January 2015 by Northern Woman

Get ready to party with

NW!

JANUARY 2015

£2.50/€3.95

NW chats to

Millie Mackintosh Citybreaks: Paris & Glasgow

9 771361 273013

ISSN 1361-2735

Working Woman: Reach your potential in 2015

Presents Signature Collections By GERALDINE CONNON SHANE BENNETT OONAGH BOMAN

For the Love Of Fashion

In the Great Hall STORMONT Wednesday 3rd December 2014 Reception 7.30pm Show 8.00pm Dress code : Cocktail Ticket cost : ÂŁ40.00 All proceeds in aid of Energy for Children Charitable Trust

Contents FEATURES

46 Winter Blues

Millie Mackintosh talks fashion and beauty.

52 Safe Nights Out

Are you SAD?

8 Modern Millie

Drink responsibly and stay aware.

56 Gift Guide

Presents for all the family.

LIFESTYLE

61 A New Lease of Life

80 City of Lights

Inside The End House in Holywood.

A chic Parisian getaway.

STYLE

A bonny break.

82 #People Make Glasgow

10 Evening Elegance

Fabulous full-length dresses.

REGULARS

15 Best Foot Forward

29 Working Woman

Party hard in these heels.

Interviews and advice.

19 Shapely Figures

54 Ask the Experts

Underwear to tone and sculpt.

20 Fashionably Festive

Your questions answered.

98 A Day in the Life

Inspiration for those key Christmas dates.

A continental Christmas with Jeff Meredith.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Competitions

42 Beauty Box

74 Win... a relaxing mid-week at

The latest products.

Knockranny House Hotel, Westport.

44 Holding Back the Years

76 Win... indulge with a delicious Johnsons Coffee hamper.

Rejuvenating invasive procedures.

PUBLISHER: Gladys Greer MANAGER: Eileen Wilson Doherty CONTRIBUTORS: Margaret Connolly, Katie Wilson, Teri Kelly EDITORIAL INTERN: Lillian McKibben 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

LIFESTYLE&FASHIONNEWS New Radio Show for Wendy Austin Wendy Austin’s new BBC Radio Ulster programme, Inside Business, gives the inside track on what’s really happening in Northern Ireland business and economics. Every Sunday at 1.30pm, Wendy offers listeners expert commentary, analysis, and insight into the vital and varied world of business and debate on its effects on Northern Ireland’s economy and our everyday lives. Inside Business is repeated every Monday at 6.30pm on BBC Radio Ulster. Tune in to BBC Radio Ulster, 92-95FM & DAB digital radio, digital TV and online at bbc.co.uk/radioulster

Fashion & Lifestyle News Enrich & Endure Irish linen napkin sets, £45 (approx €56) each, Maven

Destination Boutique Enniskillen boutique, Harry & George, which opened in March 2014, is a fashion destination like no other! Described as a boutique ‘where vivacious meets vintage’, it offers a carefully considered range of ladieswear from leading and unique brands and is complemented by fantastic personalised service.

Belfast Brunch at Maven Some of Ireland’s leading media recently joined Patricia and Catherine McGinnis, owners of Maven, for some real Belfast hospitality and the very best of Irish and international design, including a meet-and-greet with three of Ireland’s leading designers. If you’ve yet to pop to see the carefully curated collection of emerging and established local and international brands on offer you are in for a real treat when you do. www.wearemaven.co.uk

LIFESTYLE&FASHIONNEWS

Boutique Review Velvet Rose

It’s A Wrap! Designer Diane von Furstenberg is celebrating the 40th birthday of her iconic wrap dress. The DVF (as both the designer and the dress are better known) is a garment that has become a stretch jersey symbol of women’s liberation in the 1970s. A dress that’s sexy, womanly, it’s a firm fashion favourite amongst stylish celebs and women who simply like to look good. Evelin Brandt Is Now Online www.evelinbrandt.co.uk is now live and allows you to browse your favourite fashion boutique from your computer, tablet or mobile. The site profiles all of their latest collections and will keep you up-to-date will the latest styles as they arrive. The style blog also offers plenty of inspiration for your everyday, seasonal wardrobes. Sixty6 an exciting new cocktail bar and nightclub opens this month above the National Grande Café on High Street, Belfast. Set over three floors, Sixty6 will conjure the glamour of a classic Victorian’s Gentleman’s Club; with an intimate cocktail bar on the first floor open seven days a week and on the upper two floors, a nightclub will feature live DJ entertainment from Thursday to Sunday, with access to the venue’s exclusive rooftop terrace via the third floor.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Owned by Lorraine Wallace and her daughter Lyndsey, Velvet Rose has recently opened in Dromore in the stunning surroundings of the Grade B listed building that used to be a bank. Complementing the beautiful architecture, the interior design boasts crystal chandelier, velour seating, ornate mirrors and a beautiful handcrafted staircase. With car parking facilities and disabled access this destination boutique has quickly become known for its friendly, personal service and the newly opened in-store tea room makes Velvet Rose the perfect place to shop and relax.

LABELS YOU LOVE

Velvet Rose is full of stylish fashions from brands such as Art in Fashion, Masion Scotch, Paige Jeans, Fran & Jane, Soaked in Luxury and Nymph to name just a few. Also in stock for those looking for fashionable equine clothing are brands Toggi and HV Polo. There are scarves from Codelle and other accessories including handbags, jewellery and footwear from Seven Boot Lane, Bourne and United Nude.

FASHION CREDENTIALS

There are good size changing rooms with great mirrors and good price ranges for all customers looking for country wear, day wear, cocktail wear and nightwear. In the shoe boutique they sell boots, shoes, slippers, jewellery and accessories. Customers can enjoy all of the personal shopping benefits that a boutique such as this offers, from the friendly staff who use their expert styling credentials to ensure every Velvet Rose customer can finds something to suit them and their lifestyle.

ONLINE PRESENCE

Follow Velvet Rose on Facebook at www.facebook.com/velvetroseboutiquedromore for information on all new arrivals and in-store news.

Where to Shop Unveiling plans for the latest addition to the Beannchor group’s portfolio are Conall and Petra Wolsey.

24 Church Street, Dromore, Co. Down Phone 028 9269 3531

Images courtesy of The Can Group. Shop the full Millie Mackintosh A/W14-15 collection online @ www.millie-mackintosh.com

INTERVIEWMillieMackintosh

Modern Millie A make-up artist, beauty fanatic and fashion junkie with a stunning new clothing line to her name, NW chats to former Made in Chelsea star, Millie Mackintosh.

INTERVIEWMillieMackintosh

ince hitting our screens as one of the original affluent, stylish young things on E4’s BAFTA winning reality TV show, ‘Made in Chelsea’ back in 2011, Camilla ‘Millie’ Mackintosh has become a well-known household name. Although Millie decided to leave the show in 2013, even by her own admission it has certainly helped her career. ‘If I hadn't gone on ‘Made in Chelsea’ I wouldn't have a clothing line out yet! It was a massive help because it put my name out there. It was terrifying at the time, but I’m so glad I did it,’ admits Millie. As well as posting images via her own Instagram account and style blog, Millie regularly hits the headlines for her effortless, Boho inspired style which she is now replicating through her new clothing line. As she says herself, ‘I wanted to create pieces I wanted in my wardrobe that I couldn't find on the high street. This is the inspiration behind my clothing line, which is designed with strong, sassy, confident women in mind. ‘It’s a real mix of ready-to-wear, fashion led pieces. Some are more show-stoppers and some are great wardrobe staples that can take you from day to night. ‘My favourite pieces from the current collection include the maxi skirt with the thigh slit and the lace shirts. All the embellished pieces are great for parties.’ As well as her clothing line, as a trained make-up artist, Millie also has her own collection of false eyelashes. The strip lashes are all named after Millie’s favourite places in London and made of natural hair, to give a more natural look. ‘It's no secret that I'm a complete beauty addict, and so designing my own range of lashes was a dream come true. My lashes are unique in that they are 100 per cent natural hair, and the extra mild adhesive means that you can commit the cardinal sin of forgetting to take them off and still wake up looking gorgeous!’ Millie certainly has the perfect face and body to model and advertise her clothing line and lashes, and was once the face of Umberto Giannini’s ‘Incredible Body’ hair care range and was recently signed up as the first ever face of Nip + Fab. You can also get all of her beauty secrets via her video tutorials on feelunique.com. As well as all of her beauty knowledge to keep her looking good, Millie’s love of a healthy lifestyle is well documented and she is a regular gym-goer and advocate of healthy eating. Often papped on holiday with her husband, Millie is well known for her perfect bikini body. Millie’s marriage to rapper Professor Green, real name Stephen Manderson, took

place at Babington House in September 2013. The couple got together after Stephen saw her on the cover of FHM and asked for her contact details. A cool, Brit couple, in between working on all of her own projects,

Millie enjoys supporting her husband and the two are regularly seen together at music festivals and venues all over the globe. But, back to her own ambitions and Millie is busy preparing for the launch of the spring/summer instalment of her clothing line in the New Year. So what can we expect? ‘It's very festival inspired...lots of lace and tassels!’ Millie exclaims. As for expanding her fashion empire, Millie intends to focus on her clothing for the time being and accessories like bags and purses may be considered further down the line. With stockists throughout the UK and Ireland, including House of Fraser, Harry & George and Excel Clothing here in Northern Ireland, what does the future hold for Millie’s clothing line? As she says, ‘I would love to keep expanding and learning more each season.’ Who knows what is ahead for the Millie Mackintosh label and it’s creator, but from what we have seen this season we are certainly looking forward to viewing all of the styles for next season and beyond.

FASHIONEVENINGDRESSES

Evening Elegance Make an impact in one of these fabulous full-length formal dresses... Embellished Ruched Maxi Dress, £89, M&S

Figurehugging Black Maxi Dress, £429, Marc Cain @ Katriona

Evening Dress with Sequin Skirt & Chiffon Blouse Style Top, £335, Vera Mont @ Jonzara, Newtownards

Gjane Strapless Dress, £5,415, Escada

Richmond Velvet Maxi Dress, £349, Hobbs

Rita Tulle Full Length Dress, £295, Phase Eight

Galina Sequin Full Length Dress, £395, Phase Eight

Black Maxi with Sheer & Diamante Neckline, £54.99, New Look

Signature Knot Maxi Dress, £50, F&F @ Tesco

Deco Beaded Maxi Dress, £150, Miss Selfridge Viva Maxi Dress, £158, Coast

Dress from a selection @ United Colours of Benetton

FASHIONCOCKTAILDRESSES

Cocktail Hour

From prom, shift to bodycon there's a style to suit you and your party this Christmas,,,

Premium Bonded Skater Dress with Lace Top, £65, asos.com

Dress with Embellished Collar, £179, Fee G @ Gasp, Armagh & Newry

Black Dress, £99, Great Plains @ Joli Clothing, Ballyclare

Sheer Top Cocktail k Dress, £29.99, New Loo

Green Silk Dress, £95 & Faux Fur Coat, £129.90, both Sisley

Bloom Sequin Dress, £200, Coast Accalia Dress, £145, L.K. Bennett @ The OUTLET, Banbridge

Blooms of Enchantment Dress, £399, Ted Baker

Atlantic Wave Dress, £190 & Polar Teddy Jacket, £165, both French Connection @ Logans of Cloughmills

Gabriele Dress, £169, Monsoon

Fern, £225, Fran & Jane

Lolly Metallic Bandeau Dress, £195, Reiss

Adrianna Papell Blue Dress with Black Lace Detail, £140, John Lewis

FASHIONCOVERUPS

Evening Coat Whether a fur shrug, bolero jacket, velvet blazer or embellished kimono there's a cover up for you this Christmas.

Hybrid Milano Bolero Jacket in Cream, £70, Lovarni.com

Faux Fur Jacket, £70, Debut @ Debenhams

Black & Gold Lace Bolero, £18, BHS

Boutique Sequin Floral Kimono, £59, M&Co

Bolero, £30, F&F @ Tesco Metallic Feather Bolero, £45, Dorothy Perkins

Dorothy Perkins Christmas 2014

Premium Lula Sequin Jacket, £65, Miss Selfridge

Ida Fur Shrug, £69, Monsoon

Lili Jacket, £75, White Stuff

Elegant Blazer with Gloss Effect, £335, Marc Cain @ Katriona, Banbridge

Dark Turquoise Shrug, £45, Betty Jackson.Black @ Debenhams Embellished Waterfall Jacket, £60, Lipsy

LADIES FASHION & ACCESSORIES

Darling • Rene Derhy • Lollipops Paris • Yaya • Christina Gavioli • Mado et les autres

26 Downpatrick Street, Crossgar, County Down, BT30 9EA. Tel: 028 44832921

Look us up on facebook

FASHIONCLUTCHBAGS

Bags for every Occasion Carry all your party essentials in one of these cute clutch bags... Suede Jewelled Clutch, £59, Monsoon

Bow Detail Hardshell Clutch, £10, Primark

Glitter Box Clutch, £22, Bank Fashion

Patent Box Clutch, £32, Accessorize

Elana, £69, Dune Red Lips Clutch, £225, Lulu Guinness @ House of Fraser

Abigail's Party Clutch, £49.99, Irregular Choice @ Carino Boutique, Omagh Embellished Clutch, £29, Miss Selfridge

Swarovski Crystal Clutch, £339.95, Velvet Rose Boutique, Dromore

Dsquared2 Montana Clutch, £401 @ Cadenza

Dahlia Clutch, £135, L.K. Bennett @ The OUTLET, Banbridge

Pink Snakeskin Embellished Clutch, £29.99, New Look Clutch, £38, Next

Emma, £79, Phase Eight

Blue Envelope Clutch, £69.95, Moda in Pelle @ Sitara Morgan, Portadown

FASHIONHEELS

Best Foot Forward It's time to get your party feet on! Here are a selection of shoes to see you through all of those Christmas parties... Jagger, £99.95, Moda in Pelle @ Panache, Linen Green, Dungannon

Sarah Jessica Parker is noted for always putting a stylish foot forward.

Metallic Court Shoe, £285, Marc Cain

Pink Embellished Ankle Strap Heel, £24.99, New Look

Buffie, £89, Dune

Alexa, £99, Mint Velvet @ Menarys

Blue Metallic Court Shoe, £35, Wallis

Luxer, £99.95, Moda in Pelle @ Panache, Linen Green, Dungannon

Sound Bite, £130, Chloe Jade Green Olivia Palermo's footwear choices are rarely off the mark.

Flick Flack, £89.99, Irregular Choice @ Donaghys, Banbridge

Five Year Engagement, £99.99, Bourbon Collection by Amy Huberman @ Cilento, Strabane

Black & White Heels, £65, Faith @ Debenhams

FASHIONJEWELLERY

Statement Jewellery Finish off your Christmas outfits with a stand-out piece of jewellery a pair of earrings, a necklace or bracelet - the choice is yours... Drop Earrings, £143, Lisa C Bijoux @ Cadenzza

Green Onyx & White Sapphire Earrings, £130, Kasturjewels @ Boticca

Narrative Rose Gold Ring, £140, Links of London

Gold Plated Sterling Silver Purple CZ Cocktail Ring, £74.95, What's About Town

Special Multi Stone Necklace, £18, Dorothy Perkins

9ct White & Rose Gold Diamond Ring, £399, Chapelle @ The OUTLET

Emozioni 25mm Neptune Coin, £49.95, 25mm Reversible Sterling Silver Keeper £89.95 and Sterling Silver Belcher Chain, prices start at £29.95 (for 16-18" length), www.hotdiamonds.com

Diamante Jewelled Earrings, £8, M&Co

Emozioni Pianeta Sterling Silver Earrings, £39.95, www.hotdiamonds.com

Gem Necklace, £40, Jenny Packham @ Debenhams

Floral Statement Necklace, £29, M&C0

Gold Jewel Cuff, £10, Diva @ Miss Selfridge Gem Drop Earrings, £2.50, Primark

Geometric Earrings with Triple Drop Spikes, £270, Mawi Cuff, £12, River Island

Becca Bracelet, £75, Stella & Dot

FASHIONSEQUINS&GLITTER

Seasonal Sparkle Add a splash of sequins and a dash of glitter this Christmas and New Year... Kate Hudson rocks this green sequin minidress.

Sequin Sheer Sweat, £14, Primark

Eden Embellished Jumper, £59, Monsoon

Sequin Cuff Kimono, £25, BHS

Sequin Bomber Jacket, £69.99, Zara Kate Moss goes for a 70s vibe in her sequin maxi dress.

