IRISH Women Magazine - Summer Issue 2015 by WomenUK

SUMMER 2015 €4.95

JUDYMAY MURPHY

World renowned author, speaker and mentor STYLIST TO THE STARS It’s the lovely Cathy O’Connor CELEBRATING 21 YEARS Adare Heritage Centre FASHION Stunning summer time trends FOOD Energising raw chocolate! OUT AND ABOUT Captivating Clonakilty

SOUTH

COCKTAILS GALORE At the Cornstore

TAKE 3 Meet Maureen Forrest of The Hope Foundation

63 BUSINESS Multi-level marketing

FRESH SALADS Delicious and healthy

CAR REVIEW Audi hits the road

INTERIORS Bright and airy

TRAVEL The unspoilt beauty of Croatia

IRISH INNOVATION At kilkenny design

54 EMOTIONAL HEALTH The misery of grief

FOOD Exciting chocolate in the raw

WELCOME TO

SOUTH

SUMMER 2015

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: Irmantas Bauza

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the Summer Issue of Irish Women

WHAT’S INSIDE FEATURE: 6

Meet Judymay Murphy coach, author and speaker FASHION: Take a look at the textures, styles and fabrics for summer

ACCESSORIES: Wedge heels - good for the sole!

LOU DE CRUSS: Our woman on the frontline offers some tips on cleaning up your lifestyle

CHARITY: St. Gabriel’s - providing essential support to children and adults with disabilities 19 INTERIORS: Paint specialists Farrow and Ball explain how light and colour enhance your home

DEBATE: The Death Penalty – should it be enforced?

TAKE 3: Celebrating inspirational women

EMOTIONAL HEALTH: The raw agony of grief

BUSINESS: What is multi-level marketing?

STAR INTERVIEW: Cathy O’Connor stylist and all round compassionate lady

FOOD: The unique delights of raw chocolate

Luscious summer time salads

DID YOU KNOW: News and local events

TRAVEL: Discover the delights of the untouched Mediterranean

OUT AND ABOUT: Beautiful Clonakilty

CAR REVIEW: The Audi Tronic

REVIEWS: Irish Women encounters the BIOTEC facial at the Killarney Park Hotel 62 Cocktails at the Cornstore

We are so excited to welcome you to our very colourful summer issue! From the vibrant prints from Kilkenny Design to the muted colours of Farrow and Ball - we have the most beautiful hues and textures of the season. It has been great catching up with Judymay Murphy - what an inspirational woman - and Cathy O'Connor - Stylist Extraordinaire, a firm favourite with the team here at Irish Women. There is so much to look forward to in the upcoming months, we are out and about in beloved Clonakilty, booking our diaries with The Cork Summer Show in June and the Lusitania 100 Years Anniversary Celebration taking place in early May. With any luck the weather will be as good as last year! Enjoy the best season of all, have a great summer! Sian, Peigin Carole & Felicity Partners

In her

GENIUS ZONE Photos: Irmantas Bauza

WHAT’S YOUR APPROACH TO MENTORING?

WHAT ARE PEOPLE AFRAID OF WHEN THEY COME TO YOU?

A lot of people get confused between coaching and mentoring. Mentoring is where the mentor has gone somewhere first and they’ve made a lot of mistakes and know the lie of the land and are guiding you through what you can expect and encouraging you along the way. The important thing when you look for a mentor is to find someone who is far enough ahead of you that they’re going to be useful to you and not so far ahead of you that the information they have is too advanced.

Initially people are scared of two things: they’re scared of being discovered and they feel that somehow they are broken and they don’t know what they’re doing and everybody else in the room is going to find them out. So very quickly I’ll talk about the areas that I’ve failed in and the things that I’m still working on and they’ll start to feel safe. As people start sharing they’ll realise that we’re all human and vulnerable and there’s no proving or impressing to be done, so people relax around that.

CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR WEEKEND COACHING?

The other fear that people have when they’re just coming in is whether this is going to work? And so I make sure that it’s not just fanciful, wishful thinking. They’ll learn a principle and they’ll have a breakthrough around their belief systems and they’ll immediately get a practical application.

Often in our lives we have great intentions for what we want to do - ‘I’ve got ten minutes here, I’ll come up with some new goals, I’m going to find a new way of doing that’ etc. - but we get distracted and we don’t really focus on ourselves for long enough to make the kind of change that’s necessary; so that’s why I love teaching weekend workshops because people are right there in the room. I always ask them to switch their phones off unless they have elderly parents and young kids that they need to be available for and to focus completely on themselves and their lives and the way that they would like them to be. That’s why in just one weekend you can get the kind of progress that often people don’t get for at least a couple of years just because you have that intense focus.

Dublin-based Judymay Murphy is an internationally renowned speaker, mentor, coach and author. She speaks straight from the heart and encourages everyone she encounters to follow their passion

YOU MENTION THE ‘ZONE OF GENIUS’ IN YOUR WORK, IS THIS SOMETHING THAT YOU HOPE PEOPLE WILL TAP INTO? We all have an area that we’re so passionate about. If you focus intensely on something over a long period of time you become a genius at it, whether that is stand-up comedy, investing, being a parent whatever. A lot of people are either indecisive about what they commit themselves to or they are doing something that feels like it’s a big effort or they’re not putting in the time that’s required and usually this is because it’s not feeling great; so it adds up to them becoming good up something but not becoming a genius at it. The Zone of Genius is when it’s no longer an effort – you are in flow. I spent more than a decade being ‘lost’ and it’s a very unusual, scary, sometimes enchanting place to be – I was just like

some ditsy on the planet roaming here, there and everywhere, making every mistake and trying every kind of thing. I mean I was a really lost soul. I could never find what my thing was. The great thing is that once you do find your place and your reason for being here on the planet – there’s such joy in that. IT’S KIND OF BEING AVAILABLE TO DO THINGS RIGHT NOW IN THE MOMENT, ALMOST READY FOR ANYTHING ISN’T IT? It’s when you know you’re doing what you were sent here to do; you have a sense of purpose and it doesn’t necessarily have to be something that gets accolades like singing and dancing. It might be something that just you and one other person know about. I know someone who looks after their elderly parent with Alzheimer’s – they know what they’re here to do is just give to that parent who needs them so much – that’s the ‘click’ that people are looking for and they go partying or watch too much television or try and get their fix in other ways. I READ SOMEWHERE THAT YOU EAT RAW BROCCOLI AND CHILLI FOR BREAKFAST, IS THAT STILL THE CASE? In the summer I do but in the winter I want something a little heavier so it tends to be spelt grain, Maca powder and cocoa nibs. I also put in poppy seeds, sesame seeds, hazelnuts and almond milk. I have raw broccoli as a snack and raw peppers are another favourite usually with organic houmous, so I still walk the talk. DO YOU EVER ALLOW YOURSELF ‘NAUGHTY’ TREATS? First of all I never call it a treat because if you’re calling it a treat then you’re training yourself that it’s something that’s somehow good for you. All the time, we’re looking for a particular feeling - a feeling of specialness – for me it used to come from sugar – but I’ve trained my palate to not need sugar; these days even if I have one bite of a cookie I find it overly sweet. When I do have sweeter foods it tends to be things like raw chocolate. HAVE YOU GOT ANY INSTANT TIPS FOR OUR READERS? First of all work out are you living your dream or somebody else’s? You know the stuff that you’re going for, is that something that you really want to do or is it a compromise? Maybe you’ve been told that the thing that you want is too difficult or you think that society won’t let you do it or that you’re too old. Insist on living your dream and not compromising. Secondly give yourself permission to turn up differently in your personality – very often our identity for our self was fixed at a very young age and we haven’t given ourselves a make-over. We’re pretty good at giving ourselves a physical makeover but with the personality we think that we’ve got to stick with it. For years I thought of myself as quite bookish and unglamorous and then in the last few years I thought, 'hang on a second – who says I don’t get to look like a superstar?’ I used to wear all black and all big, baggy things 'cos I just felt that glamorous persona belonged to someone else. So I took steps to change things. It is possible to radically change who you show up as.

“People are just saying ‘ok all I have to do is pay this person more money and eventually I’ll end up being like them’ instead of realising it’s about being your best version of you; you’re cultivating your own garden – you’re not running a race against everybody else”

FASHION

Katie Farley takes a look at the designs fabrics, styles and textures that will be enhancing our wardrobes this summer Labelling myself as an inexcusable, selfconfessed style guru, there is nothing I love more than indulging in the shiniest new seasonal trends that captivate our fashion imaginations and inject inspiration into doing that much-needed update to our wardrobes. Spring saw the upcoming looks excitingly unveiled, which to any fashionista seems equally as liberating as when a child enters through the Disney World gates for the first time; imbued with a sense of elation, stepping into a world of pure fantasy. The summer 2015 trends envelope a treasure chest full of lust-worthy looks; from denim luxe, heavenly laces, fantastical fresh florals and Seventies styling. HEAVENLY LACES AND DELICATE LASER-CUT DETAILS If there is a single fabric that oozes femininity and elegance more than any other this spring it has to be lace.

SUMMERTIME

TRENDS Oscar De La Renta

Witnessed all over the catwalks at Michael Kors, Oscar de la Renta, Nina Ricci and Louis Vuiton, we saw fine laces, open worked laces, sexy laces and historic Victorian laces. These made appearances on all manner of dresses from fit-and-flair, romantic bohemian, columns, 60â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s minis and dresses with high slits. Complementing this uber ladylike fabric comes a pick and mix of delicate craftsmanships such as broderie anglaise and laser-cuts as seen at Valentino, Just Cavalli and Moncler Gamme Rouge, all in virginal whites. These ethereal fabrics translate beautifully into our everyday wardrobes, and it seems the high street has fallen in love with them too, from Dorothy Perkins, Jigsaw, Next and Coast all selling stylish separates and desirable dresses.

