Local Women Magazine North Coast Edition May 2021

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WORKTOPS | FIREPLACES | STOVES

Menopause weight gain: Is the Let’s lose our lockdown weight! middle age spread a myth or weight reality As the lockdown continues, it’s time to lose with the

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Emma explores the factors untimely weight gain and Clinic.

National Weight Loss associated Programme Elite Aesthetic EXCLUSIVE TO with from AESTHETIC TREATMENT CLINIC explains how elites National Medical Weightloss Clinic has proved Physical activity has many more benefits than just burning THE MEDICINE LASTS FOR gain immensely effective in minimising this weight excess calories – it improves your health on many levels A WEEK, SO WILL I FEEL • Breathing problems HUNGRIER TOWARDS THE • Heart and blood vessel disease END OF THE WEEK AS THE • Type 2 diabetes TM MEDICINE WEARS OFF?

including the release of ‘happy hormones’.

Before and after results HOW MUCH WEIGHT CAN I EXPECT weight loss programme TO LOSE?

Excess weight also increases your risk of various types of Everyone has different experiences, cancer, including breast, colon and endometrial cancers. but generally people say they “don’t feel hungry at all”best on the way medication.

What’s the to prevent weight gain You may feel less effect as the week during and after menopause?

AESTHETIC TREATMENT CLINIC goes on but it’s unlikely. If you do start The simply it’s saybest stick to weight-control basics: to getexperts hunger cravings to tell us as soon as possible, we can look at altering • Move more. so Physical activity, including aerobic exercise the or yourtraining, injection technique. anddose strength can help you shed excess pounds and maintain a healthy weight. As you gain muscle, your body ARE ? makes it easier to burnsTHERE calories ANY moreSIDE-EFFECTS efficiently — which control yourwill weight.

Some patients experience short-term side effects including: • Eat less. To maintain your current weight — let alone lose •excessNausea pounds — you might need about 200 fewer calories a •day during Indigestion your 50s than you did during your 30s and 40s.

Menopause weight gain isn’t inevitable, however. You ISthis THIS NATIONAL MEDICAL WEIGHT canWHAT reverse course by paying attention to healthyeating and leading an active lifestyle, but LOSShabits PROGRAMME (NMWLP)? unfortunately most it’s not quite as easy that!and It is a combinedfor programme of calorie-controlled diet,as exercise an added pharmacotherapy (medicine – aweight small injection pen) that What causes menopause gain?

you administer at home. This pen helps to suppress and manage The hormonal changes of menopause might make you your appetite as well as activating certain metabolic pathways. more likely to gain weight around your abdomen than The active ingredient is a prescription only medication . around your hips and thighs. But hormonal changes alone don’t necessarily cause menopause weight gain.

HOW DOthe I START PROGRAM? Instead, weightTHIS gain is usually related to aging, as well as lifestyle and genetic factors.

The NMWLP uses prescription medication.

You must complete a medical assessment with muscle me, and Imass will carry out a comprehensive For example, typically diminishesconsultation with age, to ensurefat youincreases. are the rightLosing candidatemuscle and it is safe forslows you to use while mass theit. rate at which your body uses calories (metabolism). This can •make Step 1 Complete the online consultation. it more challenging to maintain a healthy weight. If • continue Step 2 Schedule a virtual consultation you to eat as you always have and don’t increase • Step 3 Commence weight losstojourney your physical activity,your you’re likely gain weight.

Genetic factors might also play a role in WHO CAN TAKE THIS MEDICATION? menopause weight gain. If your parents or Adults aged 18 torelatives 75, who have a BMIextra of 30 orweight above. Adults BMI of 27 other close carry when there any other weight-related issues present such around theareabdomen, you’re likelyhealth to do as high blood pressure, abnormal levels of fats in the blood (lipids) or the same. breathing problems during sleep (obstructive sleep apnoea).

Other factors, such as a lack of exercise, unhealthy and not enough HOW DOESeating IT WORK? sleep, might contribute to menopause The medication workpeople as an appetite Delivery is via a weight gain. will When don’t suppressant. get virtually painless taken daily or weekly. The messaging system enough sleep,injection they tend to snack is activated, it then makes more and and consume moreyou: calories.

your diet and increase the risk of gaining weight.

WHAT AREtrying THE these BENEFITS ?

I have been recommended guidelines, but I still can’t seem losemanaging weight -toWE HEAR Losing weighttoand keep it offYOU! has many health benefits which include: to be a reoccurring theme during our weight loss This appears management consultations, I can also empathise with these •amazing Improving well-being ladies mental who seem to have hit a brick wall when it •comesReducing theloss riskand of type to weight why2 diabetes our programme has been an •amazing Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease success.

• • •

Reducing the risk of 13 types of cancers Reducing the risk of muscular and skeletal disease Reducing the risk of premature death

IS IT SAFE?

This is really down to you. Most people feel happy to maintain their lifestyle to manage weight regain. You do have the option of staying on a low maintenance dose to help with this.

• Feel less hungry, DO YOU NEED TO FAST?

• Feel fuller quicker and fuller for longer.

No, fasting is not a requirement of the programme. We encourage a • This should lead weight loss. calorie-controlled dietto andsignificant use the MyFitnessPal app to help you with this and your exercise goals.

How do I start this program?

The YOU NMWLP uses RECOMMENDED prescription medication.

DO PROVIDE DIETS ?You

must complete a medical assessment with myself I will carry out We do provide the Department of Health’s nutritional guidelines and a comprehensive consultation to ensure you are the right advice together with helpful tips and choices , but we do not provide candidate and it is safe for you to use it. individualised diets plans and nutritional advice .

Step 1 Complete the online consultation.

IStep DON’T LIKE NEEDLES - WILL IT HURT? 2 Schedule a virtual consultation.

The are superyour fine and painless.

Stepneedles 3 Commence weight loss journey.

If you have been struggling with your weight loss please Before and after consultation results form and get in touch, complete our online weight let the team help you loss start programme your successful weight loss journey today.

The short answer is yes, it’s very safe. It has been fully trialled, tested and prescribed successfully on the NHS in the UK and fully FDA approved in the USA.

DO I NEED TO EXERCISE? Ideally yes! Exercise will be helpful in the long run to get you healthier, but it does not mean you need to spend countless hours in the gym.

Adam and Kathryn Bowen of AB Clinical

What is this National Medical Weight Loss Programme (NMWLP)?

It is a combined programme of calorie-controlled diet, exercise and an added pharmacotherapy (medicine – a small injection pen) that you administer at home. This pen helps to suppress and manage your appetite as well as activating certain metabolic pathways. The medication does not work alone and is only successful as part of an overall programme.

Menopause gainweight can have This should leadweight to significant loss. serious implications for your health.

Excess weight, especially HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO START WORKING? around midsection, increases Most usersyour report it takes around a few hours to start to work once on your risk dose. of many issues, the treatment including:

The medication will work as an appetite suppressant. Delivery is via a virtually painless injection winner taken daily or weekly, ofBusiness meaning the Year that the messaging system is activated. It then makes you;

Patients WHO IS NOT Testimonials SUITABLE FOR THIS TREATMENT ?

“I’mPregnant, five weeks into programme and I have trying to get the pregnant or breast feeding 16lbs off. Starting thedisease programme was one of the Inflammatory bowel best decisions I’vecancer made. I am finding it so easy. I History of thyroid amHistory walking daily but I am definitely not snacking or of pancreatitis craving likedisease I use to.”

Severefood kidney Severe heart failurewith my weight loss, Emma. It’s “I am so delighted finalist Taking week fourinsulin. of the programme and I’ve 13lbs off. I have best new struggled within my menopausal weight gain visit andour If youBusiness are interested this exciting weight loss programme, finally I am starting to see results, I am grateful website www.eliteaestheticclinic.co.uk.

Please click the so National Weight Lossfor Programme link to fillsupport.” in our no-obligation consultation form. your ongoing • • • • • • •

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One syringe is £250 which is approximately one month’s supply. This includes not only the medication but other resources to give you the best possible opportunity to lose weight.

M: 07712 332 154 T: 02871 349 337 W: www.eliteaestheticclinic.co.uk finalist E: eliteaestheticclinic@ gmail.com winner Award ess s2 in

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

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How will this programme help you?

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

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• Feel less hungry, How risky is weight • Feel fuller quicker and fuller for longer. gain after menopause?

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WHAT DO I DO ONCE I REACH MY IDEAL WEIGHT?

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We have observed amazing success with ourINP National Medical Weight RN RM PHNS Loss programme which launched earlier this year and we have received As you get older, you might notice that maintaining so many enquiries. Here I will answer as many of your frequently asked your usual weight becomes more difficult. In fact, many questions as possible. women gain weight around the menopause transition.

• Constipation • Check your sweet habit. Added sugars account for nearly • Diarrhoea 300 calories a day in the average person’s diet.

• Abdominal discomfort alcohol. Alcoholic beverages add excess calories to •• LimitHeadache

This varies, but most people will lose around a stone (6.5kg) every 4-6 weeks. But you are expected to lose a minimum of 5 per cent of your body weight after completing 12 weeks of treatment. There are many factors that affect this.

Elite’s patients on average are losing 14lbs per month.

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By Emma Heaney, Elite Aesthetic Clinic RN RM Elite PHNS Aesthetic INP

By Emma Heaney, Clinic

AESTHETIC TREATMENT CLINIC

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Don’t tolerate incontinence

TM

A healthy pelvic floor is the secret weapon that can improve a surprising number of things in your life. Emma Heaney from Elite Aesthetic Clinic explores this taboo subject and reveals a breakthrough treatment for incontinence and intimate health.

AESTHETIC TREATMENT CLINIC

ABNORMAL BLADDER AND BLADDER HABITS •

Going “Just in Case”

•

Voiding in a semi-squat position

•

Straining when voiding

•

Not voiding for >4 hours at a time

•

Not drinking 32-64 oz of water per day

•

Practicing Kegels when voiding

Physiological changes can contribute to the development of urinary incontinence; changes such as vaginal delivery, menopause, and aging can decondition pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor is a network of muscles which form a sling-like support for the lower pelvic organs.

WHEN THE TREATMENT STARTS YOU WILL FEEL SLIGHT

In order to improve symptoms, it is important in some cases to strengthen these muscles.

Possible ways to improve your condition may include lifestyle changes and Kegel exercises.

By Emma Heaney, Elite Aesthetic Clinic RN RM PHNS INP Urinary incontinence is defined as the involuntary leakage of urine. This might be a result of weak pelvic floor muscles since pelvic floor muscles play an important role in supporting pelvic organs and controlling continence.

There are different types of urinary incontinence: •

Stress incontinence: is when there is exerted pressure on the bladder causing leakage. This can be caused by coughing, laughing, sneezing, or exercising.

•

Urge: is the sudden, intense urge to urinate frequently.

•

Mixed incontinence: is a combination of both stress and urge incontinence.

•

Overflow incontinence. You experience frequent or constant dribbling of urine due to a bladder that doesn’t empty completely.

•

Functional incontinence. A physical or mental impairment keeps you from making it to the toilet in time.

Incontinence affects women of all ages, and up to 40% of women over age 30. Men’s prevalence of incontinence is much lower than in women, about 3% to 11% overall, with urge incontinence accounting for 40% to 80% of all male patients.

It’s alarming that people endure this treatable issue for two to three years before seeking help , incontinence is not normal and should not be an acceptable or expected condition .

If you’re like most women, you probably think of Kegel exercises as something you should be doing, but realistically never will. Are you really supposed to spend minutes a day squeezing and releasing, hoping it’s benefiting you in some intangible way you’re not quite sure about? Unless you’ve given birth and your midwife or Health Visitor told you to do it, it all feels vague, boring, and not a priority.

Please allow me to change your mind. As it turns out, a healthy pelvic floor (a.k.a. the layer of muscles, nerves, and connective tissues that supports your abdominal organs) is kind of a secret weapon that can improve a surprising number of things in your life, not just improving your incontinence. A toned pelvic floor makes penetrative sex even more amazing .

I would like to introduce you to a device I’ve been researching - the FDA approved EMSELLA chair - the treatments strengthen the entire pelvic floor and increase tone to provide support to pelvic organs and reduce incontinence.

EMSELLA is the HIFEM® procedure, that utilizes electromagnetic energy, at a high frequency, to cause pelvic floor muscle stimulation completely noninvasively. Similar to the contractions you perform when doing a Kegel exercise. What makes this treatment effective is the in-depth penetration and stimulation of the entire pelvic floor area. A single session brings you thousands of intense contractions that you would not be able to do on your own. These contractions are very helpful when it comes to muscle strengthening and re-education.

tingling and vibrations in your pelvic floor muscles that will then turn into full contractions. This will be completely comfortable and tolerable.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS DO YOU REQUIRE? We usually recommend six treatments over a three-week time frame, however this may vary depending on your degree of atrophy.

HOW LONG IS A TREATMENT? It’s a 30 -minute session to relax, read a magazine, or watch television.

You will be able to return to normal activities after the treatment.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS •

Improve bladder control prevent prolapse and laughter leaks.

•

Revitalise your sex life by regaining tightness and intensity orgasms .

•

Enable fast recovery for childbirth and pelvic floor training

HOW MANY KEGELS WILL I ACHIEVE PER SESSION? Around 11,000 Kegels are performed during your session is equivalent to doing 70 hours of Kegels. Like any workout you do, muscle recovery time is important. We recommend 2-3 days between sessions.

WHAT WILL THE TREATMENT FEEL LIKE? During the treatment you feel intense, but comfortable, muscle contractions.

WHEN WILL I FEEL AN IMPROVEMENT? Some say they noticed an improvement after their 2nd and 3rd treatment , clinical studies state that 100% of participants noted an improvement at 3 months.

Remember this treatment is suitable for both male and female patient . We accept referrals from medical professionals, physiotherapists and self-referrals.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE TREATMENT? You will be completely clothed however we recommended loosely fitted clothing.

If you would like to book a consultation for this revolutionary treatment, please contact the clinic on 07712332154 or eliteaestheticclinic@gmail.com.

NORMAL BLADDER AND BLADDER HABITS 1st urge to void when it’s ½ full

•

Voiding = the bladder contracts and the pelvic floor relaxes

•

Each void should be 8 seconds or longer

•

Void 5-7 times per day

•

Void no more than every 3-4 hours

•

No voiding at night unless >65

•

No “Just-In-Case-ing”

BEFORE EMSELLA

AFTER EMSELLA

winner Business of the Year

Elite Aesthetic Clinic, Glenaden Business Complex, Altnagelvin Business Park, Trench Road, Derry-Londonderry, M: 07712332154 T: 02871349337 W: www.eliteaestheticclinic.co.uk E: eliteaestheticclinic@ gmail.com

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The bladder holds 400-600 ml

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Welcome!

Editor Kim Kelly

I think the fashion accessory for this about, but fingers crossed this is the last time we will have to go through lockdown and life summer will be – the winter coat!

If like me you’ve enjoyed a meal out al fresco can return to normal for good. recently, you’ll know why. The easing of the I’ve loved being able to browse about the lockdown restrictions is amazing but let’s face shops, visit the salon and just get back to the life we had pre-pandemic. It really is the simple it, we don’t live in Spain.

As I sat under a thin canopy, outside a things in life that make a difference. restaurant enjoying my dinner, with the wind whipping round me and the rain bouncing on the pavement, I cursed my spring dress and bare legs. My winter coat will be coming back out until further notice.

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

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

It all still seems a little strange to be out and

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It’s been so difficult for all you couples out there with cancellations and closures affecting your big days.

In fact, with only a handful of guests, most weddings in the past year have been small days.

But yet lockdown weddings have been really beautiful, and we love that so many of you have chosen to share your intimate ceremonies with our readers.

If you have had a lockdown wedding, we would love to print your pictures in the magazine and if you have been able to enjoy a bigger celebration, we’d love to see it!

We love it when you send in your pictures and share the joy of your special day with Local Women readers.

So, if you have recently married, had a civil partnership, or had your civil partnership converted to a marriage, get in touch.We’d love to share in your celebrations by printing the pictures of your big day.

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

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

6 | Local Women Magazine

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

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“I LOVE SEEING MY SLIMMING WORLD MEMBERS SUCCEED”

Georgina McCarter 8 | Local Women Magazine

Local Women cover girl Georgina McCarter lost over six stone at Slimming World and now she helps others achieve their weight loss goals.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR ROLE?

Georgina McCarter from Derry is a Slimming World consultant who runs groups at the Waterfoot Hotel and more recently online.

As a consultant I love that I get to support

The 42-year-old achieved a significant weight

members on the same journey I am on myself.

loss of over six stone with Slimming World when

I love seeing members succeed. I also love

she joined in 2006 and has maintained her

their self-discovery and love the choices and

weight over the years.

changes they make.

She is passionate about the power of Slimming

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

World and believes there is no better way to achieve your weight loss goals.

HOW DID YOUR JOURNEY WITH SLIMMING WORLD BEGIN?

I have been a consultant for almost 11 years.

There have been so many stories and every journey is so special to watch and be part of.

We went on holidays in 2006 and when I saw

From a member losing half a stone to another

the pictures, I knew I needed to do something

losing 10 or more. It is unreal seeing their

about my weight. Even though I’d seen the labels from the size 20/22 clothes I’d been conscious of

confidence and energy growing.

buying, it didn’t hit home until I saw the photos.

WHAT KIND OF EXERCISE DO YOU RECOMMEND?

Also, I realised that the beach towel was a better fit than the bath sheets which I struggled to cover myself with at home.

With Slimming World it is anything that will get the

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR OWN WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY?

something you enjoy doing as you’ll want to do

I started Slimming World and in my first week I lost 6lbs. After four weeks, I had lost one stone, before long I had four stone off - then I got comfortable. That’s when the Extra Easy plan came in and I got to my target weight, losing 6 stone 9lbs.

WHAT GROUPS DO YOU RUN? I originally ran my groups from the Waterfoot Hotel on Monday mornings and evenings and Tuesday afternoons and evenings. But due to Covid we have had a few changes and have

heart racing a little quicker. I really recommend GEORGINA BEFORE HER WEIGHT LOSS from friends and friends you’ve yet to meet. It’s a place of caring, sharing, and complete support.

You get recipe ideas and plans in place for the week ahead. It’s also about meeting the needs of members and helping them commit to changes.

HOW HAS IT WORKED OVER LOCKDOWN? We moved to virtual meetings using Zoom as our platform. We got the announcement on the Tuesday and we were on Zoom on the Thursday.

more of it.

HOW IMPORTANT DO YOU THINK IT IS TO DO YOUR FOOD PREP AND BE ORGANISED? In an ideal world it makes the plan so much easier but not everyone is a preparation kind of person. However, knowing a plan of what you can eat will always make it so much easier.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN THINKING OF LOSING WEIGHT BUT DOESN’T KNOW HOW TO START?

