like Anderson

and Coyle, and whose banter very much resembled that of the two Derry presenters.

Their weekly show involved inviting listeners to contact them on air with problems about their Chevrolets, Fords, Toyotas, Hondas etc which the two brothers, Tom and Ray Magliozzi, also humorously referred to as Click and Clack, would attempt to solve there and then.

But this was no dull question and answer session on car maintenance, rather a lively anecdote, tangent-filled two hours, whose presenters often had no hesitation in advising distraught drivers standing beside smoking and belching vehicles at the side of the highway to simply unscrew the number plates and skedaddle to save themselves the expense of towing etc the clapped out car.

And they weren’t above the odd old joke: A car is parked at the side of a road, hood raised and the driver poking around the engine. A drunk comes along: What’s up, mate? He enquires. Piston broke, the driver informs him. Don’t worry about it, hiccups the drunk with heartfelt sympathy, so am I. One further very humorous fact involves where these two New England presenters operated from. Hard to believe, I know, but they broadcast from Harvard Square, above a firm of solicitors called Dewey, Cheetham and Howe. Sadly, they are now retired, and it is generally agreed that, just as with Gerry Anderson, the radio station is the worse for their absence.

amount of chaos. When eventually it comes to her, she rolls over in bed with a deep sigh: “Ah, racoon.”

Well, the GPO incident is all over now and I must add it to my list of places I have to go to in future in disguise; alongside the library and that charity shop where I knocked over a display of nick-knacks. I did offer five pounds compensation which was refused with a look that clearly declared that they would rather I just never came back. leaving the post office. When all the passport business was over and done I decided to inquire about getting more Premium Bonds but could I call to mind the name of them? No! So I stood there trying to give the very patient counter assistant as many clues as I could: I’ve got two hundred pounds worth already; they’re for my family; now I want some just for my grandchildren. But to no avail.

One good bit of news emerged just recently. People coming from the US will not now have to isolate for two weeks, and I am harboring a little fantasy that one of these days I shall open the door to find the yanks there in force shouting, “Hi, Grannie!” So just in case, I am on the look out for a handy man to help me with some more jobs around the house. I phoned Bernie who gave me a number and a bit more. Another joke alert:

They (for the next counter assistant was resorted to at this point) kept coming up with various savings accounts for every blood relative I might possess – and some I didn’t – and there came a moment when I felt sure they were going to go through that charade of film, television show or book. Just as the manager turned up to see what the fuss was all

A woman needing a handy man puts an add in the paper. When he appears she shows him the work she wants done: a door hanging off in the kitchen, “Sorry, Mrs. I don’t do carpentry.” then a leaking sink, “Sorry, Mrs. I don’t do plumbing.” and finally, a broken socket, “Sorry, Mrs. I don’t do electrics.” Extremely perplexed, the woman dares to ask. “How then can you call yourself a handyman?”

“Well, Mrs, I just live round the corner.”

I was actually in America when Gerry passed away, and every year since, even twice some times, but as we all appreciate now all such gallavants have been severed with this expletive virus. Despite little hope of any further visits anytime soon I went ahead this week and renewed my passport, and was very surprised when the Post Office did it on the spot. A most helpful young woman carried out the whole process for me, even taking the photograph; the only fly in the ointment being that when she presented it to me for approval it turned out to be of my mother. I said nothing. It comes to us all.

about, the Holy Spirit kicked in and inspired me to shout through the perspex: “You can win a million pounds on them every month!” In unison they all sighed: “Ah, Premium Bonds!” Even the manager who had not had time for an Of course I told Patricia about it but all she explanation joined in, just to be sociable I came up with was, “Why would you bother, suppose. A nice gesture, I thought. there’s nowhere to go these days.” Of course she’s right to a certain extent, but the time I can’t will come again when there are places to go help being and people to see and I want to be up and reminded here, running the moment that gun goes off at once again, of that the starting line. And I can assure you that wonderful poem by before it has stopped smoking I will be thirty May Sarton, Lost Word, thousand feet in the air heading for Boston, in which she lies awake at plane or no plane because at that stage I night searching her memory won’t be choosy. desperately for the name of a critter who ,we learn in the course What I didn’t reveal to her was the of the narrative, once caused a fair embarrassing senior moment I had before

I was afraid that tale might be cautionary, but I’ll take the risk and go ahead. After all, he is only fictional, like all my men these days.

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Magical Morning Retreats Nourish your mind, body and soul with an early morning of yoga, positivity, and relaxation, walking through a stunning forest environment with a group of like-minded ladies, led by Sisters By The Sea Enjoy the magic of nature as you reset and

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These wonderful group sessions are run by Sister by the Sea - a female led ecoconscious wellness brand created with a heart-centred ethos to inspire wellness. They promote health and wellbeing in women and encourage those who attend in person and via their online hub to ‘refill their cups to the brim’ so that they can give the best of themselves and feel the best within themselves.

All you need to bring is your yoga mat. A moderate level of fitness is required - but contact us and we will try and accommodate your needs.

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PURE NATURAL BEAUTY Olivia Sherry-O’Reilly has used her passion for nature to create her own brand of 100 per cent natural skincare products Freedom Cosmetics.

Pictures by Alexandra Barfoot

ago, Olivia has big plans to expand her product range and sell her Freedom In the past 18 months health and wellbeing Cosmetics brand across the globe. has never been so important – so, when Olivia Sherry-O’Reilly decided to create her Oliva talks to Local Women about own skincare products, she knew that she launching a business in lockdown and her plans for expansion. wanted them to be completely natural.

As a nature lover and a keen TELL US HOW YOU CAME TO environmentalist, she wanted to harness STARTYOUR BUSINESS? the goodness found in plants and After I attended a StevieJ retreat in essential oils and incorporate them into February 2020 I wanted to follow my her products that would make people long-term passion of producing natural not only look good but feel good too. skin care. Covid lockdown last March It had been Olivia’s dream to start her gave me the time and focus to start my own brand for many years, but last year’s research, which I fully enjoyed. I decided lockdown gave her the push she needed during this time I wanted to produce and sell my 100% natural skin care. to make her dreams a reality.

It gave her time to focus on what she wanted to achieve and research the natural ingredients that she wanted to use in her products - and so during the long months of lockdown Freedom Cosmetics was launched.

With no additives, chemical or colourings, Freedom Cosmetics offers a range of 100 per cent natural skincare.

As well as being kind to your skin, Olivia, 48, from Ballymartin made sure that Freedom Cosmetics is kind to the environment – she runs a plastic free business with all her products contained in either biodegradable or recyclable packaging.

Although she only started trading a year

WHAT IS THE CONCEPT BEHIND YOUR BUSINESS? Freedom Cosmetics was started to give people the option to use 100% natural skin care which had no chemicals, additives, alcohol, artificial scents, or colourings.

Products that would keep your skin in a more natural state, as it is the first line of defence against the environment.

It was designed to be completely natural. I am very passionate about the environment and one of the most important concepts about my business is that I wanted it to be plastic free - so all our products are in either bio-degradable or recyclable containers. There is no plastic in sight.

HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU FROM INITIAL IDEA FOR YOUR BUSINESS TO ACTUALLY TRADING? It was approximately nine months from the initial concept to the selling of our products. All cosmetics and skin care need to be Cosmetic Product Safety 98 | Local Women Magazine

Assessed prior to selling which takes a while to achieve. We achieved this with a lot of research and development.

WHAT IS YOUR WORK BACKGROUND? I am a nurse by trade, I worked earlier in my nursing carer with dementia clients, I then moved to district nursing, and I decided this year to leave nursing to pursue my passion as a business owner.

HOW DID YOU COPE WITH LOCKDOWN - DID IT AFFECT YOUR BUSINESS? I really enjoyed lockdown, I found I had a lot of time to spend with my family and enjoy the peace and quiet from a busy life to a more balanced one. My business was launched through lockdown and one of the main problems was getting the word out about our 100 per cent natural skin care to the people who understand the importance of caring for their skin and the power behind nature’s natural oils.

CAN YOU TALK US THROUGH YOUR PRODUCT RANGE? We have a large range of items including our moisturising balm bars. These are in bar format instead of liquid and they were designed for different skin types, so we have Gaia (sensitive skin), Oracle (mature skin), Olympian (problematic and combination skin), Oasis (dry skin), Phoenix (rejuvenation), Stardust (relaxation). We also have a range of vegan moisturising balm bars, Airmid (sensitive skin balm) body butter, lip balms, natural deodorant, natural soap, shaving giftsets and moisturising giftsets.

WHAT INSPIRED THE SCENTS? The scents were inspired by nature. We use essential oils to achieve the scents.

Some scents like The Spa were inspired by the scents of the spa and conjure up the vision of relaxation and pampering.

DO YOU MANUFACTURE YOUR OWN PRODUCTS? All our products are artisan made and require a hands-on approach. They are produced in our workshop in the Mournes.

DO YOU HAVE PLANS TO EXPAND YOUR RANGE?

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Order now at www.freedomcosmetics.co.uk day is completely different, I schedule a own workshop to design and make biolot into my diary to ensure all relevant jobs degradable packaging. are finished. During my day I may also WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE spend time in the workshop supervising, making our products, labelling, and TO A FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR packaging. In the evening all orders are STARTING OUT? packaged and posted.