For details of items featured: www.phase-eight.com l www.oscardelarenta.com l For Monsoon dress www.online-shopping-Ireland.com l

FASHION

We have officially been transported back to the ever so stylish Seventies, where arrays of retro tones, exaggerated florals (yes, more florals) and sweet silhouettes have been sweeping the spring catwalks.

Floral trousers from Next €49 SEVENTIES STYLING

Babydoll dresses seen at Tom Ford and Saint Laurent were infused with 70’s old-school prints and party sequins, and fashion's must-have covetable fabric of the moment, suede, was adorning 70’s style coats, jackets and dresses. There was an overwhelming aura of haute couture hippy, with maxi dresses, sheer kaftans and feather light midi gowns all swathed in dreamy chiffons and scrumptious silks, parading a beautiful bohemian look. Emilio Pucci conveyed this trend all too well, as did Monsoon and John Lewis.

DENIM LUXE

Denim jacket from TopShop €79.56, Denim shirt from East €135.82, Dress from Lavand €89. It’s a timeless fabric that will forever be in fashion’s limelight. Denim has been the desired look for decades, sophisticatedly sported by icons such as Marilyn Monroe through to Victoria Beckham, and for summer 2015 it has been re-imaged and described as a thing of pure luxury. Versatile, comfortable and seriously chic, more is more when it comes to spring denim, with an array of designers from showcasing head-to-toe blues, with decorative embellishments added for glamorous detailing.

Micado Print Maxi dress from Monsoon €230, Elodine dress from Phase Eight €160 and Debut from Debenham €150 Photo: Leanora dress from Phase Eight €430.80 FANTASTICAL FRESH FLORALS As we may all recall, The Devil Wears Prada’s famously fierce editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly, sarcastically referred to summer florals as being, well, not so groundbreaking. This may be true, however they do traditionally go hand in hand and are forever being revitalised, which is definitely the case for this season’s crop of fashion blooms. l ie.nextdirect.com l www.lavand.com l www.east.co.uk (ships to Ireland) l www.topshop.com l

International Collections Marc Cain, Tara Jarmon, Basler, Barbara Schwazer, Gerry Webber, Laurel, i Blues Irish Designs Aideen Bodkin, Caroline Kilkenny, Lennon Courtney, Fee G

visit www.macbees.ie

00 353 64 6633622

Get the

WEDGE! Katie Farley encourages us to embrace a little lift to our soles this summer and give in to the allure of the wedge heel

Shoes, glorious shoes! Undoubtedly, they are the one fundamental, essential accessory all women go literally head over heels for. It’s a fact that a single pair of killer shoes can transform an entire outfit, whether they’re beautifully bold, decoratively demure, seriously sexy or quintessentially quirky.

Flora Wedge Espradrille from Phase Eight €108.65, Wallflower Print Wedge from Topshop €71.51, Patent Cork Wedge from The Vestry €48.95

Carlton London Wedges available online from House of Fraser €135.53

Proving to be the next unfailing formula of success and femininity, one of summer’s most covetable shoes that is prevailing as a fast favourite this season is the wedge-heeled hero. Conveying comfort and great usability, the wedgeheel shoe arrives in an array of designs, shades, textures and heights, achieving chic practicality for the work office, and alternatively, gorgeously glamorous ones for the evening. The catwalks displayed a desirable collection of the new wedge-heel trend, showcasing how we can step into spring in serious style with an alluring assortment of varying options. Designers demonstrated colour and

pattern, decorating wedges in stripes and shimmer at Topshop Unique, suede’s in deep purple hues at Derek Lam, glossy reptile stripes at Anna Sui, and diamond wooden patterns on oversized block-heels at Tory Burch. Other designers played with tantalising textures; Kate Spade’s perforated laceups and two-strap wedges act as the perfect statement piece to elevate your work office outfit, whilst Alexander Wang got very inventive, creating sneaker-inspired woven shoes with a metal cut-out wedge-heel. The high street has delivered stunning sought-after options that are in the trend spotlight, and carry a more affordable price tag. Aexy by Nine West present a cork wedge heel with elegant luxe suede cut work detail and New Look’s stone embellished t-bar wedge sandals are super decorative. Topshop stack up the style points in their uber fashion forward wallflower pattern and glitter wedges, whilst House of Fraser walk the walk with vibrant beadwork adorning the front straps. Summer has definitely arrive!

www.vestryonline.com www.houseoffraser.co.uk www.topshop.com www.phase-eight.com

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

A Better You! Verette O'Sullivan never had a weight problem until after the birth of her second daughter. She decided to leave work and stay at home full time. While at home she began to experiment with cooking and baking, the only problem being that she was her own best customer! The weight piled on and over two years she went from being 10 stone to 14 stone 7 pounds. She noticed a sign for Weight Watchers and her decision was made. From the very first class, she was hooked. Verette’s love of cooking never abated; it just changed from being full fat everything to learning how to prepare and cook tasty, healthy food.

Weight Watchers Leader of the Year, Verette O’Sullivan, is passionate about helping people realise their weight loss goals So passionate was Verette that eventually she became a Group Leader. Verette’s tips for success • Don’t just come and ‘get the books’ and then leave, that’s not going to work. You can buy a million books on weight loss and if they worked alone then we would all be slim, you have to stay at the meeting and commit to the plan, and if you do, I can guarantee you will see results. • So many people have pre-conceived notions about what Weight Watchers is, and what they might have to do when they get here. Leave all that behind, give it a go and I promise you’ll be amazed at what you will find. Learn more about Verette’s passion for good food and healthy living at www.abetterme.ie.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;.. each gown depicts a romantic femininity..â&#x20AC;? Robelle Bridal, Salmon Weir, Annacotty, Co. Limerick Tel: 061-339895 Web: www.robellebridal.ie Email: robellebridal@gmail.com Find us on Facebook and Twitter

Spruce up my life please! A clean house is a sign of no internet connection as Lou De Cruss knows only too well!

It’s that time of year again where we will see lots of rules, tips and advice on cleaning our home. Yawn…… If you are like me and just don’t get that cleaning buzz from turning your home into a surgicalready show-house then there are many tricks that I swear by (which you may benefit from) when it comes to cleaning. I am a firm believer that you never know what you have…until you clean your room. One might even say I love cleaning up messes I didn’t make. So I became a mother. On the mother note, I learned a long time ago to have a box of Lego by the front door and if you have an unexpected guest, a great trick to hide your un-vacuumed floors is to throw the Lego across the floor to indicate the maternal involvement with your children that your guest has just interrupted. Works every time! A place for everything and everything in its place just doesn’t cut it in my house. Like a period property, everything is on display, a little like a museum! Over the years, I have learned many tips on creating that perfect home illusion. Let’s face it, who wants to spend time cleaning? Who turns the cushions rather than vacuum their sofa? Or sprays the room with furniture polish? And…. dabs bleach onto a surface? The true, short story of every parent: “My house was clean. Then the kids woke up. The end.” Now I hope any unexpected guests to my house are wearing dark socks and have lower expectations than mine. If all else fails, grab the Pinot Grigio and the chocolate ladies and soon you will be congratulating yourself on your ability to run a small country. Over and out!

I have learned many tips on creating that perfect home illusion

CHARITY

St. Gabriel's SCHOOL AND CENTRE St. Gabriel’s is a voluntary organisation and registered charity located in Limerick, dedicated to providing a range of essential health related therapies and early interventions to children and young adults with a wide range of disabilities. Established in 1961 by Arthur Crabtree and a group of Limerick business people who recognized what few, if any, facilities were available to help and support families of children with disabilities at that particular time in Limerick. The steady progression of the charity has seen the development of two networking disability teams; Early Intervention Treehouse Team and School Age Treehouse Team.

St. Gabriel’s School and Centre aims to deliver a caring and compassionate service which is family and child centred. Each child is treated on the basis of their own individual needs For more information: www.stgabriels.ie

The clinicians provide an integrated range of services; occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, social work, speech and language therapy, early intervention education, medical and nursing. St Gabriel’s School is also on site and it provides primary and post primary education for up to fifty children with physical and/or multiple disabilities. Volunteers from local companies and businesses as well as students from third level colleges in Limerick and family members of children who attend the services give their time to participate and support many of St. Gabriel’s

voluntary activities. Their involvement is a great way of building a connection with the wider community. Fundraising plays an important part in the development of facilities at St. Gabriel’s. The success of the fundraising activities is largely due to many individuals and committees who coordinate and run the events. Funds raised from events go towards the development of new projects and also help to support and maintain existing projects. St. Gabriel’s hydrotherapy pool is one such project. It was built with the assistance of large donation from the JP McManus Golf Pro Am in 2009 The pool is is a wonderful community resource for children and adults with disabilities who report great benefits from it. Other projects which are planned over the next few years include the building of a facility that will offer short term residential breaks and temporary respite care in a home to home setting for children with physical/ multiple disabilities many of whom have lifelimiting conditions. It is proposed to install a new sensory playground at St. Gabriel’s School to enhance learning, encourage health and educational development for the fifty children with special needs who attend the school.

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

BRIGHTENING YOUR HOME

Irish Women chat to paint specialists, Farrow & Ball about how light and colour impact the home... When it comes to choosing colour there are no strict rules, but it is important to think about the final look you are trying to achieve, and particularly to consider the light in a space. Light is the most important thing to consider when choosing colour for your home, as the amount of natural light and the direction a room faces will have a significant impact on the appearance of a colour. The same colour can appear quite different from room to room, at different times of the day, and even depending on the time of year. This variance is unique to Farrow & Ball and while we think it is beautiful, we know it can add an extra level of complexity to your colour choice. If your room is north facing colours will tend to appear cooler and harsher, making it difficult to create a feeling of light and space. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fight nature, instead create a dramatic and cocooning interior by using strong colours like Brinjal, Book Room Red or Down Pipe. If you do want to use lighter tones, avoid those with a green or grey base, instead use yellow based colours like Ringwood Ground and White Tie to help bounce light around the room.

