Northern Woman by Northern Woman

NORTHERN WOMAN

Faking It

NW reviews the latest self tanners

JULY 2015

£2.50/€3.95

Holiday fashion for beach or city

Radio Da Da NW chats with some of our favourite breakfast show presenters

NUMBER 4

9 771361 273013

VOLUME 31

10 foods for a trim tum

ISSN 1361-2735

J U LY 2 0 1 5 - W H I T E R S H A D E O F PA L E

Belly Busting Foods

Jet Set Style

Whit er Shade of Pale

peel

107 Bloomfield Avenue, Belfast BT5 5AB T/F: 028 9045 2665 F: 028 9087 2491 E: elaine.peel@ntlworld.com

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Contents 54 Belly Busting Foods

FEATURES

Ten foods for a trim tum!

6 Radio Da Da

Your favourite breakfast show presenters and their children.

98 A Day in the Life

We catch up with Tiffany Brien in Dubai.

LIFESTYLE

60 Outdoor Living

Inspirational interiors.

70 Eating Alfresco

STYLE

Tasty barbeque bites.

12 Jet Set Style

Holiday fashions for the beach or city.

88 Delusions of Grandeur

Take a trip to the Loire Valley

20 Summer Sandals

Stylish, seasonal footwear.

REGULARS

22 Bohemian Luxury

Interviews and advice for working women.

35 Working 9-5

Chic festival-inspired fashions.

26 Kool Kids

The latest looks for your little ones.

56 Ask the Experts

Your questions answered

HEALTH & BEAUTY 46 Faking It

NW review the latest fake tans.

50 Hot Health Issues

Common summer health complaints.

Competitions

8 Win... a mid-week break to Bridge House Hotel, Tullamore, Co. Offaly.

PUBLISHER: Gladys Greer MANAGER: Eileen Wilson Doherty CONTRIBUTORS: Margaret Connolly, Lynda Bryans, Kate Wilson & Alicia Clarke Art Editor: Karen Donnelly PRODUCTION MANAGER: Stuart Gray Accounts: Gerardine Carson Design & Production: Greer Publications Design Tel: 028 9078 3200 DISTRIBUTION: WNS Newspread, Belfast PRINT: GPS

www.facebook.com/ NorthernWomanMagazine

@NorthernWomanNW

Greer Publications Ltd, 5B Edgewater Business Park, Belfast Harbour Estate, Belfast, BT3 9JQ Tel: 028 9078 3200 www.northernwoman.co.uk

FEATUREFATHER'SDAY

Radio Da Da!

This issue we get up early to ask out three favourite radio presenters what it means for them to be a dad and how they intend to celebrate Father’s Day this year... What are the names and ages of your children?

Ivana is four and Elayna is just five months.

How do you like to spend time with them?

I love getting outdoors with both of the girls. While Elayna is happy to observe the action from her pram, Ivana is fearless and loves nothing more than climbing, jumping and running around a playpark. Luckily, we’ve one nearby and if we’re not there, we’ll be at a forest park or beach. Castle Espie is also a favourite and of course, we all love just spending time together in the back garden at home.

Pete Snodden Cool FM Breakfast Show presenter, Pete is a proud dad to two beautiful girls.

What do you love most about being a dad? I feel that being a dad really does give you a bit of perspective in life. While I love my job, there’s nothing better than switching off at the end of the day and coming home to the kids. It’s fascinating watching the girls grow up and seeing their personalities develop.

What are your favourite memories with the either or both of your children to date?

I just love seeing Ivana with her sister. They have a lovely relationship and seeing Ivana cuddling Elayna and looking after her is just adorable. Another thing that sticks in my mind is taking Ivana to Disney World in Florida when she was two. While some said she would be too young, she really enjoyed it and to this day talks about meeting the princesses. It was such a magical experience and seeing Ivana’s reaction to everything was unforgettable.

If you could give your kids anything in life what would it be?

Long-lasting memories and eternal health! I was lucky to enjoy some fantastic holidays with my parents and I really have some great, fun memories from our time spent together and I want the girls to have the same.

Describe your perfect Father’s Day.

A bit of a lie in, breakfast in bed and a sunny day so we can all get outside for a fun, family day together.

Maurice Jay

U105 Programme Controller & Breakfast Show Presenter.

What are the names and ages of your children? Evan aged eight and Riley is six.

How do you like to spend time with them?

Any quality time with the boys is great, no matter what we are doing; firm favourites at the moment are cycling, laser quest and the old chestnut of parks, but mostly it’s golf. There is a great 18 hole Par 3 course near where we live that is perfect for kids learning the game, and the boys love it. Daddy is quite partial also!

What do you love most about being a dad?

Everything! I can honestly say that so far, touch wood, nothing has been a chore; all a pleasure! If I am pushed for a top of mind answer, I would say it’s just seeing their wee personalities and sense of humour developing, and seeing them begin to really think for themselves and question their surroundings.

FEATUREFATHER'SDAY

What is your favourite memory with either or both of your children to date?

Stephen Clements Citybeat Breakfast Show presenter, Stephen has his hands full once he’s off air with his young daughter and new baby boy. What are the names and ages of your children?

Poppy is four and Robbie is seven months old.

How do you like to spend time with them?

I’m pretty lucky to get home at lunchtime most days and I’ll drop Poppy off to nursery and then spend the afternoon entertaining Robbie with lots of squeaky, noisy toys until it’s time to go and pick her up. Poppy enjoys

swimming and cycling, so if we’re not doing either of these activities we’ll venture out to our local park so that she can run around.

What do you love most about being a dad?

Believe it or not, there’s not a lot that really makes me laugh, but when I’m with the kids I usually end up laughing out loud several times a day! For example, when Poppy gets her wee words mixed up it’s just so comical.

Definitely last year when we went on holiday to Spain; Poppy just loved the freedom of running around and splashing about in the pool. We were also in London recently and had a great few days away on a relative’s farm; Poppy loved the animals – they are easily entertained at this age and it’s so refreshing to see their enjoyment of simple things.

If you could give your kids anything in life what would it be?

I want them to feel secure in themselves; to grow up having a real strong sense of who they are and not succumb to peer pressure. What I love about Poppy is her lack of insecurity, she just doesn’t care what people think of her at this age and I hope this doesn’t change when she starts school.

Describe your perfect Father’s Day.

I’d love to take everyone to Disneyland and see Poppy’s reaction to everything, but failing that just enjoying quality time together as a family.

What is your favourite memory with the either or both of your children to date?

Wow that’s a tricky one! I would say it was a couple of summers back when we took a few days in Fermanagh and rented a boat on Lough Erne. We tootled off to the various islands with a huge picnic and the boys just loved it, jumping in from the jetties and playing in the water all day!

If you could give your kids anything in life what would it be?

Well naturally it would be good health, but that aside, Rory’s talent!

Describe your perfect Father’s Day.

I would say it will have to be a card, a hug and breakfast in bed made by the wee men; cold tea from tap water and unbuttered toast!

Win... a luxurious two night midweek stay in the Bridge House Hotel

o celebrate the arrival of summer and the new ‘Summer 99 Special’ available at the Bridge House Hotel, the fantastic 4 star in Tullamore, Co. Offaly is giving one lucky Northern Woman reader the chance to win a luxurious two night midweek stay with breakfast and a four course meal on one evening of your choice. You’ll also have full access to the water suite facilities and leisure centre ensuring you have the most enjoyable stay. Home to the traditional Michelin Guide Recommended Charleville Restaurant- a real local favourite, the busy and buzzing Bridge House Bar, experience a taste of Mama Italia’s homemade cooking at Balcone Italiano Restaurant, or for something more casual try the Coffee Shop, the award winning Carvery or the relaxed Library Bar. Let your senses guide you to the excellent Bridge House Spa for pure indulgence. If you fancy dancing the night away visit the renowned Palace Nightclub with complimentary entrance for hotel guests, The Bridge House Hotel is a fabulous 4-star hotel that feels like a resort, with so much to experience under one roof! If you’re not lucky enough to win on this occasion, the ‘Summer 99 Special’ at The Bridge House Hotel is available to book from €99 per person sharing and includes a two night stay with breakfast, four course evening meal and full use of the hotel’s leisure facilities. To book visit www.bridgehouse.com, call 057 932 5600 or email info@ bridgehouse.com.

QUESTION To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question:

How many stars does the Bridge House Hotel have? To enter, email: competitions@greerpublications.com with your answer plus your name, address and daytime number. Closing date: Friday 31 July 2015. Terms & Conditions Apply. Prize is subject to availability, voucher valid for twelve months, no cash alternative and non-transferable. One entry per household only.

Striped Top, ÂŁ50, Betty Barclay @ Dixons of Coleraine or S.D. Kells, Enniskillen

FASHION

From jet set style to festival chic, summer sandals and essential accessories we have it covered this summer.

FASHION&LIFESTYLENEWS Must-See.. ‘Myth and Modern’ Sculptural Retrospective by Miguel Frederico Neves with be running from 16th June through July in Carnegie Arts Museum, Larne with ‘Rainbow of Colour’ paintings by guest artists Pattie Barklie and Bruce McIntrye. Miguel will be exhibiting a collection of new sculptures in steel, stone, bone and wood. For those familar with Miguel’s work, it continues to evolve in different mediums and covers a wide spectrum of subjects. However, his most prevalent works continue to pay homage to his love of the female form. This piece in stainless steel shown here is one of a set of two, titled ‘Tamira’.

Boutique Update: Saretta Nestled in the small town of Moy, Saretta is an on-trend boutique offering modern, stylish fashion and accessories. Proprietor Claire O’Connor has recently renovated the boutique, doubling the size of the shop floor, creating a stylish shopping environment with beautifully presented rails of seasonal pieces. Atmospheric lighting, a new centrepiece display table and extra changing rooms all add to the shopping experience. The customer-friendly staff and environment combine to create a relaxing shopping trip which will leave you not only looking fantastic, but also feeling fabulous.

Everything including the kitchen sink! As well as it’s fashion offering, The Linen Green Designer Village in Moygashel also offers homewares and furnishings, including kitchen design with the recent additions of Sheer Design Kitchens and Design Yard.

Fashion & LifestyleNews Balmain for H&M Following in the footsteps of Alexander Wang, Balmain is the latest fashion house to collaborate with high street favourite H&M. Designer Olivier Rousteing made the announcement with the help of Kendall Jenner and Jourdan Dunn at the Billboard Music Awards. The collection will be available from 5th November 2015 in around 250 stores worldwide and online at www.hm.com.

Spice up your Specs! Former Spice Girl and Heart Radio DJ Emma Bunton has teamed up with Specsavers and anti-bullying charity Kidscape to launch this year’s search for the Wannabe Spectacle Wearers of the Year. The overall winner of the competition will be presented at a star-studded event with £10,000 in cash and a dream stay at the Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas. Enter the competition online at www.specsavers.co.uk/ loveglasses, via Facebook www.facebook.com/specsavers or alternatively at your nearest Specsavers store.

FASHION&LIFESTYLENEWS Armagh launches Tourist Shuttle Service from Belfast A new tourist shuttle bus service to Armagh, which will operate on Fridays and Saturdays every week from May 22nd until the end of August, is to become a familiar sight on the streets of Belfast this summer thanks to a tourist-friendly ‘hop on, hop off’ innovative new scheme designed to showcase the Cathedral City’s hidden gems, leading attractions, hospitality and shopping, with direct access to the heart of Ireland’s Ecclesiastical Capital. Tickets for the tours cost just £15 per person and can be purchased directly at the Belfast Welcome Centre or online at visit-belfast.com.

(L-R) Sara McGreavy, Tourism Development Officer, Armagh City Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council, Joanna Quinn, Quinn’s Coaches, Stephanie Swail, Belfast Welcome Centre and Moira Crosbie, Regional Officer, Tourism Northern Ireland.

Spend vs Save... Don’t have the budget for Chloe’s Faye bag (£440) well we think this £22 saddle bag from Next offers a stylish saving!

Feeling Bookish? This year’s Belfast Book Festival will take place from 8-14 June with lot of activities taking place in various venues across the city. The festival is a celebration of books, writers and readers. Look out for local first time author Peter Waugh who’ll be launching his debut novel Half Irish this month and taking part in the festival as part of a panel of other first time authors. For more information on Peter and the launch of Half Irish visit www.facebook.com/ petewaughwordsmith for more information and full list of events taking place as part of the Belfast Book festival visit www.belfastbookfestival.com

FASHIONTRAVELINSTYLE

Jet Set Style

Bikni Top, ÂŁ44.95, Lands End

Whether it's a beach break, city escape or girly getaway we can help you travel in style in association with Jet2 and Jet2 Holidays.

FASHIONTRAVELINSTYLE Stripe Sarong, £39, Phase Eight @ Menarys

Colour Block Swimsuit, £55, Phase Eight @ Menarys

Playsuit, £60, Next Flip Flops, £6, Accessorize Red Caged Triangle Bikini Top, £9.99 & Bottom, £7.99, New Look

Ditch the flip flops to naturally exfoliate your feet on those sandy beaches.

BEACH BREAK

White Dress, £119.99, Betty Barclay @ S.D. Kells

Necklaces, £35.90, Evelin Brandt, Belfast

This summer relax under the sun in one of Europe's many stunning beach resorts. We've adopted a nautical theme to inspire you...

Jet Set Travel Crossbody Bag, £110, Michael Kors

Lula Dye Print Dress, £119, Mint Velvet

BEAUTY ESSENTIALS...

Wedge, £115, Sitara Morgan, Portadown Cruise Large Scarlet Suitcase, £149, Jasper Conran at Tripp @ Debenhams

Sunglasses, £60, Folli Follie

Red Polka Dot Beach Bag, £39, Dickins & Jones @ House of Fraser

Glamglow Thirstymud, £50, Paddy McGurgan Make-up Pro, Belfast

Michael Kors Hydrating Bronze Gel Crème, £25

Clarins UV Plus SPF50 Day Screen, £32

Clarins Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base, £26.50

Clothing from a selection by United Colours of Benetton

FASHIONTRAVELINSTYLE

FASHIONTRAVELINSTYLE Undone Hem Looker Crop in Cliffhanger, £207, Mother Denim @ Peel, Belfast

Striped Top, £25, French Connection

Vicky Shirt, £160, Isabel Marant Etoile @ Please Don' t Tell

Embroidered Denim Jacket, £129, East Hat, £14, Next

Denim Shorts, €360, Chloe @ Brown Thomas

Dress, £109.95, Part Two @ Saretta, Moy

Sunglasses, £125, Karl Lagerfield @ Specsavers

Don' t leave Rome without throwing coins into the famed Trevi Fountain.

CITY ESCAPE

Scarf, £25.90, Sandwich @ Evelin Brandt, Belfast

This summer why not head off to explore Italy's capital city, Rome. Wondering what to pack in your suitcase, here are a few ideas... Leather Backpack, £125, Dr Martens

MAC Sized To Go Lipglass, £10

Bertha, £79.95, Moda in Pelle @ Panache, Dungannon

BEAUTY ESSENTIALS...

Cruise Cabin Luggage, £109, Jasper Conran at Tripp @ Debenhams MAC Sized To Go Demi Wipes, £10

Leather Clutch Purse with BuiltIn Phone Charger in Tangerine Orange, £74.95, Cuckooland

Block Heel Sandals, £55, United Colours of Benetton

Pur Minerals Air Perfection, £27

MAC Sized To Go Zoom Lash, £10

Clothing from a selection by United Colours of Benetton

FASHIONTRAVELINSTYLE

Tunic Dress, £90, French Connection

Cotton Vest Top, £21.90, Sandwich @ Evelin Brandt, Belfast

Abigail Straight Leg Jean, £45, White Stuff

Suede Waterfall Stud Jacket, £229, Mint Velvet @ Menarys

Blonda Silver, £95, Kurt Geiger

Stay in the luxurious Art Deco Imperial Hotel or the central Savic Hotel.