You need to love your business idea and you need to have the passion to fall in WHAT DO YOU MOST LOVE ABOUT love with the idea. During business you YOUR JOB? will have ups and downs, but that passion I love the designing of the products - and love will allow you to continue this is my happy place. I love to see my through it all. ideas come to life. I also find making our products is very calming and therapeutic. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING DURING

WHAT PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE Our range is always expanding. We will FUTURE OF THE BUSINESS?

YOUR TIME OFF?

DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY?

When I have time off, I love to spend it in nature. I am very lucky to live beside the At present we are expanding into having Mourne Mountains as well as the beach ambassadors to spread the word of our so you will find me in one of these places amazing products. We are very much with my family. aware that when someone becomes an ambassador, they become a part of the IS THERE ANYONE WHO HAS Freedom family and we personally train SUPPORTED YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY all our ambassadors and support them.

TO BECOMING A BUSINESS OWNER?

When I get up in the morning, I turn on all the equipment in the workshop for our staff. I then leave my son to school, on returning I will start check up on the staff to see if they need anything. This can take me up to lunch. I then will get to spend time on new projects and research. Every

We will be expanding into a larger workshop next year and grow our business as our customers keep coming back. We hope to extend into the EU and American markets within the next few years. We also have plans to explore the hemp plastic route and have our

be launching natural beard oils, vegan lip balms, shampoo bars, and the exclusive Olivia X range of skin care as well as a natural sunscreen. Next year we intend to launch 100% natural and plastic free lipsticks and eyeshadows.

My husband Seamus has been an integral part of the business. He works full time supporting and expanding the business. Both Seamus and I have been fortunate to have been and continue to be mentored by Steviej - he has been supportive in all aspects of the business.

You can buy Freedom Cosmetics at

www.freedomcosmetics.co.uk freedomcosmeticsni

freedomcosmeticsni

Local Women Magazine | 99

Signature Dish Struggling for recipe ideas?

Check out these tasty recipes using Scotts Flavoured Crispy Onions

CRISPY ONION AND ROASTED VEGETABLE NOURISH BOWL

PREPARATION TIME: 10 minutes | COOKING TIME: 20 minutes | SERVES: 4 People INGREDIENTS

• 90g Scotts original crispy onions FOR THE ROASTED VEGETABLES

• 1 aubergine, cut in half longways and chopped into large chunks • 2 courgettes, cut in half longways and chopped into large chunks • 1 red pepper, cut in half, seeds removed and chopped • 1 yellow pepper, cut in half, seeds removed and chopped • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • Freshly milled sea salt and pepper FOR THE NOURISH BOWL

• 1 romaine lettuce, washed, trimmed, cut in half and shredded • 200g vine cherry tomatoes • 60g pitted black olives • 1/2 cucumber cut into ribbons or chunks • 50g radishes, trimmed and chopped (optional) • 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds (optional)

METHOD

● Heat the oven 200oC (Fan 200oC) Gas mark 6 ● In a large bowl, mix prepared vegetables, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, gar-lic, salt and pepper together. ● Tip the vegetables onto a large tray and roast in a hot oven for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally until the vegetables are tender.

FOR THE SALAD BOWL

• 4 tablespoons balsamic dressing

● Arrange lettuce into serving bowls with tomatoes, olives, cucumber and radish.

• 2 tablespoons grated pecorino

● Top with warm roasted vegetables and their roasting juices, Scotts original crispy onions. Drizzle with balsamic dressing and sprinkle with grated pecorino and seeds before serving.

Find us on Instagram & Facebook 100 | Local Women Magazine

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Find us on Instagram & Facebook Local Women Magazine | 101

MEET THE DIABETIC DUO

Banbridge best friends Beth McDaniel and Ellen Watson are entertaining and educating people about diabetes through their TikTok account.

Beth McDaniel and Ellen Watson didn’t expect to take off on TikTok as the Diabetic Duo - but their efforts to educate and entertain have given them a following of over 22,000 people.

Beth McDaniel and Ellen Watson

The two women, both 21 from Banbridge, who have been best friends for over four years now, made a TikTok video in 2019 where their Dexcom G6s, a machine that measures their blood glucose levels, were visible.

The video went viral, with many people praising Beth and Ellen for their confidence and openness around their diagnoses, and the TikTok page @diabeticduo soon became popular.

The two women, who both have Type 1 diabetes, talk about meeting each other, getting diagnosed, and taking off on TikTok, even saying some things at the same time, as they’re so in sync!

Ellen was diagnosed with diabetes at just age 7, and at age 17 she met Beth, and they soon became best friends.

“We’re best friends!” They both say at the same time, and Beth then takes over to tell the rest of the story.

“We met four years ago and became besties because

we’re so similar. Everybody always thought we were sisters.”

The girls had been best friends for two years when Beth was also diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, but it only brought them closer than before.

“We had joked around and called ourselves the Iconic Duo, just for craic, and then when I got diagnosed nearly two years ago, Ellen said, ‘We can be the Diabetic Duo now.’

“We created the Diabetic Duo TikTok account to make funny, relatable TikToks all about living with Type 1 diabetes as a young girl.

“When we made our first TikTok it was fairly new, and anyone who used it was a lot younger. Before a night out we had said to our friends, ‘Let’s make a funny TikTok.’ “They all said they didn’t want to be in it, which was understandable, but Beth and I filmed it anyway. It was a transformation video where we were just dancing around.

“But you could see our Dexcoms in the video, and all of a sudden the video blew up.

“It was just a wee comforting comment, but little did we know it would turn into something so huge.”

“Loads of other diabetics were saying they wore one too but couldn’t believe we were confident enough to wear it on a night out.

Ellen explains how their friendship turned into a TikTok page with thousands of followers.

“There were loads of other people who knew nothing about diabetes and were asking questions about what we were wearing. It opened up so many conversations.”

“We decided to try and make light of it and turn a serious situation into something more positive.

The Dexcom G6 is a device diabetics can wear on their stomachs or arms, which continually measure and monitor their blood glucose levels.

Beth McDaniel and Ellen Watson

They can be worn for 10 days before needing changed, a difference from the days of never-ending needles many diabetics had known before.

The blood sugar levels are then sent to an app on your phone, which can alert the wearer if they need to treat themselves.

Beth and Ellen continued to proudly wear their Dexcoms in almost every photo and video on their TikTok and other social media platforms, such as their Instagram, @ the_diabetic_duo.

“We didn’t know there was such a big online diabetic community, so we thought we would keep going with it and keep making videos that people were enjoying.”

Beth adds that they aim to raise awareness around diabetes, as well as raise the spirits of those who struggle with it.

“From that point onwards, whenever we saw that one video was helping so many people, we thought it would be silly not to continue.

“We don’t make them too serious. We try to make light of situations that happen to all diabetics and put a funny spin on it.”

Ellen says that many of their supporters have shared their own stories or reached out to the duo to say they have got a lot from their TikTok page. diabetes, and a lot of people don’t know the symptoms,” says Ellen.

“Our followers will say they really enjoy some videos, or ask for videos about certain things, or even just say they really related to videos about situations they found themselves in, too.

The two talk about the ‘Four Ts’, which are major symptoms of diabetes: Thirst, becoming very thirsty; Toilet, needing to go often; Thin, becoming very thin; and Tired, becoming very tired.

“That really keeps us going, but we also have so much fun making the videos. It’s a way for us to vent about how we’re feeling about our diabetes on that day, too.”

When Ellen forgets the last one, Beth jumps in to help her out, showing how these two really do work well as a duo.

Beth shares why she thinks their TikTok account became so popular: “I think it’s a combination of things.

Ellen then continues: “We do a lot of work with campaigns. We work with Dexcom, who had a campaign for Diabetes Week which was recently, using the hashtag #DexcomDiabetesStories.

“It’s very relatable, and light-hearted.

You want to go onto TikTok to have a relief from the seriousness of real life and the challenges of diabetes you go through.”

The duo, who are both students at Ulster University, and currently undertaking internships, say they sometimes struggle to have a little laugh.” keep up with all the messages they are sent. While the Diabetic Duo TikTok page is all “We get so many messages from people about letting those with diabetes have a saying we’re really helping them, or just laugh when they need it most, the content asking for advice, or if they’ve had a really creators are serious about spreading information on their platform. bad day and just want to vent.

“I think that shows that we’re starting to become recognised in the community as people who you can reach out to for support or inspiration, or just for a bit of relief and to

“It is to entertain, to educate, to support and to raise awareness. We’re all about raising awareness. Even simple things, like a lot of people don’t realise there’s different types of

“That was a really good campaign, encouraging people to share their stories.

We also worked with Diabetes UK and took part in their campaign to paint your nails blue for World Diabetes Day “We like to take any chance we can get to raise awareness of what life is like for a diabetic.”

When talking about their plans for the future of their TikTok page, the two women again speak in sync: “I think we’re just going with the flow,” with Beth following up with, “Jinx!”

Local Women Magazine | 103

DOWN TO EARTH...

with Joanna Braniff

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE!

Local Women’s gardening column for the mind, body and soul

By Joanna Braniff This quirky canine reference to the period between mid-July and the start of September originates in ancient history as this time coincides with the rising in the night sky of Sirius, otherwise known as the Dog Star. The Greeks and Romans believed the Dog Days to be a time of drought and unrest when dogs and people alike would be driven mad by the extreme heat!