Navy Sequin Front T-shirt, £35, Wallis Green Sequin Pencil Skirt, £85, Betty Jackson Black @ Debenhams

Gold Star Sequin Dress, £39, Fearne Cotton @ very.co.uk

Crystal Kitten Heel, £145, L.K. Bennett @ The OUTLET, Banbridge

Christina Hendricks opts for festive red sequins. Taylor Sequin Trousers, £95, Coast

Black and gold is always a winning combination,

Silver Sparkly Courts, £65, Office

Twinkle Glitter Finish Clutch, £157.50, Anya Hindmarch @ The Outnet.com

Red Sequin Full-length Dress, £54.99, New Look Namo Camo Sequin Dress, £179, Ted Baker

FASHIONHATS&GLOVES

Hats & Gloves As temperatures continue to drop it's time to reach for a hat and gloves to keep you warm this winter... Trapper Hat, £29, Mint Velvet Faux Fur Hat, £29, Dubarry of Ireland @ Winnie Magee, Comber

Grey Longline Boyfriend Coat, £69; Cream Polo Neck, £14; Navy Faux Fur Mittens, £10; Navy Cut- away Shoe Boots, £35 & Navy Riding Hat, £14, all Dorothy Perkins

Cropped Leather Gloves, £65, Jaeger

Feminine Gloves, £115, Marc Cain

Collection Hat, £15, M&S

Check Leather Look Gloves, £12.99, New Look IZip, £39, Dune

Marc Cain A/W 14-15

Woollen Hat with Pom Pom, £95, Midnight Marc Cain Bando Hat, £19, Accessorize

Navy Sparkle Gloves, £50, Tommy Hilfiger @ Cilento, Strabane Jessica Alba opts for a trapper hat

Embellished Bobble Hat, £9.99, New Look

Fingerless Pom Pom Gloves, £14, H! By Henry Holland @ Debenhams

Holly Willoughby wraps up in a cute pom pom style

FASHIONSHAPEWEAR

Shapely Figures It’s party season, which means it’s time to dust off your LBD and festive footwear. However, as it’s also the season of canapés and champagne, some of us want to smooth our lumps and bumps for big nights out. Shapewear is the perfect way to discreetly sculpt your figure — and with so many options, from tights to slips to briefs, there’s every reason to celebrate! Miraclesuit Hi-Waist Thigh Slimmer, £37.50, Orchid Lingerie, Belfast

Control Bodysuit, £10, Primark

Wolford Individual 50 Leg Support Tights, £27, Elegance, Lurgan

Wolford Individual 10 Control Top Tights, £28, Elegance, Lurgan

Wear Your Own Bra Slip, £39.50, M&S

Naomi & Nicole Torsette Slip, €46.95, McElhinneys, Ballybofey, Donegal Miraclesuit Hi-Waist Slip, £41.50, The Lingerie Room, Moygashel

Spanx Higher Power High Waisted Panty Brief, £39, House of Fraser

FASHIONDRESSINGFORCHRISTMAS

Fashionably Festive

Apron, £25, Debenhams

Blouse, £64.95, In Wear @ Joli, Ballyclare

Lace Sleeveless Blouse from Gustav @ Saretta, Moy

Essential Extras... Black Heeled Court, £19.99, Zara

BY DAY

White Shirt, £59, Dubarry of Ireland, @ Winne Magee, Comber

Look fashioable and relaxed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day with a casual pair of trousers and chic blouse or fun, festive jumper.

Snowman Jumper, £28, M&S

Embellished Knit, £45.99, Zara

Cashmere Onesie, £225, M&S

Green Jeans, £24, Next

Shannon Jeans, £74.95, Part Two @ Logans of Cloughmills

Fairisle Reindeer Boot, £4, Heatons

Shaggy Faux Fur Jacket, £45, Next

Floral Trouser, £99.95, In Wear @ Joli, Ballyclare

FASHIONDRESSINGFORCHRISTMAS We take the stress out of what to wear this Christmas with a few stylish ideas for those key dates... Sequin Top, £29.99, Zara

Essential Extras... Silver Strappy Sandal, £39.99, Zara

Cream Embellished Top, £14, George @ Asda

BY NIGHT

Wondering what to wear this Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve? Whether a house party or a celebratory night out with friends and family, here are a few ideas...

Moya Laced Satin Dress, £129.95, Part Two @ Joli, Ballyclare

Embellished Bodycon Dress, £89, Limited Edition @ M&S

Sparklezip, £69, Dune

Feather Jacket, £80, Savida @ Dunnes Earrings, £10, Next

Tux Jacket, £115, Next

Faux Black Leather Trousers, £44.99, St. Tropez

Pollium Jumpsuit, £114.95, In Wear @ Logans of Cloughmills

Buckled Heel, £39.99, Zara

Silver Pleated Skirt, £29.99, Zara

Glamour

Sophisticated

Throughout the festive party season achieve a sleek, elegant silhouette with luxurious pieces that are guaranteed to make a style statement.

Jacquard trousers £69 Phase Eight Jacquard top £69 Phase Eight Clutch £49 Phase Eight Coat £175 Rio/Brazil Sandals £50 River Island

Nude sequinned jumper, £120Evelyn Brandt White Trousers, £60 Evelyn Brandt Necklace, £99 Velvet Rose Boutique Faux fur - stylist's own Boots £45 Zara

Silver sequinned maxi, £120 Phase Eight Polo neck, £60 Phase Eight Faux fur wrap, £60 Zara Clutch bag, £55 Phase Eight Earrings, £25 Argento Cuff, £40 Argento

Leather skirt, £35 Tempest/ Menarys Bangor, Faux fur coat, £60 Tempest/Menarys Bangor, Earrings, £45 Rio/Brazil

Evening dress, £375 Rio/Brazil Feather wrap, £185 LK Bennett Statement Necklace, £100 Velvet Rose Boutique

Photographer: Khara Pringle. 108-112 Royal Avenue, Belfast www.kharapringlephotographic.com Styling: Rebecca McKinney 07729848822 Make-up by Michelle McKeown @ make-up pro store, Newry Hair: Cairan G @ Toni & Guy, Lisburn Road, Belfast 028 9068 2323 Model: Teo Sutra 1st Option Models, Dublin Shot on Location at SS Nomadic Hamilton Dock, Titanic Quarter, Belfast www.nomadicbelfast.com

Sequinned evening dress, £450 LK Bennett, Earrings, £25 Argento Clutch, £225 LK Bennett

WORKINGWOMAN

Working 9-5 This issue Bronagh Luke, Corporate Marketing Controller with the Henderson Group talks about juggling her career with motherhood; we advise on dressing for the working day during the Christmas party season and catch up with Geraldine Connon to find out more about life as a fashion designer. There’s also advice on compiling the perfect CV and expert financial tips to get you on track in 2015.

Tux Jumpsuit £55 & Mono Heeled Loafers £38, both Next

WORKINGWOMAN

Luke Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Talking... Bronagh Luke, Corporate Marketing Controller for the Henderson Group, is married to Neil and has four children Daniel (8), Katie (6) and twins Callum and James (3). NW chats to Bronagh about juggling life as a career woman and mother...

WORKINGWOMAN

‘I

’ve worked at the Henderson Group for 20 years in the marketing department. My main role is to drive and lead our corporate marketing objectives, particularly in the area of the Henderson Group brands, our retail brands, (SPAR, EUROSPAR, VIVO and VIVOXTRA), corporate, consumer and retailer PR, our CSR initiatives, including sponsorships, events and charity activity. I have a passion for helping others and I’m fortunate I get to practice this through my job and the committees I sit on - GroceryAid and the North Eastern Board of Young Enterprise,’ explains Bronagh. Bronagh manages to combine her career with raising four children and in order to do this she did decide to reduce her working hours a few years ago. ‘After having the twins, Callum and James, I reduced my working hours to fit it all in. I’m off on a Friday and get to spend some quality time with Callum and James before picking the others up from school. Weekends are very precious and dedicated family time for me, so I usually like to organise to take the children out somewhere, which we all enjoy. I am lucky to be married to a very hands-on husband and father, who is a great support to me. I always take holidays when the children (and my physics teacher husband) are off school to spend quality time with them and I especially love Christmas time and I’m really looking forward to seeing their little faces on Christmas morning, which will be special this year, as they’re all so excited! ‘Having children, as anyone will tell you, is life changing! For me it’s all for the better and I feel so blessed to have four loving, healthy children! I suppose the biggest change for me is the lack of freedom to just ‘do as you please’ – you can’t just head out to the cinema or have lunch with the girls when there are others dependent on you for their every need! Don’t get me wrong these social occasions are still a very important part of life, but they are certainly not as frequent and need planned well in advance! I don’t get a lot of ‘me time’, but it’s important to invest even a little time in the things you enjoy. From a work life perspective, I think it’s important to educate children in the values of working hard for what you have. My flexible working arrangements now mean my working life doesn’t impact too much on my children. ‘That said, military precision is required to ensure we leave the house at 8.30am to go to school, or earlier if I have an early work appointment. I tend to get up at 6.45am and get myself ready first, then I get the kids up and give them breakfast and get them dressed. Four days a week

I’m able to collect Katie from school at 2pm and Daniel at 3pm and then collect the twins from my childminder at 3.20pm. We’re all usually back home again by 4pm, snacks for everyone and then it’s homework time for Daniel and Katie. I then make dinner. My husband comes home at 5.30pm and we all eat dinner together. This is a really important part of our family life and my favourite part of the day as we spend time altogether, catching up on what has happened in everyone’s day. Daniel and Katie have various after school activities, every day of the week, football, ICT club, drama, swimming lessons, Beavers/Cubs, dance classes and I taxi everyone around! At 8pm we start getting the children ready for bed and everyone’s in bed by 8.30pm/9.00pm. I then sign homeworks and get lunches ready for the next day and any other school matters which need my attention. It’s now 9.30pm and I then get the laptop out and catch up on emails/ work. I usually try to chill out for an hour from 10.30 to 11.30 by watching a bit of TV, browsing the internet or reading a book and then it’s bedtime! ‘Although days are long and much juggling is required, my career is important to me and I’m passionate about my job, so working is a way of life for me. I enjoy the work ethos and discipline it brings to my life! My mother and father were both career people, my mother working all her life as a midwife and my father as a teacher, so I think a strong work ethic is certainly something you’re brought up with – it’s in the blood. ‘Hendersons is a fantastic family-run and family-oriented company, the best in its sector and I have the privilege of working with some really talented people – as well as being a good mum, it’s important to me that I can come to work and make a difference too.’

Bronagh launches the annual Tearfund Milk It initiative with Sarah Travers and Paul Francis

Bronagh is largely involved with SPAR fundraising initiatives for NSPCC Childline in Northern Ireland

Bronagh launching a search for a SPAR Star to sing on stage with Peter Corry, in conjunction with Citybeat

Bronagh celebrates Henderson Group and EUROSPAR raising over 250K for the Cancer Fund for Children

WORKINGWOMAN

Your 15 resolutions for financial wellbeing in 2015 Financial planning can be daunting, especially at this time of year. Geoff Clarke, Chartered Financial Planner and Director at Xafinity in Belfast, recommends these resolutions to get your finances fighting fit for the New Year. Review your mortgage. It’s probably your largest expense, so you should shop around and take advantage of new deals on offer from lenders to reduce your payments and free up cash. Don’t pay more than you have to. Whether its energy, insurance, phone, TV or broadband, avoid the complacency trap. Diarise renewal dates, check existing suppliers against their competition and move if you can save money. Sometimes your existing suppliers will even make you an offer to stay with them. What can you live without? Cancel memberships or subscriptions if you are not using them. Giving up smoking could save you £3,000 a year.

Know yourself. Review your bank statement, credit card statement and chequebook then make a budget of your income against expenditure. Separate essential spending, such as mortgage or rent, electricity and insurance payments against discretionary spending such as shopping, entertainment, memberships and subscriptions. Be honest. If you earn more than you spend, you have a great starting point. If not, it’s time to make a plan! Manage your debt. Credit cards should be used for convenience, not credit. If you have outstanding balances, check the interest rates on these then pay off the highest first. If it’s going to take a while, you may wish to consider a balance transfer or a fixed term loan with a lower interest rate, but this only works if you commit to paying off the balance by the end of the offer period and don’t get further into debt before then. De-clutter and raise some cash. Have a clear-out in your home and sell unwanted clothes and toys on eBay or Gumtree. Use the proceeds to help with your financial plan.

Get online and be ‘appy’. Use online banking for quick access to your accounts. Browse money saving websites for the best rates. Use loyalty schemes and shopping apps to get deals for your favourite stores, restaurants and cinemas. Save on a regular basis. If you earn more than you spend and have paid off expensive debt, get yourself into the savings habit. Whether it’s for a holiday, wedding or university fees, it costs less to buy with savings instead of credit. Paying into a high interest account by direct debit gets you into the habit and helps you stick to it.

household or business can be. Make a will. If you already have one then make sure it is updated when your circumstances change, such as buying a house, getting married, having children or starting a business. Even a basic will can help avoid unnecessary complications and ensure your wishes are honoured after you are gone. Reduce your tax bill. ISA tax free savings allowances have now increased to £15,000 each year, which is more than most people need, so shop around to get the best rates for cash ISAs and suitable longer term investment funds. Pay attention to your investments. Make sure they are suitable for your circumstances. Review them once or twice a year and before important life events, especially retirement. Get to know a professional financial planner. It can be difficult to know where to start so ask trusted friends, family or business partners who they use and why. Ask firms for details of their services and associated costs. Most offer a free initial consultation, so meet one or two and see whether they are right for you. Chartered Financial Planners are highly qualified and adhere to the strictest professional standards.

Admit you are getting older. The sooner you start saving for retirement, the less work your money needs to do to support you when get there. Pensions receive tax relief on contributions, are more flexible than ever and can be fully accessed from age 55, with 25% of your fund available tax free.

Take control. Some of the smartest people I know do not like to think about their finances. By doing so and starting with the resolutions above, you stand a greater chance of whipping your finances into shape for 2015 and beyond. So take a deep breath and go for it. I wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.

Review life and illness covers. Should the proverbial bus hit and leave you incapacitated or worse, make sure you have protected the mortgage, your dependants and any business interests. You cannot be replaced, but it is reassuring to know that your financial contribution to the

Geoff Clarke is a Chartered Financial Planner, Director and head of the Belfast office at Xafinity, one of the UK’s leading Pension & Employee Benefits Consultants. He can be contacted at geoff.clarke@xafinityconsulting.com

WORKINGWOMAN

New Year, New Career! Ready to make a fresh start in 2015? Here are some top tips to help you create a great CV that will help you on your way...

here’s an overwhelming raft of information about how to create the greatest CV of all time, but the truth is there’s no right or wrong way to do it. It’s just a matter of figuring out what works for you and the job you’re applying for. That said, there are a number of things you should consider to make sure you’re really selling yourself. For one, if your prospective employer can’t see any of the key phrases mentioned in the job description within two seconds, the CV will go in the bin. This may sound harsh, but with hundreds vying for the same job employers have to be ruthless and your CV needs to stand out from the crowd for all of the right reasons! So, whether you’re updating a current CV or writing a new one from scratch, you can use the following checklist to make sure you’ve got everything covered. Contact details: It’s important to provide a range of up-to-date contact options including your home address, your main phone number and your email address to make it easy for employers to get in touch with you. Employment history: Make sure to include the jobs that are relevant to the position

you are applying for. If you haven’t had much relevant experience, however, you may want to include your whole work history. Education and qualifications: Your education and qualifications may not be directly related to the job you are applying for, but they’re still important achievements that any employer will want to see. Skills and strengths: Emphasising your skills and strengths is vital when writing a CV. A strength is something you’re naturally good at. A skill is something you acquire with education and experience. Make sure to demonstrate how your skills and strengths will help you to do well in the job. Your personality: Your CV should follow a fairly standard format and the interview is where your personality is really important, but you can still stand out from the crowd with the language you use. A prioritised layout: The way you layout your CV will depend on your age and work experience level. If you don’t have much work experience or you’re looking for a career change, you should place your skills and strengths section before employment and education.

A good simple format: Unless you’re going for a highly creative job, getting too fancy with fonts and borders will only take the focus from the important information in your CV. Good spelling and punctuation: There’s no room for poor spelling and punctuation in either your cover letter or your CV. Keep sentences short to avoid confused punctuation and, if you can, give it to a friend to check it over. Spell check should be the very last thing you do before sending it off. References available on request: You don’t have to include references in your CV and leaving them out will save you space, but make sure to state at the end of your CV that they are available on request. A cover letter: Most employers will expect a cover letter with your CV. It gives you a chance to get across your personality, ambition and to explain any gaps in your CV. If you are after a new job in 2015, use your downtime wisely this Christmas and resolve to update your CV and a whole new career could be yours!

WORKINGWOMAN

My Brilliant Career: Geraldine Connon, Fashion Designer Fashion designer Geraldine Connon is passionate about her career, which successfully spans three decades. and establish myself as a fashion designer. I decided the only way forward was to work for myself. Slow steps gaining confidence, listening to clients and understanding the importance of being honest in all things have also helped greatly.

Why did you decide to set up your own business and what is involved in running it?

Did you always know you wanted to be a fashion designer?

