Ulster Life December

ULSTER’S FREE LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

ISSUE 28

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Contents 24

Beauty Expert Ruth-Ellan Logan Being fabulous from the inside out

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Spa Sleuth Cathy Martin Winter legs with a summer glow

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Fashion Davina Sands Glitz and Glam it up this Christmas

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Recipe SuperValu & Nick Price from Nicks Warehouse The duo team up with a SuperValu Christmas dinner

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Wine Expert Gavin Butterworth The perfect Christmas gift.

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Art Expert Patrick Colhoun A month in the Art world

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Profile Jack Murphy.

Jacks guide to the perfect ring this Christmas

ULSTER’S FREE LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

ISSUE 28

Front Cover: Keith Kane Hair International Carryduff 028 90 813 622

2 time winner of NI Hairdresser of the year

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Ulster Life 180 Gortgole Road Portglenone Co. Antrim BT44 8AT E barry@myulsterlife.co.uk T 0777 2002 777 W www.od-media.co.uk

Ulster Life accepts no responsibility for the opinions of writers and contributors to this magazine. All rights reserved.

Reproduction eitherwhole or part without prior consent is strictly prohibited. Every care is taken when compiling the publication to ensure that all content is correctat time of going to print. OD-Media accepts no responsibility for any harm from errors or admissions

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Christmas Shopping made easy at Therapie Clinic

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ule number 1 is don’t panic! Make a list, set your budget and plan your route. How many of us find ourselves rushing around on Christmas Eve, aimlessly going from shop to shop only to make a poor choice in sheer desperation? Guys are particularly prone to this type of shopping behaviour!

If you haven’t picked up any gentle hints just yet, check out some suggestions below from Therapie Clinic for both guys and girls to ensure you impress the one you love this Christmas.

Better still is that you can get these gifts all under one roof at super, affordable prices! Visit Therapie Clinic, Carlisle Road, L/Derry or Queen’s Arcade & Donegal Place (Cleaver House) in Belfast, no more last minute Christmas Eve dashes!

Therapie Clinic Gift Card

Gifts for her

You cannot get much better than a stunning Eve Lom Gift Set. Choose from the Daily Collection, Perfect Partner or Luxury Collection containing a beautiful selection of these award-winning moisturisers, cleaners, masks and balms. Or how about an Image Skincare Gift Set, containing cleanser, serum and moisturiser and give the gift of more radiant and rejuvenated looking skin?

This is sure to gain you some brownie points!

Or how about a tailored pampering package with luxury facial? Of course you can also purchase a laser hair removal package for your loved one and help them say goodbye razor, hello laser for 2012!

Therapie Clinic, Eve Lom, Daily Collection, €85

Gifts for him

Therapie also has a wonderful collection of treatments, packages and Gift Sets for him.

From facials, to laser hair removal (yes, even for the guys!), to moisturisers and aftershaves, the options are endless, just avoid the last minute Christmas Eve dash and you’ll be fine!

Call into Therapie Clinic, Carlisle Road, L/Derry, call 028 7126 5379 or Therapie Clinic, Donegall Place or Queen’s Arcade in Belfast or visit www.therapieclinic.co.uk

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Therapie Clinic, Image Skincare, €89

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7 Year Itch...?

Time for a Makeover at Mal

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ne of the UK’s leading hotels chains, the Hotel du Vin and Malmaison Group, has invested over £250,000 in a recent refurbishment of Belfast Malmaison, which will be unveiled at a glittering event to mark its seventh birthday on November 18.

Robert B.Cook, Chief Executive Officer, Hotel du Vin and Malmaison, said: “At Malmaison we are always looking at innovative ways to keep the brand exciting, fresh and current. The renovation and investment in Belfast seemed like a perfect way to celebrate the seven successful years we have spent in the North’s most vibrant and popular city.”

Malmaison’s in-house design team were responsible for the concept and cementing the company’s ‘home grown and local’ ethos, McCue FIT & Abbey Upholsterers carried out the extensive renovation work. Moving away from darker colours that have become synonymous with the brand, the hotel has introduced a brighter new colour scheme throughout the

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rooms, suites, Brasserie and bar area.

The stylish space is seriously striking with sumptuous textures and fabulous fabrics, turning it into the slinkiest boutique hotel in Belfast.

Malmaison Hotels are renowned for their distinctive, landmark buildings, and Malmaison Belfast is no different. The building was originally two warehouses, built in 1850 for rival seed merchants. Inside, this unique structure’s oak beams and cast iron features have been retained to dramatic effect. Intricate stone carvings on the façade combine to make for an impressive building steeped in history.

Situated on Victoria Street and backing onto the famous Belfast docks, the ever-popular Malmaison hotel and the very first Irish outpost for the chain is celebrating its seventh birthday in style. Guests can expect the very best in Northern Irish hospitality with an evening of divine dining, daring cocktails and belting beats guaranteed.

Ulster Life

Saving Lives for the price of a Cappuccino!

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ction Cancer Patron Zoe Salmon invites you to join the charity’s new and exclusive Cappuccino Club!

For a monthly donation of just £5 – the price of a Cappuccino and a piece of cake – you will be entered into a draw to win a cash prize of £1000 every single month, as well as a second monthly prize draw for a spa break in a luxury hotel.

Membership of the club is restricted to just 1000 people, giving members great odds of winning one of these fabulous prizes.

Monies raised through the Cappuccino Club will fund Action Cancer’s life-saving breast screening service. The service, which is unique in Northern Ireland, is available to all women aged 40 – 49 and 70+.

If you would like to join the Cappuccino Club or would like more information, please visit Action Cancer’s website www.actioncancer.org or contact Lyn Palmer

by T: (028) 9080 3369 or E: lpalmer@actioncancer.org

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Ulster Life Treat yourself to 1 of 7 little gems this Christmas. Or have them all for just over £100!

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1 Rushmere Silver BeltBuckle Bracelet- New Look £8.99 The Spa at Galgorm Aromatherapy Associates 7.5ML ULTIMATE B&S OIL COLLECTION £28.50

The Spa at Galgorm Aromatherapy Associates 7.5ML LITTLE STAR £10

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3 The Spa at Galgorm VOYA My Little Hero Anti Ageing Face Serum

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The Merchant Hotel – Voucher for Christmas Afternoon Tea. A festive spin on the original afternoon tea which has become synonymous with the luxury hotel. The sumptuous festive treat includes mince pies, Christmas cake and a gift to take home. £26.50 per person

Rushmere Silver Stretch Bracelet New Look £7.99

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The Spa at Galgorm Aromatherapy Associates 3 WICK COMFORT CANDLE £45

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Ulster Life

facebook.com/bacardi Enjoy Together Responsibly BACARDĂ? and the Bat Device are registered trademarks of Bacardi & Company Limited.

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Ulster Life The Merchant Hotel Invests in a Sparkling New Champagne Bar 29th November 2011: Belfast’s luxurious 5-star Merchant Hotel this week officially unveiled a £50,000 Veuve Clicquot Champagne Lounge - a stylish and sophisticated addition to the hotel’s extensive hospitality portfolio.

The plush new lounge is positioned next to The Great Room Restaurant and provides a tempting menu of vintage and NV Veuve Clicquot Champagnes and several Champagne-based cocktails in its opulent surroundings housed within The Merchant Hotel’s original Grade A listed building.

Occupying the former headquarters of the Ulster Bank, the hotel already boasts a luxurious spa, a state-of-the-art roof top gymnasium and an authentic jazz bar.

The Veuve Clicquot Champagnea Lounge builds upon the hotel’s existing reputation for world-class luxury, offering visitors a one-ofa-kind indulgent experience.

Designer, Anne Marie O’Neill, of O’Donnell O’Neill Design Associates (Interior Architects for the whole Hotel) worked closely with designers from Veuve Clicquot in order to create a harmonious and elegant space that reflected the excellence of both brands.

General Manager of The Merchant Hotel, Adrian McLaughlin, commented: “Following the £16 million investment in our New Chapter in 2010, this is an exciting development era for the hotel, and the addition of the new Veuve Clicquot lounge is the icing on the cake for The Merchant.

