Northern Woman - May 2014 by Northern Woman

NORTHERN WOMAN

How far would you go for the

perfect look?

£2.50/€3.95

MAY 2014

M AY 2 0 1 4 - B I G S / S ’ 1 4 F A S H I O N I S S U E

S/S‘14 Fashion Issue battisti

hairdressing 255 Lisburn Road, Belfast VOLUME 30

ISSN 1361-2735

NUMBER 3

9 771361 273013

STYLE ❤ HEALTH ❤ BEAUTY ❤ LIFESTYLE ❤ COMPETITIONS

Mezzanine floor at peel, moschino cheap & chic and philosophy

peel

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

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www.peelfashionstore.com

Contents MAY 2014

STYLE

12 Rise to the Occasion

NW helps you choose what to wear for that special occasion

17 Jewelled Necklaces

Make a style statement with these necklaces

26 City Style NW puts together a capsule wardrobe to see you through your holiday in style 42 Boutique Shopping

In our new section profiling NI’s top boutiques, we visit Katriona in Banbridge

HEALTH & BEAUTY

52 How far would you go for the perfect look? NW investigates why cosmetic surgery is on the rise across the UK

54 Family Matters

Caroline Perry investigates our ageing society and its impact on family life

78 She’s got a ticket to ride We talk to multiple World Champion and Olympic cycling medallist Wendy Houvenaghel 80 Living Below the Line Could you survive on £5 for five days for all your food and drink? TRAVEL

86 Hidden Venice: escaping the tourist trap Venice is full of visitors every year but we bring you some of the city’s gems REGULARS We bring you the latest motoring news, including the Alfa Romeo Giulietta

60 Cream of the Crop

98 A day in the life… Leisa Stafford gives NW an insight into her life as an award-winning hairdresser

Mix up your hair this spring - NW looks at the popular pixie cut and going darker

COMPETITION

66 Win… Bedeck Henley Bed Linen

Features

4 A Good Reid

94 Motoring

59 V for Victory

Top model Gayle Williamson talks to NW about her new healthy lifestyle

Mags Connolly catches up with local author Rebecca Reid

68 Win… 2 night’s mid-week B&B for 2, dinner and a spa treatment each with Johnstown House Hotel and Spa

33 Working 9-5 This issue we talk to entrepreneurial mum Karen Daly and look at summer styles for the office

74 Win… a Morphy Richards Steam Mop

with Menarys

86 PUBLISHER: Gladys Greer advertising & promotion: Eileen Wilson CONTRIBUTORS: Mags Connolly, Katie Wilson 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 EVELIN BRANDT

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

INTERVIEWREBECCAREID

A Good

REID

This issue Mags Connolly catches up with local author Rebecca Reid as she looks forward to seeing her first published work on bookshop shelves at the end of April.

INTERVIEWREBECCAREID

’ve known Rebecca Reid for many years and back in the day, the pair of us wrote a column alternatively for the Bangor Spectator on lifestyle issues. Rebecca was only 16 at the time, but had a maturity and love of writing which culminated in a column that addressed issues affecting teenagers as well as fashion, beauty and film. Now, thirteen years on, Rebecca’s love and passion for writing is still as strong as ever and this led her to self-publish her first novel, The Coop, the first part of the Thickets Wood Trilogy back in 2013 and now all of her hard work and determination has paid off and at the end of April her first published work, Thickets Wood, will go on sale in bookstores throughout the UK and Ireland. As Rebecca explains, ‘When I first started writing, if you self-published your work, no matter how good, it would be discredited if and when you got a publisher, but this has now changed and all works, even selfpublished titles are accepted, therefore I took the plunge and went the self-published route with my first book, The Coop. I was all set to self-publish my second book from the Trilogy and literally had the e-book ready to upload to Amazon when I got word from my agent that Liberties Press wanted to publish the title. ‘You don’t need to have read The Coop to enjoy Thickets Wood. All of the books in the Trilogy can be read independently of one another, however, you might find that you get more out of it by reading all three. ‘The seeds for the Thickets Wood Trilogy were actually sewn during my creative writing module which was part of my English degree from Queen’s University. I’ve been writing stories and poems since the age of 14 and I’ve always enjoyed exploring that darker side of life, which is a surprise to people that know me. ‘In Thickets Wood Thatchbury is a village much like any other, yet beneath the surface flows a stream of angst and superstition. It’s definitely a page turner and everything is not always as it seems! People who know me are surprised that I have fallen into psychological fiction, and while never say never, I don’t think I’ll ever find myself penning a chick-lit novel.’ ‘When I self-published The Coop last year, I knew there was only one person who could come up with the cover art, so I turned to local artist Neil Shawcross. I baked him some brownies and called in to see him for a chat. This was a new venture for him too, but he agreed to read the manuscript and what he came up with was all I hoped it would be. ‘Neil won’t be doing the cover for this second work because it is actually dictated

by the retailers and they tend to stick to a proven formula. However, as an artist who I’ve always admired and to retain the link from The Coop Neil has kindly agreed to provide the cover art for one hundred limited edition hardback copies of Thickets Wood ‘My work is very visual and translates well to film too. I have written the screenplay for The Coop and I am now working on Thickets Wood. While I did quite a bit of resequencing of The Coop for its half hour screenplay which I am working on with a local short film company, Thickets Wood literally reads as it would be seen on screen, so I haven’t had as much rearranging with it. ‘I’m aiming to get the screenplay finished before the book promotion kicks off at the end of April. I will then embark on literary tours throughout Ireland and other PR opportunities that may arise. During this time writing will be on the back burner and then I plan to have the summer months at home with the kids and will start to get the cogs turning on my next book in September when they are back at school and I can once again structure my day to allow me time for writing.

With three young children, Molly (6), Mathilda (3) and Cherry (2) Rebecca has to be regimented with her writing time. ‘I set aside time when the children are at school or with their childminder. I have three mornings a week when I sit and write. I don’t like to be away from the book I am writing for too long, so I have to use the time I have wisely. People who know me will know when I have been writing because it takes me an hour or two to come back out of the place I’ve been in for the book, I get so wrapped up in the characters and what is going on. It’s a bit like meditating! ‘I’m looking forward to taking a break from writing for a short time while I promote Thickets Wood. I’ve been very lucky from the beginning of my journey and I’ve had a lot of support from Irish press. Obviously, because I took the decision to self-publish, the promotion of The Coop fell completely on my shoulders. This time around while I still have to invest my all into it again this time round, it’s nice to have the backing of Liberties Press and all of their help and advice. ‘It’s a very exciting time for me and I’m looking forward to what the future brings.’

SOCIALPRÊT-À-PARTY

BELFAST FASHIONWEEK

ashionistas everywhere enjoyed the main catwalk events of Belfast FashionWeek. Shown in the beautiful surroundings of the Ulster Museum, local designers and independent boutiques kicked things off with spring/summer looks from the high street continuing the following day.

11 7 1. Lucy Allen 2. Mammy Kufor 3. Lynsey Redpath 4. Alison Paul 5. Stevey Lennox and Paddy McGurgan 6. Vuitton Deimante and Reda Inokaitiene 7. Lorraine Kennedy 8. Scilla Balzarini 9. Emma Zacharopoulou 10. Sarah Shackleton 11. Aislinn Hagan 12. Laura Best 13. Briege McManus

9 10

LIFESTYLE&FASHIONNEWS Footwear has never been so fun with Ruby Shoo. Full of quirky, colourful and fun designs, make sure your feet are kitted out in style this summer. Local stockists include Panache, Donaghys Shoes, Bishops of Coleraine and Fred Funk, Ballymena.

Luke Lovely, the fashionforward, exciting and contemporary Irish brand, is now available at Rebecca Jane boutique in Crossgar. Peel Fashion Store is delighted to welcome the arrival of Marccain at The Loft Bloomfield Avenue. With an elegant New York Loft feel, customers can enjoy a ‘One Stop’ experience with around eighteen collections under one roof.

Fashion & Lifestyle News

CFC Interiors’ flagship Cookstown store has undergone a massive renovation. To celebrate the stunning new shop front and extended outdoor department, big discounts are being offered for three weeks after the opening in April!

The Ramada Plaza, Shaw's Bridge, Belfast recently unveiled their new Lagan View Suite. Situated in a separate building in the hotel grounds, its luxury design, two function halls and a private garden makes this the go-to venue for any of your event needs.

Beaufort Interiors the Domus by Duresta furniture collection. Classic and contemporary, Domus is full of stylish sofas and chairs that would look good in any home.

Menarys have introduced bedding and bath brand Bedeck into their stores this spring. The product range includes designer duvet covers with matching pillowcases, cushions, throws and curtains as well as a wide range of bath accessories.

FASHIONOCCASIONALDRESSING

Rise to the

Occasion Y

ou’ve been invited to a special event and now you’re wondering what to wear! Will you opt for an off-the-peg outfit from the high street and worry that someone else will be wearing the same thing? Well, as long as you bring your own style to your chosen outfit, you will be styled differently to anyone else in the same outfit. However, to reduce the risk of this potentially embarrassing fashion faux-pas you could place your trust in one of NI’s fantastic boutiques. Many carry exclusive labels and have limited stock of occasional outfits. Plus, boutiques boast a greater degree of customer service and many will make a note of who has purchased occasional pieces and where they plan to wear them, thus enabling them to advise of any potential clashes beforehand! For those of you who wish to wear a one-off, bespoke design then enlist the services of any one of NI’s local fashion designers. Should you choose to go this route, Una Rodden advises that you leave plenty of time for your design to be made and that you know that you will have time to go for necessary fittings. ‘If someone is looking for one of my signature dresses this can be made within a week if necessary, but other pieces can take longer depending on the design,’ comments Una. ‘As for cost, while my signature occasional dresses come in at around £300 to £400, no more really than those on the high street, other pieces can cost more than this, but then even an off-the-peg occasional outfit can cost in excess of £1,000. If you are paying this amount of money it’s certainly worth approaching a designer for a bespoke, perfect fit that absolutely no one else will be wearing to the event you are attending.’

Natural and Balck Coat Dress, £210, Aria

FASHIONOCCASIONALDRESSING

A Degree of Style 20s

If you have a graduation to attend this summer opt for smart, tailored pieces and keep jewellery to a minimum. Brooke Coat, £279; Brooke Dress, £169; Bria Slingback, £149, all Hobbs

Metallic and Lemon Clutch, £25, Limited Edition @ M&S

Effervescence Star Bracelet, £110, Links of London

Lemon with White Ornate Heel, £29.50, Limited Edition @ M&S

Asymetrical Colourblock Shift Dress, £48, asos.com

30s

Dress and Jacket from a selection by Gold

Black Point Heel, £99, Autograph @ M&S

Delia Jacket, £215, Fran & Jane

Delia Dress, £235, Fran & Jane

Black Clutch from a selection @ Zara

40s M&S Collection Bag, £29.50, M&S

Lichen Jacquard Floral Embroidery Dress, £245, now £95, LK Bennett @ The Outlet, Banbridge

Brooke Coat, £279, Hobbs

Open Side Court Shoe, £30, Savida @ Dunnes

Esha Jacket, £69; Anise Dress, £149 and Amelia Shoe, £55, all Monsoon

Check Lace Dress, £90; Weave Box Clutch, £24, Ankle Strap Points, £35, all Next

FASHIONOCCASIONALDRESSING

Summer Celebrations 20s

Whether a garden party, a christening or any other smart event you are lucky enough to attend this summer here are some smart, stylish solutions.

Dress, £105, Betty Barclay

Metallic Top, £49.50, Autograph @ M&S

Katy Wedding Statement Necklace, £25, Accessorize

Floral Trousers, £45, Autograph @ M&S

Collection Shoe, £19.50, M&S Cross Body Bag from a selection @ Zara

Black and Cream Lace Dress, £135, Mary Portas; Metallic and Pink Box Clutch, £55, Untold, both House of Fraser

30s

Collection Floral Print Clutch, £29.50, M&S

Heeled Sandal with Tie Detail, £45, River Island

Lace and Crepe Dress, £199, Jaeger Mayan Crystal Mint Statement Earrings, £87, Martine Wester

Pink and Cream Bustle Dress, £150, Ariana

40s Leather Jacket, £359.90 & Dress, £189.90, Christina Gavioli @ Evelin Brandt

Lazer Cut Cuff, £3, Primark

Blockies Clutch, £69, Dune

Bellini Court Shoe, £79, Dune Dress with Embellished Neckline, £365, Marc Cain

FASHIONOCCASIONALDRESSING

Wedding Belles 20s

As a guest, make sure you look the part without upstaging the bride this summer. Opt for a stylish dress, add some seasonal colour and stylish accessories. Christina Gavioli Printed Dress, £149.90, Evelin Brandt Bracelet, £15, Floozie By Frostfrench @ Debenhams

Cropped Jacket with Zips, £89.99, Zara Tri-Colour Court, £69.99, Zara Black Maxi Dress, £114.95, Mexx

30s

Maxi Dress, £230, Vera Mont Monica Statement Necklace, £17, Accessorize

Pink Pochette, £39, Pied a Terre @ House of Fraser Christa Dress, £89, Per Una Speciale @ M&S Strappy Sandal, £40, River Island

40s Mayan White Bracelet, £30, Martine Wester Floral Dress, £80, Betty Barclay

M&S Col

50s Swing Dress, £159, Almost Famous

Heavy Gem Ziptop Clutch, £32, Accessorize

Humming Jewelled Sandal, £85, Dune

Blue Dress, £169, Damsel in a Dress @ House of Fraser, Belfast

FASHIONACCESSORIES

In the Detail

Black Framed Cat Eye Sunglasses, £9.50, M&S

Brown and Gold Sunglasses, £185, Miu Miu

This Spring/Summer add a bit of fashion flair with these cool accessories.

‘Grace' Sunglasses, £240, Tom Ford

Pink Pleated Scarf, £26, Paul Costelloe Living @ Dunnes

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Brushstroke Scarf, £60, Jaeger

Pink Sunglasses, £173, Dolce and Gabbana

Miranda Kerr Jessica Kitten Sunglasses, £14, Accessorize

Multi-coloured Scarf, £31.90, Sandwich @ Evelin Brandt

Kylie Minogue

Nude Framed Sunglasses, £168, Chloe

Cat Eye Sunglasses, £17.50, Next

Green Tie-Dye Scarf, £20, Yaya

Jennifer Anniston Sportluxe White Sunglasses, £10, F&F @ Tesco

Panama Hat, £18, Next

Africa Paper Braid Trilby, £19, Accessorize

Panama Hat, £15, Accessorize

Basic Trilby, £5, Primark

FASHIONNECKLACES

Jewelled Necklines

Kate Middleton

Statement necklaces get their name for obvious reasons - they make a style statement! They are bold, beautiful and demand attention. Worn with a collared shirt, a strapless dress or layered with other necklaces, make sure you invest in one of these pieces this summer. Anna Wintour

Michelle Obama

Rio Ultimate Statement Necklace, £22, Accessorize

Olivia Palermo

Multicolour Necklace, £29.99, Zara

Hermatite Arrowhead Collar Necklace, £124, Merle O'Grady

Coral & Diamanté Necklace, £25, Lipsy

Multi-Jewelled Necklace, £18, River Isalnd

Rio Carnival Statement Necklace, £225, Martine Wester

Flower Gem Necklace, £4, Primark

Limited Edition Necklace, £19.50, M&S

Coloured Bib Necklace, £17, Yaya

This page: Compania Fantastica Dress, £43.95, Rebecca Jane, Crossgar; Kate Cooper Kimona, £128.99, Dietrich, Holywood; Sports Socks, stylists own; Pink/Purple Bracelets, stylists own; Blue ICE Watch, £75; Neon Bracelets, £25 each; Yellow Cuff, was £25, now £5, all from Argento. Opposite: Blue Lace Trousers, £239 and Jacket, £239, both Marc Cain @ Peel, Bloomfield Avenue; White Shirt and Shoes, stylists own; ICE Watch, £75; Necklace, £15; Bracelet, was £25, now £5, all from Argento.

Neon Jungle Bright neon and full-on fluorescent colours are everywhere this spring. Whether you go head-to-toe for impact or give a nod to the trend with one-off pieces and accessories, it's time to get colourful. Striking make-up and a stand-out hairstyle will really finish off the look.