WHAT GROUP DO YOU GO TO?

BRIEFLY EXPLAIN HOW THE PLAN WORKS?

I attend many groups as a member and in the

The plan is called Extra Easy and uses free foods

World there are lots of friends you’ve yet to meet.

virtual world I have been lucky enough to attend

to satisfy your appetite such as rice, potatoes

These members will help and support you in a

the Ballymena group too.

pasta, meat, chicken, fish, fruit, and veg. You

way you never imagine. Groups are amazing

weigh out your calcium and fibre choices and

- the love, care and support you will receive

your Syns for the week - things you feel you

is amazing. Alongside that you will get recipe

can’t do without. Nothing is banned, it’s all about

ideas, eating out ideas and solutions so that you

balance with Slimming World.

can get a plan in place.

been working online.

DESCRIBE WHAT HAPPENS AT A GROUP MEETING? It’s a place of comfort. You will get acceptance

Contact a group you’d love to join as there’s the warmest welcome waiting you. At Slimming

Local Women Magazine | 9

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Local Women Magazine | 11

LET´S GO WALKING

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

Put a spring in your step with this environment but anyone who registers with fabulous environmentally friendly offer the popular loyalty scheme will also pick up double points when using their reusable from BARISTA BAR! cup on each hot drink purchased in-store, It’s National Walking Month so it’s time to so users are helping the environment and get out for a walk, run, hike – or maybe just getting more FREE drinks sooner. a gentle stroll with your dog.

And, if you are looking for some interesting Put on your trainers and get out and about new places to walk, why not check out and explore the beautiful local parks, www.walkni.com and www.trekni.com. beaches, and countryside while the days There are some amazing hidden delights are just that little bit brighter. to be found off the beaten track across the And what could be nicer than a cup of country – what are you waiting for? freshly brewed coffee, a delicious hot chocolate, or a nice cup of tea to fuel your daily exercise?

But sustainability has never been so important and BARISTA BAR, the leading coffee brand sold in SPAR, EUROSPAR, ViVO and ViVOXTRA stores across Northern Ireland, is fully committed to reducing waste and the amount of singleuse plastic in the local environment.

That’s why they are offering Local Women readers a half price ‘keep cup’ which you can use over and over again on your outdoor adventures.

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Using a reusable cup not only benefits the 12 | Local Women Magazine

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“SHARING MY EXPERIENCES TO HELP OTHERS” Rasharkin student Niamh McMullan is reaching out to people across the world with a podcast devoted to mental health issues and sharing her own story of dealing with anxiety.

By Maibh Shiels Drawing on her own experiences of anxiety and depression, Niamh McMullan has created a podcast called ‘The Mental Health Scoop’ raising awareness of issues that are affecting an increasing amount of people.

Niamh, 20 from Rasharkin, who is in her second year of a Psychology degree at Queen’s University was given the opportunity to host her own podcast after she appeared on episodes of ‘The Scoop’ podcast where she focused on mental health issues that have affected her.

Niamh experienced anxiety attacks from the age of 16 after her family home burned down.

She says it was a low point for her and the trauma triggered feelings of low self-worth.

Thomas Copeland, who is head of news at the Queen’s Radio, a student-run radio station, was so inspired by Niamh’s passionate discussions on mental health that he offered her a podcast of her own which she named ‘The Mental Health Scoop’, and she has been recording weekly episodes since October 2020.

The podcast is a platform which raises awareness about issues surrounding mental health by sharing stories of many people’s experience and it is available on Spotify and Apple podcasts.

Niamh explains how her own experiences inspired her passion for promoting positive mental health. Her most recent episode of the podcast, the final episode of season two, is all about Niamh’s story.

ƒ Rasharkins Niamh McMullan SUPPORTED BY

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“I have always been passionate about mental health. That’s how I got into Psychology at Queen’s, and I thought I could share the things I’m learning because it might benefit other people.

“My family were unfortunate to experience a house fire in 2015. Due to a rebuild being required we had to move out for a year.

“Unknowingly, I was at a really low point in my life. I missed home and I was unmotivated, and I started experiencing issues associated with lack of self-esteem.

“I realised recently that that was the trigger for my issues. I started to experience anxiety attacks when I was about 16. It wasn’t coming from a social aspect. I was able to talk to people and I was able to meet new people, I had no problem with that.

mental health, after her class conducted a study on it.

“People are demotivated. They are losing love for things that they were interested in.

They are taking up behaviours that they wouldn’t normally, like excessive drinking, and smoking”.

“It was related to going out. At that age you do start to go out with your friends for a bit of fun, but that was associated with negativity for me.

I was self-conscious and I wasn’t happy with the way I looked.”

She says that she herself struggled initially in lockdown due to the uncertainty of the situation but began tackling these problems with positive thinking and an optimistic mindset.

Niamh acknowledges that, although her mental health problems were hard for her, she can share her story to help so many others.

“Now, I try to deal with every problem that comes at me with positivity, because there was a point in my life once where I wasn’t able to do that.”

Niamh also knows that the podcast is having a real impact, because of the responses she has received.

“It’s important to find motivation and deal with it as best we can. This is an opportunity to be proud of yourself about how far you’ve come.

We have so much ahead of us, and such a bright future.” ƒ The Mental Health Scoop podcast

“One of the main things that I saw after the to reach out for help.” last episode was how many people could relate to the issues I was having, especially The podcast presenter says she tries to share how to maintain a positive mental attitude and self-comparison. how to deal with problems in a positive way.

“People have taken to social media, and shared it, and even people from different countries She says that the podcast is a platform for people to learn how to handle their mental have been texting me about the podcast.” health and help others.

Niamh decided to open up about her own issues after being inspired by her guests “The podcast is a platform which provides including Olympian gold medallist Jack Green, listeners with the ability to resonate, evolve and learn. We talk about things to look out for life coach Sinead Hegarty, and LA based if people are experiencing poor mental health, Buzzfeed presenter, Chelsea London Lloyd discussing both uncommon and common signs who shared their stories. and symptoms.

Niamh says that one thing that her guests “One of the responses that we have heard have talked about a lot is suicide, which she is about how people have been educated considers important given the growing suicide through the podcast as well. rate in Northern Ireland.

“I think that people are understanding that “The suicide rates have tripled for ages 15-24 everyone has issues and being kind to each since the 1950s, so it is an issue that needs to other is important.” be addressed. If we do get people onto the podcast to talk about their own experiences The Psychology student says she has noticed and people can relate then they’re more likely how lockdown has harmed some people’s

Niamh also emphasises how we shouldn’t put pressure on ourselves to be extremely productive in lockdown, especially if we see other people doing so.

“In lockdown, you see other people take up things that maybe don’t interest you, and you compare yourself to other people. You shouldn’t be doing that. You’re your own person. You have your own likes and your own dislikes.”

Niamh’s words of wisdom will hit home for a lot of people in lockdown, who have been having issues with their mental health since the pandemic started last March.

If anyone needs some more help or encouragement, they might find it from ‘The Mental Health Scoop’ on Spotify. With its wide range of guests, there is a story that will resonate with everyone.

Whether you want to know how to handle your mental health, how to see symptoms in those around you, or even just to hear you’re not alone in how you feel, Niamh’s podcast has something to help everyone.

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16 | Local Women Magazine

A BREAKTHROUGH FOR WOMEN Elite Aesthetic Clinic is the first in Northern Ireland to introduce the BTL Emsella Chair. Say ‘no’ to inconvenience and say ‘no’ to intimate discomfort!

As a skilled nurse, Elite’s Clinical Director Emma Heaney has vast experience in gynaecology, midwifery and women’s health issues from menarche to menopause and beyond.

So, she is excited to introduce Northern Ireland to this breakthrough treatment for incontinence and confidence. Its unique technology revolutionises women’s intimate health and wellness by providing those suffering from incontinence and or sexual discomfort with a completely non-invasive treatment.

Emma knows that your pelvic floor matters whatever age you are and she is excited to be working with BTL Ireland. This amazing and innovative company have appointed Emma as Ireland’s lead nurse and clinical trainer in vaginal rejuvenation. There are such exciting and empowering times ahead for the ladies of Ireland.

As the saying goes: “Women are like fine wine, they only get better with age.” Embrace your maturity and enjoy intimate moments with a strong pelvic floor, incontinence free.

The BTL Emsella Chair was chosen as the ‘Most Innovative Technology’ at the 3rd World Congress of the European Society of Aesthetic Gynecology and ‘The Best intimate Health Treatment 2021’ is now available at our clinic!

Schedule your consultation appointment with Elite Aesthetic Clinic for this breakthrough treatment of incontinence and intimate health and wellbeing.

ARE YOU THE RIGHT CANDIDATE FOR BTL EMSELLA?

Elite accepts referrals from medical professionals and physiotherapist.

Are you one of them? Take a quick test!

BTL EMSELLA CHAIR is a great option for women of any age who desire a noninvasive solution for urinary incontinence and improvement in their quality of life. Due to factors such as the body’s normal aging, childbirth or menopause, the pelvic floor muscles decondition and insufficiently support the pelvic organs. These factors directly correlate with urinary incontinence.

18 | Local Women Magazine

According to NAFC over 200 million people worldwide are affected by incontinence.

1.

Do you leak urine when you cough, sneeze or engage in sports activities?

2.

Do you need to go to the bathroom often?

3.

Have you refrained from intimate life in the last few months out of fear of insecurity?

4.

Are you a mum that needs care after delivery

5.

Are you an active woman but suffering from urinary incontinence?

6.

Are you a woman with decreased intimate satisfaction?

If you answered “yes”, you are probably suffering from urinary incontinence. BTL EMSELLA is the first device of its kind and is FDAcleared for treating urinary incontinence in women.

EXCLUSIVE TO ELITE AESTHETIC TREATMENT CLINIC BEFORE EMSELLA

AFTER EMSELLA

you perform when doing a Kegel exercise.

What makes this treatment effective is the indepth penetration and stimulation of the entire pelvic floor area. A single session brings you thousands of intense contractions that you would not be able to do on your own. These contractions are very helpful when it comes to muscle strengthening and re-education.

Scientific research shows that 95% of treated patients have reported significant improvement in their quality of life.

While it is true that women with two or more children have a statistically significant possibility of having incontinence, it doesn’t mean women who haven’t given birth vaginally won’t develop incontinence. Don’t be a statistic.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE TREATMENT?

You will be completely clothed yet, we recommended loose fitted clothing to help achieve best positioning during treatment. When the treatment starts you will feel slight tingling and It is mind blowing! Nearly 50% of women over vibrations in your pelvic floor muscles that will then 50 have incontinence, but only 38% of those turn into full contractions. This will be completely afflicted perform Kegel exercises. So, why suffer comfortable and tolerable. The treatment is a in silence?

28-minute session you can relax, read a magazine, or watch television. You will be able to return to normal activities after the treatment.

BUT DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT HERE ARE SOME PATIENT TESTIMONIALS: “I sneeze, I skip, I run, I can just do all kinds of exercise and competitions and I can now do them with a lot more confidence than I could before. It’s freeing, very freeing, to be able to just do what you want to do again.”

“What it does is it kind of take the place of doing Kegels, for which a lot of people don’t have the time or the energy. It’s just weird and it’s very uncomfortable to try to do them - but the chair does it for you and it works miracles. it’s wonderful!”

“This treatment isn’t just for the ladies - it will also help gentlemen get the blood flowing!”

HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE REQUIRED? Every patient is different, and it will depend on numerous factors that will be discussed at your consultation , we do recommend a programme of 6 treatment over a 3 week time frame.

IS IT PAINFUL? That is the best thing about EMSELLA. Patients say it is completely painless, the procedure feels like an intense pelvic floor workout. You can sit and relax during the treatment.

HOW DOES EMSELLA CHAIR WORK?

BTL EMSELLA IS NOT FOR YOU IF YOU HAVE

• EMSELLA is the HIFEM® procedure, that utilises • electromagnetic energy, at a high frequency, to cause pelvic floor muscle stimulation completely • non-invasively. Similar to the contractions •

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Local Women Magazine | 19

TAKING OFF ON

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

By Maibh Shiels

MAMMY BANTER:

“I show real life, warts and all!”

Derry mum-of-two Serena Terry made millions of mums laugh through lockdown, as she shared the burdens and blessings of daily life.

The 35-year-old mum is better known by her username @mammybanter, and has over 440,000 followers on her TikTok account, as well as tens of thousands of followers on Instagram.

Drawing on her own experiences as a parent, Serena makes videos showing the realities of motherhood through honesty and humour, but she says she never expected such success.

She explains how she started: “My daughter was on TikTok for quite some time. She’s 12 and she was forever laughing and showing me videos.

“At the start of the first lockdown my husband and I downloaded it and we sat and had a bottle of wine and laughed the whole night.

“We continued browsing and just enjoying the craic and I thought, ‘I could do that!’ And I did.

And here we are.”

What started as Serena simply enjoying herself soon exploded, with her third video on the app reaching 10,000 views.

Her

most

recent

videos

frequently

reach

hundreds of thousands of views, with some even entering the millions. She has followers from America, Australia, and Canada, as well as from the UK and Ireland.

Serena says: “Not in a million years did I think I would get this response. I just thought this would be a hobby, something to keep me entertained and have fun with.”

She believes that it is her realistic representation of parenthood that makes her page popular. “I try to be as real as possible, to show real life with a comical twist, warts and all. It’s about being honest, and I think that’s what people resonate with.

“I think Covid has made people want to be able to relate to others’ experiences and know that they’re not alone in what they’re feeling or going through.”

Serena is honest about how the pandemic has made parenting harder. During lockdown she has been working for a software company as well as being a mum to a 12-year-old and 5-year-old.

“Home-schooling and having to work 9 to 5 has been one of the hardest things I’ve had to do in my life.

“I have missed shopping and meeting up with friends and getting out for a nice meal but the biggest challenge of the pandemic for me was home-schooling and trying to entertain the kids.

No one prepared us for that.”

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

The TikTok creator also admits that it wasn’t always easy to stay creative during Covid.

“Motivation levels do dip. There are days where I won’t feel like making videos.

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

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

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

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

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

“You do have to try to step back and remind yourself this is supposed to be enjoyable.”

Serena talks freely about her challenges with creativity, even with her followers. “Not being motivated is a topic in itself that you can reach people about, especially people who are working from home.”

It is this kind of relatable content that has people returning to Serena’s page. As Serena herself says: “It does move away from that stereotypical representation of what women in their mid-30s 20 | Local Women Magazine

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

“I think the pandemic made people a bit tired of the stereotypical influencer type content you usually see on Instagram.

“Having to view other people’s perfect lives, expensive purchases, flawless pictures and unblemished skin personally does nothing for me. Especially during a global pandemic.”

“Don’t get me wrong I love genuine product reviews and some celeb gossip, but 100% of that

EMMA KEARNEY:

“They love our accent on TikTok”

Emma Kearney is a 20-year-old salon owner from Newry. Her TikTok account is @emmakearney32 and has over 640,000 followers.

Initially, Emma posted videos with voiceovers, but soon saw that her own accent and laugh were attracting more attention.

fed through to you each day via social media is not good for your mental health.

“I need humour. I need real life and real experiences that I can relate to.”

Serena says she has met many new friends through TikTok which is an unexpected bonus.

“I’ve met so many amazing people around the world, and people I speak to daily now. A few I’m even planning to meet up with after restrictions are lifted.

“I would encourage everyone to try it out at least, with the warning that you’ll blink, and two hours will have gone past. But it’s enjoyable. No matter what age you are, try TikTok.”

“I started doing videos of myself, and me talking and laughing, and people seemed to really enjoy them, so I kept doing them, and it gradually blew up.”

Emma, who posts a mixture of funny videos and beautybased content, says she notices that many Northern Irish content creators are finding a following.

She puts this down to our accent, among other things. “It’s because of our humour. I think we come across as relatable people and people you could get along with easily.”

Emma says that she makes a point of supporting other creators from Northern Ireland on TikTok. “We all like each other’s videos and comment on them.

“I just do the videos for people, to keep them entertained but I do enjoy it too, and I’m grateful for all the opportunities I have.”

SOPHIE GREER:

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

“I love making people smile”

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

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

“And we’re good at making fun of ourselves too.

I don’t take myself too seriously and I don’t think any Northern Irish TikTok-er really does.”

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

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

Sophie, 23 from Whitehead, had no intention of becoming famous when she started posting.

“It was never meant to be a big thing. I never thought that I would have lots of followers.

It was just a way for me to have a laugh and create things.

“I started posting videos and some of them ended up with millions of views.”

For Sophie, making TikTok videos is a way of expressing her creativity since she was put on

“I’m very grateful that people enjoy watching me. furlough from her job last March.

The singer had been teaching through Uplift Performing Arts and was part of the Bjorn Identity Abba tribute band before the pandemic hit.

“I’ve always loved the arts. It’s my career. Covid hit and that got turned upside down.

“I don’t know what in particular I have done to gain a following but I’m glad that other people get enjoyment from it.

“I’m enjoying it and other people are enjoying it with me.

As long as it makes other people smile and I still get fulfilment from it I’ll keep doing it.”

“Having TikTok has really been that creative outlet for me. I felt like I wanted to make things and connect with people, and I was bored.”

“I get a lot of comments saying, ‘This made me smile,’ and that’s the point of it.

“If you can make someone smile that’s the best.

Bringing a smile to people’s faces is what every performer wants to do.”

Sophie also agrees that her humour is what Local Women Magazine | 21

TAKE THE PLUNGE WITH THE MENOPAUSAL MERMAIDS

These women are feeling the physical, mental, and social benefits of sea swimming as they take a dip in the nippy waters of the north coast.

By Maibh Shiels The first time Nicole Morelli went sea swimming, she lasted about two minutes in the chilly water.

The Portstewart woman started her daily freezing dips, along with a friend, after she had hip surgery as a way to ward off the pain from both this and her arthritis.

The women encouraged more and more people to join and the group soon grew - and so the Menopausal Mermaids were born.

The group, which now has over 600 members on Facebook, welcomes women of all ages, despite its humorous name.

“We kept going back, and two minutes became 10 coming out walking really tall. minutes, and then it became 20, and before we “Sometimes our water gets down to five degrees, The women enjoy the physical benefits of sea knew it the following January, we had 25 people and you’re in there for 10 minutes, and you just feel swimming, as well as feeling less stressed, less in with us.” so invincible. You feel like if you can do this you can self-conscious, and having each other for support She also shares the story behind the name: “We do anything.” and socialising. were all women of a certain age and someone There is no denying that many women start Nicole, 50, started her journey with sea was saying about how good it was for hot flushes. swimming feeling self-conscious and finish feeling swimming in November 2018 and it now forms “I joked that we were all a bunch of menopausal super confident. a big part of her life. mermaids. It got a bit of a laugh and I thought Nicole says the same happened to her: “I was very She explains: “The first time we didn’t last that’s a good name.” body conscious a couple of years ago and was long, but we had such a laugh and came out As the group grew, Nicole started a Facebook page, really self-conscious about getting into the water.” feeling fantastic. to allow others to take advantage of the amazing Now, Nicole stands – or rather, swims – with benefits of sea swimming that she was seeing. confidence, in her swimsuit. She says that the “For me, personally, I was coming off my Menopausal Mermaids make its members feel medication and it was making me feel a lot better. accepted as they are.