Wimbledon 2015 Seasonal Friendship Bracelet, £95, Links of London

GIRLY GETAWAY

Plain Plunge Front Boobtube Jumpsuit, £35, AX Paris

All Over Stickers Georgina Circus Leather Clutch in Chalk, £795, Anya Hindmarch Odette Silver Laser Cut Sandal, £145, Bourne @ Velvet Rose, Dromore

Gather your girlfriends together and take yourselves off to the charming city of Prague for a weekend of eating, drinking, sightseeing and shopping. Frequent Traveller Expandable 2 Wheel Carry-on, £645, Tumi @ Amara

Michelle Keegan Turtleneck Bodycon Dress, £50, Lipsy

Floral Sunglasses, £162, Dolce & Gabbana @ The Sunglasses Shop

BEAUTY ESSENTIALS... He-Shi Overnight Ageless Tanning Balm, £22.50 @ Space NK

Clarins Ombre Irridescente Aquatic Grey Eyeshadow, £19

MAC Sized to Go False Lashes, £10

Clinique Pop Lip Colour & Primer, £16

Amelie Leather Tote Bag, £195, Oushka

SOCIALPRÊT-À-PARTY

DATE WITH DENIM

uests were recently invited to a ‘Date with Denim’, a denim masterclass and fashion show at Peel Fashion, Bloomfield Avenue, Belfast, featuring Citizens of Humanity and Mother Denim. New Life Counselling received the proceeds from the charity ballot. 3

1. Elaine and Robert Peel 2. Leigh Kennedy, Kali Rodgers and Keza Royal 3. Grainne McKendry and Sarah Pinkerton 4. Sarah O'Hagan and Shauna McCullough 5. Michelle McDonald 6. Elaine Martin, and Amanda Campbell 7. Sian Brown, Olivia Danielli and Jane Jennings 8. Gillian and Francesca Hool

Please come and experience our newly renovated extended boutique. LISBURN'S

NEWEST FASHION HOTSPOT Where style lives and glam is a given Stocking the latest ladies fashions and accessories. From party frocks and statement jewellery to occasionwear, casual pieces and more.

Personal styling & outfit advice avaialble.

Have you visited yet? 17 Charlemont Street, Moy, BT71 7SL Telephone: 028 8778 9955 Find us on

9 Lisburn Square, Lisburn BT28 1TS T: 028 9209 3652 E: hello@thestyleretreat.com /thestyleretreat

FASHIONSANDALS

Fabulous Flats Krumpet, £69, Carvela

Embellished Sandal, £49, Sitara Morgan Nalda, £79.95, Moda in Pelle @ Panache, Dungannon

Orange Sandal, £35, Next

Jimmy, £44.99, Office

Pink Darla Sandal, £30, Miss KG

Summer Sandals

Flat or heeled, there's a style to suit you this season...

Jaunts, £95, Dune

Dal Block Heel Sandal, £69, Monsoon

Larco, £79.95, Moda in Pelle @ Moore' s of Coleraine

Franka, £135, Reiss

24/7 Heels Monique City Sandal, £149, Jigsaw

Mules. £55, Faith @ Debenhams

FASHIONJEWELLERY Wimbledon Yellow Gold & Diamonds Racket Necklace, £250, Links of London

Sweetheart Bracelet, £50, Folli Follie

Polished Stainless Steel Yellow Cuff Bangle, £69, Tresor Paris

Jennifer Aniston opts for golden summer accessories.

Feather Drop Earrings, £12, Accessorize

Golden Gems 'Sunset' Gold Tone Bracelet Watch with Turquoise Dial, £79, French Connection

Add some golden, summer tones to your wardrobe with the help of your jewellery. Mini Shell Ring, £149, Nina Trommen

Scarlett Stone Bracelet, £15, Phase Eight

Disk Hoop Earrings, £15, People Tree

Printed Embellished Kimono, ÂŁ16, George at Asda

FASHIONFESTIVAL

Bohemian Luxury Bring some seasonal music festival style to your everyday summer wardrobe... Narleene, £79.95, Moda In Pelle @ Moore' s of Coleraine

Kimono, £69, Phase Eight @ Menarys

Bronze Chain & Rust Leather Drape Necklace from a selection by Scribble & Stone.

Cream & Mint Blouse, £14; Flare Jeans, £16; Suede Tassel Bag, £18 & Embellished Sandals, £12, George @ Asda

Bella Hoop Earrings in Sterling Silver & Rose Gold Vermeil, £225, Sarah Ho London @ Lunn's the Jewellers

Abey Macrame Waistcoat, £49, Monsoon

Wallis S/S15 Flare Jeans, £24.99, New Look

Kimberley Garner left Chelsea behind in favour of Coachella

Evissa Beaded Halter Neck Top, £85, French Connection @ Harrison, Belfast

Summum Woman @ Evelin Brandt, Belfast

Michelle Keegan Eyelet Cami, £35, Lipsy

Frikki Scarf, £44.95, Part Two @ Saretta, Moy

Fringed Sandal, £40, Next

Alessandra Ambroise at Coachella

Alicia Shoulder Bag, £149, Jigsaw

FASHIONADVERTORIAL

shade...

Throwing some serious

A great pair of sunglasses can add a real touch of glamour to a summer outfit, or hide a multitude of sins. Specsavers has a huge range of designer sunglasses and this summer, for the first time, you can buy sunnies with non-prescription lenses.

s ever, big statement sunglasses are in fashion and this summer big, bright colours are bang on trend. It can be tricky to know what sort of style suits your face so Specsavers Northern Ireland has put together a guide on this summer’s trends.

Aviator–inspired

Aviator-inspired sunglasses have never been out of fashion since they were made popular by Hollywood stars in the 1960s. This style of sunglasses will flatter most face shapes; the only people who should avoid them are those with round faces.

ConverseSunRX (£99)

To find your nearest Specsavers store, please visit www.specsavers.co.uk

Aviator-inspired - Timberland9058 (£125)

FASHIONADVERTORIAL

Butterfly - OsirisSunFlora (£125)

Butterfly

Taking inspiration from the likes of Jackie Onassis, here is a perennial trend for large, oversized sunglasses for women. These deep oversized styles are great for anyone with an angular face as they soften the features. However, those with a petite or short face should avoid them as they can drown the features.

ConverseSun01 (£99)

Cat’s Eyes

Cat’s eyes styles are elegant and feminine and look great with summer dresses. They are perfect for women with heart shaped faces and are also good for those with petite or short faces.

SunRX143 (£85)

Cat's Eye - MaxandCoSun04 (£149)

Round - SunRX141 (£85)

Round

Round-eyed styles are very on trend this summer and perfect for people with square shaped faces and they also work well for those with a heart shaped face. They won’t be flattering on a round face though and someone with rounded features should choose a squarer frame.

THSun16 (£125)

Protecting your eyes from the sun “Most people have got the message about protecting their skin from the harmful effects of the sun but eyes are also vulnerable to damage from UV rays. “Excessive exposure to Be sure to protect your eyes in style with Specsavers. the sun can cause a painful sunburn-like inflammation of the cornea which can greatly increase the chances of developing more serious, even sight-threatening conditions in the future. So it’s vital that you protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses in the fine weather. “When buying sunglasses check that they comply with European Union safety standards (BSEN 1836:1997) or bear the kite mark and are marked with UV 400.” says Brian O’Kane, Chairman, Specsavers Northern Ireland.

KIDSFASHION

Little Stars

Dress your kids like a star this summer Just What the Doctor Ordered! A favourite with fashion forward celebrity kids, let your little ones strutt their stuff in a pair of Dr Martens!

North West is a fan of Dr Martens

Harper Beckham opts for a floral finish to her Dr Martens

Dr. Martens Brooklee Kids Boot, £50

Dr. Martens Brooklee Kids Boot, £45

Prom Dress, £16; Bandanna, £3; Biker Jacket, £20 &Sandals £9-£11, all F+F @ Tesco

KIDSFASHION Pretty Ballerinas Little girls love dressing up, so you can never go wrong with a tutu!

Boys Will Be Boys Add bold, bolshy brights to your little boy’s wardrobe.

Victoria Gwen Stefani Beckham with her withson her mini Kingston me Harper in Marrakech

Penelope Disick rocks her ballerina look.

Gwen Stefani with her son Kingston

Clothing from a selection by Billieblush @ Ring O' Rosies, Dungannon

Clothing from a selection by Gymp @ Ring O' Rosies, Dungannon

Kate Moss and her daughter Lila Grace match in black on holiday

Butterfly and Floral Embroidered Kaftan, £19, Accessorize

Angel’s Face Girls Layered Tutu Skirt, £56 @ House of Fraser

Chameleon T-shirt, £12, Fat Face

Pembroke Cargo Shorts, £18, Fat Face

Glitter Floral Trilby Hat, £12, Accessorize

Summer Style Billie Blush Ballerina Print T-shirt by Billieblush @ Ring O' Rosies, Dungannon

Dress your mini me in clothes you’d want to wear yourself!

Whiter Shade of Pale

White Suit Jacket, Reiss, £235; White Suit Trouser, Reiss, £120; Necklace, H&M, £7.99

Leave darker colours behind in favour of chic, sophisticated whites this summer.

White Shorts, Reiss, £95; White Blouse, Reiss, £110; Oversized Coat, Phase Eight, £120; Boots, Kurt Geiger, £180

White Fitted Dress, Hobbs, £139; White Linen Shirt, Hobbs, £89; Mustard Bag, Hobbs, £199; Earrings, H&M, £6.99

White Top, Ted Baker, £89; White Cardigan, Ted Baker, £109; Skirt, Phase Eight, £79; Handbag, Reiss, £90; Boots, Kurt Geiger, £180

White Jacket, Ted Baker, £199; Maxi Skirt, Phase Eight, £79; Clutch Bag, Reiss, £95

White Midi Dress, LK Bennett, £225; White Waistcoat, Topshop, £75

Photographer: Khara Pringle. 108-112 Royal Avenue, Belfast www.kharapringlephotographic.com Styling: Rebecca McKinney 07729 848822 Make-up by Paddy McGurgan @ Make-Up Pro Store, Belfast Hair: Ciaran AG @ Toni & Guy, Lisburn Road, Belfast 028 9068 2323 Model: Rebecca, 1st Option, Dublin Location: Titanic Belfast www.titanicbelfast.com

WORKINGWOMAN

Working 9-5 This issue we talk to two successful working women, Shelly Taylor, Managing Director of Taylored Workwear and Elizabeth Feehan, Managing Director of The Beauty School. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve also advice on how to stay motivated at work and what to wear to the office, as well as an expert insight into the issue of critical illness cover.

Clothing from a selection by Marc Cain at Peel, Belfast

WORKINGWOMAN L-R: Andrea Hunter, Business Development Manager of Aer Lingus NI and Shelly Taylor, Managing Director of Taylored Workwear

WORKINGWOMAN

Perfectly Taylored This issue we find out more about Shelly Taylor, Managing Director of Taylored Workwear as her business continues to go from strength to strength here in Northern Ireland. How did you get into clothes manufacturing?

After leaving India in 1955, my father manufactured clothing in England for a number of multinational organisations. I grew up in and around the textiles industry. From a very early age I would go to work alongside my dad and learned the trade from the factory floor up. I worked within the business until I left home. When I moved over to Northern Ireland in 1995 I knew that textiles was going to be where I made my way.

What prompted you to set up your own business?

When I arrived in Northern Ireland I had worked in a family business all of my working life. I had no academic or professional qualifications. I wasn’t going to be walking into a great employment role with the CV I had. I knew that if I was going to make something of my life professionally then I was going to have to do it my own way. I knew textiles. I knew it inside out. I knew that if I could get my hands on the resources then I could make a go of it. I’m known for my entrepreneurial spirit and for my outgoing character. I knew I would be able to build a rapport with clients and I knew I would be able to create opportunities to be in front of potential clients. I backed myself to be able to build something from nothing.

How has the business evolved over the years?

The business started, as with many microenterprises, in a room in my own home. The business was established in 2002. In the early days I embroidered garments for small businesses and people that I knew. As word was spread and referrals and testimonials came the business started to grow – first into the garage at the house and then on into a commercial unit in Newtownabbey. Today the business employs ten full-time people and we’re

❝I spend the majority of my time with the people who matter most, our customers. If I’m not looking after existing customers then I’m out meeting new prospects.❞ still recruiting to meet demand. We now supply branded garments to multi-national businesses such as Renault and Chain Reaction. It’s a long way from where we started.

What does a typical working day involve?

In our organisation there is no typical day. I spend the majority of my time with the people who matter most, our customers. If I’m not looking after existing customers then I’m out meeting new prospects. I have a great team behind me in the company and I know that I can devote the majority of my day to winning new business and looking after customers safe in the knowledge that the business is looking after itself at head office. My strengths are in relationship management – I serve the business best by building and maintaining relationships.

What have been your highs and lows to date?

money by not working hard. You also need dedication and discipline. If you’ve got a good idea for a business then make it happen but be aware, it’s not a nine -to-five job when you’re the boss. Lots of people go into working for themselves or starting their own business with the perception that it’s a more flexible lifestyle. It’s anything but for the early years. It’s extremely rewarding though and I’d highly recommend it to anyone.

What are your future ambitions?

We’re growing fast but there’s a lot of growth to come. We’re ambitious and we can see the opportunities ahead. We realistically believe that we can quadruple the turnover over the next three years if we can find the staff to meet the demand. Our biggest challenge is finding staff who are hungry, ambitious and keen to learn their trade in a vibrant environment.

Winning the Business Person of the Year Award in the Newtownabbey Business Awards in 2014 was a particular highlight. Newtownabbey is our home territory and being honoured by people who know you well means a huge amount to us. We were also presented with the Best Small Business Award at the Women in Business Awards in 2013 which was great recognition for all of the team here. We’ve been lucky, we’ve not suffered many business set-backs to date but we’re not complacent and we know we have to keep working hard to keep it that way.

How did it feel to be nominated in the category of Business Person of the Year at the Aer Lingus Viscount Award recently?

What advice would you have for others running a similar business or indeed thinking of running their own business?

I’m lucky. I have great kids. You need that when you work long hard hours. They understand that I have commitments to the business and as long as it doesn’t compromise our home life that’s ok. You have to plan well. I prepare at the weekend for the week ahead and ensure that everything is organised. It’s easier now that my girls are older. It’s been a challenge to get to here but my family have given me tremendous support along the way.

Work hard. First and foremost, you have to work hard. Nobody ever made any

❝I knew that if I was going to make something of my life professionally then I was going to have to do it my own way. I knew textiles. I knew it inside out.❞

Good Gosh! That was the first thought. My customers will identify with that – it’s a phrase that I use when I’m surprised. It was a fantastic acknowledgement of how far Taylored Workwear has come, particularly in the last few years. The room was full of excellent and outstanding businesses. To be one of them feels fantastic.

Finally, how do you manage to juggle home life with a busy career?

WORKINGWOMAN

Avoid the Summer Slump Many of us - even those of us who love what we do find that it's really hard to be productive during the summer. Here are some inspirational ideas to keep you motivated this summer

hile summer and the good weather it brings is a welcome relief, it can be very difficult to be productive when the sun is shining outside and your colleagues are on holiday, plus many working mums lament that it’s hard for them to stay focused during the summer when their kids are out of school, and for some businesses it can be the slowest time of year, so you might feel like you don’t have enough work to keep yourself busy. Whatever your cause of your potential summer slump, here are some ideas to ensure your stay focused and productive.

Plan Sunshine Breaks

Staying in the office during a beautiful summer day is enough to keep most people distracted. Rather than being stuck under the fluorescent lights, plan time to get outside and soak up some rays. Breaks should be taken throughout the day - if you work for eight hours straight, you’re going to be burnt out by the end of each day. A mid-morning walk can help reinvigorate you for the rest of the day. You can even set up a little picnic and take your lunch break under a tree.

Keep Hydrated

Switch out of your caffeinated beverage for a healthier option. Drinking water is a great healthy habit to have. It’s always important to drink plenty of water, but staying hydrated in the summer can help keep you motivated. As you drink more water, toxins are released from your body and you have more energy for the day ahead of you. Because your body’s natural reaction is to sweat when it’s hot, it’s especially important for you to drink enough water during the summer months.