“Veuve Clicquot is one of the world’s most renowned Champagne brands and we are delighted to welcome the prestigious lounge as part of our continued development strategy to grow the hotel within the global luxury hotel market.”

Sales Manager of The Merchant Hotel, Paula Stephens, added: “Belfast has developed a taste for luxury in recent years and, with the introduction of the

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new Champagne Bar, we aim to deliver an accessible city centre location where guests can indulge in exquisite Champagne in opulent surroundings.”

Michael Browne, Marketing Manager, Dillon Bass also commented: “We have a long standing relationship with The Beannchor Group and have been with The Merchant Hotel since its inception. It is a delight to have the opportunity to showcase one of the many prestigious brands from our drinks portfolio in such an impressive way. The Veuve Clicquot Lounge truly reflects both the excellence of The Merchant Hotel and this fabulous Champagne house. This is rather neatly summed up by the Veuve Clicquot company motto – One quality, only the finest!”

Michael Browne, Marketing Manager of Dillon Bass and Paula Stephens, Sales Manager of The Merchant Hotel, raise a toast to the hotel’s newly launched £50,000 Veuve Clicquot Champagne Lounge which is housed within the original Grade A listed building.

Ulster Life

With Internation Restaura al choose frnots to m Christmas this

Visit www.victoriasquare.com for restaurant contact details.

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Best foot forward as Dune opens in Victoria Square

Hugh Black, centre manager, Victoria Square and Zoe Brooks, head of retail, Dune, which has opened its largest standalone store in Northern Ireland in Victoria Square.

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he chic new Dune store, located on the Upper Ground Floor at the Cornmarket entrance to Victoria Square is the largest of the brand’s retail outlets in Northern Ireland.

Driven by an ethos of offering ‘affordable luxury,’ Dune has grown, since its establishment in 1992, to become one of the UK’s leading footwear and accessories retailers. The bright, spacious Victoria Square store features the largest collection of Dune footwear for men and women anywhere in Northern Ireland.

Dune is the latest in a number of big brands to launch in Victoria Square in 2011, with fashion retailers Mexx, USC, Bank, Guess, Mimco, watch retailer Swatch and restaurant Wagamama all opening within the scheme in the past twelve months.

The opening of the new Dune store follows very strong performance from Victoria Square in 2011 to date. Against a backdrop of declining retail sales across the UK, Victoria Square is reporting a 4% increase in footfall on 2010 levels and a 3% increase on 2010 sales, as

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of October 2011. Both footfall and sales have been up every month on last year, except in October.* Welcoming Dune to Victoria Square, centre manager Hugh Black said: “Victoria Square hosts a diverse range of leading brands and the opening of the stylish new Dune store will greatly add to our exciting fashion offering.

We are thrilled that Dune has chosen Victoria Square as the location for their largest standalone store in Northern Ireland.

“Victoria Square’s 2011 performance to date shows encouraging increases in both levels of footfall and sales on last year. As we approach Christmas, we are optimistic that Victoria Square and its retailers will trade well this year; providing the weather holds and we don’t have a repeat of the snow experienced last year, we expect our upward trend for both footfall and sales to continue in December.”

Commenting on the launch of the new Dune store in Victoria Square, Zöe Brookes, Head of Retail for The Dune Group said: “Dune is proud to launch its fantastic new standalone store in Victoria Square. We feel that this is the ideal location for our brand, which, with its ethos of offering customers an affordable luxury experience, is the perfect fit with Victoria Square.”

“Our first store opened in Northern Ireland in 2002; and over the last nine years, Dune has established a very loyal customer base. We are very excited to continue to invest in and develop the brand, in Northern Ireland with the opening of this high profile new store.”

To celebrate its launch in Victoria Square, Dune is offering customers an exclusive 25% discount to all full price merchandise this Thursday, 1st December 2011 when they visit the store on the Upper Ground Floor of Victoria Square.

For more information, visit www.victoriasquare.com

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Who said Winter should be Dull?

With the Christmas party season kicking off it’s time to start thinking about looking your best. Step forward Northern Ireland’s newest self-tanning brand, Baby B. Browne, just in time to keep you looking and feeling gorgeous throughout the party season.

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t’s that time of year again, the party season is in full swing and women across the province are looking for the perfect tan to flaunt with that show stopping dress. With Baby B. Browne – the newest and most exciting self tanning range on the market - winter skin no longer needs to be pale and dull. Baby B. Browne Self Tanning Lotion creates a perfect, flawless and natural looking tan every time. The intense lotion gives gorgeously sun kissed skin within minutes, is easy to apply and is enriched with moisturising Aloe Vera properties to help deliver an incredibly flawless, natural and long-lasting tan with amazing wear-off.

Available from selected beauty salons and chemists across Northern Ireland, this lotion has been receiving rave reviews from beauticians and customers alike for its natural colour, moisturising properties and pleasant fresh smell.

Baby B. Browne also has recently launched a professional spray tan which is quickly becoming the in-demand choice for spray tan therapists this party season. With Baby B. Browne, flawless and perfect party pins are guaranteed every time!

Why not give a loved one (or indeed yourself, you know you deserve it) the gift of beautifully bronzed skin this winter with Baby B. Browne

What

the experts think!

Baby B. Browne is what people who love their tan have been waiting for! It goes on great, smells beautiful, looks fabulous and washes off brilliantly!

(Lara Bradley, Beautify Salon, Belfast)

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For a safe and flawless natural tan for ALL skin types I would highly recommend Baby B. Browne.

This is the tan I have been long waiting for, for me and my clients. With its Aloe Vera it leaves the skin silky smooth, with a healthy glow, is easy to apply and has no sticky residue. The best part of the tan is that it fades off evenly and you don’t get that ‘snake skin’ look which is every girl’s nightmare so it saves scrubbing time. Baby B. Browne is so popular within my salon and I am so glad I found it!

(Riofach Cannon, Beautiful Professional Hair & Beauty, Strabane)

All clients at Fab think this tan is amazing, it goes on so easy and gives a flawless fabulous colour.

The value of the tan is great - such good results at great prices!

(Eimear, Fab Beauty Salon, Armagh)

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Wardrobe Mistress Ulster Life’s very own Style guru is back with top tips on how to look simply fabulous whatever your dilemma!

Dear Wardrobe Mistress, I’ve been invited to a university Christmas reunion in a few weeks’ time. Normally when I’m invited to these things, I pop down the high street to find something that doesn’t cost my whole month’s salary! Because this formal is a bit special and I haven’t seen my uni girls for such a long time (10 years and 2 kids later!), I want to treat myself to something that makes me look and feel special. Can you help?

Highstreet Hunter

Dear Highstreet Hunter, If there’s one time of the year that you’re going to treat yourself, then why not pick Christmas when you’re mostly picking things for others. The options out there at this time of year are endless, so try to have a rough idea of what you’re looking for before you start roaming the shops.

Many high street stores like Debenhams and House of Fraser have a gorgeous selection of elegant party dresses on offer like this dark blue Goddess Maxi Dress from Coast at £180 which, when teamed with rich gold accessories; shoes, earrings, bangles and bag, will be the perfect timeless look and these rich colours are perfect for this time of year. If you’re willing to pay a bit more for an elegant timeless look, Cruise is currently stocking a stunning dress by Scala which is encrusted in gold sequins. It is a little more expensive at £410 but it is a classic which can be worn time and time again.

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Dear Wardrobe Mistress, I love buying the latest knitwear in winter; it’s so cosy and warm in the cold weather. My issue is that I never like to wear a coat over the top, but that’s no good when there’s a likelihood of rain. I need to find something that I can wear over my knitwear but I don’t want anything too bulky – the Michelin Man is not a good look!