We had women with blood pressure issues and “That’s another thing I love about the group, is that depression and all kinds of things.” it’s so uncompetitive. Everybody’s the same. We’ve Even now, Nicole’s health is still helped by a swim got the same wobbly bits.” in the sea. “I would be sore after a couple of The confidence gained from the group goes beyond days if I didn’t swim. I have cut down on a lot of physical appearances, too. Many are stronger medication for physical pain. I crave the sea if I swimmers and more adventurous after joining. haven’t been in for a few days.”

“We had one girl who was terrified when she However, the swimmer knows that there are so started, and she jumped off a boat and swam many more ways in which her hobby is helping her under Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge last year.” and the other women in the group.

Nicole and another group member, Asia “When you’re still walking in, you’re swearing and Brzozowsk, have also signed up for the IISA screaming and shouting, but once you get in it’s World Championship Ice Swim Event in Poland, in really fantastic. You’re crawling in and you’re February 2022.

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Another merit of the Menopausal Mermaids is the social side of the group, which has also gone a long way for many of its members.

would have previously.

“At the minute we’re going swimming in twos. If there is a group, it’ll be no more than five or six “Before Covid we would have had groups of and we follow social distancing. maybe 15 plus swimming together, and that would “We’re not advertising our swims on our Facebook have involved going to a café afterwards and group anymore until the restrictions relax. It’s having coffee and cake and some craic. been very hard, because there are certain people “We would have had lunches, dinners, and cinema I haven’t swum with in a long time.” nights. It became a really social thing. The social Yet, Nicole stays positive, as she sees the strong side of it grew as the group got bigger. friendships that have formed between those who “You were bringing a hot drink with you to warm are still swimming together. up, so you’re standing chatting, but then we have She also speaks of the friendships formed with a lady called Michelle who started to bring buns. other similar sea swimming groups, who are doing Sometimes we’d go for breakfast after.” this sort of thing all across Northern Ireland.

Before long, the Mermaids were meeting not just “We’re very friendly with the Donaghadee Chunky for a swim in the sea.

Dunkers. Some of those ladies have come and had a “I fancied going to dinner one night and asked who swim with us, and we’ve gone swimming with them. would want to go along, so we sometimes do that. Our “We see another local group the Portstewart first year we had a fantastic Christmas party, too.”

Seabirds most mornings, and we all stand “I think we were a lifeline for many women in the and have a chat after a swim. There’s a bit of group, especially those who are retired. For me, camaraderie as well.” anyway, it was a lifeline, and I’ve made friends in While many are joining groups such as the the group who are friends for life.”

Menopausal Mermaids and enjoying the Nicole, who is a mum of two and the owner of many advantages, Nicole does advise anyone Morelli’s To Go in Portstewart, says that the group is considering sea swimming to be safe. a way to socialise with women from all walks of life.

The group have had seminars from the “There are women in that group that I never would coastguard, and they wear bright swimming hats have met under any other circumstances. We to be sure they are seen in the sea. Many members have doctors, we have judges, we have domestic also use floats, which have a whistle attached in cleaners, we have teachers, we have retirees.” case something should happen.

The social side of the group extends to support, Nicole also advises to bring towels, hats, and too. “People get to talk and confide in each other warm clothes for afterwards, as well as a hot and help each other. drink. The group also stay for a while after they “There’s a line that one of our members uses, swim, to warm up before they begin driving home.

‘What’s said in the sea, stays in the sea.’ There’s The most important thing, though, is that you don’t an awful lot of support there, and that’s the best do it alone. part of it.”

If you want to get involved in sea swimming, find a Nicole adds that the group is a great support for friend to join you, or join one of the many groups, those who are grieving, as many of its members who are doing it. have been bereaved.

Nicole’s group can be found on their Facebook Unfortunately, the impact of the pandemic has page, Menopausal Mermaids, or on Instagram, @ prevented the group from socialising as they menopausalmermaids.

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PLANNING FOR YOUR PERFECT DAY

Michele King and the team at Portstewart Family Dental are ready to help you prepare the wedding of your dreams with advice on dental care and skincare.

As we ease out of lockdown, many of our patients who put their wedding plans on hold are beginning to consider what the post-pandemic wedding might look like.

When working with patients preparing for their wedding we try to thoroughly understand the emotional challenges that such a moment brings. Our advice would be to plan well in advance to ensure that your aesthetic treatments are carried out at the right time in order to give the full effect and allow each treatment to support and build on the other.

12 TO 18 MONTHS

What are your likes and dislikes about your smile?

What would make you smile and feel more confident in front of the camera?

Do you have a crooked smile?

Consider orthodontics to straighten and align your teeth. It is incredible the difference in confidence that the correction of a slightly crooked tooth or crowding can make, especially when you are the one centre stage on the big day.

Anterior alignment (front teeth onlyshowing on your smile line) can be completed in as little as six to nine months, however correction of all teeth can take up to two years. So, depending on your concerns we can tailor your treatment plan to suit your needs. We can complete this treatment using clear braces, clear aligners, metal braces or Inman aligner, so we have lots of options to help you on the way.

It could be that you are very conscious of your smile for other reasons such as stained/discoloured teeth or fillings. Now is the time to speak to your dentist, voice your concerns and ask about your options. It could be a simple as a polish or may need full mouth

reconstruction, crown bridgework or implants - plan ahead so that your treatment can easily be completed in good time. With the help of our 3D intra oral scanner we are able to perform a 3D digital setup of your proposed smile, so you can see if you would like the results before you even begin.

SIX MONTHS

To get that beautiful glowing skin on your wedding day I would consider either a Dracula Facial or Profhilo.

The Dracula Facial was pioneered

by Dr Sister in London, where I was trained. It is a perfected PRP (platelet Rich Plasma) treatment, which gives a real radiance to the skin using your own blood. It is a very specific treatment in the way that it is completed. If performed in the correct manner to Dr Sisters specifications the results are outstanding.

I have seen incredible results with sagging skin in the face and neck area and a real change in the vibrancy of the skin, the effects of which can last up to 18 months.

Profhilo is a pure hyaluronic acid treatment. It works by stimulating your elastin and collagen, it’s like giving your skin a big drink of water, which rejuvenates your skin. Ideally given as a series of three treatment sessions. Again, the results are truly amazing.

Now would be the time to consider anti-wrinkle injections, to correct fine lines and wrinkles or a brow-lift to open up the eye area. You are maybe considering an enhancement such as a cheek lift or a tear trough treatment to banish those dark circles from under your eyes. Maybe you would like to correct the asymmetry in your lips or have a more “pillowy” pout with lip augmentation.

You’ll be made welcome, so come in and

talk through your concerns and we will see how we can help.

THREE MONTHS

So, three months before the wedding, I would suggest a visit with our hygienist Tracey Watley and myself for a final check-up. Tracey will remove all tartar/calculus which cause gum disease (bleeding gums and bone loss, leading to loose teeth). She will polish the teeth and remove staining. For tougher staining such as tobacco staining we can use our air polisher which gently polishes away deep stains without any damage. This ensures that in the run up to the wedding your gums and teeth will be in optimal condition.

ONE MONTH

In the last month tooth whitening is an excellent treatment. This can be performed either using bespoke home kits constructed by your dentist or an in surgery Zoom treatment, which brightens up the colour of your teeth. A final polish will further enhance your smile to show off its brilliance.

By now your skin is glowing and your smile even more confident.

Final touch-ups for your skin can help to ensure you’re feeling and looking your best. A last-minute top-up of your anti-wrinkle injections or final sculpting is ideal.

With aesthetic treatments, there is no one size fits all approach, and it is important you choose a practitioner who is willing to take the time to fully understand your concerns and your objectives. Just like an amazing wedding, proper planning will make a world of difference and our team can support you along the way.

Note: we advise against having soft tissue fillers treatments (including dermal fillers and Profhilo) either two weeks before or three weeks after COVID-19 vaccination.

Until the next time…

6A Lever Road │ Portstewart │ BT55 7EF │ Tel 028 7083 2798

www.portstewartfamilydental.co.uk

Local Women Magazine | 25

THE SETTING, THE SERVICE, THE STANDARD GALGORM.COM

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

Dynamic Studio, founded by Dolores McVeigh-Smyth in 2020, is an online fitness studio teaching Pilates to both beginners and advanced individuals.

Having been in the fitness industry for over 30 years, Dolores is happiest when helping people be the best version of themselves and when the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2019, it was a catalyst for her to focus on being able to do exactly that and Dynamic Studio was born.

Dolores qualified as a sports therapist in the early 80s with her thesis on the Alexander Technique specialising in postural gait and Swedish massage.

Dolores has always been a self-starter, starting by teaching aerobics and step aerobics in church halls and gyms. Teaching took Dolores as far as Canada where she worked in Powerhouse Gym in Toronto. Dolores’ love of fitness has been a constant throughout her life and she has attended classes and workshops around the world, always developing and learning new approaches and techniques along the way, dramatically changing the way she trains herself and teaches today.

Dolores attended her first Pilates class seven years ago and found it life changing. Having recently turned 50, she admits that she is in the best shape of her life, with time spent training reduced by a staggering 50%.

Best of all, by being a lot kinder to her body, she is injury free and has been rewarded with a flexible, mobile, strong and toned body.

As a busy wife & mum, Dolores left behind the world of 9 to 5 and designed her unique evolving programme which can be done from the comfort of your own home. Understanding how life can be busy and even hectic at times, Dolores wanted to create a series of simple and enjoyable sessions which are do-able and crucially, proven to work, for all fitness levels.

Incorporating diet, training and lifestyle advice into her sessions, Dynamic Studio is the fuel you need to reach your fitness goals.

If you are ready to experience the transformative power of Pilates workouts, Dolores at Dynamic Studio can be contacted at dolores@studiodynamic.co.uk or on 07841421451 to book a place on her fitness programme!

“I’VE HAD DEPRESSION FOR OVER 20 YEARS” With depression and mental health problems on the rise, mum of one, Tara Casey from Strabane bravely shares her story with Local Women and tells us… it’s okay not to be okay.

Tara Casey from Strabane has been living with depression for most of her adult life.

She has bravely decided to speak out about her battle with her mental health in order to raise awareness of the problems that affect many of us.

Originally from Newry, Tara, 37, moved to Strabane with her husband Peter, who she describes as her saviour, and her 14-year-old daughter to try and avoid the triggers that escalate her depression.

For Tara there were significant traumas that perhaps triggered her depression, but she recognises that for other people, the triggers aren’t so obvious.

Here she talks openly about her struggles and offers hope and advice to others who may feel the same.

“I am not into statistics, but if you take a moment to look around you, you will know that you are looking at a lot of people who are suffering in silence.

You will notice them laughing, having fun, and talking like there is no problem.

This is the ‘Mask’.

The mask that comes off behind closed doors. The mask that tells you that there are no problems.

Depression is one of the largest silent killers known to us. It affects more and more people every day. This can be due to money worries, relationship worries, trauma from the past, and even social media.

Depression is a word that people are afraid to use.

ƒ Tara with husband Peter and her daughter

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Why though?

Why should it be such a taboo word?

You cannot catch depression from another person. So why are people so afraid to use it?

Speaking from experience, I have had depression for over 20 years and only recently I have learnt how to deal with it.

It all began when I had an accident while out horse riding, when I was 18, I was knocked off my horse by a vehicle and it ended a career that hadn't even started. Horses were my life. I had my whole future planned out. I got accepted to CAFRE and the summer before I was due to start, I was involved in my accident.

This was the start of the depression. Other life events like the death of my mother from a road traffic accident just a year later in 2002, when I was 19, made things much worse.

She had been there for me through all my days of horse riding, and it was a massive shock when she died. This escalated the depression, and I was on my downward slope.

In the past if I had mentioned to someone that I was feeling low I was told to, "just get over it" or "man up.” It made me feel so embarrassed. I could not just get on with life like others could.

I felt trapped and alone. So alone, that I tried to take my own life because I did not want to burden anyone else with my issues. I was so scared. I didn't know what to do or where to turn.

My husband and daughter have been a major support in helping me try and recover from this horrible illness. I hate seeing them having to go through my darkest days with me, but they are my main reason I'm still here. Without them I know exactly where I would be right now.

motivational even though we are feeling totally but you are not any of these things. You are a lost within ourselves. fighter. You are stronger than you believe. You We are being brave throughout the day and are facing these battles every day, and you working away like nothing is the matter when are slowly winning. try not to let these demons really all we want to do is break down and cry dictate your life and your future. ourselves to sleep.

Don't feel that you are a burden if you ask for help.

Men who suffer with depression, suffer alone.

Don't feel embarrassed to ask for help.

They feel that they should be the Alpha Male Drink has been a massive part of helping me with and they are not allowed to feel low. They Don't wait to ask for help. my depression, which is totally wrong. We think seem to feel embarrassed. Men tend to think No-one is alone, even if you feel you are. it helps by making us feel uplifted and that we that they need to come across as strong and are someone, but realistically it is a depressant. that nothing bothers them, when in fact that After the calm feeling wears off our emotions are men's suicide is at the highest it has ever been. more negative. We get down. We can't control our It is becoming more well known that men are minds. So, I have cut my drinking massively and at a higher risk of depression than women. We one day I am hoping to give it up for good. It is do not know the reason behind this as men do a long process but with help and support from not talk as much as us women.

Lifeline 24hr - 0808 808 8000 family and friends I am adamant I will get there This needs to change. Depression is not sexist and overcome my depression.

Samaritans – Telephone 116 123 as it affects both genders. It does not care who So, how do you feel if you have depression?

Aware NI – Telephone 028 9035 7820 is hurts. It's out for vengeance. It's out to try Apart from the dark and lonely times we all and take us down.

Koram Centre – Telephone 028 7188 6181 experience from having it we are also the life Depression affects us in different ways.

Drinkline – Telephone 0300 123 1110 and soul of parties, because we feel like we are Some of us turn to alcohol, some of us turn to They are for ANYONE suffering in nothing inside. drugs and some of us even self-harm. Some of silence. Men and women.

We are telling jokes and making people laugh us isolate and hide away from everyone and because we do not feel like laughing. everything. You feel alone, you feel empty, you We are giving advice to others and being feel worthless, you turn to drink and/or drugs

These are just some of the organisations that are here to help us.

Its okay not to be okay.

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Ballycastle Local Women Magazine | 29

Back to business!

Normality returns to towns and villages across the Causeway Coast & Glens as shops and businesses reopen and customers flock to shop local.

Pictures by Gerard Gormley There were smiles and laughter across the area as retailers and businesses from the Causeway Coast & Glens borough took a step closer to normality.

Business owners gave a warm welcome back to customers as the Covid-19 restrictions were finally lifted and, after four months, they were able to open their doors once again.

Shoppers took the first opportunity in months to visit their favourite shops and salons and finally had the opportunity for some long-awaited retail therapy.

Many retailers have been trading online but there was a real buzz as business owners were finally able to meet up with their loyal customers again in person.

Alison and Leanne.

In all the towns and villages of the Causeway Coast & Glens area there are many fantastic independent local retailers who are thrilled with the support they have been shown.

The ‘shop local’ message has never been so important as businesses rebuild after a difficult trading period.

And in the spring sunshine, people met up with friends in the pavement terraces outside cafes and enjoyed a relaxing cuppa.

The good weather made for a feelgood atmosphere in town centres and villages.

Lynne and Amy from Inside Out.

Dickson family

Fiona and Gemma from Cuts Hair & Beauty

Emma, Una and Caroline from Red Footwear

Don’t forget to shop local this spring and check out the many offers and promotions available across the borough.

www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

LIMAVADY “We are delighted to welcome our customers back. Limavady is a wonderful shopping town with a great community spirit and it’s great to see it back buzzing.”

Olive and Jacqueline.

Jessica, Anna and Emma.

Natasha, Ever and Colt.

Ann and Annabella.

BALLYMONEY Lily and Joyce.

30 | Local Women Magazine

“The town is so lively and it’s so lovely to see all the friendly faces. The excitement is unbelievable. Ballymoney is such a happy, friendly town.”

COLERAINE “It’s great to be back. Everyone is so happy and there’s a great atmosphere in town. Right now, there is nothing more important than shopping locally.”

Selena and Michelle.

Lisa and Neve.

Cherith and Sara.

Lenora and Tommy.

June, Eliza and Keelan.

Sonya, Betty and Max the dog.

Jameson Family.

Anna, Caolan and Charlene.

Mc Bride Family.

BALLYCASTLE “The buzz is back! We are so happy to be open again and see all our customers. The best way we can thrive going forward is if people shop local.”

Conal and Keziah.

Local Women Magazine | 31

SARAH’S IN A LEAGUE OF HER OWN

Northern Ireland football star Sarah Robson from Bellaghy on juggling motherhood and a full-time job with playing the game she loves.

By Mandi Millar Bellaghy-born football international Robson is in a league of her own.

Sarah

ƒ Playing for Northern Ireland (picture by Press Eye)

As a member of the Northern Ireland women’s team which made history last month by taking the country to the Euro finals, she’s at the top of her game on the pitch – and off.

But the mum of one – like women’s football generally - has come a long way from the days when they had to take Persil tablets to tournaments so they could wash their only training kit in the wash basin between fixtures.

“Getting through to the Euros has been unreal!

Unbelievable! Class!” beams Durham Women’s

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

nothing like it.

“Not to do be playing at the very top of my game wouldn’t be fair on him,” says Sarah whose But she’s quick to admit it’s only the support of kickabouts in the streets and fields of Bellaghy Geordie-born husband Damian, a Civil Servant, were her first taste of football. which enables her football career to continue at “We were a Liverpool and Manchester United international level. family. Dad watched the big matches no “Since we had Harper (3) he’s given up so much matter what and my granda went to the so I can carry on and that’s really what motivates Moyola matches. me – that and running out for my country. There’s “One of my sisters played netball and got me into

ƒ In action

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

as long as I felt well,” says Sarah who didn’t tell too many people her news.

“There’s still this idea that when you’re pregnant you should stop doing everything immediately but it was the only thing keeping me sane!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ƒ Sarah with husband Damian and daughter Harper

Stints with Icelandic teams Fylkir, Grindavik and FH followed – just after she’d spent “I keep an eye on diet too. I never feel I play as three years in the US playing varsity football well if I’ve had a big carryout during the week!” having won a scholarship to the University of There’s a lot of discipline then involved in Southern Mississippi.