I was so driven to design and make clothes from childhood. You could say that it is in my blood really. My great grandfather was a Lithuanian Jew called Philip Lepar (Leopold) who immigrated to Belfast with his wife Rose Patchinski. A tailor by trade, he set up business in Belfast in 1899 under the name of Leopold & Son. A great aunt on my mother’s side was also a skilled tailoress. So, from the moment my parents bought me my first sewing machine I was hooked.

Can you talk us through the various stages of your career and how you got to where you are today?

I taught myself to sew and make clothes and went on to complete a course in fashion design from the University of Ulster. My first taste of fashion work came with a position in the costume department at The Lyric Theatre and I even did a three month teaching stint back on the fashion course from which I graduated. However, I was determined to follow my dream

Not wanting to leave Northern Ireland and my family, I opened my studio in Larne (where I am still based today) and began building up my fashion business through word of mouth. Within no time at all I was working day and night creating clothes for an ever expanding client base from the UK and Ireland. Being a fashion designer appears to be a glamorous job when you see that 15 minute catwalk show, but running a private design business, without compromise, is enduring hard work. However, it took a hold of me and I haven’t been able to let go and this is what I do every moment of every day.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Goodness there have been many highlights over the years, but these all encouraged me to continue, giving me the the chance to present my Diva Seduction Collection in New York last year. That has to be the highlight that has led to an ongoing business venture.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced?

I would say that was nine years ago when for the first time I presented my own fashion show for Children in Need in the Europa Hotel. Surrounded by loyal friends and

clients, we collectively raised £10,000 for the Charity. Fashion shows are always challenging because there is so much work involved and before this year is up, working alongside hairstylist Shane Bennett and make-up artist Oonagh Boman, I will be presenting my latest designs to guests at the Signature Fashion Collections sponsored by Phoenix Natural Gas in aid of the energy for Children Charitable Trust taking place on Wednesday 3rd December in the Great Hall in Stormont Estate.

How do you plan to keep the business growing?

I have finally embraced social media! The greatest PR tool of the century.

Where do you see yourself in ten years time?

Hopefully still enjoying and loving what I have around me.

How do you strike a balance between your work and personal life?

Work has always come first for me and to an extent it always will. I’ve been married to Miguel, a Portuguese sculptor, for five years now, he understands my passion and can relate to it, but then he is not the typical male. We both love art in all things, it is an adventure of discovery for us both.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Be original in your work, steadfast in your direction, and realise it will not happen over night.

WORKINGWOMAN

Working Wardrobe Adapt your working wardrobe for those Christmas soirées and add a splash of blue for plenty of executive style...

Leather Works

Take the lead from these style professionals and add some leather to your working wardrobe to take you from day to night with a quick change of accessories...

Day to Night Switch up your day look with a few carefully chosen metallic accessories to take you out at the end of the working day...

Box Clutch, £28, Next

Georgette Shirt, £49.90, Sisley, Harrison, Belfast

Lulu Frost Rococo Opulent Earrings, £119, Cadenzza

Miranda Kerr opts for a leather skirt and blouse on her night out. Black Leather Pencil Skirt, £249.89, Set, www.set-fashion.com

Blue Note

Leather & Jersey Dress, £149.90, Sandwich @ Evelin Brandt, Belfast. Bag: ‘Barleys’, £55, Dune.

This season’s key colour adds just the right amount of colour to hardworking shades of grey, black and navy. Blue Shoulder Bag, £29.50, Limited Edition @ M&S

Olivia Palermo chooses to go with this season’s must-have leather dress.

Collection Embellished Perspex Collar, £@5, M&S

Twin Set This skirt (£50) and jumper with embellished neckline (£55) from Great Plains would look the part at work this December/January.

Pale Blue Oversized Coat, £540, Max Mara Studio; Navy Short Sleeve Shirt, £230, Acne; Navy Slim Leg Trousers, £220, Acne & Navy ‘Norfolk’ Bag, £69, Dickins & Jones, all House of Fraser.

Statement Necklace, £18, River Island

Monique’, £115, L.K. Bennett @ The OUTLET

Metallic Clutch, £40, Miss KG @ Debenhams

Blue Wool Coat, £130, Great Plains @ Jolie, Ballyclare

Dogtooth Jacket, £125.50, Cristina Gavioli @ Rebecca Jane, Crossgar

‘Breanna’, £89, Dune

AFEWOFMYFAVOURITETHINGS

These are a few of my favourite things This issue Maureen Martin tells NW about her personal style as she mixes and matches brands to create an individual look... How did you start in the modelling world?

In the 60s I started as a hair model working at local and international competitions for Belfast salons, Hair Traffic and Michele International. These gave me the opportunity to be involved in photoshoots in London where I was photographed by a young David Bailey. I then joined the Stella Goddard Modelling School. Training there was very thorough, but paid off for my future as I became one of Northern Ireland’s top models. In the 70s I set up the province’s top model agency ‘Stages’ with Brian Massey and I still represent models both in U.K. and internationally.

Describe your style?

I would say I have a modern and quirky sense of style. I like to add an individual, personal twist to what I am wearing and to achieve this I will mix international designers and a variety of high street labels.

Today I’m wearing...

Today’s outfit demonstrates how I combine designer and high street labels and I have teamed a Cos jacket with a Sonia Rykiel skirt and Kurt Geiger shoes.

If you could buy only one fashion item this winter, what would it be...

I love this season’s faux fur, so for me it has to be a stylish faux fur coat.

Where do you like to shop for your clothes? Where do I not like to shop! I will buy pieces from designer shops as well as high street stores including Cos, All Saints and Zara.

Who is your favourite designer and why?

I have always loved Elie Saab for his classic designs and I love Simone Rocha’s designs, which are strong, modern, romantic and can be worn by women of all ages.

AFEWOFMYFAVOURITETHINGS

Quickfire Q&A... Favourite shop/brand? Lauren Vidal

Style Icon?

Audrey Hepburn

Favourite accessories this season?

Hats, faux fur and oversized scarves

Shoes or handbags? Shoes

Favourite A/W14-15 trend?

Vibrant colours

Best beauty buys?

MAC lipsticks, Estée Lauder mascara and Clarins Beauty Flash

What is the signature scent? Prada

Red vs nude lipstick? Red by night and nude by day

Best piece of fashion advice?

Feeling good about yourself is key to timeless fashion

Favourite song?

❝I will buy pieces from designer shops as well as high street stores including Cos, All Saints and Zara.❞

Moon River

Favourite destination? London

Favourite film? Pretty Woman

Favourite cocktail?

Strawberry Daiquiri

I couldn’t live without...

Clarins Double Serum

My idea of the perfect weekend is... Anywhere with my family

SOCIALPRÊT-À-PARTY

Falling for FASHIONWEEK

est Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK was met with great enthusiasm this season by local fashionistas who flocked to the new BFW HQ in Bruce Street to enjoy all that the event had to offer. With cocktails, sushi and some of the best local styles there was plenty to keep everyone entertained. FASHIONWEEK Director Cathy Martin said, ‘I’m so grateful for the level of support we have received over the past ten years from everyone who has attended the catwalk shows and other fringe events.’

1. Carrie Neely and Ciara Denvir. 2. Gill and William Gilliland. 3. Jo Montgomery, Sara Girvan, Alison Morris and Ruth Gorman. 4. Ali Fleming and Nikki Larkin. 5. Carly Bell Hoey. 6. Cathy Martin and Rebecca McKinney. 7. Sarah Beggs and Naomi Davis. 8. Pamela Ballentine. 9. Laura McPolin and Neil Cole. 10. Sarah McMillen.

A Bust Must N

W was very excited to have Jocelyn Reynolds from Orchid Lingerie stop by the office recently for proper bra fittings. Although up to 70% of women wear the wrong bra size, we were convinced that as fashion insiders we were exceptions to the rule. Wrong! After Jocelyn set up her portable pop-up fitting tent, colleagues came and went with mouths agape. One editor, who thought she was a 36B, was shocked to discover her real size â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 34DD. I was certain my tried-and-true 34A would hold, but I filled out a 30C! The difference in my shape was immediate and drastically better. Whereas my breasts normally look round but far apart, the longer underwire in the C cup brought everything forward, doubling my cleavage and providing a much more comfortable fit. Staff mums were also impressed with their new sizes, as the smaller bands and increased underwire provided noticeable lift. Nearly everyone fitted ended up with a smaller band and larger cup â&#x20AC;&#x201D; not to mention a burning desire to stop by Orchid Lingerie for a new bra!

Lisburn Road, Belfast 028 9038 1313 www.orchidlingerie.co.uk

Linen Green, Moygashel 028 8772 3181 www.thelingerieroom.com NW

FASHIONNEXT

Fast Fashion E

xciting news. Next have now launched NEXT DAY DELIVERY in Northern Ireland. You can now sit back in the comfort of your home and order all the

latest trends from Next up until 10pm at night and have it all delivered to the comfort of your home the very next day. What's not to love!

Award Winning Image from Julie Cherry & Colette Fitzpatrick at Shane Bennett Salon, Hillsborough.

BEAUTY

This issue we bring you the latest beauty must-haves as well as treatments to relax and rejunvenate.

BEAUTYBOX

Get set for

Christ mas

Treat yourself or a friend to a gift of beauty this Christmas....

Clarins Double Serum and Face Essentials Kit, £55

Bobbi Brown Deluxe Lip and Eye Palette, £59 Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Collection, £68

Crabtree & Evelyn Musical Tin Hand Therapy Products, £25

BEAUTYBOX Bare Minerals 7 Piece Show Stopping Colour Collection featuring new Shimmer Glaze Lip Topcoat, £49

Oh, go on - spoil yourself! NW enjoyed an indulgent afternoon at The Spa at the 5 star Culloden Estate and Spa, the perfect way to unwind this winter.

YSL Palette Collector Wild Edition, £69.00

Yon-ka Home Spa Phyto Bain and large Quintessence Candle in a Yon-ka Hat Box, £57

he Spa at the 5 star Culloden Estate is a huge draw for residents and Belfast’s pampered ladies-who-lunch alike. This Holywood based sanctuary has eight treatment suites used for the variety of therapies on offer which use the ESPA range of products. There are also two pre and post treatment relaxation rooms, Zest Juice Bar, lounge area and access to all the other facilities of the Health Club, which include a deck level pool, with views across to Belfast Lough, a Jacuzzi, steam room and a gym with a full range of cardio-vascular equipment. On this occasion, we were there to experience what is described as ‘a deeply relaxing and restorative day spa package to help comfort and soothe your body and mind through the long dark winter days’. After more than a few busy days of work we were eager to see if this package could help us to de-stress and unwind, and we weren’t disappointed. On arrival, the tranquil atmosphere of our surroundings immediately relaxed us as we were guided to our treatment rooms to change into our complimentary robes and slippers prior to beginning our tailored package which included three therapies - an ESPA Exfoliating Body Polish, ESPA Full Body Massage, ESPA Restoring Body Mask - bliss! Our divine afternoon of treatments began with an invigorating body scrub, which once showered to remove the excess product left on the skin, we were then soothed with a relaxing full body massage before finishing off with the application of the ESPA Restoring Body Mask. Treatments finished and tension massaged away, we then dressed and made our way to one of the poolside tables at the Juice Bar to enjoy a delicious late lunch. It was lovely to be able to take the time to sit, eat and chat with the quiet sound of the water rippling as those using the health club enjoyed their leisurely swim. We also had the option to use the health club facilities prior to our therapies, however, time pressed we didn’t have that luxury on this occasion, but would definitely recommend making the time to do so. We would recommend this luxurious reviver Spa Experience, which is carefully tailored to help rejuvenate and restore your skin and relax you body and mind, to anyone looking to unwind this winter. The total cost of the package is £99 Monday to Thursday with £30 supplement applied for weekends. So, don’t delay, call and treat yourself or someone else to this indulgent spa package and leave all of your worries behind as you as you escape to the warm welcome of the Culloden Spa on a cold, winter’s afternoon. www.hastingshotels.com/culloden-spa

BEAUTYCOSMETICSURGERY

Holding Back the Years Perhaps 2015 will be the year that you decide to correct your wrinkles, sagging jowls or under eye bags. One thing’s for sure, there’s a treatment available that will fix whatever is bothering you when you look in the mirror!

rowing old gracefully is now a thing of the past. With so many invasive and non-invasive beauty treatments available it is possible to hold back the years when it comes to your face and body. Last issue we highlighted some of the fabulous non-invasive treatments that are around for you to try locally and this issue we look at the more invasive procedures

that will help you retain a youthful face - as this is the one thing everyone sees we’ve decided to concentrate on this area for the purposes of this article, but as we are sure you’re all too aware the anti-gravity defying surgery doesn’t stop here! One of our favourite programmes has to be E!’s Botched - while it highlights what can go wrong in the hands of the wrong

surgeon it also illustrates just what can be done to help you look and feel your best - and let’s face it ladies, it’s more about your own self-esteem and confidence than anything else. If a facelift or injecting anti-wrinkle fillers makes you feel a million dollars then by all means indulge. Just make sure you put your face into the hands of a responsible

BEAUTYCOSMETICSURGERY

professional who will enhance and prolong your own natural beauty, not ruin it. As Aoibhin Cronin, Registered General Nurse at River Medical comments, ‘The anti-ageing industry has changed dramatically in the past decade and is continuously advancing and becoming more and more sophisticated. One area that has advanced greatly in terms of both sophistication and also the beautiful results is the area of anti-wrinkle injectables. ‘In my experience between London, Dublin and now Belfast, with our new clinic on the Lisburn Road, I find that our patients aren’t looking at individual lines the way they used to. Instead they are open to looking at the entire face, looking not only at that frown line or forehead wrinkle but instead at the quality of the skin altogether and/or the loss of volume in the face, which is part and parcel of the ageing process. The harsh reality is that we begin to lose one per cent of our collagen from the age of 21. ‘This thing is, it’s a difficult arena to navigate short of having a medical background or some sort of specialist knowledge. This is why we believe in offering free consultations, so you can get the expert knowledge, equip yourself with all of the relevant information in a safe, trusted, and highly experienced medical environment. ‘Our Wednesday anti-wrinkle injections clinic with Belfast man, Dr Kieran Mulligan is proving incredibly popular. Patients can also take the opportunity of having a fillers consultation with one of our Nurses, as anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers complement each other

extremely effectively. Generally antiwrinkle injections are used on the upper part of the face and Dermal Fillers in the lower part of the face. ‘In brief, wrinkle-relaxing injections soften the expression lines on the face by reducing the muscle movement; and dermal fillers physically ‘fill’ and plump out the line or area of concern. The filler product actually acts as a scaffold under the skin, providing structure and stimulating your own natural collagen to grow. At River Medical, we pride ourselves on achieving subtle but highly effective results. With this in mind, we invite our patients back after two weeks for a reassessment and if required or desired we will administer additional product at no additional charge.’ As well as anti-wrinkle injections and derma fillers, there is the process known as fat grafting and this is offered by the Fitzwilliam Clinic in Belfast. Fat grafting is the use of fat from one area of the body for example the buttocks, thighs or hips to ‘plump out’ areas on the face or body. It is most commonly used to add body to the cheeks or lips. Fat can be used successfully because your body will not ‘reject’ it, however, the fat may be reabsorbed by the body meaning that the result may not be permanent. Fat grafting will benefit those people who are unhappy with either the shape or fullness of their lips. The lips change with age becoming longer and thinner and fat grafting can be used to correct this change, or to help correct hereditary deviations from the aesthetic ideal – i.e. asymmetrical lips. Fat grafting can also

be used to add fullness to the cheeks – and correct a ‘sunken’ appearance which can occur due to the natural ageing process. This procedure can also be used on areas of the body where there is a hollowing or fat deficit e.g. following a mastectomy. Fat grafting is usually performed under local anaesthetic combined with light sedation. The fat will be drawn off from the donor area and injected via the use of fine needles to the area required. It can take up to six months for the final result to be judged, and when it comes to your lips, for example, it may take up to one month for them to resume a normal shape and any swelling in this area can last for up to two weeks after the procedure. Another treatment that will help you stave off the years, but isn’t so invasive as a full on facelight is known as Beauty Lift Threads and this is offered by the Hebe Aesthetic & Anti-Aging Clinic in Omagh and Harley Street London. PDO (polydioxanone) is a potent synthetic fibre, consisting of one filament (mono-filament) which dissolve after a few months in the tissue. Polydioxanone stimulates the production of new collagen – the protein responsible for the tension and firmness of the skin. In addition, stimulation of fibroblasts results in stimulating the synthesis of elastin – the protein responsible for skin firmness and elasticity. As Dr Gabriela Mercik from Hebe Clinic explains, ‘The PDO thread introduction technology is based on using the natural skin tension lines, which also causes an effect similar to a surgical facelift. Thanks to the PDO threads, we can also limit the strength of facial muscles. By introducing the PDO thread in the skin, we get immediate improvement in its appearance. After about 10-14 days, the synthesis begins with the body’s natural proteins (collagen and elastin). This process continues throughout the period of maintaining the threads in the body (up to 6-8 months). The resulting aesthetic effects persist typically up to 24 months. ‘Lifting PDO thread is a treatment dedicated primarily for patients aged 18-75years and it helps with skin rejuvenation, asymmetrical face, smoothing wrinkles, narrowing the pores, skin lightening, increase the volume and lifting the skin,’ adds Dr Mercik. If and when you decide it’s time to turn back time on your face, do your research. These are only a few of the options available and it’s important to make sure you find the treatment that is right for you.

