Northern Woman - January 2014 by Northern Woman

NORTHERN WOMAN

£2.50/€3.95

JANUARY 2014

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4 - F A S H I O N , H E A LT H , B E A U T Y & L I F E S T Y L E

battisti

hairdressing 255 Lisburn Road, Belfast

VOLUME 30

ISSN 1361-2735

NUMBER 1

9 771361 273013

STYLE ❤ HEALTH ❤ BEAUTY ❤ LIFESTYLE ❤ COMPETITIONS

Porcellana Tile Studio Studio B, The Carnegie Building, 121 Donegall Road, Belfast, BT12 5JL T: 028 9024 0040 E: studio@porcellanatilestudio.com www.porcellanatilestudio.com

Contents JANUARY 2014

94 The Camera Never Lies

STYLE

6 Made to Measure

Margaret Connolly talks to fashion designer Geraldine Connon

12 What’s in your Wardrobe?

NW peaks into the wardrobe of Siobhan Kyles, Brand Specialist for Michael Kors

Award-winning producer/director Alison Millar on her passion for truth-telling

Regulars

40 Ask the Experts Our experts tackle a range of issues, from nude lipsticks to coping with tennis elbow

16 Fall in love with these fashion finds from NI’s 55 A Vintage Inspired Home fabulous local boutiques Get inspired by these latest fashion picks

This South Belfast home uses vintage finds in a thoroughly modern way

20 The 4 Days of Christmas What to wear during the festive season

66 Turkey Delights

32 S/S 14: Fashion Forward

NW looks ahead to the new Spring/Summer 2014 trends

HEALTH & BEAUTY

72 My Brilliant Career With Jeanette Kidd, proprietor of Jeanette Kidd Beauty and Day Spa

45 Here’s to you, Mr Robinson...

90 Motoring All the latest motoring news, including the Suzuki SX4 S-Cross

46 To diet or not to diet...?

96 Wedding NW congratulates Rebecca O’Neill and Andrew Frazer on their intimate Italian wedding

NW chats to the hairdressing sensation that has recently joined Battisti Hairdressing

Caroline Perry looks into fad diets and whether you should follow them

48 A Make-up Maestro

NW chats to Head YSL make-up artist for Northern Europe, Fred Letailleur

52 Looking good for the party season NI’s top hairdressers show you how to style your hair for the festive season Features

36 Christmas gift guide Christmas gifts are sorted with NW’s pick of the best items around 82 Take Five Northern Irish reality show success stories speak about their career aspirations

NW looks at creative ways to use your leftover turkey

TRAVEL

68 Festive Scotland Sparkle There is nowhere more magical than Edinburgh for some festive sparkle 71 Toravaig House Hotel Visit contemporary romantic retreat in the Isle of Skye COMPETITION

80 Win…a limited edition T-shirt by Sara O’Neill 92 Win a luxury midweek break for two in Tankardstown House, Slane

PUBLISHER: Gladys Greer advertising & promotion: Eileen Wilson CONTRIBUTORS: Mags Connolly, Kate Wilson, Teri Kelly EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Caroline Perry Art Editor: Karen Donnelly PRODUCTION MANAGER: Stuart Gray Accounts: Gerardine Carson Design & Production: Greer Publications Design Tel: 028 9078 3200 email us at: firstnamelastname@greerpublications.com DISTRIBUTION: WNS Newspread, Belfast PRINT: GPS Manuscripts submitted for publication must be accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope. however northern woman cannot be responsible for unsolicited material

On the cover: PHOTO COURTESY OF SHELLEY RODGERS PHOTOGRAPHY BANGOR 07866748388 and make-up courtesy of julia clements mua 07802551022

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

www.facebook.com/ NorthernWomanMagazine

@NorthernWomanNW

FASHIONINTERVIEW

Made to Measure

Fashion designer Geraldine Connon has been working from her Larne design studio and dressing women in Northern Ireland for over thirty years. Here she talks to Margaret Connolly about her all consuming passion for fashion.

FASHIONINTERVIEW

‘I

love beautiful clothes, what can I say? I absolutely love designing and making clothes and I always have. Over the years my enthusiasm has never faltered and I imagine I will keep pushing myself to the next level designing flattering clothes women love wearing for many more years to come.’ After completing a course in fashion design from the University of Ulster, Geraldine went on to work in the costume department at The Lyric Theatre and even did a three month teaching stint back on the fashion course from which she graduated. However, Geraldine was determined to follow her dream and establish herself as a fashion designer. ‘I was so driven to design and make clothes,’ explains Geraldine. ‘You could say that it is in my blood really. My great grandfather was a Russian 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.’ Geraldine’s grandfather died in 1954, but none of his immediate offspring, Geraldine’s grandmother, nor her mother followed in his footsteps. However, Geraldine who taught herself how to sew and make clothes, has a natural talent and as she says herself ‘it was just in her’ and as the years have proven, nothing or nobody was going to stop her following this career path. ‘When I started out everyone wanted to be a fashion designer. The Emanuel’s had hit the headlines for Princess Diana’s wedding gown and everyone was full of aspiration even though being a fashion designer wasn’t held in the regard that it is today. Yes, it was great to see, but I wasn’t just caught up in the excitement of the time, I knew this was the only career for me. From the moment my parents bought me my first sewing machine I was hooked.’ Not wanting to leave Northern Ireland and her family, Geraldine opened her studio in Larne (where she is still based today) and began building up her fashion business through word of mouth. Within no time at all she was working day and night creating clothes for her expanding client base. Geraldine enjoys a loyal following of clients from the UK and Ireland. These women return to her time and time again because they are assured of a bespoke, one-off creation, tailored to make them look and feel amazing. ‘I have learned to work with all manner of fabrics over the years and I offer the designing of the widest variety of clothing from intricate wedding dresses and occasional gowns to a perfectly tailored trouser suit.’

FASHIONINTERVIEW

FASHIONINTERVIEW ‘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.’ ‘Work has always come first for me and to an extent it always will. I’ve been married to Miguel, a Portuguese sculptor, for three and a half years now. He understands my passion and can relate to it, but then he is not the typical male.’ ‘It has taken me a long time to find someone who could put up with me! Miguel and I suit each other. We are both free spirits and we respect each other’s time to be creative and do what we both love. Miguel often offers his opinion on the clothes I am designing, his thoughts are always constructive, but then he is genuinely interested.’ As well as her client commissions, Geraldine produces an inspirational catwalk presentation once a year. 2013 launches her New Collection which is shown exclusively in NW this month, titled ‘Diva Seduction’. ‘This new collection is everything that I love, inspired by the women whom I dress. It is total elegance in couture clothes - embracing the opulence of fashion in the fabrics, the cut and the ultimate style. The days of competing as a designer in Northern Ireland with the well known international designers, have levelled out now for me. Years of cultivating my skills in the cut, so to speak, the understanding of the female form; and having access to the highest quality fabrics worldwide, has secured my spot in the fashion arena.

❝I love beautiful clothes, what can I say? I absolutely love designing and making clothes and I always have.❞ ‘I recently returned from New York a few weeks ago and happened to notice Sandra Bullock on the Front Cover of American Vogue dressed in sequins. This amused me in the fact that it was one of my chosen cloths for my new collection.’ Geraldine has shown her collections selectively at many fashion events in Northern Ireland over her years in business and has enjoyed working with many highly talented people. Diva Seduction gave her the opportunity to work with local modelling agencies ACA and Maureen Martin, and her ‘dream team’, closest friends, beauty artist Oonagh Boman, fashion photographer Jim Crone and hairdresser Shane Bennett. ‘The love of the art of beauty in all things and a shared desire of striving for perfection has given Shane and I the opportunities to work together for at least 13 years now. Shane in his role as global ambassador for Goldwell hair products has afforded me the chance to design Collections for numerous International Shows. ‘I love wowing people at the catwalk shows, it is essential for self expression and feeds my soul, but in the real world I work in the business of designing and dressing my clients. Discerning, independent and extremely fashion conscious damsels, who when they take the time to come for fittings, expect and receive my full attention.’

FASHIONINTERVIEW

FASHIONWHAT'SINYOURWARDROBE

What' s in your wardrobe? Siobhan Kyles, Brand Specialist for Michael Kors at House of Fraser certainly knows a thing or two about style. She has opened the door of her wardrobe to reveal her style secrets exclusively to NW. How would you describe your style?

My style can be very unique. I love mixing vintage with contemporary pieces for that individual look. Breaking the rules in fashion is really fun for me; mixing colour, prints and textures give me my own sense of style. I always play to my own strengths rather than following the trend game.

What is your day to day style?

It really depends on my mood or what I’m up to that day. At the moment I’m loving menswear inspired pieces, wearing cocktail trousers teamed with a white collared shirt or even a crazy print. I love wearing heels but unfortunately in my job flats are a must! So brogues are my favourite. I like to borrow from all the boys in my family like my sons, brothers and dad – their blazers give me the oversize look which I love. Layering up is the way to go.

What is your wardrobe essential?

A trouser suit. I have so many of them I can make so many different looks. The jackets I can wear over dresses or skirts and the trousers can be paired with numerous shirts and tees or even a great cashmere knit and, of course, lots of shoes.

You design and make your own clothes. How did you initially get into this and can you tell me about some of your creations?

I have always tweaked and customised my own pieces! Following the runways six months in advance always gives me a head start as I know exactly what’s coming through each season. I studied fashion for four years at BMC. It was there where I was properly taught how to use my sewing machine, learning all the skills required to make my own creations. Only recently I removed the sleeves from one of my son’s jackets and made into a menswear inspired gilet I love it. Last year I had a few Balls to attend so I made my own dresses. When someone passes a comment on your dress it’s a great feeling to tell them ‘I made it myself’.

FASHIONWHAT'SINYOURWARDROBE What has been your most extravagant purchase?

Quick Fire

As I am a big Sex in the City fan last year I purchased the Eiffel Tower bag created by Timmy Woods from Beverly Hills. I had it specially flown over; crazy I know but I had to have one! It’s so beautiful to have but I am afraid to carry it out in case it gets damaged. I really should get over that fear!

Who or what are your style influences?

Complete the sentence: Every girl should own...

A great pair of heels! They give us power when wearing them. The higher the heel, the slimmer you’ll look, because it elongates your legs and forces you to throw your shoulders back.

If you could have any celebrity’s wardrobe, whose would it be and why?

I love the 1920’s fashion. Coco Chanel is one of my style icons. She saw the requirements and wishes of women and designed her fashion around what they wanted. At the moment I love the fashion in Downton Abbey. Recently I had an outfit on so many people commented that it looked like something from the show, but unfortunately it was more of the servants’ looks than the upstairs ladies. Well you just can’t win them all can you? I loved the look anyway!

What has been your biggest fashion disaster?

Do you have a favourite shop?

What is the best piece of fashion advice you’ve ever been given?

I don’t have a favourite shop. I love shopping on the high street and rummaging through vintage shops to find great pieces worn by someone else. I like that it has a little piece of history with it. I love a bargain so sale time is really when I shop.

I remember buying a pair of wedges and thinking they were so cool but when I got them home each time I went to wear them I thought they were way too chunky for me! I’m more of an elegant shoe lady, so off they went to the nearest charity shop.

What has been your most recent purchase? A pair of Kurt Geiger shoes. They are a flat brogue with tiny studs all over them. I bought them in the sale, best time to buy!

Always wear what suits your body shape and never wear something just because it’s in trend. It can be a big mistake!

What are your essential accessories?

Accessories are a big thing for me. They can make an outfit your own but I always know as soon as I put something on and it feels too much – I remove it straightaway as it’s not meant to be there! I save that for another time, one statement is enough. Scarves are great. They are so versatile and come in so many colours. I wear them on my head, neck and even across the body as they can energise up a look instantly.

What is your go-to glam outfit for the party season?

Getting glammed up is my favourite thing to do! Because it’s the party season there are so many reasons to get dressed up to the nines. I have seen a few stunning dresses that I know I will have to purchase; some with sparkles and fabulous sequin embellishments. Both are great for making a bold statement which I love to do.

Rachel Zoe is renowned for her natural take on glamour and she is one of the most significant forces working in fashion today. I love her knowledge of vintage, haute couture and modern design. Having her wardrobe would be a dream come true!

What three fashion items will you keep forever?

This is a hard one for me because I never part with anything! I have a 1950’s mink fur jacket which I was given. I love it this and I know I will pass it on to my own daughter! My Eiffel tower bag by Timmy Woods. A full length evening dress which is fully embellished with sequins from the 1920’s /1930’s era which I bought from a local charity shop.

What make-up essential could you not live without? My lippy of course!

Favourite lipstick?

Doir Rouge. I don’t wear eye makeup so I like to make a statement with my lipstick. Red is my favourite colour!

Are you a bag or shoes girl?

Oh defo a shoe lady. Heels are a must!

FASHIONSHOES

WALK LIKE A MAN Brogues are no longer just for the boys, they'll add some sexy, androgynous style to your winter wardrobe too!

Maripe Grey Stud Brogue, £139.99, Bishops of Coleraine

g igh aniel

Black Turquoise Contrast Lace-up Brogue, £60, Carino Shoes, Omagh Frankie Brogue, £69.99, Office

Dusky Pink Lace-up Brogue, £59.95, White Stuff ‘Locket', £75, Bertie

Silver Hampton Fringed Brogue, £199, Hobbs ‘Lustrous', £79, Dune

Best of British Almond Pebble Finish Brogues, £165, M&S

FASHIONLOCALBOUTIQUES

Fall in with these fashion finds from some of

NI's fabulous boutiques Coat, £229, Storey Womenswear

Paisley Print Tunic, £64.95, from Mexx stores across NI

Oui Jacket, £169, Pinnacle Dungannon

Menbur Heel, £125, Sitara Morgan Clutch, £29.50, M&S Black Blazer with Faux Leather Detail, £129.99, Menarys

FASHIONLOCALBOUTIQUES Summum Blouse, £65, Siren Boutique

Hoss Intropia Top, £97, Saretta

Angels Never Die Jacket, £129, Magowans

FASHIONCHRISTMAS

Satin Top, £28, Next

The 4 days of Christ mas Christmas Eve:

Vamp it up before slipping into cosy, Christmas PJs before Santa's arrival! Skinny Stretch Leather Trouser, £499, Mint Velvet

Cowl Neck Top, £44.95, Mexx

Pinko Geometric Tile Blue Pencil Skirt, £182, Cruise @ Victoria Square

Matalan A/W 13- 14

Green Dress, £29.99, Zara

Black Boots, £109.99, Tamaris @ Bishops of Coleraine

Accessorise with...

Snowflake Pyjamas, £22, Next

Necklace, £26.90, Sandwich @ Evelin Brandt, Lisburn Road, Belfast Fiorelli Gold Plated Cuff, was £34.95, now 19.99, Chapelle Jewellery @ The Outlet

‘Adorn' Black Shoe Boot, £99, Dune

Snowflake Print Onesie, £25, M&S

Rudolph Socks, £9.50, M&S

FASHIONCHRISTMAS

Wondering what to wear on those key Christmas dates? Well here are a few stylish suggestions that we think you'll love....

Accessorise with...

Christmas Day: Look smart and sexy while serving up the turkey this year.

Ferrara Black Court, £155, Bourne @ Precious, Cookstown

Wow Baroque Leather Cuff, £15, Accessorize Best of British Fuschia & Black Collared Blouse, £89, M&S

Reindeer Jumper, £27.99, New Look

Red Leather Skirt, £125, Topshop

Evelin Brandt Jacket, £139.90 and matching Skirt, £219.90, Evelin Brandt, Lisburn Road, Belfast

Gem Collar Sweater, £99, Jaeger Boutique

Best of British Black Tailored Turn Up Trouser, £129, M&S

Black Heeled Knee High Boot, £129, Zara

Fluffy Longsleeve Top, £38, Topshop

Printed Trouser, £145, Marella @ House of Fraser

Red Check Kilt, £28, M&S Fifth Avenue Ring, £170, Coldlilies

FASHIONCHRISTMAS

Boxing Day: Chill out, relax, enjoy a brisk walk or hit the sales in chic Christmas casuals. Snowflake Sweater, £32, Next

Checked Jumper, £35, M&S

Lurex Zip Coated Jean, £69, Mint Velvet @ Menarys

Black Leggings, £19.99, Zara

Em Sa £79

Red Knitted Bow Detail Jumper, £95, Almost Famous

Polka Dot Trouser, £17, Next Clearance @ The Outlet, Banbridge Fairisle Jumper, £129 and Printed Trouser, £109, Oui

Dani Teal Longline Knit, was £175, now £105, LK Bennett @ The Outlet, Banbridge

Tartan Trousers, £39.99, Zara

Accessorise with...

Metallic Shopper, £44.95, Mexx

‘Extravaganza' Loafer, £65, Office

Gilet, £599, Autograph @ M&S

‘Pentica' Trainer, £99, Bertie

FASHIONCHRISTMAS

New Year's Eve:

Accessorise with...