So that should remind you this month, you will need to ensure your plants are getting properly watered and feed to avoid disaster.

Water is vital for the survival of all plants.

It’s essential for the transportation of nutrients and sugars from the soil. It’s best not to let plants get to the wilting stage as they might not recover or suffer from future growth damage. When the weather is hot, be extra vigilant to how your plants are coping with soaring temperatures and lack of rain.

REHYDRATE You should water your plants almost daily at this time of year. But rather than making it a routine regardless of conditions, react to what each individual plant needs. Each one deals with different factors, including its position to wind and sun, soil conditions and root maturity.

Plants are your friends, and you can tell how they are feeling by how they look.

So get in touch with their needs. Take time to observe the colour of their leaves and the shape of the stems and flowers, as these are the first indicators of water or nutrient deficiency and pest attack.

Curled, withered, or dying leaves and stems mean there’s a problem at the roots. Munched or missing leaf pieces mean it’s more likely pests such as slugs and aphids are doing damage.

The good news is that plants are remarkably resilient, even if we neglect them from time to time.

With a bit of tender loving care, predator removal, a good drink of water and a top-up of nutrients from an organic seaweed fertilizer, they can bounce back from the brink of death.

With a bit of care and attention, you can prolong your flowers looking their best if you help them cope with the heat.

Be mindful not to wastewater as it is a precious commodity for everyone. Instead, use water butts to save rainwater (which is actually better for your plants than tap water). Also, recycle water from inside the house, e.g. collect washing up water in a bucket outside for beds and lawns.

Water your garden in the evening after the heat of the day has subsided as this will reduce wastage through evaporation.

Direct water down to the roots and not onto the leaves where it’s not needed. You don’t satisfy your thirst by having a shower, and neither do plants! They take up water and nutrients up through their root systems, so make it easy for them and deliver hydration close to the base at ground level.

Don’t forget to pay special attention to plants in containers and hanging baskets as they are prone to dehydration. Water slowly but thoroughly, filling the container to the rim and allowing it to drain into the compost, then filling it a second time to ensure that the whole of the compost is adequately moistened.

Use a liquid fertilizer diluted in water once a fortnight.

Top up ponds, water features and birdbaths regularly, and water evergreen shrubs like camellias and rhododendrons thoroughly this month to ensure that next year’s buds develop well.

104 | Local Women Magazine

RESHAPE August is also the month to deadhead flowers and prune shrubs and bushes. As well as tidying up the garden, deadheading extends the blooming period by removing the seed source of flowering plants. Simply nip off or cut at the foliage level any flowers that are past their best.

Many herbs originate in the Mediterranean, so they love the baking hot days of August.

So keep trimming them back and use them in your summer salads and BBQ marinades to encourage a second flush of growth. You can also dry or freeze your herb clippings so you can enjoy a welcome taste of summer in the colder months.

REMOVE The weeds are also making the most of their summer holidays. Try to stay on top of them through manual weeding by hand or with a hoe.

Carefully pour boiling water onto any weeds popping up in the cracks in your path rather than reaching for a chemical solution that will harm wildlife and human health. Cultivate the weeds you find attractive or valuable to support insects and other wildlife. For example, nettles might not be the most glamorous plants in the garden, but bees and butterflies love them. Weeds are just plants in the wrong place, so don’t feel you need to go to war to destroy everyone. A natural wildflower patch is relaxed and attractive and will provide a home and feeding ground for birds and insects.

RELAX August is the best month to enjoy your garden. It’s the season of football games and tennis matches on the lawn, BBQs in the backyard and afternoon siestas on the decking. So work with your plants this month and mindfully attend to their simple needs. You will be richly rewarded with inspiring colours, rich scents and a priceless sense of inner wellbeing right to the end of the summer.

For more gardening hints, tips and advice, visit www.downtoearthnorthernireland.com

Put a few sticks that reach out of the water to the edge of the container as an escape route for anything that accidentally falls in.

I added an inexpensive, floating solar-powered fountain to my container pond for the relaxing sound of trickling water – the birds also love it to get a shower!

You will be amazed that your container water garden will attract birds and insects within hours of setting up. Over time you might even be lucky enough to have a frog as a tenant who will enthusiastically eat slugs and insects to pay its rent. A small pond or container water garden is a little oasis of resources and activity that will bring your outdoor space to life in a really interesting and engaging way.

PLANTS FOR YOUR POND

be vestiges of June and July’s intoxicating heat and vibrant colours as blackberries burst from the brambles and tomatoes ripen late in the greenhouse through to October. Fire orange pumpkins, jewelled ruby raspberries, and crisp green leeks still have to make their much anticipated autumnal debuts.

But towards the end of August, you can definitely feel the garden starting to settle down and ready itself for harsher conditions ahead. Seeds have all been scattered, bulbs are swollen underground with stored solar energy ready to winter it out, and leaves are beginning to crisp up and turn nostalgia brown.

As a gardener, this is the time to plan and prep for next year’s display.

Miniature Waterlily – Happy in a shallow pool.

These aquatic plants bloom with pink or white flowers and have only a 30cm spread.

PONDLIFE One of the best wildlife-friendly additions you make to your garden is a water feature. It doesn’t have to be a huge pond or elaborate fountain. Even the smallest offering of water and aquatic plants will bring an abundance of exciting and helpful wildlife, including frogs and dragonflies, to visit your garden.

You don’t have to dig a big hole to make a pond.

Instead, you can create a lovely relaxing water feature in even the smallest spaces in a container like an old sink, metal water tank or even a ceramic pot without drainage holes in the bottom. Just pick a container you like and suits your space, and you are good to go.

Position your container pond on a flat surface in dappled shade if possible and close to a vantage point like a window near the house or a quiet seat so you can watch the abundance of nature it attracts.

Half fill your container with water (rainwater is best), then put a few big stones or bricks in the bottom to create shelves for your aquatic plants.

Your pond plants are an instant habitat and feeding station for birds and insects and a point of interest in the water.

Put a layer of small stones on the top of each aquatic plant pot to stop the soil from washing away and slowly introduce the pots into the water, holding them until they become saturated. You can add a few washed stones and pebbles around the plants to hold them in place and hide the pots.

Get some small oxygenating plants to help keep the water clear and healthy for wildlife. The water might be cloudy initially, but it will clear once everything settles in place.

Miniature Bulrush – Compact and cute, small bulrushes add height to a container pond and offer the perfect perch for dragonflies to land on.

Blue Flag Iris – Add a bit of floral interest with this attractive plant which produces graceful upright narrow levels and pretty blue flowers.

Recharged with summer’s energy, both plants and gardeners alike go to ground and dream about the sun’s return in spring.

The lesson from the garden is to try to go with the flow and take time to assess what you want and need to thrive. Adapt to the conditions and build mental resilience to help you deal with all challenges. Always look ahead and plan for brighter days when the storms inevitably pass. Embrace all of the seasons and cycles of your life because there’s always magic in change.

LOST IN THYME I recently read a lovely phrase - ‘I go into the garden to lose my mind and find my soul’.

That certainly rings true for me. I go outside and potter around in the plants to forget all my daily stresses, and I highly recommend you do the same.

I think the garden is such a relaxing environment because time has no real meaning in the sense we usually understand it. I believe the only clocks allowed in the garden should be the fluffy dandelions seed heads and the passage of the sun overhead.

The garden runs on nature’s clock. It is measured out not in minutes and hours but in weather and seasons. Plants are ruled by external conditions and not pre-planned timetables, so when you are out enjoying your garden, follow their example.

While August is full of bursting blooms and ripe produce ready for plucking, it’s also a transition season when you first start to notice the tinges of decay ahead of autumn.

For me, August always feels like the last hour of a vibrant summer party. While I want it to last forever, I can feel it winding down as my floral guests begin to wilt and ready themselves for departure for another year. Yet, I have to accept it’s just the next stage in the natural life-cycle of the garden.

That doesn’t mean enjoyable times in the garden are over for the year, but the mood really changes when summer ends. Of course, there will still

PLANT OF THE MONTH SUNFLOWER

Is there any plant more joyous than the sunflower! This month sunflowers of all shapes and sizes reach their peak in terms of growth and height. It’s believed they were first cultivated by Native Americans as a food source over 5000 years ago before being introduced to Europe in the 16th century. Each flower is actually a disc made up of tiny flowers to form a larger false flower to better attract pollinators. Easy to grow, they should be planted from midMarch to early May by starting a single seed in a 7cm pot of peat-free compost. When all risk of frost has passed, transplant the seedlings into a sheltered sunny spot in soil rich in organic matter. Stake the taller varieties for support as they grow.

Local Women Magazine | 105

Joanna Denton

‘It’s time to take control’

Business mentor Joanna Denton offers solutions to your work-related problems. This month she tackles the fear of taking on too much.

Dear Joanna, My boss has asked me to take his place on a not-for-profit committee starting in September. It’s a high-profile committee and will help my visibility on the market.

However, I know that I am bound to get sucked in and end up spending a lot of time working on it. I am already exhausted and overworked in my day job, and I need my summer holiday. I just don’t know where I am going to find the time for the committee, and I am getting all up in my head about the prospect, rather than seeing it for the opportunity it is.

Rebecca Dear Rebecca, Thank you for your email and sharing with me what is happening right now. I can hear how tired you are, and I can also sense the worry you have about managing this new role.