HEALTH&BEAUTYNEWS

Winter Blues As the sunlight wanes and the cold settles in, people across Northern Ireland lament the return of winter. Though it’s normal to feel a bit stressed or tired at this time of year, some suffer very acutely from SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), a subtype of depression. Lillian McKibbin investigates the symptoms and treatments for this serious condition.

he weather is a known influence on people’s mental and physical health. Sunlight is particularly powerful, as it governs our circadian rhythm, our production of melatonin and Vitamin D and even our fertility. Though there is little evidence that sunlight equates to happiness, studies have shown that a lack of it can lead to depression. There are several theories about why light, or lack thereof, influences SAD. One thought is that the disruption of the body’s internal clock, which controls hormones, sleep and moods, causes the disorder. Another theory is that people affected by SAD have more light-dependent brain chemicals than those unaffected. Whatever the reason, there are various ways to approach treatment for SAD and to provide self care during dark days.

How to cope

If you think you’re suffering from SAD, see your GP. If your doctor determines that you do have the condition, she may recommend counselling or medication that will rectify the brain’s chemical imbalance. However, there are additional treatments that you can do yourself. Light therapy is one of the most popular ways to combat SAD, and it effectively

treats up to 85% of diagnosed cases. The treatment uses light boxes, which produce an intense, bright light, to mimic the effects of sunshine. Light boxes come in a variety of forms, including desk lamps and wall-mounted fixtures, so they are easy to incorporate into your home or office space. Before buying, ensure that the product is medically proven to treat SAD and comes from a certified manufacturer.

SAD signs

Have you experienced any of these symptoms? If these seem all-toofamiliar, speak to your doctor. You may be suffering from SAD, or from general depression. • Feeling tired or “in a fog” • Feeling low or irritable most days • Feeling worthless or despairing • Experiencing changes in sleeping patterns • Having a change in appetite or weight • Turning to alcohol for relief • Losing interest in your hobbies or socialising • Having difficulty concentrating or engaging in activities • Thinking about death or suicide

Aromatherapy is another viable, though lesser-known treatment option. Essential oils stimulate the brain’s limbic system, which controls moods, memory and the body’s internal clock. Try putting a citrus or peppermint scent into a diffuser for energy, or light a lavender or jasmine candle for emotional balance. Many spas also offer massage aromatherapy, which rejuvenates the body, loosens muscles and stimulates the nervous system, making clients feel healthier both physically and mentally. Other applications of essential oils – in baths, ointments, or creams – can also help individuals with SAD. As with general depression, regular exercise is another wonderful mood lifter. Even short workouts boost your endorphins, giving you positive energy and diminishing physical pain. Plus, you don’t necessarily have to go outside – work out to one of the thousands of exercise videos on YouTube, put on a Pilates DVD or lift dumbbells during The Apprentice. You’ll reap the benefits for hours. Whatever you do, don’t ignore your symptoms or begin to withdraw. Talk to your loved ones, be proactive and ask for professional help if you need it. If a friend seemed down, you would support her – show yourself that same level of care.

FIRMER, TIGHTER, DRAMATICALLY YOUNGER LOOKING SKIN Expert Medical Advice & Treatments at River Medical River Medical offers the widest suite of specialist anti-ageing treatments available in Northern Ireland. Whether you’d simply like to restore some radiance to your skin, restore lost volume or address any skin concern such as lines and wrinkles, redness, acne or rosacea, a River Medical Nurse can create a tailored treatment plan for you and your skin. There’s no charge for a consultation, just honest, expert, medical advice. Restore your skin’s health at River Medical. • • • • • •

Expert, medical advice Only a Registered General Nurse will carry out your treatment Free consultation Widest suite of results-driven treatments State-of-the-art clinic No surgery

Book a FREE consultation today, phone River Medical on 028 9560 7585 or visit www.rivermedical.co.uk

ical One River Med: id patient sa

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Team of Registered General Nurses at River Medical

River Medical 88 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 6AE T: 028 9560 7585 E: consult@rivermedical.co.uk W: www.rivermedical.co.uk

BEAUTYNEWS

Prestigious award and two BHA nominations for Hillsborough salon

hane Bennett Salon has had a busy few months and the team is even more excited about the coming year.

Goldwell Color Zoom Partner Category UK 2014

Dorothy Sturgeon – Head of Technical at Shane Bennett Salon was named as Goldwell Color Zoom Partner Category UK 2014 Award winner at a glamorous summer party at the B1 Victoria in London. Entrants of the competition had to create a photographic entry based on the hairdressing brand’s 2014 global trend campaign titled ‘Reallusion’. Commenting on her success Shane Bennett said: “The team and I are very proud of Dorothy. This award highlights the salon’s technical ability and gives us a platform to showcase and shine on the world dressing stage.”

Northern Ireland Hairdresser of the Year

Julie Cherry and Colette Fitzpatrick both Senior Stylists at award-winning Shane

Bennett Salon were nominated for Northern Ireland Hairdresser of the Year. Colette and Julie had to put together a portfolio of pictures – these were shot in London by an acclaimed Australian fashion photographer in June of this year. Four of these photographs were then judged at the end of July by top hairdressers, journalists and fashion editors. The two girls then submitted a further four pictures in September for the final which was held recently in London. Julie & Colette – mirror images of their mentor Shane Bennett – battled it out with five other salons from Northern Ireland for the title of Northern Ireland Hairdresser of the Year.

Artistic Team of the Year

Shane Bennett Salon was also nominated for British Hairdressing Awards “Artistic Team of the Year” – a real achievement as they were the first Northern Ireland Salon to ever be nominated in this category. The Artistic Team battled it out with the best of the best in UK Hairdressing. Eight

photographs had to be submitted. All eight had already been judged. The Shane Bennett team attended a glittering award ceremony in London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane on 24th November for the results of both categories.

MICHAEL KORS PRESCRIPTION SUNGLASSES

Geoff McConville 7 Ch i c h es te r S tree t, B e lfa st B T 1 4 JA Tel : 028 9023 66 2 9 e ma i l :ge off @ m c c onvi l l e-o p t ic ia n s . c o m

HEALTHSUPERPILLS

Essential Extras

Add these supplements to your diet for a clean bill of health this winter. 5HTP

This naturally occurring chemical boosts serotonin that optimises sleep patterns. Take one 50mg tablet before bed.

BEE PROPOLIS

This 'super antioxidant' is said to fight free radical damage and infection. Take one 1,000mg capsule before a meal.

CHROMIUM

ECHINACEA

Maintain blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin action, used to beat sugar cravings. Take a 200mg tablet with a meal.

FLAXSEED OIL

A rich source of Omega 3-fatty acid linked to lowered cholesterol. Take one 2,000mg capsule with a meal.

The benefits are debated though most find it effective for treating the common cold. Take one 140mg tablet twice daily.

MAGNESIUM

This can lower blood pressure, boost energy and prevent migraines. Take two 150mg tablets per day.

MACA POWDER

ALOE VERA

A mix of vitamins and minerals that boosts energy and detoxifies the body. Add 10-15g of powder to your morning juice.

Packed with vitamins this boosts metabolism, immunity and digestion. Take one 330mg tablet or 50ml of juice a day.

OMEGA 3-FATTY ACIDS

Potent anti-inflammatories used to reduce redness and improve skintone. Take one 1200mg capsule with every meal.

OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT

Boosts antioxidant properties that protect against oxidative damage. Take one 750mg capsule per day with water.

SPIRULINA

WHEAT GRASS

A source of protein, vitamins and iron, which fight fatigue and lower cholesterol. Add one tsp to water before meals.

VITAMIN D

Crucial for immune function and bone health, especially in winter. Take one 5000IU capsule per day.

GLUCOSAMINE

A chemical produced in the body that helps keep joints healthy. Take one 888mg tablet before every meal.

A nutrient with antioxidants, vitamins iron, calcium, magnesium and chlorophyll. Add a tsp a day to your morning juice.

ZINC

Assisting immune function, zinc can't be made in the body so must be acquired through diet. Take one 25g tablet a day

PROBIOTICS

This living micro-organism aids digestion during periods of stress or when taking antibiotics. Take two tablets daily.

PAGEHEADERTHE

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HEALTH&BEAUTYFEATURE

Safe Nights Out Most of us donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like to think that we could fall victim to a crime, but the truth is women in Northern Ireland are attacked or assaulted every day. Now is a good time to refresh your knowledge of personal safety, as winterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s scarce daylight means more opportunities for criminals to strike under the cover of darkness. Lillian McKibbin explores prevention and defence strategies for women.

HEALTH&BEAUTYFEATURE Drinking Responsibly

Women across the UK and Ireland enjoy going out for a few drinks now and again, whether it’s to catch up with friends, meet potential dates or enjoy clubbing and dancing. While most of us know about alcohol’s inherent risks, few actually know the sobering statistics behind the warnings we hear. Alcohol-related incidents are disturbingly common, with the PSNI reporting an estimated 23,000 taking place in the UK each week. Alcohol endangers both men and women, but women have to be particularly careful when drinking. Alcohol affects women more quickly and drastically, and also makes us appear vulnerable to men. This is not to say that women should never drink, or that victims are to blame for attacks. Rather, it’s about learning protection strategies and tips for heightened safety while drinking. Unfortunately, taking these precautions cannot always protect you from criminals, but they can help you avoid dangerous situations. To best protect yourself and others, make a plan before you go out for the night. Prepare everything you need: a charged mobile, a reputable taxi company phone number, and cab cash. Make sure you know exactly how you are getting home, and let a trusted friend or family member know your evening plans. If possible, plan to travel home with a friend. A common practice among young women is neglecting to eat before drinking, which can adversely affect how the body absorbs alcohol. Even if you’re not hungry, eat something substantial before leaving. Drinking on an empty stomach can lead to a blackout, gravely endangering your personal safety and health. Mixing alcohols, such as wine and spirits, can also cause severe impairment. Keep track of the amount of drinks you consume, and avoid top-ups so that you know how much you’ve had. In an ideal world, women wouldn’t have to go to such lengths to protect themselves while drinking. Unfortunately,

Listen to your instincts and intuition. If you feel ❝ something is wrong, it probably is. ❞ the reality is that alcohol is the most ubiquitous rape drug there is. Though we often hear about watching our drinks to prevent drug spiking, most often alcohol itself is used to incapacitate the victim. In fact, the PSNI has found some studies to show that in up to 81% of sexual assaults, the victim was drinking alcohol. Part of the problem is that alcohol affects judgement, completely dulling the intuition that would normally alert you to danger. This is especially confusing when the other person is someone you know, which is usually the case: 75% of assaults are committed by an acquaintance. With that in mind, the best option is to always stay in a group or with a trusted friend, and to stick with your original plan for getting home. Though we know drinking increases risk for women, staying sober still cannot guarantee safety. The following sections explain self defence techniques for everyday life.

Being Aware

In any situation, if you suddenly feel unsafe, on high alert, or as if you’re being watched, it almost always means something is wrong. Listen to your instincts and intuition. If you’re on a street, keep a steady walking pace and head for a well-lit, populated area. As you go, rehearse in your head how you will defend yourself against an attacker. This will help prevent you from freezing if an attacker emerges. Another important tactic is to keep your mobile out of sight. All of us are guilty of being glued to our phones from time to time, but it is an especially bad habit in terms of your safety. Attackers look for weak targets, and someone distracted by her device can easily be taken by surprise. Speaking on the phone to someone may make you feel safer, but it also puts your valuable phone on display to thieves. Listening to music is also ill-advised, as you may not hear someone approaching from behind you.

Some studies have shown that in up to 81% of ❝ sexual assaults, the victim was drinking alcohol (Source: PSNI). ❞

Being prepared is also crucial if you’re walking by yourself. If you’re heading to your car, make sure you take your keys out of your handbag before you begin making your way to the vehicle. Hold them ready in your hand so that you’re not rummaging in your bag before getting into the car. Worst case scenario, your keys could also be used as a weapon against an attacker. Also remember to look around and inside your car before you unlock it to ensure it’s safe and you’re alone.

Fighting Back

Predators, especially sexual predators, seek passive victims that won’t put up a fight. The way you walk speaks volumes about your attitude; attackers will likely go after a woman who walks timidly with her head down. Walk confidently. Keep your head up, strike your heel to the ground with each step and swing your arms to take up space. Eye contact is also useful, as it’s aggressive. Looking at the ground makes you seem unaware or afraid. If a potential attacker approaches you, use your voice. Shouting a deep, guttural “BACK OFF!” at someone is much more effective than screaming because it will surprise and threaten him. There’s a reason martial artists emit a yell before they strike: shouting raises your aggression level and sets your brain onto “fight” mode, making any hit you make more powerful and focused. Once someone lays his hands on you, it’s time to physically fight back. Statistics show that nearly half of attackers will flee when faced with any resistance, so put up a struggle. The eyes, nose, groin and knees are ideal places to strike. Try not to flail wildly, but to hit hard enough one time to incapacitate him while you make your escape. If you have been attacked, immediately dial 999. Try to remember details about what happened, such as the time, location, the attacker’s appearance or licence plate numbers. Even the tiniest bit of information could lead to an arrest. Above all, remember not to blame yourself – you are never at fault for another person’s crime.

HEALTH&BEAUTYADVICE

Our panel of experts this month are:

Fashion

Health

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

Aoibhin Cronin Registered General Nurse River Medical www.rivermedical.co.uk

Ask the Experts... Are there any rules with ankle boots as they confuse me - if you wear them with trousers, should you show your ankle? Or should they just be worn with dresses? Sara says... If ankle boots couldn’t be worn with trousers I would struggle to get dressed in the morning, skinny jeans and ankle boots are my A/W uniform. Like most things in fashion however, there is the right way and the wrong way to do it and often it is the tiny nuances that create the difference between the two. Luckily the most important detail in making this look work is free and low-maintainence: a mere flash of ankle is all that is required! Ankle boots can be tricky things - the right ones go with everything in that very Parisian fashion, make your legs look great and never pinch your feet. The wrong ones break the line of your leg, make you feel chunky and want to cry over your newly-acquired cankles. You must find the best boot for you - above, below or on the ankle? This tends to be trial and error, so try on a few pairs and see how you get on. No matter what boot style you go for the most flattering thing you can do is show a bit of skin- anywhere between a sliver and an inch of ankle. To achieve this wear slim or skinny jeans and get cuffing, rolling or chopping. A two-inch single cuff is super flattering, a haphazard scrunched half cuff is cool (perfect with a dipped boot) and a rolled jean is a great casual look. A cuffed jean and boot looks amazing with a mannish overcoat. If you feel the need to tuck please do so with only the skinniest, narrowest jeans to create a clean silhouette. For an evening look, cropped tailored or cigarette pants with a sleek stiletto ankle boot, both in black, is a super elegant, flattering look.

Q. I’m in my late forties and I’m thinking of having a breast reduction as my breasts have grown in size somewhat over recent years. I’m currently a 40G and yearn to be smaller. What’s involved and how long is the healing process as I will have to book time of work? Aoibhin says... When oversized breast start to inhibit your everyday life, absolutely, breast reduction surgery can be an excellent solution. The procedure is an extremely common cosmetic surgery procedure at River Medical. During the procedure, excess breast fat and skin tissue is removed and the breast is re-shaped and repositioned. It usually involves an incision around the nipple and just under the breast in the inframammary fold (the natural fold of the breast). The best approach for you and your body will be discussed in great detail at your initial consultation with your Surgeon and also your Nurse – very often myself! In terms of recovery, a breast reduction procedure usually requires a two night stay in hospital. Initially, your breasts will feel firm and may be swollen and sitting high on your chest but as the swelling goes down, they will drop into a more natural position and shape. It does vary but by and large you can expect to take between 7-10 days off work. If your job is physical you may require more time. Everyone recovers differently but you can rest assured that we monitor our patients really closely to ensure the swiftest and most comfortable recovery. Aftercare is incredibly important when choosing a provider and I’m genuinely proud to say that our aftercare is unrivalled and unlimited, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our surgeries are carried out in the state-of-the-art Kingsbridge Hospital, just down the road from us which is really convenient for your postop appointments with us at the clinic. My one piece of advice when considering cosmetic surgery is to definitely talk to the experts, do your research and get the facts. It is important that your Surgeon is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon, that your surgery is carried out in a Private General Hospital as opposed to a private premises and that you have access to 24 hour aftercare. At River Medical we offer free consultations and welcome patients no matter where they are in the decision process.