It's time to get glam and dress to kill as you welcome in a New Year. Alea Dress, £179, Monsoon

Dress, £125 and Tippet, £65, Alexon

Alea Dress, £179, Monsoon Dress, £79, Per Una Speciale @ M&S

Glitter Box Clutch, £325, Lulu Guinness @ House of Fraser

Stargazer Crystal Drops, £15, Martine Wester @ Rebecca Jane, Crossgar

Embroidered Satin Dress, £79.99, Zara Magdalene Dress, £199, Hobbs

Gracie Cut Out Gold Plate Crop Top, £19.99, Missguided

Mistletoe Fur Coat, £229, Damsel in a Dress @ House of Fraser

Full Skirt, £40, River Island

Plunging Maxi Dress, £169, Almost Famous

Gold Sandals, £45, River Island

FASHIONACCESSORIES

Hat, £15, Linea @ House of Fraser

Animal Print Hat, £12.50, M&S

Winter Warmers

Fur Hat, £12.99, New Look

Essential extras for cold winter days...

Black Floppy Hat, £9, Heatons

Clothing and accessories from a selection by Betty Barclay @ Dixons of Coleraine Monochrome Honeysuckle Scarf, £39, Damsel in a Dress @ House of Fraser

Grey Mittens, £6.99, New Look

Neon Two Tone Scarf, £17, Accessorize

Mongolian Fur Scarf, £59, Mint Velvet @ Menarys Faux Shearling Mittens, £14, Next

Dip Dyed Scarf, £7, Heatons

Ladies Boucle Mittens, £6, F&F @ Tesco

Leather Cluster Embellished Gloves, £35, asos.com

Two Tone Leather Gloves, £34.95, Mexx Fur Knitted Mittens, £50, Kurt Geiger

Ox Blood Leather Gloves, £155, Marc Cain

White Leather Gloves, £30, River Island

High Society

Be inspired by high glamour to create the perfect party outfit this season. Channel the alluring style of a forties film star with quality statement pieces, standout accessories and a hairstyle to match, creating the ultimate expression of luxurious elegance. Blouse, ÂŁ95, Reiss @ Victoria Square; Coat, ÂŁ145, Coast @ Victoria Square and Necklace, stylist's own

This page: Dress, £295, Gloves, £45 and Bag, £50, all from Coast @ Victoria Square Opposite: Dress, £399, Ted Baker @ Victoria Square; Belt, £69, Reiss @ Victoria Square; Clutch Bag, £69, Ted Baker @ Victoria Square; Shoes, £95, Coast @ Victoria Square; Earrings, £20, Topshop @ Victoria Square

This page: Shirt, £350, Gucci, Cruise @ Victoria Square; Trousers, £70, Forever Unique, Cruise @ Victoria Square; Heels, £110, Ted Baker @ Victoria Square; Necklace, £15, River Island @ Victoria Square Opposite: Blouse, £89, Skirt, £399 and Cardigan, £89, all from Hobbs @ Victoria Square; Necklace, £45, Biba, House of Fraser @ Victoria Square

Dress, £149, Clutch Bag, £99, both from Ted Baker @ Victoria Square; Earrings, stylist's own

Photography: Khara Pringle 0797 9218456 Make Up: Paddy McGurgan @ Make-up Pro Store 028 9043 4007 Hair: Ciaran G @ Toni & Guy 028 9068 2323 Stylist: Rebecca McKinney 0772 9848822 Model: Orla Murphy @ Assets models Location: Kris Turnbull Studios Belfast 028 9068 8600

FASHIONS/S14 ACNE

S/S14:

Fashion Forward House of Holland

A first look at the top ten new Spring/Summer 2014 trends - and it's a more trans-seasonal edit then ever before. Mary Katrantzou Simone Rocha John Rocha

JW Anderson Simone Rocha

Roksanda Ilincic

FASHIONS/S14 1. Street Style

1. House of Holland

2. JW Anderson

4. House of Holland

5. Roksanda Ilinicic

Fashion’s obsession with sportswear has been growing for some time now. As usual, House of Holland showcased his street-credibility. Sweaters, bomber jackets and elasticated detailing are all pivotal components of this trend.

2. Maximum Impact This is another trend that just won’t quit - the maxi skirt and dress is still around for this spring/summer. JW Anderson showcased his technical ability and artistry with sheer tier-ruffled maxi dresses, that were delicate in detail but rigid in structure.

3. Turn Up The Volume Oversize and loose-fitting shapes carry through to S/S14 with designers being generous in the cuts of billowing outerwear and wide-legged trousers as shown at Mulberry. The cropped, midriff baring top was a recurring garment to balancing out billowing skirts, trousers and jackets.

4. Pretty Pastels The past couple of seasons have been no stranger to the candied pastel look, but this season, it seems almost every designer enjoyed playing with pastel shades. Mint, faded turquoise and candy floss pink were used to great effect.

5. Mellow Yellow It made it’s mark last spring/summer and yellow is back again. Whether it was sherbet, buttercup or lemon, there was a surprising amount of yellow on the catwalks.

Key Trends at a Glance: Sheer Fabrics, Voluminous Shapes and Sportswear Luxe

3. Mulberry

FASHIONS/S14 6. Mary Katrantzou

7. House of Holland

6. Finer Things Metallic finishes, lustrous surfaces and high-impact embellishment carry over to spring/summer. Ornamentation is high on the agenda for next season.

7. Top Print Despite florals making an elegant return to the runways for S/S14, checks were the print that won most attention. Notable takes come from Erdem’s sheer layers, Vanessa Bruno’s 90s homage and Suno’s crisp interpretation.

8. All Weather Leather Knowing that for many summer does not mean hot hot heat, designers continued winter 2013’s love of leather into the new season.

9. Do Denim This season denim has come back into play. Holly Fulton’s crescent cut out denim T-shirt made a statement as did the sequined, frayed denim looks at Ashish and a cute floral mini dress at House of Holland.

10. Sexy Sheer Sheer is a standout trend for S/S14. From jumpsuits to jackets, skirts to shirts, sheer will be everywhere! Delicate floral prints and embroidery were the chosen methods of embellishment for these sheer fabrics as seen at John Rocha, Burberry, Matthew Williamson and Topshop Unique.

S/S14 Colour Palette:

Red was embraced by the designers this season as was blue, in electric and pale tones. Orange and pink were other atention-grabbing shades.

8. Simone Rocha

9. House of Holl and

10. John Rocha

10 West Street, Portadown, Co. Armagh, BT62 3PD Tel: 028 3835 4907 Find us on facebook â&#x20AC;˘ www.sitaramorgan.com

GIFTGUIDE

...for

Jellycat Starry Night Elephant Soother, £19, Catwalk Kids

Kids

Bluezoo Snowman Sleepsuit, £12, Debenhams

Disney Tilt and Fly Dusty, £37.99, Smyths

Despicable Me 2 dvd, £10, Amazon

Name It, Vohn kids shirt, £13, Menarys

Giant Bouncer, £15, Ridley

Kurio 4S Touch Tablet, £90, Debenhams

One Direction watch, (+ red tin), £29.99, Moores of Coleraine

Furby Boom Blue Waves, £54, Tesco

Name It, Victor mini ls top. £5, Menarys

Name It, mello rose winter kid jacket, £22, Menarys

Hunter's Children's wellies, £35, Moores of Coleraine

Magical Christmas Stories, £8, M&S Teksta Robotic Puppy (pink), £59.99, Smyths

Super Heroes Superman Lego, Debenhams 3d Hot Water Bottle Cover and Bottle, £20, Menarys

3d Hot Water Bottle Cover and Bottle, £20, Menarys Wood Puzzle Man, £8, M&S

GIFTGUIDE Chapelle Fiorelli bracelet, Now £18.95, The Outlet

...fo

r he

Christmas Cracker filled with ..., £30, Jo Malone

The Great Gatsby dvd, £10

Ciara Daly Brush, £22, Ciara Daly Make Up Academy, Belfast EDS Limited Edition 2013, £178, Sisley

Spa treatment with Hastings Hotels (Culloden and Slieve Donard) with ESPA, gift voucher

Girardi Gwyneth tights, £29, Storey Womenswear

Luxury Purple Calla Lily Globe, £124.99, Interflora Clarins Anti-Ageing Must-haves Collection 'Youth Busters', £55, Clarins

Mexx burgundy and pink gloves, £34.95, Mexx stores across NI

Victoria Beckham town tone shoulder bag, £495, www.mytheresa.com Olay Regenerist 3 Point Super Cleansing System, £39.99, Boots

Jimmy Choo (Cosmic Watersnake) £455, Shop Harper Diamond Rings, POR, Ellisons & Cahoons

GIFTGUIDE

iphone-5S- and-5C from £549 and £469 respectively, Apple

Davidoff The Game, 60ml £38.50, The Perfume Shop Chapelle chronograph Rotary watch, Now £149, The Outlet Banbridge

PS4 Bundle, around £350, Harvey Norman

Barker Shoes, for Tom Morrow's, Dungannon and Cookstown

...for

him Style Digital Talking Thermometer with Food, £16.99, CFC Interiors

Jumper,Now £85, Jaeger at The OUTLET, Banbridge.

Seventy Seven by Andy Murray, £20 LSA whiskey decanter set, £79.99, Moores of Coleraine

ESPA Smooth Encounter for men, £42, Spa at Culloden and Spa at Slieve Donard

Ziaja Mens Duo Concept Gift Set £6.99, Selected pharmacies across ni

Ted Baker Tedbran Cufflinks white, £39.99, McCalls of Lisburn

Gant snowflake scarf, £50, Moores of Coleraine

GIFTGUIDE

...for Grand

parent

350,

Blue Spruce deluxe candle, 400g, £115, Jo Malone London

The Floral Collection Magnolia Watering Can Collection, £12, M&S.

Grandmas kitchen chalkboard, £13.95, www.lovefromkent.co.uk

Chapelle G Link Guess watch, Now £49, The Outlet

Family Charades, £3.50, M&S

Biscuit & Condiment set for Cheese, £14.99, Moores of Coleraine

Kindle Paperwhite 3G, £169 www.amazon.co.uk

Garden tools, £8, ASDA

Purple wheelbarrow, £29, ASDA

Trough and cold frame planter, £139, Forest

HEALTH&BEAUTYADVICE

Our panel of experts this month are:

Fashion

Fitness

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

Kay McLorn MCSP Chartered Physiotherapist/ Pilates Instructor www.blackstonephysio.co.uk

Ask the Experts... Q: I’m looking for a dress that isn’t too prom-style that I can wear during the day as well as to parties/ events. I have long dark wavy hair and pale skin and my budget is £150. Can you please help? Sara says... My absolute favourite style of dress this season is the slip dress. For me, it harks back to the 90’s when, at 15, I used to try and sneak out of the house in a Courtney Love-style vintage slip, much to the horror of my poor mother. This is a style I am revisting now, but in a much less trashy way (one hopes) The slip is one of the most versatile items around this season – I picked a beautiful beaded version up a couple of weeks back and wore it out dancing at the weekend with elegant strappy sandals and a black coat, and during the week I wore it under a fine knit jumper, with battered brown ankle boots, a biker jacket and long scarf – my ‘skirt’ got many compliments. They also look great worn over a sharp white shirt, and belted. Without a doubt the best versions available right now are in Zara – they are bang-on with so many trends this season. They have lace-trimmed lingerie-inspired slips, a dark floral print version and a smart grey check. They come in a variety of lengthsmini, knee and full-length- depending on your height, you should probably go for knee length as it will allow you to move seamlessly from day to night. With your colouring, any of these dark versions will suit you – although classic black will probably be the most useful addition to your wardrobe. Prices vary from £35.99 to £109.

Q: My GP says I have Tennis Elbow. What is this and what can I do about it? Kay says... Tennis Elbow or lateral epicondylitis is a relatively common injury caused by overuse of the muscles and tendons of the forearm near the elbow joint. Pain is caused by inflammation of the area where the muscle joins the bone on the outer aspect of the elbow joint and this pain may radiate from the elbow into the forearm. Usually this pain is felt when doing simple things like lifting the kettle, gripping or twisting the forearm, opening jars, bending and straightening your elbow or taking part in sporting activities such as tennis. Another very closely related injury is that of golfer’s elbow, where the condition is the same but felt on the inside of the elbow joint. Tennis elbow can be treated very successfully and as with a lot of injuries the results are good when you seek treatment early. You may want to buy a support – this is called an ‘Epicondylitis clasp’ and is a small band which is worn around the forearm just below the elbow. This changes the angle of pull of the muscles on the outside of the bone and allows the area to rest. A longer tube like support worn the length of the forearm will not be of much benefit. It is important that you seek the correct advice about using a support, when to use and when not to use, as wearing supports unnecessarily will cause longer term weakness of the supporting muscles. Also, putting an ice pack on the area will help as this increases the circulation that assists in healing. If symptoms persist then it is advisable to get some treatment from a Chartered Physiotherapist. Further treatment could include soft tissue massage, acupuncture or ultrasound and should include an exercise programme for you to work on. Only in extreme cases is it necessary to seek further medical advice so remember if you are feeling symptoms like this then make sure you ‘nip it in the bud!’

HEALTH&BEAUTYADVICE

Health & Nutrition

Hair

Make-up

Rachel Wright Registered Dietitian

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

Angela Mullan Make-up Training Manager Clarins NI

Q: I walk to work everyday and it takes me 40/45 minutes. If I blow dry my hair that morning it’s a mess by the time I get to work. I normally wear a baseball hat and a ponytail but sometimes I have to go to meetings and it can look a bit of a mess. My hair is shoulder length and I have a sweeping fringe. Any ideas? Paul says... This is a classic ‘Working Girl’ problem but with the advance in new products can be sorted out really easily! Let’s discuss your options. If you blow dry your hair that morning, try not to over-dry it and always leave room to finish the look when you get to work. If you can plug in your Wand or irons when you get in to work, finish the look or bring a spray and some gloss/smoothing cream to control your hair. If the weather is mild, spritz your hair with some sea salt or surf spray and let it dry as you walk. Finish off your hair in front of the mirror by using the palms of your hands to mould the movement. This creates a very boho sexy and a great daytime look. If you can’t bear your hair hanging round you when you walk, here’s a tip from Mrs Stafford. Wash your hair in morning then spray with Bumble and bumble Tonic spray. Apply a little B&b surf spray but don’t put any product on the fringe. Tie your hair into a ballet style bun, not too tightly, so use a wrap method or a knot, whatever you prefer. When you get into the office, release the knot and use your hands to create loose beach style waves or a boho gypsy texture. If you want a dryer finish use a hand dryer by standing near but not too close and scrunch while the air circulates. Who cares what people think, eh?! Lastly completely dry your fringe under the dryer or blot with a towel and/or apply a little oil throughout for shine. It should look very Alexa Chung and works every time. Try it!

Q: At this time of year I often feel tired and sluggish, is there anything in my diet I should avoid? Rachel says... Firstly ensure you are eating regularly – food is fuel. Try to reduce: • ‘White’ carbs and opt instead for whole grain varieties. • High fat foods such as ‘party style food’, pastries, rich sauces, crisps etc. • Foods high in sugar such as cakes, puddings and fizzy drinks. • Alcohol has been shown to make you feel sluggish. Over the festive period, it is hard to avoid the foods above but by being sensible and trying to eat a balanced diet as much as possible, you will definitely have more energy to face this busy time of year!

Q: I would like to wear a nude lipstick but how can I get the look without looking washed out? Angela says... Finding the right nude lipstick can be tricky and a bit like finding the right Red lipstick. Like red, nudes can have undertones which can change the results on the lips, some appear quite flesh or caramel toned while others can have a slight pink or peach tone. The best advice is to try a few different tones to see which suits you best. To avoid looking washed out go slightly more dramatic on the eyes, add liner or define brows, this will balance the understated lips.

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

BEAUTYNEWS

Beauty Box Pomegranate Noir Rose Gold Top Cologne available from www.jomalone.co.uk, £85 The One Brush from Becca, £40 Space NK. A true beauty multi-tasker, The One Perfecting Brush takes the guesswork out of brush work. Cuts makeup application in half by replacing these 10 tools: foundation, powder, contour, bronzer, stipple, blush, fan and concealer brushes, kabuki and sponge.

Midnight Recovery Concentrate, £36 for 30ml, Kiehls @ Victoria Square. One night, a few drops, younger looking skin by morning. Replenishes skin with moisture.

Becca Pressed Shimmering Skin Perfector, 30 Space NK. Feather-light, pure mineral pigments jet-milled into a delicate, silky powder foundation that blends seamlessly to leave a smooth, natural-looking all day finish.,

Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream, £20 from Clarins counters. Professional,emollientrich treatment with soothing Sesame Oil and fortifying Japanese Mulberry forms an invisible protective 'glove' that shields hands from the elements, minimising signs of ageing.

Decoderm Flavourous Lon-Lasting Duo Lacquer, £7.75. Duo nail polish with brilliant and glamorous colours enclosed in a fanciful pack just like an ice cream. Polar White Pro Teeth Whitening Glaze, £21.99 from Medicare Pharmacies. Professional teeth whitening glaze that's revolutionising the way we whiten our teeth leaving you smiling with confidence.

Ponds Hydronourishing Cream, £4 from local pharmacies. Ponds Hydronourishing Cream for beautifully soft, smooth and replenished skin.