Ok, if you were in front of me in my office, I would ask you some questions to talk you through this.

2. ARE THOSE ASSUMPTIONS ACCURATE? It can be easy to latch on to assumptions that we have about a situation and treat them as fact.

What can you do to find out some concrete information about the role, and get clarity on exactly what is expected from you? Getting clarity can help you make some informed choices and decisions.

3. WHAT IS WITHIN YOUR CONTROL TO CHANGE? It can be easy to feel overwhelmed at responsibilities.

4. WHAT WOULD BE A MORE HELPFUL WAY TO APPROACH THE NEW ROLE?

It is important to remember that there is always

Thinking about the assumptions, the elements

the thought of taking on more and more

at something that you have control over, or at the very least be in your zone of influence.

One thing that will always be in your control is how

within your control – is there a more helpful way to go into this new role? Rather than focus on the fears around how much time it might take, how

you think about the situation. For example, you

could you focus on the opportunities?

can choose to think about this situation more as

What could be a strategy to remember the

the opportunity for visibility that it presents you with, than the weight around your neck.

What other things can be in your control?

opportunities instead?

Finally, it sounds like you need a good break from work – and I sincerely hope that you take this time

So, let’s go.

Things that come to mind for me are the

off and really rest and look after yourself. When

1. WHAT ASSUMPTIONS ARE YOU MAKING ABOUT THIS NEW ROLE?

following – and I will be interested to see what

you come back, know that you have all the tools

resonates with you:

required to design your involvement with this

Our reactions to a situation – the worry, the excitement – arise not so much in response to the situation – being asked to go on a committee – rather to the thoughts, beliefs, and assumptions that we might have about the situation.

•

and how much you switch off, so that you can get some real rest.

•

Does that ring true?

What might be some other assumptions that you are making?

106 | Local Women Magazine

You can control how much time you spend on the committee – for example you can

organisation in the way that you want to.

Hope this helps and remember – you got this!

Joanna

choose to take a back seat and observe,

So, what assumptions are you making?

I can already read (i) that you think you will get sucked up into the day to day (ii) end up spending a lot of time working on it and (iii) that you won’t be able to find the time to do everything.

You can control your upcoming holiday

rather than rush in to start volunteering to organise events.

•

You can control how you manage your other client commitments to free up time, for example by delegating more so that you have time for this new role

What are other aspects that you can control or influence?

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

Local Women Magazine | 107

FROM CHAOS HOME TO HAPPY YOGI ZONE, NATURAL GAS OFFERS FLEXIBILITY FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY Find your flow this Summer, wave Goodbye to your oil tank and your stresses too!

As we enter the latter half of the Summer holidays, we can often find ourselves a little overwhelmed but don’t worry you’re not alone. Over the Summer months we hear from switchers facing challenges which include “No hot water for the breakfast dishes never mind a shower, the laundry baskets overflowing, the kids are raiding the fridge again, I’ve heard “MUM” at least 100 times and it’s only 11 am.”

We can’t wave a magic wand but please believe us when we say that natural gas is the perfect supplement to ease family life!

Did you know that when you switch to natural gas from oil as well as removing indoor tanks you can also get rid of the oil tank and oil boiler in the garden.

With plenty more space you could create a playing zone for the kids, an exercise haven for yourself, or maybe just a place to escape the house with a coffee or stretch away the pressures of family life. Inside the home you can transform unloved areas such as the hot press into a toy storage cupboard, a wardrobe, or maybe even a laundry room, the options are fully flexible to ensure they measure up for your family’s needs.

What makes natural gas the perfect medicine for any family home isn’t just the additional space that it offers, one of the biggest conveniences is that natural gas offers the freedom of having instant hot water available on tap 24/7.

Seated twist Mountain

Warrior II

Childs pose

Butterfly

Standing forward fold Downward facing dog

Seated forward fold

108 | Local Women Magazine

Upward facing dog

Yes, you read that right – instant hot water without having to put the radiators on! You can say goodbye to an overheated home, no more waiting on the immersion heater, and never having the disappointment of the bath or shower running cold ever again!

If you have a hot tub or paddling pool the instant hot water also stretches outside your home and can be used to reduce the wait meaning you can enjoy an impromptu dip to wash away the day’s challenges without any pre-planning.

At firmus energy we pride ourselves on customer service, with a customer satisfaction rating of over 98% we know a thing or two about what makes our customers happy and we have heard of customers up and down the country improving their homes and wellbeing too all thanks to natural gas. Jen in Ballymena’s found her zen transforming her garden into a breathing space, Karen in Portadown’s been practicing Sun Warrior in her yoga quarter, Tommy in Dollingstown’s been hopping straight into his hot tub for post-football recovery and the Jones in Derry/ Londonderry are in full flow with mum working up a sweat in the garden whilst topping up the kids paddling pool with Instant hot water to ensure some heat even on the dullest of days.

With natural gas, the most stressed of homes

can be transformed into happy smiling homes.

If you’re dreaming of a happy harmonious summer then why not invest in your home with the ultimate stress buster for the entire family, right now firmus energy has a number of brilliant offers making it even easier to switch. Choose from 0% finance which means you can spread the cost of installing natural gas over two years or £200 cashback.

To date, over 108,000 customers have connected to natural gas with firmus energy and are enjoying the benefits that natural gas brings every day. You’ll also be doing your bit for the environment by reducing carbon emissions by up to 48%*.

So, what are you waiting for? Find out if you can say Goodbye to your oil tank and create a happy place by heading to firmusenergy. co.uk/morespace or calling the team on 0330 024 9000. *Information based on switching from a nonefficient oil system to an efficient gas boiler, based on average annual consumption.

If you are feeling inspired to find your flow then check out some of our stress-busting yoga poses and let natural gas wash away your stresses.

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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 worldfamous 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.

GETTING A SMEAR TEST 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.

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

This

month

Dr

McComiskey

discusses

cervical smears.

WHO GETS CERVICAL SMEARS? Cervical screening is one of the best ways to protect yourself from cervical cancer.

Cervical screening checks the health of your cervix. It’s not a test for cancer, it’s a test to help prevent cancer.

Did you know you are at risk of cervical cancer if you have a cervix and have ever had any kind of sexual contact with a man or a woman.

You are still at risk irrespective of number of partners or if you have been vaccinated against HPV (Human papillomavirus).

You will be invited for smears three yearly from 25 years old to 49 years old, then every five years from 50 years old to 64 years old.

Cervical screening is not routinely recommended if you are under 25 years old, over 65 years old or have had a total hysterectomy.

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than likely be a practice nurse.

It’s best to not book appointment for when you are having your period, if you have a pelvic infection, if you are pregnant or have recently had a pregnancy. You should also avoid using vaginal medications or lubricants for two days before your smear test.

WHAT HAPPENS AT A SMEAR APPOINTMENT? You should see your GP if you have abnormal discharge or if you have bleeding between periods, bleeding after sex or bleeding after the menopause - do not wait for your next smear.

WHAT IS A CERVICAL SMEAR? If you feel worried about going for cervical screening (a smear test), you are not alone so it may help to know as much as possible about what going for cervical screening is like.

The cervix is the opening to your womb in your vagina - a smear checks the health of your cervix.

During the smear a small sample of cells will be taken from your cervix. The sample is tested for changes to the cells of your cervix.

Detecting abnormal cells early means that they can be monitored or treated easily

HOW TO BOOK A CERVICAL SMEAR You’ll be sent an invitation letter when it’s time to book your smear appointment. You should contact your local doctor’s surgery to make an appointment – the smear taker will more

The test itself should take less than five minutes. You’ll be asked to undress from the waist down behind a screen and lie back on a bed.

The smear taker will put a smooth, tube shaped instrument called a speculum gently into your vagina and the speculum will be opened to see your cervix.

Using a tiny brush, a small sample of cells will be taken, the speculum will then be removed and you will be left to get dressed.

You can ask for the examination to stop at any time you wish during your appointment.

WHAT ABOUT THE RESULTS? You normally will receive a results letter about your smear within a few weeks. The majority of smear tests are negative and reassuring.

However, if you have any questions about your result – you should speak to your family doctor.

Until next month

Dr Mark McComiskey Dr Mark McComiskey MD MRCOG

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

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GUT BACTERIA AND THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

These days we all have a heightened awareness of immunity. The experts at Chemist Connect tell us everything we need to know about probiotics and how they can support our immune system.

We are surrounded by millions of bacteria, viruses and other germs that have the potential to enter our bodies and cause harm. The immune system is the body’s defence against disease-causing microbes (pathogens).

A person with a weak immune system might have difficulty fighting off infections.

The immune system is made up of non-specialised defences such as the skin, which acts as a barrier and strong acid in the stomach, which helps to kill bacteria and viruses. However, it also has some highly specialised defences which provide resistance to particular pathogens via our immunity. Immune defences are provided via our white blood cells, most importantly our lymphocytes.

The lymphatic system is also part of the immune system.

The lymphatic system is made up of a network of tubes (vessels) which carry fluid called lymph. It contains specialised lymph tissue and all of the structures dedicated to the production of lymphocytes.

The immune system is generally divided into two parts.

The first part is the defences you are born with. These form what are known as the innate system.