HEALTH&BEAUTYADVICE

Health & Nutrition

Hair

Make-up

Rachel Wright Registered Dietitian

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

Angela Mullan Clarins Regional Commercial Training Manager

Q. I’ve just had my third baby in 6 years and have always had fine hair, after my second child was born my hair really thinned out, I had it cut really short and although this helped I’ve noticed it gradually getting thinner. Obviously with three young children I don’t have a lot of time in my hands but am becoming increasingly self-conscious of my limp and lifeless hair. Are there any supplements that I can take to thicken my hair up? I’m also really sceptical of hair products, are they all the same or are the professional ones better and if so why? Paul says... First of all, hair loss is common after childbirth and though the regrowth levels vary, usually we expect up to a year for hair to return to normal. Some women notice texture changes, hair can be curlier, more coarse even. When you consider that your hair was always fine and you’ve had three children in a short space of time then obviously the effect on your hair is going to be more extreme. In most cases I’ve come across, the hair returns to its former density and condition, though this varies on health, diet and haircare. My advice is to try to treat your hair with care, I’ve come across a very good 3-step treatment for thinning hair from JOICO, called cliniscalp, which is a shampoo, conditioner and leave-in treatment. Used regularly, I’ve noticed remarkable results in the hair’s appearance, in terms of volume and thickness, it comes in a variety of formats from early stage thinning to advanced for natural and colour treated hair. Another amazing product is Viviscal, which is a supplement programme in tablet form, this contains the important nutrient Biotin which helps maintain normal, healthy hair growth and Aminomar C which is a specially formulated protein complex to strengthen and maintain healthy hair. The tablets are taken twice daily for a minimum of 6 months. With regards to hairstyling products, always take advice from a professional stylist. All major companies have a specialist range for fine hair nowadays and yes, so do the high street ranges, but your stylist will have the experience to advise you on what is best and appropriate for your hair and style.

Q. How Can I reduce the appearance of my enlarged pores? Angela says... To reduce the appearance of enlarged pores instantly, Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch works like magic! This extremely fine, creamy smooth texture minimizes the look of both pores and fine lines. Simply mix a pea sized amount with your foundation or use alone. The result: skin is perfectly smoothed, flawless and more youthful. For a longer term effect, I would recommend Clarins Pore Minimizing Serum. This Serum works specifically to tighten pores whilst helping to refine and even skin’s texture. Use on cleansed skin before your day and night creams.

Q: I am so confused with the recent media coverage calling for fruit juice to be banned from our ‘5 a day’. Should I now cut fruit juice out of my diet? Rachel says... Fruit juice is a very useful contribution towards our 5 a day. However due to the natural sugar in fruit juice we recommend that it is limited to 150mls per day. This also includes smoothies. It is also useful to note that fruit juice is less harmful to your teeth if you consume it with a meal rather than between meals. Water should be encouraged as the main drink throughout the day. I do feel quite annoyed that given recent figures show the majority of adults and children do not meet the 5 a day target, the study covered in the media doesn’t highlight the benefits of fruit juice to our health. So, do not cut fruit juice from your diet - it is important!

If you have any questions you would like to have answered by our experts please e-mail your questions to info@greerpublications.com NW

Christmas Gift Guide

XMASGIFTGUIDE

Celeb Diamond Sparkle Body Cream, £48, Orlagh Maye Salon, Lurgan

m u M For

Marie Jo Lingerie Set, Price Upon Request, Orchid Lingerie

Gardeners Hand & Nail Gift, £18, Crabtree & Evelyn

FASHIONWEEK Ticket, £20- 25, belfastfashionweek.com

Grand Ferrero Rocher, £4.99 Slim Fit Contrast Collar Shirt, £39.99, www.remusuomo.com

Tateoesan Cuff Links, €280, The Marvel Rooms at Brown Thomas, Dublin Scarf, £50, Gant

For D

ad Bespoke Tweed Waistcoat, £140, www.cockandbullmenswear.co.uk

Reversible belt with two buckle options, £39.95, remusuomo.com

For Grand pa

Garden Twine and Scissors, £10, Tesco

rents

Apple Bath Fizzer, £3, Heatons

Personalised Wooden Planter Crate, £22.95, www.gettingpersonal.co.uk

Copper Roofed Birdhouse, £20, Berry Red

XMASGIFTGUIDE Wild at Heart Watch, £169, GUESS

Alessi Folding Cake Stand, £204, Bedeck

Enchanted Floral Bib, £25, Accessorize Moschino Jacket Bag, €1,595, The Marvel Rooms at Brown Thomas, Dublin

JML Christmas Cracker £32, Jo Malone

Clutch, £129, Ted Baker

Fragrance Set £125, Jo Malone

Gooseberry Goldplate Frame, £70, Sofa and Chair Final Touch Beer Tasting Set, £34.99, Moores of Coleraine

Harris Tweed Laptop Case, £35, Marks & Spencer

Journey Companion Brogue Luggage Tag, £14.95, Equinox @ Bedeck

Ralph Lauren Polo Red, 40ml £31.50, The Perfume Shop Cocktail Shaker £12, Ice Bucket £14, BHS

Shaving Set, £35, House of Fraser Camellia Japonica, £35, www.treesdirect.co.uk

Iris & Edie Slippers, £17.50, Debenhams Vintage Style Tin, Berry Red, £10

Lambswool Throw, £49.95, Avoca

Mulling Set, £14, Next

XMASGIFTGUIDE Cowboy Wigwam, £220,

Paul Costelloe Living Shirt, £17, Dunnes Stores Win Green Lego, £29.99, Argos

ys o B r Fo

Disney Frozen Elsa Light Up and Singing Doll, £35, Tesco

Hello Kitty Mood Lamp, £6, Sainsbury's Home

Ankig Duck, £5, IKEA Belfast

Disney Frozen Mug, £4, Heatons

For G ir

Fo Tee r na

BIBA Double Wrap Cuffs, £39 each, House OF Fraser

Beats Solo2 Headphones, £169, Asda

Hype Backpack, £20, Topman

XMASGIFTGUIDE Whoopee Cushion, £2.50, Tesco

Dino Toothbrush Holder, £9.50, www.oliverbonas.com

Robot Alarm Clock, £20, Paperchase Hot Wheels Double Jump Duel, £22, Debenhams

Pengy Brr Moccasins, £34.97-£39.97, www.moccis.co.uk Joules Blanket, £29, Bedeck

Lip Gloss Set, £1, Poundland Janod Market Stall, £49.37, Amazon

The Fault in Our Stars (Paperback), £5.99, Waterstones

Samsung Galaxy S5 Mini, £329.95, Argos

Netflix Subscription, £6.99 and up, www.netflix.com Instax Mini Camera, £69.99, Argos

SOCIALPRĂ&#x160;T-Ă&#x20AC;-PARTY 1

1. Ruth Coates, Sarah Logan and Anya Coates. 2. Laura and Linda Johnston. 3. Nicola McAree and Martina Shields. 4. Margaret and David Ferguson and Olivia Moore. 5. Paul, Gillian and Patricia McParland. 6. Ruth and Des Connery. 7. Monika Mazur, Eilleen Cosgrove and Arlene McMurray. 8. Clare Mitchell and Graham McMurray.

Roycroft Interiors Opens in Belfast

oycroft Interiors has unveiled a plus new showroom on Belfast's Lisburn Road. Proprietor Ruth Coats hosted an opening evening recently for customers old and new. Guests enjoyed musical entertainment from local musician Steven Johns as well as canopy and drink refreshments courtesy of Carnaby Brown.

A New

LIFESTYLEHOUSE

Lease of

Life

Simon and Ali fell in love with forgotten Holywood home, The End House, and lovingly restored it into the beautiful family home they inhabit today.

LIFESTYLEHOUSE

lanbrassil Terrace, situated off Clanbrassil Road in Cultra, is one of Northern Ireland’s most sought after residential locations. This striking beachfront property adjoins one of the most distinctive listed terraces on the Co. Down coastline. The End House, Clanbrassil Terrace is the result of a major new build project undertaken by the home’s current owners, architect, Simon Robinson of RPP Architects and his wife Ali. The couple originally bought the house next door, No. 1 Clanbrassil Terrace, at auction in 2001. An ambitious but lengthy design and build project followed, that involved unearthing existing foundations to rebuild one of Holywood’s oldest forgotten homes. The original end terrace house, built in 1867 by a gentleman developer, was lost in a fire some ten years later. During construction, the half metre party wall between The End House and the rest of Clanbrassil Terrace was fully refurbished. A new solid party construction was built, meaning that the End House is in fact structurally and thermally independent from the adjoining houses. As Simon explains, ‘Building on to such a distinctive Victorian terrace, we knew that it would be essential to marry old and new with complete integrity for the project to succeed. The build quality had to be exceptionally high: from the individually designed and cast stonework of the external mouldings; handcrafted sash windows and panelled timber shutters and reclaimed Victorian cast iron fireplace,

we took great pains to faithfully reproduce original Victorian features. ‘At the same time, one of the great freedoms of the project was the ability to create a brand new home in a period setting. Although The End House remains true to its Victorian roots, it is in every other way a very modern home with the highest specification of fabric, fittings and IT systems.’ Although the build of The End House was fraught with planning and historic building issues, finally, in December 2005, the couple moved in with their three young sons and have enjoyed their time spent as a family in this property.

‘Having lived for a number of years in the area, we were very keen to stay close by,’ explains Ali. ‘When the opportunity came up to rebuild the end terrace at Clanbrassil Terrace we were both so excited as we had both always admired the building. We knew it was a unique opportunity to create something very special. ‘With the main façade of the house facing south, the house is bathed in the most incredible light all day. The views are spectacular, overlooking the beach and Belfast Lough to the west and Seapark, Holywood and Belfast to the south. There is always something to see and the sunsets are breathtaking,’ she adds.

LIFESTYLEHOUSE

Building on to such â?? a distinctive Victorian terrace, we knew that it would be essential to marry old and new with complete integrity for the project to succeed.

â?&#x17E;

LIFESTYLEINTERIORS

Advent House, £25, Next

Gift Tags, £1, Poundland

'Tis the Season

Fill your home with seasonal style and festive fun this year — stick with classic reds and greens for traditional flair, or try some metallic shimmer for a modern look. Luscious scents and warm candles add the perfect finishing touch to the room. There are endless decoration possibilities, and all of them spell J-O-Y.

Cake Tin Set, Menarys, £14.99

Cookie Cutters, £2 each, Sainsbury's

Joules Brighton Duvet Cover £45, Pillowcase £10, Throw £85, Bedeck

Mini Luxury Crackers, £15, M&S

LIFESTYLEINTERIORS Red Pheasant Cushion, £24.99, Decorators Touch Belfast Ltd

Mixed Tip Berry and Cone Snowy Tree, £12, Asda

Frosted Cherry Scented Bauble £32, Jo Malone

Strala Pendant Light, £12, IKEA

Star Ornament, £1.50, Heatons Kate Spade Ornament, £30, www.amara.com Voluspa Candles, £33, McCrystals Furnishings

Nutcracker, £30, House of Fraser

Vintage Christmas Sign, £5, The Contemporary Home

Getting together for Christmas Traditionally, Christmas is a time for families and friends to get together for relaxation, parties and lots of jollies. Create some Christmas magic at home with the help of IKEA and these top tips to entertain and enjoy quality time together at home… Topping the table charts More of us are eating around the dining table for everyday meals now, the perfect reason to go all out with your festive table décor! Start with the VINTERFINT table runners (£5) and tablecloths (£12) and build up with the STRALA LED Lanterns (£5/2 pack), making everything sparkle. After layering up your tableware and napkins, finish with some holly and ivy sprigs and VINTERMYS candles (snowballs or stars? Take your pick! From £2). Dining via candlelight will bring a magical atmosphere to the table, encouraging the whole family to stay seated for longer and enjoy each other’s company even more.

Keep Snug As much as we love entertaining at Christmas, nothing compares to really switching off from work and nestling on the sofa with friends and family. So, get out the Radio Times, highlight your Christmas TV schedule and curl up with the cosiness that IKEA can add to your seasonal snuggles… Lay the TEJN Faux Sheepskin rug (£10) under your tootsies, and wrap the soft OFELIA blanket (£15) around you to keep yourself and the room warm. Make sure to have extra blankets and throws across the sofa to pull over everyone when cosying up to watch some Christmas movies, like the VINTER 2014 blankets (£10 each). Why should your bedroom miss out on the festive fun? Change your bed sheets to match the rest of the house with the VINTER 2014 quilt cover and two pillowcases (£15). For more tips on how to celebrate together this Christmas, and creative décor ideas, visit www.ikea.co.uk. For a full list of Christmas events in store, visit www.ikea. co.uk/belfast.

OFELIA blanket, £15

VINTER 2014 blankets, £10

VINTER 2014 quilt cover and two pillowcases, £15

Fashion success at the House of Vic-Ryn IN AID OF

Grace Killen and Sophie Elliott.

Anne Darcy and Gillian Donaldson.

he House Of Vic-Ryn’s annual charity fashion show took place recently with 150 fashionistas settling down for an evening of fashion, food and entertainment. It was an even better this year with new shops taking part meaning the audience were in for a great night. The shops involved were Jules @ The House of Vic-Ryn, Julie Eillott Hillsborough, McCalls of Lisburn, Bridle by Petticoat Lane Hillsborough and new store Velvet Rose Dromore and new designs by young local designer Hanna Amy. Make up was by Estee Lauder @ Boots Sprucefield, hair was by R.E. Gibb. International and Accessories by The Trinity @ The House of Vic-Ryn. The House of Vic-Ryn is well known for its unique business approach so it was no surprise they were able to hand over a cheque for £20,000 on the evening to bring their total raised this year so far for ‘Friends of the Cancer’ to £60,000.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner – All Food is Cooked and Baked onsite Opening �mes Monday to Saturday 9:30 - 4:30

Everything made is available for takeaway (fresh or frozen) Bespoke Cakes and Desserts made to order

OUTSIDE CATERING You supply the venue, let us serve you “House Par�es” “Wedding & Funerals” “Conference Facili�es – Room Hire and Catering” Late night opening Thursday to 11pm (last orders 10.30pm) Thursday evening Christmas Carvery served from 3rd December-17th December. Daily Lunch�me Christmas Carvery from 8th December -19th December. Christmas/New Year orders by 22nd December.

The House of Vic-Ryn Moira Road, Lisburn, Co. Antrim BT28 2RF E: hello@cafevicryn.co.uk • T: 028 9262 2649

Moira Road, Lisburn BT27 2RF Tel: 028 9262 1171 Opening Hours: 10am to 5pm Mon-Fri

WINTER SALE NOW ON Large Selec�on of Upholstery, Dining Room Furniture, Bedding, Curtains, Rugs, Carpets, Pictures Mirrors and Blinds

The House of Vic-Ryn, Moira Road, Lisburn, County Antrim, BT28 2RF T: 028 9262 0868

SOCIALPRÊT-À-PARTY 2

1. Deidre and Sean Quinn with Kate Babington. 2. Yvonne Lennox and Caroline Stanley. 3. Catrina O’Connor, Josie O’Kane and Tracy Badley. 4. Paula Rogers, Shauna Stewart and Wendy Mills. 5. Teressa O’Hagan, Emma and Stephen Begley. 6. Seana Hackett, Clare O’Brien and Margaret McGarvey. 7. Noelle McKaigue, Ciara O’Hagan and Caitriona Mallon

Food, Wine & Design

lle Design recently hosted an evening of food, wine and design at their premises at High Street, Draperstown. Proprietor Louise McKenna and manager Shauna Stewart invited guests along to a browse their beautiful interiors while indulging in delicious treats from JC Stewart’s and wine from Cabroso Wines.

interiors by elle designs Interiors by Elle Design are the design duo Louise McKenna and Shauna Stewart. With a combined total of 25 years experience in both commercial and private homes in Ireland and internationally they have been successfully creating spaces that people enjoy for quite some time. With a love of surface pattern and colour they create exciting,vibrant, stylish homes and businesses. But beyond the gorgeous drapes, the Elle team can guide you through a complete design process. From the design of a kitchen or a construction project, the Elle team can design, fit out and complete every aspect of your project from bathrooms, lighting

planning, right through to the finishing touches. They can take you from concept to completion with as much guidance as you need. If you don’t quite need the full works but you need a stylish redecoration or the re-planning of a space the Elle Designs are are well equipped to help you achieve your interior aspirations. With an impressive library of fabrics and wall covering from top design houses and new emerging designers, as well as a portfolio of of reliable suppliers and tradesmen they have all you need. Add to that their new Elle Designs Boutique where you can come for a browse and pick up individual pieces for your home.

To make an appointment at your home or business, or to meet the designers in the showroom please do not hesitate to call to arrange at time at your earliest convenience. OUR SERVICES INCLUDE... • Extensive library of fabrics and wall coverings • Curtain making and fitting • Upholstery and Re-upholstery • Room planning and design • Furniture sourcing and design • Bespoke joinery services • Lighting design and sourcing • Commercial design and fit out • Tile sourcing and design • Project manangement services

15 High Street, Draperstown BT45 7AB Tel: 028 7962 7777 • interiors@elledesignsni.co.uk • www.elledesignsni.co.uk Follow us on Facebook • Opening hours: mon - sat 10 am to 5.30 pm

Christ mas...