THE FITZWILLIAM CLINIC IS UNIQUE AS IT IS STAFFED WITH FULLY TRAINED PAGEHEADER

PLASTIC AND COSMETIC SURGEONS ALL OF WHOM ARE LOCALLY BASED

Expert and friendly Care You Can Trust Range of surgical and non-surgical procedures including: Surgical procedures Facelifts Breast augmentation Liposuction Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) Scar revision Non-surgical procedures Anti-wrinkle treatment & fillers Cosmeceuticals and beauty therapy

70-72 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 6AF Tel: 028 9032 3888 info@fitzwilliamclinic.com www.fitzwilliamclinic.com facebook.com/FitzwilliamClinic

NW September

HEALTHBLACKSTONE

Make Pilates your new sophisticated exercise for 2014 Why choose Pilates?

Christmas is a very traditional time of over indulgence with both food and perhaps alcohol, and many of us justify this with a promise to ourselves of turning over that new leaf in the New Year and going to the gym. As we know from our experiences this new promise usually tends to be broken after only a few weeks and we sink back into our usual routine where in today’s fast paced life we have very little time for any form of exercise. Very often we take on the new exercise regime with so much vigor that we over stress the joints and muscles and often hurt ourselves – another reason why we might not continue…. Attending a Pilates class or Pilates Studio will give you a refreshing mind-body workout. With an emphasis on correct posture, spinal and pelvic alignment, breathing and concentration you will become focused on how your body actually moves and begin to take control over those movements. The exercises are focused on improving the core – both for stability and strength. Your flexibility will improve and your

balance will also be challenged and with more muscle activation your body will change and become much more efficient. You will begin to feel the benefits of better movement, improved breathing, less injury and better sleep. Blackstone Physiotherapy is the leading centre for Pilates training in Ireland. There are classes run every week, each day over a variety of times and there are classes suitable for everyone. There are even classes for children to encourage good habits to be developed from a young age. You can choose from mat classes, or if you want more of a challenge, a reformer class. You may prefer to

book a 1-to-1 session with one of the expert Pilates Instructors in either of the two clinics, have an assessment and individual program tailored to your specific needs. The classes are varied each week to be challenging and most importantly of all – fun! Classes work well and ensure that you keep that New Year challenge alive! Committing to a set of classes over a period of a few weeks really helps you to be more focused and research proves that classes work well. These classes are often small with usually no more than 12 people attending. There is a wide range of small equipment used throughout – resistance bands, spikey balls, small Pilates balls, swiss balls, and the arc barrel! Sounds a bit torturous but all part of the challenge! Finding a Pilates class, which is led by a Professional with correct training, will without any doubt change the way you will feel and look in only a few sessions!

HAIR&BEAUTY

Here's to you,

Mr Robinson...

enis Robinson has arrived at Battisti, Lisburn Road, and he has certainly caused a stir. He has enjoyed an extremely exciting career, working with industry greats like Charles Worthington and Sally and Jamie Brooks (of Brooks & Brooks salon). He has also worked with well-known magazine titles like Marie Claire, Vogue and Grazia, and was the resident hairdresser for ITV’s Dancing on Ice. NW chats to him to find out more about his career to date and his plans for the future.

Welcome back to Northern Ireland! How does it feel to be back and working with a great team at Battisti?

Well, I first got back a year ago and the plan was to have a more peaceful life and not living out of a suitcase for the first time in 20 plus years but I started a job with Toni and Guy which meant travelling to and from Dublin every week! When that contract came to an end in June I went back to London for the summer on a short contract launching a Knightsbridge salon. So this is attempt two at living a quieter life. The gang at Battisti have been hugely welcoming and it already feels like home.

Throughout your career you have worked with some amazing hairdressers, Charles Worthington and Brooks & Brooks to name a few! How did these people influence your work? Whoever I’ve worked for, I look for four things: inspiration, motivation, education and innovation. I’ve been very fortunate to work with some amazing people who tick all these boxes. Creativity should never be a lonely experience and I’ve been inspired constantly to push boundaries and expectations.

You certainly have a wealth of experience in the fashion and TV industry. Can you tell us what this was like and what skills you needed to work in this industry? Having spent so long hairdressing both on stage, backstage and in salons I think the thing I’ve had to learn is patience. Things very rarely go to plan and it’s important to allow yourself the freedom to explore

mistakes and turn them into victories. At times it has been super exciting and I cannot believe I get paid to do something I love this much. But it has its frustrations, particularly getting up for crack of dawn flights and then being delayed for hours.

Can you give us any insider knowledge about working with a whole host of celebrities, including Jennifer Aniston (our celebrity hair crush!)?

I think the main two reasons I have worked with so many celebs is that I treat them the same as everyone else, with respect, but also understanding the reason they book me is they cannot do as good a job as I can. Also I am hugely discreet and don’t talk about any of them. There have been a few diva moments, as I am sure you can imagine. But I always say there’s only room for one diva in my room and that’s me! (joke).

What is your signature style or favourite cut that you like to do?

My work changes depending on who is in the chair but I tend to do softer, natural and low maintenance styling. The cut should do 90% of the work itself and the blow dry just polishes it up.

Who inspires you within the industry?

So many people have inspired me over the years but truthfully it’s anyone who has drive to succeed at what they do. I recently met Trevor Sorbie MBE, who told me that he thought I was very like him. I felt I could retire at that point as he is my, and most others, hairdressing icon.

What can clients expect from your work and style? The main thing clients can expect is for me to listen to their needs and do my best to deliver the result they expect. But they should also expect me to be quite strict about their posture and fidgeting when they are in my chair.

What do you hope to achieve at Battisti?

I look forward to building up a clientele and being part of what I have very quickly discovered is a strong team.

Finally what are your aspirations for the future?

Oddly having been away so long and travelled so extensively, I really haven’t seen as much of Ireland as I should. I don’t know how to drive so I need to learn and then plan a few road trips!

HEALTHDIET

To diet or not to diet...?

Our relationship with our weight is personal, confusing and often emotional. We all want to look and feel our best but if you’re thinking of losing weight, is a fad diet the way to go? NW’s Caroline Perry finds out more.

ad diets have been part of our culture for as long as I can remember. They offer shiny promises of change and the secret to achieving that (often elusive) slim and toned body. Lots of us try them in the hope that we’ve finally found an easy way to lose weight fast. But there has been a lot of debate over the impact of extreme dieting on our nutrition and even our health in the long term over the past few years. Even so, this doesn’t stop a whole host of diets from cropping up year in, year out, claiming to offer a miracle solution to our weight issues.

The Fast(ing) approach

The latest dieting technique to take the world by storm is Intermittent Fasting (IF) which follows a different method to most diets. The Fast (5:2) diet is the most popular version and has apparently been tried by a whole host of celebrities including Beyonce, Ben Affleck and Liv Tyler. It’s easy to follow and has a certain psychological attractiveness. For five days a week, you can eat normally. You don’t need to count calories or, according to the diet’s creators, even watch what you eat. For the remaining two days you fast. Now, that doesn’t mean eating nothing but you will need to cut your calorie intake to a quarter of what it would normally be (this is around 500 calories

for women and 600 for men). The diet does help people lose weight. Creator Dr Michael Mosley lost twenty pounds and Mimi Spencer (who worked in conjunction with Mosley to write about the diet) lost the same, going down two dress sizes. Aside from weight loss, proponents of the diet argue there are lots of health benefits. Mosley says it lowered his cholesterol and blood sugars. Proponents say it activates the SIRT1 gene (the ‘skinny gene’) which helps maintain and repair cells during times of scarcity. It also inhibits fat storage and helps with anti-ageing. IF is also believed to reduce levels of IGF-1 in the blood (a growth hormone believed to accelerate ageing and cause cell divisions like those in cancer). Furthermore, IF gives our bodies, particularly our digestive systems, a much needed break. But it isn’t all plain sailing. There have been complaints of tiredness and a drop in energy levels which last beyond the fast day and impact productivity and effectiveness. As Rachel Wright, NW’s resident dietician points out, 500 kcal is equivalent to two bowls of cereal so people will crave high fat, high sugar foods. She also says that drastically reducing calorie intake means your metabolism will actually slow down when your body is in ‘starvation mode’. If you enjoy an active lifestyle, you will have to adjust your fitness regime accordingly. Other

side effects include bad breath, dehydration, irritability, difficulty sleeping and anxiety. Proponents argue there are a lot of health benefits but the truth is this remains to be seen. A lot of the tests have been done on animals or on humans in short-term, controlled studies. We have no way of knowing the long term effects because it hasn’t been around long enough. Rachel agrees that we simply don’t know whether lasting damage can be caused from IF and more in-depth research needs to be done.

Calorie Restriction and Food Control

Unlike IF, the majority of well-known diets advise cutting back (or out altogether) major food groups, often carbohydrates or fats. Below is a brief look at some that have made the headlines. With the Atkins, South Beach (a moderate version of the Atkins) and Dukan diets, followers are adopting a high protein, low carbohydrate diet. The rules can be rigid and whilst some people thrive on this, others prefer flexibility - it really depends on the person. To give you an idea of just how strict they can be, the first stage of the Dukan Diet bans fresh vegetables! The Raw Food Diet advises a diet full of uncooked fruits and vegetables, unroasted nuts, dried fruits and beans. Anything which needs

HEALTHDIET to be cooked above 115 degrees Fahrenheit (around 46˚C) is banned as creators believe certain enzymes and nutrients are broken down during cooking. Most processed food, alcohol and caffeine are out as are a lot of meat, poultry, seafood and dairy products. The Paleo Diet (known as the ‘Caveman’ or ‘Stone Age’ diet) is similar to other high protein, low carbohydrate diets except that dairy products and whole grains are also banned (even though the former is needed for bone health and the latter for energy and bowel health). It promotes food that can be ‘hunted and gathered’ like fruits and vegetables, seafood, poultry and grass-fed meats. Peter D’Adamo created the ‘Eat Right for your Blood Type’ diet around his theory that our blood type affects how well we digest certain foods. If we eat the ‘right’ foods for our blood types, our bodies will digest it more easily (helping us to lose weight) and keep us in better health. Each blood type has been given a specific diet plan; for example, Type O’s will follow a high protein, low carbohydrate diet whereas Type A’s are advised to have a vegetarian diet. These diets are just the tip of the iceberg. There are many more out there but before we dive straight in, we need to take a closer look.

What’s in a name?

All the diets mentioned have garnered media and celebrity attention. Take the Atkins Diet, for example. It is still extremely popular although it peaked in 2003. World-famous celebrities followed it, like Jennifer Aniston and Demi Moore, and it is estimated that around three million people in the UK tried it. In 2011, the Dukan Diet enjoyed the spotlight when it was rumoured that Kate Middleton and her mum Carol used it to slim down for the Royal Wedding. But should we be blindly following our favourite celebrities when they try out the latest diet? I’m not so sure. Yes, I am extremely envious of their toned and trim bodies but are celebrities the experts in nutrition and health? In the same way we wouldn’t copy a celebrity’s fashion disaster (Kim Kardashian’s floral patterned dress at the Met Ball, anyone?) why are we jumping headfirst into their diets? One thing to be aware of is that the theories and justifications diet creators use to bring credibility to their diets shouldn’t be accepted blindly. In some cases, they aren’t backed by evidence or have been challenged. The Paleo Diet argues we should follow the diet of our Stone Age ancestors because they didn’t seem to suffer from ‘modern’ illnesses like diabetes or heart disease. But how do we know exactly what illnesses humans did or did not have in prehistoric times? Nowadays we have a much more varied diet with more nutrients and vitamins which our ancestors simply didn’t have access to and we enjoy a much longer lifespan. Who is to judge which

lifestyle is more beneficial? As for D’Adamo’s ‘Eat right for your Blood Type’ arguments, he presents a lot of his theories as fact when actually there is little to no scientific evidence to back them up. It has been heavily criticised and a qualified dietician would be loath to recommend this diet when it doesn’t have evidence to back up its theories. As for the Raw Diet, their argument isn’t true for all foods. What about lycopene in tomatoes or carotenoids in carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes and peppers which are amplified when cooked? People may risk contracting salmonella and other food borne bacteria if they aren’t careful. Even the Atkins diet isn’t above reproach. It has undergone a revamp recently because followers were eating too much saturated fat (as normally ‘forbidden’ foods like cream, mayonnaise, steak and bacon are allowed). Now it has been adjusted to promote a wider variety of vegetables and lean proteins. Nevertheless, Rachel points out that high protein, low carbohydrate diets can lead to high intakes of saturated fat and virtually none of the ‘fivea-day’ fruit and vegetables that help reduce heart disease, stroke and some the UK’s most prevalent cancers. High amounts of protein for prolonged periods can lead to kidney damage. Basically, diets aren’t perfect. It’s up to you to do a bit of research, read as much as you can about issues surrounding your preferred diet and make an informed decision based on what you have discovered.

Is dieting all it’s hyped up to be?

Diets can be great for giving you a sense of purpose, a plan of action and a target weight to strive for. It also focuses our attention on fresh, natural foods and forces us to cut back on junk food and alcohol which isn’t doing our health or waistlines any good! However, it can go too far. Many of the diets we’ve seen will help you lose weight short-term but are extremely restrictive and hard to follow. Realistically can you see yourself following these extreme diets for the rest of your life? In ten years’ time, will you still be fasting two days a week or following the strict rules of a calorie controlled diet? The sad truth is once people stop following a diet’s rules the pounds normally pile back on.

What’s more, cutting out whole food groups is never a great idea from a nutritional point of view, even aside from the practicalities of sticking to it long-term. Ever since low carbohydrate (and high protein) diets became the craze, people look suspiciously upon carbohydrates as an enemy making them gain weight with no benefits. But don’t dismiss them – they are necessary for energy, vitamins and minerals, and are a good source of fibre (which controls our appetites). Complex carbohydrates (found in bananas, barley, wholemeal breads, cereals and pasta) are particularly good. All food types are good in the right amounts. Dairy products are full of calcium and vitamin D which strengthen our bones and fat is necessary to keep us warm, protect our organs and absorb vital nutrients. Long-term dieting can have health implications if you are missing vital ingredients and nutrients. The best advice is to enjoy a healthy, nutritionally balanced and varied diet based on appropriate portion sizes and exercise regularly. It’s boring and we’ve heard it before but ultimately it should help us shift the pounds and, crucially, keep them off! Losing weight may take longer initially than with a fad diet but by doing it this way, it should create a healthy lifestyle change we can stick to for life.

If you wish to try one of the diets mentioned (or any others), make sure you visit your GP to make sure it is suitable for you. NW

BEAUTYINTERVIEW

A Make-up Maest ro 48

BEAUTYINTERVIEW Head YSL make-up artist for Northern Europe, Fred Letailleur chats to Northern Woman and creates two step-by-step looks for you to try at home. Meet the man behind the make-up brushes... When did you start with YSL?

I started with YSL about three years ago.

environment and also having the opportunity to work alongside a real talented crew.

Describe a typical day for you as YSL’s international make-up artist?

What is your favourite, must-have YSL product?

My typical day can be very diverse, ranging from training teams, running on counter beauty master classes with clients, or doing shoots in magazines. There is a lot of communication involved with all parts of the company in a company as large as this one, so some extra time is also allocated to catch up with the head office teams as I am rushing from city to city.

It would have to be Touche Éclat for its unique versatility. The formula is still way above any other similar versions on the market. It blends perfectly in the skin and enhances your features, whilst erasing signs of fatigue in an instant, whether or not you are a foundation wearer.

What has been the most memorable shoot you have worked on to date?

Gemma Arterton, Cara Delevingne, her sister Poppy, Kim Cattrall, and many others.

I am very happy with the way in which the new YSL Baby Doll digital video with Cara Delevingne has turned out. It was recently the first of its kind I did in this format. The concept was to bring an image created by our creative director Lloyd Simmonds in a moving lifestyle

Can you name any famous people you have made up?

Is the job as glamorous as people would think? There is definitely a glamorous element because of the travelling and the people you get to meet. Yet at the same time when you are immersed into it, the pressure is great. (I guess

Gett he look...

this is because I am a little perfectionist at heart!) There is a feeling that you are part of the history of beauty and a source of inspiration for many. Yet for me it’s only about making women feel beautiful and confident. That moment when a woman starts smiling as she looks at her reflection is really the best feeling you can ever experience. How you get to that moment and how much you put into this is a very personal thing.

Tell us one thing that would surprise us about you?

Following my parents request for studies, I pursued psychology for four years at university in France before studying make-up.

Follow Fred's step-by-step guide for flawless make-up this Christmas and New Year... Prepare your skin:

1. One drop of Forever Youth liberator Serum. 2. Le Teint Touche Eclat 3. Touche Eclat around the eye and upper cheekbones for a perfect sculpted luminouse skin. Tip: For a smoother result apply a second layer of Touche Eclat after the make-up application.

The Festive Season Eye:

• Use the Pure Chromatics Palette 3: brush the medium brown on the lid with a damp large eye shadow brush and then layer the deep brown along the lash line. Mix a little of the deep blue into it should you want to enhance the intensity. • Define with Long Lasting Eye Pencil in Black 1. Apply False Lash Effect Baby Doll mascara in Black to top and bottom lashes. Finish with: Cheek: Blush Radiance 06 brushing vertically to catch the natural contour of the cheek. Lips: Vernis a Levres 107.