Winter Warmer

Dear Winter Warmer Knitwear is one of my favourite things to wear this time of year too, but as warm as it is, it doesn’t stop the rain from saturating through and with pure natural wool, you might get a slight pong of animal when it gets wet! Fortunately, there are lots of fine waterproof coats out this season that look amazing with knitwear! ASOS.com are doing some brilliant lightweight coats right now like this parka with a faux fur hood in khaki at £80 which would definitely be wearable with a knitted jumper and a skirt with tights! It also has detachable faux fur lining which you can take off when it’s a bit warmer or you can keep on and bulk up for the colder, snowy weather which might come again this winter! Also, team it with some Juicy Couture Headphone Ear Muffs to finish your winter look, they’ll keep you warm and let you listen to some music while you’re making your snowman on Christmas Day!

Dear Wardrobe Mistress, My boyfriend and I are sharing our first Christmas together but we have only briefly talked about presents and there has been no

Ulster Life mention of budget; it’s an awkward situation! It doesn’t help when he keeps boasting about what an amazing present he has bought me and he’s asking me constantly what he’s getting from me but the truth is, I don’t have a clue at this stage!

He is very stylish and a bit of a trend setter, so I think it will be something fashion orientated at least. I know it’s normally meant to be the guy who has problems finding his girlfriend’s present, but this time it’s the other way round!

Ungifted Princess

Dear Ungifted Princess, Buying presents for anyone can be hard because it tests how well you know them and since this is your first Christmas, you must have been together for less than a year. If he is quite a fashionable guy, then try looking in Cruise, Victoria Square, for something designer that will go down treat.

Their Christmas range for 2011 is something to be excited about – both menswear and womenswear, but let’s focus on your man for now! For something really stylish, what about the new Feather Trilby Hat by Paul Smith (£75)? It adds a bit of understated glamour to any outfit. Or for something a little more low key, stick with Paul Smith and have a look at these quirky Mini cufflinks (£60). Cruise is full of stunning, chic and fashionable pieces from all price ranges which would make fantastic presents so go along and see what you can find and have a merry Christmas!

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Ulster Life

Mexican Moustaches made for a moreish mark down

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ith the facial hair growing campaign ‘Movember’ just finished and men’s faces returning to normal, local Mexican food chain Boojum is toting up the final amount they raised in support. Boojum decided to support the now-annual phenomenon that raises money and awareness in support of men’s health issues, by agreeing to treat the ‘Mo Bro’ supporters of Belfast to a bulging Burrito for only £3 on 30th November. Boojum invited both male and female supporters to wear the chain’s handy cut-out Mexican style moustaches, which were available by signing up to the Boojum Movember campaign on Facebook, to benefit from the discount. Although Boojum knows the diners of Belfast love a good giggle, there was method in the madness, as the popular Mexican fast food restaurant is giving the total £730 raised to Movember.

Movember is a worldwide phenomenon which sees men growing and grooming their upper lip hair in the month of November, in order to raise awareness, talkability and funds for health issues such as prostate and testicular cancer, and last month’s seemingly jovial activity highlights a serious issue that affects many lives, yet is often ignored in conversation.

Husband and wife team, John and Karen Blisard, opened the first Boojum in December 2007. After moving from America to Ireland and searching

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unsuccessfully to find a satisfactory Mexican restaurant, the American husband and Northern Irish wife took the plunge to open their own.

Boojum is now a cult culinary experience for many and the restaurant owners masterminded the November campaign to encourage its fanatical fans to think about a few important issues which may not normally crop up in normal tea time chat.

John felt passionately about starting the campaign, explaining, “When my wife and I first opened Boojum, we never even dreamed that our favourite food could become so popular! We have so many loyal fans, for whom we are truly grateful, and we feel privileged that we were able to connect with them on really important issues such as the Movember campaign.

Everyone is affected by cancer in some way, whether it is a family member or a friend, so it is a topic that is really personal to a lot of our regular customers and we are grateful that, together, we were able to raise a substantial amount of money for such a worthy cause. Plus, it’s not every day you get to stick a fake moustache on for dinner, so we hope our fans enjoyed channelling their inner Mexican!” The Movember Campaign took place on the 30th November at Boojum stores on Chichester Street and Botanic Avenue.

For more information and updates on Boojum visit facebook.com/boojumbelfast.

Give Blood Not Excuses

Ulster Life

Text Blood to 60081 or call 0500 534 666 But do it NOW www.nibts.org

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Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service

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Magic & Sparke on the Lisburn Road as Swarovski frames arrive in EK Eyewear

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litz, glamour and sparkle are in the forefront of the mind in the lead up to Christmas so there’s no better time than now to announce that the fabulous exclusive Swarovski Eyewear collection, including optical frames and sunglasses, is now available in Belfast from EK Eyewear on the Lisburn Road.

Swarovski’s faceted crystal has become a guarantee of unique brilliance and a promise of ultimate sophistication. Swarovski jewellery, bags and accessories have brought the magic of glittering Swarovski to the international fashion scene, and the addition of glasses and eyewear is the perfect complement to these stylish lines. According to Nathalie Colin, artistic director at Swarovski, “they constitute a fashion statement in their own right”.

The optical collection is soon to become the latest in must-have accessories with even greater femininity and elegance. It marks a continuation of the glasses theme and infuses its pieces. “Unlike sunglasses, where a touch of whimsy and exuberance are permissible, optical

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glasses demand more sobriety. But that need not limit our creativity – quite the contrary. It was exciting to adapt our language and help women to take in hand an accessory that some

Ulster Life still see as an encumbrance rather than a chance to express their personality,” continues Nathalie Colin.

“We are delighted to be one of a very small number to stock this very exclusive brand in Belfast of what is an incredibly exclusive brand”, exclaims Eavan Kennedy of EK Eyewear. “The Swarovski range is just stunning and with a diverse selection of styles and colours; classic black, chic tortoiseshell, bold red, and sophisticated touches of mauve, there will be something to suit every woman and a set of frames would definitely be the perfect gift on a glittering wishlist this Christmas.”

Swarovski has refreshed its approach with this collection by discreetly imparting the quintessence of its universe and opting for subtle reminders of its roots rather than a more opulent use of crystal. Swarovski’s distinctive identity is present throughout, as the iconic Swanflower® motif, coloured crystals and of course the facets which adorn the frames and arms, recall the precision and finesse of cut crystal.

370 Lisburn Road Belfast BT9 6GL Tel: 028 9066 2020 www.ekeyewear.com info@ekeyewear.com

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Fabulously Festive Ulster Life’s beauty columnist, Ruth Ellen Logan, Proprietor of the multi-award winning Beauty Company, Belfast gives us the low-down on how to be fabulous this Christmas, from the inside, out‌ 24

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Ulster Life Its little black dress season again and this edition is all about being extra fabulous! So, what is the recipe for sheer gorgeousness this winter?? Read on… As all you Cinderella’s out there prepare for the ball, here are my tips to festive deliciousness…

A Warm Skin Glow…

Tanning really is essential - even though it’s winter.

There is never an excuse for pasty white pins…

Although I do prefer a lighter self-tan for winter…My advice is, go for a tone only a few shades up from your skin tone for radiance and definition as opposed to ‘sun goddess’.

At The Beauty Company, we offer the Vita Liberata Hawaii tan – which is the official tan of the X Factor and Strictly Come Dancing.

This usually retails at £30.00 but as it’s Christmas, we are offering it for only £20.00 for every Ulster Life reader!

For the ultimate party skin from home, try the Vita Liberata 24 carat.

At £23 it’s a must for warming up even the duller winter skin, especially good on legs for a sexy sheen…

Scrub a Dub Dub… To ensure your tan looks fab and lasts that little bit longer, don’t forget to exfoliate from tip-totoe! So scrub scrub scrub!!

Save your pennies on this one and whip-up an exfoliator with ingredients found in your store cupboard.

A favourite of mine is sugar mixed with olive oil – lather it on in the shower or bath – the result – baby soft skin ready for tanning glory…

Tap Those Sexy Toes….

Always remember your toe nails for that party perfection look.

Reds, purples, navy and grey hues are always the winners for winter.

I love the two-week manicure, using Cal Gel - an organic, breathable gel which is applied over your own natural nail- strengthening it and adding instant glamour for at least two weeks!

We are offering this for only £20.00 for every ulster life reader during the month of December.

Face Facts….