Light is the most important thing to consider when choosing colour for your home

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

South facing rooms are a joy to decorate - they are full of warm light all day, so all colours will look good! We recommend really maximising the feeling of light and space in south facing rooms by choosing pale tones. Soft blues like Pavilion Blue or Borrowed Light will create a wonderfully watery seaside look, while red-based neutrals like Joa’s White will create a warmer feel. For a contemporary edge, try Dimpse which has cool blue undertones. Use a fairly bright white on the woodwork in south facing rooms for a crisp, fresh look. It is useful to consider whether you’ll use an east or west facing room more in the morning or the afternoon, so that you can tailor your colour choice to the type of light you will most often experience. Light in west-facing spaces is cooler in the morning then filled with dramatic light in the afternoon, while east facing rooms are bright in the morning and cooler in the afternoon. White walls are natural light reflectors and will flatter any colour of furnishing which is often why we choose neutrals for our homes, but white will really enhance both natural and artificial light in west facing rooms. Try Wimborne White or Pointing for an airy feel. Even the greyer neutrals such as Slipper Satin and Ammonite should retain a feeling of light – although the colour will change from morning to evening – cooler earlier and warmer later. West facing rooms are most beautiful in the afternoon and evening sun, and by using colours with a red undertone you can really accentuate the warm light in the space. Soft pinks like Middleton Pink or Great White will create a really warm glow without losing too much light. The light in east facing rooms can appear to be a little blue so it is best to work with this and choose greens or blues. To create as much light as possible but still retain some warmth, look at pale duck egg colours like Pale Powder or Teresa’s Green which will really come alive in the morning sunlight. Because the light will change so dramatically through the day it is often good to team these with a darker tone on woodwork or furniture such as Chappell Green or Dix Blue so that the walls appear lighter in contrast. If you want to use a white, choose one with a green or blue base such as James White. When you’ve chosen a colour we recommend painting out a sample pot onto A4 paper or card to see how the colour works in your space, move it around the room and look at the colour at different times of the day so you can see how the colour is affected by the light.

White walls are natural light reflectors and will flatter any colour of furnishing which is often why we choose neutrals for our homes SUPPLIERS OF FARROW AND BALL Mylestone Interiors mylestoneinteriors.ie Tel: (064) 6626331

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Maeve Martin-Kelly, General Manager of the Adare Heritage Centre pictured at Currans' Heraldry inside the centre

ADARE HERITAGE CENTRE CELEBRATES 21 AMAZING YEARS! www.adareheritagecentre.ie

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

A range of celebrations will be happening this June in Adare to commemorate the Centre’s coming of age The Golden Vale is an area of beautiful farmland set on the banks of the River Maigue and it is in this majestic setting that you will find the gorgeous village of Adare. It truly is a picture perfect place with thatched cottages lining its pretty streets and it is at the heart of Adare that you will find the Adare Heritage Centre. The big news is that this May it will be 21 years since the Centre opened its doors and to celebrate there will be a host of special events taking place throughout June. The Heritage Centre is host to over 100,000 annual visitors and is a hub of activity all year round providing accommodation and tourist information on one of the most picturesque villages in Ireland and surrounding areas. The Adare Heritage Centre hosts an interactive historical exhibition, which traces Adare’s unique history. The Centre also operates tours of Adare Village and Desmond Castle, which is one of the few remaining authentic Norman Castles in Europe. Inside the Centre visitors can also discover the lovely Dovecote Restaurant, which is a bistro offering delicious homemade breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas. The restaurant also offers a ‘Catering at Home’ menu. Keen foodies can choose from a honey glazed ham to a personalised biscuit cake and many more treats.

The Tourist Office is also located at the Centre and for lovers of browsing and shopping there is a wide variety of authentically Irish gifts to choose from within the Centre’s wonderful selection of shops. The number of craft shops stock a selection of beautiful Irish woollens and Limerick Lace may also be found for that special person in the family who appreciates quality and originality. For a very individual, unique and sentimental gift visitors can browse Currans’ Heraldry. There is an array of family crests available in different embroidery finishes, offering a wonderful gift for someone close to the heart. This Centre is also gaining an excellent reputation as a unique backdrop for wedding photographs and bookings may be made by contacting reception. Come visit Adare and let the team spoil you!

“We are so excited to celebrate with our loyal customers and staff both old and new" Maeve MartinKelly, General Manager

Desmond Castle, which you can visit on a tour from the Adare Heritage Centre

Tivoli woollens are available at the Centre

DEBATE

THE DEATH PENALTY SHOULD IT BE ENFORCED? THE DEBATE

DEBATE

The death penalty is a legal process where someone is sentenced to death by the state as punishment for their crime. The issue of whether it should be enforced is highly emotive. Irish Women looks at both sides of the debate THE CASE FOR

THE CASE AGAINST

Firstly we have to look at what we are expecting as a society in a way of punishment for criminal behaviour. Are we looking for the opportunity to punish the crime of death caused by murder with death itself?

One of the things that separates us from the rest of the animal kingdom is supposedly the inherent knowledge, if not acceptance, of our own mortality. We know that we are going to die.

The arguments for the death penalty are very clear. The imposition of appropriate punishment is the manner in which the courts respond for societies’ call for justice against the criminals. If you murder someone then you deserve to die. Much of this argument has its basis in many religions and therefore has the deep seated belief that an ‘eye for an eye’ is not only righteous but just and straightforward. After all if you take a life you should expect to sacrifice your own. There is a natural balance to this belief. A strong argument is that if you kill a group of murderers then they cannot kill again. This will therefore act as a deterrent. Besides, the costs of looking after these people for many decades is immense and could and should be used to compensate and help relatives of the victims. It allows closure for the victim’s family knowing that justice has been served. Often the pain of losing a loved one only begins with the murder but is constantly stoked with the knowledge that the murderer is alive and well. It is the depravation of the family and loved ones of the victim that the death penalty is for. All criminals would fight not to be killed by the state. Ted Bundy, for example, one of America’s most notorious serial killers spent nine years with his legal team blaming pornography for the things that he did and tried in vain to get his sentence commuted to life without parole. He did not want to die. So this would indicate that even confessed murderers do not want to die but still, in fact, gave no such choice to their victims. Whatever the reasoning and the legal and humanitarian arguments the death penalty is a natural law that gives justice and closure.

Therefore, most people would say that to choose to take another life is just wrong under the majority of circumstances, others would say it is wrong under any circumstances. For a state to take the life of a citizen it assumes that right over another human being. State sanctioned murder, for that is what it is, comes with massive issues both moral and practical. If life is sacrosanct, then that should apply to all life. How hypocritical is it to put one life’s value above another? The death penalty practice takes the precept of justice and turns it into revenge and retribution or a judicial lynch mob that is fuelled by emotion and anger. The quote ‘an eye for an eye‘ is often misused and Matthew in the New Testament 5:38 talks about turning the other cheek, in fact it is only the Old Testament that says otherwise. The crime is not belittled or the victim less valued because of the lack of capital punishment, but the restraint of society not to exact revenge is a mark of humanity. This humanity is not shown by the perpetrator of the crime and for society to restrain from capital punishment holds a light to civilised thinking - the very thing that the perpetrator lacked. Let’s not sink to the lowest common denominator. After many studies there has been no proof that the threat of capital punishment is in any way a deterrent. In 2012 the USA had almost 15,000 murders and this is where capital punishment is still prevalent at a rate of 4.7 per 100,000.00 or Yeman at 4.8 and the UAE 2.6. There are of course many other factors but it is clear that the threat of death has little or no impact. The moral vacuum that the death penalty ensures has no positive outcome except revenge on behalf of the state of those emotionally involved. It is repugnant and reminiscent of the worst humanity can do to itself - at home with despots and extremists.

WHO WAS...

Jackie Kennedy Onassis Despite her extreme fame Jacqueline Onassis was essentially, in her final years, a composed and private person

We all know the famous Mrs. Jacqueline Lee â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Jackieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (Bouvier) Kennedy Onassis for her famous time as the wife of the 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, and her marriage to Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. What is less known is the final two decades of her life, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis had a career as a book editor. She is remembered for her contributions to the arts and preservation of historic architecture. Onassis, who had enjoyed robust good health nearly all her life, began treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in early January and had been undergoing chemotherapy and other treatments in

recent months while continuing her work as a book editor and her social, family and other personal routines. In her final years Mrs. Onassis lived quietly but not in seclusion, working at Doubleday for the last eighteen years of her life; joining efforts to preserve historic New York buildings; spending time with her son, daughter and grandchildren; jogging in Central Park; getting away to her estates in New Jersey, Mass and on Martha's Vineyard. She enjoyed the company of Maurice Tempelsman, a financier who had become her closest companion in her final years. She almost never granted interviews on her past - the last was nearly 30 years ago - and for decades she had not spoken publicly about Mr. Kennedy, his Presidency or their marriage. But the disease, which attacks the lymph nodes, an important component of the body's immune system, grew progressively worse. Mrs Onassis died at the age of 64 years in 1998 surrounded by friends and family. Although she was one of the world's most famous women - an object of fascination to generations of people the world over and the subject of countless articles and books that re-explored the myths and realities of the Kennedy years; the terrible images of the President's 1963 assassination in Dallas, her famous fashion style - especially her Chanel pink suit and large sunglasses and her made-for-tabloids marriage to the wealthy Mr. Onassis - she was quintessentially a private person, poised and glamorous, but shy and aloof.

WHO IS...