The New Year Tuxedo Eye:

• Over a blended base of Dessin du regard in Black. • Brush on the lid with a damp large eye shadow brush, the deep khaki from the Pure Chromatics Palette 6 followed with a touch of the gold in the inner corner. • Define with the Waterproof Eye Pencil in black on the inner rim. • Apply False Lash Effect Baby Doll Mascara in black on top and bottom lashes. Finish with: Cheek: Blush Radiance 06 brushing horizontally for a sculpted result. Lips: Rouge Pur Couture matte 204. Tip: Apply Touche Eclat around the lipline before the lipstick.

BEAUTYFRAGRANCES

FOR HER

Jour pour femme, £48.50 (50ml), Hugo Boss

Be Jewelled, £54.50 (75ml), Vera Wang

Scent s Diamonds Rose, £34.50 (50ml), Armani

and

Atelier d’orient plum japonais decanter, £300 (250ml), Tom Ford

J’Adore L’Or Essence de Parfum, £93 (40ml), Dior

Killer Queen, £23.50 (30ml), Katy Perry

Sensibility

Whether you’re dropping hints for one or planning to buy one for someone else, NW’s selection of perfumes and aftershaves are sure to have your noses (and hearts) racing. Eau de Nuit, £48.50 (50ml), Armani

FOR HIM Invictus, £56.50 (100ml), Paco Rabanne

Hugo Red, £51.50 (125 ml), Hugo Boss

Eau de Lacoste Noir, £27.50 (30ml), Lacoste

Manifesto L’Elixir Eau de Parfum, £50 (30ml), Yves Saint Laurent

Nude, £29.50 (50ml), Rihanna

SOCIALPRÊT-À-PARTY

Open day at Jeanette Kidd Beauty and Day Spa

eanette Kidd Beauty and Day Spa Lisburn recently has an open day for her clients to introduce the new Inch loos, Body Contouring and Skin Tightening all in one treatment – Lipofirm Plus.

BEAUTYHAIR

Looking good

Partyseason

for the

With your diary bursting with parties and events, you need to make sure your hair is looking the part. Top NI hairdressers give NW the low-down on how to ensure your hair is at its best. Sabino Hairdressing

Mark O’Hare from Sabino Hairdressing recommends a daring Afro look for those fashionistas brave enough to try it!

Tell us about a key trend or hairstyle which will be perfect for the party season.

David Graham Hairdressing

David Graham makes sure you rock loose waves with ease.

How can you achieve this look at home?

On clean and dry hair, separate the hair into two sections, clipping up the top half of your hair. Using a wide barrelled hair wand, wrap a large section of hair around, away from the face and hold for eight seconds, On the section of hair next to this, wrap the same amount of hair as the previous section, again away from the face. Repeat throughout the whole head, the closer you get to the front and the top of the head leave a good amount of drag. Start the curl a third of the way down the head and when you swap sides, the curl still needs to be directed away from the face once the curls are in place. Spray with a light holding spray (I highly recommend Fashion Work 12 from Redken). In the last step, comb through the entire head until the hair softens and all the curls should relax and join together. Use a gloss spray to finish the look.

Are there any celebrity locks we should be taking inspiration from this season?

Alexa is as quirky cool as they come. Her fresh-outta-bed hair compliments her festival chic style and appears totally effortless plus her shiny mocha toned hair colour and bedhead-inspired fringe is laid back yet flirty when it’s parted in the middle.

There’s a huge retro vibe, a throwback to mid 70s / early 80s with tousled upstyles, massive ‘Farrah Fawcett’ blow-dries (styled up and away from the face) and of course our salon favourite this season, The Kinky Afro. Whatever you’re doing this Christmas, it’s gotta be big !

How can you achieve the look at home?

The key ingredients are mousse, hairspray, a wand, rollers, clips and, of course, patience. The Afro does require time. We recommend overnight with a full head of tight, small rollers in. Not the easiest night’s sleep but the result is amazing. This is one for the dedicated followers of fashion.

Have you got any good tips for keeping our hair in good condition when it’s constantly being worked, blown dry and straightened for all of those parties? Use quality cleansers and conditioners. When blow-drying and using ceramic irons, glide those irons, don’t clamp down! Avoid the nozzle of the dryer touching or resting on the hair. Finally in between parties, try to leave your hair alone and let it recover.

Battisti Hairdressing

Battisti Hairdressing shows us how to work a ‘Demi up do’ in style.

Tell us about a key trend or hairstyle which will be perfect for the party season.

This year’s party season will be filled with what I’m calling a “Demi up do”. It’s putting your hair up in a very soft fashion to look more like a different hair cut than a classic hair-up. We are currently doing a lot of these with a soft global wave so that when pinned up they have an almost Downton Abbey feel.

How can this look be achieved at home?

Using the Cloud Nine Wand, take a vertical section around the crown and wrap round the thicker end of the wand to give an open loose wave. Brush the hair through using a soft brush, like a Mason and Pearson or a Denman grooming brush. Back comb gently from underneath and smooth the surface. Twist the hair under but holding loosely around the chin level on both sides. Gather both sides together at the nape and twist together and pin to hairline area. For a smoother look spray a little hairspray on a brush and gently glide over surface of style but this is also a great look when left a little looser and ruffled!

BEAUTYHAIR Natural Hair Company

Martine Broggy shows us how to achieve volume with cascading curls, perfect for the party season.

How can this look be achieved at home?

This look is gorgeous for mid-length to long haired lovelies but the one thing you will need if you want to achieve cascading curls that last all night is time. For beautiful curls that last you need to use a curling tong. The easiest way to do this is to section the hair and work in small pieces from the nape of the neck upwards, gradually working towards the crown. Be sure to use a heat protection spray like OSiS+ Flatliner from Schwarzkopf Professional to prevent any excess damage to the hair and spray in place after you complete each section for hold. Once you have curled all of your hair allow it to cool and set in place – this will take about ten minutes. Once cooled use a paddle brush to dress out your ringlets and create starlet style cascading curls. Spray into place using OSiS+ Session from Schwarzkopf Professional for a beautiful look that will last the night as long as you do!

Are there any insider tips you can give us?

Whenever you put a treatment on your hair always seal the cuticle afterwards with a conditioner. Most people confuse a treatment for a conditioner but if you use both you will find your hair so much more manageable and in better condition.

Gatsby International

Tom Mulrine from Gatsby International shows you how to work the perfect ponytail.

How can this look be achieved at home?

To achieve the dressed ponytail first set hair on heated rollers or Velcro rollers. Remove rollers when they have cooled down. Leave a section of hair out at the front. Section the remaining hair into two and pull the bottom section of hair into a low ponytail. Do the same with the second section of hair so that it sits just above the first ponytail. Backcomb front section and smooth out, twist and push forward to give height at the front. Pin in place and spray with hairspray. Lightly backcomb the ponytails to give more fullness.

Can you give us any insider tips?

Monthly conditioning treatments at home or in the salon. At home, apply a deep repair masque to towel dried hair and massage into the hair and scalp. Leave in overnight if possible then rinse well with warm water. If the treatment is undertaken in the salon under heat, this will allow the masque to penetrate more quickly into the hair structure.

Paul Stafford Hairdressing

Paul Stafford Hairdressing takes us back in time to a classic hairstyle with a twist – the ‘busted beehive’!

How can this look be achieved at home?

This look can be created easily at home, with big rollers and some back-brushing. This look is messy so there is room for imperfection. Divide the hair into two sections from ear to ear at the crown, Image courtesy back-brushing top of The Outlet, Banbridge sections to give height. The back section should be pulled smooth at nape of neck and twist all of the hair and pin. Then the top section and be rolled into crown and pinned. Height can be gained with tail comb and hairspray.

Are there any other insider tips you can tell us?

Book a lesson with your stylist for blow-dry tips or styling tips. Keep a look out for some of our client evenings around Christmas for tips on putting hair up. Refresh colour in between visits with a conditioning colour which can be applied at the back basin before a haircut to keep blondes from going brassy, red or coppers from lacking lustre or brunettes going dull.

Shane Bennett Hairdressing Shane Bennett shows us how to work blunt cuts and fringes to make a statement. See the fringe create a statement. As our model shows this look is highlighted by a shorter bob shape. Working the fringe on an angle will open the cheek bones and give definition to the face. Keeping the longer layers will give fullness to finer hair.

BEAUTYTREATMENTS

Why not spoil yourself this Christmas H ebe Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Clinic opened for business in Omagh Enterprise Centre unit A8. We pride ourselves of the treatments we provide and the care and privacy we extend to our clients. We offer a wide range of innovative treatments carried out by Dr Gabriela Mercik. The Hebe clinic offer free consultations for those who would like to hear more. We are honest. If you look young and fresh – you don’t need us. Some of the medical treatments provided by our doctor or nurses are:

into free fatty acids and glycerol. The fatty acids are then disposed of using your metabolism to burn energy. Results can be seen immediately after treatment.

LVL Lashes ‘Sweet girl’

Create the “big lash look” without extensions using this stunning alternative to eyelash extensions. LVL stands for length, volume, and lift. A completely different treatment to lash perming, LVL has been designed to enhance your natural lashes by straightening them rather than curling to create the illusion of longer, thicker lashes. Lash Lash home treatment for extension for patients who have lost eyelashes for example after chemotherapy.

PDO Beauty Lift Threads - the lift that lasts

The Non-surgical Face Lift – Lifting treatments that are using special threads have been executed for several years. The latest product used in such treatments is called a PDO beauty lift thread. In contrast to the previously used threads, PDO thread does not have hooks or tapers that rise tissue. Lifting effect is achieved by a special thread weave and polydioxanone which has properties that stimulate the synthesis of collagen and elastin. It is the substance from which threads are made of.

Award Winning Nanopeptide Skin Rejuvanation Mesotherapy

Nanopeptide mesotherapy is new to aesthetics and offers a non-surgical approach to skin rejuvenation by superficially injecting small amounts of the vitamins and nanopetides solution into the dermis.

Award-winning Nanopeptides hair loss/regrowth

In addition to skin rejuvenation the nanopeptide technology is also available to stimulate hair growth for both man and woman.

Award-winning Nanopeptides fat reduction by injection

To reduce local fat like double chin or fatty knee and to remove brown age spots from the skin.

Luxury Facials - Princess

Fall in love with your skin. Luxury facials are tailored to the client’s individual needs with the use of skin response serums to target specific concerns. Regenerating skin defence treatment to reveal brighter, younger looking skin.

Botulinum toxin (botox)

This a procedure used to block the muscles which cause frown lines and wrinkles on our skin. This is a procedure which needs to be repeated every four to six months. Fillers is a procedure which uses hyaluronic acid to plump out your skin when applied to the areas needing treatment. There has now been a new technique introduced to perform this procedure. It is carried out using a cannula which unlike needles is not sharp and does not cause damage under the skin between the tissue and skin. Some of the beauty treatments provided by qualified beautician are:

Coco Chanel or Marilyn Monroe treatment

Laser Lipolysis – Cold laser The laser emits low levels of laser energy, which creates a chemical signal in the fat cells, breaking down the stored triglycerides

Lady in pink – Lymphatic massage for patients after mastectomy. A very relaxing lymph drainage treatment, ideal for those who suffer from fluid retention, and indispensable in assisting in the removal of cellulite. Deeply relaxing, the skin feels toned and firmed after just one treatment. To improve your appearance and restore self-confidence call clinic for free consultation. We now also offer as medical treatments a wide range of face and body beauty treatments such as body scrubs, massage, facials and LVL lashes, the latest in natural lash enhancement. We have Christmas Gift Vouchers available now. Our Hebe Anti-Aging Clinic won Highly Commended for Best Anti-Aging treatment by you the consumer at the ‘My Face My Body’ Aesthetic Awards 2013 London.

LIFESTYLEHOUSE

A Vintage Inspired Home

With interior design by Patricia McGinnis from Maven, this South Belfast home is infused with simplicity and colour, mixing quirky vintage finds in a thoroughly modern way.

his South Belfast home has certainly changed from its original appearance when it was built in the 1960s. Originally decorated with woodchip wallpapers and swirly carpets the house was completely gutted before being re-plumbed, re-wired and insulated. In fact, the only things that stayed the same were the main exterior walls.

Although a lot of work was involved, it allowed the homeowner to play around with the layout and add an extension at the rear. One thing that was a necessity to the family was being able to close the door between the kitchen and dining room, as they had lived with an open plan kitchen, dining and living area previously! Sometimes you just need a little spaceâ&#x20AC;Ś

LIFESTYLEHOUSE The house exudes personality. The walls and floors in the majority of the house have been done in neutral colours allowing bright furniture and artwork to pop. Different shades of grey, whites and nudes create a uniform base allowing individual items to stand out. The kitchen and dining room are perhaps the only exception to this rule, with whole walls painted orange in both rooms, complemented by tall orange stools under the island in the kitchen. It is the heart of the house, where the family comes together. The oven is conveniently located in the aisle, meaning that whoever is cooking won’t miss out on conversations around the dining table. The house has a very vintage feel, partly through the colour scheme and layout but also because many items are vintage themselves. The large table which has pride of place in the dining room was originally sourced secondhand by the owner’s parents in 1960s Manchester. A vintage radio and a drinks cabinet sit comfortably in the dining room and add a bit of fun when having a night in! At least three armchairs (two in the living room and one in the master bedroom) were found in the attic when the owner moved in. They were upholstered and the wood polished before being put to good use! The G Plan chest of drawers in the master bedroom was bought from a friend. Vintage items were even sourced for the homeowner’s son’s room although he isn’t a big fan of it! This isn’t to say that the whole house has been exclusively decorated with items from vintage and second hand shops. New Panton lime green chairs sit beside the vintage dining room table. A Ligne Roset armchair has pride of place next to the rest

LIFESTYLEHOUSE

of the (vintage) furniture in the living room and the wood-burning stove is the focal point of the room. The old is effortlessly mixed with the new and both come together to create a décor that is quirky and fun yet thoroughly modern. Upstairs, a clever mix of muted neutral tones and pops of colours continues. The guest bedroom has been kept relatively simple but is memorable through its use of colour which brings it to life. Turquoise bedside ‘lockers’ from IKEA perfectly match the turquoise of the artwork by Sarah Majury at Carrie Neely Contemporary Art, which stands out against the dark grey wall. Pops of orange are also seen through smaller items like a lamp and bed cushions. This room has been kept relatively simple but is memorable through its use of colour which brings it to life. The master bedroom is full of light because of its large window and is a place to relax after a long day. The bedside lights are from Trentanove Lights, via Refound, and the sconces are from West Elm. Interior 360 supplied the fitted wardrobe which fits perfectly into the room’s alcove. A lot of care has gone into this house and the attention to detail is astounding. It is also full of humour with some lighthearted touches. Even if they aren’t to your taste you can’t help but smile at the bulldog lampshade or the book end in the shape of a pug’s backside? It’s this great sense of fun and playful use of colour which makes this house unforgettable.

LIFESTYLEINTERIORS Villeroy Boch Snowstar Tree Decoration, now £8.05, The Outlet Banbridge Santa and Snowman Lanterns, £2.99, www.oakroomshop.com

Deck the Halls Get in the festive spirit and deck the halls with holly (lights) and a whole array of Christmas-themed decorations. From elegant decorations to homely items like cushions and mugs, get your house kitted out for the holidays.

Santa Stacking Tins, £10, M&S

Silver Stag Head Decorations, £6, House of Fraser

Baby Penguins (set of 12), £9.95, www.theclementine.co.uk

Star Pendant Lamps, £8, IKEA

Villeroy Boch Music Box, now £60.90, The Outlet Banbridge Glitter Sign, £7, Debenhams

Newbridge Hanging Decorations, from £4, CFC Interiors

LIFESTYLEINTERIORS

Baubles (set of 6), £12, Next Holly Berry LED Lights, £10, M&S

Christmas Yankee Candles, £19.99, CFC Interiors

Edible Chilli and Herb Wreath, £29.99, www.bynature.co.uk

Merry Mug, £6, M&S

Paul Costelloe Living Deluxe Crackers, £26, Dunnes Stores

Carolyn Donnelly Eclectic Reindeer, £17, Dunnes Stores

Noel Fragranced Botanicals, £25, Crabtree & Evelyn Santa Sleigh Chenille Cushion, £12, M&S

LIFESTYLEPROFILE

The Malt Room Bar & Restaurant

Raymond McArdle and Lord Rana.

ocal businessman Lord Rana has joined forces with chef Raymond McArdle to bring a chic new dining experience to Great Victoria Street – the Malt Room Bar & Restaurant. Conveniently located on Great Victoria Street opposite the Europa, Fitzwilliam hotel and the Grand Opera House, this new restaurant will, as Raymond explains, ‘serve Irish influenced food that is bespoke and littered with artisan producers’. Head chef at the Malt Room, David Mageean has been with Raymond for seven years and knows how to run the kitchen as Raymond would. He will be taking full control of the kitchen under the guidance of Raymond. Lord Rana is no stranger to the restaurant business either. “I have been in the restaurant business in Belfast since 1967.” He has been responsible for opening of Moghul Restaurant and Ruby King in the same premises. Ashoka on the Lisburn Road was opened in 1983. Ashoka was one of the best restaurants in the city in its day, receiving a number of awards and attracting visiting celebrities who wished to dine here. “Like Raymond I love this business and having moved away from restaurants to concentrate on hotels, I have been waiting for the right opportunity to entice me back into this area of the hospitality industry. Working alongside Raymond, I am excited to bring something new and different to Belfast’s ever expanding restaurant scene.”