This page: Marc Cain Dress, £239 and Marc Cain Kimono Jacket, £239, both @ Peel; Blue ICE Watch, £75; Bracelets, £25, both from Argento; Bow Tie Necklace, stylists own. Opposite: Moschino Peace Dress, £249, Peel; Butterfly Bracelets, stylists own; Bracelet, was £25, now £5, Argento

This page: Geometric Blouse, £45, Cuba, Dungannon, Cookstown and Omagh; Neon Jacket, £99.95, Saretta, Moy; Armmadura Necklace, £19.50, Rebecca Jane; Moschino Cheap and Chic Coral Trousers, £258, Peel; Trainers, stylists own. Opposite: LK Bennett Blouse, was £155, now £45 and Skirt, was £175, now £55, from The Outlet; Bali Clutch, £69.95, Rebecca Jane; Gold Cuff, stylists own.

Silk Sports Luxe Top, £40, Mexx; Compania Fantastica Skirt, £35.95, Rebecca Jane; Mint Green Cuff, stylists own

Stylist: Cathy Martin assisted by Penny Gracey and Scott Wilson, CMPR 028 9032 4437 Make Up: Paddy McGurgan @ Make-up Pro Store 028 9043 4007 Hair: Ciaran Green @ Toni & Guy 028 9068 2323 Photography: Khara Pringle 0797 9218456 Model: Helen Sugan @ CMPR Models

SOCIALPRÊT-À-PARTY

Kildare welcome fashion blogger to village

ildare Village recently welcomed international fashion blogger, Susie Bubble, to the Village to celebrate the ‘Chic Goes Wild!’ Spring campaign. Fresh from attending fashion week shows across the globe, Susie is famed for her influential fashion blog, StyleBubble. co.uk, as well as her quirky and colourful style. Guests enjoyed a delicious breakfast of fruit shots, delicious granola and fruit skewers while Susie spoke of Spring 2014 trends, and showcased her picks from the Kildare Village boutiques including Louise Kennedy and LK Bennett.

1 1. Susie Bubble at Kildare Village 2. Annouska Proetta Brandon 3. Courtney Smith 4. Aileen Cummins and Heidi O’Sullivan 5. Ingrid Hoey

5 NW

FASHIONCITYBREAK

City Style

Heading off on a city break and wondering what to pack? Here we've put together a capsule wardrobe of 18 pieces to see you through your holiday in style...

Wrap Dress, £35, Principles by Ben de Lisi @Debenhams

Hat, £17.99, Zara Best of British T-Shirt, £25, M&S

A backpack is practical for travelling and this season's must-have day bag.

Striped Jersey Skirt, £9.99, Zara Amazona Topaz Collar Necklace, £108, Martine Wester

Slouchy PU Rucksack, £35, Accessorize

Pack a statement necklace to bling up your day to night look.

Bikini Top, £24 and Brief, £18, Principles by Ben de Lisi @ Debenhams

‘Jasyz' Sandal, £49, Dune Tie-Dye Tunic Dress, £91.90, Sandwich @ Evelin Brandt

FASHIONCITYBREAK Pack an over-sized scarf - it has so many uses from accessory to sarong! Jeans, £75, Yaya

T-Shirt, £22, Next

Flower Print Scarf, £31.90, Sandwich @ Evelin Brandt

Animal Maxi Dress, £16, F&F @ Tesco

Denim Jacket, £50, Yaya

‘Lampo' Loafer, £75, Bertie @ House of Fraser

A cropped denim jacket is a lightweight, on-trend cover-up. A zip pouch is perfect for storing everyday essentials and can also be used as an evening clutch.

Fine Plaited Bangle Pack, £15 @ Accessorize

Jennifer Zip Pouch, £45, Jaeger

Silk Sweatshirt, £42, Yaya

FASHIONPLEATS

Pleats be with you There's nothing like a pleat to add lightness and energy to a skirt and it has been reinvigorated for S/S14 with many designers showcasing pleats within their collections. Elegant, timeless, and feminine, pleats are suitable for day or night. Pleated Maxi Skirt, £89.90 and Embellished Blouse, £149.90, Cristina Gavioli @ Evelin Brandt

Pleats on the street!

Asymmetric Two-tone Pleated Skirt, £39.99, Zara

Metallic Pleat Midi Skirt, £35, Limited Edition @ M&S

lic pleat! MYouu'llstbe-hticakivnge: twA omS/etalS1of4 trmenetdallics e here. Lots boxes in on through for AW14 too, g in m co e d! ar a step ahea so you'll be

Proenza Schouler S/S14 Pink Maxi Skirt, £99, Gerry Weber

Marc Cain S/S14

Pleated Maxi Skirt, £30, River Island Striped Pleated Skirt, £29.99, Zara

We love leather pleats Dior S/S14

Floral Pleated Skirt, £45, Betty Jackson Black @ Debenhams

PLEATED POINTERS Don’t be afraid to try pleats. Here are a few points to note... • It’s dry cleaning all the way! It’s nearly impossible to iron pleats back in, and let’s face it, who wants to even bother wasting their time trying it? • For the petite, pleats are super-flattering and a wider pleat will be even more forgiving. If you are wider around the waist look for a wide waist band or for pleats that start low on the hips, these are much more flattering. • Add a biker jacket for cool, a chunky cable knit jumper for juxtaposition and a blazer plus cami for the office.

FASHIONT-SHIRTS

TOP TEES

Melissa Tee Top, £69, Mint Velvet

Monochrome Tee, £145, Marc Cain

As temperatures rise so do your sleeves! Slogan and printed T-shirts are big news this season. Nowadays, T-shirts have way more mileage than being your go-to casual weekend wear. Use them as part of a chic layering ensemble or dress them up with a cute skirt and belt. The possibilities are practically endless.

Scallop Yoke T-Shirt, £40, Jaeger

Flower Graphic Tee, £8, Asda

Olivia Palermo wears her striped T-shirt under a smart tux jacket and keeps her look fresh with city shorts.

Placement Tee, £17.50, Limited Edition @ M&S

Safari Themed Tee, £22, River Island

Rose Print T-Shirt, £12, Matalan Cardigan, £105; Top, £40; Jeans, £105, all Betty Barclay Grey Los Angeles Flower Detail Tee, £14, New Look

T-Shirt Single Jersey, £52.90, Sandwich @ Evelin Brandt

Kate Moss layers her Zoe Karssen T-shirt under an Equipment Shirt

Wonder Woman Tee, £18, Red Herring @ Debenhams

LADIES FASHION & ACCESSORIES

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

26 Downpatrick Street, Crossgar, County Down. Northern Ireland. BT30 9EA. Tel: 028 44832921 Look us up on facebook

Image courtesy of Cristina Gavioli @ Evelin Brandt, Belfast

WORKINGWOMAN

Working 9-5 This issue we talk to entrepreneurial mum, Karen Daly about the success and expansion of her Slender Choice food business; there are four summer styles for the office to ensure you look your best at all times; we take a closer look at the working wardrobes of two famous businesswomen and bring you lots of top tips in our news section.

WORKINGWOMAN

Food for Thought Margaret Connolly talks to Karen Daly about the growth and success of the Slender Choice brand.

outh Armagh couple, Karen and Frank Daly have recently signed a deal with the Henderson Group to have their range of healthy, locally-sourced ready meals stocked in 76 of their convenience stores across Northern Ireland. Their Slender Choice products will now be stocked in its company-owned Spar, Eurospar, Vivo and Vivoxtra stores. Slender Choice has already proved popular in the south of Ireland where it can be purchased in Costcutter, Tesco, Dunnes, Superquinn and SuperValu stores, but this is the first time it will be available in store in Northern Ireland, exclusively via the Henderson Group. ‘It’s really exciting for us to see Slender Choice on shelves throughout Northern Ireland,’ comments Karen. ‘We have signed a deal with Henderson's that will see our nine core products stocked exclusively for six months throughout a number of their convenience stores.’ These nine core products include ‘Cheeky Chicken Curry’, ‘Hearty Beef Stew’, ‘Cosy Cottage Pie’ and packs of pork with leek and black pepper sausages as well as Irish beef burgers. As Karen explains, ‘My own weight battle and experience of the healthy food sector in Ireland led me to identify a gap for healthy, convenient, readymade meals. In 2008 I had lost four stone after the birth of my son Aaron. I turned to Slimming World to help me achieve this and went on to work at management level for the company. ‘It was when I was six months pregnant with my son Jamie, in 2010 that I embarked on Slender Choice with the full support of my husband, Frank, who, after months of research into the healthy convenience food sector decided to give up his full-time job too and commit one hundred percent to growing and developing our own business. ‘With no income, a business to grow and develop, plus two small children to look after all in the middle of a recession, believe me there have been some very difficult times. However, Frank and I have always had lots of support from family and friends as well as complete faith in the business, so although it was a risk we knew it was one worth taking. ‘It took us a full year to get the products manufactured and into shops. Now, three years on we’ve never lost our initial drive and enthusiasm and continue to grow the business and our product range. ‘As well as our online shop, supermarket and convenience store shelve presence throughout Ireland, we also supply Aramark with our sausages and burgers which are available in companies like

WORKINGWOMAN "We only use the highest quality, locally sourced extra lean meat and poultry, no oil, cream or butter goes into our recipes, plus all of our products are also gluten free and additive free. In fact, if you were to only eat Slender Choice meals for a couple of weeks you could use up to half a stone and we have a number of testimonials on our website from people who have lost weight enjoying Slender Choice meals. To make things even easier, each of our products has an estimated ‘Syn’ value for Slimming World, and Weight Watchers ‘ProPoints’ value".

Frank, Karen and their two boys Aaron and Jamie.

existing product line. We may also look to launch new packaging for our products. This would mean moving away from the conventional black plastic trays used in the existing packaging of our ready meals and using transparent plastic containers instead which have been found to have greater appeal with consumers wanting to make healthy food choices.’ With decisions on packing to be made, as well as product development, growing distribution and much more, it can be hard for Karen and Frank not to bring work home. ‘We do try and leave work behind us in the evenings, but it is hard. Luckily, the kids are a distraction and help us to switch off, even if this is only for a few hours! Business can be stressful, but getting out in the fresh air at the weekends around Slieve Gullion with the kids provides a good way for us to unwind. ‘It has been both exhausting and exhilarating growing our business over the last few years, but Frank and I are both looking forward to all that lies ahead for Slender Choice this year and in the future.’ Intel, Apple, PWC, Guinness Storehouse and Croke Park. Thanks to this deal, over 6,000 people a day can choose to eat our Slender Choice branded products in their place of work and hopefully once they have tried them here they will choose to bring our brand into their home too. ‘We have worked really hard to ensure all of our products are healthy and tasty. As I like to say, ‘Big taste, tiny waist’! We want customers to enjoy all of our meals, and let’s face it, even if something is good for you if it doesn’t taste good you’re not going to come back for more. ‘We only use the highest quality, locally sourced extra lean meat and poultry, no oil,

cream or butter goes into our recipes, plus all of our products are also gluten free and additive free. In fact, if you were to only eat Slender Choice meals for a couple of weeks you could lose up to half a stone and we have a number of testimonials on our website from people who have lost weight enjoying Slender Choice meals. To make things even easier, each of our products has an estimated ‘Syn’ value for Slimming World, and Weight Watchers ‘ProPoints’ value. ‘We are currently working with Henderson’s on a range of BBQ products to launch this summer and continually try and test dishes that we can add to our

Emma Armer from the Henderson Group celebrates an exclusive deal with Karen Daly of Slender Choice.

WORKINGWOMAN

Working Wardrobe

Whatever your sense of style, you don’t have to leave it outside the office door...

Classic & Colourful

Crepe Shirt Dress, £120, Jaeger

You like to liven up neutral tones with just the right amount of seasonal colour.

Layla Blouse, £99, NW3 Hobbs

Cool & Retro You like vintage pieces which are bang up-todate.

Lisa Skirt, £79, NW3 Hobbs

Venetia Trench, £749, Hobbs

Bria Slingback Shoe , £149, Hobbs

Home Office

Inject some personality to your office space with these nifty bits and pieces...

Curly Paper Clip Holder, £16.50, Koziol

Medusa Prisma Desk Tray, £205, Versace @ LuxDeco

‘You’ve Got Mail’ Letter Rack, £16, The Contemporary Home

Lyla Shoe, £149, NW3 Hobbs

Vintage American Black Ocean Globe, £145, The Old Cinema

Blue Sketch Desk Tidy, £24, Block

WORKINGWOMAN

Fashionable & Feminine You like to dress like a lady at all times.

Fashionably Famous

orking mothers and highpowered businesswomen, Natalie Massenet and Karen Brady are only too aware of how important it is to be dressed appropriately at all times.

Natalie Massenet

Black/Peach Dress, £56, Mexx

Natalie Massenet is the founder and executive chairman of The NET-A-PORTER Group Limited whose brands include NET-A-PORTER, the world’s premier online luxury fashion retailer for women, THE OUTNET, the most fashionable fashion outlet, and MR PORTER, the first global online menswear destination.

Get her look...

1. Don’t be afraid of colour for the office and add feminine accessories. 2. Neutral tones can be livened up with a subtle use of bold colour. 3. Monochrome is always smart and stylish.

Black/Peach Dress, £56, Mexx

Black & White

Bow Court, £30, Savida @ Dunnes

You love black and white for work and play.

Bette Bag, £349, Hobbs

‘Dainty’, £55, Office

Karren Brady CBE

Karren Brady, known as ‘The First Lady of Football’ is an English sporting executive, politician, television broadcaster, newspaper columnist, author and novelist. She is the former managing director of Birmingham City Football Club and current vicechairman of West Ham United. She features in the BBC One series The Apprentice as an aide to Lord Alan Sugar. She is the Small Business Ambassador to the UK Government under Prime Minister David Cameron.

Get her look... Embellished Collar Shift, £45, Twiggy for M&S Collection

1. Put some thought into what you are wearing. This purple dress is an apt colour choice for the vice-chairman of West Ham! 2. Don’t be afraid to look glamorous, but do keep accessories to the minimum. 3. Look Elegant in a black and white full-length dress for an after work event.

WORKINGWOMAN

Take Note... Bag It! We all need a practical bag for work, so if you are looking to add a bright colour to a sea of black and grey workwear, or if you simply need an elegant tote to last forever, here are a few of our favourites...

Add here a few pointers to help you through your working week... Dress for the Job You Want...

Whether starting out in a new job or looking to climb the career ladder, the retailers at The OUTLET, Banbridge can help you stay ahead in the style stakes without breaking the bank.

Skirt, Was £99 Now £29, both Olsen @ The OUTLET

Bruton Shoe, Was £185 Now £110, L.K. Bennett @ The OUTLET

Tote, £39.99, Zara

Black Blazer with White Piping Detail, Was £199 Now £139, Jaeger at The OUTLET

Rise and Shine

White Leather Bag, £99, M&S

Make sure you invest in a good alarm clock. Set it to allow yourself time for hair and make-up every morning - you’ll feel better about yourself if you are well groomed for your day at work.

Dusky Pink Border Heritage Bag, £179, Radley

Be Creative

Whether starting out in a new job or looking to climb the career ladder, the retailers at The OUTLET, Banbridge can help you stay ahead in the style stakes without breaking the bank.

Be Creative

If you work in an industry that allows for greater freedom with your choice of work wear then this look is a must this season. Smart and stylish for everyday it really is a hard look to beat!

Cropped Sweater, £28; Shirt, £35; Jacquard Skirt, £30; Chain Bag, £20 & Belt, £16, all Next.

25 - 31 Newry Street, Banbridge BT32 3EA. Tel: 028 4066 2750

FASHIONSHOES 1.

10.

2. 8. 11. 3.

The Shoe Parade

Spring/summer comes to life with the endless cascade of covetable footwear out there. From sheer to shine and fancy florals, we’ve gathered our favourite casual and statement styles to buy now...

12.

13.

9. 6.

1. Bishops, Coleraine, £79.99 2. Panache, Dungannon, £59 3. Sitara Morgan, Portadown, £59 4. Donaghys, Banbridge, £59.99 5. House of Fraser, £49 6. House of Fraser, £110 7. Panache, Dungannon, £69 8. Donaghys, Banbridge, £85 9. Panache, Dungannon, £99 10. Kurt Geiger, £250 11. Kurt Geiger, £230 12. Dune, £99 13. LK Bennett, £180

OPEN: TUESDAY - SATURDAY 9.00AM - 5.30PM. 13 MAIN STREET, BALLYNAHINCH, CO. DOWN. BT24 8ND T: 028 9756 2471

BOUTIQUEREVIEW

Boutique Shopping For our first review in this new section that will profile all of Northern Ireland’s top boutiques, we visit Katriona in Banbridge to tell you all about what you can expect to find here... What You Need To Know Katriona is one of two sister shops. The second shop, Katriona Wedding Studio, opened in 2013 alongside the existing store, it specialises in exclusive bridal wear and provides a private shopping experience in a custom built bridal boutique. Katriona’s friendly, personal and expert service is built on over 30 years experience in ladies fashion and bridal retailing. It's important to the team that customers enjoy their overall shopping experience and leave with an outfit that makes them look their best.