The innate system is found in many different places around the body. First line of defence is your skin. Skin forms a waterproof barrier that prevents pathogens from entering the body. Your body cavities, such as your nose and mouth, are lined with mucous membranes. Mucous membranes produce sticky mucus which can trap bacteria and other pathogens. Other fluids produced by your body help to protect your internal layers from invasion by pathogens. Gastric juices produced by your stomach have high acidity which helps to kill off any bacteria we may swallow. Saliva and tears help protect against pathogens in the mouth and eyes respectively.

If bacteria or other pathogens manage to get through these first-line defences, they encounter a second line of defence.

Most of these defences are present in your blood, either as specialised white

blood cells or as chemicals released by your cells and tissues. Known as adaptive immunity, this develops as you grow. This type of immunity gives you protection against specific pathogens.

Not only can this system recognise particular pathogens, but it also has a memory of this. This means that if you encounter a certain pathogen twice, your adaptive immune system can recognise it second time around. This usually means your body responds more quickly to fight off the infection.

The adaptive immune response involves the activation of specialised cells in the blood. These are generically categorised as white blood cells.

There are various different types of white cells, and they include neutrophils (polymorphs), lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes, and basophils. Of these Lymphocytes are particularly important in the fight against pathogens and they are found in your blood and also in specialised lymph tissue such as lymph nodes, your spleen and your thymus.

These white blood cells travel in your bloodstream and react to different types of infection caused by bacteria, viruses or other pathogens. Lymphocytes produce antibodies which recognise and neutralise pathogens. Neutrophils engulf bacteria and destroy them with special chemicals. Eosinophils and monocytes also work by swallowing up foreign particles in your body. Basophils help to intensify swelling (inflammation).

Inflammation is part of your body’s immune response. Damage to your tissues causes the release of different chemicals into your blood. These chemicals make blood vessels leaky, helping specialised white blood cells get to where they are needed. They also attract neutrophils

and monocytes to the site of the injury.

This helps to protect against a bacterial infection developing.

Our immune system as a whole is supported by other body systems and their condition. Diet and the condition of our digestive system can play a significant role in ensuring our immune system is functioning properly. Within the digestive system, and particularly the intestine, gut microbiota play a key role in defending the body from pathogens.

The gut microbiota, or flora is the collection of microorganisms that live in the intestines. This forms a collection of ‘good’ bacteria, archaea and fungi and they work in harmony with the body’s systems. Evidence has demonstrated that good maintenance of the microbiota is essential to a strong immune system. A poor diet and repeated courses of antibiotics can disrupt this balance.

Probiotics on the other hand can help support it. Evidence is accumulating for the ability of certain probiotics to help protect against the incidence, severity and/or duration of respiratory viruses, by replenishing essential components of the microbiota.

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Summer

Styling

WITH KULAR FASHION

It is what we have all been waiting for – our favourite eateries and bars are open; those postponed weddings are finally happening; hotels are welcoming us back for a stay in the places we have missed. Summer 2021 has well and truly arrived, and we are celebrating in style.

After a year where everything was postponed or cancelled, we have been delighted to the see the arrival of our summer 2021 collection from the most soughtafter brands. From pastel shades to vibrant pops of colour, occasion dresses and shoes to casual denim and trainers, we have a gorgeous range of clothing, footwear and accessories that we know you will love.

For this month’s column we are taking a closer look at our favourite summer pieces from French Connection, GANT, Ruby Shoo and Michael Kors. Whatever your plans are for the rest of the summer, we have chosen a selection of pieces that will look great now but also seamlessly transition you from summer into autumn.

Occasionwear Whether it is a wedding, a christening or brunch with the girls, the Aiden dress from French Connection is a must this season.

Coming in three stunning summer shades – Fiery Red, Summer Daffodil and Utility Blue – this midi-length dress features contrast accents and a cinching belt to define your waist. Accessorising this dress couldn’t be easier. Team the Aiden dress with the Ruby Shoo Clarissa peep toe high heel. These high heels are the occasion shoe of the season and it is obvious why. Featuring a white and silver metallic brocade, the Clarissa peep toe is set on a classic heel and embellished with pearl and diamantes for a truly feminine finish. But, what about the bag?

Well, the Clarissa heel has a matching handbag, Toulouse.

The Toulouse bag features the same shimmering brocade, as well as a detachable shoulder strap so the bag can be worn to suit your personal style. These veganfriendly accessories will team well with your occasion pieces season after season.

120 | Local Women Magazine

PHOTOGRAPHY: Neil McLaughlin Instagram: neilmclaughlinphotography_

City Breaks After months of being couped up at home, many of us are ready for a change of scenery and a city break is just what the doctor ordered.

City breaks are full of different activities and plans so, for us, comfort is key. We enjoy getting the steps up when visiting a new city but we never want to compromise on style – and why should we? The Allie trainer from Michael Kors comes in a gorgeous Champagne shade, which will pair great with denim, joggers and midi length dresses this season. These covetable trainers feature signature MK logo branding and silver-tone hardware for a rich finish.

Summer in Ireland means we have to be prepared come rain or shine.

The GANT mac coat with Tech Prep™ is the perfect jacket to keep you cool and dry. Coming in two classic shades – Putty and Evening Blue – this water-repellent jacket features a classic mac silhouette. Layer it over a sweater and jeans for a preppy, off-duty look.

While on a city break, we tend to spend most of our day out of the hotel and in the city exploring. Therefore, it’s important to have a statement-making bag that will house the essentials. The Sinclair Tote Bag from Michael Kors is a versatile and functional accessory.

Coming in two core shades, Luggage and Vanilla, the Sinclair features a detachable crossbody strap – this way, you can be handsfree and get those Instagram-worthy pictures taken with ease.

A Chilled Annual Leave Finding this year a bit of whirlwind? Us too! Whilst most people are excited about the easing of restrictions, some of us will be happy to unwind and enjoy a relaxed summer. We are thinking trips to the beach, walks along The Quay with a coffee in hand and taking the little ones to the park for some fun in the sun. The two-piece Renya loungewear set from French Connection gives us those chilled vibes. Each piece is crafted from a lightweight fabric and cut to a relaxed fit. Team this set with the breathable Bodie trainer from Michael Kors. The Rhea backpack from Michael Kors is the perfect accessory to complete this look. Featuring Michael Kors’ Signature print, this backpack is completed with gold-tone hardware. With lots of space to store your necessities, the Rhea backpack from Michael Kors is the ideal everyday accessory for those on the go.

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kularfashion Local Women Magazine | 121

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MEET THE ARTIST WITH GALLERY 1608

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ChristmasGi�t Gi�tGuide Guide Christmas MEET THE ARTIST hristmas Gi�t Guid for ArtLovers Lovers for Art a loved of stunning local thisyear year Give Give a loved one one the the giftgift of stunning local artartthis for Art with Gallery 1608’s Christmas Gift Guide.Love with Gallery 1608’s Christmas Gift Guide.

Local Women learns more about the work of talented local sculptor John F McLaughlin whose work is available at Gallery 1608 in Bushmills

I am a Belfast based full time Irish artist working for many years in a wide range of media but with a particular focus over the past With Christmas just around the corner, this month fifteen years on bronze cast sculpture and wejust have pickedthe ourcorner, favourite Christmas gifts from th Christmas around month landscape painting.

Manythis years have also some of our top Irish artists.

This year, why not have been pickedspent our favourite Christmas gifts from in art education.

found in private collections.

Art… e a Local loved one the gift of stunning local art this y with Gallery 1608’s Christmas Gift Guide.

A study usually starts with loose sketches and photographs as inspiration and recording, leading to experimental modelling in clay, wood, wax, foam or other materials working towards a final bronze cast avoid the homogenous high street presents and buy me of our top Irish artists. This year, why not My something sculptural work which is both unique and collectable for outcome. The craftsmanship and rigour oid the homogenous high street presents and buy celebrates the complexity of all stages after studio your loved ones.

A bit of extra thought will provide a mething is both unique and the collectable for of which the formonand prep work leading to the gifthuman which keeps giving. ur loved ones. bitthe of extra thought provide a as justinfiaround corner, thiswill month nite Apossibilities derived from foundry casting and finishing Toponofgiving. ourworld list thisaround year are limited edition prints by t whichthe natural The stages, be that sand casting ed our keeps favourite Christmas giftsus.from two of Ireland’soften most well-known artists. Belfast bronze pieces evolve from or the lost wax processes are p ofIrish our listartists. this year areBradley’s limitedwhy editionnot prints by op This year, Terry of dock the artist, realistic into the depiction abstract andworkers and fascinating and absorbing, as all o of Ireland’s most well-known artists.

Belfast burlesque type women are always popular Maguire, Robert Spotten, NUA,appeal JG, NI Silver, Ghost,is expressive, with apresents range inand scale from and we stages have an which mogenous high street buy ist, Terry Bradley’s depiction ofrecent dock workers and have all of his most prints into stock.

Bonesetter and Spirit Jewellery. small maquette sized pieces much still very much informed by ancient hich ismore both unique collectable for rlesque type women areand always we is often Maguire, Robert Spotten, JG, NI Silver, Ghost, individual larger popular pieces.and Work skills and NUA, techniques.

Keith Drury’s limited edition work is also very es.allAofexhibited bit extra provide in thought local and acan Bonesetter be ve hisof most recent printsgalleries inwill stock. and Spirit Jewellery.