So scrubbed, tanned and the body beautiful, now all that’s left is that gorgeous face!!

For this season, focus on beautiful skin, rosy blushers and lots of red gloss for kissing under the mistletoe!!!

And don’t forget your 3D lashes and fabulous brows for those pretty peepers.

And just in time for Christmas, the 3D lashes are now available for the lower lashes – they are all applied individually and are a must for any serious beauty addict.

High brow….

And last but not least, brows. They frame our face so don’t forget then. Get them waxed and tinted every few weeks. And if that still isn’t enough, try our fabulous new product, exclusive to The Beauty Company Christian Eyebrow, a long-lasting powder with easy to use stencils for creating the Christian Eyebrow kit - £28.00 perfect shape available in great colours at just £28.00.

Contact The Beauty Company at www.thebeautycompany.com or call 028 9033 2546 or follow them on Facebook for fantastic offers and invitations to VIP evenings and events www.facebook.com/pages/The-BeautyCompany-Belfast Issue 28

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EK Eyewear unveil exclusive new collection

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here was glitz, glamour and sparkle on the Lisburn Road last month as EK Eyewear unveiled the exclusive new collection of optical frames from stunning brand Swarovski.

Swarovski jewellery, bags and accessories have brought the magic of glittering Swarovski to the international fashion scene, and the addition of glasses and eyewear is the perfect complement to these stylish lines.

The glamorous event allowed guests to try on the stylish frames from the sparking new collection as they sipped on a glass of festive bubbly.

To see the entire Swarovski collection, pop into EK Eyewear, 370 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 6GL or to book an appointment tel: 028 9066 2020

Brian & Roger Ford

Anton Gray & Eavan Kennedy

Brenda & Maxine Ford

Eavan Kennedy, Miriam Conlon & Patricia Slevin

Helen & Kieran Campbell

Sarah McKenna

Tierna Watson

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An Elemis extravaganza at Skin Medi-Spa!

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kin Medi-Spa, one of Northern Ireland’s leading laser and beauty clinics, has just added luxury brand Elemis to its range of products and treatments. To celebrate this new offering, unique to Skin Medi-Spa on the Lisburn Road, the clinic threw the ultimate Elemis extravaganza to treat customers to a flurry of discounts, complimentary West Coast Cooler and divine demos of Elemis products and treatments.

Elemis is the leading luxury British spa and skincare brand, used by 6.5 million spa-goers each year. The treatments and products are only available through an elite network of 1200 spas and salons throughout the world, including the Elemis day-spa flagship stores in London, Miami and Hong Kong and now also at Skin Medi-Spa. Guaranteed to offer outstanding results anywhere in the world, Elemis brings to market some of the most influential anti-ageing products and spa-treatments the beauty industry has ever seen. The brand prides itself on dramatic, visible results with products created to respect the skin and body’s complex physiology while embracing the ever-changing needs of today’s hectic lifestyles.

Owner Judith Mulgrew said: “I have worked in spas around the world and I adore the products, treatments and ethos behind the Elemis brand.

Personally, I have used the Elemis range for years, so to be finally stocking all the luxurious products is really exciting for me. In addition to selling these products, we will be offering Elemis treatments, which have a cult following and promise leave our clients looking and feeling better about both themselves and the appearance of their skin.

As always, we focus on quality treatments and products which we can really pamper our clients with. We appreciate just how important the precious few hours alone in the clinic can be and getting that much needed R&R couldn’t be

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easier than with Elemis!”

Skin Medi-Spa opened in 2007 and has already firmly established itself as one of Northern Ireland’s leading laser and beauty clinics, offering an extensive range of treatments under one roof.

For more information or to book an appointment at Skin Medi-Spa call 028 9068 1066 or visitwww.skinmedispa.co.uk

Judith Mulgrew and Katie Larmour

Ulster Life

Tereza Harkin and Bronagh Glenn

Mary Mulgrew and Adele Trainer

Louise Gorman and Karen McCourt.

Heather Black, Ruth Cowan and Emma Leahy

Christina and Chantelle Derrick

Elizabeth Johns modelling the Universal Contour Wrap available at Skin Medi-Spa

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Ulster Life

The Auld House Gets a New Lease of Life 15 Mile Commitment to Local Produce

The Auld House, will be managed and run by the pub’s new tenant, Colin Dalley (pictured) who has over 15 years’ experience as a head chef in some of Northern Ireland’s favourite eateries. Colin’s commitment to serving the freshest locally sourced ingredients all sourced within a 15 mile radius of the pub is one of the things he feels set this country pub apart from the rest.

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ne of Northern Ireland’s longest established bar and restaurants; The Auld House, Moneyreagh, is getting a new lease of life this winter having recently been acquired

by The Beannchor Group - the most successful bar and hotel group in Northern Ireland.

Injecting an initial £50,000.00 investment into the 200 year old property, the pub will undergo an extensive programme of improvements which will include an interior and exterior refurbishment and a new children’s play area,

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which will be completed next summer.

The Auld House, which dates back to 1806 will be managed and run by the pub’s new tenant, Colin Dalley who has over 15 years’ experience as a head chef in some of Northern Ireland’s favourite eateries.

Colin’s commitment to serving the freshest locally sourced ingredients all sourced within a 15 mile radius of the pub is one of the things he feels set this country pub apart from the rest: “This is our third month of trading and I have to say the response from the locals and regulars has been fantastic.

“The entire team has been working very hard at re-establishing the Auld House as a friendly, country pub serving excellent cuisine in comfortable surroundings – and our feedback has been very encouraging.

“I spent a lot of time researching and meeting a wide range of fantastic suppliers all within the North Down area who I am confident can deliver the freshest, locally sourced quality ingredients as possible.

“With them on board, I have created an all-day menu that includes well-known favourites and a few of my own signature dishes.”

He concluded, “With our location being so central (we are seven miles from Belfast, 3 miles from Carryduff and 4 miles from Comber) we have experienced extremely strong trade, and bookings for family events.

“I am also delighted that our forecasts are strong, with Christmas Day lunch booked to our full 120 person capacity.”

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Party Time at

VICTORIA SQUARE! As the merriment of the festive party season approaches, Rebecca McKinney, personal stylist at Victoria Square provides her top festive fashion tips to make sure you have the perfect party look all wrapped up this Christmas.

WINTER SPARKLE: Whether you’re heading on a night out with friends or to the office party, one of this season’s hottest trends is winter sparkle.

Guaranteed to turn up the temperature, this glamorous trend features fab pieces like embellished dresses, sequined leggings and sensational sparkly tops. Dress down with black opaque tights and a leather jacket for a more wearable take on this look.

WELL-HEELED: Nothing says Christmas like a pair of sparkly heels. With retailers including House of Fraser, Kurt Geiger, Cruise, Topshop, River Island and the newly opened Dune store, you’re sure to find your perfect party shoes at Victoria to see you through the festive season. From wedges and platforms to chunky block heels there’s a style to suit every taste, ensuring your feet are fit to dance the night away.

BAGS OF APPEAL: Every girl knows the finishing touches to an outfit can make or break a look, which is why finding the perfect bag is so important. As well as looking the part, make sure your evening bag is functional with room to stash your cash and lippy. This Biba Mini box clutch, £125 from House of Fraser, Victoria Square will be sure to get you in the Christmas party spirit.

Shimmery Halterneck, £85, Miss Selfidge at House of Fraser, Victoria Square

THE ULTIMATE GIFT: If you’re still not sure what to buy for your nearest and dearest, or if you’re undecided about what you want for Christmas this year, a Victoria Square Gift Card could be just the ticket. Available in any value from £10 upwards from the Customer Service Desk on the Lower Ground Floor, a Victoria Square Gift Card will allow your loved one to shop in any Victoria Square store, or dine in any Victoria Square restaurant, so they can choose the perfect gift for themselves.