Labels You Will Love Katriona stocks a wide range of Europe’s top ladies fashion ranges, including Marella, Marc Cain, Basler, Luisa Cerano, Penny Black and i Blues. There is also a comprehensive range of mother of the bride and occasion wear, including the much sought after Linea Raffaelli and Presen brands. An extensive footwear and accessories department also stocks quality Italian ladies footwear, handbags and costume jewellery. Katriona Wedding Studio exclusively stocks BLUE wedding dresses in the Banbridge area.

Shopping Environment Since opening its doors in 2001, Katriona has expanded to 5,000sq. ft of retail space with a striking facade and cutting edge interior design. The beautifully designed Katriona Wedding Studio with a serenely private setting dedicated to finding the perfect bridal gown. Customers to both boutiques can expect to browse the highest quality clothing in a stylish, ambient environment.

Reaching A Wider Audience Katriona is on Facebook, from where customers can follow key trends and latest in-store developments.

Where to Shop Katriona & Katriona Wedding Studio 6-8 Scarva Street Banbridge Phone 028 4062 9768

Step into Spring Summer with

Shane Bennett Tel: 028 9268 3888 16 Main Street, Hillsborough, BT26 6AE 2769 Shane Bennett St3.indd 1

14/03/2014 10:28

BEAUTYBOX

Beauty Box Northern Woman's beauty products that will keep you looking fabulous from dusk to dawn...

NAIL IT...

Revlon introduces an addition to the Revlon Nail Art collection: Revlon Nail Art Sun Candy. Inspired by the leading trends in fashion and beauty, this dual-ended nail polish contains everything you need to create unique textures and finishes for your nails. £7.99 from Boots

Velcro Sleep Rollers Goodbye sleepless nights hello great hair £19.50 Boots

Clarins Radiance Plus Golden Glow Booster - 3Three drops of concentrated sunshine for a natrual healthy glow 365 days a year. Price £18 Clarins counters

Estee Lauder Double wear All day glow BB moisture make-up £29 & Brush on Glow BB Highlighter £23.50 from Estee Lauder counters province wide.

BEAUTYBOX

MAKE-UP MASTER CLASS... Limited Collection Mini Brush Set £8.50 Marks & Spencer's

GET LIPPY...

MAC Patentpolsih Lip Pencils are the new magic wands for lips, with a single swipe instantly achieving luscious shine. £14.50 available from Debenhams

SCENT OF A WOMAN... £41.00 for a 50ml Eau de Parfum. Selected stockists across Northern Ireland.

Foundation authority, Bobbi Brown, reintroduces her iconic foundation stick for a fresh and modern take on nude skin. available in 24 shades House of Fraser £29

Paparazzi Ready compact Duo containing pressed powder and lipstick £34 available from www.joancollinsbeauty.com

HEALTH&BEAUTYADVICE

Our panel of experts this month are:

Fashion

Interiors

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

Trevor Wilson Interior Designer Beaufort Interiors

Ask the Experts... Q: Embellishment seems to be a big trend for SS14 but how can I incorporate it into my daytime/ work wardrobe without looking over the top and too dressy? Sara says... I’m a bit of a magpie, I love embellishment – sequins, bugle beading, fringing- sparkle always catches my eye. It can feel a bit brash for daytime, but handled with care it adds interest and texture to a casual outfit. With the seasons changing, the light becoming brighter and possibly even a bit of sunshine peeking through, wearing sequins near your face is a very flattering option, as it bounces the light onto your face and illuminates the skin. In this case, an embellished scarf or a statement bib necklace (try Zara or Topshop) is perfect. If you opt for this for daytime or work, team with a simple, uncluttered outfit – for example today I am wearing a gold sequin scarf with an unstructured silk blazer, skinny jeans and vest, all in black. It really is the perfect lazy girl’s effortless option. Elsewhere, look for embellished collars and cuffs on shirts and blouses (try H&M) and pair with slim cigarette pants. Where daytime embellishment is concerned, the silhouette and colour palette of the outfit should be kept clean and simple, with minimal accessories. Look for dulled and tarnished metallic sequins and beading – less flashy than their festive counterparts. Embellished bags and shoes are a great way to add a bit of sparkle – one of my summer wardrobe additions will be the ‘Champagne sparkle’ espadrilles from www. shoedolly. com. They are ridiculously comfortable and their neutral colour makes them incredibly versatile.

Q: I am about to sell my house very soon and I am looking for some tips to help make it more attractive to a potential buyer. Trevor says... Designing your home to help it sell is known as “House Staging”. Normally when I am working with a client to design their own home, my focus is to ensure that my client loves it – so I aim to bring out my client’s taste and personality in the interior. If I am staging a property, I will use some of the same interior design principles to visually maximise dimensions of the space and so on, but the process is very different. The focus is to make the interior ‘universally appealing’. So, remove anything that is particularly striking or tastespecific like dramatic pieces of art, and neutralise the colour-palette. Beige or magnolia should replace vibrant colours like lime green or flame red. Reduce the things that personalise your home: remove ‘your stamp’. This will make it easier for your viewer to imagine it as theirs, and start thinking how they might put their stamp on it.

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’ve been with my hairdresser for 20 years, he’s great, like a family friend and we’ve been through so much together I know him better than I know my husband. The thing is, I haven’t liked my hair for a while now and when I tell him he shrugs it off and says you know what your hair’s like or I know your hair better than you do. My friends tell me I should just go somewhere else, but we socialise together and it is awkward. I know this is not strictly a hair problem but any ideas... Paul says... 20 years? Wow, you are a loyal client. It’s very simple though. It comes down to your hair and ultimately that’s his job, to maintain your hair. So, let’s start the process of “breaking up” with your stylist. A recent survey said the lifespan of client /stylist relationship is 14 years. In that time like a marriage you have the exciting start, where your stylist has transformed your locks into a crowning glory, then there’s the familiar middle stage where it’s still fun but less exciting in every visit. Then there’s maintenance stage, where it’s reliable, routine and habit like. You’ve gone past this stage and need a divorce. He’ll know what’s coming unless he is absolutely oblivious to the signs. My advice is brutal, have a few one night stands, try salons that have been recommended for blow dries and trims, just a fringe trim will do, see how they operate, advise, excite you even. Then once you’ve made your decision start the affair. Don’t cut off your old stylist. When he sees the new you he will either “reluctantly” accept that you look amazing or he will be resentful and bitchy, either way he’ll know. Your hair will be happy and you will be fulfilled. If you can stay friends with your old guy that’s a bonus but remember unless he was doing your hair free of charge he’ll understand... eventually! Good luck.

Q: We all know the importance of improving diet, but is the Government helping us to make the correct choices easier? Rachel says... Both at Regional and National level there are many initiatives to help the public choose better options. Many are well known such as the Traffic Light Labelling, and reducing sugar and salt in breakfast cereals. Currently the Government has launched the ‘Responsibility Deal Saturated Fat Reduction Pledge’. Almost half of the food manufacturing and retail industry has signed up, agreeing to reduce the amount of saturated fat in food and to make their products healthier. Also with the lobbying of Dietitians the Public Health Minister has stated she will prioritise ‘Junk-Free Checkouts’ which will be a welcome move by many.

Q: Coming into Spring I would like a more natural daytime look with a dewy glow. I have very pale and dry skin so I would still like coverage without being overly made up. How can I create a flawless n“ o make up” look using makeup? Angela says... If you are looking for just beautiful skin and a flawless complexion all year round, It has got to be Clarins BB skin perfecting cream SPF25 PA +++ This unifying cream minimises imperfections and redness while specialist pigments boost radiance. Your skin is radiant and perfected but the result is never heavy or over done! To answer to your skincare concerns you can rest assured, BB Skin perfecting cream contains katafray extract which boosts skins natural hydration levels. This combined with the energizing and anti-fatigue properties of Organic Kiwi really is the perfect partner to complement your skincare and continuously care for your skin.

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

HEALTHTRIED&TESTED

Detox with Ju-Tox I

heard about Juice detoxing from a very good friend of mine who swore by it! Tired and sluggish after the winter, I thought I would look into it. I had heard the benefits included increased energy, clearer skin and and also some weight loss. So I was delighted to give Ju-Tox a go and do the three day juice cleanse. My juice box arrived the evening before containing all my juices for the next three days. It contained 12 juices (four for each day) along with fresh lemons and limes to add to the water – you need to drink at least 2.5 litres per day to help with dehydration and the detoxing process. Results: I drank my four drinks each day and tried to drink as much water as possible – I found this did help me on day one as I had a severe headache but I had been told to expect that. At no stage during the three days did I feel hungry but I did miss sitting down to the family evening meal. I really felt and saw the benefits of this three day detox. I felt brighter and revitalised, my skin also looked clearer and to my surprise I lost 6.5lbs! Would I recommend it? Most definitely – perhaps every other month. You can vary the timings of the drinks depending on your lifestyle but try not to leave more than 3/½ hours between each of them. Exercise in not advised during the detox process!

What did these juices contain

9am & 3pm Lean Green – this juice is packed full of super foods such as spinach and kale among many others. These ingredients are crammed full of health giving nutrients that are great for a healthy digestive system, boosting your immune system and packed full of vitamins and minerals to help restore energy to optimum levels. The fruits in this drink are full of of fibre with high water content are excellent in aiding weight loss, so drink them up!

ADVANCED MOLECULAR FACE MASK LAUNCHED AT HEBE CLINIC

12pm Orange Booster – this one was packed full of immune boosting fruits and vegetables for protection against bad stuff that life throws at us! Containing lots of fresh carrots among other ingredients! The carrots are renowned for being one of the top detoxifiers of the vegetable world. This juice provides a gentle remedy for the fluid retention and bloating, digestive sluggishness and the general feeling of fatigue that follows a period of unhealthy living – tastes great too! 6pm Blueberry Blast – My favourite! Packed with blueberries, pineapple and other berries. Those powerful antioxidants chase down and destroy harmful free radicals in our body. They are bursting with nutrients helping to repair and restore your body. Would I recommend it? Most definitely – perhaps once every other month. To order Ju-Tox package or for more information just email sales@ju-tox.co.uk. The three day package costs £65 and includes delivery anywhere in Ireland. www.jutox.co.uk

ebe Clinic in Omagh recently held an Open Night for the Launch Of Advance Molecular Face Mask by Dr Gabriela. Guests were treated to a drinks reception and canapés. Dr Gabriela offered her expert advice while giving demonstrations on a few of her latest innovative beauty treatments.

2 4

1. Mr Billy Dixon, Dr Gabriela Mercik, Patience Bradley and Ifrah Achmed 2. Jenna Boyd, Samanth Munton and Natalie Kelly 3. Patience Bradley and Barry McGovern 4. Kathy Morrow, Natalie Kelly and Samantha Munton 5. Guests at the Hebe Clinic open night for the launch Of Advance Molecular Face Mask by Dr Gabriela Mercik

BEAUTYMAKE-UPTIPS

Pop of Colour B

ring on the sun, now is the time to spring clean your make-up wardrobe, refresh your skin and have fun with the new seasons colour and textures. We all love summer, it’s the time to reveal the new fresher you. Spring/Summer is a time of renewal, unleash the new you with a makeunder, shed the heavier textures and colours of winter and brighten up your day with colour, glosses and shine.

Senna is the favourite of Hollywood film and television make-up pros, beauty editors, A-list celebrities and women of all ages and stages.

Blue note

Blue is the new colour for the eyes, it’s everywhere – so launch yourself into summer with a flash of blue. I’m loving a streak of blue eyeliner as seen at Marc Jacobs, flicked at the outer corners - dreamy, or try a wash of azure on the lids or a block of cobalt along the upper lashline. Believe me, blue works in make-up, just find a hue that works for you and play with it! I’m loving Senna’s Blue Note eyeliner, I wear it as a flick every day. Whatever blue you choose, it will undoubtedly bring your look up to date. Pair with beautiful matte skin and a nude lip for a modern take. (At all costs avoid pink cheeks or lips as you don’t want to look like a throwback from the 80’s!)

Skin so lovely

Allow your skin to breath by updating your foundation, opt for a lighter foundation at this time of year and shelve your heavier textures and full coverage foundations. I am loving Senna’s new Lasting Illusion foundation, its creamy texture brings moisture and softness to the skin whilst smelling like ice cream! Cream blushers are a must for a contemporary look and feel to make-up, they look dewy and healthy and give the skin a beautiful glow – try Senna’s cheeky crème blusher, which is so very pretty. Tinted moisturiser is always a great option for summer, especially if you have a natural tan, it will even out the skin tone whilst adding much needed moisturiser. For a beautiful healthy shine to a tanned décolleté, shoulders and legs try Senna’s Barely Base tinted moisturiser in Glow, this no make-up make-up will ensure that the skin looks healthy and glowing

Pop of Modernity

Lips are alive this season with pops of orange. Summer brights are fabulous with a tan so for an on trend lip opt for a burnt orange. My absolute favourites are Senna’s lip lacquer in Bonfire and Marashino, they are saturated in colour making them perfect for summer. Leave unlined for a modern vibe and for added punch, layer with a orange lipstick. Fiery lips should be worn with a nude eye, paired with a peachy bronzer or blusher for added warm.

MAKE-UP COURSES BRIDAL WORKSHOPS FASHION & PHOTOGRAPHIC MAKE-UP COURSES UK & IRELAND DISTRIBUTORS FOR SENNA COSMETICS

Summer sorbet

If you prefer pastels, this season’ make-up has a beautiful array of soft, gentle shades of lilac, lemon, pistachio and aqua, the sweet cool shades of summer. Layer these onto the lid or as a wash of colour and for added depth add lashings of mascara top and bottom. Whatever look you choose this season, have fun and experiment and allow the new you to shine.

2nd Floor, 49 Botanic Avenue, Belfast BT7 1JL Tel: 028 9050 8224 Mob: 07802 679345 www.oonaghbomanmakeup.com NW

BEAUTYTREATMENTS

Discover new, natural ways to rejuvenate your skin! We have noticed new style in aesthetic medicine - to create new look in natural way, to bring back your youthful look. Help nature with new revolutionary products, based on nature delivered ingredients and latest scientific developments. Advanced Molecular Mask Lifts, De-Stress, Hydrates, Rejuvenates. For all skin types. Just for you...

Advanced Molecular Mask is a paraben free, silk protein based mask that is impregnated with Botanical Stem Cells, one of the most innovative scientific breakthroughs for anti-aging skincare. The formula also features highest concentration of natural plant extracts, anti-oxidants and hydrating molecules to support longlasting hydration, strengthen skin carrier, restore optimal cutaneous pH and stimulate cellular regeneration and rejuvenation. Revolutionary Advanced Molecular Mask is based on the latest developments in molecular biology including 2 Nobel Prizes. It intensely moisturises & energises skin to restore its natural radiance. The advanced ingredients are used to deliver miraculous results & targets visible signs of premature aging to achieve hydrated visibly younger & luminous looking skin. Significant improvements in skin suppleness, skin tone, fine lines and irritation are observed from the very first mask. Advanced Molecular Mask truly forms a round-the-clock transparent protective shield on the skin.

Magic Beauty Face Lift Serum with hyaluronic acid and molecular water

Light gel serum formula contains two kinds of hyaluronic acid enriched in molecular water. The low molecular serum protects the skin against ageing process, absorbing water and intensively moisturizing epiderms and deeper layers of the skin. The high molecular serum creates a natural film, which protects the hydrolipid skin barrier and, at the same time, hydrates and prevents transepidermal loss of water. Look & feel younger with visible, skin-perfecting results. • Fights fine lines and wrinkles • Moisturises dry and rough skin • Firmer, supple, more youthful look

Vitamins:

Monoderma Vitamin C fights against ageing (allowing the synthesis of collagen) and against age spots caused by hyper pigmentation. Monoderma vitamin E fights against ageing, soothing very dry and stressed skin Monoderma Vitamin A 15 contains pure Retinol (Vitamin A) and can be used to treat acne problems and dermatitis. The Vitamin capsule covering is completely biodegradable is able to maintain unaltered the properties of pure vitamins allowing it to be always active even if in the presence of sunlight or oxygen. Free from all Preservatives, colourings, fragrances or other potential allergens. 28 0.5ml Vegicaps.