Set Up Goals

If you get distracted easily or find yourself

❝A mid-morning walk can help reinvigorate you for the rest of the day. You can even set up a little picnic and take your lunch break under a tree. ❞ daydreaming about the beach instead, set up a list where you outline everything you have to accomplish for the day. Highlight important tasks that have to be done, prioritise these and set up a time frame for each task. It’s much easier to stay motivated if you have a game plan ahead of time.

Remove Distractions

We all have little things that distract us during the day, mainly checking Facebook or Twitter! If you know that holiday pictures your friends are posting on their Facebook pages will distract you, you can download some apps that will block the websites that kill your productivity.

Dress the Part

The outfit you wear can make a huge

difference to the way you feel. You should still wear clothing suitable for summer - light materials and brighter colours are acceptable in the office - but maintain a sense of professionalism in your appearance. If your outfit makes you feel like a professional, you’ll be more inclined to focus on your work instead of your weekend plans outside.

Stay On Task and Keep Your Focus Work doesn’t stop just because it’s summer. You can still have a productive day despite the beautiful weather. Keep your focus on the work you need to get done and take breaks as needed. As long as you keep that up, you can stay motivated during the slow summer months.

WORKINGWOMAN

A Critical Decision How many of us have insurance for our cars, house and pets? What about those that are most precious in our lives – our children? Roisin Lindsay, Mortgage and Protection Consultant explores why this is an area all parents should consider.

hat would happen if your child became critically ill? There is nothing that you wouldn’t do to try to help them. But it is a difficult and emotional subject to talk about as it starts a thought process that no one wants to bear thinking about. There has been a lot of controversy around the story of little Ashya King and the difficult decisions his parents had to make to take him out of the country after not being able to get Proton Beam Therapy on the NHS. But treatments like this come at a huge cost when they are not offered on the NHS. The approximate cost of proton beam therapy is £90,000 per patient according to the NHS*, and that is not the kind of money most parents have just lying around. Therefore financially, for a lot of families this may not be an option or they may not know they already have a policy in place that they didn’t realise would make a monetary payout if faced with the devastating news that their child had a critical illness.

What is Children’s Critical Illness Cover

Contrary to popular belief children’s critical illness cover is not a separate policy you take out under your child’s name. It is included as part of a critical illness policy for an adult and incorporates cover for any children they have. This can include natural children, stepchildren or adopted children as well as any that may come along in the future. Depending on the insurer, children

are usually covered from between the age of 30 days and 18 years, or 21 if in full time education. A child is generally covered for most of if not all of the conditions that are covered under the policy for the primary person insured (which vary in terms of number as well as severity required to be classified under that condition). Some policies also cover getting a second doctor’s opinion, access to medical specialists and support group lines and may also accelerate treatment or an operation.

Why do I need children’s critical illness cover?

Life Insurance and critical illness cover is to cover yourself and your loved ones in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as the diagnosis of a serious or critical illness that would result in loss of an income stream to the family over a prolonged period of time. Although children do not contribute to the household income it is important to consider the costs incurred if a dependant was to fall critically ill. You may have to take unpaid leave or possibly even leave your job to care for your child in these circumstances. It is also not only the loss of income that can impact the financial needs of the household. Often, hospital treatments are out of the local area which means additional accommodation and travel costs. The family home might need to be adapted to support the child’s condition or pay for a special family holiday. Therefore it is important to have provisions in place should the worst happen.

How much cover is available for children?

The sum insured for a children’s critical illness is typically a percentage of the total level over cover but limited to a maximum amount, generally 50per cent of the sum insured up to a maximum of £20,000 to £25,000 depending on the insurer**. A claim made for children’s cover is not

deducted from the total cover but rather set in addition to the sum insured. For example if you have cover for £100,000, a claim for £25,000 for children’s critical illness cover could be paid. If you were to be diagnosed with a critical illness yourself further down the line you would still be able to claim the full £100,000 provided the premiums are paid and up to date. It’s important to note that there is a range of insurers out there offering critical illness policies which all vary in terms of the conditions they cover. That is why it is important to talk to an advisor to talk you through the differences between the products and the providers available. Ageas (now AIG) recently revealed that children’s critical illness was their second highest claim, with cancer being the most common cause***. And there are many other similar statistics. Around 1,600 new cases of childhood cancer are diagnosed in the UK every year, that’s 30 children every week.**** Not everyone’s situation will be as extreme as the King’s but having some protection insurance that includes cover for children, can ensure that as parents you will have a fund to count on to help stay financially secure in the unfortunate event of having to care for and treat a child who has a critical illness. You can make sure you do the best you can for those you hold most precious – Your Children. *http://scienceblog.cancerresearchuk. org/2013/09/16/ **The amount of cover can vary between providers. It is important you read the Key Features document to ensure you fully understand the cover available. ***Ageas Protect claims statistics released April 2014 ****cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-info John Martin McPolin T/A McPolin Financial Services is an appointed representative of First Complete Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Roisin can be contacted on 07515950479 or email roisin@mcpolinfs.com

WORKINGWOMAN

My Brilliant Career This issue we meet Elizabeth Feehan, Managing Director of The Beauty School in Warrenpoint, Newry, which specialises in a variety of beauty salon training courses. ❝I was involved in a car accident many years ago, and at the time I had a very successful beauty salon. I saw this as an obstacle to overcome to better myself, as opposed to seeing it as a stepback in my career. ❞ where every day is different! After work, I go back home and spend my evenings relaxing with my beautiful children and husband.

What have been the biggest challenges of your career and how have you overcome them?

The biggest challenge I have had to face was when I had to re-evaluate my career path. I was involved in a car accident many years ago, and at the time I had a very successful beauty salon. I saw this as an obstacle to overcome to better myself, as opposed to seeing it as a step-back in my career. I seized my love for beauty, people and learning and began my new career in teaching.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Being able to offer clients the opportunity to further their careers is amazing. I enjoy being able to help, teach and watch our clients succeed.

How do you balance your work and personal life?

How did you first get involved with beauty? I have always had a desire to make people feel good about themselves, and had a passion for beauty, learning and working with people. So the beauty industry ticked all the boxes for me. It’s a sector that is constantly changing, so I get to feed my addiction.

When did you decide you wanted to set up your own business? I always dreamt of running my own company. When I was a child, we would play games like ‘hairdressers’ and I would always have to be the boss even back then.

Can you talk us through the various stages of your career and how you have ended up where you are today?

At 16 years old I left school and trained as a hairdresser, from then I have always tried to progress and better myself. It wasn’t long before I had trained as a beautician and opened my own salon. I began teaching Beauty at Regional Colleges, and felt there was a gap in the market. This is what lead me to opening my own training school and distribution company.

Can you describe a typical day?

I go to the gym at 6.30am, get the kids to school for 9.00am and then it’s off to work,

It isn’t something I have ever had to worry about. I have always been good at switching off from work once I leave the office. I believe over-thinking the work/personal life balance, can inevitably lead to stress. Fortunately, my husband also works in the business so this probably makes our personal lives generally easier.

What advice would you give to anyone who would like to follow in your footsteps? It is important to have a passion for your work. I love what I do, and my greatest reward is receiving feedback from my clients/students. I also believe maintaining a great relationship with your staff is a key factor in succeeding.

WORKINGWOMAN

Be Creative...

Working Wardrobe It’s summer in the city and for those working gals here are a few effortlessly stylish ideas.

Work, Rest and Play...

If your working environment allows for a business casual style we think these printed top and trouser sets from Part Two and In Wear are ideal for summer. Add a court shoe and blazer for a professional look.

The right playsuit can be worn to the office and we think this khaki wrap front version (£39) from Miss Selfridge is the perfect example. Add a smart longline jacket and block heels for a chic, smart look.

Wear White... Anya Hindmarch’s chalk Ebury tote (£1,100) is the perfect summer bag to carry all those working day essentials.

Top Three... These pouches will fit inside your day tote and carry all manner of make-up or necessities and can then double up as an evening clutch for after work events. 1. Malory Leather Pouch, £69, Phase Eight @ Menarys 2. Blossom Pochette in Taupe Calf Nappa, £275, Mulberry @ House of Fraser 3. Leather Pouch, £118, Sophie Hulme @ The Outnet

Keep it Covered... Part cardigan, part coat, this stylish jersey coat (£149) from Mint Velvet will see you through summer and into the autumn.

Sure Footed... The Alina grey patent court from Dune (£65) is the perfect everyday work shoe for summer. Wear with white, black, beige, grey, navy or soft pastel shades.

Image courtesy of YSL

HEALTH & BEAUTY Step into the heat of summer fully prepped with all of the latest beauty lotions and potions.

HEALTH&BEAUTYPERFUMES Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Fragrance, £45 for 100ml

Michael Kors Sexy Amber Eau de Parfum, £44.99 for 50ml

Prada Candy Florale Eau de Toilette, £53.50 for 50ml

Tom Ford Fleur de Portofino Eau de Parfum, £142 for 50ml

The Scent of Summer

Jack Eau de Parfum, £95 for 100ml @ Brown Thomas, Dublin

It's time to move away from heavy winter fragrances which may be too overpowering for the summer and opt for these new seasonal scents.

Elie Saab L'Eau Couture Eau de Toilette, £31 for 30ml

Jo Malone Plum Blossom Cologne, £86 for 100ml

DKNY Be Delicious Fresh Blossom Eau de Parfum, £36.50 for 30ml

Roberto Cavalli Paradiso Eau de Parfum, £65 for 75ml

Thierry Mugler Angel Limited Edition Eau Sucrée, £45 for 50ml Aqua Citra Perfume, £39.99 for 100ml

HEALTH&BEAUTYNEWS Exfoilate this summer with Jo Malone’s luxurious Geranium & Walnut Body Scrub, £40 for 250g got2b Mind Blowing Xpress Dry Spray, £4.19 for 200ml

Beauty

Box

Rediscover glowing skin with Clinique’s new Turnaround Revitalising Treatment Oil, £30 for 30ml

Step into the heat of summer fully prepped with all of the latest beauty lotions and potions...

Nourish and illuminate your body this summer with Clarins After Sun Shimmer Oil Limited Edition, £31.50 for 100ml

Iluma by Image Skincare Intense Brightening Exfoliator Powder, £31.50.

Beach Perfect Slim Tan (£19.99 for 200ml) is a new, dual action slimming gel that has been specially formulated to bronze and tone the body.

Mature skin made more fragile by hormone changes will love Yon-Ka Excellence Code Creme, £123 for 50ml

HEALTH&BEAUTYNEWS

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse have brought out a limited edition bottle of their iconic dry oil, £28 for 100ml

Esteé Lauder Bronze Goddess Whipped Body Creme, £29 for 200ml.

Lipstick Queen Frog Prince looks green but glides on pink, £22 @ Space NK

YSL Full Metal Shadow in No.4 Onde Sable (£21) is a liquid shadow that last for up to 16 hours!

Improve your nails in just one week with CND Rescue RXx Daily Keratin Treatment, £19.95 for 15ml

Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF40 is ideal for normal to dry skin types, £39 for 30ml

LIFESTYLETRIED&TESTED

Faking It Whether to replace or top up a natural tan, here are NW’s reviews of some of the latest fake tans to give you face and body a golden glow this summer. Vita Liberata Self Tanning Night Moisture Mask, £30 & Vita Liberata Trystal Self-Tanning Minerals, £35

Sun Believeable Kiss Me Gradual Tan, £17 & Sun Believeable Face, £35

These products were white in colour and silky in texture when applying. They developed quite light colour so you would definitely need a few applications if you like a darker tan. I immediately got that typical ‘fake tan’ smell when I had applied them, but once I showered this disappeared. I used latex gloves to apply the body lotion and I found it went on very easily and didn’t streak at all. I found I only had to wait approximately five minutes or so before dressing and I didn’t feel like the lotion left a tacky feeling on my skin even prior to showering. Both wore off very well and lasted approximately three to four days. I would use these products again if I was looking for a tan that gave a light glow.

The Self Tanning Night moisture mask boasts an anti-aging night treatment was well as a beautiful, buildable tan. About an hour before I went to bed I applied this colourless cream to my face and neck and blended it down onto my chest with a mitt - it glided on smoothly and evenly with a no telltale fake tan scent. Next morning I had a lovely golden glow. I have used this daily since to maintain my colour without any signs of grease, breakouts or blocked pores. On to the Trystal Self-Tanning Minerals - this is a powder tanner that also has a instant colour. The powder comes with a nice sized Kabuki Brush included for easier application. You can either buff the powder over your face and use as a bronzer or as the brush is slightly tapered you can use the powder to contour your face. The tan is meant to develop over four to eight hours. The product come in two colours and I used the ‘sunkissed’ powder over my tinted moisture and loved the colour that developed throughout the day. Trystal Minerals is an ultimate summer essential! I was very impressed with both products and while they are a bit pricier than most they are definitely worth it!

Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster for Body, £26 & Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster, £18

With the Golden Glow Booster I just put some of my usual moisturiser in the palm of my hand and added three drops of the liquid, mixed well and applied evenly on my face and neck. I repeated this for three days and gradually built up a very nice natural tan. I did learn quite quickly to make sure and wash my hands thoroughly after application, as I had well tanned palms by mistake! I really like this product as I can put as little or as much on without fear of overdoing it and it is a very small bottle which is easy to pack without fear of it exploding in your suitcase. I loved the Glow Booster for body too, the colour lasts really well and wears off evenly and intend to keep using it.

LIFESTYLETRIED&TESTED

Jane Iredale Tantasia Self Tanner & Bronzer, £25

The product is a tan colour, which makes it easier to apply as you can spot any missed areas. The first coating gives a very light, natural colour which can be built up through subsequent coats. The texture would be one of the best selling points of this product as it glides on very easily, even on unmoisturised legs, allowing a small amount to be spread quickly. It has a light citrus scent on application, and no noticeable chemical smell afterwards although I only applied it on my legs so it may smell stronger on the body, arms or face. Application was straightforward and without issues. Gloves are recommended but I used my hands and quickly washed them afterwards without any subsequent tanning residue. I built up the colour over two to three days and then it showered off easily. While this product is relatively pricey, it’s probably worth it for those favouring ease of application and a lighter, more natural look and I know I will buy it again.

bBold Flawless Legs, £11.99

I found the colour was very light, but as described, natural. If purchasing again I would opt for a darker shade as I prefer to have a darker colour. I found the texture was nice, it gave the skin a smooth feel and the smell was quite fresh and not over powering. I used the bBold mitt to apply and the product didn’t wear off until showering. I think this product is good value for money when compared with other similar products and I would buy it again, but like I mentioned, I would purchase the darker colour.

Karora Ultra Dark Bronzing Mousse, £23.95

If you are looking for a very very deep tanned look then this is excellent, but I would be quite swarthy and I found this version too dark for my personal taste. For a subtler, more natural ‘glow’ a lighter shade would be more suitable. These are available from the Karora range. However, I definitely would not recommend the Ultra Dark for anyone with a pale skin tone. It is a really lovely smooth and velvety mousse and it had a nice citrus smell, but like most tanning products it still had that underlying scent that no-one seems to be able to eliminate completely! As it is a mousse I found it very easy to apply with the mitt. I’m not experienced in applying tanning products but seem to manage very well with this one. It does have to be left to develop for eight hours and it did seem to go a little patchy around the usual areas, but I think that may have been due to my lack of experience in application and also the big contrast of the deep colour compared to my skin tone. It lasted for five days and a little seemed to go a long way. I’m not really sure how ‘the cost per application’ compares to other tanning products but would imagine it is good value for money.

bareMinerals Faux Face Gradual Glow Sunless Tanner, £18 & bareMinerals Faux Body Sunless Tanner, £20

I normally don't like tanning products on my face, but this one was a lovely light texture tan which is a dark colour so easy to apply. There was no smell at all and I really didn’t feel that there was an extra layer on my skin. Over the summer I will be applying twice a week, to maintain a healthy glow. A tube should last for the summer season and I do feel it is value for money. I will be recommending this one! As for the body tan, it was a creamy dark coloured tan and I applied it with a mitt which I felt was better than using your hands as it could have stained your hands easily. My tan did develop overnight nicely and I would advise applying two to three times per week to maintain your tan. Although when my tan wore off, it gradually faded rather than blotching. The tan had a lovely summer almond scent, which was a nice change for a fake tan! Overall a great tan, I would definitely buy bareMinerals again.