A fascinating and unique element to this restaurant is that all profits will be given to charity and invested back into helping young people locally and internationally. Raymond is an ambassador for Barnardo’s

Ashoka Restaurant.

NI and has been supporting young chefs for a number of years. At the Malt Room he has already taken on three young chefs to work alongside David. Lord Rana goes on to add: “Belfast is a very cosmopolitan and modern city that is attracting a lot of tourists and the Malt Room will add to the overall tourist experience. The food on our menu is of the highest quality and is sourced using Irish artisan producers, served by our friendly, welcoming staff in chic, ambient surroundings. “Today’s diners here are very discerning, they know and demand quality, and we’ve had a wonderful response to date and I look forward to meeting and greeting our customers and making sure they enjoy the Malt Room Bar & Restaurant.” The restaurant is spread over two floors of dining space with an exclusive lounge on the first floor for those who prefer to add a bit of style to their dining or host private parties. It is a fantastic location for simply enjoying a drink or eating out, whether in the restaurant or first floor lounge. This 85-seater fine dining restaurant has a very avant-garde feel, with light grey colours throughout along with a cool and crisp twist. A unique offering of the Malt Room is the selection of fine malt whiskies from around the world. These include special malt whiskies from Japan, India, Thailand, Ireland and Scotland.

add a bit of Malt to your life this season Celebrity Chef Raymond McArdle Chef David Mageean present the Malt Room Bar & Restaurant for a refined dining experience with a modern and local twist, with Irish influenced food that's bespoke and littered with artisan producers that are all locally sourced. This 85 seater chic and modern restaurant is ideal for diners seeking to experience beautiful comfort and contemporary food at an affordable price 12.30pm - 2.30pm Lunch Menu 2 Courses ÂŁ12 5pm-7pm Early Evening Menu 2 Courses ÂŁ 14.95 7pm -10pm - A La Carte Menu

Now open for Christmas Bookings! Call 028 9031 0008 for Reservations

Malt

Room BAR & R E S TAU RAN T

60 Great Victoria Street Belfast BT2 7BB T: +44 (0) 28 9031 0008 F: +44(0) 28 9043 45 64 E: reservations@maltroom.co.uk www.maltroom.co.uk

Malt Room Bar & Restaurant opens Mon-Sat( 12.30-2:30pm & 5-10Pm) Closed Sundays

Fashion success at the House of Vic-Ryn

he House of Vic-Ryn’s annual Fashion Show took place on 3rd October with one hundred and fifty fashionistas settling down for an evening of fashion, food and entertainment, all in the name of charity! It was better than ever this year with new shops taking part meaning the audience were in for a great night. From the House of Vic-Run itself, Jules, Fred Funk Footwear, and Catwalk Kids took part, showing off their latest pieces for A/W 13 to the crowd’s delight. Petticoat Lane Bridal from the House of Vic-Ryn showcased beautiful bridal gowns and bridesmaids dresses. Three other renowned local boutiques took part and showed off their latest fashion from Lisburn, namely Vanilla, Boutique No 1 and McCalls Menswear. It really was a show to remember! RE Gibb International made sure the model’s locks were fit for the occasion whilst Christine Patterson did the make-up. For anyone wondering who supplied the decorations, local firm ‘Look Crafty’ kindly decorated the catwalk and tables for the night. Attendees would have spotted a few familiar faces at the fashion show. The House of Vic-Ryn was delighted to welcome local presenter Denise Watson to the catwalk, who was joined by her two beautiful daughters, Beth and Sam. Health Minister Edwin Poots was also on hand, not to model but mucking in to help the men serve a delicious supper of Caribbean chicken and rice to everyone there, supplied by the much-loved and popular Café Vic-Ryn, known for its high quality cuisine. The House of Vic-Ryn is well known for its unique business approach, where 100% of funds are donated to charitable institutions, so it was no surprise that the fashion show was raising money for a very worthwhile cause. This year The Belfast City Hospital Cancer Centre was chosen and Dr Jackie Clarke spoke on their behalf, along with Colleen Shaw from the charity. As everyone was kind enough to give their services for free, a whopping £15,000 was raised and presented to the charity on the night. Once again, the fashion show proved a huge success for the House of Vic-Ryn so make sure you don’t miss out on the next one!

LIFESTYLEFOOD

We’ve got turkey on our minds but it’s not the Christmas Day roast we’re thinking about. Instead, it’s time to get creative in the kitchen to create mouth-watering meals using turkey leftovers.

Turkey Ballotine with Chestnuts and Port Courtesy of 200 Easy Slow Cooker Recipes by Katie Bishop Ingredients: 25g (1oz) butter, chilled and diced 75g (3oz) cooked and peeled chestnuts, finely chopped 1 shallot, peeled and finely chopped Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 tbsp port 1 large turkey leg or thigh joint, about 800g (1lb 12 oz) 125g (4 ½ oz) good-quality sausage meat 2 tbsp chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 100ml (3 ½ oz) dry white wine 1 bay leaf 2 tbsp double cream

Method: • Melt half of the butter in a frying plan over a medium heat. Add the chestnuts and shallot and sauté for about five minutes or until softened and just starting to colour. Season well with salt and pepper then add the port and cook for a minute or until reduced. Leave to cool. • Using a sharp knife, cut the turkey leg lengthways down to the bone, using short delicate strokes to cut the meat away from the bone and being careful not to puncture the skin. Remove the bone and set aside, covered, in the fridge for later. Open the leg meat out like a book and lay it skin-side down on a board. Use the same light strokes to remove any tough cartilage or smaller bones. • Place the sausage meat in a bowl together with the cooled chestnut mixture and the parsley. Mix well and season to taste. Spread the mixture onto the turkey meat, then roll the meat up firmly like a swiss roll. Season the skin with salt and pepper. Wrap the turkey roll very tightly like a sweet to seal. Place in the fridge for at least 12 hours or for up to 24 hours. • To cook, cover the base of the slow cooker with about 5mm (1/4in) cold water and add the wine. Cover with the lid and preheat the slow cooker on high for 30 minutes. • Add the bay leaf to the hot mixture in the slow cooker. Reduce the temperature to low and place the foil parcel and the reserved turkey bone (if it will fit) in the slow cooker dish. Cover with the lid and cook on low for six hours, turning the parcel over halfway through, until tender and there is no more pink meat. • Carefully remove the parcel from the slow cooker with tongs, place on a board and leave to stand for 10-15 minutes before unwrapping and cutting into thick slices. • To make gravy, discard the bone then strain the juice from the parcel and the slow cooker dish through a sieve into a small saucepan. Bring to the boil over a high heat and boil rapidly for two minutes. Slowly whisk in the cream. Serve the turkey in slices with the gravy spooned over, and all the usual festive veg and trimmings.

LIFESTYLEFOOD

Honey Chilli Glazed Turkey on Pitta Crisps with Mint Yoghurt Courtesy of SPAR and Chef Paula McIntyre Ingredients: 2 turkey breasts, butterflied ½ tsp smoked paprika 1 tbsp olive oil Method: • Mix the oil and paprika and brush all over the turkey. Marinate for two hours in the fridge.

Honey and Chilli Glaze Ingredients: 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce 2 tbsp honey 4 tbsp red wine vinegar

Method: • Whisk together. • Heat a frying plan or griddle until smoking hot. Season the turkey with salt and place in the pan. Seal off for two minutes on each side then lower the heat to allow the turkey to cook through. When the turkey is cooked, add the glaze and cook, basting as you do, until it is glazed and the sauce has reduced. Rest for five minutes and slice thinly.

Pitta Crisps

Ingredients: 5 pitta breads Method: • Grill the pittas then open up. Slice into bite sized pieces and place on baking trays. Cook in a 200˚C preheated oven until crisp for about ten minutes.

Mint Yoghurt Ingredients: 200ml natural yoghurt 1 tbsp mayonnaise Handful chopped fresh mint leaves or 1 tbsp mint sauce Method: • Whisk together. • Top a pitta crisp with some turkey then a dollop of the mint yoghurt.

Turkey and Ham Potato Pie Courtesy of Rachel’s Irish Family Food by Rachel Allen Ingredients: 50g (2oz) butter 1 onion, finely chopped 450g (1lb) mushrooms, sliced 350ml (12fl oz) double cream 100ml (3 ½ fl oz) turkey or chicken stock 675g (1 ½ lb) mixed leftover cooked turkey and ham, cut into 1cm (1/2in) chunks 1 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon or marjoram Salt and freshly ground black pepper Creamy Mashed Potato Method: • Preheat the oven to 180˚C/350˚F/Gas Mark 4. • Melt half of the butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Add the onion and fry gently for 8-10 minutes, until completely soft but not browned. Remove from the pan and set aside. Increase the heat and add the remaining butter to the pan. Tip the mushrooms into the pan and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until they are soft and golden brown (you may need to do this in two batches). • Return the onion to the pan and pour in the cream and stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce has thickened a little. Add the turkey, ham and tarragon and season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour into a shallow 3 litre (5 pint) gratin dish set on a baking tray and spread evenly. Top with the mashed potato, spooning it in dollops and spread with a fork. • Bake for 25-30 minutes in the oven, until golden brown on top and bubbling hot.

LIFESTYLETRAVEL

✴

✴ Festive Scotland Sparkle ✴ ✴

by Kate Wilson

Whether it’s just a day trip Christmas shopping with your girlfriends or a long weekend to really get into the festive spirit, there is nowhere more magical than Edinburgh for some festive sparkle.

landed in Edinburgh early on Saturday morning ready for a full on weekend of festive frivolity, and I was not to be disappointed. I have visited Edinburgh many times, but I always try to get over for at least one weekend in the run up to Christmas for the German market and some fabulous Christmas shopping. The first stop for a much needed caffeine boost was Harvey Nichols Fourth Floor Brasserie (www.harveynichols. com). Gorgeous views over Edinburgh accompanied by a croissant and coffee were the perfect way to start the day, and the shopping spree! For Christmas shopping, the famed department store has something for everyone, and stocking fillers that are a bit different from home, like chocolate covered edible spiders and edible worm crisps… if that’s what you’re into! Next stop for yet more retail therapy was George Street. Free of some of the crowds of Princes Street and with more glamorous

LIFESTYLETRAVEL shops and boutiques such as Jack Wills, Hobbs, Whistles and White Stuff’s flagship store, which is even adorned with an indoor full size tree. Not only is the array of shops impressive, but the restaurants here are equally mouth watering, including Centotre, the award winning stylish Italian eaterie owned and run by husband and wife Victor and Carina Contini (www.centotre.com). George Street is also home to The Dome; proud owners of Edinburgh’s most famous, and most spectacular Christmas decorations (www.thedomeedinburgh.com). It’s a sure sign that when The Dome’s decorations go up, Christmas festivities can begin although you may think the 28th October is a tad early? Aside from the decorations, The Dome also does a decadent afternoon tea in the Georgian Suit Tea Room, a perfect way to end a busy day of Christmas shopping. From the 28th October to the 28th December you can stop at any time of day as it’s open from 10am to 6pm. Bijou finger sandwiches, petit scones and miniature cakes are just some of the delights on the menu, and they’re small enough to try one of each! Every time I visit this beautiful city I try to stay somewhere new, and with so many fabulous hotels to choose from, it’s never a difficult task. This time I had booked into The Rutland (www.therutlandhotel.com). I was swayed by this fabulous place mainly because of its location. As I was only staying one night I wanted to be very central, and you can’t ask for better than just off the main shopping street in the City! Laden with bags I was shown to my room. Bright colours and views over to the castle made for a very positive first impression, as well as some home-baked muffins on arrival. The interior is filled with sumptuous fabrics, deep colours and signature oversized bespoke white headboards in every bedroom. Once settled, we made our way downstairs to the Huxley bar for an aperitif. It felt like we had stepped into the library of a prestigious American university, all tweed and leather. You could imagine swirling a whiskey by the fireplace with a fat cigar. However, we opted instead for a few cocktails then off on our next stop for dinner… Leith is a 10 minute taxi ride from Prince’s street, and is well worth a visit. This up and coming village has some very stylish bars and restaurants. It fair to say that it’s come a long way since the rather grotty image portrayed in ‘Trainspotting’. We had a table booked at Nobles (www.noblesbarleith. co.uk), a bar and restaurant in the heart of Leith Village, with retro chic décor and a laid back vibe. With huge colourful stainedglass windows and original Victorian features, Nobles has a wonderful old-world

quality. The food is informal, but great quality. Being close to the sea is represented with a great range of fish and seafood, as well as artisan beef burgers and pasta dishes. The food here is only part of the experience, it’s the surroundings of wood paneling, large stained glass and live acoustic music that all combine to create a great atmosphere. There was only one thing left to do on the way back to the hotel, and probably the most important… the Christmas Market! We were wrapped up in coats and scarves and sipping on some late night mulled wine was just what we needed to kick off Christmas in style. Walking around Princes Street Gardens with the Castle lit up above us and the fairground around us we were ready to bring a bit of Scottish sparkle back to Belfast.

SOCIALPRÊT-À-PARTY

WAREHOUSE OPENS NEW STORE 1

1. Shauna McGowan and Clodagh Quinn, Warehouse Talent Spot winners 2. Melanie Harrison and Margaret Canning

igh Street favourite Warehouse has relocated its flagship store to Victoria Square, Belfast. To celebrate they launched a nationwide Talent Spot competition as a platform to identity, support and chowcase emerging talent. 17-year-old Bellaghy-based singer/songwriter Clodagh Quinn and artist Shauna McGowan from Newtownards were the unanimous winners.

A NEW LOOK FOR AURA DAY SPA

hristmas came early for key press and VIPs as Santa arrived at Aura Day Spa on the Lisburn Road, Belfast to celebrate their state-of-the-art £250,000 refit and creation of ten new jobs. Guests including UTV’s Pamela Ballentine and Ruth Gorman, Cool FM presenters Holly Hamilton, Mairead Campbell and Kathryn Wilson, as well as the newly crowned Miss Ulster Shaniece Nesbitt were treated to treatments for their very first Christmas present.

1. Miss Ulster Shaniece Nesbitt and her mother Tamara 2. Patricia Clarke and her team

glamorous amorous

he fabulous and glamorous Lady Boys of Bangkok arrived back in Belfast to enjoy a fortnight long residency at the Sabai Pavilion at Custom House Square with their new show for 2013, Glamorous Amorous. Guests came out in style and enjoyed an all singing, all dancing spectacle from the most beautiful show girls (who just happen to be men!)

2 1. Lori Moore, Meagan Green and Finola Guinnane 2. Laurina Kennedy and Connor Schelling 3. Melissa Magee and Amanda Espey 4. Oonagh Boman and Lisa Majury 5. Sangita Kashyap and Elwira Wajtysiak 6. Tracey McCausland and Esther Patterson

LIFESTYLETRAVEL

Toravaig House Hotel If you’re looking for a contemporary romantic retreat in the Scottish highlands, with an award-winning restaurant serving delicious innovative cuisine featuring fresh island produce, then this Isle of Skye hotel has it all.

hile local newspapers were reporting that thousands of Scots were jetting off on sunshine breaks in a potentially record-breaking October getaway, ironically the Highlands were enjoying unbelievably blue skies and glorious dawn-to- dusk sunshine for our trip to Scotland. A speedy crossing on the luxurious new Stena Superfast VIII delivered us to Cairnryan in just over two hours. The route to Skye travels through some of the most picturesque scenery anywhere in the world. Our destination was Toravaig House Hotel, situated on the southerly tip of the Isle of Skye overlooking the sea and across to Mallaig on the mainland. Set in the stunning backdrop of the hills of southern Skye, Toravaig is a touch of luxury just where you need it. Not only did we have the most wonderful weather over our five days, sunny and clear, but our hotel was also warm and the staff friendly and helpful. The rooms are stylishly decorated, and the evening dining (complete with six course menu) is first class. Rooms are individual and very cosy, lovely décor with high quality furnishings.