Clinics who are using these products: Hebe Clinic - Omagh Clinica Medica Scotland Harley Street Skin Clinic Dr Mian - Chin Brook Medical - London Wimpole Aesthetics - London Grace O Kane - The Skin Clinic - Armagh

If you would like to know more about our treatments and products we use, do not hesitate to contact us. Book your free consultation today! Hebe Clinic Omagh Enterprise, Great Northern Road Omagh, BT78 5LU Tel. 02882249494 ext:261 / 079 5514 7413 E-mail: info@hebeclinic.co.uk, Web: www.hebeclinic.co.uk

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

HEALTHCOSMETICSURGERY

How far would you go

for the perfect look?

e’re a nation obsessed with perfecting our looks. Don’t take my word for it – the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons recently released figures showing a 17% increase in cosmetic surgery in the UK in 2013. Women made up 90.5% of the clients with breast augmentation remaining the most popular procedure. What’s more, these figures don’t even take into account the more popular non-surgical procedures that make up the majority of the £2.3bn industry. That’s the likes of botox, dermal fillers, laser treatments and chemical peels. It’s not an industry we’re unfamiliar with (risqué Sex and the City character Samantha Jones was trying chemical peels and breast surgery in episodes aired in the early 2000s) but increased exposure in recent years has certainly helped people get used to the idea of getting ‘something done’. “Stories of celebrities having treatments and the multitude of advertisements have made the idea of having a cosmetic procedure more commonplace,” Sheila Jordan, Nurse Practitioner and Kelly Buckley, Practice Manager of the Fitzwilliam Clinic explain. Many celebrities have admitted they have tried procedures including Kim Kardashian, Amanda Holden and Jennifer Aniston. It is also an industry which is constantly improving with advancements in

Did you know? Botox and fillers are really popular but only botox is regulated because it is a prescription-only medicine. Dermal fillers, which are injected under the skin to plump out wrinkles, aren’t. Filler substances aren’t regulated and people can administer them with very basic training. Many surgeons think they are a disaster waiting to happen. treatments. “New tools and products are entering the market offering improved results. These advancements increase the attractiveness of having a procedure,” they add. Some establishments have even found a bit of word of mouth does the trick as satisfied customers across Northern Ireland make the industry less taboo. “Recently I performed the same rhinoplasty procedure on three sisters – the first sister came in and was so happy that her two sisters came in months later for matching noses!” Mr Chris Hill FRCS (Plast.), a consultant plastic surgeon at the North West Independent Hospital explains. This kind of exposure means the industry is more accessible to a wider section of the population. “In the past, it was mainly

older people who opted for cosmetic surgery procedures but as treatments become more affordable other demographics are now undergoing surgery,” explain the Fitzwilliam Clinic professionals. Chris Hill agrees. “We are seeing increasing cultural acceptance of cosmetic procedures, particularly amongst younger people. We have now reached a point in Northern Ireland where nearly ‘everyone knows someone’ who’s had some degree of cosmetic surgery.” It’s not just younger women who are tempted. The number of men getting procedures done is on the rise across the UK, not just in Northern Ireland. Dr Gabriela Mercik, Medical Director of Hebe Anti-Ageing and Aesthetic Medicine Clinics has seen a rise in the number of men coming to her clinic. Skin rejuvenation is popular but the most important procedure for her male clients is hair rejuvenation and re-growth treatments. At the North West Independent Hospital, rhinoplasty (nose jobs) and liposuction are most popular amongst men, reflecting trends seen by BAAPS.

What’s the attraction?

The prospect of fighting ageing by getting rid of those telltale wrinkles or sagging lumps and bumps can simply be too good to pass up. As the industry becomes more accessible, information is out there for everyone to make the right decision for them. The Fitzwilliam Clinic puts it best: “Patients that take the time to educate themselves about treatments and procedures are more likely to have realistic expectations about the results and are more likely to be satisfied with the outcome.” People don’t often try a procedure because it’s ‘on trend’; they do it to increase confidence and happiness with their bodies. Dr Gabriela Mercik explains that confidence is important because women want to look their best. Kelly Buckley and Sheila Jordan at the Fitzwilliam Clinic agree. “When people are confident and happy with how they look, this positively affects every area of their life. The attitude these days is that if you can change something about your appearance that you do not like and it is safe and achievable, why shouldn’t you?”

HEALTHCOSMETICSURGERY Risky Business

All procedures come with risks and it can be hard to ignore the stream of horror stories out there. The worst in recent years was the PIP scandal which exploded into the news at the end of 2011. In light of this and other incidents, the UK government recently introduced limited regulations to the industry in England but these have been criticised as not going far enough. Should these stories put us off? No, but they should make us more careful about doing research into the procedure and your chosen clinic and practitioner. Non-surgical procedures are extremely popular for obvious reasons. They are less invasive and quicker with no ‘down time’. However, it is scary to find out how unregulated this side of the industry is. “Amazingly non-surgical interventions are almost entirely unregulated at present, which is why it is so important for consumers to seek them out in approved clinics and hospitals,” Mr Chris Hill explains. Be careful. There are unqualified practitioners out there with basic training administering procedures like fillers. Potentially harmful products can be bought online so look for FDA-approved substances.

Tips & Advice

The NHS recommends going to a qualified doctor, dentist or registered nurse with appropriate training as they have clinical backgrounds and relevant experience. The experts agree. Hebe Clinic’s Dr Gabriela Mercik seconds this, reminding people it is their responsibility to make sure they are going to a trained professional. If the clinic and practitioner is associated with regulated bodies, they are more likely to

have the correct training and be legitimate. For example, all plastic surgery consultants at the Fitzwilliam Clinic are recognised members of the General Medical Council (GMC), British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) and British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS). Get a consultation before you undergo any procedure. Here you should be fully informed about the procedure itself and any potential risks so you can make an informed decision. If someone is waxing lyrical about how amazing you will look but fails to mention any risks, be careful. Your

consultant should also allow you to go away and think about the procedure. Don’t be forced into something then and there or allow yourself to be persuaded into a procedure you didn’t want. As Dr Gabriela Mercik from Hebe Clinics says, “Look in the mirror and ask how much you want to change your face or body. If you want to do it, why not? But if you like what you see then you don’t have to do it. It’s very personal.” Avoid ‘free’ consultations or being forced into making non-refundable deposits or booking fees. ‘Cheap’ deals are likely to be too good to be true.

What's hot in Northern Ireland? What’s involved in some of Northern Ireland’s most popular procedures? • Liposuction: This surgical procedure removes fat from a targeted area (the most popular are thighs, stomach and buttocks). The common method is by suction although ultrasound, water and laser are other techniques. • Breast Augmentation: This is the most common surgical procedure for women in the UK. It involves placing a silicon implant into the breast, normally through an incision in the crease under the breast. Surgery normally lasts an hour and a half. • Botox: Botox is a nerve paralysing agent which is injected into muscles using a small needle. The face cannot make the undesirable expressions allowing lines to smooth out from disuse. • Dermal Fillers: Like botox, these are injected into the face to fill out lines and wrinkles. There are various types of fillers, from biocompatible to synthetic ones, but do your research as fillers are currently unregulated. • Rhinoplasty: This involves surgery to re-shape or correct the nose, whether for cosmetic or health reasons. It can be enlarged or reduced in size. Surgeons can change the bridge, tip and nostrils as well as the angle between the nose and the upper lip.

HEALTHAGEING As the Commissioner for Older People in Northern Ireland, Claire Keatinge, points out, “Older people make a huge contribution to all aspects of our society. It is essential that there is a shift away from negative attitudes to reflect the more positive reality of older people and the contribution they make to society.”

Improving quality of life

Family

Matters

As we live longer, our parents are too which brings new responsibilities for adult children across Northern Ireland. Caroline Perry finds out more. Ageing population

With advances in medicine, people are living longer than ever. In Northern Ireland there are more people over fifty than under nineteen. The former is expected to rise by over 30% in the next twenty years. This is great news although it brings issues that society has to prepare for. The biggest will be the rise of dementia. According to the World Alzheimer’s Reports, 44 million people are now thought to be living with dementia with sufferers predicted to reach 76 million

in 2030 and a staggering 135 million by 2050. Similarly, an ageing society will have an impact on family life. For adult children, this may mean taking on a caring role for their parents amongst other responsibilities. There are of course many positives. Think of the money saved in childcare costs every year because grandparents look after their grandchildren. What about older people who volunteer, are still working or who are living life to the full, travelling and trying new activities?

Older people have as much right to enjoy a healthy, happy and active life as anyone else. And luckily, many do. However, sometimes this doesn’t happen. Social reclusion and loneliness is a big problem; Age NI reports that almost half of older people feel more isolated from their local communities than ever before. This could be due to decreased mobility and loneliness can be exacerbated by the loss of a spouse or if family lives far away. Age NI’s advice line offers support and directs people to local support options. Alternatively, their First Connect service offers practical support for older people going through particularly difficult situations like bereavement or illness. If you’re worried about your parents, why not encourage them to take up a new hobby? My grandmother regularly played bridge with friends which she loved because she was socialising, enjoying a hobby and having a bit of fun. A hobby, whether in the arts or sport (like boules or snooker, for example), has a number of benefits as it allows older people to learn new skills, meet others, increases confidence and prevents social exclusion. If your parents are religious, getting involved with church activities or joining a church group might bring enjoyment and new responsibilities. Volunteering for a charity is a great opportunity to meet people and brings a sense of achievement. Alternatively, local community centres run classes like painting, music, drama, dance or creative writing. Day Centres are great because

Make the call From Pension Credit to Housing Benefits and Attendance Allowances, it can be hard to know what benefits you’re entitled to. The ‘Make a Call’ campaign encourages people to ring the Benefits Advice Hotline. Last year nearly £17 million was paid out in benefits and arrears that people didn’t know they were eligible for. Ring 0800 232 1271 now and an advisor will make an assessment of your entitlements. Go on, make the call.

HEALTHAGEING participants meet new people and engage in social activities whilst centres can offer support with any problems. Age NI have thirteen Day Centres across NI; the Fold Housing Association have Day Care centres across Belfast, Bangor, Lurgan and Newtownards offering 14,000 placements, including for those in the early stages of dementia or with learning difficulties.

Home is where the Heart Is

It’s a popular saying and couldn’t be truer as we get older. We feel safest in our homes which are full of cherished memories. Nevertheless, the practicalities of remaining at home become more difficult. A slippery bathroom or stairs can become daily hurdles. Some find their parents are struggling but are reluctant to admit it in case they are advised to leave home. It’s up to you to spot warning signs. Sometimes they are obvious, like if your parent falls but this isn’t always the case. Be aware of: Appearance: Are your parents keeping up with personal grooming? Are their clothes dirty or have they lost weight? Although it is normal for appetites to shrink as you age, it could be a sign that they are unable to cook. Any changes could indicate bigger problems. House upkeep: If the house is normally kept in tip-top condition but things are slipping (e.g. light bulbs are broken or the garden is overgrown), it could be a sign that your parents are struggling to cope. Movement: Are your parents struggling with mobility and is this stopping them going out or doing basic tasks? Getting a cane, walking frame or a Pick-Up tool to lift things from the ground or high shelves can make living at home easier.

Home Improvements Take a look at these common house adjustments: • Grab rails, especially in bathrooms • Renovation of bathrooms (such as a walk-in shower) or kitchens • Moving bathroom and bedroom facilities downstairs • Widening doorways and passages • Chair lift • Moving phone, light switches and door handles to a better height • Ramp installations • Furniture like adjustable beds or support chairs • Light sensors and alarms for security Fold and Age NI offer personal alarm systems where an alarm can be worn around the wrist or neck. When pressed, it will go through to their 24 hour call centres where advisors will help if your parent has fallen or there is an emergency. The Good Morning Network in Northern Ireland offers a free telephone service for the vulnerable and elderly in society. They give daily calls, alerting family members if the phone isn’t answered and helping users by connecting them with local services. Fold has an innovative ‘Floating Support’ service designed to assist those aged 55 and over who want to stay in their homes (in Greater North Down and Newtownabbey areas). Support includes daily contact via phone calls or visits, links to local services and events like coffee mornings, lunch clubs,

outings and entertainment ensuring users remain part of their community. Age NI offers a befriending service (in Larne, Carrickfergus and Newtownabbey) where volunteers visit older people in the area, bringing companionship and carrying out tasks like shopping or pharmacy pickups. The Alzheimer’s Society in NI offers a similar service for dementia sufferers. If remaining at home is too difficult, there are alternative options. Apex Housing offers Housing with Care at Daleview House in Derry/Londonderry designed to help those aged sixty and over live independently. With a higher level of support than sheltered accommodation (through provision of meals, laundry, some personal care and administration of medication), independence is also important; tenants can decorate their home, cook their own meals and come and go as they please whilst social activities are designed to prevent social exclusion.

Dementia

The chances of getting dementia increase significantly as we get older. Statistics for Northern Ireland show that cases are estimated to be around 18,000 or 19,000 and are predicted to rise to 23,000 by 2017 and around 60,000 by 2051. So, what exactly is dementia? The Alzheimer’s Society defines it as a set of symptoms including problems with memory, reasoning and judgement; disorientation and changes in mood, behaviour or personality; language and communication difficulties; hallucinations and delusions or wandering behaviour. It is caused when disease damages nerve

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If you are worried, talk to your parents. Come up with a plan of action together which could involve making home adjustments, hiring help or getting a personal alarm.

Home Support

Making changes can seem daunting but you might find that your parent is entitled to a Housing Benefit or the NIHE Disabled Facilities and Repair Grants (a mandatory grant based on recommendations from an occupational therapist). The Fold Housing Association’s ‘Staying Put’ service offers free support and advice for those applying for grants through the NIHE scheme. Checking in with parents or grandparents brings peace of mind but there are organisations which can bring additional support.

HEALTHAGEING

cells in the brain that can’t be replaced. The most common cause is Alzheimer’s (in 50% of cases), followed by vascular dementia (in 20% of cases). More research needs to be done but we know all types of dementia are progressive. This means the brain will become increasingly damaged over time. Dementia affects all sufferers differently; the individual’s emotional resilience, physical make-up and available support make a real impact on how the illness will progress. As such, the needs of the sufferer and their families vary from needing more support from social services to getting medication changed and looking into care options. The Alzheimer’s Society offers a number of services including a helpline, memory cafes, befriending service, carer support groups and information support evenings to support people with dementia and their carers.

The Caring Kind

Carers NI talk about the ‘sandwich generation’, those adult children who are juggling family life with supporting older parents. Around 15% of adults in Northern Ireland are providing some kind of informal care for older people (defined as seventy and older). This could be simple tasks like popping in a couple of nights a week, taking your parents out or doing shopping and cleaning. However, caring can involve so much more. Around a third of carers surveyed help with personal care like washing, going to the toilet, dressing and eating.

If your parent is suffering from dementia, it gets even more complicated as Bernadine McCrory, Director of Alzheimer’s Society in Northern Ireland, explains. “Carers are needed to provide emotional support, reassurance and help with bathing and dressing as well as tasks the person used to do like paying the bills or cooking meals. Sleep disturbances are common so caring is a 24 hour job for many. Because dementia is progressive, carers find they are required to provide increasingly intensive support as time progresses.” Many carers are trying to juggle work with caring. It often coincides with the peak of their career and earning potential; one in five carers are between 50 and 64. Look into your company policy as you may be able to come to a flexible arrangement or take sabbatical or leave (paid or unpaid). Carers NI advises getting proper financial advice before deciding to give up work altogether. Unfortunately, this comes at a time when carers have rising costs from essentials like food, housing bills and transport to health needs like incontinence pads, chair lift and other items. A report by the Carers and Family Finances Inquiry (January 2013) shows that 46% of carers are in debt and 42% can’t afford utility bills. Carers may be using their savings and be unable to pay towards their own pension bringing further stress and anxiety.