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Ulster Life Sequined Dress, £55, Bank, Victoria Square

Elizabeth Navy Glitter Platform, £140, Kurt Geiger, Victoria Square

Biba Mini Box Clutch, £125, House of Fraser, Victoria Square

Jacket £68_ Top £43_ Trousers £68_ Shoes £168_ Bag £49, Topshop, Victoria Square

Silver Sparkle ‘Whirl’ block heel platform, £85, Dune, Victoria Square

Tribal Spears Earrings, £10, Accessorize, Victoria Square

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Lemon Velvet takes Gold at Drumbo

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emon Velvet, a greyhound trained locally by Darren Ferris (Carrickfergus) and owned by Adrian McPherson (Lanarkshire), came out on top to claim the £5,000 prize as winner of the Tennent’s Gold Cup at the recent final at Drumbo Park Greyhound Stadium.

A total of 36 dogs where whittled down to the final 6 during the month long festival of racing in one of the biggest races of the year with a total prize pot of £10,000.

Second place, and £1,500, went to: Franky’s Back, owned, trained, bred and reared by Justin McAleer (Dungannon.)

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Third place, and £1,000, went to: Fluff the Lines, owned and trained by Gerard Callan (Dundalk.)

The other three unplaced dogs who made the final, each received £500. They were: Farole Shocker, locally trained by Raymond Darragh (Crumlin Road, Belfast); Uncle Echo, owned by the Four Galway Lads Syndicate and trained by Gerry Holian (Athenry); and Star Head, owned and trained by Brian Macklin (Randalstown.)

About the event, Paul McGurk, Tennent’s Marketing Manager, said: “We’re delighted to have once again put on such a high calibre competition as the Gold Cup in conjunction with Drumbo Park. The excitement that has surrounded this year’s Tennent’s Gold Cup has been fantastic and we had a superb turnout for the gala final night. Race-goers really got into the mood, getting dressed up and into the party atmosphere with Tennent’s, which is all part of the craic that makes greyhound racing at Drumbo Park such a fun night out.”

Another winner to come out on top on the evening was not on the race track. Kathy Reilly from North Belfast won the Best Dressed competition on the evening and walked away £250 worth of Capital Bonds gift vouchers courtesy of Tennent’s.

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Charity Registration Number - XN48533

Ulster Life

Style it Light at Marys Bar in Magherafelt

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he Style it Light fashion show sponsored

by Diet Coke recently rolled into town showcasing the hottest trends and designer styles this season on at Mary’s Bar in Magherafelt raising funds for Mencap.

The fashion show featured stunning garments modelled on the catwalk from local stores Sarah Jane Boutique, The Brown Bag, Dice and DV8. Make-up artist Paddy McGurgan got to work on the models while local salon Atchison Hair provided entertainment in the form of an avant-garde hair show under the creative direction of Seamus Atchison.

Thomas Doherty, manager of Mary’s Bar, said: “The Style it Light fashion show with Diet Coke was fun night out raising money for a great cause. We brought together some of the town’s leading retailers and many of the attendees were able to pre-select their winter wardrobe from the threads on the catwalk.

Paula Colhoun of Diet Coke said: “The Style it Light event is a fun and engaging way to enjoy access to fabulous fashion and experiences courtesy of Diet Coke, the favourite drink of fashionistas.”

Aisling Evans, Catherine Sterrip & Lisa Taylor

Louise McKenna, Cathy McKenna & Lisa McKenna

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Natalie Speedy & Aimee Stewart

Sarah-Jane Knox & Una Coll

Catherine Higgins & Anne Stewart

Katie Trainor & Martina McErlean

Marjorie Cadden, Lorna Kirk, Andrea Cadden & Karen McConnell

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Spa Sleuth Cathy Martin

Winter is not usually a time for exposing one’s legs. We normally hide them away under warm clothes and tights, but the odd time a Christmas party dress calls for bare legs – on a strictly car to bar basis of course, as we at Spa Sleuth usually endorse seasonally-appropriate fashions! – so this month Spa Sleuth looks at the best treatments and products to keep your pins perfectly pampered for any winter months’ exposure.

So first things first, let’s talk hair removal. Gents turn the page now!

There are various methods of hair removal and the more recent trend of laser hair removal is the most effective. I’ve had IPL (Intensed Pulsed Light therapy) at Skin Medi Spa on the Lisburn Road several times and for me, the results proved to be around 60-70% effective… As it’s melanin sensitive, the treatment is most successful on dark hair which grows out of paler skin but the laser can be adjusted for all skin and hair types.

As far as pain and time input is concerned, each flash of laser light feels like a little nip on the skin. Some people describe it like an elastic band being flicked at the skin, but although this might sound painful upon reading, it’s actually so quick that it’s very bearable….

Time-wise, it takes as long

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as a square centimetre laser needs to move across your desired area. Usually around forty minutes to an hour for half leg and up to two hours for full legs.

A fabulously pain free laser option is the Soprano XL roller laser which is available at Therapie in Queens Arcade or at their new salon just opposite the City Hall. Working on the same principle as IPL, this method is quicker and definitely less painful if a little bit more expensive. There are always offers on though, so call in to check out all your options.

Sticking with more traditional methods, waxing is still popular and just as effective as ever. Quick and easy waxes are available in almost every spa and salon across the country – some of my favourites include Luxe Day Spa in Clandeboye and Bellaire in the city centre but Milk & Honey at Battisti Hair on the Lisburn Road is also a

Ulster Life great BT9 option and just down the road, Skin Medi Spa also does great warm wax options for bikini and sensitive areas.

If you’re not into pain and you need a quick fix, then depilatory creams or a good old razor should do the trick. Shaving should always be carried out with a lubricating soap or foam but many experts also recommend some hair conditioner as a great product to soften the hairs before and during the shaving process…

Once smooth and hair free, the next step is moisturising, and there are countless amazing oils and lotions which can do the job – everything from simple baby oil to super active creams for deep hydration. The key is regular application (I’d say after every shower or bath and even in between times if the skin tone requires it) and a certain amount of massage when rubbing it in – this will ensure great tone and circulation as well as surface hydration.

Clarins Huile Tonic oil is one of my old favourites for body moisturising. The formula hasn’t changed for decades and it really does give fabulous hydration as well as a great sheen once applied.

I also love Clinique’s Deep Comfort body moisturiser – and at £26.50 for a large pump, this is a perfect Christmas gift as it suits all skin types. It’s an easy one to ask for

too as it can be found right across Northern Ireland. If you’re looking for something more affordable you just can’t beat the Body Shop’s body butters – available in every natural fruit and nut flavour going – and all of which smell delicious!

For something slightly more specialised, Skin Medi Spa is offering a fabulous selection of Elemis products – including the amazing Pro-Collagen body cream. This formula combines mexican skin tree, amino acids and padina pavonica with exotic babassu, castanha and bilberry seed oils to help restore skin cohesion and visibly tone the body. The result is a beautifully smooth, luminous and firmer looking body. J’adore…

Comfort Zone is an Italian range which is available at Bellaire and offers a couple of great toning leg treats – try their Vital Leg spray or gel, amazing for tired legs fatigued from a day on your feet, And for tan, I love Vita Liberata tan – available to buy at most good large pharmacies or have it sprayed on professionally at the pod in House of Fraser or at Michele International Hair Salon in Fountain Lane. Otherwise, mobile tanner Chantel McCaughley from Tan 2U can come to your home and spray you (and your friends) in her mobile tanning tent. (Find her on Facebook). I also love the Body Shop’s glittery skin oil for instant finishing-touch colour and shine. Benefit’s Bathina is another amazing finishing touch product as are Sally Hanson’s Spray on Tights and No7’s leg Silky Leg Oil. At just £11, this product will definitely give you legs eleven this Christmas!

Just add a good polish or pedicure to your toots plus killer heels and a fabulous jewel coloured dress and your pins are perfectly poised for any red carpet or Christmas party.

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Allthat Glitters

Glitter, sequins, jewel tones – ‘tis the season of excess! There is no such thing as too much. Fashion Editor Davina Sands handpicks treasures from the high street that will catapult you to star status this Christmas. Choose from glitzy shoes to eye popping body con dresses, there is no excuse not to sparkle!