Michelle Obama

Born Michelle LaVaughn Robinson in 1964 in Chicago; Michelle Obama would later become a community outreach worker and ultimately the United Michelle Obama is the USA's first States' First Lady African American First Lady

Michelle was raised on Chicago's South Side in a modest one-bedroom apartment. Her father, Fraser Robinson, was a city pump operator and a Democratic precinct captain. Her mother, Marian, stayed home to raise Michelle and her older brother, Craig. The siblings shared close quarters— they slept in the living room with a sheet serving as their makeshift room divider. Both children were raised with a strong emphasis on education which is shown in the achievements of both siblings. The brother and sister learned to read at home by the age of four, and both skipped second grade. A product of Chicago public schools, Mrs Obama studied sociology and African-American studies at Princeton University. After graduating from Harvard Law School in 1988, she joined a Chicago law firm, where she later met the man who would become the love of her life.

Now in her 50th year, and taking her love of education she is a woman of international influence. Mrs Obama has set up and launched ‘Let’s Move!’, a national campaign, bringing together community leaders, teachers, doctors, nurses and parents in a nationwide effort to tackle the challenge of childhood obesity. This is achieved through education around healthy eating, food education and choices and the knowledge of exercise. There is one goal; to change the epidemic of childhood obesity within one generation. Michelle and Barack Obama have two daughters: Malia, 14 and Sasha, 11. Like their mother, the girls were born on the South Side of Chicago.

Follow First Lady Michelle Obama on Twitter @FLOTUS

WHO'S LOCAL... Maureen Forrest Honorary Director of The Hope Foundation Maureen Forrest is guided by a vision for a world where it should never hurt to be a child Coming from a large family of twelve in East Cork Maureen Forrest found caring and sharing was a way of life from the day she was born. She was interested in global development from an early age and family life with husband Dick and three small children did not prevent her from keeping up this interest. Her journey in global development began in Somalia where she spent six weeks in a feeding camp. One incident which juxtaposed Maureen’s domestic life with that of her humanitarian work was when her camp was shot at and she remembers lying on the floor thinking, ‘I don’t want to die on my own in a foreign country’. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s she continued to volunteer in areas suffering abject poverty and conflict including Swaziland and Mozambique. In 1993 a life-changing meeting with Mother Teresa, brought Maureen to India. She was horrified by the scale

of poverty in Calcutta. While there she helped set up schools in the slums and learned that the key to the success of children’s education was to involve their mothers in the education process. While her volunteer work took her to Rwanda after India, Calcutta was never far from Maureen’s mind. In 1999, with the aim of establishing one girl’s home, she founded The Hope Foundation (HOPE). Fifteen years later, under the leadership and direction of Maureen, HOPE has grown from one girl’s protection home to an extended network of projects covering primary healthcare, education centres and life skills training projects. HOPE now provide a holistic approach to development and sustainability through its work with communities in Calcutta, now known as Kolkata. Currently reaching out to tens of thousands of people each year, HOPE work closely with target groups to strengthen their capacity to become drivers of their own change.

Maureen now manages an organisation which runs 60 projects alongside the assistance of 14 local organisations and employs 776 staff, as well as staff on a voluntary basis. She has never taken a salary as she feels this work is a way of life that she has chosen. With HOPE offices established in the United Kingdom, Germany, India and the USA, Maureen is now busier than ever before. She is now a grandmother and continues to work tirelessly in Ireland and India motivating and encouraging others to be the change we all want to see in the world. For information: www.hopefoundation.ie

Are you considering knee or hip surgery? Don’t suffer in silence! Cases of hip and knee arthritis are very common for women in the 35 - 65 year age category, and when medical matters are not seen to promptly they can affect lifestyle and lead to more serious problems in later life. Women are notorious for putting off procedures they do not consider urgent, even if it means suffering with pain and discomfort, according to Mater Private Cork’s orthopedic consultant surgeon Stuart Edwards: “My advice is don't suffer in silence. Seek advice from your GP early if your symptoms persist for more than four to six weeks. Hip and knee arthritis is normally a very painful condition and affects activities of daily living and can give stiffness, swelling, grinding and deformity. It takes approximately two to three months to recover from joint replacement surgery and you should be able to return to full duties by three to four months.”

For more on Mr. Stuart Edwards visit www.materprivatecork.ie, www.hipandkneesurgery.ie or call 021 601 3200

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Otium Center in Cork is the first clinic in Ireland where treatments are performed using the latest technology on the global market. These are the leading professional and medical devices which perform a scan of the spine. You can be sure that every treatment is carefully tailored to the construction of the spine

If you suffer from any aches or pains, the Otium Center offer a wide range of treatments to suit your needs. They use a combination of new technology and alternative medicine which you can reap the benefits of: • Chiropractic treatment • Acupressure treatment • Massage treatment • Infrared heat treatment • Sound therapy treatment Customers lie on a bed that looks like a normal massage bed, however as you lie on the bed your spine is scanned as no two spines are the same. Your therapist will then select the appropriate setting for you:

Automatic mode The effects of this massage therapy can greatly improve a healthy life style by alleviating pain and reducing potential for injury. Basic mode This mode is a combination of acupressure and thermal massage. Acupressure works on each successive point on the entire length of the spine. Stabilization mode This mode focuses on the thoracic and is designed for people who have problems with digestion, indigestion and ulcers. Circulation mode This mode aids insufficient circulation, lungs and bronchial problems, after stroke or heart attack, low blood pressure, and cold hands and feet. Health mode Strengthens the body's defence and stimulates the immune system. Especially recommended for thyroid problems, allergies, arthritis, diabetes and rheumatism. Also great for children. Energy mode It is a very popular mode. Works on the lumbar section of the spine. Highly effective on swollen ankles, calves, faces, leg cramps, knee pain, and kidney stones. Large boost of energy. Concentration mode For problems with the cervical section of the spine. Helps for headaches, dizziness, stiff neck, tonsils and sinus. Deep sleep mode Helps for liver problems or people with depression. A suitable mode for those who are stressed and tired even after waking up in the morning. Body line mode This mode will have an impact on body fat reduction and it will have an effect on the acceleration of the metabolism.

Otium Center 27 Grand prade, 1st Floor, City Center, Cork For more information, visit www.otiumcentercork.com or contact Otium direct on (021) 239 25 98

The raw emotions of grief can take even the strongest person by surprise

GRIEF The bitter river of misery that is grief is an unimaginable journey until you have experienced it. Unfortunately it is something that almost every being on this planet will experience at some point and one over which we have no control. In a world where we aim to control our experiences on a minute by minute basis grief is an emotion that can blindside you. The raw emotion that grief can release is something that still makes the majority of us feel uncomfortable and it is largely suffered in an isolated way. The grief journey is immensely personal and no two individuals’ experience of grief will be exactly the same. There are so many factors that influence the level and intensity of grief that someone experiences. Your relationship with the person who has passed away is probably the most significant thing and this can apply

to both a good or bad relationship with the person. Sometimes having a fraught relationship with someone can lead to inexplicable feelings of grief because of the finality of death, with the opportunity to repair or heal being completely removed from your control. The key factor to understanding grief is recognising that it is an entirely natural process and not something to feel ashamed of. There is no right or wrong way to get through grief and whatever feels right to you is the right way to cope. The Swiss psychiatrist Elisabeth KüblerRoss described the five stages of grief in her book ‘On Death and Dying’, which was published in 1969. It is referred to as The Kübler-Ross model, or the five stages of grief. The five stages are denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.

Some of the emotions associated with grief have also been described as those listed below: Shock - you may feel totally numb and this might explain why some individuals are able to carry on as if nothing has happened. Pain - this can be overwhelming and make you feel like you will never feel happy or have peace of mind again. Anger - ‘How can this person have died so unfairly?’ ‘How will I cope without them?’ Guilt - another significant component of grief and often due to the finality of death, which means we no longer have an opportunity to make amends or let people know what they mean to us. Depression – this may set in once the initial shock has lifted and can be as a result of realising what life means with this person no longer in it. Longing - intense feelings for the person, perhaps thinking you have seen them or heard their voice. The good news is that devastating grief does not have to be forever. It’s probably true to say that your life will never be exactly the same again but grief does tend to lessen over time and there is an acceptance that your life has changed irrevocably. The experience of grief can sometimes help you to empathise with others and have a sense of compassion. There are organisations that offer grief counselling and other resources to help you through the void. Many books on the subject exist, which can help you to make sense of what you are experiencing. It can sometimes be helpful to meet with other people who have experienced loss as there can be a knowing, which unites you. Grief is something that, by choice, none of us would opt to experience but it is a natural process and healing is part of that process.

CASE STUDY I lost my father when I was in my mid-thirties and until this point I had not experienced such intense emotions and profound mood-swings. When I write this now - 12 years on, I can’t believe I felt that way, but at one point the feelings were so intense I wanted to die – sitting here now that sounds ridiculous to me, but at the time it was one of the feelings I had momentarily. I remember feeling absolutely desolate at times and as though all the colour had drained out of my life and this was despite having two young children who really needed me and a loving husband. I remember experiencing raging thoughts that the world was unfair as my father was ‘only’ 66 when he passed away and I felt that this was ‘too young’ and that he had missed out on so much. I also felt choked at the thought of his own suffering. Getting through each day felt like a slog and I couldn’t imagine a happy future when this man who had been such a positive influence and rock had gone. I’m ashamed to say that I let the tears flow freely in front of my family but I did try to maintain a modicum of normality. The good news is that 12 years on I have a great acceptance and perspective on my father’s death. I still miss my Dad and think about him often but I don’t have those raw, angry, devastated feelings that I felt then. It’s been a gradual thing and I still have the odd moment when the tears rise to the surface, usually sparked by a bit of music or a photo or letter but on the whole I am in a good place now.