Get Help

• Ring the Carers NI advice line where they help people find support from benefits, get community care for the person being cared

for and services for the carer like respite or getting a break. • Caring can feel like being on call 24/7 so make sure you have a break, whether it’s a day to yourself or a holiday. • Join a peer group. “Carer support groups provide an informal environment where carers can discuss issues and seek advice and support from others in the same situation. They are especially helpful because they help carers escape social isolation,” Bernadine McCrory explains. Carers UK have a safe online forum where carers can talk to each other and Carers NI organise local support groups. • You may be entitled to a Carer’s Benefit if you spend more than 35 hours a week caring for someone with a disability or illness who receives one of the qualifying benefits. • Ask for a carer’s assessment from your local social services. This allows you to talk about the impact caring has on you and any services that might help. As a result, you might be entitled to direct debit payments to arrange care services. Age NI Advice Line: 0808 808 7575 Last year over 10,000 calls were made from older people, their families and carers. Common issues included concerns about finances, care and housing. Alzheimer’s Society: 028 9066 4100 Carer’s NI: 028 9043 9843

Fold provides housing, care and support to over 30,000 people in Northern Ireland. Our services are designed to enhance the lives of the over 50â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at home. APARTMENT LIVING Quality and affordable living for the over 55â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, and self contained apartments with a Premier Landlord Service.

PERSONAL PENDANT ALARM Providing independence to those who matter most, whilst offering security and support when needed most.

DISABLED HOME ADAPTATIONS Free impartial advice in accessing a Disabled Facilities Grant and supporting you whilst you adapt your home.

HOUSING WITH CARE Promoting independence through 24 hour care and support, within your own en-suite accommodation.

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28/02/2014 10:37

SOCIALPRÊT-À-PARTY

AN UNFORGETTABLE night for charity

ames Nesbitt, Sarah Travers and Connor Phillips were among the stars who took part in the ‘Forget Me Not’ Patsy Duffy Memorial Benefit, recently held at Titanic Belfast. The gala ball totally smashed the target to raise £50,000, the most ever raised in one evening for Alzheimer’s in Northern Ireland, and this was down to the hard work and determination of the Duffy family from Magherfelt who lost their beloved father and husband Patsy Duffy, in 2012, at the age of just 57 from early-onset dementia.

1. Garry Duffy, Sharon O’Kane, Mary Duffy, Pauline O’Neill, Moira Sheerin and Liam Duffy 2. Adrian Crilly and Katrina Crilly 3. Nicola McGeehan, Joanne Devlon, Claire McOsker and Donna Ferris 4. Karla Donnelly and Annette Harney 5. Lisa Duffy, Aisling Bremner, Janette Duffy, Roisin Duffy and Tanya McGeehan 6. James Nesbitt, Aisling Bremner, Tanya McGeehan, Janette Duffy, Connor Phillips, Lisa Duffy, Roisin Duffy and Sarah Travers

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LIFESTYLEINTERVIEW

V for Victory

POP star engagements, Miss Northern Ireland titles and life as a yummy mummy have kept top model Gayle Williamson in the headlines for the past decade. Now the 33-year old is banking on a new healthy lifestyle to launch her back into the modelling world in style. She chats with Northern Woman and tells all about the secrets of her success.. wise to get in shape and take on the younger girls? Well I think I take my health a lot more seriously than I did last time around. Since January I've have worked with a personal trainer and started to eat more healthily. It makes me feel much better about myself. But by far the biggest thing is giving up smoking.

How difficult has it been to knock the cigarettes on the head?

Well at first it was tough. I was approached by the British Heart Foundation to join their V For Victory campaign which is aimed at helping smokers quit for good by reaching the 28 day target. Once you've reached that target there's five times more chance of giving up for good. They were really helpful and gave lots of support and advice. I can already see the benefits of my skin looking younger.

How is your relationship with Jim Corr since you broke up?

We have had our ups and downs of course, but he's always been there for Brandon and as a dad I can't fault him. We still live just a few doors from each other in Crawfordsburn which is great as it means Brandon can have a really good steady relationship with him without any fuss or drama.

Does he get stuck in to all the day-to-day daddy duties? It's been ten years since you modelled last. Are you nervous about your big comeback?

It's more exciting than anything really. When I won Miss Northern Ireland Alison Campbell (who is now Alison Clarke of course!) was amazing to work with. So it's really good getting back with her and starting this whole exciting journey again over a decade on.

So your son Brandon, that you had with Jim Corr, is now eight. Is it hard to balance being a mum and re-launching your career? I think it's the perfect time. He's at the age now where he's more independent in his own way and is really doing well at school. You can't consider modelling when they

are really young, but now everything has settled, and we are in a good routine I feel now is probably the best time since he was born to do this.

What's changed most since you were last in the business?

Surprisingly not as much as you might think. For instance I'm helping judge the Miss Northern Ireland competition with Alison - and it's still an honour to win now just as it was when I won. I think there's a lot of competition out there these days but even in my time you were always up against dozens of other girls who wanted to be in your position.

So are you doing anything health or fitness

Oh definitely! He's very hands on and I'm lucky for that. They get on so well and Brandon really looks up to him.

Does he take after his dad musically?

Since Brandon was about six months Jim had him up at the piano pressing his fingers against the keys. He's really good at music now at school and you can see he definitely has a real passion for it - so it's safe to say it's in his blood!!

Is there anyone special in your life at the minute?

I am seeing someone but we are keeping it private for now. He's someone special who prefers to stay out of the limelight but I couldn't be happier. It's something exciting and fresh - a new beginning for 2014.

STYLEHAIR

Top crop tips from the professionals... Denis Robinson, Battisti Hairdressing, Belfast

‘We tend to see this happening at this time of year as people want to reinvent themselves. Crop hairstyles are best suited to heart or oval face shapes like Michelle Williams who has the ultimate blonde crop. People with round and square face shapes should avoid the crop as it tends to accentuate those shapes. Although that said every woman can have short hair of some style it just needs to be cut to balance their individual face shape.’

Cream of the Crop

re you thinking of switching up your look? Is your mid-length bob in need of a revamp? Perhaps your long locks are lank and doing nothing for you. Why not follow in the footsteps of some of our most stylish and sexiest celebrities and try a cute pixie crop? Julianne Hough is the latest Hollywood beauty to cut her locks and opt for the crop. Following in the footsteps of actresses, Charlize Theron, Elsa Pataky and Jennifer Lawrence, Julianne proves that a short, sexy cut can be as show stopping as long, tousled locks. Even blonde bombshell Pamela Anderson has gone for the chop and the ever controversial Miley Cyrus proves that a short, cropped style is fashionable and versatile. Wife of Chris Hemsworth, actress Elsa Pataky has acheived an edgier look thanks to her crop.

Paul Stafford, Stafford Hairdressing, Belfast

‘A skilfully done crop can not only take years off a woman, it can also make her look thinner, funkier and more feminine. Everyone from Jennifer Lawrence to Helen Mirren have rocked this look in recent years. A consultation with a stylist and colourist will help determine the length and style of your pixie do and shade of your blonde.’

Award winning actress Jennifer Lawrence is queen of the crop.

David Graham, David Graham Hairdressing, Dungannon

Dancing with the Stars professional and Holywood actress, Julianne Hough debuts her newly cropped locks.

‘Believe me when I say that there is nothing more striking than short blonde crop hair with soft pastel tones, although before you take that plunge there are some rules depending on face shape and skin tone.’

Martine Broggy, owner, Natural Hair Company, Lisburn

‘I’m loving this trend towards short hair in Hollywood. The reality is women are sexy with short hair. I feel like it shows strong self-confidence. I also like the idea of women feeling a sense of freedom in breaking away from what has traditionally been considered sexy.’

Baywatch babe, now Pamela Anderson looks chic and demure with her blonde crop.

STYLEHAIR Statuesque beauty Charlize Theron could carry off any hairstyle but seems to be sticking with her shorter cropped hairstyle.

Top tips from the dark side... Denis Robinson, Battisti Hairdressing, Belfast

Miley Cyrus completed her style transformation from Disney teen actress to popstar with her cropped hairstyle.

‘There are two main reasons celebs go from light to dark. A role calls for it or the hair has become tired from over processing. Dark hair reflects light, colours absorb it, so when people want their hair to appear glossier they go for darker colours.’

Aidan Bradley, Colour Technician, Stafford Hairdressing, Belfast

Turning to the Dark Side It appears that blondes don’t have more fun! Currently, as well as shorter, cropped locks, glamorous Hollywood celebs are also moving away from blonder shades and going brunette instead. Sophisticated and glossy darker locks can dramatically change your whole look.

‘Blonde hair normally does require more maintenance than brunettes. But if it suits you, think of it as your ultimate accessory as you’ll wear it everyday. The easiest colour to maintain is something a shade or two lighter or darker than your natural, but I say rock a colour that suits your style and complexion, instead of following rules.’

David Graham, David Graham Hairdressing, Dungannon

‘There is no reason you can’t go dark in the spring or summer, even if you are a natural blonde.Honey browns will reflect more light leading to a shinier result when out and about in the sunshine and by using the right colour product that won’t give a blanket finish your hair will look and feel healthy throughout the summer months.’

❝

Dark hair reflects light,

colours absorb it, so when

▼

Kim Khardashian may have gone for blonder ombre locks after the birth of baby North, but she has moved back to her glossy dark style once again.

Scarlett Johansson is always Switching roles from blonde switching between lighter and bombshell ‘Duchess’ in The darker locks. Wolf of Wall Street, to her new character in Z!

people want their hair to appear glossier they go for darker colours.

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LIFESTYLEMONTALTO

The Carriage Rooms at Montalto win

prestigious 2014 Hudson's Hertitage Award

he Carriage Rooms at Montalto have won a prestigious 2014 Hudson’s Heritage Award which was announced at a lunch reception at Goldsmiths Hall in London. The Carriage Rooms scooped the award as the Best Wedding Venue. The awards are an independently judged annual national awards scheme open to historic houses, gardens, museums and heritage sites and celebrate the very best heritage experiences. The 11 categories reward a range of visitor experiences and recognise the best heritage attractions in the UK. Winners and Highly Commended were awarded in each category. The awards were presented by

Loyd Grossman OBE and attended by 80 guests including owners and managers of the winning entries, representatives of the heritage tourist industry and the media. Keith Reilly, Manager of The Carriage Rooms said “We are absolutely delighted to have won a Hudson’s Heritage Award. Winning one of these awards is testament to the high standards and commitment to excellence we offer our couples and their guests. We continually strive to ensure they have the best possible wedding experience and aim to provide a truly memorable day for all. Receiving this award is a wonderful acknowledgment and superb recognition for Montalto Estate and The Carriage Rooms

in particular, marking it as the best heritage property for a wedding, not just in Northern Ireland but the whole of the UK.”. Loyd Grossman congratulated Montalto Estate on their award, commenting “A beautiful well planned wedding venue for large parties has been created to compliment the main house.”

Hand-made interlined curtains in 2-tone textured gold with tall goblet heading and bobble trimming £960

Est. 1982 • Interior Designer • Interiors Store of the Year Showrooms, Design Studio and Workrooms, 102-106 Main Street, Moira, BT67 0LH T: 9261 9508 www.beaufortinteriors.co.uk

LIFESTYLEINTERIORS

Addis Super Dry Airer, £49.99, CFC Interiors

Medium Log basket, £39.50, M&S

Industrial Wall Storage Unit, £180, www.bodieandfou.com Alessi Modular bottle holder, £53, Hanna & Brown

Spring Cleaning It’s time to get the duster out, put on the marigolds and give your house a good cleaning this spring. Tidy up and de-clutter with storage units and get the house smelling fresh with our pick of useful items.

Holburn Bathroom set, £30, Sainsburys Villeroy and Boch, French Garden, Now £31.45, The Outlet

Ego wardrobe system, Beaufort Interiors

Ben de Lisi letter holder, £15, Debenhams

LIFESTYLEINTERIORS 'Restore' crate, £69, Maven

Hay Plisse neon coral folder, £27, Maven

Steam Mop Morphy Richards, £79.99, Menarys

brabantia laundry bags, £24.99, Moores of Coleraine

Beaufort upholstered seat with storage, £1995, Beaufort Interiors RITUALS Under A Fig Tree home fragrance sticks, £22.50, Bedeck

Win... Bedeck Henley bed linen

ince Bedeck was born in 1951 they have established a reputation for offering high quality bed linen. From the very beginning their commitment was to creativity, a tradition which continues to be reflected in their bedding products today. Their product range now includes designer duvet covers with matching pillowcases, cushions, throws and curtains as well as a wide range of luxury sheets, duvets & pillows and bath accessories. To celebrate their Spring Summer Collection Northern Woman have teamed up with local bed linen company Bedeck to give away 2 Henley Bed linen worth over ÂŁ300 each.

Bedeck Henley

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

What is Henley town well known for? To enter, email: competitions@greerpublications.com with your answer plus your name, address and daytime number. Closing date: Friday 30th May 2014. Prize is as stated, no cash alternative. Winners will be selected at random from all entries received by the closing date. Usual Northern Woman competition rules apply.

Named after the quintessentially English regatta town, Henley is a relaxed nautical design made from crisp 200 thread count cotton. Featuring a palette of soft pebble grey and sand, the range includes a linen cushion adorned with an embroidered vintage clock, matching curtains and a charcoal cable knit throw. For the bathroom, Henley offers crisp white cotton towels finished with a sophisticated jacquard striped border. Each set will contain: 1 x King Duvet cover 2 x Oxford pillowcases 2 x Housewife pillowcases 1 x Cushion 1 x Throw 1 x King fitted sheet in white

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

Win... 2 night's mid-week B&B for 2, dinner & a spa treatment each with Johnstown House Hotel & Spa

ohnstown House Hotel & Spa is a luxurious four star hotel set on 120 acres of stunning parkland landscape in Enfield, Co. Meath. Located less than two hours from Belfast city, Johnstown House Hotel & Spa is a superb destination, combining luxurious accommodation with good food, elegant surroundings and a glorious spa and leisure centre, perfect for a romantic getaway, family break or an indulgent spa retreat. The elegant and sophisticated dĂŠcor provides a gorgeous haven for a relaxing visit with comfy armchairs nestled amongst the nooks and crannies, perfect for lounging with a good book or glass of wine. Rooms are spacious and luxurious for a peaceful nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sleep and the tranquil spa offers an extensive range of blissful treatments for those deserving a little pampering. We are giving one lucky reader the chance to win a luxurious midweek break for two. Enjoy two nights accommodation and savour dinner in The Pavilion Restaurant on one evening of your choice. During your stay, escape to the spa and indulge the senses with a 55 minute treatment for yourself and your guest. Choose between a relaxing Full Body Massage to relieve any tension and soothe tired muscles or an Elemis Facial to leave skin glowing with radiance. Awake each morning of your stay to a freshly prepared breakfast to set you right up for the day.

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

What is the name of the restaurant in the Johnstown Hotel? To enter, email: competitions@greerpublications.com with your answer plus your name, address and daytime number. Closing date: Friday 30th May 2014. Subject to availability, voucher valid for 6 months, dinner on one night, no cash alternative, non transferable.