1 Tabitha Glitter Shoe Boot, ASOS, £50 2 Hush Colour Blocked Bow Platform Sandal, ASOS, £65 3 Double Cuff Bracelets with Chain Tassels, ASOS, £20 4 Collar Necklace with Skull Corsage Detail, ASOS, £35 5 Mixed Metallic Shell Top, ASOS, £40 6 Fetish Bandeau Dress, ASOS, £65 7 Glitter Shoe Boot, New Look, £30 8 Garbo Deco Piped Emerald Sandal, Reiss, Victoria Square, £159 9 Winter Sparkle Dress Up Gold Sequin Dress, Topshop, Victoria Square, £125 10 Kyoto Sequin Clutch, Accessorize, Victoria Square, £32 11 Colour block platform, River Island, Victoria Square, £50 12 Jimmy Choo Ranger Cross Champagne Shoe, Cruise, Victoria Square, £435 Steal of the Season 13 Gok for Tu Tux Jacket, £45, Tux Trouser, £30, Gold Sequin Top, £35

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Ask the Expert

Michael Quinn Michael Quinn Hairdressing, Royal Avenue, Belfast.

Since Michael opened his salon doors in Belfast city nearly ten years ago, he has become one of the most highly regarded stylists in Northern Ireland.

Throughout the years he has worked with a vast clientele which includes celebrities such as The Saturdays, Mischa.Barton, and our very own Christine Bleakley. Michael has a wealth of knowledge in his field and is on hand to hear your hairdressing hitches.

Q1 Claire Hamilton: I am regularly visiting the hairdressers to top up on my blonde highlights (I’m naturally a mousey brown colour, like most women who dye their hair) but because I’m constantly having my hair bleached, I find that it looks quite dry and brittle which is worsened by the cold weather. What would you recommend that could help the condition of my hair as well as keep the colour from fading?

Michael: It can be hard to achieve a shine from hair which has been bleached regularly, especially because bleach doesn’t carry with it any of the nourishing elements that you would otherwise get with a glossy colour. We would often recommend Matrix Colour Smart to our clients who ask about this. It’s a great product for adding sheen but it’s also a great protection in the summer and winter. The UV filter & antioxidants help protect the hair against harmful rays & free radicals.

Another brilliant tip to prevent static in your hair is to spray this product onto your hair brush and then work that through your hair.

Once you start using this product, you’ll wonder what you did without it!

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Megan Crossey: Every day, I find myself styling my hair in exactly the same boring way I had it the day before. It’s mostly a case of not having enough time in the morning to think about a new style, but I think that if I have a few styles practised then the task mightn’t be so daunting!

Are there any styles you can recommend that are quick and easy for someone like me?

Stacey O’Reilly: I wash, blow dry and straighten my hair every day and as a result, my hair has become quite damaged and I have quite a few split ends. Do you have any suggestions of ways I can condition my hair to protect it from the damage that I’m inflicting on it.

Michael: women do often find themselves in this rut with their hair, but as you say, with a practised style then it is so simple to do something a little different. A style which is really popular at the moment is the high structured bun and this is so easy to achieve when you have the right equipment. You need to invest in a bun ring; looks just like a foam doughnut! They come in different colours to match your hair, although ultimately they shouldn’t be seen anyway once it’s completed. Start by putting your hair into a high ponytail and once it’s secure, pull your ponytail through the centre of the ring. Then split the ponytail in the middle so the hair cascades over the edges of the ring. Secure with bun pins and tuck in the ends. Try it when you have time one evening and you will see how easy it is. Some buns are more dressy than others, I like this more relaxed style as seen on Lauren Conrad, for a look suitable for the office.

Michael: First of all, I would recommend that you don’t do this with your hair every day, there’s no need and as you have noticed, it will cause damage! The Sleek range in the new Matrix Total Results collection will be a good remedy for smoothing and protecting heat damaged hair.

The range has a fantastic shampoo and conditioner suitable for your hair type but it also has brilliant specialised products such as the Leave In Cream which gives you an easy glide when blow drying and the Iron Smoother will protect the hair in up to 400˚.

To book an appointment with Michael or a member of his talented team, contact the Michael Quinn Hairdressing Salon on Royal Avenue, Belfast on 028 9032 4437.

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Is a £3.50 eye kit the only beauty-buy needed this Christmas?

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s the Christmas party season approaches Gordons Chemists and make-up artist Paddy McGurgan put to the test Colour Couture’s Smokey Eyes Look Book to find out if the £3.50 set is really all women need in their handbags this season.

Hollywood glamour has been brought back to the forefront by hit blockbusters such as ‘My Week with Marilyn’ and with the sophisticated glamour are smokey eyes. Smokey eyes can light up even the greyest, gloomiest winter nights without looking kitsch or gaudy. Lots of people believe smokey eyes are just black eyes but this is far from the truth. Many different shapes and tones of dark smokey eyes can be achieved to tie in with a Christmas outfit or simply because you have fallen in love with a new season shade and want to spice up your make-up bag!

Colour Couture Cosmetic’s Smokey Eyes is a travel size look book which contains every item of kit needed to create model looks at a fraction of the price than if you were to buy all the kit items individually. The set contains 4 eye shadow colours, an eye-liner and mascara. Professional make-up artist Paddy McGurgan got to work on the smokey eye look book with top Northern Ireland model Jenny Curran.

Paddy says, “To achieve the sensational Holywood glamour we’re go used to seeing on screen I set out by concentration on the shape of the makeup around the eyes, from more of a conventional smokey eye to an extended eye creating much more of a mood and finally really going for that seductive party look with smoldering eyes”.

Begin by getting a strong shape in the brows and filling in any gaps you have, this will help add strength to the smoky eye your about to create.

Next, get you eye primer and apply all over the lid of the eye from under the brow to the top of the lash line. This will help heavy eye makeup stay in place and not travel down the face.

Use each of the tones in order of lightness blending them into the crease of the eye leaving.

As you apply darker shades apply less across the crease of the eye keeping the really dark tones to the outside corners creating a really open eye.

Remember that you don’t always have to go dark across the entire lid of the eye. To complete the

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look, add mascara ensuring to shake the brush between lashes getting the mascara right into the root of the lash as this will help when adding the eye pencil. Apply the pencil liner above the eye aim for the root of the lash as having already applied the mascara it will help you aim for the lash line more accurately guiding the pencil as close to the eye line as possible. Don’t be afraid of the pencil as you drawn the line on as you can use a cotton bud to smudge out the liner to create a more sultry look.

In less than 30 minutes Paddy had transformed Jenny. He said, “With the smokey eye look book there’s great scope in creating a sultry look, perfect for a night on the town. The look book is definitely a bargain with its selection of shades to choose from so you can blend in colours depending on colour of eye, hair and outfit.

There’s a handy step-by-step guide in the book too plus a mirror so the look book can come out anywhere for touch-ups”.

Karen Smyth of Gordons Chemists said, ‘The Colour Couture Collection make-up look books are going to be a big hit with consumers this Christmas as they recognise the great value as a gift. It’s the perfect handbag size for girls on the go and to keep the look fresh on a night out”.

Colour Couture Collection is available from Gordons Chemists 52 stores throughout Northern Ireland or online at www.gordonsdirect.com

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Calling all you Real Women!

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nthony Miller famed for being one half of the famous wedding experts Ant and Dick has launched a nationwide search to find Northern Ireland’s top Bridal model.