HEALTH&BEAUTYSUNCREAMS Clarins Sun Care Cream High Protection UVB/UVA 30, £19.50 for 100ml. Especially for fair and ultra-sensitive skin, this cream is ideal if your skin barely changes colour in the sun and becomes easily irritated.

Sisley Body Sun Care SPF15, £92.50 for 200ml. A genuine body moisturiser that protects against UVA and UVB radiation, protecting skin and encouraging an even tan.

Riemann P20 SPF50+, £13.99 for 200ml. Apply P20 in the morning and that’s it, you’re protected for up to ten hours, even after frequent swimming throughout the day - and that’s unique.

Sun Screen

Stay skin safe with these sun protection products...

Vita Liberata Passionflower & Argan Dry Oil SPF50, £28.50 for 100ml. Water resistant for up to eight hours this dry oil is non-greasy formula and gives your skin the most stunning dewy radiance.

Creme de la Mer The Reparative Body Sun Lotion SPF 30, £65 for 200ml. This sun cream offers extensive anti-ageing benefits, infuses skin with moisture and is quick to absorb and non-sticky.

Ambre Solaire Light & Silky Mist SPF15, £13.99 for 150ml. Enriched with hydrasilk complex pro, this mist provides 24 hour hydration leaving skin feeling silky and smooth with a light summery fragrance.

Nuxe Sun Milky Spray for Face & Body SPF 20, £18 for 150ml. This sun spray protects with a bewitching fragrance with notes of sweet orange, Tahitian gardenia and vanilla.

Lidl Cien transparent Sun Spray SPF 20, £3.49 for 250ml. Non-greasy and rapidly absorbed, this spray is easy to apply and very refreshing to the skin.

I would really like to thank all our clients and my loyal staff for their invaluable support.

Let us inspire you with pearlescent colour this season

Natural Beauty welcome Elemis to their portfolio of Beauty Products. The Natural Beauty therapists are fully trained to deliver the Elemis experience to their clients.

Martine Broggy

Lisa McCusker and Martine Broggy from Natural Hair Company, winners of the 2015/16, 'Ulster Salon of the Year' with Brendan Thompson from Schwarzkopf.

For that all important skin care, Natural Beauty have installed the amazing Caci machine - this is a non-surgical face lift system that truly delivers visible and corrective results without the need for any invasive procedures. From ÂŁ60

For the last 20 years we at the Natural Hair Company have built up a reputation of being one of the most dynamic hairdressers and colour houses in Northern Ireland. The award winning team invite you to come along for a complimentary consultation to discover the colour potential in your hair. So lift the phone and make that call to help you discover your perfect cut and colour.

HEALTHSUMMERDISEASES

Hot Health Issues

Summer hopefully brings sun and heat, but this also leads to certain health complaints, the most common of which we have highlighted here... BITES AND STINGS

Bites and stings are all too common in the summer. You can be bitten by a variety of insects including midges, mosquitoes, horseflies, fleas, lice and ants and some people react worse to bites and stings than others. The site of the bite may appear red and swell or be itchy. Stings from wasps, bees and jellyfish can also be very painful and cause a red itchy rash. Plants such as nettles can also irritate the skin, leaving a red mottled rash. Although the redness and swelling usually clear quickly, again, some people are very sensitive to stings and can develop a severe allergic reaction. This can cause swelling of the face, difficulty in breathing and dizziness, and it is vital to get medical help immediately. If a bee or a wasp stings you, the sting is often left behind. This should be removed immediately by scraping the skin, do not squeeze it because this will only push more of the sting under your skin. A cold compress can be applied to soothe. If you are bitten on the ankles or lower legs and experience swelling, raise your legs on a stool or coffee table.

Help Yourself...

• Use insect repellent when sitting outside on summer evenings. • Cover your arms and legs when outside. • Avoid eating sweet food or drinking sugary drinks when outside as these attract insects.

HAYFEVER

Hayfever is one of the most common allergies in the UK. Women are more frequently affected than men and are also more tolerant of symptoms of hayfever and allergies than men, with double the number of women than men saying that they would suffer to the extreme before treating the condition. Research suggests that hayfever can run in families, particularly those who also have a history of atopic conditions such as asthma and eczema. Hayfever is an allergic reaction to pollen grains or spores produced by trees, grass, flowers and moulds. It occurs between the early spring and autumn, but for those people who are allergic to tree pollens, symptoms can start as early as January. Fungal spores are present all year round, but counts are particularly high in the late summer and

autumn, while the grass pollen season normally runs through from May to early August. Symptoms vary in severity, depending on the individual and the type of pollen causing the reaction. Usual symptoms are a blocked or runny nose, red, itchy and watery eyes, frequent sneezing, itching of the roof of the mouth and loss of smell and taste. When the symptoms first appear, you may think you are developing a cold, but unlike a cold, the symptoms do not often disappear after a few days, and may last for a few weeks. Hayfever symptoms can be prevented by use of nasal sprays containing steroids or antihistamines. It is best to start using these two weeks before your symptoms normally appear.

Help Yourself...

• Close windows at home, in the office and in the car. • Wear sunglasses to prevent pollen from reaching the eyes. • Try to take holidays near the sea or in the mountains. • Wash your hair and splash your eyes after

HEALTHSUMMERDISEASES you have been outside to get rid of stray pollen.

MINOR EYE INFECTIONS

Sunshine and glare can result in your eyes becoming strained and uncomfortable, while dust - which is more common when it is dry and hot - can irritate your eyes. Lack of sleep during a very hot spell can also make your eyelids puffy and uncomfortable. However, the two most common minor eye infections are conjunctivitis and styes.

Help Yourself...

Bathe the eyes with cooled boiled water. Try not to touch or rub your eyes. • Stop wearing eye make-up until the infection has cleared. • Avoid smokey atmospheres as this will irritate any eye condition. • Avoid wearing contact lenses, especially the soft or permeable types, while you have any kind of eye infection, but if you do wear contact lenses, check with your pharmacist before using any eye drops or eye ointment. • If you work at a computer, try to make sure the screen does not face the window as the glare from the sun will add to the glare from the screen and make your eyes feel worse.

PRICKLY HEAT

Prickly heat - as its name suggests - is a very itchy red skin rash, causing a prickling or burning feeling and occurs in people who are particularly sensitive to the sun. It may occur when you sweat a lot in hot or humid weather. Dead skin cells and bacteria block the sweat glands and the skin becomes inflamed with a spotty rash that may blister. The rash develops most commonly on the backs of the knees, waist, under the arms, inner thighs and anywhere where there is friction between the skin and clothing. Babies and children are particularly prone to prickly heat because of their immature sweat glands, and the rash is most commonly found in the nappy area, on the neck or in the folds of the skin. Those who are overweight or sweat easily are also more likely to develop prickly heat. If you develop prickly heat, try oily calamine lotion or an oatmeal-based cream, which will help sooth the itching. If the rash is very itchy, antihistamines can help, but if the rash persists for more than a few days, a mild steroid cream may be better.

Help Yourself...

• Totally avoid the sun if possible. Use a sunscreen with a high SPF if you must go outdoors in the sunshine.Wear loose cotton clothing to encourage evaporation of sweat and prevent further skin irritation.

Also, keep as cool as possible - with air conditioning or regular cold showers – as this will also help the sweat evaporate from the skin.

SUMMER COLDS

Colds are something we tend to associate with winter, but many people suffer in the summer too. In the spring and summer a cold can sometimes be mistaken for hay fever and vice versa, but hay fever occurs when there is pollen in the air. Since viruses cause colds, antibiotics do not work, unless there is a secondary infection. There is therefore no cure for a cold, but there are various treatments, which you can use to ease the symptoms. From hot drinks to paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin. Oils such as eucalyptus, menthol, camphor and clove can be inhaled to help relieve a blocked nose. Put a few drops on your handkerchief or add to a bowl of hot (not boiling) water and inhale the steam. Breathing in steam from a hot shower or bath can also help ease a blocked nose and sore throat.

Help Yourself...

• Keep warm and get plenty of rest • Drink lots of fluids. Try drinking hot water with blackcurrant or lemon and honey.

SUNBURN

Continued exposure to the sun increases your risk of developing skin cancer, and if you have pale skin, blonde or red hair or work outside, you are more at risk. Babies and young children are at special risk because of their delicate skins. Repeated short, acute periods of intense exposure seem to be more dangerous than daily exposure to lower intensities of sunlight. However, long-term exposure to the sun causes premature ageing of the skin and can lead to the development of freckling and flat brown spots - usually on the back of the hands and arms. If you do get sunburnt, take a cool shower. Then apply an aftersun cream to the affected areas, avoiding areas where the skin is broken. After a few days, your skin may begin to peel and feel dry and itchy. Use a moisturising cream and add a moisturising oil or emollient lotion to the bath to help replace the moisture you have lost which will also help to reduce any itching. Stay out of the sun until your skin is completely better.

Help Yourself...

Wear a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Avoiding the sun in the middle of the day. Wear a hat. Cover shoulders with a T-shirt.

TRAVEL SICKNESS

Travel sickness can occur when travelling by car, bus, boat or aeroplane. Generally, this results in the sufferer feeling queasy and unwell, but symptoms can progress to sweating of the face and hands, salivation and vomiting. There are a number of treatments available from pharmacies. If you know you suffer from travel sickness, do not wait to start the journey before taking a tablet, because you may be sick before the tablet has had time to be absorbed. Traditional remedies include stem ginger and peppermint: eating a ginger biscuit or sucking a peppermint may help some people. Travel sickness bands, which are worn on the wrist can help to alleviate nausea using the principles of Chinese acupressure.

Help Yourself...

• Try to sit in the front of a car rather than in the back seat or if travelling by boat, try and stay on the deck in the middle of the boat where the motion is least felt. • Make sure there is plenty of ventilation/fresh air while you are travelling. • Fix your gaze on a stationary object, if possible. • Avoid reading. • Listen to music to distract from the symptoms. • Do not travel on an empty stomach, but also avoid a heavy meal or drinking alcohol before travelling.

HEAT STROKE & DEHYDRATION

Heat stroke is a potentially dangerous condition and occurs when the heatcontrolling mechanism of the body breaks down. Dehydration is caused by the loss of large volumes of water and salt from the body. Warning signs can include headaches, nausea, muscle cramps, a rapid pulse, rapid breathing and in more serious cases, fainting and unconsciousness. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, people with high blood pressure and people working or exercising in a hot environment. If you develop signs of heat stroke, go into a cool room, if possible, and have a cool shower or sponge yourself down with cool water. If you have access to a fan, use it. Paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen should be taken to treat your headache and will also help to bring your temperature down. Continue to cool yourself down as much as possible and take your temperature every half an hour until it returns to normal.

Help Yourself...

Avoiding going out in the sun, particularly between 11am and 3pm. Drink plenty of cold water - more than the usual eight glasses a day.

Hair t ot he Rescue

HEALTH&BEAUTYHAIR

Before

Hair supremo Paul Stafford gave another one of our readers, Karen Louise Flynn, a new hair makeover she so desperately craved.

on’t be fooled by the likes of Alexa Chung, queen of the dressed-down, so casual brigade. It takes serious time and energy to look that effortlessly beautiful. Her bedhead waves and sun-blushed colour don’t just happen; they have been painstakingly prepared as much as any red-carpet up-do. This is something Karen Flynn, the ace behind blogspot A Stitch to Wear, knows all too well. She has naturally wavy, brown hair along with the flawless complexion and cleareyed look Alexa champions. But fitting in time for her English lit studies alongside her smoking-hot style blog did leave her a little short of time. And before she knew it, she’d gone from languorous lob (long bob) to choppy mayhem, while her colour was suffering from the horror that causes us hairdressers to turn away in shock – over-coloured home dyeing. Quick march to Stafford Hairdressing to get her back on track. Personally, I would like to have taken Karen a little shorter, I reckon it would really make her eyes pop and show off her lovely bone structure, but the client is always right, and Karen wants a lob – so trendy! That’s no problem. I cropped away much of the weight so it still looked long, but was so much lighter and her waves were able to bounce back up to glorious fullness. It’s the sort of cut that she can leave for a few months before her next salon visit, meaning she has more time for her blog. Oh, and her studies. My in-salon colour expert, Cheryl Dale, lifted the colour saturation very gently, treating her hair to a deep, intensive treatment to breathe health and vitality into what was rather dry and brittle hair. Once it was in perfect condition, she then lifted the ends so Karen’s natural light shade could shine through. This will allow her to grow her darker brown ends out without her roots looking obvious or severe. Cheryl did a great job. Overall Karen was delighted with her look. What she loves most is ease of looking after it at home. She can just wash it and leave it. So maybe looking like Alexa doesn’t take as much effort as I thought.

AFTER

Hair: Paul Stafford @ Stafford Hair; Colour: Cheryl Dale; Make-up: Sharon Watson; Photography: Lee Michell

www.staffordhair.com

twitter @staffordhair

facebook / staffordhairdressing

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Hair: Paul Stafford @ Stafford Hair; Colour: Aidan Bradley; Styling: Sara O'Neill; Make-up: Sharon Watson; Photography: Lee Michell

Where hair lives 671 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7GT I 028 9066 2554 I info@staffordhair.com I staffordhair.com twitter @staffordhair

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LIFESTYLEDIET

Belly Busting Foods Try adding these ten ab-flattening foods to your diet. 1. Almonds

These delicious and versatile nuts contain filling protein and fibre, not to mention vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant. They’re also a good source of magnesium, a mineral your body must have in order to produce energy, build and maintain muscle tissue, and regulate blood sugar. Aim for an ounce a day (about 23 almonds), with approximately 160 calories.

2. Eggs

You won’t find a more perfect protein source. Eggs are highly respected by dietitians because of their balance of essential amino acids and on a basic level if you eat eggs for breakfast in the morning you feel less hungry throughout the day. Try to eat at least one egg a day.

3. Soy

Soybeans are a great source of antioxidants, fibre, and protein. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. Snack on dry-roasted soybeans, toss shelled edamame into soups, and slip a spoonful of silken tofu into your morning smoothie. A half cup of steamed edamame contains about 130 calories and 11 grams of protein. Four ounces of tofu (94 calories) contain 10 grams.

contraction. In other words, they help fuel your workouts. Keep a bag of prewashed baby spinach in your fridge and toss a handful into soups, salads, pasta dishes, stir-fries, and sandwiches.

7. Yoghurt

People who get their calcium from yoghurt rather than from other sources may lose more weight around their midsection, according to a recent study published in the International Journal of Obesity. The probiotic bacteria in most yoghurts help keep your digestive system healthy, which translates into a lower incidence of gas, bloating, and constipation, which can keep your tummy looking flat. Choose fat-free natural or Greek yoghurt and add fresh chopped fruit for flavour and extra fibre.

8. Veggie Soup

4. Apples

An apple a day keeps the doctor away! Not only do apples help reduce weight gain, but they also contain a compound shown to help fight certain cancers, reduce cholesterol damage, and promote healthy lungs.

Researchers have found that people who eat broth-based soups two times a day are more successful in losing weight than those who eat the same amount of calories in snack food. While the summer is upon us and hot soup is the last thing you want to be eating, when cooler autumn days return try having at least one cup of low-calorie, low-sodium vegetable soup every day.

5. Berries

9. Salmon

Most are loaded with fibre, every dieter’s best friend. The more fibre you eat - experts say that it’s best to get between 25 and 35 grams every day - the fewer calories you absorb from all the other stuff you put in your mouth. That’s because fibre traps food particles and shuttles them out of your system before they’re fully digested. Berries (and other fruits) are also high in antioxidants, which not only help protect you from chronic diseases like cancer but may also help you get more results from your workouts. Introduce at least half a cup daily.