LIFESTYLEFOOD

It’s beginning to Look a Lot Like Judith Batchelar, Director of Sainsbury’s Brand

A team of very dedicated and talented food lovers in Sainsbury’s spend their time thinking up new and exciting products and recipes to be enjoyed by our customers. Here we bring to life just some of their vision for creating brilliant products which helps make Sainsbury’s the very best place for delicious Christmas food.

Judith Batchelar’s Crème Fraîche & Smoked Salmon Galette Serves 4 Ingredients 2 packs of by Sainsbury’s Ready Rolled Puff Pastry, cut into 4 x 16cm rounds 1 tub of Taste the Difference British crème fraîche 300ml 3 x Taste the Difference Oak Smoked Salmon, sliced To Garnish Finely chopped onion and capers or snipped chives A drizzle of British Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil Freshly ground black pepper Method 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/

gas mark 6. 2. Prick pastry bases with a fork and pop in the oven for 2 minutes before removing from the oven and gently pushing the puffed up pastry centre down with a fish slice to ensure it doesn’t rise. 3. Return to the oven and bake for a further 12 minutes until golden. Remove from the oven and leave to cool slightly before assembling. 4. To assemble, spread a layer of crème fraîche on the baked pastry. Crumple strips (around 1.5cm wide) of smoked salmon on top, sprinkle with your chosen garnish and then drizzle with the cold pressed rapeseed oil and freshly ground black pepper.

Susi Richards’ Favourite Canapé Makes 12 Ingredients 12 croustades (available in Sainsbury’s Special Selection range) 1 dozen quails eggs 2 tbsp Parmigiano Reggiano, grated 1 tub British crème fraîche 300ml Black pepper Chopped parsley Susi Richards, Head of Own Brand Product Development

Method 1. Preheat oven to 220°C. 2. Fill a croustade 3/4 full with quails egg (this will be mostly yolk), season lightly with salt. 3. Top up with 3/4 tsp of crème fraîche. 4. Sprinkle with a little grated parmesan. 5. Pop in the oven for around 4 minutes or until crème fraîche soufflés and browns 6. Finish with freshly ground black pepper and a touch of parsley.

LIFESTYLEFOOD

Sarah Randell’s Aromatic Turkey Pilaf with Pistachios & Pomegranate

If you only buy one Red & One White this Christmas

Ryan Carter, Sainsbury’s Winemaker

For a white wine, Taste the Difference Greco di Tufo is made in the Greco DOCG in Campania, southern Italy. We have created a crisp and refreshing wine with a delicate nose of fragrant garden herbs and clean flavours of exotic fruits combined with a mouth-watering mineral finish. For a red, a great recommendation for universal appeal is our Taste the Difference Languedoc Red 2012, another IWC medal winning wine. This wine is full of black fruit flavours and toasted spice aromas, with layers of plum and oak flavour and a complex intensity on the finish.

Fabulous Fizz Sarah Randell, Food Director, Sainsbury’s Magazine

Serves 6 Ingredients Knob of butter 2 tbsp groundnut oil 1 onion, peeled and chopped 500g white basmati rice The seeds of 4 cardamon pods A cinnamon stick 1 tsp sumac, plus extra for sprinkling Generous pinch of saffron (optional) 1.2 litres hot chicken stock 300g chopped cooked turkey 40g shelled pistachios Zest of a lemon 1 x 100g pomegranate seeds 1 x 28g pack flat leaf parsley, chopped Greek yoghurt, to serve

Method 1. Heat the butter and oil in a deepsided frying pan. Add the chopped onion and stir over a low heat for 8-10 minutes until softened. 2. Add the rice, cardamon seeds, cinnamon stick, sumac, the saffron, if using, and a generous pinch of salt. Stir to coat the rice in the buttery juices. 3. Pour in the hot stock, stir once and bring everything to simmering point. Then, add a tight fitting lid and simmer the rice over a low heat for 15 minutes. 4. Stir the turkey, pistachios and lemon zest into the pan to heat through, then finally stir in the pomegranate seeds and parsley. 5. Serve in warm bowls, topped with a spoonful of yoghurt and a generous extra sprinkling of sumac.

Louise Lynch, Product Developer

A particular favourite is our Blanc de Noirs Champagne, one of our top-selling Champagnes that consistently wins medals year after year. It’s a fresh, yet classically elegant and biscuity Champagne, made from a blend of Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir and aged in underground cellars for 30 months. And I can’t talk about Christmas fizz without mentioning our Taste the Difference Prosecco Conegliano. This is one of our biggest sellers across the whole of our food and offering and again, it’s a consistent medal winner - another gold this year at the international Wine Challenge.

Sponsored by:

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nockranny House Hotel & Spa is polished, comfortable and genuinely welcoming, with a lovely spa, a terrific bar, great food and luxurious rooms. Called ‘an unmissable destination’ by the McKenna Guide, see what everyone’s talking about with a great prize – 2 nights bed & breakfast midweek for two with dinner on one evening in Knockranny’s award-winning La Fougère restaurant and complimentary access to the gorgeous Vitality Pool and Thermal Suites. www.knockrannyhousehotel.ie

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LIFESTYLENEWS

Christmas at Oxfam: gifts that change lives

erfect presents, festive essentials and novelty stocking-fillers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; there is something for everyone in the life-changing Christmas at Oxfam gift range, from refurbished iPads and retro games to Fairtrade chocolates or the Unwrapped gift of clean water. The Christmas at Oxfam range, on sale now, also includes Fairtrade stationery, advent calendars, cards, and crackers, while delicious Fairtrade festive treats for the foodies include Divine Ginger Thins and Divine Dark/Milk Chocolate Coins as well as Mulled Wine Spices â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the perfect addition to any Christmas hamper! Oxfam Ireland has added the iPad 2 to its Born Again range of refurbished computers. Priced at a budget-friendly ÂŁ235, the iPads have been fully restored and tested with a 12 month warranty and are available online at www.oxfamireland.org/computers and selected Oxfam shops. This year the Unwrapped range encourages people to give the gift of a cooking stove or school books, among others, to ensure that your money has the best possible impact on communities who need it most. The profits from each Christmas gift will support Oxfamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work worldwide, changing the lives of families and communities in extreme poverty or affected by emergency situations like South Sudan or Syria. For more information visit www.oxfamireland.org or your local Oxfam shop.

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t was Henry Johnson in 1913, who sparked our love affair with the unassuming little peaberry. Since then, our fanaticism for the finest coffee has propelled us on. We source exceptional beans from around the world which we roast and blend to perfection for you. Now you can taste for yourselves. We are offering 10 lucky readers a beautiful coffee hamper containing three different blends of coffee â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the rich bite of Kenya; the individuality of Continental and the extravagance of Bellagio.

15%34)/. Want to be in with a chance of winning? All you need to do is answer the question below:

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IT’S IT’S A A

HASTINGS HOTELS GIFT VOUCHERS VISIT

hastingshotels.com OR CALL

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18/11/2014 11:18

LIFESTYLEFOOD

McKinney’s Festive Foodie Gifts McKinney’s has joined forces with chef extraordinaire Rozanne Stevens to create a series of festive-themed edible gifts, perfect for sharing with family and friends over the Christmas season. To celebrate the festive baking season, McKinney's are giving one lucky foodie a chance to win a state of the art Kitchen Aid and McKinney's baking hamper. To enter, visit www.mckinneys.co.uk and follow the instructions. Competition closes 12.12.2014.

McKinney’s Candied Chocolate Clementines by Rozanne Stevens

Makes 60 pieces

Ingredients:

20 clementines 5 cups (1kg) of McKinney’s granulated white sugar 4 cups (1 litre) of water ¼ cup (55g) McKinney’s caster sugar 200g good quality dark chocolate, broken into pieces

Method:

• Cut the clementines into 1cm thick slices and discard the ends. If the clementines are quite small, you may only get three slices. • Combine the granulated sugar and water in a large pot on a low heat while stirring to help dissolve the sugar. • Crank up the heat and bring the sugar syrup to the boil. Boil for five minutes. • Switch off the hob and gently lower the clementine slices into the sugar syrup to avoid splashing yourself. • Turn up the heat and bring to the boil. As the pot starts boiling, reduce to a medium low heat and simmer gently for an hour. • Periodically, using a large spoon or ladle, push the top layer of clementine slices into the sugar syrup and ladle sugar syrup over the top layer of fruit. Be very gentle so as not to break up the fruit. • Preheat the oven to 150°C and line two baking trays with a layer of foil then two layers of parchment paper. • Gently lift the clementine slices and arrange them on the lined baking trays. Bake for two hours. • When the clementines are fully baked, sprinkle over the caster sugar. Turn the clementine slices over and dredge them in more sugar. • To melt the chocolate, break it into pieces and place in a glass bowl over a pot of simmering water and heat until completely smooth and glossy. • To decorate the candied clementine slices, dip them into the melted dark chocolate so as to cover half the slice. • Place the chocolate covered clementine slices on a cooling rack over a lined tray to allow the chocolate to set. • Allow the clementine slices to set completely then package up as gifts or store in an airtight container for up to a month. Do not keep in the fridge as the chocolate may develop a white ‘bloom’.

McKinney's Sweet and Spicey Candied Pecans Makes 1 gift

Ingredients:

500g pecan nuts or pecan halves 2 tbsp butter 3 tbsp (45g) McKinney’s rich dark brown sugar ½ tsp chipotle ½ tsp ground cinnamon 1 tbsp maple syrup 1 tsp salt

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone sheet. • Gently melt together the butter, dark brown sugar, stirring with a spatula. • Add the chipotle, cinnamon and salt to the pan. • Pour in the maple syrup last and mix well. • Spread the pecan nuts out on the lined baking tray and pour over the sticky sauce. Mix well with a spatula. • Bake for 10 minutes until toasted and fragrant. • When the nuts come out of the oven, give them a good stir. • Allow the nuts to cool on the tray for a few minutes before serving. Or cool completely before packaging up as a gift.

LIFESTYLEFOOD

McKinney's Stained Glass Window Christmas Cookies by Rozanne Stevens

Makes 2 trays

McKinney’s Christmas Tree Peppermint Creams by Rozanne Stevens

Ingredients:

1 cup (200g) McKinney’s granulated sugar 125g unsalted butter, room temperature 1 egg 1 tsp almond essence 1 tsp vanilla essence 2 tsp lemon zest 2 cups (250g) plain flour, plus extra for rolling ½ tsp baking powder ¼ tsp salt 1 bag boiled sweets in assorted colours, individually wrapped

Method:

• Using an electric mixture, cream together the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. • Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl. • Add the egg, scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix again. • Pour in the almond and vanilla essence and the lemon zest and mix again. • Combine the flour, baking powder and salt and gradually add to the butter mixture. • Continue to mix until the mixture forms stiff dough around the whisk. • Using a spatula, divide the dough in two evenly sized balls. Flatten into neat discs, cover with cling film and refrigerate for at least an hour. • Preheat the oven to 150°C. Line two baking trays with silicone sheets. • Lightly flour a sheet of parchment paper and a rolling pin. Roll out the cookie dough out to 5mm thickness. • Use large Christmas cookie cutters and cut into shapes. • Transfer these using a spatula onto a lined baking tray. • Take a smaller cutter of the same shape and cut the centre out of each cookie. • Lift these out and place them onto the baking tray. • Using a rolling pin, bash each boiled sweet until slightly broken and sprinkle into the centre of each cookie. • If you wish to use the cookies as Christmas decorations, make a small hole in each one using a straw. Once baked and cooled, you can thread a ribbon through. • Bake the cookies for 15 minutes, the boiled sweets will bubble up and melt. • Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking tray before lifting off. • Use as Christmas tree decorations and gifts.

For more information on McKinney’s products and/or recipes visit: Facebook.com/McKinneysSugar Instagram.com/McKinneysSugar www.mckinneys.co.uk

Makes 60

Ingredients:

4 cups (600g) McKinney’s icing sugar, plus extra for dusting 1 tin (397g) condensed milk Natural peppermint flavouring, to taste Few drops green food colouring 100g good quality dark chocolate

Method:

• Using an electric beater mix together the icing sugar, condensed milk, peppermint essence and green food colouring. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all the mixture. Add a little more colouring if desired. • Mix well until lump free and slightly stiff but still pliable. • Sieve a little icing sugar over your work surface and sprinkle some on your hands. • Tip the peppermint fondant onto your work surface. Knead lightly and dust with more icing sugar if it is very sticky. • Dust a rolling pin with icing sugar and roll the peppermint fondant to a 1.5cm thickness. • Use a Christmas tree cookie cutter and cut out shapes. Rework the dough and continue cutting out Christmas trees until all the fondant mixture is used up. Brush off the excess icing sugar with a pastry brush. • To melt the chocolate, break it into pieces and place in a glass bowl over a pot of simmering water until glossy and smooth. • Use a spoon or a spatula to stir the melted chocolate and drizzle over the peppermint creams. • Allow the chocolate to set completely before serving after dinner or packaging up as a gift.

City of

Lights

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nowhere better for bringing in the New Year in spectacular sparkling style than Paris. This issue we bring you ultimate guide to spending a very special 24 hours in this show-stopping city.

have spent many wonderful weekends in Paris, both with friends and family, throughout all the seasons, but bringing in the New Year with a view of the Eiffel Tower being illuminated is still to be ticked off my bucket list. I have brought together all of my most memorable Parisian activities and combined them with some of the things Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve yet to experience for the Ultimate New Year guide to one of my favourite cities.

Check in

To begin this ultimate itinerary only the finest hotel will do, and the Shangri-La Hotel, Paris (www.shangri-la.com/paris) certainly fits the bill. Situated across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower, the hotel is the perfect base for exploring Paris. On entering the, cream marble luxury is overwhelming, the staff are immaculately turned out but do retain more than an ounce of Parisian charm, if you could call it that. For this trip, the duplex Eiffel Tower view suite is a must. Whether you choose

LIFESTYLETRAVEL to stay in your room for the midnight celebrations or begin the evening with champagne on the private balcony, the close up and personal views of the Eiffel tower are uninterrupted and unrivalled in Paris.

Explore

Notre Dame Cathedral is a must every time I visit Paris. Between the fantastical hunchback fairytale and the striking blue circular stained glass window this place has gained sentimental status with me. With close to 13 million visitors annually, it’s easy to feel lost in a sea of tourists, many of whom forget where they are and are hollering across the pews. By no means deserted, visiting in the relatively quieter winter months does allow for some degree of serenity and reflection. Having had your fill of tranquility in the Cathedral there are two options, cross the river to the famous Berthillion ice cream parlour, although it might be a bit cold on New Years Eve, alternately a three minute walk will take you to the very quaint Shakespeare & Company bookshop, the perfect place for a coffee and an unusual souvenir.

Midnight Celebrations

Not only is Silencio (www.silencio-club. com) exclusive, it is, at times, only open to members. Taking inspiration from the salons of 17th century literary Paris and the clubs of 18th century London, it is by no means an ordinary nightclub. Silenico is home to a photo gallery, 24 seat cinema, library, smoking room, blackroom, two bars and a stage. Book a table and a bottle of the finest champagne and bring in the new year in style.

The Morning After

People say that the bubbles in champagne make for the worst hangovers. Either way, the best way to revive yourself is with breakfast, and if there’s one thing Parisians know how to do well, that is it.

Les Deux Magots (www.lesdeuxmagots. fr) is a café in Saint-Germain-des-Prés famous for its clientele rather than its menu. Elsa Triolet, Picasso, Hemingway and Fernand Léger were just some of the characters that the café boasts as having been regulars through its doors. Throw on a scarf and a very large pair of sunglasses and bask in the new year’s sun at a table outside, the perfect place to watch the well-to-do people as they pass. Petit déjeuner includes coffee, fruit juice and a variety of pastries, breads and croissants with cheese and jam. Leaving Paris is never easy, and after this ultimate New Year itinerary going home will be extra heartbreaking, you may just have to make a resolution to come back!

Evening

Getting ready for a night out is always half the fun and the 8th Arrondissement is the perfect place to stock up on old school glamour. Take your pick from fashion royalty including Chanel, Chloé, Louis Vuitton, YSL and Lanvin to name only few. Back at the hotel, begin a sparkling evening in the lavishly decorated Le Bar sipping on a Pink Lady. This house cocktail is in honour of famous Lady Mendl, a former resident and will kickstart your night.