But he’s not just looking for the typical model he wants all types of women to enter so whether you’re 5ft or 6ft tall, a size 16 or size 8 then you could be strutting your stuff in a bridal gown at a national wedding show. Not only will you be modelling but you will also be taking part of Anthony’s new TV show aptly named ‘Ants REAL women.’ The show will follow Anthony as he scours Northern Ireland looking for local women to take part in his ground breaking venture. As part of the show Anthony will be getting up close and personal with the women who enter, helping them make the best of themselves and building their confidence. Anthony is not only starring in the show he is also producing and directing it and here he tells us more. “The idea of making the show came about through a late night conversation with a colleague, however the concept has been on my mind for quite some time, having worked as a model, fashion producer, stylist and model trainer I am very aware of how hard the modelling industry can be for mainstream models who do fit the ‘norm’ and I am also very aware that it is not easy for people outside of the mainstream to enter the industry.” ...“ I am on a mission to shake things up a bit, I am going to challenge industry leaders on why they choose to work with the same type of models over and over again and I want to encourage them to celebrate the naturally beautiful

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women we have throughout northern Ireland” … “Rome wasn’t built in a day and I know that it won’t be an overnight process but I do firmly believe that when I present our Real women to them they will see the gorgeous girls in a way they have never considered before”... “But the show is not just about the model competition it is also about helping our real women learn to love themselves, to embrace their lumps and bumps and quirky features as things of beauty and I absolutely guarantee that any woman who takes part will have such fun and by the time we are finished with them their confidence will have grown significantly.”

The six week series will follow Anthony on every part of the journey from meeting the women at the very beginning right through until his national wedding show in September. But Anthony is keen to stress it is not like the X factor or Britain’s got talent “The TV show is almost separate to the competition, although the two work alongside each other, We really are looking for women to take part of the competition but we also want them to take part in other projects and exercises as part of the show which will develop their inner diva and build them up to the person they want to be.”

Anthony will travel county by county staging heats for the competition in local hotels and venues, through the heats he will work with the women and everybody who competes will have an opportunity to take part in the other confidence building surprises he has built in along the way.....

“I can’t really go into detail about what we are going to do with the women as this would take the element of surprise away and that’s all part of what will make it work for them, but what I can say is our women will face challenges and cross barriers that they never would have dreamed possible.”

If you and your girlfriends or sisters fancy getting involved or would like to know more about the competition then you should visit the website www.nibridalmodelsearch.co.uk

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Ulster Life Banbridge Student Crowned the First ever Clubworld Travel Miss Ulster A debate of a very different kind took place at Stormont Parliament buildings where politicians and a panel of judges deliberated over who would become the first ever Clubworld Travel Miss Ulster recently when a unanimous vote saw Banbridge beauty, Courtenay Fitzpatrick walk away with the title.

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he 20 year old Occupational Therapy student battled it out with 13 other hopefuls in a bid to walk away with thousands of pounds worth of prizes including a covershoot with Northern Woman in 2012 alongside a modelling contract with The Style Academy, a modelling contract a five star holiday compliments of Jet2.com to Grande Real Santa Eulalia Hotel in the Algarve, flights to Las Vegas from American Holidays, teeth whitening from HEBE clinic and a year’s free LA Tan. The stunning Justine Skelton from Lurgan and Clodagh Mellon from Newtownabbey took second and third places respectively at the event which was hosted by CityBeat’s Mark Lima was attended by politicians, local business men and women alongside finalists’ friends and family and respected members of the press who were treated to a wine and canapé reception and goodie bags compliments of Debenhams, NeoStrata and Botanica Skincare.

Guests also enjoyed a catwalk show when the Miss Ulster hopefuls paraded autumn / winter ‘11/’12 fashion trends with heritage casuals from Yoke in Belfast, sumptuous footwear from Shoe La La in Glengormley, glamour and festive sparkle from Debenhams, smart/casual wear from Pollini boutique in Moira and celebrated local designers based in Proof and Christopher O’Reilly. Hair was styled by Zuni Hairdressing and makeup compliments of Oonagh Boman’s Elite Team.

Belfast Metropolitan College Students customised Unite Against Hate t-shirts into awe-inspiring designs and the winner of the overnighter at The Park Plaza Hotel was Senan O’Neill

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Sweet Smell of Success for Northern Irish Company

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usy online doggie accessory company Urbanpup.com, which is based in Bangor, County Down, is enjoying the sweet smell of success as its latest online dog themed gift, Urban Pup Dog Perfume, is added to its online store.

The Northern Irish company, which began trading in 2008, was set up by Denis Kelly, a dog lover who felt there was room in the market for a quality accessory supplier for pets, specifically small dogs.

Denis, Managing Director of Urbanpup.com said: “I’ve always loved dogs and after making a huge career and life change in 2007, I decided I would use my passion for dogs, sales and new media to embark on a whole new chapter of my life. And so Urbanpup.com was created.”

“Urban Pup’s unrivalled online offering includes clothing, jewellery, carrying cases, matching t-shirts for owner and dog, collars, leads and a myriad of other dog accessories which satisfy the growing demand for dog

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accessories and the growing trend for dog owners to adorn their pet with stylish accessories.

From stylish coats and pretty dresses to stunning lead & collar sets, each piece of clothing has been personally selected based on its design, quality and overall fashion appeal,” added Denis.

“Our ranges are mostly for small dogs such as Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Bichon Frise, Shihtzu and Mini Schnauzers, to name a few; and we usually have something to suit every dog owner’s taste.”, added Denis.

The new range of dog perfumes joins a host of other quality gifts and accessories available at the online store.

“Our brand new range of perfumes comes in six beautiful fragrances; Candy Floss, Sweet Jasmine, Summer Garden, French Lavender, Fleurs de Jardin and Wildwood – each with its own unique bouquet.

“The perfumes are designed not to overpower a dog’s senses, nor to necessarily mask a natural dog smell, but they merely add a subtle

Ulster Life hint of fragrance to dogs’ coats and simultaneously provide the soothing benefits of aromatherapy to the dog’s skin.

“The ingredients are all totally natural, as all fragrances are made from pure essential oils and the essence of various flowers. No chemicals have been used or added during the manufacturing process and the pH of each fragrance has been adjusted to suit a dog’s skin.”, said Denis.

Most of the company’s online orders come from England, Scotland and Wales, but also from the Republic of Ireland, America, France, Italy and Spain.

“Almost 50% of our sales come from Great Britain, with the rest of the world making up our other customers. All of our orders are dispatched from our global warehouse operation in Bangor.

“At the minute we do relatively little business in our home markets of Northern and southern Ireland, something we plan to change with the launch of our new perfume ranges for dogs.

We’d love to do more business at home and we know people love their dogs here!”

Urbanpup.com products have been featured in various television programmes such as This Morning, the Alan Titchmarsh Show and Jamie Oliver’s recent show in America. The company is also the official dog clothier for ‘Bruiser’ the dog in the West End musical Legally Blondeas well as the supplier of Toto the dog’s beautiful emerald crystal collar in the Andrew Lloyd Weber version of the hit musical The Wizard of Oz. “We frequently get calls from TV producers asking for fun items of clothing for dog features they’re doing. They want the clothing or accessories to look great, but more than that – they want the price point to be reasonable enough that it won’t put their viewers off.”, said Denis.

“Quality and price point are always front of mind when adding new or updated items to the Urban Pup online store. We know times are difficult for most of us so we always make sure the price point for items is reasonable and that the quality remains high.”, he added.

To see the latest ranges of Urban Pup perfumes and other dog themed accessories log onto www.urbanpup.com.

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A Super Local Christmas Feast

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hinking Christmas food and fancy trying something different? We have a treat for you courtesy of chef Nick Price, of Nick’s Warehouse in Belfast and retailer SuperValu. For decades Nick has been a champion for Northern Ireland’s best local food; from meat, game and veg to our fantastic seafood, and SuperValu has a well-earned reputation for sourcing fresh produce from local farms and suppliers.

For a Christmas dinner with a resounding emphasis on fresh and local, Nick popped into one of Northern Ireland’s SuperValu stores to pick up ingredients, to create a festive feast with a difference. He has provided us with simple recipes for a three course dinner, so even inexperienced cooks can put together a mouth-watering menu with a twist.

A list of SuperValu stores and more recipes are available at www.supervalu.co.uk

Starting with an easy to make soup using local vegetables, but with a spicy bite, try carrot and ginger soup to whet your guest’s appetite. Light and refreshing this is the perfect first course.