Robson family life but that’s something Damian FA Women’s Superleague side Manchester City understood when they married in 2016 after wanted her too but it was before their major meeting through mutual friend and fellow NI investment in the side so there was no salary. player Rachel Furness.

“I needed to work so I was delighted to secure a spot at Sunderland for five years where I was studying for my Masters degree, before switching to Durham in 2017,” says Sarah who at 33, is one of the club’s veterans.

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

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

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

“NI manager then Alfie Wylie asked me if I wanted to train with them. Harper was eight weeks and I hadn’t left her before but there had to be a first time,” admits Sarah who then went to Slovakia with the squad.

“I ended up on the pitch as Alfie said I was the best person to play.”

Durham’s acceptance of the new mum was the same.

“They’ve been brilliant and said Damian and Harper are welcome to travel with us to away matches. It’s been unreal. Everyone has just been amazing,” says Sarah who often brings the little girl to training where the other players look after her while she’s busy.

“She’s massive part of everything with an accent that’s sometimes really Northern Ireland and sometimes really Geordie!”

Looking ahead Sarah would love to see more opportunities for women in professional football in case Harper shares her passion.

“England are making massive strides but there “I train with my club four nights a week and play “As soon as I was pregnant I’d spoken to the NI are still only five NI players who are professionals. at weekends and that seems to be enough. team doctor about training and she said to carry The rest of us are juggling often full-time jobs or study and that’s why the gap widens between the stronger and weaker teams,” she explains.

“UEFA have just pumped another £24m into the women’s champions league so that’s bound to trickle down to the nations ultimately - NI wants to be a part of that “In 10 years time I’d like to see tens of thousands of girls playing rather than thousands and to see NI continue to qualify for championships so our success isn’t a one-off.

“For me it’s about making as many memories now as I can to share with Harper when she’s older.

ƒ The Northern Ireland team (picture by Press Eye)

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

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Coleraine Local Women Magazine | 33

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

Being a Dental Hygienist for me had been a lifetime dream, I love what I do and with 20 years’ experience under my belt that passion remains.

In 2013 the government changed the rules allowing the general public to access a dental hygienist directly, without the need for a referral from a dentist.

When this change in legislation happened, I saw the opportunity for hygienists to become a more accessible independent entity. I was fortunate to work in practices that embraced dental hygiene and encouraged me to pursue patients via direct access. With their support and encouragement, I was honoured with the title of Northern Ireland Health Care Awards Dental Hygienist of the Year 2018.

Having my own practice has always been my dream.

I think if there’s anything the last few years have taught all of us is that life is short and dreams don’t just happen, they require courage, risk and ultimately passion.

So, Pure Dental Hygiene was born.

So far there are only two practices in the whole of Ireland that operate this way , but I am pretty sure there will be more.

This is your opportunity to see a hygienist and stay with your own dentist. No waiting lists. No extra charges. Free onsite parking.

In the times we are currently living through we all understand how important it is to control bacteria and maintain good hygiene - your mouth is no different.

All this considered I have set up the surgery with the most stringent Covid policies, to ensure your protection.

We have a one person out and a one person in policy so you’re getting our undivided attention, and social distancing will not be an issue.

So feel reassured that this surgery is built around protecting you and our staff, especially in these uncertain times.

34 | Local Women Magazine

We spend all the time it takes to meticulously remove all staining, plaque, and calculus from every tooth.

Leaving your smile as perfect as your smile can naturally get.

We will customise your treatment needs and educate you in how you maintain your smile and prevent dental disease.

Prevention is BETTER than cure.

FACIAL AESTHETICS AT PURE DENTAL HYGIENE Respected dentist Dr Aisling Lalor is offering a wide range of non-surgical facial cosmetic treatments in a safe clinical environment.

Dr Aisling Lalor, a cosmetic and general dentist based in Carrickfergus has a special interest in facial aesthetics.

She has been practising facial aesthetics for over eight years now and has advanced her techniques over that period of time to offer a wide range of non-surgical facial cosmetic treatments, including muscle relaxing injections, dermal fillers for enhancement, the treatment of hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), spider veins on legs and body and other skin treatments packages involving medical grade skin care products.

Aisling says: “What was once seen as a taboo treatment is now increasingly sought after by many women and men. Patients appreciate and respect my holistic approach, which coupled with the more obvious benefits of choosing a dentist (as they work in regulated, sterile surgeries and are skilled clinicians) makes for a compelling offering.”

Aisling says that dental work and facial aesthetics go hand in hand - a lip asymmetry may be related to a mal-aligned tooth or teeth, a “weak” chin is most commonly due to an underlying skeletal issue, the patient might not want maxillofacial surgery but may consider re-sculpting of their jawline and chin with dermal fillers, a gummy smile is easily corrected with some botulinum toxin; these are just a few synergistic examples. Issues that we recognise and diagnose on a daily basis.

experiences over her eight years in the facial aesthetic business. A wheelchair bound lady suffered a stroke resulting in loss of muscle tone and lip tissue volume of her upper lip.

Aisling made new dentures to help support and thus give fullness to her lips, although her denture helped, it was not enough.

Lip fillers were suggested. The lady was overwhelmed. Being a bit of a joker, she immediately began pouting her lips at her husband. He was fascinated at the transformation. Another lady with severe facial scarring following an accident had her scarred lips subtly restored with dermal fillers to recreate their natural shape. Aisling has also corrected some unsightly lip treatments by safely breaking down the dermal filler using hyalase and when safe to do so reintroduced dermal filler to create the patient’s desired results.

Facial aesthetics are not just superficial enhancements.

Aisling reflects on some touching

At the other end of the scale, is the very real issue of body dysmorphia. Dentists build relationships with their patients therefore having a real advantage when it comes to safeguarding their patients.

She says: “I feel privileged to be in a position to professionally advise and treat clients in a safe clinical environment.”

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

www.puredentalhygieneni.com Local Women Magazine | 35

A warm welcome back Normality returns to the North West as shops and businesses reopen and customers flock to shop local.

Pictures by Gerard Gormley

Tara, Ellie and Eva.

Declan and Michaela.

Caroline, Louisa, Brenda, Erin and Mary Beth.

Cathy, Kacey, Sophia and Chloe.

Paul, Nadine and Annie.

Vera and Wendy.

Wendy and Willie.

Johnston Family.

36 | Local Women Magazine

Danielle and Katherine.

Carla, Mark and Ariana.

Joe and Gayle.

Relaunching into Spring & Summer ‘21

58 MAIN STREET, PORTRUSH WWW.STARLIGHTANDSTONEPORTRUSH.COM 028 7082 2424

Spring Showcase is here!

It’s hard to believe that it’s May already, wasn’t it just Christmas last month?! We’re so happy to see the current lockdown restrictions easing and we’re cautiously optimistic that the end is now in sight… It’s brilliant to see so many local businesses opening their doors once again and life is beginning to have a little more normality. Now more than ever, it’s important to shop and support local.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank our amazing customers who continuously support us, it is greatly appreciated. Many of you will already know about our Showcase events which usually happen biannually as a token of our gratitude for your support. Last October, we hosted our Christmas Showcase with a twist.

Instead of the usual one-day event, this time it took place over the entire month, to allow for social distancing to help protect both our customers and staff. This format was a success and so our Spring Showcase will be held this way too.

The McCloys 2021 Spring into Summer Showcase will begin on 1st May and will run right through to 31st May. Once you get your hands on a showcase voucher, this will entitle you to one transaction with our special showcase discounts throughout the month of

May. You can cut out and use the as Tipperary Crystal and Pilgrim to voucher at the bottom of this page or name only a few. Additionally we pop in to store to collect one. offer a complimentary gift-wrapping service, both instore and online at With lots of gorgeous new stock www.mccloyskilrea.com. arriving daily and amazing offers across the store, you’re sure to On a final note, don’t forget to keep pick up a wee bargain! With social an eye out for all our latest news distancing and hygiene measures and arrivals over on our social media in place, we can’t wait to warmly pages and to find out more about our welcome you back to McCloys.

Spring 2021 Showcase. You can also Here at the Diamond in Kilrea, we have a treasure trove of products to suit all price ranges, just waiting to be discovered. Perfume, accessories, cosmetics and giftware, you name it, there’s something here for everyone. We’re also stockists of some of the hottest jewellery brands around, such as the Italian brands, Rebecca and Nomination as well

Spring Showcase Voucher 1 Maghera Street Kilrea | BT51 5QL

keep up to date through our mailing list. To subscribe you can head over to our website & sign up via the popup (or alternatively via linktree in our Instagram bio) & you’ll receive a welcome treat delivered straight to your email inbox right away.

We can’t wait to see you soon!

The McCloys Team

Spring Showcase Voucher From

Saturday 1st May 2021 - Monday 31st May 2021 This Voucher Entitles you to one transaction with Spring Showcase Discounts ONE VOUCHER PER CUSTOMER | REDEEMABLE IN STORE ONLY

Signed:

Spring Showcase Voucher.indd 1

Scan here to browse our website

19/04/2021 15:50

www.mccloyskilrea.com 40 | Local Women Magazine

Sparkle with Tipperary Crystal The dazzling Tipperary Crystal Range is available at McCloys in Kilrea with UK-wide delivery and a click and collect service.

Tipperary Crystal Range available at McCloys • Jewellery• Watches • Handbags & Purses • Eoin O’Connor Cow Collection • Birdy Collection • Homeware • Candles & Diffusers

Entire range available in store.

Jewellery and watches also available online

www.mccloyskilrea.com Local Women Magazine | 41

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

The pandemic has taken its toll on both adults and children - and anxiety has been a very real problem for many of us.

Luxury Home Fragrances Luxury Diffuser Oils | Diffusers & Burners | Essential Oils

In recent months I have fallen victim to these issues as the stress of the current situation becomes hard to deal with.

Even as we are coming out of lockdown, the stress of our ever-changing situation can be tough to cope with.

As a retired Registered Nurse with mental health training, I am not exempt from experiencing these feelings. But as a Magnetix consultant I work with a range of natural products that have given me relief and my customers have reported great results.

USING WATER PRODUCTS A selection of watersticks and coasters are available to suit individual lifestyles. These help to separate the molecules in water, so it passes easily through the body’s cell membranes to help with hydration.

Customers have reported benefits such as increased energy, reduced fatigue, improvement in skin conditions and also relief of bowel and gastric problems.

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

ORAL WELLNESS PRODUCTS WITH CBD This oil contains a natural extract from the hemp plant and helps regulate numerous biological processes within the body. This promotes better rest, helps with fatigue and relieves pain.

NEGATIVE ION THERAPY Anyone using phones, computers, machinery and any other technology on a regular basis is surrounded by positive ions, resulting in feeling more tired, lethargic and suffering from frequent headaches.

Wearing negative ion silicon bracelets, necklaces and Powerhearts have helped many customers with insomnia, anxiety and fatigue.

There’s a range of these products available for adults, children and animals.

CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS Evelyn from Ballymoney says: “Since using my waterstick to stir all my fluids, soups, stews and yoghurts, the heartburn and indigestion I suffered has completely gone. I highly recommend these products.”

Irene from Ballymoney says: “Thank you SO, SO very much Karen for your help in past days. I recommend the CBD drops for my depression.”

Headaches | Vertigo | Sinus Problems | Migraines Hormonal Imbalances | Tired Legs - Circulation | Low / High Pressure Sleeping Disorders | Neck & Back Pain

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

www.dandelionandwishes.com dandelionandwishesni

@dandelionandwishesni

online health & beauty Chemist Connect is a leading online health and beauty retailer, led by expert pharmacists

• Pharmacy and Health • Beauty & Fragrance • Mother & Baby • Gifts & Electrical • Toiletries

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

Chemist Connect IRL

Millside Kitchen Takeout & Delivery DOWNLOAD THE MILLSIDE APP NOW FOR FULL MENU

www.themillsidekitchen.co.uk Rathkenny 028 9443 8962

49 Cushendall Road, Rathkenny

Order on the Millside app

Cloughmills 028 2763 8564

4 Drumadoon Road, Cloughmills Local Women Magazine | 43

ey i n n o B m l y l l Ba with Blossom & Birch

m

We we were delighted to create stunning floral displays for twenty one shop fronts to welcome back shoppers to Ballymoney

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

Get your Fit2Fly Certificate

Accurate Covid-19 testing

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

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

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

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

HOW ACCURATE ARE THE RESULTS?

Since the commencement of testing there

Set up by Anaesthetist and Intensive Care Doctor Dr John Doherty, MedChecks aims to help people return to normal life post lockdown through the range of tests offered.

Dr Doherty says: “As restrictions are now easing and we come out of lockdown we want to be in a position to help people get back to normal - for children to go to school safely, for employees to return to the workplace, and for people to begin to travel safely.”

WHY DID YOU SET UP MEDCHECKS?

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

has

been

significant

development

and

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

CAN I GET A TEST CERTIFICATE?

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

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

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

WHERE IS MEDCHECKS BASED?

MedChecks is located in Derry but covers all

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

2. Rapid Antigen - This is also a nasal swab.

The lateral flow test is performed quickly, and results are available immediately.

There is also a fixed testing site at McCausland

3. Rapid Antibody - This is a finger prick blood test and results are also available immediately.

This test can be useful to tell you if you have had Covid-19 in the previous months or if you have had a response to the vaccination.

HOW DO I ARRANGE A TEST?

ARE THE TESTS PAINFUL?

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

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

Tests can be done in person by booking at

one of our available sites or requesting mobile appointment where we will come to you.

Details of the tests, availability of

appointments and booking can be found at

www.medchecks.co.uk.

Local Women Magazine | 45

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MEET THE ARTIST WITH GALLERY 1608

OPE OPO E P N E 7 D7AD N7 D N AW YSW AYS SA A WYA E EEK EE ALLALL EA K K , Y Y EAERALRL, YE , RORUOU AR NDNRDO . . UND

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

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

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

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

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

GiveLocal awith loved the gift of stunning local art this yea Gallery 1608’s Christmas Gift Guide.

Art…

ocal Art…

with Gallery 1608’s Christmas Gift Guide.

have pickedthe ourcorner, favourite th Christmaswejust around thisChristmas month gifts from WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT CREATING? some of our top Irish artists.

This have picked our favourite Christmas gifts year, from why not When I'm not designing, making or thinking about avoid homogenous high street me of our top Irishthe artists.

This year, why not presents and buydesigning or making, I’m usually cooking which I something which iscorner, both unique and collectable for hristmas just around this and month oid the homogenous highthe street presents buy love - and I’m always planning when and what your loved ones. A bit of extra thought will provide a ve picked our favourite Christmas gifts from mething which is both unique and collectable for I’m going to eat next! I love sea swimming, on giving.

HOWgift DIDwhich YOUkeeps INTO DESIGNING AND walking and reading and I’m trying to learn the ur our loved ones.

A bit of GET extra thought will of top Irish artists.

This year, whyprovide not a MAKING JEWELLERY? piano. I love decorating our house, which is a Top of our list this year are limited edition prints by the which keeps on giving. homogenous high street presents and buy

al Art…

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

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

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

which is both unique and collectable nine years now as A Little Dark, but I’ve always getting back out to see live concerts when we phing of our list this year are limited edition prints byfor artist, Terry Bradley’s depiction of dock workers and been Ain the industry inartists. some shape or form.

I finally can again. o of Ireland’s most well-known Belfast oved ones. bit of extra thought will provide a and we burlesque type women are always popular Maguire, Robert Spotten, NUA, JG, NI Silver, Ghost, worked for 13 years in of a dock very busy retail jewellery ist, Terry Bradley’s depiction workers and WHAT'S NEXT ON THE RADAR FOR A LITTLE DARK? all of his most recent prints in stock.

Bonesetter and Spirit Jewellery. hich keeps have on giving. shop in Belfast and for four years in an amazing WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO OVER THE WHAT DOES A GREAT DAY CREATING rlesque type women are always popular and we Maguire, Robert Spotten, NUA, JG, NIOF Silver, Ghost, Keith Drury’s edition workprints is also by very antique shop inlimited Dublin.

These years were so our list this year are limited edition NEXT 12 MONTHS? LOOK LIKE FOR YOU? Local Ceramics… ve all of his most recent prints in stock.

Bonesetter and Spirit Jewellery. collectable and popular with our clients. His work is much fun, and I learnt a lot about jewellery and

Ireland’s most well-known artists. Belfast

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

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

the limited business from these both quirky and contemporary, th Drury’s edition work is experiences. also verydepicting different speed again making stock and getting new kind of day is when I can Pieces work range with from no can accommodate all budgets.

Local Ceramics…

Terry Bradley’s depiction of dock workers and scenes seamlessly brought together in one piece. interruptions. I start each morning with a But I local really started intowork myisown when lectable and popular with ourcoming clients.

His commissions. I’m also looking forward to functional pottery to bespoke sculptural pieces.

Ceramics are Robert also a very popular gift and again we Ghost, The artwork has appeared ondiff television’s The and huge que type women are always popular and we Maguire, Spotten, NUA, JG, NI Silver, myand husband and our two girls lived in Fall San going back to jewellery classes to learn new breakfast before going for a walk on th quirky contemporary, depicting erent Represented are household can accommodate all budgets.

Piecesnames rangesuch fromas Sharon is even in the collection of Princess Prints from Francisco and LA for together 16 that time, the beach with Greg, my amazing husband ll of his most recent prints inyears. stock.

Bonesetter and Spirit Jewellery. al scenes seamlessly brought inDuring oneAnne. piece.

Ian Carty, Rory Shearer, Leona Devine and ways of stone setting. I studied gemmology functionalofReagan, pottery to bespoke sculptural pieces. both artists canjewellery be boughtmaking framed ornight unframed.

I went to various classes for years and I want to make more stone set 35 years.

Then I put the music on loud in e artwork has appeared on television’s The Fall and Patrick Colhoun.

Represented are household names such asthrough Sharon a list rury’s limited edition is also pieces and also, I’m really looking forward to and when we work returned to very Ireland, I went to my tiny 6x6 workroom and work even in the collection of Princess Anne. Prints from Reagan, Ian Carty, Rory Shearer, Leona Devine and meeting new customers.

Belfast Metropolitan College for three years of pieces I need to get made.

I love it when I able andcan popular withframed our clients.

His work is Local Books… th artists be bought or unframed.

Ceramics are also a very popular giftbyand again we manage to get everything done the end learning the practical skills. I then started selling Patrick Colhoun.

The gift of a book never fails and at Gallery 1608 we

Local Ceramics…

uirky and contemporary, depicting different of the day. my pieces in the fabulous St George's Market can accommodate alllargest budgets.

Pieces range from have perhaps the selection of Irish Art Books cenes and seamlessly in one piece. Local now mybrought work is together in The Ulster Museum, two IBooks… work on the orders I get from the functional pottery to bespoke sculptural pieces. under one roof in the whole of Northern Ireland. work galleries, has appeared on television’s Fall and a retail shop and aThe Tattoo Studio Thein gift ofMarket a book never fails and at Gallery 1608 we on household Sunday, each Monday Represented are names such asand Sharon as myAnne. website.