6. Leafy Greens

Their cancer-preventing carotenoids won’t help shrink your waistline, but their low calorie count definitely will. One cup of spinach contains only about 40 calories, while a cup of broccoli has 55 calories and satisfies 20 percent of your day’s fibre requirement. Most leafy greens are also a good source of calcium, an essential ingredient for muscle

Voted FHM's Sexiest Woman 2015, Michelle Keegan's abs are only achievable thanks to some carefully considered foods.

Seafood, especially fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel, is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. These uber-healthy fats may help promote fat burning by making your metabolism more efficient. Seafood is also an excellent source of ab-friendly protein. Two servings per week should be enough and wild salmon contains more omega-3 fatty acids than farm-raised.

10. Quinoa

This wholegrain contains five grams of fibre and 11 grams of protein per half cup. Cook it as you would any other grain (although some brands require rinsing). Quinoa’s nutty flavor and crunchy-yet-chewy texture are like a cross between wholewheat couscous and short-grain brown rice.

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HEALTH&BEAUTYADVICE

Our panel of experts this month are: Hair

Fashion Sara O’Neill Stylist www.saras-designs.co.uk

Paul Stafford Paul Stafford Hairdressing Belfast www.paulstafford.co.uk

Skincare Jeanne Brophy Skincare Specialist www.jeannebrophy.com

Ask the Experts... I’m desperately looking for a tailored suit to wear to my daughter’s graduation later this summer. I’d like a slim cut and with a a floral design or a bright colour. I’m a size 12 and 5’6”. Sara says... Good choice! Trouser suits are having a bit of a moment and are a current celeb favourite – I love Poppy Delevingne’s gorgeous floral ensemble at Paris fashion week. Suits are a sharper alternative to a dress for a graduation or a spring wedding but just as easy, a shirt and accessories and you’re ready to go. On the highstreet I’ve found three great versions. Mango’s inverted lapel cobalt blue suit is gorgeous, a tailored jacket and cropped slim trousers. Pair with a crisp white shirt and black heels and clutch for a cool, minimal look. For a more feminine, floral look Ted Baker’s Mirrored Tropics print suit would look great with a simple silk tshirt or cami, maybe pulling out the pink tones from the flowers. A softer option from Marks & Spencer is their Autograph floral vest and matching 7/8 cropped trousers, just drape a white blazer over your shoulders and you’re good to go. All of these trousers are ankle grazing and would look best with a slim, high sandal so don’t forget to tan and pamper feet and ankles!

I’m 43, recently divorced and have lost a considerable amount of weight over the last two years, I’ve worn my hair long since my early 20s. My new single status/new found confidence has tempted me into a rethink of my overall image. My hair always looks frumpy and middle aged, it’s either a long bob or longer with layers. I’ve experimented with fringes but it always ends up looking the same. I’m ready for the chop. My current hair heroes are Scarlett Johannsen’s lovely undercut and Sienna Miller’s foxy bob? Paul says... It’s a very simple solution. Haircuts are about suitability, face shape, texture, quantity and quality of hair type, manageability and most of all in my opinion... confidence. The first step is to have a proper consultation with a stylist who understands and listens.

What causes Rosacea and is it hereditary? Jeanne says... A set cause of Rosacea has not been established but there are a number of theories ranging from a type of intestinal bacteria through to an over production of mites which live on our skin (not very pleasant!) These are all theories and as yet nothing has been proven. Rosacea definitely can be hereditary, having up to a 50% greater chance of developing it with one parent with the condition. It is more common in fair skins – often nicknamed “the curse of the celts”. Whilst it is difficult to say an actual cause most people suffering from Rosacea can find triggers which for them cause worsening of symptoms. Things to look out for are alcohol, food intolerances and the sun. Whilst rosacea is not considered “curable” there is plenty that we can do to reduce the common symptoms of redness, split capillaries and reactive skin. Professional treatments that work really well are IPL and prescriptive facials but most importantly the right home care can create dramatic change.

The stylist’s technical ability has to be matched by their ability to assess your suitability. Scarlet Johanssen’s hair is a very strong look, beautiful on the right person, but brutal on the wrong, it needs to be tailored perfectly to fit the face and head shape. Not for the faint hearted but softer versions can be achieved, leaving more length and maybe less contrast between the short and long making it still chic but more wearable for various facial shapes. Sienna’s haircut is more about the softness, sexiness and that lazy boho vibe. It’s a more pedestrian shape that can be created lots of different ways and suits a lot of different face and hair types. Again it’s still a technical haircut using a disconnected idea to create variation within the shape to give that looser look we all love. It’s probably this years “Rachael” so be prepared to see versions of this all summer. Styles are about attitude and confidence. They are also fun sexy and summery. So if you are feeling it, do it while the sun is still shining!

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SOCIALPRÊT-À-PARTY 1

JASON SHANKEY SPRING BEAUTY EVENT

ason Shankey Aesthetica recently invited members of the press and clients to a Spring Beauty Event showcasing some of their latest in beauty treatments such as HD Brows, Minimi Body Wrap, and the new Collagen Wave machine – the new micro current machine that is deemed as the new botox without the needles! Guests were given the opportunity to try out the new treatments on the evening. 4

2 5

1. Brenda Shankey, Elizabeth Feehan and Karen McVeigh 2. Louise Vance 3. Brenda Shankey 4. Catherine Garvey 5. Zoe McComb

THE STYLE RETREAT HOSTS FASHION EVENING

he Style Retreat and Urban Threads Boutique in Lisburn recently hosted an evening of fashion, fun and indulgence for ladies and gents at the Carden in Lisburn. Proceeds from the event went to supporting Charity 21.

LIFESTYLE

In this issue we bring you ideas for outdoor living and dining, recipes for the BBQ and we take a look at what the Loire Valley and St. Andrew's has to offer...

LIFESTYLEINTERIORS

Outdoor Living Inspirational ideas to help you enjoy the summer from the comfort of your own back garden.

Caffe Napoli Aqua, £159, Hillmount Garden Centre Gardeners Hand Therapy, £15, Crabtree & Evelyn, Victoria Square, Belfast

Mysingo Beach Chair, £20, Ikea Universal Lounger Whitewash Studio, £299, Hillmount Garden Centre

Latina 120cm 4 Seat Set (Studio), £1,150, Hillmount Garden Centre

Blanket, £85, Joules, Belfast

MasterTouch 57m - Spring Green, £249.99, CFC Interiors, Cookstown

LIFESTYLEINTERIORS Hothouse Bunting, 12 way, £11.99, CFC Interiors, Cookstown

Hothouse Stacking Wine Glass, £3.99, CFC Interiors, Cookstown

Hothouse Tumblers, £3.99 each, CFC Interiors, Cookstown

Vintage Lunch Box Bag, ££14, Ulster Weavers

Weber Smokey Mountain - 57cm, £499.99, Hillmount Garden Centre

Kissing Rabbits Picnic Blanket, £36, www.anorakonline. co.uk

Madrid Corner White Wash £1,999, Hillmount Garden Centre Hothouse Floral Family Cool Bag, £24.99, CFC Interiors Cookstown

Bobble Filtered Water Bottle, sml £9.99, md £11.99, lrg £21.99, Moores of Coleraine

LIFESTYLEHOUSE

A Interior

Renowned for her work in the fashion industry, Maureen Martin is now bringing her creative talents to the world of home interiors. Here we pay a visit to her recent projects...

LIFESTYLEHOUSE

s Maureen explains, ‘Although practically everything I worked on involved ‘design’ in some way, I became an interior decorator almost unintentionally. However, it wasn’t until I graduated from the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour that I was finally known as an interior designer. ‘To date I have been involved in many different commercial and domestic projects, including the interiors for an award-winning photographic studio, office conversions, a beauty salon, church, show homes and private clients. ‘This home which you can see here is one which I have recently completed for a Belfast homeowner.

‘The homeowner has lived here for 15 years but wanted the property to have a bit of a facelift and this is where I came in. ‘Having to retain most of the client’s personal possessions, I had to come up with a design that allowed for redecoration with this in mind. So, throughout I have tried to sensitively combine traditional and contemporary furnishes and finishes in order to offer a classical contemporary feel throughout the whole home. ‘The mix of the traditional and contemporary takes places from the approach to the house. A traditional semidetached home, the landscaping in the front garden nods to the contemporary with a clean, symmetrical design with

LIFESTYLEHOUSE traditional touches in the form of planters and ornaments. ‘Moving into the hallway, I have complemented the eyecatching black and white floor tiles with a bold raspberry paint colour from Zoffany and a traditional wallpaper design from Colefax & Fowler. This area of the house continues to bring in the beauty of the mature garden with welcoming vases of fresh cut flowers, and I have also decorated the walls with the client’s paintings that have been purchased over the years. The use of mirrors in this area also helps to bring light into this space and really opens it up. ‘Also downstairs, the lounge/dining room complements the hallway with shades of red adding some colour to otherwise neutral cream interiors. As well as the fireplace, I have created other focal points in this room with the dramatically, draped curtains in Sanderson Toile fabric. This room combines the client’s traditonal mahogany furniture and collectables with contemporary fabric finishes and the lighter, brighter colourways prevent the room from becoming too dark. ‘Moving into the open-plan kitchen with its adjoining garden room again the mix of traditional and contemporary is apparent. ‘I have opted for contemporary grey and pale blues to combine with the cream in this area of the house. This is one of my client’s favourite spaces. It is light, airy and the perfect space for her family to enjoy spending time together everyday. ‘There is a lot of light flooding into this space thanks to the double doors that lead out to a pretty garden terrace, which is perfect for entertaining on sunnier days. ‘Moving upstairs to the four bedrooms, I have continued with a classical contemporary design in order that all of the rooms throughout the house work together. In the main bedroom, there is a feminine elegance with shades of blue adding the colour to this neutral scheme. I have used a Sanderson wallpaper, and lightened up this space by painting the existing furniture in Farrow & Ball’s Off-White. The shutters add to the luxury of this space, as does the all-white cotton bedding from The White Company and the antique silver vanity set helping to decorate this space. ‘Throughout this entire home I’ve managed to use the client’s collectables, some pieces have been upcycled, others have stayed in their original guise, and I’ve added those all important finishing touches of candles and flowers to create an irresistible ambience that my client now enjoys living amongst and welcoming others into.’ Maureen Martin Interior Designer - email: maureen@maureenmartin.orangehome.co.uk

LIFESTYLEFOOD

German Pizza Bread with potato and bacon “Many people don’t think to create a pizza on a barbecue. It’s actually a great way to create an authentic base as the temperature reaches a heat more in line with a pizza oven than a conventional kitchen oven.” Tom Herbert.

Equipment: Pizza stone with baking tray Serves 8 people (8 small pizzas) Cooking Method: Grilling – indirect or direct heat Time: 30min prep + 50/70min for dough rising / 10-15 min grill Difficulty Level: Medium

Ingredients:

-7g dry yeast -5g salt -400ml lukewarm water -350g wheat flour type 550 -150g spelt flour type 1050 -100g extra flour for working Topping: -2 medium-sized potatoes -1 onion -1 bunch of chives -200g cheese -450g sour cream -400g black forest ham -Salt & pepper

Method. In The Kitchen:

At the Barbecue: • • • • •

Prepare the barbecue for indirect heat – approx. 250°C. Put the pizza stone on and let it preheat for 15 - 20 minutes. Place the baking tray with the pizzas on to the stone and close the lid. Let them bake for 6-8 minutes. Regularly check that the crusts are not burning. If so - Move slightly on the stone. • Remove pizzas from the grill when the dough is golden brown, the topping has browned and the cheese is melted. • Serve with a generous amount of chives and salt and pepper to taste.

• Begin with the dough. Mix the dry yeast with the salt and water. Let the yeast dissolve. • Mix the two types of flour in a food processor and add the water mixture. • Knead for 10-15 minutes – until it forms a smooth dough. • Roll it into a ball on a floured surface and leave it in a covered bowl to rise for about 1 hour. • Peel the potatoes and cut them into 1⁄2 x 1⁄2 cm cubes. -Blanch them briefly in boiling salted water until they are almost done. Drain. • Peel the onion and slice thinly. Add a bit of salt to it. • Wash the chives and cut very finely – place them in the fridge. • Grate the cheese and slice the ham. • When the dough has risen, divide it in 8 pieces. Form them into small ovalshaped pizzas and place them on the baking tray dusted with flour. • Brush the pizzas with sour cream, leaving about a 1 cm margin around the edge. • Top with sliced ham, potato cubes, onion and cheese.

LIFESTYLEFOOD Equipment: Rotisserie Serves: 8 people Cooking Method: Grilling method: indirect heat Time: 20 min prep / 1.5 - 2 hours grill Difficulty Level: Medium

Ingredients:

Pork Belly Roast with Diamond Crackling

• 2.5 - 3kg pork belly • 1 - 2 onions • 400g prunes approx. • 100g coarse sea salt Barbecue Rub • 4 tsp granulated sugar • 2 tsp paprika • 2 tsp dried oregano • 1 tsp celery salt • Salt • Pepper

Method. In The Kitchen:

• Grind all the ingredients for the rub together using a mortar and pestle until fine. • Score the fat of the pork belly with a sharp knife in a diamond pattern, keeping the cuts quite close together. • Peel the onions and dice. • Sauté the onion in a pan. • Cut the prunes into 1x1 cm cubes. • Place the pork belly, skin side down, on a cutting board and evenly distribute the rub onto the meat, leaving the skin free from the rub. • Spread the sautéed onions and prunes on top of the meat. • Roll the belly up and tie it with butcher’s string. • Rub the skin with coarse sea salt. • Place the pork belly on the spike of the rotisserie and fasten with the forks. At The Barbecue: • Prepare the barbecue for indirect heat – approx. 180°C. • Place the spike in the rotisserie and put a drip pan with water under the pork belly. The fat can drip into this, avoiding flare ups. • Put the lid on the barbecue. • Roast the pork belly for 1.5 - 2 hours – until the core temperature has reached 67-70°C. Let it rest 10-12 minutes uncovered before serving. Serve with Potato Salad or Grilled Courgette Salad.

At the Barbecue: • • • •

Prepare the barbecue for indirect heat – approx. 180°C. Place the spike in the rotisserie and put a drip pan with water under the pork belly. The fat can drip into this, avoiding flare ups. Put the lid on the barbecue. Roast the pork belly for 1.5 - 2 hours – until the core temperature has reached 67 - 70°C. Let it rest 10-12 minutes uncovered before serving. Serve with Potato Salad or Grilled Courgette Salad.

SOCIALPRÊT-À-PARTY

JN WINES HOLD TASTING EVENING FOR JN CHAMPAGNE

ames Nicholson was the sole champagne supplier for this year’s Irish open at Royal County Down. He recently had a tasting for JN Champagne at his Crossgar premises. It was a rather special day as guests were also treated to samples of Shortcross Gin and Ruby Blue liqueur as well as Eva Paris macaroons. 2

1. James Nicholson and the JN Wine team 2. Eileen Wilson Doherty, Gladys Greer and James Nicholson 3. Paul and Karen Steele 4. Alan and Frances Miller 5. William and Caroline Caughey 6. James Nicholson and Pamela Ballantine 7. Emer Dooris, Jason Johnston and Eileen Wilson Doherty, Northern Woman 8. Fiona Boyd Armstrong, Tracey Jeffery, Stuart and Barbara Hughes

LIFESTYLEBLUFFING

I've got this – learn "how to" With life as fast paced as it is, it isn’t possible for anyone (not even us) to be great at everything (hard to believe I know). So, you don’t want to chuck out that new dress just yet? Haven’t got time to go to a wine tasting class? Read your car manual? Or scrub that stain out of the carpet? FEAR NOT. Northern Woman's Alicia Clarke has a fail-safe plan to show you "how to" and if you want, you can act as if you knew all along. Get ready to be prepared for anything (well, almost everything!).