For further information on grief or coping with it contact The Bereavement Counselling Service. Dublin - www.bereavementireland.com

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

For more information and to shop the best of Irish, visit: kilkennyshop.com

Irish Design

Leading the Way Lennon Courtney I Joan Crawford Dress â&#x201A;Ź240

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Now is the time to buy Irish After years in the shadow of our international counterparts, Irish design is having its moment! The Design and Crafts Council of Ireland’s Irish Design 2015 initiative will undoubtedly play an important role in highlighting the Irish craft and design industry, at both a national and international level, but the growing success of Irish brands hasn’t happened overnight; this has been brewing for years. There is a new-found confidence and genuine excitement about Irish design amongst the design community, retailers and the general buying public. Designers like Orla Kiely and Simone Rocha were dubbed the ‘trendsetters’ of London Fashion Week AW15, wowing critics and designer peers with their innovation and creative visions.

Rebeka Kahn I New Beginnings Sml €125, Poppies Lrg €350 CRAFT Rebeka Kahn originally designed ceramic jewellery before turning her hand to ceramic wall art, pushing the sciences of traditional ceramic craft to create her own unique designs. Simone Walsh on the other hand identified a niche for nostalgia and created paintings to stir up memories of growing up in a traditional Irish household – she is perhaps most recognised for her Tayto and Heinz Ketchup paintings. Simone is now one of the country’s most successful artists, whose work is loved at home and abroad.

Buying Irish has become the new ‘thing’, which is incredibly positive news for designers and Irish retailers. One retailer, who has been the driving force behind this change in consumer mind-set and has been instrumental in developing the careers of many of the (now) top names in Irish design, has been the Kilkenny Group. The Kilkenny Group hasn’t jumped on board the trend of buying Irish they set the trend.

RETAIL

Here with the help of the Kilkenny Shop, we take a look at some of the leading ladies who are paving the way for Irish design, not just in the fashion industry but also in jewellery, craft and retail – the pioneers and the entrepreneurs who have never given up on their passion and ambition.

The success of any designer is not possible without having a retail support structure behind them and without doubt, most of the country’s leading designers and craftspeople have one lady to thank for their success – Marian O’Gorman, CEO of the Kilkenny Group.

FASHION Synonymous with Irish design and recognised instantaneously for her cult-like ‘Stem’ print, Orla Kiely put Irish fashion on the map! Orla started her career with a small range at the Kilkenny Shop, the first Irish retailer to give her the all-important ‘big break’, in late 1999. From here, an icon emerged. Since then, Kiely has developed a design empire and now designs not only fashion and handbags, but also kitchenware, furniture, textiles and stationary, making her ‘Stem’ print one of the most iconic prints worldwide. Sonya Lennon is a powerhouse in the Irish fashion industry. Lennon Courtney is the fabulous brainchild of Sonya and her partner-in-crime Brendan Courtney, a collection of contemporary fashion for the modern Irish woman. Her passion for Irish fashion and her entrepreneurial flair is reflected in everything Sonya turns her hand to. JEWELLERY Jewellery designer Chupi has received phenomenal praise for her work from industry leaders and celebrities, including the likes of Ruby Wax. Having started her career as a fashion designer, which included being scouted by Topshop, Chupi turned her jewellery hobby into a career in 2011 and launched in the Kilkenny Shop in 2014, catapulting her career to new heights! Chupi has given the design industry a zesty burst of young, fresh energy and the future certainly looks bright for this rising star.

Marian has built one of the country’s most successful retail groups, providing a platform for Irish designers, both established and new arrivals. Promoting Irish is at the core of everything the Kilkenny Group stands for and has undoubtedly helped shape the business decisions Marian made over the years. During the recession, it could be argued that the retail sector was one of the worst affected yet this did not sway Marian off the path of supporting Irish. In fact, under Marian’s leadership, Kilkenny went completely against the grain and expanded their business at a time when other retailers were shutting up shop and continuing to support indigenous designers and craftspeople. The Group today have 13 stores located around the country and are in the process of implementing their strategy to expand into the US market, bringing the best of Irish worldwide. Winner of the Image Business Woman of the Year Award in 2014 and finalist in the 2014 EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, Marian is an inspiration for Irish women in business and a true pillar in the Irish craft and design industry. It comes as no surprise that people are now standing up and taking note of the incredible calibre of Irish design; the only surprise is that it has taken so long! Irish design is in the here and now – join the Kilkenny Shop in supporting these talented and dedicated female designers and trendsetters, entrepreneurs and industry leaders – Buy Irish!

Chupi Gold I Swan Feather Earrings €119, Wrap Your Laurels Around Me ring, €99

Taking a fresh

PERSPECTIVE IrishWomen unpicks why network and multi-level marketing have managed to attract a somewhat undesirable and possibly undeserved reputation

The topic of network marketing and Multi Level Marketing (MLM) creates an extreme range of polar ended views. Some people are passionate about it with internationally renowned business entrepeneurs and authors like Robert Allen, Mark Victor Hansen and Robert Kiyosaki doing it and advocating it. Yet, in many circles, you might as well declare yourself a business leper rather than admit to being in network marketing.

SO, WHAT IS THE PROBLEM WITH MLM AND NETWORK MARKETING? Perhaps it's the pyramid structure? Now certainly, there are illegal pyramid, or ‘Ponzi’, schemes. This is where the money is all being made by signing up other people with little or no real product ever being delivered. However, an area that would be difficult to take issue with is the tiered compensation structure—almost every large sales organisation in the world has that. Sales people get commission, sales managers get overrides or bonuses on top of that, sales directors on top of that and vice presidents on top of that. Despite the perceptions that people may have, the fact is that Amway, Nu Skin, Herbal Life, Meleleuca, Juice Plus and many others have sold millions of pounds worth of products to happy customers, many of whom are not sales reps themselves. Perhaps there is a perception issue here, if so the perception is out of line with the reality. The real problem with MLM is not MLM itself, but some of the people it attracts. Network marketing is just a business model and it really amounts to ‘micro-franchising’. Its upside is that it has a very low cost of entry, with the potential for exceptional revenue and there are many people who achieve this. This lends credence to the fact that

more often than not the people who are sucessful in MLM are entrepreneurs who know business and understand how business works. They see the potential to create that much coveted leveraged income. Because of the structure of MLM companies, when done successfully, you can build a business that will continue to pay you every month for ever even when you are not actively working on the business. Worth working for? Absolutely! But those same things that make it attractive to entrepreneurs also make it an appealing opportunity for those who are not really prepared to do what it takes to become serious business owners. The niche characteristics of MLM make it attractive to people who:

• have no previous experience of owning or running a business.

• have no previous experience in sales. • have little or no experience developing business relationships other than that of employer/employee/co-worker.

• are not satisfied with their current level of income.

• have unrealistic expectations of the

amount of work involved compared to the revenue realized.

Look for these key points: 1. Is the company satisfying a trend within the markets? 2. Is the company financially strong? 3. Is there a ‘want’ and ‘need’ for products that are unique and patented? 4. Is the commission structure favourable against work involved. 5. Is the timing of the company within your market favourable? It’s not that there's anything wrong with any of these things, or that this describes even a majority of network marketers but as a result, many network marketers end up:

• over-selling the opportunity. • inappropriately discussing business in social situations.

• coming across as desperate. • over-focused on new recruits and

neglecting existing customers as a result.

This doesn’t mean all network marketers are like this but it does describe enough of them to tarnish the reputation of those who have a genuine understanding of the level of work and commitment involved.

SO WHAT'S THE SOLUTION? Network marketers, who are serious about building a business, should be reading and learning about business fundamentals, the latest sales and marketing techniques, strategies for networking and business development etc - not just swapping tips at weekly or monthly team meetings. Anyone can be successful in MLM regardless of education, financial standing and backround. Act like a small business owner and people will treat you like one. There is a massive opportunity to create long term wealth within an MLM company. Do your research and choose wisely.

Contact us with your thoughts and ideas about MLM and network marketing. We’d love to hear from you. Email: enquiries@irishwomenmagazine.ie

Style GURU Much loved stylist and fashion expert Cathy O’Connor shares her inner wisdom with Irish Women IT’S AMAZING TO SEE WHERE YOU ARE CONSIDERING THE AMOUNT OF PERSONAL TRAGEDY YOU HAVE SUFFERED IN YOUR LIFE – YOU HAVE LOST THREE BROTHERS AND YOUR FATHER CAN YOU TELL ME IN WHAT WAY THIS HAS SHAPED YOUR LIFE? The challenge with something like that is that if it happens once it’s appalling, but when it happens so often it’s like…… all of the anchors that you thought you had at one time you don’t have and so you rebuild and those anchors are gone again and you rebuild but they’re gone again – so it’s terribly tough – it’s a very isolating experience. It’s one of those things that unless you know it, it’s very difficult to appreciate how it percolates every single fibre of your being and every aspect of your life. I’ve had to really dig deep within myself I tell you – I’ve been around the houses on therapy trying to get some peace of mind on this, which I do have – I’m very fortunate – but that was hard won . Everyone has their story but I have to say I am blessed with a really strong spirit and I’m very lucky that I never saw myself as a victim – so although this has absolutely moulded me I think it has moulded me in the best way. SO CATHY CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT YOUR PASSION FOR CLOTHING AND HOW IT ALL STARTED? I suppose my passion for clothing is multi-layered – clothes are such incredibly strong visuals, they’re such a beautiful thing to appreciate, but as I get older I also realise the importance of them in terms of self-expression, in particular here in Ireland it’s very trend-based clothing – so every season there will be five key-based looks. You’ll know what’s in fashion because these are the looks that have been dictated and in that world of celebrity influence and of relentless trend-based agenda I just really appreciate the fact that clothes are a really great way of expressing yourself – a great opportunity to say who you are. That’s something that I really love about them and, in terms of where it all started, there are many passions that I think are just part of who you are. WHEN YOU’RE STYLING WOMEN DO YOU TRY TO GET THEM TO EXPRESS FULLY WHO THEY ARE, EVEN IF IT’S NOT FASHIONABLE AND ON-TREND? I think there is a real difference between style and fashion and just because things are fashionable it does not make them stylish. For a lot of women that can be a challenge particularly when you’re younger as there’s this desire to conform and you want to dress like your friends and be part of the tribe that identifies you. Hopefully as you get older it’s a little bit more about individuality but I think for many people they’re not really sure about how to create an individual look or they’ve had a baby or they’ve got older or just feel challenged - not