LIFESTYLEGLASGOW

#PeoplemakeGlasgow

& boy does the city live up to this...

by Eileen Wilson Doherty

landed in Glasgow early on Saturday morning ready for a full on weekend of shopping and I was not to be disappointed. Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city and one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. It is renowned for its culture, style and friendly people no wonder it has been named the number one UK destination “on the rise” by the world’s largest travel site, Trip Advisor and it has also been named the city as the third best destination in the UK, 2013 Travellers’Choice Destintation Awards. It offers a blend of internationally – acclaimed museums and galleries, stunning

architecture, vibrant nightlife, fabulous shopping and a diverse array of bars and restaurants. This weekend we are residing at the splendid Blythwood Square Hotel, visiting the Beauty Kitchen, the Corinthian Club and Cup, a Victorian tea room, and not forgetting the main reason for our trip – shopping! Our first port of call was to check-in to our hotel. Blythswood Square Hotel (www.blythswoodsquare.com) offers a fun, friendly, and relaxed atmosphere and is a perfect place to enjoy some seasonal food and intensive cocktails. It commands one side of Blythswood Square, a lovely

green space in the centre of the city dating backing to 1823 when it was the home of the Royal Scottish Automobile Club. The historic building has been lovingly transformed into a luxury five star hotel and spa, retaining some original architectural features, such as marble fireplaces, wood panelling and lofty ceilings. Blythswood Square is more than a hotel and is an exciting addition to Glasgow’s city centre. Not only does it have 100 stunning guestrooms but it houses an amazing spa, restaurant, bars and private event areas. The guestrooms are very spacious and tastefully decorated incorporating

LIFESTYLEGLASGOW

sumptuous materials such as Harris Tweed and Egyptian cotton and not to be forgotten, the luxurious bespoke marble bathrooms. Next stop the Beauty Kitchen. The Beauty Kitchen (www.beautykitchen.co.uk) situated in the Salt Market area offers 100% natural, affordable effective beauty products. At Beauty Kitchen they only use natural ingredients so they are delighted to welcome you in to learn all of their secrets! Hosted by Leslie a fully qualified aromatherapist head chef, you can come to Beauty Kitchen and make gorgeous, natural products tailored to you which you can take home too. With the indulgence session you will receive a hand treatment using their special blend of essential oils and hand scrub. Perfect for hen parties, kid's parties or simply a little treat for you and a friend and is definitely well worth a visit! Now for one of my favourite pastimes – retail therapy! Glasgow offers a vast array of fashionable stores to suit all pockets from your high street to independent boutiques, designer stores to Vintage and craft shops. Buchanan Galleries is the newest and some say the best shopping centre. Positioned at the junction of Glasgow’s famous Sauchiehall Street and Buchanan Street, Buchanan Galleries is right beside rail, underground and bus stations. Buchanan Galleries provides Glasgow residents and visitors with an unequalled shopping experience. The superb choice of the 80 quality shops, including the John Lewis, H&M, Habitat, Mango, and Next, ensures that customers have the best choice for fashion, clothing, accessories and gifts galore.

Prince’s Square is a fashionable and very elegant shopping centre housing a cosmopolitan selection of designer names, exclusive boutiques and cool cafes and bars under a Art Nouveau glass roof, and who can forget the Argyll Arcade, a covered street which has the biggest selection of 32 jewellers shops all under one roof. A shopping trip to Glasgow wouldn’t be the same without a tour round one of my favourite stores – Frasers - Designer bag heaven for any fashionista! Laden with bags we head back to the hotel to relax and change before our next port of call - dinner at the Corinthian Club. The Corinthian Club (www. thecorinthianclub.co.uk) is one of Glasgow's

most elaborate and richly decorated building, both internally and externally. The grand building originally housed the Glasgow Ship Bank before being converted into the judiciary courts in 1929. More recently it went under a painstaking renovation but still maintains many of the original features including its 26 foot glass dome; the grade “A” building is now home to one of Glasgows top entertainment venues offering several restaurants, bars and a nightclub. The food in the brasserie was informal but excellent quality, which was washed down with a few “Strictly Hush” cocktails. The next morning we headed off down the road to the Cup Tea Rooms (www. cupglasgow.co.uk) is a quaint Victorian brick walled venue with glazed tile mosaics and pillared archways for cake and light foods. They offer a range of menus but we choose the Afternoon Tea which was very good and the service was outstanding, nothing was too much trouble for the staff. We could have sat there all afternoon chillaxing but the thought of cramming a few more hours of retail therapy in was all the impetuous we needed to get moving!

Glasgow Fact Box • Flybe fly up to 4 return flights daily from George Best Belfast City Airport to Glasgow, flight time: 45 minutes Prices begin at £21.99 inc taxes and charges. Book your next flight at www. flybe.com. Flybe’s other Scottish routes include Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Inverness and the Highlands and Islands through its franchise partner Loganair. • For more information go to www.peoplemakeglasgow.com

SOCIALPRĂ&#x2C6;T-Ă&#x201A;-PARTY

VIVA ESPANA!

he Europa Hotel hosted a spectacular Spanish soiree recently in association with Torres Wines. Guests enjoyed a selection of Spanish wines and a Spanish inspired gourmet dinner.

2 4

1. Ciara McCartney and Suzanne McCrum 2. Adrian McNally, James McGinn, Brian Donaldson, Pamela Ballantine and Tristan Allen 3. Julie Hastings and Claire Hiles 4. Valerie and Ian Cleland with Caitriona Lavery (right) 5. Howard Hastings, Nanalee Felding and Greg Burton 6. Michael Hamilton and Ruth Ellis 7. Janice Gault and Mandy Patrick 8. Joanne Harvey from Hastings Hotels and Patricia Broderick 9. Michael and Christine McAllister 10. James McGinn and Pamela Ballantine

5 9

MOTORINGNEWS

eugeot is reinterpreting the hot hatch with a more radical version of the 208 GTi, 30 years after the original 205 GTi first thrilled car fans. The 208 GTi 30th has been designed and engineered by Peugeot Sport to deliver a more intense driving sensation. A new Euro6 emissions-compliant 1.6-litre THP petrol engine develops more torque and has had its power output increased to a symbolic 208hp. A Torsen differential helps drivers exploit the extra power in corners. And matt black trim on the exterior, along with the optional ‘Coupé Franche’ paint finish – where the red at the rear is cleanly divided from the main black body colour – makes it stand out from the regular 208 GTi. To enable drivers to really exploit the extra power and driveability there’s a six-speed manual transmission driving the front wheels and the same Torsen differential that has been used to such great effect on the RCZ R. The benefits of this differential are felt in corners by enabling the car to hold a tight line during acceleration. Prices start at £21,995.

The hot hatch hits thirty

New Corsa gets more spec and price cut

auxhall’s all-new Corsa is priced from £8,995 on-the-road, with list prices reduced by up to £3,000 versus the outgoing model, despite a huge leap in quality and equipment levels across a simplified range.

New Corsa offers excellent valuefor-money against the current model. Customers opting for a Corsa SRi VX Line 1.2i with air con, the entry-level SRi VX Line car, save £2,970 versus the outgoing SRi 1.4 with air con model. Similarly,

customers choosing a Corsa SRi 1.2i with air con, the entry SRi model, save £2,435 against the previous SXi 1.2i with air con. Similar savings are echoed across the entire range. A new 1.0-litre Ecotec (115PS) engine is available from just £10,995 in Sting R trim. This brand new three-cylinder Vauxhall powertrain received universal plaudits when it was introduced in the Adam. The engine features outstanding performance, achieving 0-62mph in just 10.4 seconds, and superior low-end torque, with 170Nm generated at 1,800rpm. The new Corsa is available in nine trim levels, down from ten previously: Life, Sting and Sting R, Design, SRi, Excite, SE, SRi VX Line and Limited Edition. The range has also been vastly simplified with half as many models as before. Improved residual values that are predicted to rise by in excess of £1,000 over three years/60,000 miles make new Corsa an even more compelling package. Standard equipment on Life models include heated front screen, six airbags, tyre pressure monitoring system, hill start assist and electrically adjustable door mirrors.

MOTORINGNEWS

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 available in Cross and Cross Plus specifications. Inside, the 500X features new seats, trim and entertainment system. The 500X will be available with a broad range of powertrain options. Frontwheel 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 either a new-generation six-speed manual gearbox or FIAT Powertrain’s renowned six-speed twin-clutch transmission. The all-wheel drive petrol model, which is equipped with a first-in-class, 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

First four wheel drive 500

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 ninespeed automatic transmission. The 500X’s four-wheel drive system adopts a fuel-saving rear axle disconnection

system that seamlessly switches between two- and four-wheel drive for full-time torque management without requiring input from the driver. The result is a highly efficient drivetrain that offers excellent pick-up and smooth delivery of power, with sure-footed and dependable handling in all conditions. Prices for the 500X start at £17,595.

LIFESTYLEINTERVIEW

A Very Merry Christmas for Fifty Shades of Red, White and Blue Author T his will undoubtedly be one of the happiest Christmases ever for 50 Shades of Red, White and Blue author Leesa Harker. After a horrendous year, she’s been given the all clear from breast cancer and is looking forward to spending time with her two young daughters Lexi (4) and Lola (6) and the opening of her new Christmas show Slimmer for Christmas at Newtownabbey’s Theatre at the Mill. “I was diagnosed with breast cancer before Christmas last year. I had the surgery in November and was due to start chemo on Christmas Eve. I asked to put it off because I wanted to give the girls a great Christmas. But really the worry and fear was hanging over me and my family during this whole time. I then took a really bad flu and ended up in hospital from Boxing Day until New Year’s Eve,” she said. “This Christmas will be so special to me this year. It will just be a happy house filled with toys for the girls, a visit to my mum’s house and big family dinner. I can’t wait!” she said. Leesa is no stranger to challenging times. “I had worked my whole life and had a great job as a bank manager with a company car. But when my partner and I split up I found myself as a single mother with two young children aged one and three. I had to leave my job and go on benefits. It was an awful time but I kept saying to myself ‘this is only temporary.’” “I felt it would be easy to become depressed so I had to have a plan. Plan

A was to study to become an English teacher and Plan B was to write a book. I took an Open University English Literature degree course and studied while the girls were asleep. One of the modules was creative writing and that’s where I started writing Slimmer for Christmas. “It was a short, funny story about a girl who sat on the sofa watching Jane Fonda videos and eating Malteasers and not losing weight obviously. “We had to let other people on the course critique our work. Everyone else had written such serious stories about rape and murder and there was mine about a girl eating Malteasers. “I thought people would think it trivial and but the feedback was excellent and my tutor encouraged me to keep writing comedy. It gave me the confidence to put 50 Shades of Red, White and Blue on Facebook to let other people see it. It got

shared and shared and the rest is history,” she said. Slimmer for Christmas features Sami Salt who is on a mission: She has exactly six weeks of Flab-Busters classes and video workouts to slim down for the Christmas do and dazzle her gorgeous boss Mark Bond with her svelte shape and super new confidence to boot. Writing the show allowed Leesa to explore the pressure that women put on themselves to lose weight and have the perfect body to get the perfect man. “I just think it’s all so wrong. Ok I’ve been on a diet for 20 years! I’ve been to every slimming club going but it wasn’t to try to lose weight to impress anyone it was more to be healthy. I think people are way too hung up about personal appearance,” she explains. Slimmer for Christmas is at Theatre at the Mill in Newtownabbey from 16 December – 3rd January. To find out more about this festive holiday show go to www. theatreatthemill.com.

LIFESTYLEINTERVIEW

Home for

Christmas Lurgan-born actor and singer, Conleth Kane is looking forward to Christmas at home with family and friends while also getting the chance to do what he loves with performances in Theatre at the Mill and the Black Box...

LIFESTYLEINTERVIEW

‘I

haven’t stopped since arriving home at the start of November,’ Conleth exclaims! ‘I’m rehearsing for Tinseltown: A Tale of Christmas by Paul Boyd six days a week and then spending my day off prepping and reharsing for my own concert, All I Want For Christmas. ‘It’s rare that a job comes up that allows me to get time at home, so I consider myself fortunate to be be able to work and spend Christmas at home with my family this year. The last time I was home was a couple of years ago in 2012 when I was playing the role of Dandini in Cinderalla at The Opera House. Last year I was appearing in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in the Birmingham Hippodrome with Gok Wan so that kept me away and then in Christmas 2010 I was appearing in the Liverpool Empire alongside Pamela Anderson in Aladdin. ‘To be honest at the moment I’m not getting a lot of family time as I get ready for the opening of Tinseltown: A Tale for Christmas which is on at the Theatre at the Mill in Newtownabbey from the 1st until the 13th December. I have never performed here before and I’m really looking forward to it. Tinseltown is an original musical adventure full of festive fun and hilarious characters, boasting an original score of unforgettable new songs written and directed by Paul Boyd. An alternative to the traditional Christmas pantomime, I am playing a character called Boke Nubbins in a cast of six that includes local comedian Nuala McKeever and Spike Milligan’s daughter, Jane Milligan.

I did a sell-out concert at the ❝ Landor Theatre in London back in 2011 and while the most nerve-wracking experience of my life so far, I am relishing the chance to do my own concert here at home.

❞

‘As well as performing at The Theatre at the Mill this Christmas I am also hosting my own Christmas concert in the Black Box on Sunday 21st December. Titled, All I Want for Christmas it will be an evening of music and stories that inspired my journey from my hometown in Lurgan, to performing on some of the biggest stages all over the UK and Ireland, and even managing to perform with stars such as P!NK, Jessie J, Liam Neeson, and many more! ‘I did a sell-out concert at the Landor Theatre in London back in 2011 and while the most nerve-wracking experience of my life so far, I am relishing the chance to do my own concert here at home in Northern Ireland. As well as performing songs that mean so much to me, I feel that I have lots of funny anecdotes and tales to share with the audience, For example, who would ever have thought that a self-conscious schoolboy from Lurgan would have enjoyed Christmas dinner with Pamela Anderson? Mark Dougherty, who was the Musical Director of Riverdance is my musical director and we promise an intimate, festive show. ‘Once the concert is over I will get two weeks off to chill out before heading back to London to start rehearsals for Molly Wobbly’s Tit Factory which is finally making it’s West End debut in Leceister Square Theatre from 27th January until 14th March. Last year the show was pulled three hours before we were due to go on stage and all of the media attention which ensued hasn’t done us a disservice as we get ready to open in 2015.’

Hello and welcome to my new Showbiz column. I am Neil Cole otherwise known as NI Gossip Guy and I will be bringing you all the showbiz news and events around Northern Ireland. Belfast City Hall recently hosted Plan B, Union J and our very own local star Janet Devlin who came to perform and give a speech to 1,000 young people as part of the Big Music Project in Belfast City Hall last month. Organised by the Big Lottery Fund, BPI, Global Radio & UK YouthAction Northern Ireland, the stars came to inspire our young NI talent for a career in the music industry. This also saw International Club Brand Chinawhite open its doors in Belfast’s Linen Quarter bringing a new era of clubbing to Northern Ireland. Designed by O'Donnell O'Neill, Chinawhite focuses on a luxurious Oriental theme with rich Oriental natural slate, sumptuous seating with and two level seating and dancing areas. Opening into the early hours, Chinawhite offers guests the opportunity to tailor packages to suit the needs with high end spirits and Sushi. Their opening had comedian John Bishop tweeting them wishing them success. Cool FM breakfast presenter Pete Snodden, BBC’s Barra Best and UTV’s Ruth Gorman all showed up to check out Belfast’s newest hotspot. Down Royal oozed Style & Elegance at their most recent Festival of Racing. Mairead Traynor from Silverbridge scooped Best Dressed Accolade on the day. Her prize, keeping it in theme with the style luxury and excitement of the Festival itself, was a dream holiday to Monaco that includes accommodation in the exclusive Fairmount Monte Carlo Hotel with helicopter transfers to and from the airport... AMAZING!! Alibi, a new city centre bar & club opened after a major refurbishment located on Bradbury Place in the heart of the Queens Quarter. The new two floor venue, with accompanying three floor smoking terrace, offers a new and exciting venue for live music and top DJ’s bringing Belfast’s nightlife on par with other major cities. Alibi opens seven days a week and offers an array of premium spirits, cocktails and food, with live entertainment throughout the week.

www.nigossipguy.com facebook.com/Nigossipguy @nigossipguy

LIFESTYLEWHAT'SON The Snowman Live

Michael Bublé in Concert

It’s that time of year again – the iconic snowman, the memorable music, the sing-along songs and a few Christmas surprises. In what is now a festive family tradition for many, the Ulster Orchestra presents Raymond Brigg’s beloved film on the silver screen with its famous music performed live and conducted by the brilliant Christopher Bell. A magical experience that will delight the whole audience, old and young alike! Everyone is encouraged to dress up in their best festive outfits – and bring along jingle bells if you have them!

Last summer Michael Bublé sold out l0 nights at the 02 Arena in London – that marked the second longest run of sold out dates ever performed at the venue by a male vocalist, followed by five nights at the 02 in Dublin, and now he is heading to Odyssey Arena for the first time! The Grammy-winning artist has had global sales of 45 million albums in the course of his extraordinary decade-long career and his most recent release, To Be Loved, is Bublé’s 4th consecutive No. 1 album.