Wine

So let me set the scene... you’ve ordered the wine (the second one on the wine list cause that’s what someone has told you to do so its looks like you know what you are doing by not picking the first one, but not going for the 100-year-old vintage wine that will cost the earth). The guy from the bar, who looks like he is still in school and knows even less about wine than you do walks over with the bottle wrapped up cloth like a baby and asks if you would like to try the wine. NOW WHAT?

Easy... the school boy will show you the bottle. Cue for you to check that the bottle is the wine that you ordered. You can also feel the bottle at this stage to check it is at the correct temperature, red wine should be at room temperature and white should be chilled. But don’t feel that you have to do this, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone do it!

Now the cork will be taken out in front of you (this is so that in the past people wouldn’t worry that the wine had been replaced by a cheaper substitute – I don’t think we need to worry about that) In some REALLY fancy restaurants they may hand the cork to you.

Breathe... Just set it down. If you want to lick it, throw it or put it in your pocket as a souvenir, be my guest, but I strongly recommend you just set it on the table. If you really feel like you should do something, give it a sniff and perhaps look at in knowingly. In theory, you should be able to taste the condition of the wine by seeing if the cork is soft, crumbly, wet or smells funny. Also, in the past it was commonplace to check the maker’s name on the cork to ensure the bottle wasn’t filled with a cheaper wine and re-corked. Now the waiter will pour a small amount of wine into your glass. Give it a swirl, a sniff and a sip and nod, maybe even drop in a cheeky smile. If all is ok, he will fill the rest of the glasses around the table, filling yours last. If for some reason the wine isn’t good (and you’ll know if it’s not as it will taste a bit like damp cardboard) now is the time to say so. And don’t be embarrassed – this is the whole point of this wine tasting malarkey (well part of the point of it, alongside making the restaurant be as posh as possible) And that’s it!

Little Black Dress

You’ve found this beautiful black dress. It’s “totally fabulous” and you can “wear it everywhere and in so many different ways”. Yes – sounds easy in the changing rooms and at the till but a nightmare at home. You’ve worn it three times this week and now it’s headed to the back of the wardrobe. STOP. • Tights: A pair of different tights or no tights at all, can drastically change the look of an outfit. Try some Swiss-dot tights, or a solid bright colour. • Collar: If you are feeling super crafty you can design your own but there are so many in shops this season there is really no need. • Jacket: Not only can the style of jacket you wear change the look from super smart with a sharp blazer to soft and comfy looking with a cardigan, but the colour can also create a whole new vibe. • Jewellery: A statement necklace can become the new centrepiece of this outfit. • Belt: A thin coloured belt can change the shape of the dress and add colour and a thick one can really pull you in at the waist. • Under layer: The right long sleeved shirt can look great under a black dress. Try them on at home (and not the morning you want to wear it, 5 minutes before you need to leave) if you are going out to buy one – take the dress with you! • Make up: Instead of wearing the same makeup you wear everyday, go for a red lip or a smoky eye to mix things up. Bright nails are also a great shout.

dark rings and around your

LIFESTYLEBLUFFING

Look Younger This next tip also requires some serious you-time. A trip to the hairdressers can help you look younger, not only by covering those greys, but by also by finding a colour that complements and brightens your face. A cut selected for your face shape and age can also take years away. As we get older our body becomes less able to hide Dress for your age and body shape. Wearing clothes that fit you well can instantly make the signs of you look slimmer and trendier. Age appropriate clothes mean that you don’t look as though tiredness. While you raided your mum’s wardrobe but also ensures that you don’t have that “mutton you sleep your dressed as lamb look” going on. Also, if you’ve been wearing that cardigan for the past ten body is also busy years, not only are people sick of seeing it, but it’s falling apart and its old fashioned. repairing DNA This also requires you-time – a shopping trip. And if funds are an issue a good idea is to Try your best to damage from head out a few weeks before your birthday and pick out what you really like. This way exercise at least 30 the day before. when someone asks you what you’d like – instead of saying “Oh I don’t know” or just minutes a day. This So get some “clothes”, you can tell them exactly what you want and in what size. Bright colours can doesn’t have to mean shuteye (not as help you look and feel more youthful and with summer almost upon us there is plenty a trip to the gym. if you need an of colour out there to choose from! How about walking excuse!) experts to or from work, recommend or getting off the around 8 hours train or bus a stop It may be hard to believe but that of sleep a night earlier? What about foundation you got skin matched for but go with I’m going to sound like your doctor here – taking the stairs each ten years ago may not be the best whatever works but drink more water! It is recommended time instead of the option available for you now. The for you. that everyone drinks eight glasses of water lift or heading out colour, finish and consistency could be a day. A good tip is you buy a bottle for a walk on your adding years to your face. It may also in the morning on the way to work, or lunch break instead be time to update your blusher, bronzer a multipack in the supermarket at the of scrolling through and lipstick. Finding the right shade weekend, and fill it up through the day. facebook? of lipstick will brighten up your face – Or buy a reusable bottle and fill it up this may require a session at your local daily. If water bores you, try adding in beauty counter and that can only be a some fruit like lemons or strawberries to good thing to relax – also helping you add a twist. look and feel younger!

SFP protects your skin from UV rays to prevent sun damage. Dermatologists recommend that you should wear at least SPF 15 daily to avoid wrinkles, brown spots and a dull complexion. As well as this, it will protect you from skin cancer. Now don’t worry. I’m not sending you to Boots to stock up or asking you to lather yourself up like you do (or at least SHOULD do) on holidays. If you wear makeup, most come with added SFP as do most moisturisers.

How to wear a scarf

So you have this beautiful scarf but you’ve worn it 100 times already. People in the office are bound to be sick of it and think you own nothing else. Well, try these alternatives to get a few more days wear out of it.

Tie the ends of the scarf together and loop it round your neck twice for an infinity style look. Drape the scarf over your shoulders and add a belt to create a unique look (and also stop your scarf blowing all directions).

Wear it tied to the side in a knot – works with any outfit.

Wear it as a belt. This works best with a plain top.

Make a pussy bow – this looks great with a cardigan.

Drape it over your shoulders and under the lapel of a blazer for a sophisticated look.

Wear it in a top knot. Gather your hair into a bun and wrap the scarf around it. Wear it as a head band – either have the bow on top for a cutesy look or hide it at the back of your neck for a polished style.

Tie it on your bag. This can be all day as part of your look – or also as a “get this stupid scarf out of my way” rescue plan. Turn it into a shawl – open the scarf up and set it over your shoulders – great for sunny days that turn chilly.

and around your nostrils rids any redness.

LIFESTYLEBLUFFING

How to fix your car

How to remove stains Wine – if you have it, immediately apply white

wine. If you don’t, or can’t bear to see your precious white wine go on the carpet, sprinkle salt over the stain.

Lipstick – sponge the mark with methylated

spirit and then with neat washing-up liquid. Grease – soak cotton wool in dry cleaning fluid and spot the stain.

Coffee – sponge with warm, soapy water and leave to dry. Pen ink – dab the stain with a little methylated spirit, hairspray or nail varnish remover.

Blood – use cold water as soon as possible on the

stain. Always apply stain remover at the outer edges and work inwards to prevent it leaving any telltale marks.

OK so they say prevention is better cure – have an emergency kit in the car including your spare tyre, a torch with spare batteries, a first aid kit, matches, maps (yes the paper kind), tissues, an umbrella, a coat, shopping bags, a blanket, a change of clothes and a car phone charger. Also keep a set of jump leads in the boot. If you have a flat battery – find a friendly soul and park your cars close together. Hook up the leads to the batteries – black to –ve and red to the +ve, and start the other car and then yours. When yours is running, disconnect the black and then the red cable. Keep your car going for at least ten minutes to recharge. Keep a spare key for your car in case you lose the original. It is vital that you store this spare in somewhere that isn’t inside your car. Changing a tyre – firstly find somewhere safe to pull over and put on your hazard lights and handbreak. You’ll need to hoak out the wheel changing kit in the boot somewhere under all the stuff I’ve told you to pack. There should be a jack – a big metal thing – place it under the car frame near the tire that you are going to change. Ensure that the jack is in contact with the metal portion of your car’s frame. Raise the jack until it is supporting but not lifting the car. This is the most tricky part and if you’re stuck – check your manual. Now you have to loosen the nuts (but don’t remove them completely). There should have been a wrench in the boot – use that and remember – righty tighty, lefty loosey. Now use the jack again to raise the car higher and take the nuts out completely (keep them safe!). Now is the time for your workout (I insist this means you don’t have to go to the gym for at least a week) remove the tyre and put the spare one in. the old one should fit in where the spare came from. And now all you have to do is replace the nuts and lower the car. You’ve done it!

How to understand the scoring in sport

OK, so the tennis is on and the guy keeps saying 30 love and juice all the time and you have no idea what he means. Fear not.

Golf – the par is the number of shots a skilled golfer should take to complete the hole. The player’s score is usually a plus or minus figure. Plus if they have taken more shots than par to play the hole, or minus if they have played the hole under par. The winner is the player who has the lowest score after (usually) 18 holes.

Rugby – when the ball is placed on

the ground over the try line it’s a try and that’s worth five points. After a try is scored there is an opportunity for a conversion (kicking the ball between the posts). If this is successful the team gets another two points. A goal kick is when the ball is kicked through the posts in play. This is worth three points.

Tennis – the first point in the game is 15 the next is thirty and the next is 40 (not 45) and then “game”. The score of a player who has zero is “love” (this comes from the French word oeuf which means egg – which is shaped like 0) the server’s score is always called first. The first player to win four shots wins the game. The exception is if both players win three shots – deuce. And the winner is then the first person to win two points in a row. Games are included in sets. Men play five sets and women three. The first player to win six games wins a set, however, once a game reaches six games all a tiebreak is played to see who will win the set. The first to win three sets (men) or two sets (women) is the winner!

Football

– scoring is pretty simple. When the ball crosses the goal line, its one point to the scoring team. Aggregate scoring is when two teams play on two occasions, usually on each of the teams home grounds. The aggregate score is just the two scores added together. League scoring is three points for a win, one for a draw and zero for a loss.

Discover the true taste of India this SUMMER

The Jharna, 133 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7AG Tel: 028 9038 1299 www.thejharna.com

NOW TAKING SUMMER BOOKINGS

Bengal Brasserie, 322 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 6GH Tel: 028 9068 2999 www.bengalbrasserieuk.com

LIFESTYLEGIFTGUIDE

just for you They are notoriously difficult to buy for, but this Father's Day why not show your dad how much you care with one of these gift ideas...

Jo Malone London Incense & Cedrat 100ml, £105 @ House of Fraser

Moroccan Myrrh Cologne 100ml, £30 @ Crabtree & Evelyn, Victoria Square Shopping Centre, Belfast

West Indian Lime Travel Set, £24 @ Crabtree & Evelyn, Victoria Square Shopping Centre, Belfast

Beard Oil, £9.95 @ Jason Shankey Male Grooming, Lisburn Road, Belfast

Tom Ford Noir Extreme 50ml, £62 @ House of Fraser

Nivea Men Sensitive Shave Set, £9.99 @ local pharmacies

LIFESTYLEGIFTGUIDE

3990 Shoe Shale, £110 @ Doc Martin

The Logitech MX Master Wireless Mouse, £80 @ amazon.com

The Nation's Favourite Food by Neven Maguire, £19.99

Tan zip wallet, £25 @ Doc Martin

Storm Men's Dualon Bracelet watch, £179 @ Classic Urban Wear

JN Champagne produced by the prestigious House of Leonard & Medot, £19.50

Red Buckle Belt Cherry, £25 @ Doc Martin

LG G4 mobile phone, £479.99 @ O2

A Gift Voucher for The Cookery School at James Street South, Belfast

LIFESTYLEKIDS&RELATIONSHIPS

Boom! Baby has Arrived Do children really change your life, and your marriage, as much as some people claim they do? Simply, the answer is yes!

hildren will change your life in so many ways. Whether you are prepared for it or not the arrival of a baby is a massive shock. While you may have looked after other people’s children before, the arrival of your own will be like an earthquake has erupted! If you thought a baby was going to fit neatly into your current life you’ll soon discover that’s not the case. Once you have a baby, you become painfully aware that your life now revolves around this little helpless being who needs you - and who despite having a pretty simple existence (eating, sleeping, pooping), needs roundthe-clock care and undivided attention. Consider your world officially rocked your relationship included. After all, when baby arrives, what was a couple is now a trio – and for many, three certainly is a crowd! In the past you will have been able to nurture and care for each other without interruption, now the new arrival is very much at the top of the pecking order. The new baby’s demands for food or comfort take priority and usually dad’s nose is often pushed out of joint as

new mums find themselves snapping at their partner a whole lot more than they used to. You might even resent him a little for going to work while you’re home, you might despise the way he fastens a nappy or mixes a bottle, but remember this is temporary, it’s just mood swings caused by hormonal changes and sleep deprivation in the main. Which brings us on to another issue the fact that as a new mother you do love your baby more than anything - and that probably does include your partner (well, maybe not more, just differently). You may not have predicted that, at least for a little while, you would practically forget that he exists. Try not to make it too obvious; remember, he’s crazy about the baby too, but there’s no reason either of you should hurt each other’s feelings because of it. As for your sex life, it will certainly take

a nosedive. You may have to wait about six weeks after giving birth before having sex, and frankly, once you get the go-ahead from the doctor, you might not actually feel ready to do it yet (yes, it may hurt - it won’t be torture, but your body’s been through a lot, and it will take time to get back to normal). Add on the above sleep deprivation and mood swings mentioned above and it could be months before you feel in the mood! While you don’t have to be having sex to be intimate, unfortunately, any cool, fun time spent together pre-baby has also had to take a backseat in the short-term. Now you’ve got to challenge yourselves to bond while emptying the diaper pail and cleaning mashed banana out of the high chair’s crevices. Not sexy, but if you think about it, it’s kind of sweet that you two are in this together.

67% of new mothers experience a drop in relationship satisfaction with their partners starting at about six months after the baby is born.

LIFESTYLEKIDS&RELATIONSHIPS So when baby arrives, despite all the tough stuff, you have a new bond. Yes, there will be ups and downs, but something about having created a life together - and taking care of that life as a team - will bond you two in a whole new way. You may run into some bumps in the road, but you’ll also

likely look at your partner singing to baby in the middle of the night, or teaching her to play patty-cake, and fall in love with him all over again. Think of babyhood as boot camp. If you guys can make it through this, you’ll be prepared to make it through almost anything.

Here’s what parents, Peter and Sarah had to say about adjusting to life with 16-month old Conor.

‘

The idea of having kids terrified me’, Sarah admits, ‘but I remember saying to friends, ‘If I’m going to do it with anyone, it would be with Peter.’ We met at university so we had a long history behind us. In the early days neither of you knows what to do. We were bumbling around saying, ‘Why’s he crying? Is it his nappy? Is he cold? Is it wind? I don’t know!’ Luckily, Guy’s quite a calming influence and he taught me just accept an issue rather than fight it. So when Conor was screaming, I didn’t waste energy struggling against it, I just thought, ‘This is just how he is, though on bad days it still drives me to distraction!’ I loved Peter before, but now I have a different dimension of appreciation and love. There are times when I think, ‘I can’t believe he’s working late again and not helping me,’ then I remind myself that Peter has his job and I have mine and we both have to carry them out to the best of our abilities. He supported the value of me being with Conor and as a stay-at-home mum, there’s been no pressure on me to go back to work. In turn, I talk to him about his work and share those stresses.’

‘

The early days with a baby test any couple, adds Peter. ‘There were moments when we weren’t working with co-ordination. When you’ve been up most of the night, it’s easy to feel some sort of resentment that the other person hasn’t been pulling their weight. But early on we realised the only way to cope with the challenge was to work together, not fight against each other, and that brought us closer. Now our lives revolve around Conor, so we have far less quality time together, but we’ve gained so much more as a family – taking him for walks to the park or playing with him at home. I prefer it that way. There are moments when being a parent can be horrendous and exhausting, but most of the time you feel so warm and cosy. Sarah and I already knew each other very well but it’s lovely to see a whole different side of her. She’s an amazing mother, and witnessing that has definitely strengthened my love for her. We didn’t set out to have kids to add something to our lives, but we’ve been surprised by the additional dimension it’s brought to our relationship.’