Tuesday and selection then on Thursdays in theGermany, collectionasofwell Princess Prints from have perhaps the Paintings… largest of Irish Art Booksand Irish Reagan, Ian Carty, Rory Shearer, Leona Devine and I work allofday on pieces stock WHERE YOU framed GET YOUR Finally, painters have been working under oneFridays roof in our the whole Northern Ireland.oftirelessly rtists can be DO bought or INSPIRATION? unframed.

Patrickfor the market I have my A lot of my work features skulls, claws or toColhoun. ensure we haveand new the worksshops available for the

Irish Paintings…

jewellery.

I love and the the noise, smells and dirt bones. I love the elegant detail of skeletons Christmas season range and quality of our of making jewellery.

I wear ear protectors and how it all fits whether it’s bird, animal or show is amazing.

Finally, ourcurrent painters have been working tirelessly when needed but I still love the different evenIfa leaf. I’m not your a lover pink jewellery is more idea of of anything to The gift ofhave a book fails at the Gallery 1608 we ensure we new works for Remember, wenever can offavailable erthe 10and months interest free hammer noises and sound of the saw or glittery.

I tend enjoy matte, a gift why not to support our local black, spikey Christmas season and the range and quality of our have perhaps the largest selection ofthe Irish Artof Books credit on all pieces over andend you can and polishing machines and£100 at and makers? heavily We detailed items so of my inspiration have a wide range current show isday amazing. take the workof away immediately. the I in have clean, shiny and oxidized under one roof the whole Northern Ireland. all comes from the dark beauty of Irish nature. jewellery available at many different ewellery is more your ideabeach of jewellery which great A greatwas way made to spreadintheacost of I walk a lot on the and in the forest Remember, and we can offer 10 months interest free price points, ranging from costume loving environment. gift whyI’m notalways supporttaking our local Christmas. photographs of the pieces I

Local Jewellery…

ocal Jewellery…

Local Books…

10 MONTHS INTEREST FREE LOANS NOW AVAILABLE Irish Paintings… jewellery to more bespoke pieces. credit on all pieces over £100 and you can akers? pick We have widethe range of of nature and I make up. a I like decay PLUS YOU TAKE HOME Wehave would like toworking wish all our We have sourced many of Ireland’s take the work awaybeen immediately.

Finally, our painters tirelessly wellery available at many diff erent THE PIECE TODAY customers a very happy finest jewellers and have work available great way to spread the cost of Christmas to ensureAwe have new works available for the 10 MONTHS INTEREST ce points, ranging from costume and a peaceful New Year! from well-known names such as Louise 83-85 Main Street, Bushmills, Antrim, Christmas.

FREEBT57 LOANS8QD NOW AVAILABLE Christmas season and the rangeCo. and quality of our wellery to more bespoke pieces.

PLUS YOU TAKE HOME T: many 028of Ireland’s 2073 1324 | E:current info@gallery1608.co.uk | W: www.gallery1608.co.uk al Jewellery… show is amazing.

We would like to wish all our e have sourced 83-85 Main Street, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, BT57 8QD THE PIECE TODAY customers a very happy Christmas est jewellers have work llery is moreand your idea ofavailable we can off er Year!

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TACKLING SPORTS INJURIES AT NWIH

As sport gets underway again, at North West Independent Hospital there is a dedicated team of physiotherapists who can keep you moving with no waiting lists.

As the Northern Ireland Assembly starts to lift restrictions on participating in sport and gyms reopen, we are mindful of the fact that for the past year most people have not been as active as they normally would be.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hilary Finlay BSc Hons, PgDipHSc, PgDip ORT is the team lead and joined the North West Independent Hospital in 2000 after returning from New Zealand.

She has worked extensively in the health service and in private practice and has considerable experience of physiotherapy treatment following orthopaedic surgery and musculoskeletal injuries and recently completed post graduate qualifications in Orthopaedic Technology and Rehabilitation.

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

Hilary Finlay BSc Hons, PgDipHSc, PgDip ORT

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

Hilary Finlay and Manus MacGabhann

Our services are used by IFA, FAI, GAA counties and clubs who recognise we have some of the leading expert health professionals.

Our Physiotherapy Clinic and Orthopaedic Consultants are skilled at managing a wide range of sports and outdoor activity related injuries.

Our physiotherapists are highly skilled and use a variety of clinical techniques, drawing on evidence from research to support their treatment and rehabilitation programmes and are always looking for new advances in order to give patients the best possible outcomes from treatment.

If aches and pains are affecting your training or enjoyment of exercise, our team of Physiotherapists are on hand to assess the problem and to give you advice on the most appropriate treatment pathway. This may include individualised targeted exercises to help improve your condition, manual therapy, acupuncture or other modalities such as extra -corporeal shockwave therapy. Our goal is to help patients rehabilitate following injuries or surgery and to prevent reinjury so that they can remain active and continue enjoying exercising and participation in sporting activities.

Manus MacGabhann BSc Hons, MSc joined the Physiotherapy Team at the North West Independent Hospital in 2015. He has worked with elite athletes in rugby, Gaelic football and soccer. He has a particular interest in rehabilitation following post-operative surgery and sports injuries and in the management of chronic pain syndromes.

The Physiotherapy Team is also supported by Peter McCormick BSC Hons, who has gained extensive experience treating acute orthopaedic injuries, soft tissue injuries and fractures.

The North West Independent Hospital is registered with most major health providers. If you wish to book a Physiotherapy appointment through your health Insurance a referral from

Manus MacGabhann BSc Hons, MSc

your GP or a Consultant may be required.

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

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

www.nwih.co.uk

“SUPPORTING AND HELPING FAMILIES IS A PRIVILEGE” “Families in Northern Ireland are on their knees,” Ruth-Ann Delija from Action for Children tells Local Women’s Mandi Millar.

By Mandi Millar Ruth-Ann Delija adores her little girl but some nights she hugs her extra tight.

“When you see the lives some children here are living it’s completely and utterly heartbreaking and those evenings I go home from work and hug her that bit more!” confesses the local mum.

As Interim Operational Director of Action for Children, Ruth-Ann and her team work with some of Northern Ireland’s most vulnerable children, young people and families providing intervention and support to help them cope with what have often been – especially this year – increasingly challenging circumstances.

“When a 10-year-old is self-harming or tells you they don’t want to go on living, or a teenager tells you their friend has completed suicide, you realise the horrific situations these young people are in,” continues Ruth-Ann. However, her role this year has arguably been her most challenging to date in what she says has seemed like a constant state of crisis management.

Ruth - Ann Delija - Action for Children.

“Ideally our success lies in stepping in early before crisis point and the year before Covid we reached 15,589 children, young people and their families,” continues Ruth-Ann who joined the charity seven years ago.

“We do that in collaboration with statutory and non-statutory sectors – health trusts, Housing Executive, National Lottery, for example, as well as fundraising monies.”

Ruth - Ann with husband Ben. 52 | Local Women Magazine

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

different to those 150 years ago.

“Just as in 1860, homelessness among young people now is on the rise so we deliver where help is needed,” explains Ruth-Ann, whose husband Ben also works for a charity within Health and Social Care.

“Our family support services offer practical help for parents and we also provide emotional support for families dealing with challenging behaviours, mental health issues or financial hardship.

“Indeed, mental health is a key focus. Our Choices programme offers a whole family approach to better mental health, while our flagship Blues mental health programme increases the resilience of young people aged 13-19. So far, we’ve offered it in 41

schools across Northern Ireland.”

Action for Children also hosts Sure Start services for children under five, with family centres and parenting programmes and runs a Young Carers service and a Young Adult Carers equivalent for those over 18-years-old.

All that runs alongside the training and support of foster carers and placement of children in safe loving homes through its fostering service.

“It’s a privilege to work with these children, young people and families; it makes you realise how precious family life is,” says Ruth-Ann. “Some stories especially stick with you. For instance, I think of a family whose father had to give up work during lockdown when his wife gave birth to twins.

“The babies had to remain in hospital for a protracted period, during which time the mother was also unwell. The hospital was miles away and without support because relatives were in lockdown, only the father was left to look after everyone.

“This was a family who had always held their own but the pandemic has made things very challenging. Thankfully, Action for Children was able to help with food and fuel costs for this family through its Emergency Fund.

“Another mother was in constant pain due to a chronic condition and her young daughter was her carer. When the mother’s bed broke she was unable to sleep properly so would waken repeatedly at night.

“That family had to choose between a new bed or food. We were able to replace the bed.

“Other families have needed computer tablets so children could carry on learning during lockdown; others needed children’s shoes. Families are on their knees.

“Financial hardship is very real and has been made worse by loss of jobs through lockdown,” says Ruth-Ann who’s all too aware of the Ann and her team see opportunities. funding challenges facing charities like hers.

“We have a fantastic team here in Northern “Action for Children isn’t unique though - Ireland who repeatedly go above and the country was in crisis before Covid. With beyond and really proved that during the last projects funded for a finite period, it is difficult year. We are always thinking of innovative to plan long term so you can’t factor in ways to tackle things,” she continues. sustainability.

“We have a very open culture in Action for “With the many issues challenging families Children. We’re always there to support each as a result of the pandemic, the statutory other and being able to help families achieve services need their resources for the growing their full potential is what keeps us all going. number of increasingly high risk cases.

“It’s been challenging, especially working “There are fewer resources left for our early through the current pandemic and multiple intervention programmes, despite the fact that lockdowns, but exercise has always been a these are proven in study after study to prevent great stress reliever for me and I’ve a good many situations escalating to high risk.” work-life balance – something I’ve always However, where some see problems, Ruth- been very clear about. You’re not going to

be effective to others if you don’t look after yourself,” says Ruth-Ann who sees many parallels in her work and home life.

“The skills needed in work are very like those you need in a family and the most important thing you can do is keep open lines of communication with people.

“That’s key in leadership too. You also have to show vulnerability and be ‘real’ with people.

We’re not emotionless.

“But I wouldn’t want people to think this job doesn’t have a profound impact on me either.

I love my job and I feel immensely blessed to be in the position I am. Working with these children, young people and families is indeed a privilege.”

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

www.actionforchildren.org.uk/fostering

@AFCNIFostercare Local Women Magazine | 53

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

Hello Local Women readers and welcome to our May column, It is amazing to come back and be able to talk about the salon being open again after a few very surreal months.

The feeling when I arrived at my salon late last month for our first day’s business in months. Words can barely describe it. I was like a kid at Christmas. The atmosphere was absolutely electric. The queue of people outside and around the corner. It was like the atmosphere you get at Christmas in the salon environment.

The customers were so happy to be back, and we were so happy to have them. We had to put various extra precautionary measures in place in line with government legislation changes which was added pre reopening.

But I must say my staff and I coped well with the changes and the customers were very understanding as like us, they were just so glad to be back.

the backlog which has accumulated over the lockdown period.

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

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

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

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

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

The nails technicians are finishing another advanced course too and of course the stylists, Janie and Alicia, are doing advanced colour and cutting training with Alfaparf Milano.

We aim to always do our utmost to provide the best and most up to date service for the public.

We are so happy to have back our existing clientele and amazed by the amount of new customers too.

See you all soon.

Lots of love,

and the team at Blades & Beauty

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

54 | Local Women Magazine

bladesandbeauty

www.bladesandbeauty.co.uk

Contact now to arrange your online Aesthetic Consultation Email: patriciamullanviso@btconnect.com | T: 02871 308762 | M: 079 2222 6203

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Visodental Local Women Magazine | 55

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Signature Dish Struggling for recipe ideas?

Check out these tasty recipes using Scotts Flavoured Crispy Onions

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

METHOD

Heat the olive oil in a large non stick frying pan and gently fry the chopped shallot for a few minutes until soft.

Add steak mince to the pan and break the meat up with the spoon as it cooks and browns.

Stir in the garlic, chilli powder, beef stock, tomato puree and bring to a boil, then reduce the temperature and simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season and stir in black beans.

TO SERVE

Arrange tortilla chips onto plates and top with chilli. Sprinkle with tomatoes, grated cheddar, Scotts crispy steak flavoured crispy onions tomatoes and coriander.

Drizzle with creme fraiche, and squeeze over lime juice before serving.

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HOME & GARDEN STORE

Fabric World’s Paula Sweeney knows how to create stunning interiors with the new season’s collections available instore.

By Paula Sweeney at Fabric World, Maydown There are so many fabulous interior trends around at the moment that it’s often hard to make a choice.

However, the understated elegance of some of this season’s new collections makes choosing a simple decision.

Balancing subtle tones and interesting textures with gentle design makes for a winning combination. Creating grown up sophistication that you will want to surround yourself in.

Our homes are truly becoming our palaces with the abundance of fabrics designed with luxury in mind.

So why not add a touch of class to your scheme with some of my top picks this month?

Iliv have launched an amazing book of rich fabrics ranging from soft neutrals to bold blues and blushing pinks.

Charnwood is one of my favourite collections and we are stocking many options - and the price is fab too.

A calming colour palette of soft and chalky pastel tones.

A mix of organic designs from wild grasses to budding sprigs and leafy foliage.

60 | Local Women Magazine

Also, with a slightly more contemporary feel pt have launched nine designs in their Penthouse collection.

Simple stunning modern design that will add a little glamour to any scheme.

Taking inspiration from grand architecture, Penthouse brings a boutique feel into the home with its shimmering highlights and opulent jacquards. The collection fuses traditional damasks, contemporary geometrics and classic metallics, all completed with a stunning burn-out sheer.

Mix and match fabrics and use larger prints to make a dynamic statement with your dining chairs.

A Simply stunning trend.

Add a little Frenchic to panelling to create an elegant dining or entrance space. The colour choices are beyond good.

Freshening up your upholstery is an amazing way to update furniture and create a little luxury. This month I’m loving all the fab new upholstered headboards with their delightful deco feel.

HOME & GARDEN STORE

Local Women Magazine | 61

GOODBYE OIL TANK, HELLO COOKING ON NATURAL GAS

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

say hello to a multitude of benefits such as more space inside and outside your home, constant hot water, instant heating, and smart controls.

One of the many benefits our customers love is ‘cooking on gas!’ Cooking on natural gas is the top choice of professional chefs, and each week householder’s across Northern Ireland are making the smart switch away from oil.

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

INSTRUCTIONS Boil the potatoes in salted water for 20 mins until just cooked, drain, then cool.

Cut the potatoes into chunks, then place into a bowl with the radish, chives, dill, and spring onions and Bind.

• 75 ml extra-virgin olive oil

Mix the olive oil, vinegar, honey, and mustards

• 2 tsp. honey

then combine with the potato mix.

• bunch chives, finely chopped

Season to taste with salt and pepper before dressing

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

• bunch flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

with the finely chopped parsley and serve.

many customers who have found themselves as

• bunch dill, finely chopped

kitchen whizzes, after having had gas installed,

• 10 radish, topped and tailed, finely sliced

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

• Salt & Pepper to taste

cooking on gas” The ease of cooking on natural gas comes down to the precision, consistency, and flavour which the controllable flame offers. You can cook food faster and with greater ease and precision than any other fuel source. With natural gas, you can control the cooking temperature immediately, unlike electric cookers that take time to heat up and cool down. Natural gas is instant, efficient, and is a cleaner fuel choice.

So as summer makes a welcome return and we prepare to venture outdoors, we have some classic side dishes for you to try out. Whether it’s to accompany A BBQ, a side dish for a meal, or a light lunch we will ensure that by cooking on natural gas you spend minimal time in the kitchen and maximum time unwinding in your happy place.

Say Goodbye oil tank and Hello to fast, full

INGREDIENTS

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

too

including

instant

heat,

ZESTY KALE AND PROSCIUTTO PASTA SALAD

smart

controls, endless hot water, and the peace of mind of never running out. You’ll also be doing your bit for the environment by reducing carbon emissions by up to 48%*.

Right now firmus energy has a number of brilliant offers making it even easier to switch. Choose from 0% finance which means you can spread the cost of installing natural gas over two years or £200 cashback.

So, what are you waiting for? Find out how you can make the switch by heading over to firmusenergy.co.uk/more-space or calling the team on 0330 024 9000.

To date, over 100,000 customers now use

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

go along.

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine the pasta and kale with the other

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

ingredients in the large salad bowl.

Cook the pasta al dente. Once the pasta is

Add the dressing ingredients to a separate

done, rinse and drain.

bowl using a fork to mix the flavours.

the garden, more efficient boilers to simply

In a lightly oiled pan gently Sautee the kale

Pour the dressing onto the pasta salad

being a better choice for the environment.

with some Garlic and lemon juice, taking care

until coated. Season the pasta salad with

Homes and businesses interested in making

that it remains crisp.

salt & pepper as needed. You can eat it

the switch to firmus energy natural gas can

Meanwhile, prep your other ingredients

right away or chill it for an hour or so

find out more by calling 0330 024 9000 or

and add them to a large salad bowl as you

before eating.

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

visiting www.firmusenergy.co.uk

62 | Local Women Magazine

Totally Tropical

Houston Homewares has re-opened with some bold and exotic looks to bring a little colour to your home.

Create a bold statement with tropical print wallpaper, use as an accent wall, panel inserts or be extra bold and do the whole room. I find covering all walls in a small space that often gets overlooked like a WC or utility room can add a touch of dramatic design to otherwise drab rooms. If strong colours on the walls really isn’t your thing, then consider a more neutral tone print that will still create an impact but with a greater sense of space.

The influence of tropical botanical prints, exotic animal motifs and bold, bright colour ways have provided a little timely escapism as it’s been quite a while since any of us have enjoyed international travel.

As the trend towards rich saturated colours continues to grow, these bold prints compliment the deep moody paint tones and add a touch of decadence and intrigue to a space. Even with more neutral schemes the fixed elements like walls, curtains and furniture can be more muted with accessories and cushions bringing some tropical flair. With little else to be doing and so much time at home the focus has very much been on home improvements, a fresh new look at home can lift your mood and we enjoy nothing more than helping our customers create rooms that they love.

If you want to get in on the tropical trend here are some tips for introducing exotic decorative elements into your home.

64 | Local Women Magazine

The maximalism trend rules would say to clash prints and colours. I would tend to sway more towards a plain or textured curtain fabric along with a tropical print wall covering. Or flip it around and go for a textured wallpaper and a tropical curtain fabric. I believe that a room shouldn’t have too many focal points. A scheme needs to work as a whole, if every element has too much going on it becomes busy and confusing. It’s even more important to consider the wall decor, lamps etc when using a bold tropical print as the talking point. Everything else should sit comfortably and compliment it rather than fight for attention. Choose fine minimal frame mirrors, artwork and plain or textured lampshades, having a few subtle references to tropical influences is the goal, no one wants a ‘theme’ room.