(6 Dec, Belfast Waterfront) www.waterfront.co.uk

(11-13 Dec, Odyssey Arena) www.odysseyarea.com

What's On for the Holiday Season Looking for fun and festive winter activities? You’ll be spoiled for choice this December! There will be pantomime, concerts and Christmas-themed events happening all the way from DerryLondonderry down to Dublin. Forget roasting chestnuts, go out to get in the spirit! Northern Ireland Human Rights Festival

(8-13 Dec, Various locations) www.humanrightsfestivalni.com Each year 10 December is celebrated globally as Human Rights Day, as it marks the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. Since 2012, several organisations have joined together to support local, national and international human rights objectives. This year they will continue to promote the importance of this through the Northern Ireland Human Rights Festival. The diversity of events and the range of issues covered as part of the festival are reflective of the universal nature of human rights.

A Christmas Carol

(18-20 Dec, The Playhouse Theatre) www.derryplayhouse.co.uk One man takes on the ultimate Christmas tale in an amazing stage adaptation of Dickens’ greatest classic, conjuring up a variety of Dickens’ most loved characters, from Scrooge to Tiny Tim. A Christmas Carol tells the story of redemption, as Scrooge, a miser haunted by three spirits, seeks to amend the errors of his pennypinching ways. This festive fairytale starring Stephen Bradley returns to The Playhouse Theatre this Yuletide season due to popular demand.

LIFESTYLEWHAT'SON Christmas at the Zoo

Other events

(13-22 Dec, Belfast Zoological Gardens) www.belfastzoo.co.uk Belfast Zoo is expecting a very rare new arrival from the North Pole this December. Santa will be parking his sleigh and reindeer at Cave Hill to meet zoo visitors in his special grotto on 13, 14, 20, 21 and 22 December. Come along and wrap and deliver presents to the chimpanzees, decorate Christmas trees for the Asian elephants, make some Christmas crafts and enjoy some festive animal feeding times.

Christmas

Christmas & Family – Mistletoe and Crime (22 Nov-11 Jan 2015, Lyric Theatre) www.lyrictheatre.co.uk Christmas Flower Master Class (1 Dec, Montalto Estate) www.montaltoestate.com

Jack and the Beanstalk (27 Nov-4 Jan 2015, Belfast Waterfront) www.waterfront.co.uk

Fe fi fo fum! Belfast Waterfront’s giant of a pantomime will stand head and shoulders above the rest this Christmas! The family festive favourite is packed with everyone’s favourite ‘larger than life’ characters! Children will love getting up close to all of the action and being part of this enchanting and spellbinding adventure (with a twist) which combines jokes galore and high energy with plenty of opportunities to cheer on the goodies, boo the baddies and join in the excitement and fun!

Christmas Mystery Palace (3 Dec-4 Jan 2015, The MAC) www.themaclive.com Santa’s Christmas Grotto (12-21 Dec, The Argory, Dungannon) www.nationaltrust.org.uk/argory Santa’s Ice Capades @ Navan (6-22 Dec, Navan Centre & Fort) www.armagh.co.uk/santa

Art

Hinds Art Group @ Higgin Gallery (7 Dec-4 Jan 2015, Malone House) www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events

Music NYE Dublin Festival

Kasabian (9 Dec, Odyssey Arena) www.odysseyarena.com

One thing that you can count on is that Dublin will once again try to outdo itself when it comes to throwing memorable New Year’s Eve celebrations. This year, the city’s Countdown Concert, Procession of Light and fireworks spectacular will all be taking place. The enchanting People’s Procession of Light will weave through the city streets with lanterns and glowing lights, musicians and other talented performers, all adding to the magical atmosphere. For the fireworks you’ll head out to St Stephen’s Green, a major part of the NYE Dublin Festival. On New Year’s Day you’ll want to enjoy Dublin’s Big Brunch; it’s the perfect way to start off the New Year.

BBC Radio 3 Invitation Concert (19 Dec, Ulster Hall) www.bbc.co.uk/tickets

(31 Dec-1 Jan 2015, Dublin) www.newyearsevedublin2015.com

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

Neil Diamond Tribute Show (27 Dec, Stormont Hotel) www.hastingshotels.com

Theatre

Grease (4-13 Dec, Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen) www.ardhowentheatre.com Sleeping Beauty (5 Dec-4 Jan 2015, Lyric Theatre) www.lyrictheatre.co.uk

LIFESTYLEREVIEWS

Movies

Unbroken

Annie

Starring: Jack O’Connell, Domhnall Gleeson and Jai Courtney

Starring: Quvenzhané Wallis, Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx

Academy Award winner Angelina Jolie directs and produces Unbroken, an epic drama that follows the incredible life of Olympian and war hero Louis “Louie” Zamperini who, along with two other crewmen, survived in a raft for 47 days after a plane crash in WWII — only to be caught by the Japanese Navy and sent to a prisoner-of-war camp. Unbroken brings to the big screen Zamperini’s unbelievable and inspiring true story about the resilient power of the human spirit.

Originally left by her parents as a baby with the promise that they’d be back for her someday, it’s been a hard knock life for Annie ever since. But everything’s about to change when the hard-nosed tycoon and New York mayoral candidate Will Stacks makes a thinly-veiled campaign move and takes her in. Stacks believes he’s her guardian angel, but Annie’s self-assured nature and bright, sun-will-come-out-tomorrow outlook on life just might mean it’s the other way around.

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Starring: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen and Orlando Bloom The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies brings to an epic conclusion the adventures of Bilbo Baggins. Having reclaimed their homeland from the Dragon Smaug, the company has unwittingly unleashed a deadly force into the world. But there are even greater dangers ahead. Bilbo finds himself fighting for his life and the lives of his friends in the epic Battle of the Five Armies, as the future of Middle-earth hangs in the balance.

Shelf Life One Thousand Things Worth Knowing by Paul Muldoon Paul Muldoon’s new book, his twelfth collection of poems, is wide-ranging in its subject matter yet is everywhere concerned with watchfulness. Heedful, hard won, head-turning, heartfelt, these poems attempt to bring scrutiny to bear on everything, including scrutiny itself.

Travels with a Mexican Circus

Balancing Act

by Katie Hickman

by Joanna Trollope

Away from the cruel poverty of Mexico’s capital city, Katie Hickman found magic in the circus, with its Big Top, clowns, trapeze artists, elephants – where cheap, torn materials and tarnished sequins were transformed into nights of glittering illusion. Gradually adjusting to the harsh ways of the circus’s nomadic lifestyle and befriending the people who dedicate their lives to it, she soon became completely absorbed into this hypnotic new world, at first as a foreigner but later as ‘La Gringa Estrella,’ a performer in her own right.

Susie Moran is a success. She has founded and run her own highly profitable company, and now her three daughters are all involved in the business. Then, into the mix arrives Susie’s father, an ageing hippie who abandoned Susie as a baby. Can the needs of a family business override the needs of the family itself? In wanting to preserve her business, will Susie lose something much more precious?

LIFESTYLEREVIEWS

Into the Woods

Exodus

Wild

Starring: Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Anna Kendrick and Johnny Depp

Starring: Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton, Ben Kingsley and Sigourney Weaver

Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern and Thomas Sadoski

This humorous and heartfelt musical follows classic Brothers Grimm fairy tales — all tied together by an original story involving a baker and his wife, their wish to begin a family and their interaction with the witch who has put a curse on them.

From acclaimed director Ridley Scott comes the story of one man’s daring courage to take on the might of an empire. Using stateof-the-art visual effects and 3D immersion, Scott brings new life to the story of the defiant leader Moses as he rises up against the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses, setting 600,000 slaves on a monumental journey of escape from Egypt and its terrifying cycle of deadly plagues.

With the dissolution of her marriage and the death of her mother, Cheryl Strayed has lost all hope. After years of reckless, destructive behaviour, she makes a rash decision. With absolutely no experience, driven only by sheer determination, Cheryl hikes more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, alone. Wild powerfully captures the terrors and pleasures of one young woman forging ahead against all odds.

Funny Girl

Ridley Road

by Nick Hornby

by Jo Bloom

I Will Marry George Clooney (By Christmas)

Funny Girl is the story of a popular 1960s TV comedy series. The writers, Tony and Bill, comedy obsessives, who each harbour a secret. The Oxbridge-educated director, Dennis, who loves his job but hates his marriage. The male star Clive, who feels he’s destined for better things. And most of all Sophie Straw, once Barbara Parker, Miss Blackpool 1964, who’s changed her name and abandoned her old life because she just wants to make people laugh.

Summer, 1962. Twenty-year-old Vivien Epstein, a Jewish hairdresser from Manchester, arrives in London. Alone in the world, she is looking for Jack Fox, a man whom she had a brief but intense love affair with some months before. Her search leads her into the fight against resurgent fascism in East London, where members of the Jewish community are taking to the streets. Then one day Vivien finally spots Jack, but her joy is shortlived when she discovers his secret.

by Tracy Bloom Slogging her guts out in a chicken factory whilst single-handedly bringing up a teenager who hates her is far from the life that 36-year-old Michelle had planned. But marrying the most eligible man on the planet by Christmas could change all that, couldn’t it? Sometimes your only option is to dream the impossible — because you never know where it might take you…

LIFESTYLEFEATURE

Trapped in the

Web

The convenience, ubiquity and endless scope of the Internet has cemented its status as an integral part of modern life. But what happens when our mobiles, tablets and laptops begin to infiltrate every aspect of our lives? Lillian McKibbin investigates how to balance an affinity for technology with a healthy lifestyle.

nywhere you go – whether it’s a concert, a restaurant, a bus stop, the grocery store or a party – you will undoubtedly see multiple people on their phones. Perhaps they’re Googling for information, or taking a video, or texting their location to a friend. Regardless, the sea of faces you would have seen a decade ago has been replaced with a sea of devices. How many times have we heard someone say “I feel naked without my phone” or “I could never give up Facebook” halfjokingly? As much as we make light of it, our ever-increasing use of the Internet can have adverse effects on our relationships, work and mental health.

The death of conversation

London-based photographer Babycakes Romero recently released a series of photographs called “The Death of Conversation,” which captures people engrossed in their phones. Many of us have whipped out our devices to avoid boredom, social anxiety or awkward situations. However, at the same time, most people agree that it’s an isolating and impolite coping mechanism. So how do we stop? • Leave it: when possible, leave your device at home, at your desk, in your bag or in the car. The more you do this, the less attached you’ll become.

• Turn off your alerts: if your device isn’t beeping, you won’t realise what you’re missing (not much). • Set an example: other people are much more likely to pull out their devices if they see you do it first. Keep the conversation going, ask questions and be engaged. Others will follow your lead. • Try “The Phone Stack” Game: this is a fun way to ensure your group is sociable and involved when you’re out for a meal or drinks. Turn all devices onto vibrate, then stack them in a pile, facedown, on the table. When the stack invariably vibrates, no one is allowed to check her phone. The first person to check her phone before the meal ends has to pay everyone’s bill!

Everything in moderation

Very few people would be able to completely give up email, social media and apps – many of us need connectivity for professional or personal reasons, and apps are extremely useful and entertaining. Using the Internet can be extremely enriching and enlightening, but it also shouldn’t be a controlling factor in your life. Ask yourself these questions. If you answer “yes” to more than a few, it may

be time to honestly self-assess your Internet usage. • Do you feel anxious or stressed when you forget your phone at home? • Have you unsuccessfully tried to curb your technology use before? • Do you feel depressed or irritable when you can’t access the Internet? • Do you find yourself unwittingly spending hours online? • Do you sacrifice sleep in order to stay online? • Have you lied to others about the extent of your Internet use?

LIFESTYLEFEATURE

• Are you ashamed of the amount of time you spend online? • Would you rather be with your device than with family or friends? If you think that you need to rein in your Internet use, start with baby steps. Set limits on how often you can check your device: begin generously, perhaps allowing yourself to check every 30 minutes. Once you’ve grown comfortable with that, extend the limit to one check every 45 minutes, every 60 minutes, and every 90 minutes. A gradual weaning will be much more effective than quitting cold turkey.

Another way to unglue yourself from your device is to fill your free time with fun social engagements and recreational activities. The more time you spend being present in the real world, the less you will want to aimlessly surf the Web. However, if you find yourself unable to make small changes, consider speaking to a professional. There may be underlying issues that need to be addressed before you can break your dependency on technology. Ultimately, would you rather miss someone’s Facebook update or would you rather miss out on something happening right in front of you?

Many of us have ❝ whipped out our devices to avoid boredom, social anxiety or awkward situations.

❞

WEDDINGALBUM

Northern Woman Congratulates… Catriona Lavery and Ryan Mullan meet each other halfway for their wedding at Ballygally Castle Hotel in Larne.

aving met at university in 2005, Catriona and Ryan enjoyed a long courtship before their engagement. During a romantic weekend at the beautiful Malmaison in Liverpool, Ryan had decorated their room with rose petals and champagne. He proposed to Catriona in the room, presenting a ring from Lunn’s in Belfast. Catriona said it was very romantic! The couple, who hail from County Down and County DerryLondonderry, wanted a wedding between their home counties. They settled on the scenic Ballygally Castle Hotel in Larne, as they both loved the coastal location. The big day began at St Patrick’s and St Ronan’s in Magheralin. Catriona wore a Pronovias dress and veil from Serendipity Bridal in Fivemiletown, and accessorised with a headpiece, jewellery, and Jimmy Choo shoes. “I always wanted a designer pair for my wedding day,” she said. The reception at Ballygally Castle was replete with old-world elegance. “I always imagined my wedding to be quite vintage, with aspects of lace and pearls,” Catriona said. Jam jars filled with purple and pink flowers decorated the tables, and extras like the sweetie cart gave a memorable touch to the evening. The bride and groom capped off their celebrations with a three week honeymoon in the USA. Catriona said: “It was everything we imagined, and the trip of a lifetime!”

WEDDINGALBUM

Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Petticoat Lane, Hillsborough Men’s Suits: Tweedy Acheson, Coleraine Flowers, Invitations and Décor: Chantal from Pretty Little Details Entertainment: Sugartown Road Photography: Pure Pictures Videography: Video Edge Cars: I Do Wedding Cars NI, Portadown

ONELASTTHING started BelfastTimes.co.uk in early 2011. At the time I just wanted to promote Belfast and write about the events I was going to in the city.

As a blogger do you pick up interesting stories from the people you meet? If yes, any you’d like to share?

A Day in the Life of

Jeff Meredith...

A market stall holder at St George’s Market Belfast. How long have you worked at St George’s Market?

I started at St George’s Market just over three years ago as a casual trader and over the years have become a permanent trader on both Saturdays and Sundays.

What can visitors find on your stall?

Most importantly they find a place to have a laugh!! I sell my own typography designs in the shape of Belfast landmarks, but I also sell my designs with local sayings, such as Buck Eejit, Ye Boy Ye and Ye Girl Ye and much more. The designs are available as cards, coasters, prints, magnets and mugs.

Have you always been interested in craft or is this a new venture?

Craft is a completely new venture for me. I actually started selling photography but that evolved into something completely different when I started experimenting with digital popart. Even just five years ago I would never have thought I’d be doing this. It’s amazing how fast things can change.

Do you enjoy being on the stall and meeting people?

Working in St George’s Market is great fun all year round. I get to talk to locals and visitors from all around the world as they are out and about discovering Belfast. It’s always great to find out more about people and why they are here. Maybe I should do a feature about Belfast visitors on my blog.

How long have you been blogging? I’ve been blogging since before the word existed I think. I’ve been dabbling in websites and blogging since the late 1990’s, but I

Every story is interesting. I guess that’s why I love blogging on Belfast Times and working in the market, because I get to meet so many people. If I can have a chat and find out more about those I meet and also learn a bit more about Belfast then I’m more than happy. Recently a customer was with her daughter at my stall in St Georges Market. She appeared totally fascinated by the text on my Ulster Hall and Grand Opera House designs. It turns out she was being reminded of her youth and was telling her daughter all about it. She told me she had seen the Rolling Stones in the Ulster Hall, and a few of the acts on my Grand Opera house design, and that next door to the Opera House she had seen the Beatles in her youth. It was great to see someone getting so engrossed in a lifetime of memories, and for her to leave my stall with some great new additions to her home which she will treasure.

Finally, in your opinion as someone who has a huge affinity for the city, what’s the best thing about Belfast over Christmas and New Year? I love the buzz of the city over Christmas and the New Year. Seeing people out enjoying themselves, seeing shoppers and crowds, seeing bars and restaurants full and of course the great vibe in the two big city centre markets in the run up to Christmas, St George’s and the City Hall market. I just love seeing people walking around being happy and enjoying themselves. It’s all about the people; the people of Belfast are what make Belfast buzz.

â&#x20AC;˘ U.K. and R.O.I. distributors of Senna Cosmetics. â&#x20AC;˘ LA based cosmetic brand Senna Cosmetics is loved by Hollywood A-list celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Uma Thurman and Jennifer Aniston and used in TV productions such as Desperate Housewives and Modern Family.

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Contact: www.oonaghboman.com Tel: 02890 508224