Six Ways Life Changes with A Baby

1 2

You are constantly competing with your partner over who is more tired, who works harder and who has changed more nappies! Mothers can become resentful of fathers who leave the house without a care in the world while it’s a military planning exercise for them.

3 4 5

You refer to each other as mummy and daddy! Never good - and definitely not to be used in public! You only ever talk about the baby.

Cosy nights on the sofa with a takeaway are less of a romantic weekend treat and more of a daily necessity. There’s no way you’ve got the energy to go to the supermarket and cook a meal!

While you’ve always been aware of your partner’s inability to multi-task, it suddenly becomes extremely pronounced. Remembering the nappies, wipes and baby milk - all for the same outing? Apparently it’s not possible.

LIFESTYLECOLERAINE

Going to Town: Coleraine Situated on the Causeway Coast, Coleraine offers a wealth of shopping, with longstanding businesses such as these being at the heart of this popular town. Moores of Coleraine Moores of Coleraine is the North Coast’s most exciting lifestyle store, home to an unparalleled range of brands across womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, accessories, beauty and home departments. Showcasing an extensive range of labels within a boutique-style setting visitors can find GANT, Whitestuff, Joules, Seasalt, Esprit, Phase Eight, Garcia Jeans, Part Two, French Connection, Naf Naf, Masai, Dorothy Perkins, Wallis, Monsoon, Not the Same, Bandolera, Yest, Jacques Vert, Estex, Dash as well as Country Casuals and Viyella. Within its accessories department find Radley, Modalu, Fiorelli, Kipling and Nica as well as Pilgrim Jewellery, Hunter Wellies, Moda in Pelle shoes. In menswear find such brands as GANT, Paul Costello, Meyer, Whitestuff, Joules, Crew Clothing, Remus Uomo, Weird fish, Fynch Hatton, Esprit, Brax and Animal. Plus find Gant, Joules, Canterbury, Animal, Hatley, Blue Seven, Frugi and Hunter boots in the kidswear department. It’s bright and bustling beauty department contains Clarins, Lancome, Estee Lauder and Benefit and Clinique. Follow Moores on facebook and Twitter for special offers and exclusive VIP events.

9-11 Church Street, Coleraine

Nutt Travel Nutt Travel has been in the travel trade for over 22 years offering an array of products for clients including ferry crossings, accommodation, touring and a range of packages to sporting events in the UK and the rest of Europe. Billy Nutt MBE is the founder of the company. He has been involved in motorsport for over 40 years organising prestige events such as the North West 200, Ulster Grand Prix International Road Races and FIM European Championship events, and travelling all over the UK and Europe with his son Marty who has been racing motorcycles for 18 years winning Irish and British Championships. Nutt Travel is based in Coleraine and Billy and his team have a wealth of experience in their field. Nutt Travel pride themselves on providing a fast and friendly service at very competitive prices. Not only do they provide an online booking service, they also offer a personal service where clients can talk to friendly and experienced staff who tailor packages to meet personal requirements.

www.NuttTravel.com

Ken Young Menswear Ken Young is an established menswear shop on Railway Road, Coleraine, with many designer brands under one roof such as Armani, Hugo Boss, Circle of Gentlemen, Stone Island, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Strellson and Sand. The customer service is second to none and an alteration service is provided. The shop is regarded as one of the finest menswear stores in Northern Ireland boasting an extensive range of quality designer wear and expert personal service offering a one-stop-shop for the whole wardrobe. Ken is a talented individual with a flare for men’s fashion and dressing, he carefully selects designers and stocks each season for the fashion conscious gentlemen catering for both the younger and older stylish man. The store offers menswear for all occasions, from casual wear to occasional wear. Ken Young provides a blend of lifetime clothing retail experience, an insistence on the highest quality and the determination never to let standards slip. Visit the store and enjoy a shopping experience you will never forget.

www.ken-young.co.uk

SOCIALPRÊT-À-PARTY 2

1. Dennis McCrum, Heather Robinson, Kenny Robinson, Julie Corbett and Derek Corbett 2. James & Gladys Greer with Jack Cassidy of JKC 3. Donal Doherty, Mary Cassidy and Cathal Curley 4. Lynn Devenney, Jane Cassidy and Katie Smyth 5. Chef Neven Maguire signs his book for Yvonne Moody and Emma Hutchinson 6. Julie McCartney, Kenny Bradley and Mary Ward 7. Naomi Hutchinson, Edith McKeown and Lynn McKeown

JKC RENOVATED BMW SHOWROOM

KC Specialist Cars Coleraine recently celebrated the launch of their renovated BMW Showroom. The new state-of-the-art facilities provide an upgraded retail experience with even more BMW models on display. Guests were treated to drinks and canapés and a cookery demonstration by Neven Maguire, celebrity chef and proprietor of the renowned MacNean House, Blacklion and to complete the line-up, live music was provided by the Groove Robbers.

MOTORINGNEWS

X marks the spot...

he all-new Fiat 500X is a crossover not only in terms of vehicle segments, but also in terms of its potential customers. With two distinct flavours on offer, there is a 500X to suit every need and taste: One is designed to appeal to those with a fun-loving, spirited, metropolitan outlook available in Pop, Pop Star and Lounge trim levels, and another, more rugged version has been designed with stylish, active adventures in mind with four wheel drive available on some versions. The 500X is available with a broad range of powertrain options. Front-wheel drive, petrol-powered models are either equipped with a 110hp, 1.6-litre “E-torQ” engine with a five-speed manual gearbox or a 140hp 1.4-litre Turbo MultiAir II petrol engine with a new-generation six-speed manual gearbox. The all-wheel drive petrol

model, which is equipped with a first-inclass, nine-speed automatic transmission as standard, is powered by a 170hp, 1.4-litre Turbo MultiAir II engine. The front-wheel drive diesel range consists of the 95hp, 1.3-litre MultiJet II turbo diesel, equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox, and the 120hp 1.6-litre MultiJet II turbo diesel equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox. The four-wheel drive diesel option is the 140hp 2.0-litre MultiJet II turbo diesel, which will be available with a six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic transmission. The new nine-speed automatic transmission is a first not only for Fiat but also for the crossover segment in which the 500X competes. This new, electronicallycontrolled transmission features advanced shift management to combine optimum

driving pleasure with efficiency, while also offering the possibility of switching to manual-sequential mode. The 500X’s fourwheel drive system it drives adopts a fuelsaving rear axle disconnection system that seamlessly switches between two- and fourwheel drive for full-time torque management without requiring input from the driver. Ground clearance for all-wheel drive versions increases to 179mm compared to 162mm for front-wheel drive models. It is also equipped with specific bumpers and protective skid plates to protect the bodywork and mechanicals from the rigours of off-road use. In addition, the latest active safety systems are available to improve handling and assist the driver, including sophisticated ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and DST (Dynamic Steering Torque) systems, which improve both driving safety and handling performance by actively correcting over and understeer. DST is completely integrated into the vehicle’s ESC system and intervenes to correct potentially dangerous situations caused by excessive deflection angles or instability due to poor wheel grip. ESC with DST; ABS with EBD; ERM (electronic rollover mitigation); Hill Start Assist; ASR (traction control); MSR (gearshift engine torque management); electronic parking braking, TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring system); front fog lights with cornering illumination (excluding Pop); automatic windscreen demisting (excluding Pop) and six airbags are all standard as part of the 500X’s safety package. Pricing for the 500X will range from £14,595 OTR for the 1.6 E-torQ 110hp in Pop specification to £25,845 OTR for the 2.0-litre MultiJet II 140hp AT AWD Cross Plus.

This Renault's worth a few Kwid

enault has unveiled a new small car called the Kwid. The new Renault Kwid overturns established A-segment design thanks to a robust, stylish exterior plus a modern, welcoming interior equipped with features normally associated with models from the next segment up. This eminently modern newcomer features SUV styling and construction, combining generous cabin space with unprecedented features for its segment, while its compact footprint makes it particularly versatile. Quality interior appointments include a modern Media-Nav navigation/multimedia system complete with large seven-inch touchscreen display and Bluetooth connectivity. The Kwid combines the comfort and functional user-friendliness of a family city car with a modular interior and a raft of stowage solutions. Renault has long showcased its ability to develop unique, innovative vehicles designed to meet the specific needs of its international markets. With the introduction of the Kwid, the brand has gone a step further down the road of designing attractive, affordable vehicles in the small-car segment. More details on the Kwid will be released later this year.

MOTORINGNEWS

Vauxhall's Viva Espagne! V

auxhall’s all-new five-door entry-level model Viva will arrive in showrooms in the summer priced from £7,995 on-theroad. The Viva range consists of two trim levels: SE, and SL which is a trim name carried over from the original Vauxhall Viva. There will be Air Con and ecoFLEX versions of the SE trim, giving customers a choice of four well-specified models (SE, SE Air Con, SE ecoFLEX and SL). Both Viva trim levels feature a high level of standard equipment. Tyre pressure monitoring system, city mode steering, lane departure warning, cruise control with speed limiter and front fog lights with cornering function are standard. Achieving 65.7mpg combined and 99g/km, the Viva SE ecoFLEX gets a front lip spoiler, extended rear spoiler with LED brake light and ultra-low rolling resistance tyres over the entry model. It is priced from £8,170 on-the-road. Priced from £9,495 on-the-road, SL trim features electronic climate control, Morocanna seat trim, leather steering wheel and 15-inch alloy wheels. Other highlights include six speakers, USB audio connection, Bluetooth music streaming and mobile phone portal. Options available include Winter Pack (heated seats and steering wheel), rear parking sensors and electric glass sliding sunroof. The Viva will be available on highly-competitive personal contract purchase plans for retail customers. Visit www.nivauxhalldealers.co.uk to find your local Vauxhall retailer.

SOCIALPRÊT-À-PARTY

SHORTCROSS GIN SIGNATURE SERVE COMPETITION

uriel’s Café Bar & The Merchant Hotel were crowned champions as bartenders battled it out at the Shortcross Gin Signature Serve Competition. Ireland’s best bartenders convened on Belfast recently to compete in the inaugural Shortcross Gin Signature Serve competition. The grand finale in chic Belfast cocktail bar, sixty6, saw 16 competitors showcase their Shortcross Signature Serves to a judging panel for the chance to have their drinks promoted as the recommended serves to the growing legion of Shortcross Gin fans across the Ireland, UK and further a field. 4

1. Phil Ervine, Fiona Boyd-Armstrong, Nicola Spiers and David Boyd-Armstrong with Olivier Ward (centre) 2. Joris Minne, Ciaran Hickey, Adrian McLaughlin and Saul McConnell 3. Fiona Boyd-Armstrong, Laura Bradley and Maria Elena Lugea 4. Wendi Kane and Alan Beattie

3 1 1. Carmel Conroy and Ann Conroy 2. Julie and Sophie Hazelton with Barbara Devinnie 3. Cathy Laverty and Orla O'Hanlon 4. Claire O'Connor of Saretta 5. Michelle models some of the clothes at Saretta

Saretta Re-Launch Party

aretta Boutique in The Moy celebrated their new extension by inviting their top customers to a re-launch party. Guests were able to enjoy the luxurious new furnishings and spacious new shop floor while browsing, trying on and purchasing fabulous pieces. Hair and Makeup: The Hair Clinic, Armagh. Photography: Alexandra Barfoot.

LIFESTYLETRAVEL

Delusions of Grandeur in the Loire Valley

Le Château de Sully sur Loire

he Loire Valley in France harks back to a time of wealth and excess of the French royalty and nobility. Over 300 stunning châteaux built between the 10th and 20th centuries line the banks of the country’s longest river, it seems rather fitting that the area has come to be known as The Valley of the Kings. Having been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, it is the perfect place to unwind and immerse yourself in the colourful history of this remarkable region. The valley takes its name from the Loire River, the longest river in France at over 1,000 kilometres and the region is celebrated for its food and wine production. Here we bring you some of the Valley’s illustrious highlights.

Le Château de Sully sur Loire

This castle is like something out of a fairytale, with pointing turrets, ancient towers and a moat, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Rapunzel dangling her long hair out of one of the windows. The château was the seat of the Duke de Sully, Henri IV’s minister Maximilien de Béthune (1560–1641). It has 23 rooms open to be explored, including the very grand dining room with a painted ceiling and a fireplace

decorated with the symbols of the Duke of Sully. It was here, when this room served as his study that the Duke wrote his memoirs, the Oeconomies Royales, printed in secret at the castle in 1638. Guided tours are available in various languages around the castle throughout the summer months. http://www.chateausully.fr/en Château de Chambord

Château de Chambord

This imposing chateau is instantly recognisable as one of the finest examples of its kind. The distinctive French Renaissance architecture blends traditional French medieval form with classical Renaissance structures. The building was constructed by King Francis I to serve as his

LIFESTYLETRAVEL hunting lodge and to this day is the largest chateau in the Loire Valley. In 1792, in the wake of the French Revolution, some of the furnishings were sold and timber was removed. For a time the building was left abandoned. During the Second World War, art works from the collections of the Louvre and the Château de Compiègne were moved to the Château de Chambord for safekeeping. Nowadays the chateau is open to visitors and both guided, and selfguided tours of the chateau and the grounds are available. http://chambord.org/en/

Villandry Château and Gardens

If you are blessed with green fingers, no chateau will be more titillating than Villandry. Its exquisite gardens are perfection, with no leaf or blade of grass out of place. The castle that stands today was built in the early 16th century, and it is thought that King Philip II of France and King Richard I of England met here to discuss peace. Strolling around its famous Renaissance gardens you will see a water garden, ornamental flower gardens, and vegetable gardens, laid out in formal patterns created with low box hedges. In 1934, Château de Villandry was designated a Monument historique, meaning it is a protected site. The château and gardens are open year round. http://www.chateauvillandry.fr/en/

Food and wine in the Loire Valley

Some of the Sauvignon Blancs produced in the Loire Valley region are benchmarks for how great wine should taste. This is due to the limestone soil found in the Centre-Loire, bringing out the best, most characteristic qualities of the grapes. The cooler climate here is too cold for later-ripening grapes but

Sauvignon Blanc buds late and ripens early, making it ideal for a region. An example of a popular vineyard in the Loire region is the Château of Pierre-Jean Sauvion, fourth generation of his family to produce wines at Château du Cléray in the Loire. The property is in the heart of the Nantes, at the western end of the Loire, close to the sea and its cool breezes. When dining out, look out for local freshwater fish on the menu such as sander, alose or anguilles (eels), which have been eaten here since pre-Roman times. The fish is often served with a delicate buerre blanc sauce, a butter sauce flavoured with shallots and vinegar.

Other activities

The Loire River, from which the Valley takes its name provides entertainment from canoeing, swimming and boating. Cycling is very popular with many groups providing

organised itineraries for all capabilities from half a day to a full week of pedal pushing. You will also find a number of opportunities at the châteaux to take a birds eye view from a hot air balloon. Think of the photos you could send home from that!

Where to stay

If you are heading to the Loire Valley to explore the beautiful châteaux the region is famed for, this château-hotel is the best for a central location. The rooms, although eccentric, are authentic and memorable and the location of the castle overlooking the Loire River is unforgettable, with a first class wine list with a locally sourced menu to match. http://www.chateaudechissay/com/ Ryanair flies directly from Dublin to Nantes.