LIFESTYLEHOUSE

Future Design

This Crawfordsburn home has been designed using the innovative Passivhaus method. It provides the owner with a high level of comfort whilst using very little energy for heating.

wners Paddy and Helen McGlinchey were determined to build an energy efficient home and award-winning Paul McAlister Architects & Energy Consultants, based in Portadown, helped them achieve that goal. Using the Passivhaus principles, developed over a decade ago in Germany by Dr Wolfgang Feist, the house was built following the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading standard in energy efficient construction. Although the principle has been used in houses across Europe, it is a new innovative technique for Northern Ireland. Designed to maximise heat gain and minimise heat loss, the house has certain features to aid this. The house has tripleglazed windows and doors, the majority of which are south-facing to maximise heat gain. Energy from solar panels is meant to heat the water and there is no central

LIFESTYLEHOUSE heating system. Instead, there is a heat recovery (MVRH) ventilation system, designed to filter cool air in summer and hot air in winter months whilst minimising dust and allergen levels. With all of these in place and more, the ‘Passive House’ requires very little energy to achieve a comfortable temperature. This means homeowners save money as it reduces their energy consumption and carbon emissions. For the McGlincheys this has had a tangible effect; their total energy bill for the last three months was £345. The modern design of the 2,375 sq ft home house reflects the innovative build. The clean-cut square house stands out among its green surroundings and the exterior, finished with white paint, wood panelling and a grey tiled roof is timeless and won’t date. The minimalist design continues inside. A neutral palette (predominantly whites and greys with splashes of colour) runs throughout the house, offering a clean base to show off other features. In particular, wooden features dominate. The majority of the flooring is wooden, complemented by wooden doors and furniture throughout the house (such as the family kitchen table or the table in the living area). Using these natural elements is fitting considering the eco-friendly premise behind the build. The use of glass means the house is bathed in light and creates an open and friendly feel. Large feature windows are dotted throughout the house bringing great

LIFESTYLEHOUSE

views of the garden and countryside beyond. As the house is situated in a cluster of farm buildings, nature really is just a step away. The main living area has a homely feel to it, distressed leather sofa and chairs are next to shelves lined with books and interesting ornaments. A wood burning stove takes centre stage, with a large silver pipe running right up the ceiling, making a feature out of it. A basket beside it is filled with logs, perfect for cold, dark evenings. There is no ceiling separating the living room from the second floor giving it double height and amplifying the sense of space. The second floor hallway (leading to second floor rooms) overlooks the living room and the slanted ceiling has windows, allowing more light into the room. Although neutral colours dominate, there are pops of colour which give the house a bit of attitude. The bright blue wall in the living room is one example but it is most evident in the open plan kitchen. The overall feel is minimalist with cream units and cupboards that are complemented by wooden surfaces but the feature wall is painted in bright orange, bringing a smile

to any visitor’s face. The breakfast bar is another nice addition and emphasises the house’s modern character. Moving upstairs, the modern design continues. The bathroom, in particular, is understated and tasteful, decorated mostly in white (including the bath, toilet and sink) with hints of the wooden décor that can be seen throughout the rest of the house. The bedrooms are a bit more playful, one of which has a mix of white and dark grey on the walls. Large windows overlooking the garden stop it from being too dark. The master bedroom also has a balcony which the owners can enjoy although it has a practical function too, providing shade in the summer months to prevent the house overheating. This Crawfordsburn ‘Passive House’ is certainly unique. The energy efficient principles mixed with a modern and elegant design means that many other homeowners may be inspired to follow the Passivhaus ideal themselves. In fact, it could be the way forward for the construction industry in general, hopefully sooner rather than later.

SOCIALPRÊT-À-PARTY

STYLE SUNDAY

elfast FashionWeek celebrations came to a tasty end with the Style Sunday event at Shu Restaurant, all in aid of Mencap. The four course gourmet luncheon was accompanied by trend forecasts, a mini fashion show and seasonal style tips from some of the country’s style experts.

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9 1. Aileen O’Doherty 2. Anne McMullan 3. Karen Birnie and Janet Dobson 4. Cathy Martin 5. Grace Dobson and Christine Welton 6. Bernie O’Doherty and Shauna O’Doherty 7. Lorissa O’Doherty, Katrina Crilly and Aileen O’Doherty 8. Kelly-Anne McKendry 9. Laura Mullett 10. Lauren McCabe 11. Leanne McCallium 12. Katrina Crilly

465 Lisburn Road Belfast Tel: 028 9066 9828 The Linen Green Moygashel Tel: 028 8772 9153 House of Fraser Belfast Tel: 0844 800 3705

inspirational bed and bath

www.bedeck.com

SOCIALPRÊT-À-PARTY

NEW RESTAURANT OPENS IN GRAND STYLE

ubbly Brazilian belly dancer, Cida Arcanjo brought a touch of samba glamour to Belfast as she wowed guests at the exciting and colourful grand opening of Maze Restaurant. Guests from the media and fashion worlds packed into Belfast’s brightest new culinary jewel to enjoy a taste of its mouthwateringly eclectic menu, sip sparkling wine and cocktails and listen to the sweet sounds of smooth jazz vocalist Rosie Timoney.

1. Michael Karan, Rosie Timoney, Cida Arcanjo 2. Deborah Swain and Lindsey Hall 3. Nuala Meenehan 4. Pamela Ballantine, Alan Graham, Lynda Bryans and Chris Nesbitt

LIFESTYLEFOOD

Spring Dining Bill Granger’s delicious Italian recipes are perfect for the spring season and had our mouths watering. These recipes and more can be found in Bill’s Italian Food by Bill Granger>>

Asparagus and Poached Egg Salad

Serves 4 200g asparagus, sliced into thin lengths 1 shallot, finely chopped Juice, 1 lemon 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 4 free-range eggs Large handful rocket leaves ¼ teaspoon dried chilli flakes 25g fresh parmesan cheese shavings Method: Blanch the asparagus for 1 minute in boiling water and drain. Mix together

the shallot, lemon juice and oil with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the asparagus and toss to coat. Set aside. In a shallow frying pan, bring 5cm of water to the boil. Turn off the heat and add the eggs at once. To minimise the spreading of the whites, break the eggs directly into the water, carefully opening the two halves of the shell at the water surface so they slide into the water. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid

and leave them to cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes. The eggs are cooked when the whites are opaque. Remove from the pan with a slotted spoon and drain on a clean tea towel. Toss the rocket into the asparagus and divide between four plates. Top each with a poached egg and any remaining dressing. Scatter with the chilli flakes and parmesan shavings and serve. ENJOY!

LIFESTYLEFOOD Method: Preheat the oven to 200Ë&#x161;C/ gas mark 6. Line a 20cm x 30cm shallow baking tin with greaseproof paper. Roll out the pastry so that it fits into the tin, pushing it into the corners and up the sides. Cover with a scrunched up piece of baking paper, line with baking beans and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, tip out the baking beans and paper and bake for a further 10 minutes, until the pastry is golden and crisp. Leave the oven on. Heat the oil in a large, non-stick frying pan over high heat. Add the garlic and, after Serves 4 375g puff pastry 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 garlic cloves, sliced 400g baby spinach leaves Freshly grated nutmeg

a few seconds, the spinach. Cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes, until wilted then add a grating of nutmeg and stir well. Drain on kitchen paper to remove any excess water. Mix together the egg, mascarpone and most of the parmesan and pour into the pastry shell. Dot over the cooked spinach and sprinkle with the remaining parmesan and the chilli, if using. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the filling is just set. Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. ENJOY! 2 medium eggs, beaten 250g mascarpone cheese 80g parmesan cheese, freshly grated Pinch dried chilli flakes (optional)

Spinach and Mascarpone Tart

Plum, Vanilla and Almond Tart Serves 6 For the base: 140g butter, melted and cooled plus extra for greasing 115g caster sugar 200g plain flour, plus extra for dusting 4 tablespoons ground almonds For the compote: 1kg ripe plums, halved and stones removed Pared zest and juice 2 oranges 80g caster sugar 1 vanilla pod, seeds scraped out and reserved For the Filling: Plum and vanilla compote 60g roasted almonds, roughly chopped 260g Greek yoghurt Method: To make the compote, place the plums and 125ml water in a large saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until the plums start to break down. Add the orange zest and juice, sugar and vanilla pod and seeds, and cook for 5 minutes. Remove

from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature before spooning into sterilised jars. The compote will keep in the fridge for 1 week. Preheat the oven to 180Ë&#x161;C/gas mark 4 and grease and line a square 20cm tart tin. Mix the butter and sugar together then stir in the flour and almonds. Patch the pastry over the base and up the sides, pressing with your fingers to get an even case. Chill for 15 minutes. Scrunch up a piece of baking paper and use it to line the pastry case. Add baking beans and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, tip out the baking beans and paper and return to the oven for a further 5-10 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crisp. Allow to cool. To service, spoon the compote into the tart case, scatter with almonds and dollops of yoghurt. ENJOY!

LIFESTYLEINTERVIEW

She's got a ticket to ride As we look forward to the Giro D’Italia in May, Margaret Connolly talks to Multiple World Champion and Olympic cycling medalist, Wendy Houvenaghel.

ailing from Upperlands, near Maghera, cyclist Wendy Houvenaghel won a Silver medal in the Women’s 3,000m Individual Pursuit representing Team GB & NI at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Wendy also won Gold for GB in the Team Pursuit at the 2008, 2009 and 2011 World Championships. Now based in Cornwall, England, Wendy is currently

training to represent Northern Ireland at this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Now 38, Wendy started cycling at the age of 28 taking part in a few local competitions close to where she lives in Cornwall. ‘I worked as a full-time dentist and had completed the Flora London Marathon in April 2002 and by way of recovery, just decided to enter a National Championship race on the bike that autumn, where I placed 4th. The following year I won the British National Circuit TT Championship title and was selected to represent GB for the first time at the Road Cycling World Championships in Canada in October 2003. Later in October 2005, I won my first British National title on the Track, beating established members of the British Cycling Women’s Endurance Squad. I then went on to win Gold and Silver in two World Cup Races (Sydney and Moscow) and was ranked World Number One in Individual Pursuit in 2005/6. With these successes behind me I decided to dedicate more time to my cycling and when I was offered a place on the GB Olympic Cycling team in June 2006, I didn’t hesitate to commit myself to it full-time. ‘It was such a huge opportunity and honour to be asked to train to potentially represent my country at the Olympics, so I gave up my job as a dentist, and with the help of National Lottery Sports funding, put all my efforts into getting onto the podium at the Beijing Games in 2008, where I walked away with the Silver medal in the 3,000m Women’s Individual Pursuit. This is an achievement I will always be immensely proud of. Winning this medal along with all three of my World Championship titles represents some of the proudest achievements in my life.’ Wendy hit the headlines during London 2012, when despite being a pivotal member of the Team Pursuit Olympic Qualification campaign

alongside Joanna Rowsell, Dani King and Laura Trott, was controversially omitted from competing in this event at both the World Championships in Melbourne and Olympic Games in London in 2012. At the end of 2011 she held the World Number One ranking in Team Pursuit and in March and July 2012 the team were reportedly going faster with her included. Had Wendy ridden in any one of the three rounds, she would have had her well-deserved medal. ‘My non-inclusion in the racing at London 2012 was completely outside of my control. The team were travelling faster whilst I was included, the fastest line up did not complete at the Olympic Games in London. They didn’t need to put the fastest team out to secure the gold, and that was that! It was a hard time for me, but thankfully with the support of my family, friends and fans, I have managed to move on and put it behind me now. Once again dentistry plays a big part of my life and I still enjoy competitive cycling. ‘I’m currently in training for the Commonwealth Games which are to take place in Glasgow later this year from 23rd July to 3rd August 2014. I aim to be representing Northern Ireland in the road Time Trial. Our team manager Ryan Connor is very supportive, approachable and helpful. I’m really looking forward to competing with the Northern Ireland team. ‘As well as training for the Commonwealth Games, I’m also involved in cycling through my sponsor Bike Chain Ricci, where I get the chance to meet and talk to kids and young adults through attending occasional events that they organise. Everyone enjoys their cycling and by my being around, they can be inspired to try to achieve things that I have achieved in professional sport. ‘Having seen the good and bad sides to professional sport I also encourage them to make their education a priority so that they have something else to fall back on because there are no guarantees in sport! Fortunately, I had already achieved my dentistry qualifications before I took up cycling and certainly in my experience it’s been good to have another focus and something with earning potential for the future, plus it helped me to fund my cycling in the early days which enabled me to be competitive from the off. ‘Cycling has certainly grown in popularity thanks to the media coverage of Team GB’s medal successes at Beijing and London Olympic Games. The ‘Giro D’Italia’s Grand Depart’ will continue to raise the profile of cycling with people at home in NI as well as throughout the world. Events like this help to inspire people to get on their bikes and I look forward to playing my role as an ambassador this coming 10th May 2014.’

LIFESTYLENEWS

Skiing Sensation N

orthern Ireland’s very own Kelly Gallagher has returned to Northern Ireland and has been met with applause and excitement over her recent success at the Winter Paralympics in Sochi. Winning Britain’s first ever Winter Paralympic Gold medal along with her guide Charlotte Evans in the visually impaired Super-G category, she’s certainly done us proud. Dame Mary Peters was amongst those welcoming Kelly home and she has told her to enjoy her moment. We wholeheartedly second that – well done Kelly!

LIFESTYLEFOODFEATURE

Living below the Line Could you survive on £5 for five days for all your food and drink? Concern Worldwide have set a challenge for people to live below the poverty line for five days.

unger is the world’s biggest health problem with 870 million people not having enough to eat with 98% of them living in developing countries. Charities like Concern are working hard to tackle hunger with the most vulnerable people in the world’s poorest places. They decided to launch ‘Live Below the Line’ challenge, where people have to live on £5 for food and drink for five days – That’s a £1 a day! 1.2 billion people live on less than the equivalent of £1 a day; that’s one in six globally. Last year, almost £1 million was raised in the UK and they hope the campaign increases awareness whilst raising money for a great cause. It’s tough but NW volunteer Gerardine Carson tried it. How did she survive? She describes herself as a thrifty person who wouldn’t waste much. “It was tough and I didn’t think it was going to be as hard as it was. Food is expensive and prices have gone up. I thought I would have had more buying options but when I priced everything, it didn’t work out. Without the reduced items, I couldn’t have done it. You really do have to bargain hunt.” The majority of her meals were made up of rice or porridge. Other items she bought include coated chicken, peppers, cherry tomatoes, eggs and bananas, the majority of which were reduced. Nutritionally, she wasn’t getting the balanced, healthy diet she would normally enjoy, particularly nutritional benefits from fruit and vegetables. Gerardine admitted that fruit is what she missed most during the challenge. Budgeting brings difficult decisions. Chicken was the most expensive item she bought (despite it being heavily reduced) and it took a big chunk out of her budget but she decided protein was important in her diet. Many people living in poverty don’t have a choice in what they eat and malnutrition is a serious problem affecting people living in hunger. It is dangerous, particularly for children, as their brains won’t develop properly and their bodies will be stunted. Malnutrition also weakens the immune system, meaning people in developing countries are more susceptible to illnesses like malaria, tuberculosis and HIV/Aids.

Of all the difficulties the challenge brought, from sourcing food on a very tight budget to trying to create meals (for dinner on Gerardine’s final day, she only had plain rice left), hunger was a major issue. Gerardine explains. “It makes you more irritable. On top of this, I was cooking regular meals for my family at home. It was the ordinary everyday things, like if someone offered me a biscuit, that were tough.”

The effect of hunger and poverty has a devastating effect on families and their wider communities. It harms their health and can ruin opportunities. To raise enough money to afford food, families may have to take children out of school to work. It is a vicious circle and only by fundraising and helping these communities can we make a difference. “I appreciate more how difficult poverty

What did Gerardine buy for £5? 1x large bag of long-grain rice – 40p 1x packet of cherry tomatoes – reduced to 50p 10 small eggs – reduced to 79p 4 small bananas – 39p 1x large bag of porridge – 38p 1 packet of 3 peppers – reduced to 50p Olive oil, herbs and other seasoning – c19p Coated chicken (7 in a pack) – reduced to £1.50. 1x apple – 35p

What did Gerardine eat? Breakfast: Lunch: Dinner:

Porridge and water, Monday to Friday. Banana (every day except Wednesday). Wednesday: Boiled egg and tomato. Monday and Tuesday: Chicken with rice and fried peppers/tomatoes. Wednesday: Omelette with a bit of chicken. Thursday: Egg fried rice with less than a ¼ of a pepper. Friday: Plain rice.

LIFESTYLEFOODFEATURE is now,” Gerardine explained after she had finished the challenge. “It makes you more conscious of what you’re buying; even buying chicken is a luxury. In Africa, people don’t have the choice of food to get what I bought with my £5. Peppers or cherry tomatoes would have been a luxury for them.” The challenge will be running from 28 April-2 May and there are some big names planning to take part. Stephen Chisholm, 22-year-old winner of TV3’s Great Irish Bake Off last year is going to do it as is Lord Mayor of Belfast Máirtín Ó

Muilleoir. As the latter says: “I take food for granted and usually eat on the go because of my busy schedule. It won’t be easy. But by taking up this challenge, I hope to deepen my understanding of what it is like to live in extreme poverty.” The challenge was certainly an eye-opener for Gerardine and the whole NW team. It’s easy reading about poverty statistics but when you are living below the line yourself, the difficulties become starkly apparent. As Peter Anderson, head of Concern in Northern Ireland says: “The challenge will be tough, but it only lasts for five days.