Cushions instantly transform a room. If you’re looking for a quick way of adding some tropical influence, then this is the way to do it.

Again, less is more. There are some striking prints available, but they don’t necessarily all work well together.

Choose the print that you really love and compliment it with block colour and textured cushions. Pulling out a colour from your print and using

it as a colour block behind your pattern will further enhance the look. Don’t obsess over matching colours exactly, variations in tones of the same root colour can add to the depth of a scheme.

Artwork and accessories are also fantastic ways of introducing fun, colourful pattern into a room, again look at what you already have got going on in the space, a tropical piece of art can look great on plain or textured walls but would be too much on busy wallpaper.

Accessories will add that finishing touch, anchoring the scheme with pieces that compliment your decor completes a room and makes it feel more homely.

Houston Homewares has now re-opened, and we are excited to welcome customers old and new into our store. Call in to shop the new collection, our wonderful home fragrance range or simply for a browse! And follow us on Facebook and Instagram @houstonhomewares for the latest product arrivals and interior design projects.

HAY FEVER AND HOW TO TREAT IT?

At Chemist Connect, there is a range of products available to combat the misery of hay fever symptoms.

Pollen is the name given to the fine powder produced by flowers, plants and trees to fertilise, which is essential for cross fertilisation.

The term ‘hay fever’ is often loosely used to describe the condition brought on by an allergy to pollen. Pollen can come from a number of sources including grass, flowers and trees.

Grass pollens are the most common cause and tend to affect people in the grass pollen season which tends to be late spring to early summer.

Tree pollens tend to exert their effects from early to late spring.

Other people may be allergic to weed pollens, including nettles and docks, which tend to pollinate from early spring to early autumn.

Essentially the allergic process begins when pollen comes into contact with areas of the body such as the nose or eyes, causing an immune response by releasing chemicals called ‘histamines’.

The immune system normally defends the body against harmful invaders such as viruses and bacteria to ward off illnesses. In people with pollen allergies, the immune system mistakenly identifies the harmless pollen as a

Cetirizine

(Piriton),

include agents such as Becodefence, which establish a thin physical

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

barrier within the nostrils thereby reducing the adherence of pollens

histamines work to reduce histamine-like reactions,

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

it is known as an allergen. The reaction leads to

by blocking the chemical effects of histamine

pharmacological choice of treatment for persons wishing to avoid

numerous irritating symptoms, such as persistent

within the body. Thereby reducing the likelihood of

the use of medicinal products.

sneezing, a stuffy nose and watery eyes.

symptoms developing and heightening. Most over-

As with all hay-fever remedies consistency is key and

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

fundamental to success.

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

The incidence of hay fever is on the rise, with

(Zirtek),

Chlorphenamine

in a once daily dose regime, which help to optimise

approximately 30% of Europeans claiming to have

user acceptability and compliance.

symptoms annually. One of the main reasons for this

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

is likely to be the increasing number of people living

However, if you take an oral anti-histamine and

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

in urban areas relative to the countryside, thereby

find that you still have a persistent runny nose, then

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

experiencing increased levels of air pollution and

a steroid nasal spray should be considered. The

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

probable reduced levels of pollen exposure. As such,

most common types are Beclomethasone

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

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

(Beconase)

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

nasal sprays. These medicines reduce the

be established with low level consistent exposure.

localised ‘immune response’ within the nasal

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

passages, minimising mucus production

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

and the tendency to sneeze.

symptoms you are experiencing.

One important point is that they do not exert

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

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

their full therapeutic effect straight away, rather

suitable for use by Adults and Children over 3 years of

like symptoms, be they mild to very severe are recommended

they can take several weeks of consistent use

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

to establish full effect. Alternative products

or

Triamcinolone

(Nasocort)

used on an as and when required basis, according to patient choice and level of symptoms experienced.

Finally, another very popular drug-free hay-fever treatment is the “Hay Band”. This product is based on traditional chinese medicine theories of acupressure points and

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

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

Chemist Connect IRL Local Women Magazine | 65

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

One of the first high street casualties of the pandemic lockdown was the restaurant and hospitality sector, as their doors were forced to close to diners for safety measures.

However, as a truly resilient industry, chefs and their teams quickly adapted to ensure Northern Ireland foodies didn’t miss their fix of gourmet meals, with many establishments now offering takeaway and cook-at-home options.

This has radically changed the image and status of takeaway food in the last year, elevating it well beyond its traditional limits of pizza and Asian-inspired dishes.

And that is what inspired Crumlin entrepreneur Aine O’Kane and her fiancé Andrew Benson to create the first NI Takeaway Awards. They want to celebrate the food heroes behind the scenes who have battled against the odds to keep the sector alive in the most challenging circumstances.

“We have previously staged the highly successful NI Fish and Chip Shop Awards, but like everyone, we had to adapt to the new COVID-safe regulations. With everything going on at the minute and takeaways being on the front line, we feel this is the perfect platform and time for our excellent food vendors to shine and get the recognition they deserve.

“Our local takeaways are the heartbeat of our high streets.

From incredible Indians to perfect pizzerias, every town has its food heroes. We are recognising the dedication of local takeaways across a multitude of cuisines and celebrating their contribution to our economy,” Aine O’Kane of AB Events, said.

The AB Events Team and a group of esteemed judges have been on a mission to find Northern Ireland’s favourite takeaways since the end of 2020.

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

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

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

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

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

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

“DK Service Global is proud to sponsor this event.

Our Omagh-based company has developed bespoke trademarked Protective Shield Technology to create safe and healthy environments for every facility, especially the food sector. We are working hard to help local businesses

ƒ Anna Murphy, Alan McWhirter, Stacey Johnston and Katie McTernan 66 | Local Women Magazine

Other event sponsor partners include River FM, So Good Juice, 38 Expresso, EB Gas Services, BP Foods, iDesign, Duct Services, Butlers Event Hire, D Foods and One Delivery.

But the top-quality takeaway services now offered by local cafes and restaurants have provided more than just an economic boost.

They have delivered a psychological lift to consumers in lockdown by keeping them connected to their favourite eateries.

Award-winning local food writer and awards ambassador Joanna Braniff said: “Lockdown conditions during the pandemic have fundamentally changed the way people think about how they source their food.

The massive increase in demand for takeaway options in 2020/21 has forced

ƒ Aine

“The image of the takeaway option has been rapidly elevated to a higher standard with gourmet venues now offering three-course meals for home delivery. Chefs and their teams must now be commended for how they have brilliantly adapted to the enormous challenges of replicating restaurant-standard food to be prepared at home. These awards are an opportunity to recognise this innovation, adaptation and quality chefs’ fantastic response to the crisis.”

Divided into 11 categories covering everything from catering vans to takeaway desserts and a Lifetime Achievement Award, event organisers Andrew and Aine are keen to give a broad scope of all aspects of the newlyexpanded takeaway sector right across Northern Ireland.

Aine said: “The competition is fierce because standards are so high, but we will be unveiling the overall winners in each category at a much-anticipated gala event in Belfast’s Crowne Plaza. In our opinion, every one of the participants is a winner as it’s a real achievement to get this far in the competition. With the success and interest in the first NI Takeaway Awards, this proposed annual competition will go from strength to strength as it promotes the hospitality sector and reminds consumers of the amazing and resilient local food industry we enjoy while spotlighting the heroes behind the scenes that make it happen.”

Tickets for the awards finale are now on sale, priced at £85 per person, including a 4-course meal drinks reception and an evening of entertainment.

Compere is broadcaster Robin Elliott.

For more information visit

www.nitakeawayawards.co.uk

l a n o i t sa

n u S

s e d a Sh

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Let us help you find the right shape, colour and lens style. 100% UV protection, all frames are professionally fitted and 100% satisfaction is guaranteed.

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www.JohnLaverty.co.uk Local Women Magazine | 67

68 | Local Women Magazine

Let us style you for summer.

Let us help you find the right shape, colour and lens style. 100% UV protection, all frames are professionally fitted and 100% satisfaction is guaranteed.

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Sun

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Millside Kitchen Takeout & Delivery Menu MAIN COURSE

GOURMET 6OZ BUTCHER BURGERS

VEGETARIAN DISHES

All burgers come with crispy onions - unless otherwise stated

Vegetable Bake

Grilled Pork Chops, Peppered Sauce, Peas, Coleslaw

Add peppered sauce dip to any burger - 60p

Vegetable Creamy Basil Pasta

Ratheknny Grill

Cheese

GOURMET KEBABS

12oz Rump Steak

Steak, Bacon and Cheese

Millside Trio of Meats

Hawaiian

served on chips, skinny chips, sweet potato fries

Steak and Chicken Combo

Brie

Steak and Balck Truffle

Chicken or Beef Curry

American

Chicken Tikka

Chicken and Vegetable Curry

Chicken Burger

Hot Mighty Meaty feast

Sweet and Sour Chicken (Pan Fried or Battered)

Steak and Chicken House Burger

BBQ Chicken

Fish Goujon Burger

Cheesy chinese

Brie Delight

Crispy Salt and Chilli Chicken Noodle Stir Fry*

Dirty Double Southern Burger

American Kebab

Chicken Fajita

Peppered Chicken Burger with Bacon and Cheese

Hawaiian Surpremer Kebab

(main course dishes will include one side order unless stated*) Gammon, Pineapple, Peas, Salad

Breaded BBQ Chicken, Bacon Melt Sliced Chicken

Steak

Chicken Maryland (breaded or battered)

Steak and Peppered Bird Burger with Bacon and Cheese

Breaded Garlic Chicken

Hot & Kickin’ Burger

Chicken Surpreme Half Roast Chicken Bushmills Chicken Honey Chilli Chicken Breaded or Battered Scampi (10) Salt and Chilli Scampi Breaded, Battered or Southern Fried Goujons (5)* Battered Cod single, Mushy Peas & Tartare Sauce*

Available in 10” and 12”

Vegetable Flatbread

Magherita Hawaiian Chinese Chicken Sweet Chilli Chicken Sun Blushed Delight Meaty Mamma Tuna Surpreme Millside Club Meaty Tikka (hot)

American Hot

Crispy Shredded Duck Kebab

CLASSIC MILLSIDE KEBABS served on chips, skinny chips, sweet potato fries

FROM THE CHIPPY

Mighty Meat Feast Meat Feast Millside Peppered Steak D-licious Millside Vegetarian

Chilli Chicken or Chilli Steak

Loaded Nachos

Bang Bang Chicken

Chicken, Bacon and Mushroom

Cheesy Bacon Nachos Battered Mushrooms and Garlic Dip Battered Pastie (1)

Bacon and Mushroom

Peppered Chicken or Steak

Chicken Caesar

Crispy Salt, Chilli Chilli Chicken (Dry or Saucy)

Meat Delight

House Chicken or Steak Kebab

Battered Portion of Sausages (2)

Cheesy Bolognaise

Portion of Sausages (3)

American Sausage

Vegetarian Kebab

Crispy Chicken Wings

Classic BBQ

Chinese Chicken

SUPPER MEALS

LOADED FRIES

Sliced Chicken, Onion and Gravy

Sausage Supper (3)

Bacon and Mushroom Fries

Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry

Battered Sausage Supper (2)

Whiskey Fries

Battered Pastie Supper (1)

Peppered Fries

Breaded or Battered Goujon (4) Supper and Dip

Honey Chilli Fries

1/4 Cheeseburger Supper

Parmesan & Garlic Fries

Fish Goujons Burger Supper

Cheesy Bacon Fries

Sausage, Bacon, Egg, Buttie Supper

Frank’s Hot Fries

Salad Bap Supper

Mustard Fries

Goujon Wrap Suppper

House Kebab Fries

PASTA DISHES

SALADS

Chilli Chicken / Chilli Steak

Cold Chicken Salad

Homemade Lasagne

Warm Chicken and Bacon Caesar Salad

Penne Pasta Bolognese

Side Salad

Chicken Pasta Bake

Rocket and Parmesan Salad

Chicken, Bacon and Mushroom Pasta

Caesar Salad

Peppered Chicken or Steak Penne Pasta

Warm Southern Fried Chicken Salad, Tobacco Onions

Battered Cod Goujons (5)*

PIZZAS

Vegetable Curry and Naan

Italian Sausage Arrabbiatta Pasta

Cheesy Garlic Bread Chilli Cheese Garlic Bread

www.themillsidekitchen.co.uk Rathkenny 028 9443 8962

49 Cushendall Road, Rathkenny

Cloughmills 028 2763 8564

4 Drumadoon Road, Cloughmills

Order on the Millside app

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Council helps steer businesses on smooth pathway to Covid recovery and encourages the public to Shop Local.

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

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

Derry City and Strabane District Council have been working closely with the local business community in recent months to prepare them for the future and Valerie Manning Jewellers, Strabane to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge carefully developed in conjunction with Council’s and support they need to welcome the public back Environment Health officer team. through their doors.

Representatives from Council’s Environmental Health Officers have engaged regularly with the business team have been on the ground over recent months community since the beginning of the pandemic through offering support and guidance to businesses where a City and Town Centre Stakeholder group to help needed to ensure a smooth transition for the reopening manage the effects of Covid-19. This helped shape a of services as Seamus Donaghy, Head of Health and range of interventions including Covid workshops, one Community Wellbeing, explained. to one mentoring support and delivering Covid specific business grants designed to help start-ups and SMEs as “Staff have been out on the ground offering they resume trading during these unprecedented times. advice on compliance and assisting with the planned reopening of retail,” he said.

A number of initiatives have also now been launched to help business owners respond to the changing “Officers have also been carrying out programmed requirements of the government restrictions as they ease, Food Safety and Health and Safety inspections including the development of the COVID Reassurance of businesses on a limited basis following the Mark aimed at supporting local businesses and re- completion of Covid Risk Assessments and Safe instilling confidence in the public to return to town Systems of Work procedures.

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

centres and support the local economy.

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

Devine Scents

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

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

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

Council’s Business support team have been advising local businesses throughout the pandemic, helping them tap into support grants and source the appropriate aid for their individual needs. Head of Business with Council, Kevin O’Connor, said his team would now be looking at further ways to keep the momentum behind the recovery of the local economy, with plans to resume

For full details and a guide to shopping local visit shoplocalderrystrabane.com 74 | Local Women Magazine

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

Atelier

your small spend makes a

GIANT

difference #supportlocalderrystrabane shoplocalderrystrabane.com

Soda & Starch, Craft Village

Local Women Magazine | 75

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Specialising in Hair Colouring Styling | Cutting | Upstlyes MOBILE SERVICE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

Lift Suppliers Northern Ireland

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE For appointments contact via WhatsApp or social media

077 0980 7010 Facebook/Hair by Zoe

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With over 45 years experience in the industry, Patterson Lifts have already made their mark in the UK and Irish Market Place with completed contracts in Dublin, Kingscourt, Oxford, Manchester, Birmingham, Bedford, Pall Mall in London, Londonderry & Coventry to name but a few and we have worked along side major builders such as GA, Ganson & Grahams.

Our lift installations just don’t stop at new sites as we are involved in refurbs and lift replacements; a recent replacement for a lift installed by us 25 years ago within the Cultra Folk Museum Complex using one of our new Hybrid lifts.

We have a full range of lifts starting from Stairlifts for domestic use, Access Lifts, Goods Lifts from small Micro lifts to larger box and pallet lifts and high speed Traction Passenger lifts.

We have recently designed a very special Hybrid Plus lift which provides all the benefits of a full Passenger/Bed Lift without the need to provide all of the expensive building works and costs associated with it.

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

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76 | Local Women Magazine

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Joanna Denton

You got this!

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

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

How can I get my life back?

Maggie

organisation and/ or (b) those that are easy to drop, delegate or outsource.

Of these, decide which you can drop completely and go ahead and delegate the others as appropriate.

You might think that everything you do is important and cannot be done by anyone else. If you are unsure about whether you can delegate or drop certain things, speak to your boss or mentor for guidance.

Let’s keep them off your plate.

Dear Maggie,

Congratulations on the promotion! This is a real milestone in your career, and you should be proud of yourself.

Secondly – precisely that - this is a real milestone in your career. Career transitions like this can be the most challenging times of anyone’s career - none more so than the first step into managing a team.

Before you could just do the work; as manager, you need to shift focus to getting the work done by the team.

This is challenging because you need to let go of enjoyable work that had previously defined your success; you have to allocate time to support and coach your team; and you must trust someone else to do the work to the standards you expect.

HERE ARE A COUPLE OF THINGS THAT MIGHT HELP.

You mention in your email that you spend your time getting your team unstuck and finishing work that they should be doing.

Part of your role as manager is to be there to help your team if they have problems, so I am afraid that you do need to allocate time to that.

It can be incredibly tempting to take back and finish work that you have delegated to your team, particularly if you are worried that the standard of the work will not be up to what you would do.

But this is not the answer. This will do nothing more than frustrate and de-motivate your team.

You need a different approach, one based on encouraging them to problem solve for themselves.

•

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

•

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

Let’s get some things off your plate.

When you are running around putting out fires, it is hard to think about anything else. So, let’s get some stuff off your plate.

Write down a list of the things that you do on a regular basis and identify the low value activities.

These are activities that are (a) not that important to either you (your role and objectives) or the

82 | Local Women Magazine

•

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

overcome those pitfalls.

•

If they come to you because they are stuck, resist the temptation to simply tell them how to get unstuck.

Instead ask them questions to help them identify the problem, think about different solutions, and guide them to the best way forward.

• Only take back the work as a last resort, e.g., if critical deadlines will be missed, if there will be a major impact on the overall project, or if major mistakes will be made.

Working this way will develop your team’s problem-solving skills, encourage them to take ownership of the solution, and free up time in the future when they solve the problems for themselves without needing to revert to you.

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

And remember to breathe! You’ve got this!

Joanna

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Mayday,

Mayday,

Mayday L

By Myra Dryden

ast night I dreamed that I was drowning in a sea of paper: It’s no wonder because I am in the process of clearing out my office and am determined to rid myself of 30 years of accumulated material on every author whose work I have read and taught during that time, and it is no mean feat.

I dread to think of the amount of time I must have spent on photocopying; but it was a labour of love back then, wanting my students to have access to good criticism on their set texts; criticism they themselves would never have gone out of their way to find, because despite being advised to read around those same texts they never do. So, not wanting them to miss out on anything I did it for them in order for them to be able to produce the best possible essays they could.

With Patricia out of action on account of her broken wrist, (Yes, I know. So thoughtless of her.) I’ve been going it

alone here in this cluttered space and I am wrecked! It wouldn’t be so bad if I could just dump the contents of these 20 odd bursting box files straight into the blue bin, but I can’t. I feel I have to look through them all, just in case. And was I glad. Glancing at the collection of short stories I photocopied for third and fourth years I came across two of my favourites. And I simply have to share some of their wonderful content with you.