The joy of making and being very much collectable and popular with our clients. His work is Ceramics are also a very popular gift and again we ps on giving. involved in all parts of the creative both quirky and contemporary, depicting diff erent th Drury’s limited edition work is also very can accommodate all budgets. Pieces range from process from sketching and refining of local scenes seamlessly brought together in one piece. lectable and popular with our clients. His work is functional pottery to bespoke sculptural pieces.

Ceramics are also a ideas very popular gift and we this year are limited edition prints by through to again making and The artwork has appeared on television’s The Fall and th quirky and contemporary, depicting different Represented are household names such as Sharon can accommodate all budgets.

Pieces range from producing the fi nal realised is even in the collection ofBelfast Princess ’s scenes most seamlessly well-known artists. al brought together in oneAnne. piece.Prints from Ian Carty, Rory Shearer, Leona Devine and piece is very fulfilling. functional Reagan, pottery to bespoke sculptural pieces. both artists can be bought framed or unframed. eradley’s artwork has appeared of on dock television’s The Falland and Patrick Colhoun.Influences include sculptors depiction workers Represented are household names such as Sharon even in the collection of Princess Anne. Prints like Breon e women are always popular and from we Maguire, Spotten, NUA, JG, NI Silver, Ghost, Reagan, IanRobert Carty, Rory Shearer, LeonaO’Casey, Devine andRonan th artists can be bought framed or unframed.

Gillespie, John Behan, Eilis O’ Patrick Colhoun. most recent prints in stock.

Bonesetter Jewellery.

The and gift ofSpirit a book never fails andFatE Gallery 1608 we Connell and Mc William.

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Local Ceramics…

Local Ceramics…

Local Books…

mited edition work is also very d popular with our clients. His work is d contemporary, depicting different eamlessly brought together in one piece. as appeared on television’s The Fall and Local Jewellery… collection of Princess Anne.

Prints If jewellery is more your idea offrom a giftframed why not or support our local n be bought unframed.

makers? We have a wide range of ocal Jewellery…

have perhaps the largest selection of Irish Art Books

Local Books… under one roof inMy the whole painting of Northern Ireland.has

Local The gift of aCeramics… book never developed fails and at Galleryover 1608 wemany

years of also experience, with an gift emphasis on we Ceramics are a very popular and again have perhaps the largest selection of Irish Art Books Irish Paintings… sketch book workhave recording, alongside Finally, our painters been working tirelessly underaccommodate one roof in the whole of NorthernPieces Ireland. range from can all budgets. photography and close observational and to ensure we have new works available for the analytical studies of the Irishsculptural landscapepieces. using functional pottery to bespoke Christmas season and the range and quality of our Irish aPaintings… range of media including charcoal, ink, Represented are household names such assmall Sharon show is amazing.

Finally, watercolour ourcurrent painters have beenThese working tirelessly wash. annotated to ensure we works for the Reagan, Ianhave Carty, Shearer, Leona Devine studies arenew often up later to more and Remember, weRory canworked offavailable er 10 months interest free Christmas season and the range and quality of our fi nished outcomes on canvas.

The work credit on all pieces over £100 and you can Patrick Colhoun.

intake scale intimate studies to currentmay showrange is amazing. the from work away immediately. jewellery available at many different bigger more Aexpressive uences ewellery is more your idea of great way topieces. spread theInfl cost of 10 MONTHS INTEREST Remember, we can off er 10 months interest free price points, ranging from costume include T P Flanagan and Basil Blackshaw. gift why not support our local Christmas.

FREE LOANS NOW AVAILABLE jewellery to more bespoke pieces. credit on all pieces over £100 and you can akers? We have a wide range of The gift of a book never fails and at Gallery 1608 we PLUS YOU TAKE HOME We would like to wish all our We have sourced many of Ireland’s take the work away immediately. wellery available at many different THE PIECE TODAY have perhaps the largest selection of Irish Art Books customers a very happy Christmas finest jewellers and have work availableMain 83-85 Street, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, BT57 8QD A great way to spread the cost of 10 MONTHS INTEREST ce points, ranging from costume a peaceful Year! from well-known names such as Louise Christmas. under one roof inandthe whole New of Northern Ireland.

FREE LOANS NOW AVAILABLE T: bespoke 028 pieces.

2073 1324 | E: info@gallery1608.co.uk | W: www.gallery1608.co.uk wellery to more PLUS YOU TAKE HOME We would like to wish all our e have sourced many of Ireland’s 126 | Local Women Magazine THE PIECE TODAY customers a very happy Christmas est jewellers and have work available

Local Books…

83-85 Main Bushmills, Co. Antrim, BT57 8QD IrishStreet, Paintings…

NORTHERN IRELAND’S LARGEST GALLERY

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SPREAD THE COST OF CONTEMPORARY ART WITH AN INTEREST-FREE LOAN! 83-85 Main Street, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, BT57 8QD T: 028 2073 1324 | E: info@gallery1608.co.uk | W: www.gallery1608.co.uk

CELEBRATE ‘DOGUST’ AT PET & COUNTRY

Choose to rehome a pet and this month you can celebrate their unofficial birthday.

Why not pop into Pet & Country and buy your pet a special treat for ‘Dogust?’

Dogust is an unofficial birthday celebration for all

their dog or select a day at random but for those who

use the Tropiclean Oral Care foam too. We do use a spray of cologne every other week – we love the Groom Professional range, expecially Winter Walks – the scent lasts for ages.”

don’t, having Dogust celebrated on 1st August is a

Follow Skye on instagram @Skye_withtheears

shelter and rescue dogs whose real birthdays are unknown. Some people celebrate the day they adopted

perfect choice.

MID ANTRIM ANIMAL SANCTUARY

WHY ADOPT A DOG? 1.

As part of our Dogust celebration, we wanted to shine a spotlight on a local sanctuary we are supporting in 2021 – Mid Antrim Animal Sanctuary.

You’ll save two lives – The RSPCA took 10,564 dogs into their facilities in 2019. Shelters are massively overburdened. By adopting a shelter or rescue dog you will help dramatically reduce the number of dogs that need to be euthanised plus you will create a space at the shelter for another dog in need.

2.

Costs less than buying a dog – When you adopt a pet often costs such as spaying/neutering, first vaccinations, and sometimes even microchipping are included in the small adoption fee.

3.

Help fight against puppy farms – These horrible factory-style

breeding

facilities

have

poor

conditions and little to no medical care. The mother dogs are kept in cages and bred repeatedly without any companionship or love until they are no longer useful and then they are disposed of.

Gorgeous Collie cross Skye found her fur-ever home in August 2018. We chatted with owner Jordan about his dog adoption journey with the Dog’s Trust and why it was important to him to rehome a rescue dog.

“We met Skye at Dogs Trust, Ballymena in August 2018 - She had just arrived at the centre the day before. We always knew we wanted a dog and I had been following a few different rehoming centres for a while on social media. For me personally adopting a dog from a rescue centre was so important – you are literally saving a life and creating more space in a shelter for another dog who needs care. It helps to fight against puppy farms where wealth is put before health.

It genuinely shocks me when I hear of people paying hundreds of pounds for pups. We weren’t really looking for a particular breed. We knew that we wanted a younger dog so that we could easily train him as we have young nieces. The process of adopting Skye was super simple and the staff are honestly brilliant – they offer lifetime support and have a team ready to help if we should have any behaviour issues.

The Mid Antrim Animal Sanctuary is a not-for-profit, independent registered charity close to our store. It has been in existence since 1996, and concentrates its works on animal re-homing, education, and relieving the distress and suffering of unwanted animals. The charity operates a strict ‘No Kill’ policy and in 2019 found forever homes for 334 dogs and 314 cats, which have been saved from possible destruction. Prior to re-homing, and on the successful completion of a home check, all animals are vaccinated, neutered, and micro-chipped.

Measures are also put in place to ensure that all animals may be returned to the haven of the Sanctuary should they encounter any difficulties in their new home.

This year they are fundraising to develop an additional piece of land for which they have just received planning permission. This development will allow for external and large runs, with agility, for the dogs and also a dedicated puppy unit, meet and greet area, and living room, which gives the dogs an opportunity to experience life in a home.

We are looking forward to raising funds to help with their 2021 projects.

“When it comes to grooming, Skye isn’t a massive fan of the bath, but she also does everything in her power to avoid muddy puddles and getting dirty so she would visit the groomers every three months. At home, she gets brushed every other day and we apply Tropiclean Teeth Gel to her teeth every night to keep them looking great - we occasionally

38 - 44 Main Street | Ballymoney | T: 028 2766 3513 | Monday – Saturday 9.00am - 5:30pm 128 | Local Women Magazine

HAPPY SUMMER VIBES AT BLADES & BEAUTY The Blades & Beauty hair and beauty team are busy in the new look salon giving clients a summer glow.

Hello Local Women readers, Welcome to our August column. July was a great month for us, and we have been very busy, both in the salon and on fashion projects.

My Blades & Beauty expert team worked on hair and makeup for covers for Local Women Magazine and an article for a local newspaper. In the salon we are inundated with appointments for clients old and new within both our hair and beauty departments.

I am so happy with my team and so proud of them all as individuals and collectively.

July also brought the sun which has kept a steady flow of clients topping up their tans in the sun beds too. As well as that my salon revamp has finally come together – we have new treatments, new therapists and a new layout. I’m constantly getting positive feedback about the changes and my team is slowly returning to normality in the salon environment.