It will come to an end but for billions of people it will last a lifetime, unless we do something to change that.” Funds raised will help Concern’s work to tackle hunger – providing high-energy food to severely malnourished children and empowering women to make a better future for their families. Are you up to the challenge? Below are a few recipes you could try. The ‘Live Below the Line’ campaign is running from 28 April – 2 May. For more information go to www.livebelowtheline. com/uk-concern

Stephen Chisholm has come up with a couple of recipe ideas for the Live Below the Line campaign:

Baked Oatmeal: £0.32 Ingredients 45g oats 75ml milk ½ large banana (other ½ mid-morning snack!) ¼ tsp baking powder ¼ tsp salt ¼ tsp vanilla Method • Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan. • If you can, soak the oats in the milk overnight, but if not, simply mix together. In a separate bowl mush the banana with a fork until smooth then mix into the oats and milk. Stir in the baking powder, salt and vanilla. • Pour into a ramekin or small ovenproof dish. Bake for 20 minutes or until it is just firm to the touch and slightly golden brown.

Sweet potato and carrot soup: £0.64 Ingredients 1 tsp oil 1 garlic clove 1 medium sweet potato 1 carrot 400ml water 1 tsp chilli powder salt and pepper to taste

Method • In a large pot over a medium heat pour in the oil, finely chop the garlic then add to the oil and sweat for five minutes. • Cut the sweet potato and carrot into similar sized chunks, and place into the pot then pour in the water. Bring the water to the boil then lower the heat to a simmer and cook until just tender – about 15-20 minutes. When tender and cooked through, either transfer to a blender or use a hand blender to blitz the soup until a lovely orange colour. • Transfer back to the pot and add the chilli powder. Let the soup cook for a further five minutes over a medium-low heat and season with salt and pepper before serving.

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LIFESTYLECAREERS

My Brilliant Career

Louise Close

Louise Close is the Outreach Manager at the Northern Ireland Assembly. Here she tells us more about her job and her journey to this role.

Simply, what is your job?

My job is to help support engagement between the public and Assembly. I manage a great team who have the responsibility to advance and encourage the public’s understanding of the Assembly and Assembly Members’ understanding of the issues facing the local community. The Assembly Outreach Service engages with business through the Northern Ireland Assembly and Business Trust and the voluntary sector via Assembly Community Connect. I also oversee the Parliamentary Outreach Service which supports MLAs on the various international parliamentary bodies the Assembly is represented on and also organise visits for dignitaries to the Assembly, offering them an insight into how the political institutions in NI work and schedule meetings with MLAs to discuss issues such as investment, peace and reconciliation. Over the last four years I have also been responsible for the promotion and management of tours and events taking place at Parliament Buildings. There is a lot to the role, but essentially it is about managing multiple projects and events.

How did you first get involved with event management?

My parents own fashion retailer Rio/Brazil in Belfast and from an early age I used to help out backstage at fashion shows. This actually led me to get involved with Northern Woman’s ‘Bachelor of Year’ event where I volunteered as a runner when I was 16! I went on to Queen’s to study geography and joined a student society AIESEC where I organised events and conferences. Although the degree was useful, it was my volunteering and part

time work that really got me involved with events and led me to my current role.

When did you know that you would like to pursue a career that involved event management?

I have always known what I have enjoyed doing, but didn’t sit down and decide what I wanted to be – I certainly never thought I would be the Outreach Manager of the Assembly when I was younger! My first job at the age of 22 came about because of an event I was organising for AIESEC. gradireland, a careers publisher for the careers services in Ireland, was being set up and I was approached about joining the start-up team. As the head office was in the UK, I started working from home on my own selling advertising for the

publication and website. However, by identifying gaps in the market and creating new products, within five years I managed the Ireland office which had grown to a team of 10 running three large career fairs, producing 20 publications, three websites and a national graduate careers conference and awards. My role moved quickly from a pure sales role to managing events, marketing, sales and product development.

How did you end up in your current job?

I came to a transitional period in my personal life which involved a decision either to stay in Dublin and continue with gradireland or move back to Belfast. At the time I was receiving mentoring for my sales management role. My mentor was also a

LIFESTYLECAREERS

life coach and rather than just focusing on training she looked at what I liked and disliked about my job in Dublin and what my life priorities were. We quickly realised sales management was the least rewarding part of my role, but that I loved the creativity, problem solving, product development, relationship building and networking. I was attending a careers fair in Belfast when I heard about the Assembly job. It was exactly what I was looking for. I applied, got the job and haven’t looked back since. I landed my ideal job, moved back to Belfast and married my husband, Colin. I truly believe that if I had not worked with the life coach to assess my likes and dislikes and really worked out what I wanted from life I may not have made the decision that led me to my current role and life.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Coming from a creative, autonomous position with gradireland I did have concerns that moving to the public sector I would be moving into a bureaucratic organisation, but I needn’t have worried. I quickly discovered that innovation was encouraged. I also have such an interesting job, having the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and being involved in a variety of activities and projects. It’s a rewarding job too. The work we do

helps people to learn how to approach the Assembly and gives them the confidence to have their voices heard about issues which are affecting them. I truly believe this can make a real and positive impact on people’s lives.

Forum in Dublin and then supporting the NI Assembly’s representative at the Committee of the Regions in Brussels – things are never dull!

What have been the biggest challenges to date?

My job does entail long hours, with many evening events. Over the next couple of weeks I will be working in Brussels and Dublin, including over a weekend, but the Assembly is a great employer and offers flexible working hours, so I have the option to take back time when I need it.

When managing events and projects there are challenges every day – the key is finding a solution to fix the problems that work for everyone involved. Certainly, when I first started in the Assembly getting to know the jargon and becoming more familiar with the fast-paced, political side of life took time, but I was never afraid to ask questions and working within such a supportive network I never felt I couldn’t ask. I also have to be conscious that if anything I do does go wrong there is the added pressure that it could hit the headlines and be played out in public.

Describe a typical working day?

What I love is that there really isn’t a typical day. For example, within the next week I will be running a conference for the voluntary and community sector in Lagan Valley, facilitating visits for Ambassadors from Spain and the Holy See and delivering a briefing on the budget for the business community. The following week I will be attending the British Irish Parliamentary

How do you manage to balance your work and personal life?

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

My job as Outreach Manager with the NI Assembly is unique, but for anyone wanting to change their career like I did to get the job that perfectly suits them and plays to their skills, then I would advise identifying what you’re good at and what you enjoy and hone your skills for future employment within your area of interest. Looking back, volunteering and getting work experience really helped as the basis for my career. There are some things you can’t learn from a book, it’s through experience and getting out there and meeting people that you will build up your own confidence and feel ready to go after your dream job.

LIFESTYLETRAVEL

Hidden Venice: Escaping the tourist trap

View from the Bridge of Sighs

It's no secret that Venice is teaming with tourists all year round. In fact, tourists vastly outnumber Venetians - by some 1.5 million to 60,000. That doesn' t mean that a truly unique trip can' t be made in this stunning city. We aim to bring you some of the gems of Venice that is sure to set your trip apart from everyone else's. Saint Marks Basilica

he first thing you will notice is that there are absolutely no cars. None. This makes the main streets of Venice very busy, especially in the early and mid summer months. But you only have to go back a street or two to find a totally different and more secluded Venice. It is in the backstreets where the locals hang out and where the prices aren’t quite as steep.

Sleep

Too many visitors return from their trip from Venice with a bitter taste of being ripped off by unfriendly locals. However, the charming Domus Orsoni B&B will leave only great memories and first hand experience of Venice’s History. For centuries, the famous glass blowers of Venice have been banished to the neighbouring island of Murano to eliminate the fire hazard to the crowded streets of Venice. Domus Orsoni is the last remaining glass factory in Venice manufacturing glass mosaic with gold leaf. Wander through the serene gardens and admire the elegant décor decorated with, naturally enough, beautiful mosaics. Prices here are reasonable enough

LIFESTYLETRAVEL with rooms starting at €80 per night. Although there is no hotel bar, the rooms are equipped with fully stocked mini bars and further drinks are available on special request from reception. www.domusorsoni.it/english/chisiamo. html

Dine

Never mind going out for a formal evening meal, in Venice it’s all about heading to a chic bàcari for some cicchetti and ombra. This tradition is an evolution of tapas that you might sample in Spain. Ciccetti reflects the history of the Venetian kitchen and typically includes seafood, both cooked and raw, as well as baccalà mantecato, a creamy saltcod served over a wedge of polenta, and baked cuttlefish or shrimp, and even little meatballs. Instead of picking a glass of wine off the wine list, order a glass of ombra like a local. This is a small glass of local wine, and is usually inexpensive. Ombra, means “shade”, the use of the word to define a glass of wine began with the early wine merchants who set up shop in Piazza San Marco, changing the location of their wares to follow the shade of the bell tower so as not to ruin the wine with the heat of the sun. The name stuck, and a small glass of local wine remains an ombra in Venice. If you want to try somewhere that is truly visited by locals, try Cantinone Già Schiavi in the Dorsoduro district. There are no tables, so order your food and wine and find a spot to enjoy it – outside on the canal wall is always a good bet. The tuna and salon here are especially good and as with anywhere else, if the locals eat there, you know you’ll be getting something authentic.

if your ideal night out involves any kind of nightclubs, you’re in the wrong place. Venice has a long history of classical music, and there is usually a concert going on somewhere in the city. To really soak up the surroundings, find a table in Piazza San Marco and take in the sights, sounds and smells of the city. Incidentally, the myth that the canals of Venice smell is untrue. There is only a faint seawater smell, which may be a

tad stronger when the tide is out, but which is not at all unpleasant. Whatever you choose to do in Venice, as well as a city packed with tourists, you will come away with memories of one of the most beautiful and unique cities in Europe. Fly direct from Dublin to Venice Marco Polo with Aer Lingus. Scheduled flights every Tuesday and Friday. www.aerlingus. com/

Gondolas on the Grand Canal

Venetian Mask

Give In

It can’t be avoided any longer, so put on your loudest Hawaiian shirt, comfiest shoes and have you camera dangling proudly around your neck. There are some unmissable spots in Venice that every other tourist is here to see too. First on the list is Piazza San Marco where you can see three major sights in one place. This magnificent open space has been described as ‘the drawing room of Europe’. From you can see St Mark’s Basilica, the beautiful white and gold church often regarded as living testimony of Venice’s links with Byzantium. Doge’s Palace, now a museum was in a former life the palace and residence of the Doge of Venice, the supreme authority of the Republic of Venice. You will also spot Torre dell’Orologio, the tall clock tower, which was designed in 1496 and remains one of the most significant Renaissance buildings in Venice. Nightlife in Venice is quite sedate, and

LIFESTYLEWHAT'SON Katy Perry The Prismatic World Tour

The Unremarkable Death of Marilyn Monroe

Katy Perry scored her second No.1 album in the UK with PRISM. The album follows the huge success of Katy’s chart topping single Roar which was recently certified platinum in the UK. PRISM has already been certified Gold (100,000 sales) in the UK and globally the album is a smash shooting to No.1 on iTunes charts in 90 markets around the world. Katy Perry’s PRISMATIC WORLD TOUR is planned to be a multi-faceted spectacular and will include a special standing pit in front of the stage which will see Katy getting closer than ever to her fans. Special guests on this UK leg of THE PRISMATIC WORLD TOUR will be Icona Pop. The Swedish duo spawned one of the biggest hits of 2013 with their smash I Love It which charted at No.1 on the UK singles chart.

From Dyad Productions (Austen’s Women, Female Gothic, I, Elizabeth, The Diaries Of Adam & Eve) comes Monroe as we’ve never seen her before: alone in her bedroom, in dressing gown and slippers; no glitz, no glamour, no masks. Overdosed on pills, the woman behind the icon unravels her remarkable life and bares all, revealing a biting intelligence, a frustrated talent and an imperfect body. This stark confessional (DiMaggio, Gable, Miller, Hyde, her mother – it’s all here) offers a radical interpretation of this Hollywood legend and leads us, in real time, to the very moment of her death.

(7 May, Odyssey Arena) www.odysseyarena.com

(23 May, Market Place Theatre) www.marketplacearmagh.com

What's On! April-May 2014 Spring is here and now that the evenings are longer we have more time to enjoy what NI has to offer. The Giro D’Italia, one of the biggest cycling events in Europe is coming so don’t miss it! If music is more your scene, you can choose between Katy Perry or local singing sensations like Derek Ryan. Why not let your inner child out with Disney on Ice or The Little Mermaid ballet? For Easter, take the family out to enjoy the celebrations at the Ulster American Folk Park. Disney on Ice: Worlds of Fantasy

The Little Mermaid Ballet

Feld Entertainment’s action-packed ice spectacular whisks audiences on a captivating adventure to four magical locations, including the auto-racing terrain of Cars and a visit to Andy’s bedroom for some fun with the stars of Toy Story 3. This production delights audiences with a journey under the sea to Ariel’s world from The Little Mermaid and then into the mystical land of Pixie Hollow for a presentation of Tinker Bell. “Audiences will see four completely different Disney worlds brought to life,” says producer Kenneth Feld. “All of this provides a value that is truly unparalleled in the world of live family entertainment. More than ever before, there’s something for everyone.”

Join Ballet Theatre UK on this dramatic re-telling of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid who falls in love with a human prince and gives up everything to win his love. The kind hearted mermaid rescues the prince during a storm at sea, and begins a journey that takes her far from her home beneath the waves. Determined to pursue her love on to the shore she makes a bargain with an evil Sea Witch, but it comes at a heavy price. Little ballet dancers will love this charming and poignant ballet!

(10-13 April 2014, Odyssey Arena) www.odysseyarena.com

(7 May, Theatre at the Mill) www.theatreatthemill.com

LIFESTYLEWHAT'SON Image: Graham Watson Cycling Photographer

Giro d’Italia Big Start 2014

(9-11 May, various locations across NI) www.girostart2014.com Northern Ireland will host the opening stages of the Giro d’Italia in 2014. This annual multiple stage bicycle race is primarily held in Italy and along with the Tour de France and Vuelta a España, the Giro makes up cycling’s prestigious, three weeklong Grand Tours. Over 200 of the top professional cyclists from across the globe will be in Northern Ireland to take part. There will be three days of pre-race celebrations in Belfast, followed by spectacular opening stages in Northern Ireland. The Grande Partenza or ‘Big Start’ of the Giro d’Italia will take place over three days from 9-11 May 2014 and involves routes in Belfast, around the stunning Causeway Coast and Armagh before moving on to Dublin.

Other events Music

Elvis Presley on stage (28 April, Waterfront Hall) www.waterfront.co.uk

Theatre

David Copperfield by Charles Dickens (4 April, Limavady Theatre – Roe Valley Arts) www.roevalleyarts.com Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat (24-26 April, Alley Arts Centre, Strabane) www.alley-theatre.com How Many Miles to Babylon? (27 April-24 May, Lyric Theatre) www.lyrictheatre.co.uk Singing in the Rain (6-17 May, Grand Opera House) www.goh.co.uk

Ulster American Folk Park Easter Celebrations (19-21 April) www.nmni.com

Comedy

Hop along to the museum this Easter for some traditional spring outdoor fun. Roll up your sleeves and help feed the baby chicks or spring lambs. Try your hand at churning butter, chat to frontier trappers and traders from the 1700s or have a go at basket weaving, spinning and rope making. Take your place on the starting line for the egg and spoon race or lead a partner by the hand for a spring time hoe-down in the Pennsylvania Barn. Major event day pricing applies.

Derek Ryan

(30 April, Ardhowen Theatre) www.ardhowentheatre.com Derek Ryan’s rise to become one of the biggest stars of Irish Country Music has been phenomenal. In just over two years few artists have made such an impact on the Irish Country scene like the County Carlow singer songwriter. Having played to sell out concert audiences around the world with D-Side, the young heartthrob has brought a distinctive fresh sound to Irish country. His theatre shows contain much of the music featured on his three albums along with new material that allows him to show off his guitar playing and vocal quality.

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

Russell Kane (11 May 2014, Comedy Club at the Ulster Hall)

Family

Aliens Love Underpants! (11-13 April, Grand Opera House) www.goh.co.uk The Jungle Book 15 May, Market Place Theatre 21 May, Ardhowen Theatre Peppa Pig’s Big Splash (2-4 May, Grand Opera House) www.goh.co.uk

Other

Ruby Wax: Sane New World (13 April, Theatre at the Mill) www.theatreatthemill.com Giant Bunny Easter Hunt (16-27 April, Castle Espie Wetland Centre) www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/ castle-espie/ Mount Stewart Easter Easter Egg Trail (18-26 April) Bangor Easter Parade and Fun Day (21 April)

LIFESTYLEREVIEWS

Movies

Noah

Starring: Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connolly, Emma Watson Noah is a close adaptation of the Biblical story of Noah’s Ark, epic story of courage, sacrifice and hope. In a world ravaged by human sin, Noah is given a divine mission: to build an Ark to save creation from the coming flood.