❝The staff were exceptionally well mannered and efficient during dinner, service was impeccable, as you would expect from an establishment with two AA rosettes.❞ What a great hotel to return to after a long walk into the Cuillin mountains, or a tour of the nearby Clan Donald castle grounds, welcoming, friendly with a really high standard of food, hospitality and room quality. Dinner is a real treat at Torvaig, from the cosy fireplace by which you waited to be seated, to the fairly broad wine list. The food was absolutely amazing. A proper six course meal that is presented well, cooked well, and served well can be something of a rarity these days and yet that is exactly what we got. The staff were exceptionally well mannered and efficient during dinner, service was impeccable, as you would expect from an establishment with two AA rosettes. The five course, or more like seven when the various extra ‘bite size’ courses are included, was top notch in terms of both presentation and taste. Retiring to the lounge full and happy, guests could indulge in a small malt or choose from the 50 or so bottles of whiskies on display. The views in Skye were spectacular, a wonderful way to spend five days touring. Surrounded by fabulous countryside and panoramic views at every turn the island is

a haven for wildlife and nature. While the hotel is very welcoming and comfortable, with wonderful front-of-house staff, due to the rather intimate, hushed and somewhat formal nature of the accommodation, I would say that Toravaig House seems best suited to couples, rather than families. Breakfast was presented with equal care and attention – and cooked to order - always a big plus. A superb choice of cereals and fruit juice followed by tea, toast and a varied selection of cooked dishes using local ingredients was on offer, enough choice to fulfil a traditional or a continental taste. Excellent in choice as well as presentation, particularly the smoked salmon with scrambled eggs, setting us up for another great day in a wonderful part of the Scottish west coast. From April to September the proprietors Captain Kenneth Gunn and Anne Gracie also offer daily sailing trips on board their private luxury yacht, Solus a Chiain, so it was unfortunate that we arrived just out of season. Weddings on board are proving very popular for them. The hotel is just ten minutes from the car ferry in Armadale to the mainland so its really convenient for checking in - and for an early morning ferry. The location is handy from either the bridge or the ferry, and is a good base for seeing around Skye. It’s not the cheapest place on the island, but we felt it was good value for high season. The numerous awards hanging in the reception testify to their exceptional expertise in highland hospitality. This little gem is well worth every penny for the quality of relaxation and Isle of Skye experience!

www.skyehotel.co.uk www.stenaline.co.uk/ferry/routes/cairnryanbelfast NW

LIFESTYLECAREERS

My Brilliant Career

Jeanette Kidd Jeanette Kidd, proprietor of Jeanette Kidd Beauty and Day Spa, established her business when she was only nineteen years old. Still thriving today, she tells NW how she started and how she stays ahead of the game.

Did you always know what field you wanted to work in?

I think like every young girl I had the usual interest in make-up, but I was actually quite a ‘tom boy’ in my teens. I knew in school that I didn’t want a career behind a desk but preferred to work in a ‘hands-on’ caring job where I could interact with people. It wasn’t until I started my first (and only!) job that I really knew what career I wanted to pursue.

Talk us through the various stages of your career and how you have reached where you are today.

My first job was Sales Assistant in Johnston’s Pharmacy in Lisburn. I started initially on the drugs counter but hounded my boss, David McMeekin, to let me work on the cosmetics counter as I much preferred helping customers choose makeup and skincare than selling combs and condoms! After a year behind the counter I enrolled in Roberta Mechan College of Beauty in Belfast and during my training discovered that I had found something I really enjoyed and was actually very good at. On completion of my final exams in July 1989 I found premises on Railway Street in Lisburn (where I still remain today) and I opened for business in November of that year. I relied heavily on advice and guidance from my parents, as they were already running a business founded by my father when he too was just nineteen. Their encouragement gave me the confidence to start out in business at such a young age. From the small first floor salon with two treatment rooms the business grew steadily and when the opportunity arose, I

moved to larger ground floor premises in the same building and again a few years later expanded to re-occupy the original salon and the remainder of the first floor to open the Day Spa. I now have ten treatment rooms between the salon and the Day Spa, a far cry from the two tiny rooms I started in.

You have been the proprietor of Jeanette Kidd Beauty and Day Spa for twenty four years. How do you ensure that you stay ahead in an industry that is constantly evolving?

Training and ‘staying at the top’ with high standards is very important to me. We regularly have training sessions both on and off-site to keep us up-to-date with all

procedures and any new treatments. Our main skincare brand is Decleor and we have updates on treatments and products as required but also an annual session for all staff to attend and gain any new knowledge from Paris.

What can a customer expect when they visit Jeanette Kidd Beauty and Day Spa?

Established in 1989, you can be assured of a professional and friendly service from the moment you step through the door. You will always feel at ease and our top-class service and attention to detail will make you feel special, look better and walk with a lighter step. All therapists are fully qualified and experienced and able to offer advice on all aspects of skincare, make-up etc.

LIFESTYLECAREERS

We have won numerous awards over the years including the prestigious RNIB Model of Excellence, Decleor Salon of the Year, Workplace charter on Domestic Violence ‘Safe Place’, Lisburn City Business Awards for Excellence in Customer Service, Manicurist of the Year finalists in the British Beauty and Spa Awards and not forgetting we are current holders of the Decleor Salon of Excellence.

Is there anything new happening at the salon that our readers should know about?

The team and myself are very excited about the latest new treatment in the salon – Europe’s No 1 inch loss, body contouring and skin tightening system, Lipofirm Plus. “It is very exciting with proven results and is talked about as liposuction without the surgery”. The Lipofirm treatment is the ultimate solution for non-invasive inch loss, body sculpting and cellulite removal. It uses ultrasonic waves to instantly and permanently destroy fat cells to provide clients with a convenient non-invasive, no down time solution to reduce localised fat deposits and body circumference. The Radio Frequency treatment uses electrical pulses and heats the dermis (the deepest skin layer) through hand pieces without damaging the epidermis (the top layers of the skin), to stimulate new collagen growth and provide an improvement in skin laxity and appearance, to re-model and enhance derma density with very minimal risks. Wow!

Training and s‘ taying on top’ with high standards ❝ is very important to me. We regularly have training sessions both on and off-site to keep us up-to-date with all procedures and any new treatments.

❞

Do you find a balance between your work and personal life?

I am very thankful to be blessed with a fantastic team of girls who work with such passion and commitment which allows me to work part time as I have three beautiful children, Beth 11, and twins Abbey and Christian, 6. I also had to undergo back surgery last year which rules out ten hour shifts at my treatment couch although my mind is never too far away for too long.

What has been the highlight of your career to date?

I would have to say the highlight of my career has been our achievement in receiving various awards, namely Decleor Salon of the Year and various customer service awards I have already mentioned. I also recall fondly the pride we all felt in the final few hours before opening the doors to the Day Spa for the first time, having worked so hard to create it!

What have been the biggest challenges you have faced? Probably the biggest challenges I have faced are the same as every other business owner in the recent economic climate, although thankfully I feel that providing the best service we possibly can and the wonderful clients that we have has kept business thriving while others haven’t been so lucky.

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

My advice to anyone considering a career in beauty therapy is not to think of it as ‘just a nice wee job’. It requires commitment and dedication and is physically demanding and sometimes exhausting, but for me it has been and continues to be the most enjoyable, rewarding career I could have chosen. I am still treating clients now who stepped through my door 24 years ago and continue to meet fantastic people every day. I enjoy my job now as much, if not more, than I did when I started.

NEWSFOOD&DRINK

Perfect Pastry at La Table L

a Table Pastry School & Tea Lounge is Newtownabbey’s hidden gem, situated in Merville House, a restored Georgian Mansion House near the Abbey Centre, only fifteen minutes from Belfast. With twenty one varieties of tea and Italian coffee on offer enjoy a morning drink (and a real french croissant!), lunch or afternoon tea where they deliver high quality gourmet products like homemade cakes, a variety of scones and sandwiches, to sit in or take away. The tearoom and additional elegant function rooms are available to

hire for private parties, corporate events & meetings and products can be made to order. Proprietor Abel Mehablia is a renowned pastry chef who has worked all over Europe from Paris, Norway, Sweden, London and Dublin. He has a real passion for fine patisserie and is keen to share his skill and enthusiasm. Book now for a lesson at the pastry school (set to open in January), great for learning a new skill or for a gift that’s a little different, perfect for Christmas and beyond! Gift vouchers are also available.

CHRISTMAS AT W5

5 recently had a VIP preview evening for their new Christmas experience “Once Upon A Christmas”. Six brand new sets by internationally acclaimed Hobbit model maker Mark Maher were unveiled to over 700 guests. 1. Craig and Rachael Bishop with Evvie and Jake 2. David Gilmour and Nathan Gilmour 3. Alison Fleming, Jane Loughrey and families 4. Pamela Johnson, Stephanie Berkeley and Brian Simpson

SOCIALPRÊT-À-PARTY

BELFAST FASHIONWEEK F

ASHIONWEEK pulled out all the stops and brought us another successful season of all the very latest in chic, on-trend style from local designers, boutiques and the high street making sure we more than got our fashion fix for A/W ‘13.

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1. Alex Armstrong, Kate Boyle, Fay Donaghue, Laura McGurk and Lucy Kearney 2. Claire McColgan, Cathy Woods and Miriam Morgan 3. Elaine Kennedy and Lorraine Kennedy 4. Emma Coburn and Brenda Part 5. Grainne Maher and Christine Trueman 6. Maria Cunningham, Emma McCloskey, Michelle Murphy and Fiona McCloskey 7. Kathryn Magee and Nola Harris 8. Lisa Bell and Leeza Dixon 9. Raj Gill and Sonia Scott 10. Nicola Daly, Karen Anderson and Fiona Bonar 11. Jenny Skelly, Robin McGrath and Grace Miller 12. Mary Martin and Alex Martin

R H O D A S T E WA R T I N T E R I O R S

26 High Street, Ballynahinch BT24 8AB

Tel: 028 9756 2755

SOCIALPRÊT-À-PARTY

TOP PUBS CROWNED AT PUB OF THE YEAR AWARDS

he search to find Northern Ireland’s top pubs came to a dramatic conclusion recently as the cream of the local hospitality industry gathered at La Mon Hotel & Country Club to toast the trade at Pubs of Ulster’s Pub of the Year Awards 2013. Forty shortlisted premises from right across Northern Ireland went head to head to be named the best in a range of categories. There could only be one winner for the coveted overall Pub of the Year Award – which was clinched by The Harbour Bar in Portrush. Our Sister publication Hospitality Review NI was a media partner of the Awards and was involved in the judging process to chose overall Pub of the Year.

1. Hugh Black (Pubs of Ulster Chairman) and Ross Heggarty 2. Paula Colhoun, Marie Campbell, Conor McCready and Paul McDonald 3. Karen Anderson, Nicola Daly and Julie Hailes 4. Katie McKinley and Bronagh Murphy from the Limelight.

A GRAND OPENING

alt Room Bar & Restaurant opened in Belfast recently to hoards of foodies who turned out in force to enjoy a taster of what the new restaurant has in store. Malt Room is the brainchild of businessman Lord Rana and top Northern Ireland chef Raymond McArdle, who have teamed together to start the revival of the city’s Golden Mile.

1. Catherine and Seamus Higgins 2. Mary Martin and Alex Martin 3. Jude Cassidy and Mark Johnstone 4. Keith Mitchell, Louise Vance and Jeff Merideth 5. Sameer and Mona Seth

Discover the true taste of India

this Christmas

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

NOW TAKING CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS

Indie Spice, 159 Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5AJ Tel: 028 9066 8100 www.indiespice.com

HEALTHCHESTHEART&STROKE

Help save babies like Joe O

n the 16th of August 2013, Kerri and William Degnan from Larne took the most frightening journey of their lives. Their two-day-old baby, Joe, who was born with a congenital heart defect, was travelling in an air ambulance to Birmingham for life-saving surgery while they followed on a scheduled flight. Several days after arriving in Birmingham, Joe had his operation. It would be five hours before his parents would see him again. Kerri describes the waiting as “agony.” Finally they were told that he had survived the surgery. Kerri told us: “We were living minute to minute, hour by hour. The whole experience was hard, completely life changing and very humbling.” Joe is not alone. Congenital heart disease is one of the most common birth defects and affects between eight and ten out of every 1,000 babies. In Northern Ireland each year, over 200 babies are born with congenital heart disease. That is why Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke is funding The Baby Hearts Study over the next three years.

WIN...

Researchers at the University of Ulster in conjunction with Paediatric Cardiologists at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children are gathering vital information by speaking to families from across Northern Ireland. Some of those families will have babies who were diagnosed with congenital heart disease either before or after they were born. And some of those families will have healthy babies, born without congenital heart disease. By comparing data we hope to isolate the key differences. Once we have successfully identified the causes of congenital heart disease, doctors will be able to recommend strategies to prevent it. We want to build a future where no other parents have to go through the trauma that Baby Joe’s parents have been through. Please support us. Don’t just take our word for it. Take Kerri’s: “If you have anything to give, please give it, whether it’s a spare penny or £100. If you act you could change or save a baby’s life. Please donate whatever you can afford.” www.nichs.org.uk/baby

a limited edition T-Shirt by Sara O'Neill

Photo: Joseph Jude, Model: Caroline Davis

ince graduating from the University of Ulster with a BA Hons in Fashion and Textiles in 2004, Sara O’Neill has established herself as Northern Ireland’s top stylist and an aspiring irish artist, with a host of ad campaigns, magazine editorials and catwalk shows to her name. Her creativity, professionalism, eye for detail and ability to realise her clients’ vision has kept her in constant demand over the years. Recently she has started exhibiting her artwork – detailed pencil drawings inspired by her work in the fashion industry. Her solo exhibitions ‘La Belle et La Bete’, and “Love me to Death” were both sold out. She has combined her two loves – art and apparel and is launching a range of limited edition t-shirts, silk scarves and cushions featuring her trademark fashion illustrations. Her range is still under construction but we at Northern Woman have managed to get our hands on one of her t-shirts for one lucky winner!

QUESTION Stylist and Illustrator Sara O'Neill has combined her two loves – art and apparel – and is launching a range of limited edition t-shirts, silk scarves and cushions featuring her trademark fashion illustrations.

Name one of Sara's solo exhibitions? To enter, email competitions@ greerpublications.com with your answer, along with your name, address and daytime number before Friday 24 January 2013. Prize is as stated, no cash alternative, prize may differ from image shown. Winners will be selected at random from all entries received by the closing date. Usual Northern Woman competition rules apply.

LIFESTYLECAREERS

Take Five

This issue Margaret Connolly speaks to Northern Irish reality show success stories about their future hopes and career aspirations. Andrea Beg ley, The Voice

Winner of ‘The Voice' 2013, Andrea has just launched her first album 'The Message' and is looking forward to more singing success in 2014

What did it mean to you to win The Voice? And has it all sunk in yet?

Winning ‘The Voice’ in June was probably the biggest achievement I’ve ever made. I didn’t see it coming at the time and I was on such a high knowing that the public voted for me and wanted me to win. It did take a while to sink in, but I’m loving the shift from working nine to five as a civil servant to working full-time as a recording artist.

How has the show helped you follow your musical aspirations?

Before the show I was always writing songs and performing at local gigs but ‘The Voice’ raised my profile and gave me my big break. To think that my first album ‘The Message’ is sitting at number seven in the charts is amazing, and the talented people I’ve had the chance to meet and

work with is on a whole other level. There are so many doors open to me right now and I’m embracing it all. I’m really pleased with this first album. Due to time constraints it only has two original tracks, but I’ve enjoyed choosing all of the songs to go on this album and putting my interpretation on all of the covers, some of which I performed on ‘The Voice’. I think this album shows my diversity and what I can do. There’s a bit of jazz, country folk, ballads and more upbeat songs.

Do you think you could have achieved the same musical success without the help of The Voice? Who knows? A talent scout could have walked into a gig back in Belfast and I may have had the success I’m now experiencing. It has to be said though that it is very difficult to get a break and the ‘The Voice’ has quickly

propelled me on to a platform that I had only ever dreamed of before.

What have you got ahead of you in 2014?

I’ve no definite plans in place yet, but I imagine it will be a busy year. with promotional performances off the back of the first album and I will start writing and recording my second album.

If you could make one New Year’s Resolution that would further your singing career what would it be?

To eat better and exercise more! It’s hard to be strict with your diet when you are constantly on the go but I’m doing my best. As for exercise, I don’t like it, but I’ve been getting better at working out, which is important for my lung capacity for singing.

LIFESTYLECAREERS Andrea Mage e, X-Factor

What has it been like for you since your success on this year’s X-Factor?

It has been mainly positive with few negative slants. My fan base has grown and people have started to take more interest in my music which I am delighted about! It has been really lovely to also come home and do a few gigs to home crowds.

How has the show helped you promote your music career over the last few weeks? It gave me a platform to showcase my music on, and even though the editing was a little disappointing and the air time was not as long as I expected it has still helped to grow my fan base and profile, especially at home in Northern Ireland.

Where do you hope to be with your music in ten years time?

Oh...ten years time...I would love to think that I would have released a good few albums and feel content that I have shared my music with the public. I would also love to travel the world with my music so it would be great if that could have been achieved too!!

What are your career plans in 2014?

To release my debut EP and tour the UK and Europe!

If you could make one New Year’s Resolution that would help you realise your musical ambitions what would it be? One of Sharon's final six, Andrea may not have made it past judge's houses, but she is making the most of the recent exposure to further her singing career.

When did you enjoy reality success on the Great British Hairdresser?

When the show aired in February 2011 I enjoyed the fact that I was appearing on a popular national TV channel where I was able to illustrate my skills and talents in an industry based competition. The highlight of the reality experience was winning the title of Great British Hairdresser for showcasing my hairdressing ability and creativity over the ten week period.

How has the show helped you follow your hairdressing aspirations?

As a young stylist starting out in my career it was always a dream of mine to have my work published in a high end fashion magazine. Being part of the show and eventually winning allowed me to claim the prize of my own cover with Glamour magazine where I styled the hair of Nicole Scherzinger. In addition to this I was plummeted into the world of session styling where I had the opportunity to style hair for music videos, Harper’s Bazaar, Japanese Vogue to name but a few. I was able to spend a number of years based in London as freelance session stylist and travel the world for many different events. The exposure from the show allowed me to pursue these opportunities and

I am really rubbish at selling myself apart from when I perform on stage. So I think a good New Year’s resolution for me would be to be a bit better at pushing my music to get me on the stage!

achieve more than I had dreamed of when starting out all those years ago.