The first, Examination day, by Henry Slesar, involves what appears to be a futuristic, dystopian environment in which we are introduced to a young boy on his twelfth birthday who is about to sit an examination of some kind; perhaps similar to the 11+, or so we think at first. But while our exam rewards top students with entry to the most soughtafter schools, this test brings a very different outcome for A streamers. And as we continue to read there are many hints that this is no ordinary exam.

On the day , we are told: “They entered the Government Educational Building…There was a young man wearing an insignia-less tunic… [who] permitted the Jordans to enter… ‘Drink this’ [Richard’s father had already told him about the liquid, and that it insured he would answer the questions set by the government honestly].”

Later, at home, the father receives the news he was probably dreading since the day his son was born, and horrified we share in his grief: “ This is the Government Educational Service.

Your son Richard M Jordan, Classification 600-115, has completed the Government

examination. We regret to inform you that his intelligence quotient has exceeded the Government regulation, according to Rule 84, Section 5, of the New Code. You may specify by telephone…whether you wish his body interred by the Government or would you prefer a private burial place? The fee for Government burial is ten dollars.”

The second, Nagasaki, by Aidan Matthews, looks back to that terrible morning of the ninth of August, 1945 when an American plane, t h e Enola Gay, set off ( after being blessed by a priest) with the sole intention of dropping a nuclear bomb on that unsuspecting city and its innocent inhabitants, twenty eight of whom the author focuses on as they go about their last hours on earth.

This group and their teacher, who is

preparing them for confirmation soon, are convent school girls awaiting a visit from father Deitrich who will question them on their knowledge of the catechism they are studying in order to pass the required religious test.

Bearing in mind the fate that is in store for these youngsters we devour the dialogue and marvel at its outright ironic relevance to that same fate. We read that ,“They are too young to care about such abstruse subjects as Extreme Unction or the Last Judgement.”

And contrary to the devastation to come, “The lavish sounds of the late summer, deft and delicate, circulate in the classroom: insects and birdsong, the light scuff of sandals on gravel, the low pater of a watering-can as it shifts among the rose-beds.”

At intervals the author breaks in to inform us of the progress of the Enola Gay: “The plane is approaching. It is twelve noon.” Then: “The plane is nearer still, almost on target.

It is early afternoon.” And finally: “The plane is overhead. It is the fullness of time.” At the end, having lost the attention of the class, the teacher declares, “Sometimes I think I might be talking to the dead.”

I was born four months after that dreadful event and remained totally unaware of it until much later on in my life. I don’t know exactly when or how it entered my consciousness; I do know though that it certainly did not come through St Mary’s; secondary schools in the fifties did not deign to impart that kind of knowledge to the lesser mortals taught there.

After all, what good would it have done us bound as we were for the factories, Woolworth’s counters or wiping tables in the Leapracohn on the Strand road. And we would never have been credited with the intellectual ability to question the ethical and legal justification for such slaughter.

C 12 room must surely have been conducted in one take; or the editing is brilliant! And I’m just dying about Hastings, with all his Norn Iron sayings: Mother of God! Son, Fella, Wee girl; and the latest: Howl yer whist. Aidan Dunbar is perfect in the role. I hope to God it doesn’t all end on Sunday with the last episode of series six. It would kill me!

But at least Covid 19 won’t because I have now had my second dose of Astra Zenica, with no side effects whatsoever. Better still, a couple of days ago I finally got to the hairdressers. At last, I can take the paper bag off my head. And the town should soon get a little bit busier with the shops opening up again for browsing; but we’ll have to pray that we don’t get drenched, or pneumonia when we are sitting outside enjoying that long awaited cup of coffee.

Good news on the Patricia front. Plaster off this morning so maybe normal service will be resumed any day now. Joke alert: Man goes to the doctor, is given a prescription and warned to absolutely follow it. Three weeks later he hobbles So much for clearing out, or at least thinning back into the surgery with a broken leg, down this mound of photocopies. Of course I broken arm and his head swathed should have done more during the last year. in bandages. Abandoning all But while sensible people were queuing up at pretence at professionalism the dump with years of accumulated rubbish the shocked medic shouts, bulging out of the backs of their cars then “ What the hell happened returning home to clean their houses, I was to you!” To which the poor catching up with Line of Duty. I say catching man replies, “Well, doctor, up but that is not really the case, I never even you warned me to absolutely started watching it till the second lockdown; follow that prescription and it flew out of a third storey now I can’t stop. window.”

It has given me a whole new appreciation of actors, especially since I suspect that those But let me reassure you that Patricia’s long interviews with the accused in the A sorry plight did not result from any

such stupidity. No windows, third storey or otherwise were involved; just an old fashioned attack of vertigo while gardening. There now, isn’t that grand?

Now for another alert but this is no joke. Do not be casting clouts till May be out. I made that mistake last year and ended up lying (as we say here in Derry) for three weeks, under the doctor; and what with all the other lyings during the lockdowns I thought I would never rise again.

I am reminded here that there is a book knocking around the chaos of my library shelves called The Woman Who Went To Bed For A Year. I must start a search, it might be about me. But I am probably wrong, just as I was when I bought Samuel Beckett’s Dream Of Fair To Middling Women with the same thought in mind. I have to admit that the ‘fair’ was way out, never mind the ‘Middling’.

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

HELLO PROLOVERS! We are delighted to announce our Make Up Pro Store is back up and running, after the latest easing of restrictions.

So, let’s get down to what is happening at Make Up Pro Store this May.

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

Its soft bristles ensure a perfect wash of colour, however, is a perfect size, whether you are creating a dark or light eye look! It is the perfect brush!

FASHION AND PHOTOGRAPHIC MAKE UP ARTISTRY ACADEMY DATE: Beginning Monday 14th June 2021 finishing Sunday 23rd August TIME: Starting at 10am finishing at 5pm with time for lunch.

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FIVE WEEK BEGINNERS COURSE DATE: Beginning Sunday 30th May 2021 finishing Sunday 4th July 2021 (Five Sundays- SKIPS, Sunday 20th June) TIME: Starting at 10am finishing at 5pm with time for lunch.

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MAKING DREAMS A REALITY AT KRD CREDIT UNION

Now that restrictions are lifting, the team at KRD Credit Union are approving loans for couples who are planning their long awaited dream weddings.

Hello readers, I’m delighted to be back as your columnist for this May edition of Local Women magazine to give you the latest on KRD Credit Union Ltd. I’m sure you’re all as excited as I am that we have already begun to see the lifting of restrictions that have impacted on our lives for so long now – and this has created a real buzz for us here at KRD. We’ve been incredibly busy approving loans for a wide range of purposes for our members, who feel like they can now safely make plans for their future, big or small.

Making plans for the future, are those couples who are planning their wedding day, after a year of great uncertainty. As if wedding planning isn’t already stressful enough! Whilst many went ahead with their ceremonies in the past year, scaled down in accordance with government advice, many decided to wait until they could have the wedding they always dreamed of.

And isn’t it just fantastic to see that those dreams can soon become a reality again? I’m sure we all know someone who faced the reality of their big day being postponed, and perhaps even lost money due to these unforeseen set of circumstances. So, as many couples will currently be trying to reorganise their plans and set new dates for later this year or the years ahead, let me tell you how KRD can help you.

First of all, we know how expensive weddings can be. Whether you decide to go small and intimate or want a big day with all the bells and whistles attached, it doesn’t come cheap. As well as all the obvious costs that everyone expects, there’s often a host of other expenses that we perhaps don’t budget for. These can easily sneak up on us and the costs soon mount up. So, why not take the

comparison. So, rest assured, there is plenty in the

stress out of planning with a loan, big or small, to

wedding loan pot as you plan your big day, safe in

ensure you can have your wedding, your way.

Of course, many couples may be wary of the idea of kicking off their married life with outstanding debt and this is completely understandable. Here at KRD, our loans charge a fair and reasonable rate of interest, and even better - you can increase your repayments at any time or pay off your loan early, without any hidden charges. So, if you want to take the loan temporarily and then pay it off with your wedding gifts, that is entirely up to you.

It’s so rewarding for us to be able to help our members and we’ve been thrilled to offer our loan services to so many happy couples in the past. In our financial year ending 2019, we paid out over £220,000 towards

All loans at KRD are subject to approval and we base our decisions on your affordability.

You may be asked to provide payslips, or bank statements to prove this and doing so, allows us to make informed decisions to ensure that your repayments are realistic for your budget.

If you’re currently planning your wedding or know someone who is, don’t hesitate to get in touch and find out how we can help you. After such a stressful year of wedding planning, a financially stress-free special day, full of fun with family and friends could be the perfect happy ending.

making our members’ wedding dreams come true!

Until next time,

Obviously, wedding loans have been affected by

Claire D

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

Starting a new life in sunny Australia is like a dream come true – sunny days on the beach and barbecues instead of the drizzly rain at home.

But for many ex-pats living abroad, it’s the little things about home that you miss the most and for Caroline Quinn from Co Derry, it’s our homegrown beauty products that she found she couldn’t live without.

Caroline moved to Sydney eight years ago and, although she loves her new home, she couldn’t find the beauty brands that she wanted in Australian pharmacies.

From

tanning

products

to

skincare

and

makeup, Ireland is leading the way in the beauty industry – and we often take for granted that the beauty staples we can buy in local chemists are not available worldwide.

And Caroline soon discovered that other Irish and Northern Irish friends she met living in her new home country felt exactly the same.

And so, the idea for an online business was formed. Caroline set up Beauty Closet last year selling the brands we love like Polished, LMD and Bellamianta.

Not only can ex-pats living in Australia buy the products they want but their families back in Ireland can use the website to send presents that are guaranteed to be a hit.

Added to that Australians can try out the Irish brands that we know are amazing.

92 | Local Women Magazine

break from my full-time work and some days I

CAN YOU TALK US THROUGH YOUR PRODUCT RANGE?

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

We currently have 11 Irish beauty brands

in June 2020 and we quickly launched with our

available in Australia, including Bellamianta,

first brand Polished London in July 2020.

Polished London, SoSue, LMD Cosmetics,

WHAT IS YOUR WORK BACKGROUND?

Iconic Bronze, Luna By Lisa, Bperfect, Sculpted

needed something to keep me going. I had a

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

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

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

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

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

has introduced a little Irish glam to Australia.

been very lucky in Australia as lockdown was

WHEN DID YOU START YOUR BUSINESS?

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

The Beauty Closet commenced in July 2020.

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

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO SET UP BEAUTY CLOSET?

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

I have been living in Australia for eight years

Closet. In Australia everything has opened up

along with 100,000 other Irish emigrants. I

for us. We run monthly markets in Coogee and

love all things makeup and beauty. Each

had our first event with 90 people in March 2021,

year when I travelled back home to Ireland

which was fantastic because if you hadn’t seen

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

friends from other states, it was a great night to

latest products from makeup to fake tan and

get everyone together and have lots of fun while

everything in between! During the year when

learning from makeup and skincare experts!

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

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

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

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

Covid hit, the postal service got slow and even

We are looking to expand more into New

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

Zealand and hopefully down the line, we will

Closet a go now. I love all things beauty and

be able to open stores across Australia to give

makeup and I always loved the idea of having

our customers the ultimate experience.

my own business and having the flexibility of

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

working for myself.

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

Go for it! Put your pen to paper and make your idea come to life. There will always be

The initial idea started a few years back, but I

obstacles and reasons to put it off - don’t let

never had the push to start. I always thought

them get in your way!

it wouldn’t be possible and I didn’t have the

www.beautycloset.com.au

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Browse and shop products at

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beautycloset.au Local Women Magazine | 93

PREPARING FOR A GOOD HAIR DAY

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

APPOINTMENT PREP

Eeekkk! Salons are finally open!

I recommend using a deep cleansing shampoo such as Alfaparf Semi di Lino Purify to remove any build up on your hair before colouring.

This will ensure optimum results as a lot of home lotions and potions create a barrier around the hair with can affect the colouring service.

Stylists up and down the country are buzzing now that we are back at work – don’t forget our last day of opening was December 24, so that’s quite a stretch.

With that in mind I have focused this month’s column on getting back into the swing of things, what and what not to do during your upcoming appointments.

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

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See it in action on Instagram @hausofhairhq

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

SKIN TEST

Yes, I know - it’s the height of inconvenience to call in to have it done. But there is evidence to suggest that there’s a heightened risk of allergic reaction after having Covid. Most reactions are mild, but a severe reaction (anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock) can be life threatening.

Even if your stylist isn’t demanding you have a skin test, I would still recommend calling in for one at least 48 hours before your colour appointment. It takes two minutes and if you were to have a reaction at your appointment without being skin tested prior, the salon’s insurance would be null and void.

Using good hair care to keep your hair healthy will allow to stylist more freedom with colouring. For example, with bleaching if the hair is damaged your stylist may not wish to lighten it further. We stock the entire Olaplex range on our website www.hausofhairhq. com to help heal broken bonds in the hair.

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CONSULTATION

If your hair hasn’t been professionally coloured since before Christmas, please have realistic expectations about what can be achieved.

Box dye black isn’t going platinum in one appointment! Be honest with your stylist if you have been colouring at home, trust me we can tell. Being open and realistic in consultation is going to leave you both buzzing about your new hair and no surprises for the stylist when she opens a foil to check your processing.

If you’re recommended products, buy them!

No stylist is retiring off the £3 profit from a bottle of shampoo – so if they are telling you to get this product, it’s because your hair needs it!

I am looking forward to seeing all your hair journeys, tag me @knotsosecretdiary. There’s nothing more satisfying than a good before and after pic! All the products mentioned in this article are available on www.hausofhairhq.com with an exclusive discount code localwomen10 Until next month,

Charlene x

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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 world-famous Christie Cancer Hospital in Manchester. His work has been published widely in peer reviewed journals in obstetrics and gynaecology and his work has been presented at international meetings throughout Europe and North America Dr McComiskey takes a holistic and caring approach to managing all general gynaecology conditions with the aim of maximising women’s quality of life.

Each month Dr McComiskey provides Local Women readers with healthcare advice, dispelling some of the many myths surrounding women’s health.

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

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

WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT THE GP APPOINTMENT?

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

HOW DO YOU TREAT RECURRING THRUSH?

You will be asked a series of questions about your medical health. Your GP will examine your vulval skin and your vagina.

A swab test may be taken to look for other infections and confirm thrush.

This month Dr McComiskey looks at the treatment of thrush.

WHAT IS THRUSH? Thrush is not classed as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but it can be triggered by sex. It is caused by a fungus called candida that is normally harmless.

Thrush tends to grow in warm, moist conditions and develops if the balance of bacteria changes. This can happen if skin is irritated or damaged, if antibiotics are being taken, with poorly controlled diabetes, pregnancy or with a weakened immune system (for example because of HIV or chemotherapy.)

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF THRUSH? •

Thick, white vaginal discharge (often like cottage cheese)

•

Usually there is no odour

•

Vaginal itch or pain

•

May be no symptoms

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

WHAT OVER THE COUNTER TREATMENTS CAN BE PURCHASED? Antifungal medicine is available to buy from pharmacies if you’ve had thrush diagnosed in the past and you know the symptoms. This medicine can be a tablet to take orally, a tablet to insert into the vagina (pessary) or a cream to be applied onto the skin. Sexual partners will need treated if they are symptomatic.

Standard advice would be to not use antifungal medicine more than two times in six months without speaking to a pharmacist or GP.

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

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

HOW CAN I MAXIMISE MY VULVAL HEALTH? Use water and emollient instead of soap to wash the affected area. Dry the skin carefully after washing and wear cotton underwear.

Avoid intercourse until thrush has cleared up and avoid douches or deodorants on the vagina. Do not wear tight fitting underwear or tights

A NOTE OF CAUTION If you have sex during treatment, be aware that antifungal creams can damage condoms and diaphragms.

This means your contraception might not work.

Dr McComiskey can be contacted at

www.drmarkmccomiskey.com info@drmarkmccomiskey.com

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

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CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN AND SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION

At Health Hub Professionals NI you can discuss your intimate health and sexual issues with an expert in a private and non-judgemental environment.

It is estimated that chronic pelvic pain syndrome affects 15-20 per cent of women.

It is a debilitating condition that can disrupt work, physical activity, sexual relations, sleep, and general family life. It can have a massive impact on a woman’s mental and physical health. The pain experienced by women varies from person to person, ranging in severity, type, or longevity. It is usually felt in the area below the belly button – it can also spread to the buttocks, lower back, and thighs.

Chronic pelvic pain can occur due to lots of different conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and some intestinal disorders. There is, however, increasing evidence that pelvic floor muscle dysfunction is associated with chronic pelvic pain therefore pelvic floor rehabilitation is a part of the treatment.

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

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

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

Education of anatomy/pain/ sexual dysfunction

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

•

Vulvar skin care advice

•

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

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

•

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

•

Pelvic stretches

•

Breathing techniques

•

Relaxation/mindfulness

A common bowel symptom is constipation – the muscles simply can’t relax enough to empty the SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION bowel effectively.

One of the most taboo subjects in pelvic health is With bladder and bowel issues it is often sexual dysfunction - so many women are afraid to thought that doing pelvic floor exercises will mention these issues to a healthcare provider and help but, in some circumstances, they may not feel ashamed and embarrassed by them.

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

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

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Local Women Magazine | 101

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SALON PERFECT HAIR WITH JM OFFICIAL HAIRCARE

Hair stylist turned entrepreneur Jude Mitchell from Omagh used lockdown to set up a business to provide the highest quality haircare and accessories.

As an award-winning hair stylist Jude Mitchell believes everyone deserves to have salon perfect hair.

At her salon HighMaintenance in Omagh, which she runs with her best friend Natalie, customers always leave feeling confident with beautiful hair.

And for many years Jude, 32, has been advising her customers on the proper hair accessories and tools to use to create a great look between appointments.

Jude knows that the correct brushes and tools make all the difference when it comes to home styling.

TELL US ABOUT JM OFFICIAL HAIRCARE? As a hairdresser I believe everyone should be able to have good hair and JM Official Haircare is all about professional haircare and accessories.

From hairbrushes to designer silk scrunchies, I’ve got you covered. I hate waste and love to shop local, so I try to bring that to JM Official Haircare too. All my packaging can be reused or repurposed. And I try to source as much as possible as close to home as I can.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO SET UP YOUR OWN BUSINESS? So, with the pandemic forcing her salon to close and Jude’s customers seeking advice on how to maintain their styles, the time was right to start a business.

Jude used all her expertise and spent months researching new products to set up JM Official Haircare – an online business providing customers with the highest quality haircare and accessories. The products are available on the official website www.jmofficialhaircare.co.uk and also in her salon.

The Omagh entrepreneur tells Local Women how she used her free time during lockdown to start the business she had always dreamed off.

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

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?

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

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

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

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

HOW HAS LOCKDOWN AFFECTED YOUR BUSINESS?