I’m also working on a new creative design piece for my latest editorial shoot. I’m putting together the final touches so it’s ready for next month’s Local Women back cover - I can’t wait for you to see it.

Model: Katie Channing Images and Styling: Blades and Beauty Assisted by: Niamh and Keeva Goodchild Photographer: Catriona Channing Collection: Fight for Freedom – The Fairy’s Wish

I want to take this opportunity to thank Kim and all at Local Women for their ongoing support and to my loyal clientele and new customers. May we continue to grow in success together.

Happy summer and everyone stay safe.

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

130 | Local Women Magazine

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The final countdown to Miss Northern Ireland 2021

Miss NI Spread.pdf

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30/01/2020

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The 24 finalists for this year’s beauty pageant enjoyed an afternoon at Rosie’s Closet in Newry where they tried on the stunning dresses.

Pictures by Sean Donegan

FEELING CONFIDENT MAKES YOU BEAUTIFUL Meet fabulous Rosie Farrell, owner of Rosie’s Closet in Newry, who is helping the Miss Northern Ireland finalists choose their dream dresses.

The Miss NI Finalists at Rosies Closet.

Abigail Parkinson, 24, Fermanagh

How long have you been involved with Miss Northern Ireland?

We are now in our third year with the fabulous competition.

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We love being involved in such a prestigious competition which involves beautiful and intelligent and charming girls from all over Northern Ireland. We do love all the fashion and glamour involved and we also love meeting and networking with all the other sponsors.

Tell us a little about Rosie’s Closet?

Rosie’s Closet are proud to be Ireland’s biggest dress store. We carry a huge stock of amazing dresses for every occasion which are sourced from the best designers worldwide. We are a family run business and it is great to work as a mother and two daughters team. We take great pride in making our customers feel welcome and also feel amazing in their chosen outfits at their events.

What makes the perfect evening dress?

Amy Woodall, 18, Coleraine Anna Leitch, 27, Lisburn The perfect evening dress is actually made perfect by the individual

How to En Bernadette Hagans, 25, Belfast

wearer. Every woman makes her own stamp on her chosen gown by making a statement in your outfit. If you feel confident and amazing her skin tone , hair colour and chosen hair style. Feeling confident in in your clothes, you will look effortlessly stylish. your gown makes you radiant and makes the whole ensemble perfect.

Who do you think is the most stylish woman in the world?

My formal is coming up. How do I start looking for a formal dress?

There are so many amazing and beautiful stylish woman in the world at present. I do love Amal Clooney as she always looks stunning at You must visit us with an open mind. It is good to try on loads of every event. different styles to get the shape that suits you best. You are going Who are you favourite former Miss Northern to step out of your comfort zone wearing a gown and you must feel Irelands style-wise? confident in the colour and style chosen - it is a major decision and we This is a hard question as all former Miss Northern Ireland girls have years of experience in helping the customer choose the gown that have learned so much during their reign and have gained so much suits them the best. experience in dressing for major events. They all look amazing.

Meagan Green in particular stands out as very glamorous and How would you define style?

Style is individual, it is not following latest trends. Style is about confident in her style.

Chloe Simms, 22, Enniskillen

134 | Local Women Magazine

Emily Ward, 22, Newry

Erin Riley, 22, Belfast

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Jane McArdle, 22, Banbridge

Miss NI Spread.pdf

Poppy McAllister, 23, Crumlin

Ruth Armstrong, 24, Crumlin

Miss NI Spread.pdf

Sapphire Duffy, 26, Ballymena

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Sarah Maguire, 26, Armagh

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Chloe Spence, 26, Belfast

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Rosie’s Closet are proud to be Ireland’s biggest dress store. We carry is great to work as a mother and two daughters t a huge stock of amazing dresses for every occasion it which are sourced in making from the best designers worldwide. We are a familypride run business andour customers feel welcome and their chosen outfits at their events. it is great to work as a mother and two daughters team.

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hould enter online at www.missnorthernireland.co.uk OR send a he organisers office at the following address: The perfect evening dress is actually made perfe n Ireland Contest, 381 Beersbridge Road, Belfast, BT5 5DT What makes the perfect evening dress?wearer. Every woman makes her own stamp on h will then be selected for direct entry into specific heats. Photographs cannot be ConThereturned. perfect evening dress is actually made perfect by the individual her skin tone , hair colour and chosen hair style. accept that each venue run their heats differently and must accept to bide with theEvery judge's wearer. woman makes her own stamp on her chosen gown by making a statement in your outfit. your gown makes you radiant and makes the who her skin tone , hair colour and chosen hair style. Feeling confident in in your clothes, you will look effor h is final.

My formal is coming up.think Howisdo sta Who do you theImost Kathryn Knox, 25,My Broughshane Laura Irvine, Stacey Burns, 22, Lisburn formalfor dress?

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I do mind. love Amal a formal dress? ust be no younger than 17 years of age and no more than 26 years of age event. different stylesofto every get the shape that suits you b You must visit us with an open mind. It is good to try on loads cember of the Year of the Contest different styles to get the shape that suits you best.

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Karla Gilmore, 20, Lisburn

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How would you define style?

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Makeup Sponsor:

Local Women Magazine | 135

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A NEW CAREER IN MAKE UP ARTISTRY At the Make Up Pro Store, you can train with expert make up artist Paddy McGurgan and his team for an exciting new career.

Hey PROreaders!

your foundation, like a pair of shoes. You want to make sure, that the foundation is supporting you, and giving you what you need.

Whether it be a light/ medium or full coverage or if it is best for dry skin, oily skin, combination skin, mature skin etc.

The more informed you are about your skin and what you want from your foundation, the better your final choice will be.

If you have managed to still wear make up through July’s heatwave, I firmly salute you! So, as we launch into August, we will discuss how to be more Beach Babe than Sweaty Betty.

PRIMERS Please trust me, when I tell you, that primers are not a ploy for make up counters to upsell to you. They really do work. Not only can they add to the skin, such as add hydration for dry skin, mattify oily skin or illuminate dull skin, but it will create a base for the remainder of your make up to stay onto.

So, as I said, this is NOT a definitive l i s t however it will give you some ideas of what brand and product usually suits.

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Yes, I know there are particular foundations that ‘don’t move’ when you put them on, yes, I see the appeal, but the same could also be said for cement. (Please do not try this at home!)

Dry Skin - Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation & Make Up Studio Face It Light Cream Foundation

Primers allow make up lovers to use their foundation and create a natural finish, which means that you do not need to apply heavy layers to ensure longevity.

Oily/Combination Skin - Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation or Make Up Atelier Waterproof Foundation

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Mature Skin - Make Up For Ever Reboot Foundation or Make Up Studio Face It Light Cream Foundation

Dry Skin - Step 1 Make Up For Ever Hydra Boost £30.50 Oily/Combination Skin - Base Antishine (Make Up Atelier) £18.50

FOUNDATION Foundation is tough one, I do not believe there is a one size fits all analogy, so it is important to think of

If you would like any help with choosing your colours, or help with foundations please drop in store, or get in touch via our social media channels and one of the team will be happy to help!

SEPTEMBER 2021

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r o f t o h s What’

1 2 n Autum Sleek, chic, and ready for Autumn weather!

Give your look a polished finish with this sophisticated little piece. Pearls are the finishing touch we didn’t even know our outerwear pieces were missing till we saw this beauty! If you’re a fan of classic styles with timeless appeal, then prepare to fall in love!

‘Wow’ doesn’t even come close to describing this statement outerwear style! With the hooded detail and faux fur cuffs, this piece is brimming with comfy, cozy elegance!

Warning: you may never want to wear another jacket ever again.

142 | Local Women Magazine

Good quality knitwear is the foundation of the Autumn/Winter wardrobe so why not choose this wonderful new take on a classic style. Design and practicality work handinhand in this piece to create a style that is as comfortable as it is chic.

You could pair the houndstooth top with a pair of sleek black trousers for a refined and elegant aesthetic, or, take your look to the next level with these fabulous knitted trousers!

Your Autumn/Winter wardrobe has never looked so on trend.

Soft pink and grey tones are a great way to introduce a little colour to your look and faux fur accents are the perfect way to add some cozy texture! This cover-up is an uber elegant alternative to a classic jacket style and is guaranteed to give every look a style upgrade. Wear it day to day, or, dress it up, the choice is yours!

Chunky patterns are all the rage for this season and houndstooth never fails to make headlines trendwise for Autumn/Winter. This fabulous polo neck style is ‘Relaxed Chic’ at it’s finest, need we say more?