Keris Weir, Great British Hairdresser

Do you think you could have followed the route of session styling in the way you are without the help of the show?

Honestly, without the exposure the show gave me I don’t think I could have pursued session styling on such a grand scale so quickly. I worked hard to win the show and was grateful of the opportunities that came my way because of it and have learnt so much over the last number of years.

What lies ahead in the future?

Having recently moved back to Northern Ireland to take charge of my own salon I would now like to focus on building my business and continue my passion for educating and sharing ideas within the industry by taking seminars and workshops on hair techniques and fashion forward styling around the country. This is something I have already begun, particularly around Belfast and thoroughly enjoy sharing my knowledge and seeing the creativity of up and coming young, local stylists.

If you could make one New Year’s resolution that could further your hairdressing career

Having impressed the judges, including top British hairdresser James Brown, Keris won the title of Great British Hairdresser back in 2011.

what would it be?

Hair styling is my passion, but my New Year’s resolution is to focus on expanding my business and increase the number of seminars and workshops I provide throughout the year. I want to be part of bringing hair styling forward in Northern Ireland with new and innovative ideas, collaborating with other local professionals and inspiring young people to pursue their dream and career as I have done.

LIFESTYLECAREERS When did you enjoy reality success on ‘Superstar’ and what made you follow the reality show route?

Do you think life would have been different if you hadn’t taken part in the show and if yes, how?

How has taking part on the show helped you with your singing/acting career?

Have you anything lined up in 2014?

In 2012 I entered ITV’s ‘Superstar’. I chose the reality show route as it had been advertising the fact that they were looking for a rock singer to play the role of Jesus in a world arena tour of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’. As I had been singing in various rock bands since school plus also playing the role of Jesus in Ulster Operatics production of the show I felt it could be a great step forward for me, challenge and experience.

Placing sixth on the show I couldn’t believe how far I had progressed in the audition process especially after being the youngest of the finalists. The day after the final night of the TV show I received the call from casting director David Grindrod offering me the role of first cover/understudy Jesus in the arena tour, also giving me a part in the ensemble where I had the surreal experience of performing to thousands of people in top arenas around the UK including the Odyssey Arena in Belfast, London’s O2 Arena and Wembley.

Diona Doherty, Britain & Ireland's Next Top Model

My life would have been very different if I hadn’t taken part in the show as I probably would still be in bands, gigging around Northern Ireland or else focusing on sport as I was a very disciplined rugby player at one stage believe it or not. Plus I would not have met some of the true friends I’ve made through the TV show and tour or gained the knowledge/training of my craft - singing and acting. I have a few different projects lined up for the New Year which I am very excited about, including the release of an album which I have been working on. I will be performing in The Waterfront Hall in Peter Corry’s ‘The Music Box’ late December of this year which will be great, as he gave me my first musical theatre role of ‘Jean Val Jean’ in his production of ‘Les Miserables’ four years ago and it will be fantastic to perform at home again and in such a beautiful venue!

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NW NW

Having impressed Andrew Lloyd Webber when he auditioned for the role of Jesus in ‘Superstar', Jeff has been enjoying musical success ever since.

If you could make one New Year’s Resolution what would it be?

My New Year’s resolution would be to embrace new people, places, opportunities and try to see the beauty in everything. I want to take on every new challenge in the future to the best of my ability. One can always work and train a bit harder, feel and look a bit better, I want to make the most of every second.

When did you enjoy reality success on Britain & Ireland’s Next Top Model?

Do you think life would have been different if you hadn’t taken part in the show and if yes, how?

I was in series eight of BINTM which aired last summer. It was such an amazing experience and a fantastic show to be a part of. I am still very close with all the other girls and it seems surreal at times to think that I was part of such a high profile show.

How has the show helped you with your modelling and comedy career?

Taking part in Britain & Ireland's Next Top Model has helped Diona with her modelling and more importantly opened doors for her acting career.

Jeff Anderson, Superstar

While the show was on air I was able to do magazine features that allowed me to speak as me and not just Diona the model. I was in a lucky position that I had already modelled before the show and so had plenty of experience and a portfolio to match. For the year after I booked some great jobs and worked away but as the features I did afterwards explained, acting was always my calling and now that I am in my mid 20s, still a young pup but pushing on a bit in the modelling industry, I am lucky that my acting career is starting to get exciting. I have just finished filming a feature film in Manchester for release early next year. I am now signed with Universal Artists and have filmed various television adverts and I am doing theatre work. I am also a voiceover artist and seem to be doing well, having covered the last few Translink radio adverts as well as this Christmas’ Victoria Square television advert to be aired very soon. I’m in a lucky position and I work very hard to learn more and push myself.

I think being on BINTM opened doors for me within the media. It highlighted the work I do in comedy too, with my sketch group FNTLive. I also was invited to awards ceremonies and to host various fashion shows etc and I was a judge on a long running singing competition last year too. These were avenues I may have never explored had the show not shed light on me.

What are your career plans in 2014?

I would like to build on what I have established in 2013. Book more voiceover work, get to as many auditions as possible, and hopefully move to Manchester with my comedian partner Sean Hegarty. The UK industry is one we both need to crack and when the right time and opportunity arises we will grab it with both hands. I’ll be 25 next year too so I may manage to squeeze in a little quarter life crisis too if I can!

If you could make one New Year’s Resolution that would help you realise your ambitions what would it be? Make decisions based on what is right for me. I’ve spent far too long making career sacrifices for the good of others around me and to be honest its never benefited me. Its always been an issue of mine to over think and over complicate most situations especially when it comes to my career and so I am trying to start to make wiser decisions that are best for me.

LIFESTYLEWHAT'SON Union J

12-13 Jan, Waterfront Hall (www.waterfront.co.uk) Hot on the heels of the success of their debut single Carry You, X-Factor boy band sensations, Union J, have announced their first ever headline tour. Since their time on the X-Factor, it has been non-stop for the boys, with a top five single, almost a million twitter followers, nine million views on YouTube and a book deal already in the bag.

Riverdance 20 Years Anniversary Tour (22-26 Jan 2013, Odyssey Arena) www.riverdance.com

Of all the performances to emerge from Ireland – in rock, music, theatre and film – nothing has carried the energy, the sensuality and the spectacle of Riverdance. Now, twenty years after Riverdance was first performed as the interval act in the Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin and having been seen live by over 23 million people worldwide, performing everywhere from North America, Oceania, Asia, Europe, South Africa and most recently South America, the show will be returning to Belfast as part of the 20th Anniversary Tour.

What's On! December-January 2014 Although we will soon be waving a sad goodbye to Derry–Londonderry’s tenure as City of Culture 2013, there is still time to get over to this historic city and catch the final events! If you don’t get a chance, never fear as there is still plenty going on across the province. Relive the spectacle of Riverdance or let Brian Kennedy wow you with his latest music. The children will be amazed when they visit Santa’s Grotto and there are a whole host of pantomimes they can enjoy. Glenarm Castle Christmas Experience (12-15 Dec, Glenarm Castle) www.glenarmcastle.com

Following a sell out in 2012, the team at Glenarm Castle are delighted to announce the return of their annual Christmas Experience in Glenarm Castle’s Courtyard. It will be another traditional and festive occasion with a host of attractions for all the family, including a charming nativity scene with real animals and of course our famous Polar Express train adventure. Father Christmas and his elves will be there, ready to welcome the children into their busy workshop as they prepare for their busiest time of the year.

Brian Kennedy and Friends

(December, various locations throughout the province) www.briankennedy.co.uk Over the past twenty years Brian Kennedy has recorded some of the finest songs ever from an Irish artist. With a voice to charm the angels, Brian will always be remembered for his version of You Raise Me Up at the late George Best’s funeral service. Brian’s latest album VOICE entered the album chart at No. 3 and the single Best Days is his lyrical reaction to the recession. This album only cements Brian’s reputation as an exceptional vocalist, guitar player, songwriter and interpreter.

LIFESTYLEWHAT'SON Ulster Orchestra - Handel’s Messiah 12 Dec, Waterfront Hall (www.waterfront.co.uk)

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without Handel’s great choral masterpiece. Another essential element of the Ulster Orchestra’s Christmas and New Year Season. Step in out of the cold (and the seasonal rushing around!) to enjoy two hours of the most serene and gladdening music ever composed. Conductor: Kenneth Montgomery Programme: Handel: Messiah Soloist: Claudia Boyle (Soprano), Paula Murrihy (Mezzo-soprano), Anthony Gregory (Tenor), William Berger (Bass) with Belfast Philharmonic Choir.

Other events City of Culture

The Legendary Masquerade Ball (14 Dec, The Guildhall, Derry~Londonderry) www.cityofculture2013.com

Music

Wet Wet Wet (and special guests Blue) 6 Dec, Odyssey Arena www.odysseyarena.com Black Sabbath 12 Dec, Odyssey Arena www.odysseyarena.com

Little Red Riding Hood

23 Nov – 4 Jan, Waterfront Hall (www.waterfront.co.uk)

John Newman 24 Jan 2014, Limelight

My grandma, what a big panto you have – all the better to entertain you with! The clock is counting down to the opening of Little Red Riding Hood, the Christmas pantomime, at Belfast Waterfront. Presented by LANA Productions, Little Red Riding Hood guarantees a magical, fun-filled adventure bursting with catchy, sing-along songs and loads of chances for children to cheer on Little Red Riding Hood and boo the biggest, baddest wolf ever!

Theatre

Eternally Scrooged (17 Dec 2013-5 Jan 2014, Theatre at the Mill) www.theatreatthemill.com Jack and the Beanstalk (9-18 Jan 2014, Ardhowen Theatre) www.ardhowentheatre.com

The Relief of Derry Symphony by Shaun Davy 20th Dec, The Venue (www.cityofculture2013.com)

Derry~Londonderry’s UK City of Culture 2013 celebrations are set to rise in a suitably epic crescendo on December 20th when The Venue plays host to a special performance of The Relief of Derry Symphony by Shaun Davey. This official closing concert of the Derry~Londonderry 2013 programme will provide a rare opportunity to hear Shaun Davey’s epic narrative work, along with some of his most popular music of celebration including Newfoundland (from The Brendan Voyage), The Deer’s Cry, Fill to me the Parting Glass, and also Noel Eccles’ fantastic Arrival of the Olympic Flag for massed percussion. This concert is certain to provide a fitting conclusion to Derry~Londonderry’s highly successful tenure as UK City of Culture 2013 and, with a Christmas carol or two thrown in, will get seasonal celebrations off to a good start.

Jesus Christ Superstar (16 Jan-1 Feb 2014, Riverside Theatre) www.riversidetheatre.org.uk

Comedy

Al Murray – The Pub Landlord ‘The Only Way is’ Epic Tour (5 Dec, Waterfront Hall) www.waterfront.co.uk

Family

Sleeping Beauty (30 Nov 2013-19 Jan 2014, Grand Opera House) www.goh.co.uk Santa’s Christmas Grotto 7-15 Dec 2013, The Argory

Other

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

Fawlty Towers – The Dinner Show (19-21 Dec, Grand Opera House) www.goh.co.uk

LIFESTYLEREVIEWS

Movies

Kill Your Darlings

Daniel Radcliffe, Elizabeth Olsen, Michael C Hall For dutiful son Allen Ginsberg Columbia University is Mecca—a portal to art, intellect, culture, and freedom—everything hometown Patterson, New Jersey is not. At Columbia, Allen finds stuffy tradition clashing with daringly modern ideas and attitudes— embodied by Lucien Carr. Lucien is an object of fascination for shy, unsophisticated Allen, and soon he is drawn into his harddrinking, reefer-smoking, jazz-clubbing circle of friends. A true story of friendship, love and murder, Kill your Darlings recounts the pivotal year that changed Allen Ginsberg’s life forever and provided the spark for him to start his creative revolution.

Frozen

Kristen Bell, Alan Tudyk, Idina Menzel Fearless optimist Anna sets off on an epic journey teaming up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Ian McKellan, Orlando Bloom The second in a trilogy of films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece by J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug continues the adventure of the title character Bilbo Baggins as he journeys with the Wizard Gandalf and thirteen Dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield on an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor.

Shelf Life Poets are eaten as a delicacy in Japan

by Tara West

When You Walked Back into My Life

by Hilary Boyd

Christmas at Rosie Hopkins’ Sweet Shop

The book opens as thirty-year-old Tommie Shaw is shown a newspaper report by her Dettol-huffing sister Georgie revealing that their estranged mother, Gloria, is set to expose the family’s sad and sordid. What follows is a hilarious and touching black comedy, as Tommie and Georgie’s panic spirals and they clamber to control Gloria, while dealing with the painful legacy of their childhood in an eccentric Irish commune. This is ultimately a story about facing fears and moving on.

For eight years Flora and Fin had an exciting, fun relationship, but when Flora wanted to settle down and have children, Fin decided he wanted to move on. Flora healed her broken heart and resigned herself to being alone, convincing herself that a quiet life is enough. Until Fin reappears. Back in her life once more, they pick up where they left off – his betrayal forgotten, or at least forgiven. But has Fin really changed? Can he give Flora the love that she’s given up searching for?

Rosie Hopkins is looking forward to Christmas in the Derbyshire village of Lipton, buried under a thick blanket of snow. Her sweetshop is festooned with striped Candy canes, large tempting piles of Turkish Delight, crinkling selection boxes and happy, sticky children. She’s going to be spending it with her boyfriend, Stephen, and her family, flying in from Australia. She can’t wait. But when a tragedy strikes at the heart of their little community, all of Rosie’s plans for the future seem to be blown apart. Can she build a life in Lipton? And is what’s best for the sweetshop also what’s best for Rosie?

by Jenny Colgan

LIFESTYLEREVIEWS

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues

Grace of Monaco

Nicole Kidman, Tim Roth, Frank Langella Follow the personal story of former Hollywood star Grace Kelly as a crisis of marriage and identity coincides with a dispute between Monaco’s Prince Rainier III and France’s Charles De Gaulle over tax laws and a looming French invasion in the early 1960s. Nicole Kidman stars in the titular role and Tim Roth is Prince Rainier III, supported by a cast that includes Frank Langella, Milo Ventimiglia and Parker Posey.

Tom Hanks, Emma Thompson, Colin Farrell Saving Mr Banks is the account of Walt Disney’s twenty-year pursuit of the film rights to P.L. Travers’ popular novel, Mary Poppins, and the testy partnership the upbeat filmmaker develops with the uptight author during the project’s pre-production in 1961. When Travers travels from London to Hollywood to finally discuss Disney’s desire to bring her beloved character to the motion picture screen Disney meets a prim, uncompromising septuagenarian not only suspect of the impresario’s concept for the film, but a woman struggling with her own past.

Ghost Moth

The Case of the Love Commandos

The Quarry

Northern Ireland, 1949 – Katherine must choose between George Bedford – solid, reliable, devoted George – and Tom McKinley, who makes her feel alive. The reverberations of that summer – of the passions that were spilled, the lies that were told and the bargains that were made – still clamour to be heard in 1969. Northern Ireland has become a tinderbox but tragedy also lurks closer to home. As Katherine and George struggle to save their marriage and silence the ghosts of the past, their family and city stand on the brink of collapse.

When Ram and Tulsi fall in love, the young woman’s parents are dead set against the union. She’s from a high-caste family; he’s an Untouchable, from the lowest strata of Indian society. Young Tulsi’s father locks her up and promises to hunt down the “loverboy dog.” Fortunately, India’s Love Commandos, a group of volunteers dedicated to helping mixed-caste couples, come to the rescue. But just after they liberate Tulsi, Ram is mysteriously snatched from his hiding place. The task of finding him falls to India’s “Most Private Investigator”. Vish Puri and his team must infiltrate Ram’s village and navigate the caste politics shaped by millennia-old prejudices.

Kit doesn’t know who his mother is. What he does know is that his father, Guy, is dying of cancer. Feeling his death is imminent, Guy gathers around him his oldest friends – or at least the friends with the most to lose by his death. Paul – the rising star in the Labour Party, Alison and Robbie, corporate bunnies whose relationship is daily more fractious; Pris and Haze, once an item, now estranged; and finally Hol – the only one who seemed to care. As the friends reunite for Guy’s last days, old jealousies, affairs and lies come to light as Kit watches on.

Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, Steve Carrell With the 70’s behind him, San Diego’s top rated newsman, Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell), returns to the news desk in “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues.” Also back for more are Ron’s co-anchor and wife, Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate), weather man Brick Tamland (Steve Carell), man on the street Brian Fantana (Paul Rudd) and sports guy Champ Kind (David Koechner). They won’t make it easy for Ron to ‘stay classy’ while taking the nation’s first 24-hour news channel by storm.

by Michèle Forbes

by Tarquin Hall

Saving Mr Banks

by Iain Banks

MOTORINGTESTDRIVE

Cross Roads

orthern Woman recently enjoyed a test weekend in Suzuki’s latest addition – a new crossover four wheel drive model. Built in Hungary, the SX4 S-Cross range starts at £14,000 for the SZ3 1.6-litre petrol model. The next-generation Allgrip four wheel drive technology is combined with the acclaimed handling of the Swift. There are four driver-selectable models – auto, sport, snow and lock. The snow mode is designed to give crucial traction and stability, perfect for tackling our Northern Irish winters. The car’s high stance means high ground clearance, helping you to get across deep snow and flooded areas. It is the latest of Suzuki’s world strategic models and the distinctive design offers ample room for passengers and luggage. It has a very roomy boot, with 430 litre capacity and up to 864mm loading length.The model also features the world’s first double sliding panoramic glass sunroof, which just adds to the roomy feel. Suzuki created the new SX4 S-Cross by combining its compact car know-how with technologies honed for sport utility vehicles. It focused on giving class leading space for passengers and luggage, next generation 4WD performance and one of the lowest carbon dioxide emissions in the segment meaning it achieves a remarkable combination of styling, utility, safety, performance and fuel economy. It offers great driving enjoyment and versatile family usage. Choose from eight stylish colours and three different seating materials, really making your car your own. Additional extras (depending on your chosen model) include a Sat Nav, an Auto Stop Start system (turning the engine off in traffic cutting down on unnecessary fuel consumption, emissions and engine noise) and a rear view parking camera. Book a test drive today at Stanley Motor Works Suzuki or Donnelly Bros Mallusk.

Win... a luxury midweek break for two in Tankardstown House, Slane

ankardstown is a fine Georgian country estate, restored with taste and flair, comprising a handsome main house and a luxuriously renovated stable block with a series of chic and comfortable courtyard suites. Elegant and graceful, Tankardstown is a truly special place to stay which has been named the ‘AA Ireland Guest Accommodation of the Year for 2013 / 2014’. Just over an hour from Belfast and an hour from Dublin, and set in 80 acres of tranquil parkland, it’s an idyllic location for leisure breaks, celebrations and special events. Whatever the occasion for your visit you can expect discreet, friendly service in a charmingly scenic location. A beautiful Garden Village has gradually developed at Tankardstown, beginning with the opening of The Cellar Restaurant and Bar area, followed soon after with the addition of the estate’s highly popular restaurant Brabazon, making it even more attractive for guests and locals alike. The Cellar and Brabazon are strongly influenced by what the owner, Trish Conroy herself likes to experience when she goes out to dine. The cosy Cellar offers a light casual menu and afternoon tea, whilst dining in Brabazon is slightly more formal affair with a menu based on locally sourced seasonal produce whenever possible, including vegetables and herbs from the Tankardstown walled Kitchen Garden. We are giving you the chance to win a two night midweek break for two in beautiful Tankardstown House with dinner in Brabazon restaurant on one evening. Enjoy the calm, elegant, tranquil glamour of a grand country estate equipped with the very finest modern comforts and luxuries. Tankardstown House, Slane, Co.Meath Tel: 041 98 24621 www.tankardstown.ie

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

What is the name of the restaurant? To enter, email: competitions@greerpublications.com with your answer plus your name, address and daytime number. Closing date: Friday 24th January 2014. Prize is for two people as detailed and no alternative will be offered.

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INTERVIEWALISONMILLAR

The Camera Never Lies Award winning producer/director Alison Millar talks to Margaret Connolly about her passion for truth telling and her successful film making career.

INTERVIEWALISONMILLAR

ailing from Cullybackey, 46 year old producer/director Alison Millar has been making films since graduating at the age of 21. ‘In 1989 I won a directing place at the National Film and Television School Beaconsfield in the Documentary Department and graduated from there in 1994. I actually started working in animation - the guy who made Wallace and Gromit was in the studio next door to me and I ended up presenting for a time on BBC children’s art programme ‘Hartbeat’ with Tony Hart and Morph of course! Presenting wasn’t what I wanted to do but it subsidised my film making at the time. ‘My first film was shown on Channel 4 in 1995. Titled ‘All that Glitters’, it was about wealthy dukes and duchesses who were forced to sell off their jewellery to make money. My next film, ‘Women with Balls’ in 1996 focused on the Harlequin ladies rugby team. In this same year I got to work with Mike Leigh on his award-winning film ‘Secrets & Lies’ and continued to make many network documentaries for BBC1, BBC2 and Channel 4 including ‘Love in Leeds, ‘Doctor Death’, ‘A Hard Day’s Fight’ and ‘Bullseye Belles’. ‘I have always liked exploring unusual subjects and bringing them to public attention. Over the years the desire to raise awareness and tell the truth about what is going on in the world through film has been my driving force and I’ve built up a reputation for projecting strong, emotional content.’ One such film that reflects Alison’s desire to expose the truth behind situations is 2007 feature length documentary ‘At Home With The Clearys’ which was based on a student film she started in 1992. ‘Clearys’ went on to win an Irish Film and Television Academy Award 2008 for Best Single Documentary and Best New director at the Celtic Film and Television Film Festival 2008. ‘I first met Michael Cleary at an Irish cabaret show in Kilburn in 1991. I ended up moving into the house of this singing priest to film him, his housekeeper Phyllis and her son Ross. At the time it didn’t occur to me that Ross was his son and Phyllis his lover and that I had all of this footage of a hidden, secret family and the start of an incredible story, one which I’m glad I got to tell.’ Alison found herself back in the world of the Irish church when she filmed ‘This World: The Shame of the Catholic Church’, which won the BAFTA in the category of Television/Current Affairs in 2013 for its powerful, emotive truth telling. ‘Darragh McIntyre, one of the nicest, most incredible men that I know, approached me to make a film on the abuse within the Catholic Church. I went with him to

Donegal to meet these men who had been abused as boys by Father Eugene Greene and hearing their stories and how they had been let down by an institution that should have been protecting them - I just had to tell their story and help them to tell the truth and get some kind of justice for their suffering. The BAFTA win was a complete shock because we all thought that it would be ‘The Other Side of Jimmy Saville’ that would win. When our win was announced I couldn’t even get out of my seat I was so stunned. It was such an honour to have won.’ On the night Alison was suitably attired in a gorgeous dress designed by Geraldine Connon, who designed her wedding dress back in 1994. ‘A friend of mine in London had her dress designed and made by Geraldine and recommended her to me. I had only two weeks to get a dress and unperturbed Geraldine made it for me. Now a firm friend, when it came to getting a dress for the BAFTAs Geraldine was my only choice. I felt wonderful and my make-up for the night was done by another friend Christine Blundell - a make-up artist who works with the likes of Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp etc, I got more than a few complements, especially from Darragh and the rest of the team who are more used to seeing me in jeans and wellies standing in a bog!’ While going to the BAFTAs in a designer dress with movie star make-up sounds great, as Alison quickly points out moments like this are few and far between, and certainly not what should draw anyone into the world of TV production/directing. ‘My latest film with Darragh McIntyre which aired recently on 4th November and focused on the ‘Disappeared‘ was 12 months in the making and for the last 15 weeks

of production I was working silly hours seven days a week. My husband and kids didn’t see me. This is the norm. My work is rewarding, but the hours are long and unpredictable. Without the support of my husband Paul I’d be lost, he’s amazing.’ Alison’s husband, Paul Howard is a children’s illustrator and author and holds the fort looking after their three children, Sam, 15; James, 12 and Beatrice, 10. ‘I don’t have a good work/life balance, and I don’t think it’s likely that I’ll ever get it in my line of work. It’s a very male orientated industry and I do feel the pressure to prove myself as a working mother. I wish that there was a stronger network for women and greater support for our achievements - people are too eager to belittle women and working mums in particular. I actually employ a number of women in my own company Erica Starling Productions and we all work hard and juggle our kids without compromising our work. ‘Like all working mums it kills me to be away from my family, having to work long hours and living like ships in the night. I get little notes from the kids saying they’re missing me, but I have to be committed to the film I’m working on and then once it’s over they’ll have me back.’ ‘To be honest when I’ve finished a project I’ll start reorganising the house and clearing clutter that has built up while I’ve been otherwise occupied. The kids will be shouted at to tidy their rooms and I’ll be looking to redecorate the living room, so after a few days they’re all wishing I was busy again!’ So what’s next? ‘I’ve worked on a lot of serious stuff lately dealing with death, murder and sadness, so it would be nice to do something funny.’

WEDDINGALBUM

Northern Woman Congratulates… Rebecca O'Neill and Andrew Frazer enjoyed an intimate wedding in front of their close family, in the beautiful Italian town of Volterra in Tuscany, then hopped on a train to the Amalfi coast for their honeymoon.

e met when we were working at Queens. We were both on a week long training course in Cheltenham. It started on Sunday and by Wednesday I was smitten! Whilst we were there we realised we had done our PhD’s in the same building, had a few mutual friends and had loads in common. After the course was over we bumped into each other (accidentally on purpose) when we were back in Belfast. After a couple of weeks we were a couple, and after a couple of years he proposed! Andrew proposed in our kitchen the day Ulster lost in the Heineken cup final in May 2012. It came as a bit of a shock, as I didn’t have a clue he was planning it so I initially thought he was joking! As he knew I loved vintage stuff he had chosen an antique gold ring, with rubies and pearls in it. I hadn’t known, but he had been in cahoots with my sister Sara when choosing the ring. We decided to get married in late summer 2013. Neither of us liked the idea of a

big wedding, and wanted to get married abroad. Initially we thought it would be just the two of us but during a visit home we realised it meant a lot to us (and our family) to have close family there. We wanted a really laid back, small wedding, with good food and wine, so Italy seemed like the perfect option. I love the romance associated with Italy and thought it would be perfect. We decided on Tuscany as it was easily accessible from Ireland. I contacted a lovely lady called Annie from Tuscan Tours, who organises the legalities of Italian weddings. I wanted to get married in a typical Italian small town and she recommended Volterra. The Town Hall was so beautiful and ornate, quite unlike registry offices I had seen in the UK. Annie organised the legalities of the wedding, as well as translating the ceremony. She also told us plenty of Italian traditions, such as using dried lavender instead of confetti, and eating sugared almonds for luck! It was a

really nice touch. Everything just fell into place when we arrived. I had always wanted a bouquet of sunflowers, and had never known sunflowers are the regional flower of Tuscany - they were everywhere! I got a gorgeous bouquet from Alice in Il Bouquest Volterra. We also rented a lovely apartment just outside the town of Volterra, and when I got chatting to the owner she mentioned her dad owned a patissiere, Dolceria del Corso, and could make our wedding cake and host a drinks reception immediately after the ceremony! I can honestly say it was the best cake I ever had, washed down with plenty of prosecco! The ceremony itself was lovely - it was held at 5pm in Volterra town hall. I got ready in a nearby hotel and walked to the town hall with my mum. It seemed the whole town was wishing me well on the walk with lots of smiles and warm wishes. As I walked up the stairs to the room the town hall bells were ringing which was

WEDDINGALBUM really nice. The ceremony was translated from Italian by Annie, and the officiant presented Andrew and I with a plate, made of alabaster, with the town hall engraved in it. For the actual wedding dinner we didn’t really want a formal sit-down meal, we wanted it to be more fun; less fancy! We came across a jazz bar with a wonderful view called Caffe dei Fornelli. The bar was so cute and as we walked in they were playing Dire Straits (one of my favourite bands). I got chatting to the owner, who brews his own beer as well as cooking the food, and fell in love with the place. Our wedding was on the Friday, which coincided with a Flamenco night and Spanish buffet at the jazz bar, so I was sold! On the night of the wedding the flamenco dancer told me it was traditional to dedicate the first dance to the bride, so she sang me a song and danced. It was a bit surreal, but so memorable! On the night of the wedding the bar was full of locals, everyone was so friendly and congratulated us all night, as the grappa flowed! We were saving for the wedding and a house deposit at the same time which meant

the wedding was on a bit of a budget but it also made it a bit more fun as I had to hunt for bargains. I’ve always loved fiftiesstyle vintage clothes, so I chose a Vivien of Hollway dress with two petticoats underneath. I felt so glamorous!. It was also a complete bargain at £120. It's a tea length dress with a halter neck; so ideal for a fairly casual wedding - I think I would have felt a bit self conscious in a full length gown. I got beautiful clip-on earrings at a market stall in Manchester and found the perfect little vintage handbag on ebay. I wore my greatgranny’s pearls as my something borrowed and my granny’s ring as my something old, so the wedding had a bit of a vintage feel to it. My sister works as a stylist so she was really helpful, and made sure I stayed on track style-wise (as a chemical engineer style has never been my strong point). She recommended I go for a burnished gold belt with complementary shoes - I got the shoes in Bishops in Coleraine, and picked up a narrow gold belt in a local Oxfam. The vintage look really suited the location - Volterra is, apparently, the oldest town in Italy! My mum had picked up a bird

cage veil at the Hope and Gloria Emporium in Coleraine, and even though she hadn’t actually seen the dress, they matched perfectly. I got my wedding ring in an antique market in Bury, (for only £40). I loved it as soon as I saw it. It has two little gold bands intertwined. Andrew bought his in Beaverbrook, it's brushed titanium. My hair and make-up had to be easy styles I could do myself as I didn’t have time for hair and make up trials when I arrived in Italy. I went for 40s waves (Rita Hayworth style) and red lippy with eyeliner flicks. My sister works with a lot of make up artists, so she gave me a bit of a help, and my aunt Jackie is a hairdresser and talked me through how to achieve the curls. At my hen do my friends had hired a vintage hair and make up artist, so I got a few tips from her too. The groom wore a tailormade suit that we picked up in Thailand, and a little rose buttonhole. We had no groomsmen or bridesmaids, but all the guests looked beautiful. The vintage feel to the wedding followed through with the music - ‘At Last’ by Etta James was playing as I walked into the town hall, and we had ‘Bella Notte’ as we left (from Lady and the Tramp). My sister took the wedding photos - it was great to have someone we felt comfortable with take the pictures and we are delighted that the photos are so representative of us casual in style, with a sense of humour. We got a train to the Amalfi Coast for our honeymoon and hired a villa in between Positano and Sorrento, right on the coast. Amazing!

ONELASTTHING “We decided at the outset that we wanted to help young people and women. One pound a day is less than the cost of a cup of coffee but when you see what we’ve achieved and the number of people we’ve been able to help this way, it’s just an indescribably great feeling,” she said. Among the projects they have helped to fund are: £250 towards a taxi fund for Women’s Aid Hostels; £500 towards sending young people from Belfast to volunteer for a project in the Bronx; £750 towards funding a tag rugby club for young people with Down’s Syndrome; £350 towards beauty training for a young woman recently orphaned; £500 towards the costs of a project on nutrition for young single mothers. “Giving circles are predominantly female. I think it’s our ability to work as a team to get things done,” she adds. “I hope that in the new year more women in Northern Ireland will form their own giving circles – there’s no limit to what we can do together!”

Sandara and friends from Giving Northern Ireland.

Giving isn’t just for Christmas In this issue we talk philanthropy with Sandara Kelso-Robb.

hristmas has traditionally been a time for charity as people dig deep in their pockets to give to good causes but for Sandara Kelso-Robb philanthropy is a 365-day-a-year personal mission. Not only does she work as Executive Director of the Lloyds TSB Foundation for Northern Ireland, which funds thousands of charities and community groups to the tune of £1.8 million annually and she has just been made an Ambassador to the Diana Awards, which assists young people across the UK. She’s also strategic advisor to Giving Northern Ireland, a new body set up to encourage philanthropy. “Our aim at Giving Northern Ireland is to get people to be more strategic in their giving. Northern Ireland is one of the most generous regions in the UK – we always punch above our weight. You don’t need to be a millionaire to be a philanthropist. All of us who give, even the smallest amount of the time, skills or cash, are philanthropists. We can make a difference to people’s lives,” she says.

“I come from a working class family that didn’t have a lot of money but always gave generously. There was a sense of looking out for each other and helping those around you,” she says. She’s been driven to give to charity since she was a child but one of her proudest achievements was being a founder member of Northern Ireland’s first giving circle, a group of people who pool their money to support selected charitable activity. “I’d been lucky enough to be awarded a bursary to do a master’s degree in Executive Leadership at University of Ulster. We spent a week in Boston looking at the infrastructure of philanthropy in the US. But funnily enough, it was over a drink in the bar after a long day that we decided to set up a giving circle when we got home,” she recalls. That was six years ago and the group now has 27 female members who each contribute £1 per day – which has now amounted to nearly £40,000.

Setting up a Giving Circle Giving circles can vary in size and structure but to set up a circle like Sandara’s, here are some tips and simple steps to get you started: 1. Bring your group together for a first meeting. There’s no specific size that a group has to be so you can start small and add members. 2. Decide how often and where you will meet. There can be a social/networking aspect to your group if you wish. 3. How much will each member contribute? Sandara’s group gives £1 per day (£30 per month). 4. Members can either donate at the time of making a grant award or the group can open a bank account and donations are then paid in by direct debit. 5. Write a mission statement – this doesn’t have to be detailed but can be an aim for the group – who they want to help, how you decide who to help and how frequently. Sandara’s group meets quarterly and each member can bring forward suggestions for giving for the group to vote on. 6. Make your grant awards to recipients. This is the most rewarding aspect of the circle as you can see exactly who is receiving your donation and what difference it makes to an individual, community or charity.

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