only in terms of their body shape – but about not wanting to dress like their teenage daughter and equally not wanting to be schlepping around in their cardigan, for example; so I think it becomes more of a challenge because the perimeters feel like they’re narrower – they’re not in fact but they feel like they are. CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT THE PERSONAL SHOPPING EXPERIENCE WITH YOU? People who shop with me are people who hate shopping – I get women who come to me who need help - they’re living their lives and now they want to address their work wardrobe or whatever, so I get to look at their wardrobe to see what the gaps are first so that when we go shopping we find pieces that will fit well within their wardrobe. We highlight that maybe they have a hundred pairs of black trousers and they don’t need to buy another pair. I suppose the challenge for me is that I’m trying to elicit information from people that they don’t know – these people are not going to be articulate about style and what they want – they wouldn’t be coming to me if they did. I have to watch them all the time – you know I can’t leave them in the dressing room. I have to read their faces all the time. I’m thinking ‘Does she like this? Does she not? Is she getting tired?’ It’s all psychological and partly a visual experience but, for me, it’s mostly about my ability to understand what she’s trying to say to me. I did a life coaching course many years ago, which helped me recognise the signs, because people are standing there in their underwear and they’re feeling very vulnerable – you’re looking at them and they’re judging themselves so you have to be very respectful of that and very empathetic towards it, without indulging it. DO YOU HAVE A TIP FOR OUR READERS? Style for me is the marriage of knowing the right clothes for your bodyshape and choosing clothes that say something about your personality. So I think what’s really important is to recognise all the many fantastic things about your body shape - whatever it is. You enhance the good bits and you simply disguise the rest – you know I’ve worked with models and such like and people get so neurotic about their bum and thighs for example, but no one else notices you know; there are so many people in hospital beds and you think ‘You know what they’d give to only be worrying about fat thighs’. I just think it’s very important to view yourself by not just seeing the negative but thinking things like ‘Oh I’m wearing this colour and it looks fabulous – look how my eyes are brighter’ – it’s very important in all aspects of life to be grateful for what you have.

“If any of us started our lives and were told – this, that or the other is going to happen to you – there is no way we’d survive, but you know the human spirit is incredibly resilient – I think we’re all capable of transcending a lot that happens in our lives if we choose it. You know I’ve never perceived myself as a victim” Photography: Kieran Harnett / www. kieranharnett.com

Look years younger in no time Do you long for your skin to look fresher, younger and more toned? Devereaux Beauty clinic's signature treatment is the CACI Ultra facial - voted the UK's best anti-ageing treatment. The treatment is a nonsurgical face lift and is designed to tone and refine facial contours. It targets fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin. CACI Ultra treatments include: • Lifting and toning of facial muscles • Enhanced tissue repair • Red/blue light therapy • Ultra sonic skin peeler • Hydrotone masque to finish treatment All of this for €120 – for ultimate results a course of 10 treatments is recommended for just €599. CACI is recommended in Cork City by: Lisa Madden - Miss Ireland Universe 2015 , Emer o Mahoney Irishfashaholic/ Director of Lock Down Models, Pat Walker - Vintage Vogue Please call 021 4890333 to book your FREE 15 min CACI trial or visit www.deverauxbeautyclinic.com

The Season to Change Spring is a great time of year to make some changes in your life

It is human nature to want different results but have resistance to making the changes that are necessary to get those desired results. Here are some top tips on making those changes: 1. Be clear about what you want. What does it look like, feel like and smell like? 2. Know your core values. These are your guiding principles that you live by such as health, wealth or happiness. 3. Check where you may be out of integrity with those core values. For example, if health is high on your values list but you are eating unhealthily, then something needs to change. 4. Simplify your thinking. Prioritise 3 small goals each day that will take you towards your dreams. 5. Believe you can change. Otherwise it stays as a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;wantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; instead of a definite possibility. 6. Gratitude changes everything. Start every day with a list of 5 things you are grateful for and your reality will start to shift. Sarah Leather is a Transformational Coach who helps women to make massive changes in their business & life. Contact her at SarahLeather.ie or FlourishWithSarah.com // 0872332023

FOOD

Chocolate

IN THE RAW! Elfa Thorsteinsdottir explains the benefits of eating chocolate that hasn’t been heat-treated and also shares a delicious raw chocolate recipe

I know very few people who don’t like to have some chocolate every now and then. The Maya believed that cacao, which is the basis of chocolate, was discovered by the gods and would hold an annual festival in celebration of this ‘gift’. Cacao comes from the cocoa plant. Raw cacao is an almost complete food in itself. It is packed with more than 300 chemically identifiable compounds, and is higher in antioxidants than green tea and red wine. It also contains protein, fats, calcium, iron, carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, and magnesium, which are all essential for the correct functioning of the brain. Cacao also contains caffeine, which means that a piece of raw chocolate will give you a similar kick to that of coffee, but in a much healthier way.

RAW CHOCOLATE 1 cup raw cacao butter. 1 cup raw cacao liquor or raw cacao powder. ½ cup liquid sweetener of your choice, for example: maple syrup, coconut nectar, sunroot sweetener, honey or agave. (You can also use stevia drops, but then you only need about 60 drops or so for this recipe). ¼ teaspoon salt.

Some of the benefits you may experience when eating raw chocolate include increased sex drive and feeling happier, which make it one of the most perfect comfort foods. I’m going to share with you a recipe for making your own raw chocolate, where you can play with the flavours to suit your own taste. I buy most of my raw chocolate ingredients online. Www.rawliving.eu is a website I can highly recommend, where you can get all the best raw chocolate ingredients in one place.

A few drops of a flavour essence of your choice. My favorites are the potent extracts from Medicine Flower. Melt the cacao butter and the cacao liquor in separate glass bowls over hot water. If you have a dehydrator, you can melt them in there as well. When melted, mix everything together in one bowl and pour into a chocolate making silicone moulds. I like to put mine in the fridge or the freezer for few minutes, that way they firm up quicker and easily come out of the mould. If you want to add some more flavours and texture to your chocolate, sprinkle over some of your favorite dry fruits, berries, nuts, seeds or coconut. I like to put goji berries, mulberries, raisins, coconut flakes and hemp seeds into mine, but I encourage you to experiment with it. Enjoy!

Photography: Alexandra Kristjansdottir

FOOD

Summertime SALADS As summer bursts forth filling our lives with vitality, it’s time to opt for colourful and energising food. Nasreen El-Mariesh shares three favourite recipes to put a spring in your step Chock-full with interesting and vivid ingredients these quick and easy raw salads are the perfect nutritious lunch option. Add a beneficial crunch with a sprinkling of nuts and seeds, and for an extra protein boost serve alongside grilled salmon, chicken, prawns or even tofu. Watermelon, tomato and feta salad with mint The secret of this fragrant salad is to choose a variety of perfectly ripe tomatoes such as Heirloom, Cherry or yellow. 500g tomatoes 500g watermelon ½ red onion finely sliced A handful of fresh mint (also works with basil) 150g feta cheese Juice of 1 lemon 1 teaspoon salt A good glug of olive oil Dissolve the salt in the lemon juice; pour over the red onion and let sit. Chop the tomatoes and melon into equal sized chunks. Add the oil and mint to the red onion mix, stir into the tomatoes and melon, and crumble over the feta.

Mango, avocado and rocket with a chilli lime and coriander dressing The Asian flavours of this salad marry well with tinned crab or seared fresh tuna. 1 x mango sliced 1 x avocado sliced ½ cucumber deseeded and sliced 1 x green apple finely sliced 1x small bag of rocket Dressing: Juice of ½ lime ½ red chilli deseeded and finely diced ½ garlic glove crushed ½ teaspoon grated ginger 1 tablespoon chopped fresh coriander 1 teaspoon of each: Sesame oil Rice wine vinegar Light soy sauce Mix the dressing ingredients to taste, toss with the salad leaves and gently stir in the fruit. Once dressed eat immediately.

Raw chopped salad Tasting far more remarkable than it sounds, this salad contains no wet ingredients so keeps brilliantly in the fridge without going soggy. The quantities do not need to be exact, just use whatever crunchy vegetables you have to hand. ½ red cabbage ½ white or green cabbage 1 red or yellow pepper 2 celery sticks ½ broccoli ½ cauliflower 100g mange tout or sugar snap peas A handful of chopped toasted nuts (walnuts, cashews or hazelnuts) 100g of smoked tofu (optional) 2 tablespoons sesame oil Dice all of the ingredients equally into pea-sized pieces. Toss in a bowl with salt and the oil. Keep in a sealed container for up to a week.

DID YOU KNOW?

Here are a few snippets that you might find of interest... MAY

THE CONSIGNMENT CLOSET The Montenotte Hotel Cork, Munset 10 May 2015, 11 - 5pm Facebook: The Consignment Closet, Cork The Consignment Closet is a one day event taking place in Cork selling preowned designer and luxury high street women's clothing, handbags, shoes and accessories. Items must be in excellent condition. The scheme operates on a 50/50 sale or return basis. If you would like to sell your merchandise and make cash from your closet contact consignmentcc@gmail.com.