Divergent

The Amazing Spiderman 2

The Perfect Affair

The Violet Hour

Starring: Shailene Woodley, Kate Winslet, Zoë Kravitz Set in a futuristic dystopia where society is divided into five factions that represent a different virtue, teenagers have to decide if they want to stay in their faction or switch to another - for the rest of their lives. Tris Prior makes a choice that surprises everyone. Then Tris and her fellow faction-members have to live through a competitive initiation process to live out the choice they have made. But she is Divergent, which means she doesn’t fit into any one group. If anyone knew, it would mean certain death. As she discovers a growing conflict threatening to unravel society, this secret might help save the people she loves... or it might destroy her.

Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx For Peter Parker, life is busy - between taking out bad guys as Spider-Man and spending time with the person he loves, Gwen, High School graduation can’t come quickly enough. Peter hasn’t forgotten about the promise he made to Gwen’s father to protect her by staying away - but that’s a promise he just can’t keep. Things will change for Peter when a new villain, Electro, emerges; an old friend returns, and Peter uncovers new clues about his past.

Shelf Life Look Who’s Back

by Timur Vermes Summer 2011, Berlin. Adolf Hitler wakes up on a patch of ground, alive and well. Things have changed – no Eva Braun, no Nazi party, no war. Hitler barely recognises his beloved Fatherland, filled with immigrants and run by a woman. People certainly recognise him, though – as a brilliant, satirical impersonator who refuses to break character. The unthinkable, the inevitable, happens, and the ranting Hitler takes off, goes viral, becomes a Youtube star, gets his own TV show, becomes someone people listen to. All while he’s still trying to convince them that yes, it really is him, and yes, he really means it.

by Claire Dyer What happens if you fall in love with the wrong person? Rose knows only too well the exhilaration and devastation of loving a married man. So she watches with a keen eye as Eve – the granddaughter she never had – meets Myles, the new tenant in her downstairs flat. Against the backdrop of their own unsatisfactory marriages, Myles and Eve fall in love and, as they try to have the perfect affair like Rose did before them, they learn about the pain of lost opportunities, to decide whether it is better to follow your head or your heart, and to know what it is to be torn between love and duty.

by Katherine Hill Life hasn’t always been perfect, but for Abe and Cassandra Green, an afternoon on the San Francisco Bay might be as good as it gets. But then there is a terrible row. Cassandra has been unfaithful. In a fit of insanity, Abe throws himself off the boat. A love story that begins with the end of a marriage, The Violet Hour follows a 21st century American family through past and present, from a lavish New York wedding to the family funeral home in suburban Washington, from a drunken PTA party to a scene of unexpected public violence.

LIFESTYLEREVIEWS

X Men – Days of Future Past

Maleficent

22 Jump Street

The Runaway Woman

Wedding Night

My Dog

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy, Ian McKellan, Patrick Stewart The ultimate X-Men ensemble fights a war for the survival of the species across two time periods in X-Men: Days of Future Past. The characters from the original X-Men film trilogy join forces with their younger selves in an epic battle that must change the past - to save our future.

by Josephine Cox Those looking in from the outside think Lucy Lovejoy’s life is like any other, but at the centre of her family there is a big empty hole where the love and warmth should be. Over the years, her children have watched while their father chipped away at Lucy’s self-confidence. Now they are following their own paths, and Lucy has never felt more alone. When tragedy strikes at the heart of her family, it’s a wake-up call for Lucy. Everyone has taken a little piece of her and she isn’t sure who she is anymore. So when Lucy faces a betrayal from those she loves deepest, she knows that it’s time to make a choice.

Starring: Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Juno Temple “Maleficent” is the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain. A beautiful, pure-hearted young woman, Maleficent has an idyllic life growing up in a peaceable forest kingdom until an invading army threatens the harmony of the land. Maleficent rises to be the land’s fiercest protector, but she ultimately suffers a ruthless betrayal that begins to turn her pure heart to stone. Bent on revenge, Maleficent faces an epic battle with the invading king’s successor and places a curse upon his newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Maleficent realizes that Aurora holds the key to peace in the kingdom—and perhaps to Maleficent’s true happiness as well.

by Sophie Kinsella Lottie is tired of long-term boyfriends who don’t want to commit to marriage. When her old boyfriend Ben reappears and reminds her of their pact to get married if they were both still single at thirty, she jumps at the chance. There will be no dates and no engagement - just a straight wedding march to the altar! Next comes the honeymoon on the Greek island where they first met. But not everyone is thrilled with Lottie and Ben’s rushed marriage, and family and friends are determined to intervene. Will Lottie and Ben have a wedding night to remember … or one to forget?

Starring: Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, Dave Franco After making their way through high school, big changes are in store for officers Schmidt and Jenko when they go undercover at a local college. But when Jenko meets a kindred spirit on the football team, and Schmidt infiltrates the bohemian art major scene, they begin to question their partnership. Now they don’t have to just crack the case - they have to figure out if they can have a mature relationship. If these overgrown adolescents can grow from freshmen into real men, college might be the best thing that ever happened to them.

by Donal Parsons Donal Parsons is a six year old boy who lives in Strandhill, Country Sligo with his family and Nelly, his Springer Spaniel. In October 2013, Donal was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, a very rare children’s cancer. Donal has written and illustrated My Dog, a book about Nelly to raise funds for his treatment through the Donal Parsons Trust. He created the book just for fun one afternoon before becoming ill. After starting treatment, Nelly the dog became a great source of entertainment and distraction for Donal. The idea of publishing the book developed from the closeness of their relationship.

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Hairdressing

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31a Lisburn Street, Hillsborough 02892 682800

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Stafford PAUL STAFFORD HAIRDRESSING 671 LISBURN ROAD Tel: (028) 9066 2554

SOCIALPRÊT-À-PARTY

FITZWILLIAM HOTEL CELEBRATES FIVE FANTASTIC YEARS IN BELFAST

he Fitzwilliam Hotel celebrated its fifth birthday recently and to mark the occasion, over 100 guests attended a special casino and cocktail themed birthday party in the renowned hotel lobby and bar. The award-winning hotel has welcomed over 320,000 guests from across the globe, including celebrities Katy Perry and Chris Martin, and served more than 110,000 cocktails since it first opened to the public in March 2009.

2 1 1. Gerry & Debby Armstrong, Siobhan O’Sullivan and Tracey Hall 2. Siobhan O’Sullivan, Cian Landers & Paul Clark 3. Jess Orr and Hannah Colledge 4. Rick Swann and Steve Simpson 5. Sonia Armstrong and Chris Black 6. Lindsay Hall and Deborah Swain

MOTORINGTESTDRIVE

Giulietta... a blend of sportiness and elegance T

he 2014 Alfa Romeo Giulietta is now on sale with renewed style, new engines and more technological content than ever before. Launched in 2010, the Giulietta remains the most eye-catching and attractive car in its segment and the styling revisions have been carefully considered, with a new front grille design; revised front fog lights; new 16-, 17- and 18-inch alloy wheel designs, and new exterior colours (Luna Pearl, Cobalto Blue and Metallo Bronze) to further enhance its appeal. Northern Woman recently tested the new Giulietta with its 2.0 litre diesel engine. Its a car that has stunning coupé looks, combined with five-door practicality. Designed with a perfect blend of sportiness and elegance, the Giulietta has embraced technological advances, but stayed true to the Alfa Romeo brand. The all-new Uconnect™ system, fitted as standard across the entire 2014 Alfa

Romeo Giulietta range, is operated via its five-inch colour touch screen or using voice commands and includes Bluetooth® connectivity, wireless music streaming, hands-free SMS reading and DAB (digital radio). Giulietta models fitted with satellite navigation benefit from a larger 6.5-inch screen with 3D bird’s-eye maps, intelligent route guidance and a one-step destination entry function with voice command.

Diesel option

The new 2.0 JTDM-2 diesel engine, which debuts on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, doesn’t just offer more power and torque but guarantees a reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 while also keeping polluting emissions, and therefore tax, low. The well-soundproofed interior allows you to sit back and relax on the five leather seats that are now even more

comfortable. The redesigned seats not only exude Italian craftsmanship, they are also more comfortable and more enveloping – particularly in terms of upper-body lateral support – and are presented in a variety of new upholstery and leather finishes. It’s an interesting hatch, sensible but desirable, with: • Stunning coupé looks with 5-door practicality. • Alfa 3-way selectable driving mode system. • Fuel saving technology. • New design chrome grille. • Chrome fog light surrounds. Standard equipment includes state-ofthe-art electronic systems for dynamic control and safety. The Giulietta driver always has the option of customising their car’s driving character using the standard Alfa D.N.A. driving selector, allowing you to find the ideal blend of comfort, performance, safety and efficiency for the prevailing conditions. With the selector set to Natural, even everyday driving becomes more fun, guaranteeing a comfortable, smooth drive at all times. Fuel consumption will be reduced to the minimum. When the selector is in Dynamic position, the car’s performance is exactly as you would expect from the sporting spirit of any Alfa Romeo Car tested is priced from £23,470 – available from Donnelly Bros Alfa Romeo, Mallusk.

MOTORINGNEWS

ven though the new Mini Hatch is instantly recognisable, the car is completely new from the ground up. Every component has been back to the drawing board in an effort to improve its function, performance or style. The result is ‘The New Original’, a Mini which is distinctly familiar but enhanced in every way. It features significant improvements in technology, engine efficiency and power delivery as well as driving dynamics, quality and personalisation. Inside, the new Mini Hatch is quieter than the outgoing model, as well as being more spacious than before, safer and finished to an even higher standard. The new Mini is the first car in its segment to offer the option of LED headlamps for both dipped and main beam. Keyless-go is now standard across the Mini Hatch range. The start/stop switch located in the middle of the centre console features a heartbeat illumination which pulses before the engine is started. A number of switches have been relocated including those for the electric windows, which are now integrated into the door trim. The new Mini features a range of three entirely new engines, each featuring TwinPower Turbo Technology to increase driving fun and improve environmental

A new Classic efficiency. The trio all offer improved performance figures, with maximum power across all three variants produced lower down the rev range, while fuel consumption and emission levels have been reduced by as much as 27 per cent when compared to their predecessor models. The Cooper Hatch has a three-cylinder

petrol engine with a peak output of 136hp, while the S Hatch is powered by a fourcylinder petrol engine which develops 192hp. The new Cooper D Hatch comes with a three-cylinder diesel engine with an output of 116hp but offers an average combined economy of 80mpg. Prices start at £13,750 on the road.

WEDDINGALBUM

Northern Woman Congratulatesâ&#x20AC;Ś Kyle Wallace and Julie Dunn chose the beautiful surroundings of Edenmore Golf & Country Club, Co Down to have their ceremony and reception. For their memorable honeymoon, they are travelling around the USA, starting in New York and finishing in Florida!

yle planned a stunning proposal in Turkey, a special place for the couple. The couple soon got stuck into planning their big day which had a classic feel with a country twist. Julie looked amazing in a beautiful strapless dress she fell in love with in Petticoat Lane Bridal. Her shoes, veil and headpiece were also sourced from the shop, completing her bridal look. A stylish up-do and natural make-up finished off her elegant look. The groom and groomsmen looked dapper in their suits and ties from McQuillans in Portadown.

WEDDINGALBUM

Finishing Touches

Friends and family helped to make the day truly special. Hair and make-up was done by friends of Julie’s friends whilst the beautiful flower arrangements were done by her best friend and bridesmaid Ciara from All Seasons Floral Design in Dunmurry. Everyone enjoyed the evening entertainment from the Smooth Wedding Band. The ‘King’ even made an appearance as an Elvis Presley impersonator had everyone dancing to the classics. The guests certainly enjoyed themselves but, most importantly of all, the couple enjoyed their perfect day from start to finish.

Photography: Marie Allen Photographer Cinematography: Wedding Video NI Cake: Orchid Studios, Portadown Hair: Copper in Lisburn Make-up: Jillian Conner Make-up Artist

ONELASTTHING thinking on your feet creating images and love working with other creative people designers photographers and make-up artists but especially the younger stylists and assistants who have untapped raw talent that can be nurtured and coached. I try to bring my session experience into my day to day salon work, introducing my clients to more fashion inspired ideas to update their look and keep them fresh.

Are there any boring bits that we don’t know about?

Hahahaha... Working with people is never boring and living with Paul Stafford even less so, no I wouldn’t say there’s a boring aspect to my life, in fact sometimes a little boredom would be very welcome!

You recently won the Belfast Telegraph’s Woman of the Year award for fashion hair and beauty. How did you feel when you won?

A day in the Life... Ever wondered what life is like for an award winning hairdresser? Leisa Stafford, award winning hairdresser, gives NW an insight into her hectic but fascinating career! What’s it like being a successful hairdresser?

There’s a certain pressure being considered “successful” that makes you want push to yourself harder all the time and that can sometimes be stressful, but I expect very high standards of myself and for me success is seeing a client, model or actress with a smile on their face when I’ve done their hair.

Can you describe a typical day?

Is there such a thing as typical? I start early with the girls. I do the drop offs as I like to start as early as possible to get into the salon before everyone else to deal with the Admin, stock checks and any staffing issues that may need dealt with, I’ll meet Katie, the salon manager, to go over the day ahead, unless of course I’m on location shooting or preparing for a show or seminar, normally I’ll take up to nine clients a day before leaving around 5.00pm to collect the kids, I’ll normally wait until Paul comes home, he’ll cook dinner and we will discuss work and probably hair-related stuff, do home works and listen to music, not glamorous, but hey, I think I love it really.

You’re a mum to two young girls. How do you juggle work/home life?

Its really difficult, but I rely heavily on after school care and keeping a tight schedule, I work Monday to Friday and that is my choice as I love my work and clients so I’ve had arrange my life in a way that fits round that. They are both getting older now – Joni is nearly 13 and Ava is 11 so it is getting easier, but you’ll often see me dashing out the door in a panic when I’ve run behind. Unless I’m booked for something outside the salon like a shoot I have most weekends off but really like most Mums I’m really just a glorified taxi driver with ballet, gymnastics etc. Sunday tends to be the day we all get together and relax, we used to socialise a lot but not so much any more as Paul tends to be away a lot of the time so family time is pretty precious to us.

What’s the most enjoyable aspect of your job?

I suppose from a creative point of view I’ve always been interested in Session Styling whether it’s been on fashion or hair shoots or fashion shows, I really get a buzz from

I was both hugely flattered and very humbled, though I’ve always been a behind the scenes type of person it’s lovely to be recognised and really enjoyed the experience. I’ve never felt like I’ve ever been in Paul’s shadow, I’ve just never really sought out recognition for my work, I’ve enjoyed every second of my career which is over 25 years now and the reward has been in building great salons, creating wonderful collections and mentoring the careers of many stylists who have gone on to be salon owners themselves but receiving the first WOTYA for Hair Fashion and Beauty was special for obvious reasons, firstly because of our much published financial problems and secondly because I’ve never felt stronger and more dedicated to my craft than the present, so I’m truly honoured.

What has been the most memorable day of your career so far? There have been many personal and career highs. Before I had the girls I travelled all over the world demonstrating techniques and ideas with Paul (and still do occasionally, though I’m more choosy) culminating in winning NI Hairdresser of the Year in 2004 a personal triumph. I’ve worked with some of the most beautiful models most talented actors musicians and designers. Opening our Great Victoria Street salon in 2003 was also a high point, 6,000 sq ft of sheer indulgence which was a dream come true, unfortunately probably too much of a dream, but still obviously the recent award is hugely important to me and to the business in general but my two girls are what makes me who I am, to them I’m just Mum and I’m happy with that.

NORTHERN WOMAN

How far would you go for the

perfect look?

£2.50/€3.95

MAY 2014

M AY 2 0 1 4 - B I G S / S ’ 1 4 F A S H I O N I S S U E

S/S‘14 Fashion Issue battisti

hairdressing 255 Lisburn Road, Belfast VOLUME 30

ISSN 1361-2735

NUMBER 3

9 771361 273013

STYLE ❤ HEALTH ❤ BEAUTY ❤ LIFESTYLE ❤ COMPETITIONS