The Loire Valley is famous for it's Sauvignon Blancs

Château de Chissay

LIFESTYLETRAVEL

The Old Course Hotel, St. Andrews

By Lynda Bryans

It may be a golfer’s ambition to make a pilgrimage to the home of golf but for those who don’t chase the little white ball, St. Andrew’s offers vintage shopping, chic dining, champagne teas and indulgent luxury at the Old Course Hotel’s Kohler Spa...

t is rare – unique even – that you walk into a hotel and the staff greet you like you’re long lost family; like they’ve been waiting expectantly for your arrival, and they’ve missed you – even though you’ve never before set foot in the place in your life – but now that you’re here, it’s going to be a great weekend. The warmth of that welcome sets the tone for my stay in the Old Course Hotel in the pretty town of St. Andrew’s, and with the complimentary glass of prosecco they’ve just thrust into my hand at check-in, I’m toasting the prospect of chilling out with a couple of days’ “me time” while my partner plays golf. This magnificent AA 5-star hotel sits right on the edge of the 17th “Road Hole” of the Old Course itself at the Home of Golf and boasts 144 beautifully fitted rooms and chic suites with opulent soft furnishings and layers of texture – velvet chairs and footstools, elegant silk curtains draping the floor to ceiling windows, big marshmallowy duvets and pillows dressed with Scottish wool throws. There are private balconies offering stunning views across the links courses to the rugged Scottish coastline and the sea beyond. This is a Kohler hotel and in travel circles, Kohler is another word for luxury. For non-golfers, another good place to get the overview of the lie of the land is from an armchair in the elevated Road Hole bar, which boasts 300 plus

Scottish whiskeys, among them some of the rarest ever produced and with price tags stretching up to several hundred pounds a nip. There’s a smaller but no less impressive selection of gins here too, and the cocktail menu looks like fun. The adjoining Road Hole Restaurant offers several options including a chef’s tasting menu, Á la carte or set price market menu, all featuring the finest produce from the Scottish larder. But it’s breakfast that’s the star attraction for me as I savour a plate of Lough Fyne kippers with parsley butter served with oatcakes and my partner tucks into the traditional Scottish breakfast which comes with Buccleuch black pudding – and haggis. A ten minute stroll away from the hotel takes you into the heart of the medieval town of St. Andrews and it offers plenty for the weekender. In its quaint cobbled

streets and laneways is a mixture of high street and independent shops and a variety of cafes, restaurants and pubs and there’s no shortage of choice for evening dining either – Playfair’s Restaurant at the Ardgowan Hotel and the Doll’s House Restaurant on Church Square, celebrating its 20th year in 2015, came highly recommended and are reasonably priced. A must is the Old Cheese Shop, tucked away in a courtyard in South Street – a cheese lover’s heaven and on a good day you can sit outside in the garden and enjoy some with a glass of wine. For those who prefer the dessert course, pop into one of St. Andrews’ two genuine Italian ice cream parlours for a taste of artisan gelato, four generations in the making. You can ramble around the castle and

LIFESTYLETRAVEL cathedral ruins or walk the quadrangles of St. Andrews University where Prince William met Catherine Middleton during their first year studying Art History. It’s Scotland’s oldest University and draws students from all over the world which has its unexpected benefits – here, you can find the odd designer bargain in handbags or clothing donated to one of the town’s charity shops by wealthy American students returning home at the end of the semester. And there’s more vintage chic to be found in Little Birds indoor market, held on the last Sunday of every month in the Vic at St. Mary’s Place – crafts, jewellery and fabrics aplenty in this quirky little spot. If long walks are your thing you can stretch out your legs on the West Sands beach where the opening scenes of the movie Chariots of Fire were shot. Or there’s the beautiful Botanic Gardens and the British Golf Museum. Back at the Old Course Hotel, afternoon tea is something of an institution, with an impressive selection of hand-made patisserie goodies, scones, lemon pancakes with clotted cream and strawberry and pink Champagne preserve, served with a choice of teas and a glass of Rosé champagne. But it’s the Kohler Waters Spa here that draws both golfers and non-golfers. Several packages are available including a North

Old Course Hotel, St Andrews.

Sea stone massage, Bamboo Bliss (warm bamboo using Swedish massage techniques) Aromatherapy (with specifically chosen essential oils) or the unsurprisingly popular (given the location), the Golfer’s Massage, designed to ease tension and increase flexibility on the shoulders, upper back, hips and forearms. Afterwards you can soak for a while in the rooftop hot tub with a bird’s eye view across the greens. A weekend at the Old Course Hotel has gone in what seems like a heartbeat. And

perhaps that’s because from the moment I stepped over the front door nothing was too much trouble for the staff here, every single one of whom had a friendly greeting and an occasional query – was everything to my liking? Everything was most definitely to my liking. As I leave, I remember that it may have been Maya Angelou who said people will always remember how you made them feel. At the Old Course Hotel, the word “welcome” springs to mind.

Kohler Waters Spa pool.

Factbox

• For information, inspiration and travel tips go to www.visitscotland.com. • St. Andrews is the Home of Golf and will host the 144th Open from 13th – 19th July. • The Old Course Hotel: Old Station Road, St Andrews, KY16 9SP. http://oldcoursehotel.co.uk/

Getting to Scotland

• There are several direct routes into Scotland including the route from Belfast City Airport to Edinburgh on FlyBe. Flights start at £21 one-way with hand luggage only.

LIFESTYLEWHAT'SON A Taste of Titanic (19 June, Titanic Belfast) www.titanicbelfast.com

Tall Ships Race (2-5 July, Belfast) www.tallshipsbelfast.com Titanic Belfast are hosting their signature two hour food tasting tour. A guided tour of the Titanic Galleries is accompanied with culinary delights from the era. Sample a shipyard worker’s hearty snack and a First Class champagne treat in this combination of culture, history, food and fun! The menu is subject to change but you can always expect a sample of sweet and savoury snacks and beverages, which are paired to relevant parts of the Titanic story.

Over 50 tall ships from across the world will anchor in Belfast for the beginning of The Tall Ships Races 2015. The races which are organised by Sail Training International, will be welcomed by the annual Lidl Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival. This will be the third time that Belfast has hosted the races. This year’s event is expected to attract 500,000 people. The ships will be berthed in and around the Belfast Harbour and the Titanic Quarter area. The best time to view the ships together will be Sunday 5 July (10am – 2pm) during the Tall Ships Parade.

What's On! June/July 2015

There is plenty going on across Northern Ireland this June and July. From big shows to big boats, there’s something for everyone. We can’t promise the weather will be amazing but we can promise these events will be! So pack up your picnics and get out there!

Fermanagh County Show (4-5 August, Enniskillen) www.fermanaghcountyshow.com

Rose Week (2-5 July, Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park) www.belfastcity.gov.uk The International Rose Garden at Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park is amongst the best in the world. From July to September over 45,000 roses are in bloom. Events including music and a variety of entertainment for all ages will take place throughout the week.

Fermanagh’s premier agricultural event attracts over 12,000 visitors each year. Events include, Danske Bank Food Hall, cookery demonstrations, over 200 trade stalls, pet, poultry, rabbit and rare breeds displays, 4,500 school children’s and home industries exhibits and children’s activities.

LIFESTYLEWHAT'SON Causeway Speciality Market (13 June, Coleraine)

Other Events

www.colerainebc.gov.uk

There will be a wide selection of edible produce on offer including cheeses, home baked speciality breads, cupcakes, meringues, cakes, olives, spices, pesto, chutneys, chocolate, cooking sauces, fudge, coffees, fish, goat and fruit and vegetables. Quality crafts such as handmade jewellery, wood crafts, hand stitched cushions, handbags, candles and soaps will also be available.

Music

Jazz and Blues Festival: Rackhouse Pilfer in Concert (11 June, Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre) www.dannyboyjazzandblue.com

Comedy

Fly Me To The Moon (6-22 August, Lyric Theatre) www.lyrictheatre.co.uk

Puttin’ on the Ritz

(23-17 June, Grand Opera House) www.goh.co.uk The movie remake of this production, based on a true story, shot to popularity in recent years. Edward VIII’s shy brother, Bertie is thrust into the spotlight as his likely successor and having a bad stammer makes life in the spotlight a hard task for him, unlike his brother. With his wife’s support he meets with maverick speech therapist, Lionel Logue and together they embark on an unlikely journey to prepare Bertie to lead his country as King George VI.

All Ireland Cycling Championships

(25-28 June, Omagh) www.omaghwheelers.co.uk World class cyclists and paracyclists will come to Omagh to take part in time trials and road races. On Thursday 25th June, the time trial event will start on the edge of Omagh town and feature a course that which will pass through local towns such as Carrickmore before finishing on the main Cookstown road near Youthsport. Cyclists will race individually, departing at intervals of 1 minute.

Theatre

The Business of Murder (16-22 August, Grand Opera House) www.goh.com

Family

Mr Stink (8-9 July, Bangor Walled Garden) www.northdownmuseum.com

Sport

Dale Farm Milk Cup (26-31 July, Coleraine, Ballymena) www.dalefarmmilkcup.co.uk NI Open (6-9 August, Galgorm) www.niopen.co.uk

Other

Summer Garden Fete (27-18 June, Mountstewart) www.nationaltrust.org.uk Good Food Market (13 June, The Argory) www.nationaltrust.org.uk

To be included in the NW's What's On please send event details to northernwoman@greerpublications.com NW

LIFESTYLEBOOKREVIEWS

Books

No Place To Hide

Jack loves her family, her children who can be stroppy and her husband who can be lazy. As long as her eldest daughter gets into university and follows her dreams, all her sacrifice will be worth something, right?

Whether you are jetting off somehwere exotic or just heading out to the garden, be sure to have one of these books at hand for your summer escape.

The Girls

A Book For Her

The Lost Garden

By Lisa Jewell

By Bridget Christie

By Katharine Swartz

You live on a communal garden square, an oasis in urban London where your children run free. you trust your neighbours, your children are safe, aren’t they? A 13 year old girl is found unconscious in a dark corner of the square...

This book details Christie’s 12 years of stand-up comedy. Find out how nice Peter Stringfellow’s fish tastes, how yoghurt advertising perpetuates rape myths and how Emily Bronte used a special ladies’ pen to write.

In 1919, Twenty year old Eleanor e and hires a gardener to help. As Eleanor begins to heal, what grows between her and jack is an unsuitable friendship. Today the garden’s history is awoken.

The Perfect Daughter By Amanda Prowse

By Susan Lewis Justine has suddenly changed her name, abandoned her husband, family and a successful business. But why? There isn’t a man involved but there is a terrible secret she must hide from her new friends. What’s the secret?

LIFESTYLEMOVIEREVIEWS

Movies Minions

Starring: Chris Remaus, Pierre Coffin, Michael Keaton

Minions Stuart, Kevin and Bob are recruited by Scarlet Overkill, a super villan who, alongside her inventor husband Herb, hatches a plot to take over the world and saving all of minionkind from annihilation. A 3D movie, this is sure to be a hit with children (of all ages!).

There’s something for everyone upcoming at the cinema. Date nights to summer holiday day trips, We give you the low down on the big screen

Jurassic World

Starring: Chris Pratt, Judy Greer, Ty Simpkins

22 years after Jurassic Park, Isla now features a dinosaur theme park. A new hybrid dinosaur is created to re-spark visitors’ interests but escapes. It’s up to staff to contain the dinosaur. The fourth installment in the Jurassic Park film series, a good excuse to rewatch the first three before you go.

Magic Mike XXL

Spy

Starring: Scott Eastwood, Britt Robertson, Alan Alda

Starring: Channing Tatum, Amber Heard

Starring: Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham

Luke is seriously injured while riding. A year later he meets Sophia. They meet an older man who has crashed his car and rescue him. Sophia visits the man and he tells her of his past. A romantic drama based on the Nicholas Sparks’ novel, we say this is one for the girls or the (probably) reluctant other half.

This sequel is set three years after Mike bowed out of the stripper life at the top of his game. Mike and the remaining Kings of Tampa now hit the road to Myrtle Beach to put on one last blow-out performance. Definitely one for the girly night out. Did someone say chinese and wine?

Susan, a desk-bound CIA analyst is an unsung hero behind dangerous missions. When her partner falls off the grid and top agent is compromised she goes undercover into the world of a deadly arms dealer. An action comedy which has received acclaim from critics, a good laugh is guaranteed.

The Longest Ride

WEDDINGALBUM

Northern Woman Congratulates…

fter Thomas proposed to Arúna at the fountains in front of the Burj Kalifia in Dubai, they were married by Father Michael Cusack on Saturday 11th April at Holy Trinity Chapel in Cookstown. Arúna had always wanted a simple style of wedding dress. She says when she put her dress on in McElhinneys she just knew it was the one. The bridesmaid’s dresses were from Verona Bridal in Magherafelt. Arúna had two colours in mind and when the bridesmaids, Lara and Claire, tried on the yellow dresses it was clear to all three that they were ideal. Passion Hair was the hair stylist for the day and Catherine Fleming was makeup artist for the bridesmaids, mother of the bride and mother of the groom. The couple had their honeymoon in San Diego, Los Angeles, Santa Monica and Las Vegas.

WEDDINGALBUM

The wedding rings came from D&K Jewellers in Cookstown, the home town of the evening music band, Hype. Arúna knew the artists well and they had all the guests dancing through the night at the An Grainin Hotel. The events of the day were captured by Video Magic and John O’Neill Sperrin Photography. The wedding cake was from Jill’s Cakes. The bouquets and flowers on the cake were by Victoria Robertson from Tortraits Floral Design. She used Garden and Peony roses to create the look. Victoria’s work was met with multiple complements from the wedding guests.

ONELASTTHING

A Day in the Life of

Tiffany Brien...

Ex-Miss Northern Ireland and Peanut Butter Girl Tiffany Brien has recently relocated to Dubai to focus on her property career. Current Job Title:

Client manager at Espace Real Estate.

Have you always worked in property?

Yes, I have worked for my dad since the age of 18. Whilst I was Miss Northern Ireland I worked full time as a negotiator and loved it! I am now 24 and cannot see myself working in any other industry.

What’s the best thing about your job?

The market here is tough. I haven’t come at the best time in regard to market prices and activity; a few years back the market was crazy here and people made millions. The positive spin is I am learning the hard way and everything after this will be a lot easier. You have to learn to be super proactive and use your initiative. There is so much competition, with hundreds of agents and very few laws; it is very much dog eat dog. There are 50 estate agents in my office, and only three girls - this is for a reason - it is relentless! But they picked the wrong girl to mess with, I am so competitive and will give as good as I get in the most professional manner possible.

In your role what does a typical day involve?

I work on a 100 per cent commission basis which is tough as it is. But this means coming into the office every single day focused with a game plan. Every minute spent day dreaming is time wasted which could have been spent being proactive and potentially making money. Three days a week we have a morning sales meeting first thing discussing properties, offers and the diary. I spend my morning on the phones calling out for buyers, or my stock, or hot properties that are going to be sold quickly! In the afternoon I try to be out and about doing viewings, looking for more stock or doing valuations. The days are long, I work 8am to 6pm minimum but find myself working later a lot of the days to accommodate clients.

How do you like to switch off from work at the end of the day? When you walk out of the office after a

hard day Dubai is buzzing! There is so much to do here! I tend to go back to my flat which I share with five guys I didn’t know (again another learning curve!), then get myself ready for gym. I train about five times a week in the gym at my apartment. I live right on the beach with Sephora and Victoria's Secret on my doorstep, it is a dream! I have landed on my feet in terms of where and who I live with. One of the guys I live with I knew from Belfast and he has started working in the same company as me too, so it's nice having someone from back home to talk to.

At the weekends I go to the cinema, or out for dinner and drinks. The places to go are endless, I have been to different spots each weekend and some of them are mind blowing! The quality and settings of the bars, clubs and restaurants here are incredible! Of course, I love to go to the malls here which is like a marathon in itself, you nearly need to have your trainers on as these malls are massive!

Can we expect to see you back living and working in belfast anytime soon?

Moving to Dubai has been one of the biggest, scariest, hardest and best decisions I have ever made. I am a homebird and miss my family and friends every day. I am taking this as an experience and a challenge which will build me as a person. When I return to Belfast I will be well equipped to work in my dad’s company, Simon Brien Residential, and hopefully be able to handle anything thrown at me. Personally, I have learnt a lot about myself being away from home and can’t wait to come back, I'm just not sure when that will be yet.

#Ready4Summer www.cuba-clothing.com

...it has to be 23 Market Street, Omagh T: (0)28 8225 1211

CUBA

15-17 Scotch Street, Dungannon T: (0)28 87727575

29 James Street, Cookstown T: (0)28 8678 0008