NETWORK CORK 2015 WOMEN IN BUSINESS AWARDS LUNCH Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa. Little Island, Cork 15 May, 12.30pm

Leading Family Law Solicitor announced as finalist for prestigious Law Awards A leading Cork Family Law solicitor has been shortlisted for a prestigious Irish Law Awards. The finalists for the AIB Irish Law Awards were announced recently and saw Annette Sheehan from FitzGerald Solicitors, Lapp’s Quay selected as a finalist in the category of Family Law Solicitor of the Year. The awards, which are in their fourth year, recognise leading legal professionals by identifying, honouring and publicising their outstanding achievements and also their dedication to their profession. Speaking on her announcement as Irish Law Award finalist, Annette Sheehan said “I’m delighted and very proud to have been shortlisted for the Family Law Solicitor of the Year award. It’s truly an honour, especially as the shortlisting was on the basis of nominations from clients.” www.fitzsols.com

For tickets - www.networkcork.com Come along and hear guest speaker Moya Doherty, Director of Tyrone Productions and Commissioning Producer and Originator of Riverdance for the Eurovision Song Contest of 1994, share her story and the winners of this year’s business awards will be revealed.

For more information visit www.visitcorkcounty.com/Lusitania100Cork, @LusitaniaCork on Twitter or @Lusitania100Cork on Facebook.

Dietary Help for Children with Special Needs A unique service offering hope to thousands of Irish parents whose children have Special Needs has recently opened in Cork. Special Kids Medical Clinic was founded by Dr Amy Herlihy - a medical doctor, author, autism expert and a mother to three children, one of whom is autistic. Having witnessed the dramatic effects dietary changes had on her son's behaviour, speech and sleep, Amy began studying biomedical treatments for Autism. She is currently completing a Masters in Nutritional Medicine and is also undertaking a fellowship program with MAPS - the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs, in the US. The Clinic aims to improve the lives of thousands of children who suffer with sleep issues, digestive problems, anxiety, behavioral problems and other difficulties, by providing specialist consultation on diet and nutrition. The Clinic takes a functional medicine approach with the aim being to optimise each patientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nutritional status and ensure that key metabolic pathways are supported where necessary. For more information: www.specialkidsmedical.com

Lusitania100 Cork Remembers This May, four coastal communities in Co. Cork are coming together to host a series of commemorative events, entitled Lusitania100 Cork, to mark the centenary of the sinking of the RMS Lusitania by a German U-boat off the coast of Cork, Ireland, during the First World War. The Lusitania was en route to Liverpool from New York and 1,201 people lost their lives in the tragedy. Kinsale, The Old Head, Cobh and Courtmacsherry in Co. Cork, in association with Cork County Council, will pay tribute to all those who lost their lives in 1915 and remember the gallant efforts of their ancestors who responded with great courage and compassion to rescue survivors, the bereaved, and recover the dead, in ordinary fishing boats and lifeboats. These communities witnessed first-hand the trauma and heartbreak of the disaster. The commemorations for Lusitania100 Cork are vast and will include Wreath Laying Ceremonies with President Michael D. Higgins in Cobh, and Minister Simon Coveney at the Lusitania Monument on the Old Head, both at 2.10 pm on May 7th 2015, the time the tragedy happened.

TRAVEL

The

MEDITERRANEAN untouched

Irish Women looks at the beauty of an undiscovered country

From the air, Croatia’s coastline is breathtakingly beautiful as deep, emerald pine woods descend to the shore, then white stone beaches and islands sparkle before the bright sapphire blue of the Adriatic Sea hits your eyes. This is Croatia’s wow factor. For many years the tourist board has used the slogan ‘the Mediterranean as it once was’. It is a perfect description of this amazing little country of 1,244 islands of which approximately 50 are inhabited.

in styles from Byzantine to Baroque. Exquisite stone carvings are seen on buildings in even the smallest cobbled streets. Quaint villages and towns usually lead to a hidden cloister or a beautiful piazza. Simply stunning.

It is closer than you think too! There are few destinations which offer the diversity of Croatia. Dublin to Dubrovnik is within three and a half hour's flight. Many visitors head for the coast and islands where the pristine waters of the Adriatic are some of the cleanest in the world. More than 130 beaches and marinas have been awarded the coveted Blue Flag Status.

So what of contemporary Croatia? Croatians on the coast enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle with the flair and charm of the Italians, just across the water. Customs such as the afternoon siesta in the summer and the ‘corsa’ evening walk are all here, as are the festivals of dance, music and tradition using the open-air treasures as a stage.

This new country became independent in 1991, and joined the European Union last year. It has a long colourful history as Liburnian, Illyrian and other tribes - The Romans, Venetians, Hungarians and Ottomans have all left their cultural stamp. In some places, tiny stone houses and temples are still standing from Illyrian times and national treasures also include Roman relics, medieval walked cities, churches, basilicas, palaces and temples

Croatia Regions include Istria, a heart shaped peninsular of blue and green, home to many artists and poets, awardwinning wines and olive oils, hilltop villages and beautiful bays; Kvarner, one of Croatia’s best kept secrets, fabulous seafood restaurants, stunning islands and a world class spa scene; Hvar is known as a haunt for the jet-set, yet it has a gentler side of lavender heaths and tiny islands, which you can visit for the day plus a stunning waterfront; Brac offers traditional fishing villages, pretty bays, vineyards and pastures plus Zlatni Rat, Croatia’s most photographed beach; Dubrovnik lives up to its name as “Pearl of the Adriatic”, every stone tells a story yet this is no Museum city. A glamorous living gem and one of the most celebrated places in Croatia.

TRAVEL

In some places, tiny stone houses and temples are still standing from Illyrian times Service is usually of a high standard in even the simplest of restaurants and many of the world’s brand names are available in quality shops and stores. Temperatures in July and August - the hottest months - are 28-32°C. May, June and September are usually sunny and between 22-25°C. April and October are often around a pleasant 16-21°C and nights can be a little cooler. The sea usually remains warm until mid October. Water is of a high quality and is drinkable everywhere. Wherever you choose on the coast or islands, less than a two hour drive inland

will take you into a different world of national parks, forests, waterfalls, mountains and rural traditions. We strongly recommend taking some excursions or hiring a car to explore. Driving on Croatia’s uncrowded roads is a breeze. Prestige Holidays “Love Croatia” programme offers such huge choice, from value for money to luxurious five star hotels. It is time for you to experience Croatia. Everyone is talking about it!

For further details visit: www.travelcounsellors.ie

Set on the west coast of Ireland Clonakilty offers true Irish charm, a unique take on Black Pudding and a rich musical heritage

CLONAKILTY Conjure up an image of Black Pudding, that most hearty of additions to a cooked breakfast, loved and cherished in Ireland and none more so than in the beautiful town of Clonakilty. Here they produce their very own to a secret recipe known only to Collette Twomey, the sole owner and member of the Twomey Family who created the original recipe in the butcherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shop on Pearse Street. This is just one intriguing element of Clonakilty that makes this charming Irish town a destination not to be miss off your itinerary.

Set to the west of Cork Town, Clonakilty evolved around the railway line between 1930 and 1950. It has been designated as West Cork’s heritage town by Board Failte and the architecture of the town offers a true representation of quintessential Irish culture. Clonakilty is also noteworthy for its environmental concerns and cleanliness. This is as a result of the town’s people working together as a community to keep the town spotless. The town features a good mix of shops to browse including a toy shop, a children’s clothing outlet, a party supplier, a surf shop, butcher and artisan food provider. Other attractions in Clonakilty include galleries, museums, theatre, a fish market and four historic quays. Last but not least it’s renowned for its beautiful rugged coastline and nearby sweeping beaches, including Inchydoney, Long Strand, Red Strand, The Warren and Owenahincha making it a popular holiday destination. Clonakilty also has a diverse and rich musical history counting Noel Redding, the original bass player with The Hendrix, as part of its illustrious alumni. As a result of his presence many other musicians and rock stars have been attracted to this magical town leaving their indelible mark on its musical history. Nowadays you can find gigs, trad sessions and all forms of music in the many bars and other venues in Clonakilty. The town also plays host to a dazzling array of festivals throughout the year ensuring that there is music and entertainment to cater to all tastes.

You can tour Clonakilty on the Model Village's very own train which meanders through the town and along the river taking in all the beautiful scenery. Photo: Failte Ireland

One such festival represents itself with the motto ‘Cut the Misery and Spread the Positivity’. This is the Random Acts of Kindness Festival set up in 2012 by the local Clonakilty Macra na Feirme Club. The Festival has the noble aim of representing the warm and welcoming nature of not only those in Clonakilty but the Irish people as a nation. The Festival is held annually on the third weekend in July. Since its inception it has been a roaring success with large crowds turning out for the opening street party featuring a bubble blowing ceremony. The Festival showcases ‘kindness zones’ where small free gifts are distributed and there are events for children, storytelling, dancing, a raffle and a picnic. A good place to start your tour of Clonakilty is at the Model Village. The Model Village is built to scale and gives you a delightful insight into the origins of the town. At the Model Village you will experience a trip back in time where you will see Clonakilty as it was in the 1940s. You can also view the town’s railway line depicted in miniature and see the thriving markets of Clonakilty. During your tour you can pause and relax in the tea room set on an authentic train carriage and take in the views while you enjoy your tea. You can also opt to tour Clonakilty on the Model Village’s very own train the Choo Choo, which meanders through the town and along the river taking in all the beautiful scenery.

Nearby Inchadoney

Clonakilty is quite simply stunningly pretty; as you wander round the streets you will be charmed by the endless streams of pastel colours and flowers that bedeck the houses and shops speckled around the town, together making it a destination worthy of your attention.