Local Women Magazine | 143

144 | Local Women Magazine

LW WEDDINGS

Laura & David BRIDE: Laura O'Donnell from Derry

GROOM: David Redden from Derry BRIDE'S PARENTS: Ann and Frankie O'Donnell GROOM'S PARENTS: Tina and Don Redden WEDDING DATE: 31/05/2021 CEREMONY: Longtower chapel RECEPTION: Drenagh House BRIDESMAIDS: Rachel O'Donnell, Karen Doherty and Sophia O'Donnell BEST MAN: Ciaran Redden GROOMSMEN: Keith Moran, Lewis Moran PHOTOGRAPHER: Gerard Gormley HAIR: Lux - Demi Gillespie MAKE-UP: Blush & Glow - Dani O'Donnell DRESS: The Bridal Showroom FLOWERS: Ailish Mc Cafferty

Local Women Magazine | 145

146 | Local Women Magazine

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Grainne & Keith BRIDE: Grainne Keogh HOMETOWN: Derry GROOM: Keith Hardy HOMETOWN: Inch Island, Donegal BRIDE'S PARENTS: Kevin & Christine Keogh, Derry GROOM'S PARENTS: Stephen & Anne Hardy, Inch Island WEDDING DATE: 16/06/2021 CEREMONY: Our Lady of Lourdes, Inch Island RECEPTION: Beech Hill Country house MAID OF HONOUR: Rachael Power BRIDESMAIDS: Alanna Hardy, Eve Keogh BEST MAN: John Toner GROOMSMEN: Dwayne Hardy, Kevin Keogh WEDDING CARS: Classy Wedding Cars PHOTOGRAPHER: James Aiken Photography HAIR: Colleen Doherty @ Salvage Hair MAKE-UP: Orla Kelly DRESS & SUITS: Bridal Showroom, Black Tie Showroom FLOWERS: Flowers by Pamela CAKE: Nuala Doherty Ah Crumbs JEWELLERY: D Cooleys Jewellers DRESS ALTERATIONS: Cora Simms WEDDING MUSIC: Laura Keogh, Lailah Keogh, Paul Cutliffe and Lawrence Quigg RECEPTION ENTERTAINMENT: Gerard Dillon Entertainments CARICATURE: Mick @ ink well cartoon & caricature DECORATIONS: Ultimate touches

jamesaikenphotography_

@jamesaikenphotography.ni

Local Women Magazine | 147

jamesaikenphotography_

148 | Local Women Magazine

@jamesaikenphotography.ni

LW WEDDINGS

Hannah & Jason BRIDE: Hannah Mitchell

HOMETOWN: Londonderry GROOM: Jason Donnell HOMETOWN: Londonderry BRIDES PARENTS: Helen Mitchell, Londonderry Ronald Mitchell, (Uncle of the bride) Strabane GROOMS PARENTS: Audrey Hunter, Ballymagorry, David Donnell, Omagh WEDDING DATE: 25th June 2021 CEREMONY: Beech-hill Country House Hotel RECEPTION: Beech-hill Country House Hotel MAID OF HONOUR: Victoria Mitchell CHIEF BRIDESMAID: Helena Livingstone BRIDESMAIDS: Nadine Callen, Naomi Callen, Natalie Hunter and Hannah Adair FLOWER GIRLS: Leah Donnell and Hannah Muir BEST MAN: Christopher Donnell GROOMSMEN: Johnny Warnock, Robert Mitchell, Christopher Boyd and Ryan Rutherford

Local Women Magazine | 149

150 | Local Women Magazine

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Mary-Kate

& Thomas

BRIDE: Mary-Kate Arthurs from Warrenpoint GROOM: Thomas Donnelly from Belfast BRIDE'S PARENTS: Eileen and Leo Arthurs

GROOM'S PARENTS: Elizabeth (Jay) Donnelly and the late Michael Donnelly WEDDING DATE: 8/5/2021 CEREMONY: St Catherine's Dominican Church, Newry RECEPTION: Darver Castle BRIDESMAIDS: Amy O'Hagan, Aine Donnelly and Susan Ingram BEST MAN: Chris Reynolds GROOMSMEN: Chris and Des Donnelly PHOTOGRAPHER: Simon O'Neill, Ciarán O'Neill Photography HAIR: Conor Lynch, Honeycomb Hair MAKEUP: Kerri McArdle, Armagh DRESS: Milla Nova from Verona Bridal FLOWERS: House of Elliot Flowers

Our lockdown wedding story: We celebrated our wedding on 8th of May 2021. We went with our original date as this is what we wanted and had always imagined. It was however very hard to plan our wedding as I was in lockdown living and working in Liverpool, while Thomas was working and living in Dublin. We are both doctors and worked during the pandemic, so we really didn’t want to delay the day because we had been so excited since our engagement in December 2019.

We were allowed a maximum of 60 people at our ceremony at St Catherine's Dominican Church, Newry. This included my three beautiful bridesmaids Amy, Aine and Susan and Thomas' three groomsmen Chris, Des and Chris Donnelly.

We then had the most fabulous and intimate reception at Darver Castle in Co Louth with six of our nearest and dearest (a big change from our original guest list of 220!) My mum, dad and brother James were there. My brother Michael watched our ceremony from Darwin, Australia and we had with us the memory of my late brother Ciarán Arthurs. Thomas had his mother Jay, sister Kelly and husband Roy, and again the memory of Thomas’ late father Michael Donnelly.

It was a special day that we will never forget filled with so much joy and of course some tears of sadness. If we had to do it over again, we certainly would.

Father Ralph celebrated the most beautiful wedding mass and put us both at ease. Darver Castle couldn’t have been more accommodating to us, and our beautiful photos were taken by Simon O'Neill from Ciaran O'Neill Photography.

Local Women Magazine | 151

152 | Local Women Magazine

LW WEDDINGS

Shauna

& Connor

BRIDE: Shauna Wilson, Derry

GROOM: Connor Gallagher, Derry BRIDE'S PARENTS: Jim and Maria Wilson, Derry GROOM'S PARENTS: John and Sylvia Gallagher, Donegal WEDDING DATE: 6th April 2021 CEREMONY: St Columb’s Church, Chapel Road CHIEF BRIDESMAID: Colleen Wilson BRIDESMAIDS: Lauren Doherty and Shauneen Gallagher BEST MAN: Barry Gallagher GROOMSMEN: Martin Wilson and Owen McGlinchey PHOTOGRAPHER: Donal Doherty MAKEUP: StudioC, Derry (Bride’s sister) DRESS: McElhinney’s, Ballybofey FLOWERS: John Paul Florist, Derry

Our lockdown wedding story:

Our original wedding date was 26th June 2020. We had been engaged two and a half years and were all set. Our honeymoon was booked to cruise around the Caribbean on board ‘Symphony of the Seas’. We were so organised that we even had our wedding rings engraved with our original wedding date, well before there was any mention of Covid!

Needless to say, with lockdown, we were forced to put everything on hold. With a complete ban on weddings in June 2020, we re-arranged for 6th April 2021.

We both work for the NHS and have had a very busy and stressful year. Looking back on this, it served as a reminder of what is most important and put everything into perspective. So, we decided that if we were allowed come April, we would go ahead and get married regardless of numbers allowed or restrictions on receptions.

On 6th April, we were allowed a ceremony with 25 people present (which included the celebrant and all the vendors). We had the most beautiful intimate wedding with our immediate families and had the most memorable day we could have asked for.

With both of us now vaccinated, we are hopeful we will be able to get a holiday somewhere in September. We have re-arranged our wedding reception in Harvey’s Point for next April and can’t wait for a big party with our family and friends!

If anyone is unsure about going ahead with a small wedding, we would definitely say go for it! It will always be the best day of your life if you’re marrying your best friend.

Local Women Magazine | 153

154 | Local Women Magazine

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Emma

& Cathal

BRIDE: Emma McAleer from Ballymena

GROOM: Cathal McLaughlin from Killyman, Co Tyrone DATE: 2nd January 2021 CEREMONY: All Saints Church, Ballymena RECEPTION: An Grianan Hotel DRESS: Suzanne Neville (Castle Couture Galgorm) FLOWERS: GMK Creations PHOTOGRAPHS: Angela Cunning

Local Women Magazine | 155

156 | Local Women Magazine

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Jessica

& Matthew

BRIDE: Jessica McCombe from Ballymena GROOM: Matthew Ringland from Antrim WEDDING DATE: 28th August, 2020

CEREMONY AND PHOTOS: Glenariffe Forest Park DRESS: Ivory Grace Bridal Boutique HAIR: Atlanta Surgenor Hair MAKE UP: Alice's Beauty Clinic BESTMAN: Wilson Snoddy FLOWERS: S & Co Flowers PHOTOGRAPHY: Angela Cunning Photography

Local Women Magazine | 157

158 | Local Women Magazine

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Sarah

& Emmett

BRIDE: Sarah McKinney GROOM: Emmet Ryan DATE OF WEDDING: 01/06/21 DERRY EVENT FLOWERS AND DOG COLLARS: Aoife Doherty from Sass & Halo DRESS: The White Gallery, Warrenpoint HAIR: Clodagh at Atelier Hair PHOTOGRAPHER: Michael Love Photography BANGOR EVENT FLOWERS: Janet Brown Flower Room, Belfast HAIR: Aoife Ferguson Bridal Hair MAKE UP: Maid By Sinead Bridal Makeup PHOTOGRAPHER: Meghan Doherty Photography MAKEUP: Maid By Sinead Bridal Makeup

Our wedding story:

Emmet and Sarah met in Derry in 2015. They travelled all over the globe ending up in Queenstown, New Zealand.

They decided to return to Derry after their foreign ventures.

At home their love burgeoned, culminating in their decision to marry. On 29th May their wedding took place at St Mary's Chapel, Creggan, followed by a family dinner at the Bishop's Gate Hotel, Derry.

Two days later they had a civil ceremony at the Clandeboye Lodge Hotel in Bangor where 20 friends and family gathered to celebrate. It was quite challenging organising two events during lockdown but a big 'thank you' must go to the great teams on board whose professionalism and expertise made the two events so memorable - even down to the dog groomers and kennel providers!

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