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

I’m working on a few new launches coming soon.

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

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

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

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

106 | Local Women Magazine

JMofficialHaircare

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@rbfcosmetics Local Women Magazine | 109

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Local Women Magazine | 111

03/05/2021 05:22

HAIR TODAY… GONE TOMORROW!

As the warmer weather approaches, your dog is getting ready for the heat by shedding its winter coat. Pet & Country has some solutions to keep your pet’s coat tidy.

As we approach summer and hope to see soaring temperatures, you may notice more hair around your home as your dog sheds. All dogs shed to some extent, with double-coated breeds like Labradors and Huskies shedding more noticeably than breeds like Poodles.

Shedding is natural and can’t be avoided but we have some tips to help minimise the hair shed, while keeping your dog’s coat healthy.

WHY DO DOGS SHED? Shedding is the process of removing dead and damaged hair which helps maintain the dog’s coat. Shedding will help your dog stay comfortable as temperatures increase and if dead hair is removed to avoid matting then it will keep their coat in good condition.

Hair goes through a cycle of growth and shedding.

This cycle is affected by factors such as breed, age, hormones, environmental factors, as well as the general health of the dog. These factors can also affect the length of the hair and the coat texture.

The lifespan of the hair shaft for breeds like Poodles and Yorkshire Terriers is longer and so these dogs shed very little in comparison to the short life span of dogs like Huskies who shed more and who also have an abundant undercoat. The undercoat is made up of soft secondary hairs growing underneath and around the primary hair.

Spring and Autumn are top shedding seasons. In Spring dogs lose their heavy winter coats in exchange for a lighter summer coat and then come Autumn they shed their lighter coat and grow a more substantial, thicker, and warmer coat to see them through the winter. However, you may be experiencing year-round shedding from your pooch and this is because more pets are now kept indoors and are less affected by these seasonal temperature changes.

If you have a puppy, you may notice a change in their coat after shedding. Puppies are born with soft fluffy

coats, but this is shed to make way for a thicker, stiffer adult coat (this is usually around 4 -6 months, but will vary with breed).

There may be other reasons for shedding such as skin problem, illness, or nutritional or vitamin deficiencies but if the amount of shedding seems abnormal to you we recommend that you contact your vet.

WHAT CAN I DO TO MINIMISE SHEDDING? Brush, Brush, Brush!

Brushing and combing regularly can help remove the dead hairs before they are shed and help prevent matts in your dog’s coat.

Brushing will also help evenly

distribute natural oils which keep the coat healthy.

Using the right tools is important.

Slicker brushes are a great tool for this. Brush in both directions and it will pull away the dead and downy undercoat. Do this until you notice you are pulling out less and less hair. For times when your dog is shedding

more, try a rake or de-shedding tool. These are used in the direction of hair growth, then pull them up and away to remove the hair. You can also use a shedding tool with a blade. Stroke the blade gently from head to tail and loose hair will fall away. It’s important to comb out any matts and tangles before de-shedding – we have a selection of steel tooth combs that are perfect for this.

MAINTAIN A HEALTHY, BALANCED DIET Make sure your dog is having high-quality nutritional food and additional supplements if required. A poor diet can affect your dog’s coat resulting in increased hair loss and dandruff.

WASH THE HAIR AWAY Regular washing will loosen and help remove dead hair. Using an oatmeal shampoo can keep the coat healthy and strong which will reduce the amount of damaged hair that needs to be removed. A selection of great shed-control shampoos are also available.

STOP SCRATCHING Controlling allergies and fleas will stop dogs scratching and removing large amounts of dead hair. The Bye Bye Buzz Shampoo and spray will help repel insects.

The spray is handy to keep in the car or by the back door and has a specific blend of citronella, tea tree oil, lavender oil, and chrysanthemum oil which will actively repel insects. Spritz it on your dog’s coat before a walk and it is effective immediately. To avoid scratching due to allergies, consider using a hypoallergenic shampoo or a shampoo with soothing ingredients such as oatmeal, camomile, or aloe vera. If you are concerned about allergies, speak to your vet.

38 - 44 Main Street | Ballymoney | T: 028 2766 3513 | Monday – Saturday 9.00am - 5:30pm 112 | Local Women Magazine

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Local Women Magazine | 113

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

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Looking forward to seeing all our customers again and to get back to normal .

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Love

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

Beauty is a passion for Laura Vance.

With over 20 years in the beauty industry, Laura knows the importance of self-care.

So, when she was looking for a way to move her business forward, creating her own brand of candles and scents was a natural progression for her.

Laura, 38, knows how creating the perfect ambiance is of paramount importance when it comes to relaxation.

She loved how her beauty clients visibly relaxed when they walked into her treatment rooms and said they adored the smell of the candles she always burned.

As a self-confessed candle lover, Laura experimented with all kinds of brands over the years and become somewhat of an expert on her favourite scents. But she always felt she couldn’t quite get the perfect candle.

So, when it came to expanding her beauty business, she decided that rather than learn a new treatment, she would start her own product range and focus on making candles and home fragrances.

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

TELL US HOW YOU CAME TO START YOUR BUSINESS?

hit and what had initial been an Over the years I had been adding new skills addition to Laura’s business suddenly as the beauty industry changes quite rapidly. become more important as salons I knew I wanted to learn something new closed for months.

Laura spent the first lockdown learning everything she could about candle making and researching scents and

that wasn’t just a new beauty treatment, but something that I could bring into my beauty business and really compliment it.

Then Covid hit! This created panic as I was

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

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE CANDLES?

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

120 | Local Women Magazine

candle making seemed like the perfect

WHAT DO YOU MOST LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

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

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

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

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

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

PROCESS OF MAKING THE CANDLES?

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

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

Then I move to attaching the wick WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE to the base of the glass ready for the Collection got its inspiration. pouring process.

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

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

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Wellness by LV Local Women Magazine | 121

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COMPETITON TIME

Win a little luxury with Buick House Candles

Buick House Candles is offering one lucky Local Women Magazine reader the chance to awaken their senses with this amazing competition.

Buick House Candles is a luxury candle range handmade in Co Down.

The beautifully scented candles evoke memories of happy days and promote relaxation at a time when self-care is of paramount importance.

Lose yourself in the gorgeous scents which have been carefully curated by owner Gail Lynas, who followed her dreams and set up her business during lockdown.

Gail’s candles are hand-poured in a Co.Down studio and she wants all her customers to feel a sense of well being when using her products.

And now Gail is offering you the chance to try her candles with this amazing competition.

One reader will win some wonderful products from this bespoke range of beautifully scented candles.

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

Where is Buick House Candles based?

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

Local Women Magazine | 131

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

I’M HERE TO HELP

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

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

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

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

SAY ‘YES’ TO THE DRESS I have teamed up with some of the industry’s best experts to talk all things wedding dresses and what to do now that you can go and find your perfect dress or bridesmaids dresses.

Bridal shops will still have social distancing in place for the foreseeable future so it’s important that you take along your closest advisers when trying on dresses. They should be the people who will lift you up and encourage you to try new styles and the people whose opinions you trust more than anyone’s.

HAVE A HEN PARTY

(even if you’re already married!)

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

132 | Local Women Magazine

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

As part of my re-opening, I have completed a surefire way to help grow your partnership closer by offering you all a free downloadable document of fun things to do together on the build up to the wedding day.

This ensures that you are keeping your relationship alive and focusing on the person you are marrying. In conjunction with this, I will be hosting podcasts and Instagram lives with relationship experts and coaches on how to communicate with each other using our love languages.

If you don’t know what your love language is then listen in as it is an amazing way really connect and understand each other better. Believe me after 10 years of marriage it’s never to, early or too late to connect and reconnect with your other half, I cannot recommend this enough to you all, it will really nurture your relationships and it’s free!

In the event that you come across any issues with your venue or suppliers that you did not foresee or expect then be open and communicate clearly and ask them to explain everything including price increases to you fully and in writing where necessary.

While the countdown to the wedding day ticks down it’s a good time to recap on what needs to be done and when. Take another look at your timeline and ensure that you have all your essentials booked in for the day. Then go out and enjoy the process and get back to normal life and making plans in a world that isn’t in lockdown.

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Let’s talk about periods!

ƒ Chelsea Dunwoody

134 | Local Women Magazine

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

D

By Mandi Millar

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

That’s according to the Women’s Health Coalition and they should know having surveyed 90,000 people in 190 countries.

That’s not even counting the weird and wonderful euphemisms we have Northern Ireland... time of the month, Aunty Flo’s visiting, you’ve got your ‘thing’...

But it needn’t be so complicated; all you really need to say is that... well, you’re ƒ Working hard to banish the taboo surrounding periods having your period. Simple? You’d think so. past because they had no access to period ‘psychos’ during that time, that they were But the reality is very different. products,” she continues. ‘dirty or unclean’, or if a pad leaked then That’s why a group of young women from “What our members are lobbying for is that it was ‘disgusting’, how you had to hide North Belfast are spearheading an innovative period products will be freely available in your tampon or pad if you were going to new project to tackle the enduring taboo of public toilets and we’re delighted that they the toilet, how you shouldn’t talk to boys the menstrual cycle. are at least going to be available free in all about periods.

“Period poverty is a global issue which schools in Northern Ireland.”

“Suddenly they realised they weren’t the affects women and it is becoming more only ones feeling the way they did about But aside from period products these recognised. What shocked us though were these things and they’ve been coming up young women want to see the so-called the results of a survey we did among our period taboo smashed too and they reckon with ideas about how to change things own girls here which starkly revealed the going forward. education is the key. scale it still is right here, right now,” says “They’ve suggested films and the media “Young people have access to so much Chelsea Dunwoody (23) a youth worker information today thanks to the internet but could portray periods more positively, for with Ardoyne Youth Club, North Belfast. it’s not always helpful and despite the fact instance; boys should be taught about “When the Education Authority made older people might think today’s young people periods as well as girls, and age appropriate funding available for a programme to tackle are more knowledgeable about these things education should start sooner as young period poverty we jumped at the chance. than they were a generation or more ago, the women are taking their first period earlier “What we quickly realised was that – as truth is things haven’t changed that much. than ever. well as a lack of access to period products “In practical terms we are also reaching “So, it’s this poverty of period knowledge poverty of knowledge about what periods are which our young women are also tackling out to the community with period packs was a major issue. Young women didn’t know as they work through the project,” continues containing various period products for what was ‘normal’, when you should see Chelsea who, along with the team at Ardoyne, women who don’t have the access they your GP if things aren’t right and generally have managed to keep the momentum going need to supplies and we have partnerships lacked the confidence to talk about periods, all through the Covid outbreak, despite its with local soup kitchens and the Homeless seeing them as something embarrassing or many challenges.

Period Belfast who can give these out,” says indeed shameful.”

To keep the content age appropriate, the Chelsea, who’s been inspired by the work of The young women from the club, which young women taking part in the project were the young women in the youth cub and the Chelsea herself attended when she was split into the 12 to 16-year-old age group positive response from the wider community. growing up through its partnership with R and the 17 to 19-year-old group.

“It’s so important women, all woman, have City, a youth organisation in neighbouring this information about their bodies. There “It was incredible to see what having an Woodvale where she still lives, were outlet like this meant to them for finally are things even I’ve learned through this initially surveyed. project!” she admits.

“We were actually shocked by some of the they had somewhere they could talk opening “And after all, as virtually every woman results. For instance, well over half have about periods and ask questions about issues had to miss a night at the club because of that worried them or about things they didn’t will have a period every single month of her life until the menopause, any investment in their period; a staggering 84% said they’d understand,” says Chelsea.

“They talked too about how destructive tackling period poverty – both financially have been too embarrassed to ask a youth worker for period protection, while 61% the negative stereotypes around periods and in terms of knowledge – is bound to said they’d had to use toilet roll in the were – like girls being over-sensitive or deliver a life-long return.”

Local Women Magazine | 135

CITY OF DERRY AIRPORT EXTENDS COMPLIMENTARY PARKING GESTURE FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS TO THE END OF THIS YEAR City of Derry Airport is extending its offer for free airport parking to the end of this year for all healthcare employees. It initially introduced a year of free parking for the healthcare community on the 21st April 2020. It extends the duration of this offer to the end of December 2021 as a thank you to healthcare workers who are still amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

This offer is for all NHS and HSE staff across the caring community. To avail of this offer, healthcare employees should take a parking present the parking ticket to the Customer ticket when they enter the airport car park, Services Team to get it validated and use this go to the Customer Services desk in the main ticket at the exit barriers to leave the airport. terminal building, and show NHS or HSE For more information visit: staff identification and the parking ticket to the Customer Services team. On return to CODA, www.cityofderryairport.com

136 | Local Women Magazine

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

www.loganair.co.uk Additionally, this summer, JetsGo Holidays will operate weekly flights to Majorca from City of Derry Airport - enjoy a holiday in the Spanish sun this summer. To book visit:

www.jetsgoholidays.com/derry

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142 | Local Women Magazine

LW WEDDINGS

Natalie

Craig

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

Our lockdown story: Craig and I planned to get married on the 17/04/2020 but with covid and everything closed we postpone to October.

We went for a pinks and neutral colours as they suited any time of the year.

The week of our wedding we had a lot of stressing but it was all worth it Our wedding day was so amazing even tho we had no dancing we done a mr and Mrs quiz Which everyone loved.

We could not fault the cars the flowers bishops gate the service was unreal And food best venue for a Weddings.

We where surrounded by our family and friends that could come and we said that we would have a party again when it’s safe to do so.

Local Women Magazine | 143

144 | Local Women Magazine

Our lockdown story: Aaron and I had planned to get married on August 15, 2020 but due to Covid we moved our wedding to November 5, 2020.

Unfortunately, three weeks before our wedding another lockdown was announced, and only 25 guests were permitted and no reception. We decided to go ahead with our wedding, and we are ultimately thrilled that we did.

The style was classic black and white with a hint of colour from the flowers. We had originally planned a summer wedding and I had always wanted sunflowers as they would complement the black dresses and tuxes. Our florist Budding Designs was so creative and able to accommodate the sunflower idea with November autumn vibes. Due to the seasonal change, I added shrugs for the bridesmaids and flower girls and I got a feather bolero to wear when we were outside. The classic black and white theme allowed us to transition styling between the seasons.

Before the service, the boys went to get some iconic pictures at the wonderful Harland & Wolff cranes which was a fun addition to our day. After the service we went to the picturesque Antrim Castle Gardens to get photos taken. The weather was beautiful, and our photographer captured some amazing autumnal snaps.

We had some food at home and a few fireworks.

Celebrating together with our close families was the most important and enjoyable thing.

Unfortunately, I lost my father exactly five weeks after our wedding. It made our day even more special to know he walked me up the aisle and gave me away to my husband.

LW WEDDINGS

Mary

Aaron

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

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

Local Women Magazine | 145

146 | Local Women Magazine

LW WEDDINGS

Leanne James BRIDE: Leanne Davison from Kilrea.

GROOM: James Savage from Coleraine.

BRIDE’S PARENTS: Evan and Anne Davison.

GROOM’S PARENTS: James and Ruth Savage.

WEDDING DATE: Friday 23rd October 2020.

LOCATION: St Tida’s Church of Ireland Parish of Ballyscullion, Bellaghy.

MINSTER: Reverend Brian Hassan BRIDESMAIDS: Jacqueline Overend and Judith Davison.

BEST MAN: Neil Fentie.

GROOMSMEN: David McNaughton, Steven Savage and Scott McKinney.

FLOWER GIRL: Kimberly Davison.

PHOTOGRAPHER: David Scott.

VIDEOGRAPHER: Joe Dalrymple.

CAKE: Alison Galligan.

FLOWERS: Flowerfairy Designs

Our lockdown story: Covid 19 changed the way we would live our lives in 2020, therefore we knew that the wedding day we had planned would have to be adapted in some ways.

Invites were sent out in September as our reception was still able to proceed at this stage following a risk assessment at the venue, however our smaller church meant that not every guest could attend the ceremony beforehand. On Wednesday 14th October the government announced a ‘circuit breaker’, meaning that our reception was cancelled and the numbers at church were once again reduced.

We had always wanted to get married on our original date if possible and as our church service was still allowed to go ahead, we decided to get married, nine days later!

Friday 23rd October was an intimate occasion and celebration. Claire Savage read a poem that she had written for us and Ryan Sinclair sang from the gallery.

We were blessed with glorious blue skies that followed us from the church to our photo venues at Maghera Walled Gardens, Portstewart’s ‘old fisherman’s cottage’ and the White Rocks beach at Portrush.

After all the chaos that had been thrown at us, we wouldn’t have changed our special day, which ended with a perfect open air first dance under the stars.

Local Women Magazine | 147

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

148 | Local Women Magazine

LW WEDDINGS

Kirsty Matthew BRIDE: Kirsty Kelso from Curran, Magherafelt.

GROOM: Matthew Gault from Bangor BRIDE’S PARENTS: Karl and Ann Kelso, Curran, Magherafelt.

GROOM’S PARENTS: John & Ruth Gault, Bangor WEDDING DATE: 17/10/20 CEREMONY: Willowfield Parish Church in East Belfast RECEPTION: Due to lockdown we were unable to have our reception.

BRIDESMAIDS: Amy Kelso, Rebecca Ambrose, Susan McFarland & Becs Barr.

BEST MAN: Matthew Craig GROOMSMEN: Kyle Flanigan, Tom McCormick and Craig McAuley PHOTOGRAPHER: Simon Alleyne (Living Witness Weddings) HAIR: We did our own hair as hairdressers where closed.

MAKEUP: Helen McClurg DRESS: Creative Bridal Cookstown FLOWERS: Flowers by Mee (Gill Tate)

Local Women Magazine | 149

150 | Local Women Magazine

LW WEDDINGS

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

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

Local Women Magazine | 151

152 | Local Women Magazine

LW WEDDINGS

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

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

It was very relaxed and was everything we could ever have imagined. It was a perfect day.

Local Women Magazine | 153

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

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

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AUSTRALIA'S MOST WANTED SEE OUR REVIEW OF THIS WINE ON PAGE 109

CHARDONNAY

SHIRAZ

The fruit for the Kelly’s Patch Chardonnay was sourced from the Goulburn Valley on the vineyards neighbouring the winery.

This region has long, warm sunny days and mild evening temperatures which are perfect for the growing of good quality Chardonnay. The grapes were harvested during the cool of the night to maintain fruit freshness and gently pressed to minimise phenolic characters. The wine was fermented in various parcels, with a small portion receiving careful oak treatment, with extended lees contact to build structure yet retain good fruit balance.

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

MERLOT

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

KELLY’S GANG SHIRAZ

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

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

KELLY’S GANG SAUVIGNON BLANC

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

PINOT GRIGIO

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

SAUVIGNON BLANC

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

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

KELLY’S GANG The Last Word

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

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

Check www.kellyspatch.com new outlets.

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

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