For more information: www.clonakilty.ie

Clonakilty Black Pudding

CAR REVIEW

I've just spent a week in the company of the new Audi TT - and I have to admit saying goodbye was the hardest thing to do. Originally launched in 1998, the TT is one of the world's best loved sports cars. Now in its third incarnation, it's better than ever. Some say it's not much different to the outgoing model, but get up close and personal and the curves have become creases and it's blossomed into a thing of beauty. The S Line version I drove even had a hint of aggression. Slip inside and the revelations begin. Minimalist and definitely more revolution than evolution, it's an interior like no other. Audi calls it a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Virtual Cockpitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. In one fell swoop, Audi's men and women in white coats have replaced the traditional dashboard with a state-of-the art digital display and devised clever new all-in-one air vents.

Audi rings the changes

Gareth Herincx takes a spin in the Audi TT 2.0T Quattro S Line S Tronic and finds it hard to say goodbye

The dashboard dials and instruments have now morphed into a single 12.3-inch 3D digital display which switches between sat nav, speedo, car settings and audio, leaving the centre console free of multimedia. The functions are controlled by buttons on the steering wheel or a rotary knob just behind the gear selector. Of course, this means the driver can stay focused on the road, but it will leave some passengers used to fiddling with gadgets slightly frustrated. The digital dash is incredibly intuitive and I can't help feeling it's the way all cars will be in a few years. The climate control is also very clever, condensing all manner of switches and dials into single units. Hard to explain, but basically the digital temperature readout, boost and heated seat controls are now contained within the circular

CAR REVIEW

vents themselves. All this and we haven't even got to the fun bit - the TT is great to drive too. I drove the 2.0 TFSI Quattro S line S Tronic, which means it has a two-litre turbocharged petrol engine, four-wheeldrive, a six-speed automatic gearbox - and it's packed with gadgets. Press the start button and it's refined, put your foot down and it's still smooth with the odd engine pop on gear changes if you try really hard. Glance at the speedo and you'll see you're close to the legal limit. This car is quick. It'll reach 62mph in just 5.3 seconds and tops out at 155mph. Lower your rear view mirror slightly and you'll even see the concealed spoiler rise when the TT tops goes over a certain speed! Switch the Audi’s Drive Select system to Dynamic mode and the TT turns

aggressive with a sportier set-up and exhaust growl. Whether you’re cruising on a motorway, weaving round country roads or driving in town, the TT is an exhilarating experience, without being too much of a handful. The grip is amazing - try as I might, I couldn't get any of the wheels to spin, while the steering and gearbox are a joy. Beautifully comfortable seats, a superb driving position, excellent visibility and an awesome Bang and Olufsen sound system make the cockpit a lovely place to be. My test car came with a lot of extras which bumped the price up to €60,938, but even without them, the basic €45,580 is very good value. Among the extras were Audi’s Matrix LED Headlights which don't just look mean - they're a great safety feature too, lighting up the road ahead at night like no other headlights.

No car is perfect and the Audi is no different. The rear seats seem pretty pointless to me because there's no way even a child could sit in them unless the driver is equally small. That said, the boot has a 305-litre capacity - 13 litres more than before - which can be increased to 712 litres by folding down the rear seats. Parking is slightly nerve-wracking. Not just because you're paranoid about kerbing the impressive alloys, but because its haunches are difficult to judge. Beeps help, but a rear view camera wouldn't go amiss. Audi claims the TT is capable of 44.1mpg, but you would have to be very restrained to achieve that. In reality I think it's closer to 30mpg. Starting at €39,279, the Audi TT range is a class act. Stylish, safe, pioneering, beautifully built and competitively priced, it's a coupe that will go on rewarding you the more you live with it - and hold its value better than any of its competitors.

Blissed out skin in the spa at KILLARNEY PARK I was thrilled – if somewhat nervous, to be one of the first people in Munster to try the BIOTEC Facial. I have always been a fan of the Elemis Skincare range and I love the facials for the indulgent rituals that Elemis is renowned for, but most of all for the results.

The Spa at The Killarney Park is one of the first in Ireland to offer the Elemis BIOTEC Facial. Launched in late March 2015 – the response has been amazing and now Irish Women understands why

Of course being asked to review this new facial at the five star Spa at The Killarney Park is the best part of all, slipping through the doors of this hotel is good for the soul on every level! To say I was impressed with the BIOTEC facial is an understatement… although this is a machine, (and a powerful one at that) this facial felt very relaxing. The therapist was excellent and after a thorough consultation, she went to work on my face to balance, hydrate and plump my skin. There are five different technologies used – galvanic, microcurrent, oxygen, ultra-sonic and light therapy…although this sounds like a lot of technical activity on the skin, it didn’t feel complicated. It felt good, it felt like the active ingredients were going deeper and most importantly the therapist’s touch was ever present and reassuring. It was a different facial experience, one that is well worth €120 investment. I really felt my skin was super-charged afterwards. The visible results are very definite. As I sit here to write the review two weeks later, my skin still feels excellent, results which soon fade after a typical run-of-the-mill facial. I would, without hesitation, give this new generation Elemis BIOTEC Facial the five stars it deserves *****.

For more information on BIOTEC facials at the spa at Killarney Park please visit: www.killarneyparkhotel.ie

THE CORNSTORE Voted Ireland's Best Cocktails This month, Irish Women had the pleasure to visit Cornstore in Cork to sample their exquisite cocktail wine bar, all in the name of ‘work’. The cocktails at Cornstore have always been favourites of ours. However, going behind the scenes for a tasting was mind-blowing. Cornstore endeavours to make real the very essence of each offering on their cocktail menu. Their team of mixologists thrive in taking on the task of mixing a fusion of choice ingredients with the smoothest of spirits such as vodka, gin, whiskey and rum. Fruit and vegetable based elixirs are infused in-house over a period of anything up to 14 days resulting in a new range of ‘Signature Infused Cocktails’. Once these infusions reach their peak, the alcohol-soaked ingredients are removed and the mixologists get creative with their newly flavoured liquors. Take the Cornstore ‘Whiskey Old Fashioned’ for example:

“Think plum infused whiskey delicately balanced with the sweetness of plum jam and orange peel along with the sour depth of angostura bitters” said restaurateur Padraic Frawley. “Our team of mixologists are hungry for experimentation and I look forward to seeing what ingredients they used in our new cocktail menu being launched this April”, he added. My absolute favourite was the Amaretto Sour, which consists of Amaretto, maraschino syrup, fresh lemon juice, sugar syrup, angostura bitters and egg white. I also loved the ‘Pornstar Martini’ which is on the new menu and consists of Absolut vodka, passion fruit liquor, passion fruit puree, and fresh passion fruit and topped with Prosecco. It is totally delicious! A cocktail at The Cornstore is an experience – they have honoured this craft, it shows in their level of expertise, but most of all in the taste – sublime. The team are truly deserving of their recent award - voted Ireland’s Best Cocktails at the Bar Licensing Awards in Dublin.

For more information visit: cornstorecork.com

Want to earn cash from your closet? Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re seeking your pre-loved designer* bags, clothes, shoes & accessories for our one day consignment sale. Items must be in perfect/ near new condition. Clear out your closet & contact us at: consignmentcc@gmail.com facebook: TheConsignmentClosetCork Phone: 087 138 4595

THE CONSIGNMENT CLOSET The Montenotte Hotel Sunday May 10th 11-5pm *We only accept high end high street and designer labels.

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The Irish Women Magazine Team

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Partners: Sian Horn | sian@irishwomenmagazine.ie Peigin Crowley | peigin@irishwomenmagazine.ie Felicity Phillips | felicity@irishwomenmagazine.ie Carole Winterbourne | carole@irishwomenmagazine.ie Editor: Julie Connery | julie@irishwomenmagazine.ie Design: Ana Navarro | ana@irishwomenmagazine.ie Advertising Sales Team: advertise@irishwomenmagazine.ie

Irish Women South Magazine is published monthly and offers advertisers an exclusive target audience of professional, affluent women. The magazine is distributed to a readership throughout the southern region, encompassing Munster, to carefully selected high-end establishments that include luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, boutiques, health clubs, beauty salons and spas, art galleries and business offices.

CONTRIBUTORS:

NASREEN EL-MARIESH KATIE FARLEY GARETH HERINCX ELFA THORSTEINSDOTTIR ALLY CASE

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The next issue will be out in July 2015

Artwork Manager: Tracey Wykes | tracey@irishwomenmagazine.ie Finance: Clodagh Mackie | clodagh@irishwomenmagazine.ie Distribution: enquiries@irishwomenmagazine.ie

Calorie-burning activities Proper weight control cannot be attained by dieting alone; however, many people who are engaged in sedentary occupations do not realize that calories can be burned by the hundreds by engaging in strenuous activities that do not require much (or any) physical exercise. Here's the guide to calorie-burning activities and the number of calories per hour they consume. Beating around the bush .............................. 75 Jumping to conclusions .............................. 100 Climbing the walls ........................................ 150 Swallowing your pride .................................. 50 Passing the buck .............................................. 25 Pushing your luck ......................................... 250 Making mountains out of molehills ........ 500 Hitting the nail on the head ......................... 50 Bending over backwards .............................. 75 Running around in circles .......................... 350 Climbing the ladder of success ................ 650

Disclaimer: Whilst every attempt has been made to ensure that the content of this magazine is accurate, Irish Women Magazine cannot accept, and hereby

disclaims, any liability to any party to, loss or damage caused by errors or omissions, resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. All Rights reserved. No part of this magazine can be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of Irish Women Magazine. All information is correct at the time of going to press. Views expressed are not necessarily those of Irish Women Magazine. Every effort has been made to trace and acknowledge the copyright holders of material used in this magazine. However, if any copyright holder has been overlooked, we will be happy to make any necessary arrangements at the first opportunity. Irish Women Magazine does not necessarily endorse any advertisements or opinions included within this magazine.