Carrot and Ginger Soup Serves 6

WHAT YOU’LL NEED 1 onion peeled and chopped 6 carrots peeled and chopped 1 medium leek split, washed and sliced 2 sticks of celery peeled and chopped 40g root ginger peeled and chopped 2.25L of chicken or vegetable stock 2 tbsp butter or oil to fry off vegetables

Melt butter in a large saucepan and fry off the vegetables over a low heat, cooking for about 5 mins to lightly caramelise. Then add the ginger and the stock, simmer gently until the carrots are cooked. Liquidize and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

• • • • • • •

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Ulster Life For a main course why not try the escalope of turkey, with port sauce and cranberry and orange relish. The recipe uses that most traditional of ingredients, but shows you how to do something deliciously different with it.

Escalope of Turkey with a Port Sauce and a Cranberry and Orange Relish

WHAT YOU’LL NEED Turkey breast cut in thin slices (2 per person) 300g breadcrumbs 200g flour 1 egg 250ml milk 3 tbsp butter or oil for frying

Get three bowls and into one put the flour, the next, the breadcrumbs, and the last one, the milk and egg beaten together. Take the turkey slices and dip first into the flour, then the egg and milk mixture and finally the breadcrumbs. Put on a plate and store in fridge until ready to cook.

• • • • • • •

Port Sauce 1 onion finely chopped 1tsp chilli powder 1tbsp tomato puree 300ml Ruby Port 750ml chicken stock 1tbsp redcurrant jelly 2 tbsp oil or butter to cook

• • • • • • •

In a medium-sized saucepan melt the butter or heat oil, sweat off the onion to soften, then add the chilli powder and cook for 3 mins. Add the tomato puree and the port. It’s important to burn off the alcohol in the port, so carefully set fire to it once boiling. Once flames subside add the stock and redcurrant jelly. Simmer for 20 mins and strain the sauce, bring back to the boil and season.

It may need a little more redcurrant jelly. Thicken if needed.

Cranberry Relish 1 whole orange (cut into chunks, including the skin, with pips removed) 500g cranberries Caster sugar to taste (100g to start with)

Place all ingredients in a food processor and blitz, leave a bit of texture in the relish, taste and adjust sugar levels.

Serve with seasonal vegetables.

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Ulster Life And the finale - Barmbrack and Butter Pudding - a new take on an old favourite and using a Northern Irish speciality bread. This dessert is comfort food at its best – with a divine combination of flavours and textures.

Barmbrack and Butter Pudding Serves 6

WHAT YOU’LL NEED 1 ½ loaves of Irwin’s Barmbrack sliced 200g butter (enough to butter the bread) 500ml whipping cream 50ml milk 5 eggs 100g sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract Pinch of salt ½ jar apricot jam

• • • • • • • • •

Butter the slices of Barmbrack and layer up in a uniform manner in a shallow Pyrex dish. Make up custard by whisking the eggs, cream, vanilla, milk and salt together. Then pour over the Barmbrack and let it soak in.

Put dish into a roasting tray and fill tray with hot water until it comes about half way up the dish.

Bake at 150c for about 40 mins or until golden brown. While it’s cooking put half a jar of apricot jam into a small saucepan with 3 tablespoons of water and melt slowly over a low flame to make a glaze.

Once the pudding is golden brown, brush the top with the apricot glaze and bake for a further 10 mins.

Serve with cream or custard.

Wine selection available exclusively at SuperValu: Red Carta Rioja Gran Reserva: with a five year maturity under its belt, this is a very inviting red with a berry fruit fragrance.

White

Taranaki Peak Sauvignon Blanc: a white wine with intense peach and nectarine aromas.

Fizz

Riondo Prosecco Frizzante: light sparkling wine with fruity, floral notes in white or pink.

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Ulster Life expert

The World Wine Web Our seasoned wine expert, Gavin Butterworth from Northern Ireland’s first dedicated fine wine investment company; Fine & Co gives us the low-down on the Christmas gifts for the wine lover in your house…

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owadays there are so many things connected to wine; the search results on the internet is staggering! From accessories for the full time connoisseur to the novelty add-ons for the part timer. There is something to suit everyone who has an interest in wine.

Corkscrews seem to be a very serious business these days with the aim to make this procedure as effortless and straight forward as possible in order to meet the demands of our hectic lifestyles (or is it simply our eagerness to get at the contents within!). The range to choose from is mind boggling with some costing more than £100. There are electric ones, vacu masters, pump style, table mounted devices and most curious of all the rabit style. Whatever happened to the waiter’s friend?

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You can get thermometers to assess the temperature of your wine before serving, decanters with a rounded bottom to swill your wine without having to do anything, but the most impressive one I came across recently was the breathable wine glass! As the name suggests this special type of glass allows your wine to aerate…..confused? I certainly was. www.grapegifts.co.uk is one of the many world wine websites which will allow you to view all things wine and add to your collection of useful/ novelty items. Their most popular item at the minute is the Magic Wine holder. As you have probably guessed, it magically holds your bottle of wine in a gravity defying manner. This is guaranteed to impress any of your friends who pop round for a tipple this Christmas.

As ever, with Christmas on our doorstep, t’is the season to be jolly and what better way to be jolly, than sampling a few sparklers. A great alternative is the Simonsig Kaapse Vonkel which means “Cape Sparkle” in one of the native South African tongues. It uses the same grapes found in Champagne at a fraction of the cost - 55% Pinot Noir, 43% Chardonnay and 2% Pinot Meunier.

Bottoms up!

Contact Gavin at Fine & Co. www.fineandco.co.uk or call Tel: 0843 2896460

Ulster Life expert

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Ulster Life Art

Patrick Colhoun A month in the art world

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he end of an exhibition brings mixed emotions. The buzz of the preparation and opening night are over, frantic last minute issues are sorted and the work is just sort of… out there. The Talking Heads show, for Deepa and I, was a coming of age, we both took risks in terms of the development of our work and were delighted with the response. The taking down of the show, I believe, is very positive in terms of what might follow.

In terms of art in Belfast, Autumn is always a busy time and large group shows prevail. The usual RUA offering, housed at the Ulster Museum ran at the same time as the Ulster Society of Women Artists at The Waterfront Hall.

Highlights for me in both shows respectively were the Colin Davidson portrait, due obviously by the content but also by the size, and Rosemary Giffords’s featureless ‘The Conversation’.

The inclusion of Lego in the RUA in Sean Campbell’s piece Sentinel (Belfast Lego) did make me laugh.

Contemporary art is very much to the fore with the Arts Council’s exhibition at Parliament Buildings showcasing some great contemporary work from artists such as Brendan Jamison and Zoe Murdoch. The ornate setting of the Grand Hall is superb for this sort of work.

With the recent closing of the Ormeau Baths Gallery, the contemporary scene has received a boost with the re-opening of the Arttank Gallery on Belfast’s Lisburn Road. One not to miss is recent graduate Stephen Johnston’s ‘Perception’ show which runs until 22nd December. There is a definite buzz about the contemporary art scene in Belfast recently in terms of the platforms now in place to make it more accessible. Signs are that this will only continue for the foreseeable future.

One contemporary artist to check out is the

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very talented Kyle Barnes. Kyle’s photorealistic work has earned him much praise since his degree show in 2010 and he is certainly one to watch. Recent plaudits include selection for the RUA exhibition and the National Open Art Competition in Chichester. Kyle also won the Towry Award for the best painting from Northern Ireland for his work ‘Bill and Ben’, For me, still much work to do before Christmas. I’m off to Romania to take part in an international ceramics group show in the university city of Cluj-Napoca. The exhibition takes place in the wonderfully named Paintbrush Factory where during the communist regime, not surprisingly, paintbrushes were made. Now a vibrant contemporary cultural centre, it houses several cutting edge galleries, workshops and exhibition spaces.

Before that, I am installing a piece of work consisting of 25 heads into the FE McWilliam gallery in Banbridge for an exhibition that runs from 9th of December until 11th February. Then of course, there’s planning for next year….

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Ulster Life

Young Belfast Entrepreneurial Artist Launches Digital Art Gallery for NI Artists Digital Cloud Art means Artists won’t need to pay art galleries commissions on their work & they can showcase their work to the world.

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igitalCloudart.com launched in October 2011

by Belfast artist and barman Phil Rees. Phil believes by providing Northern Irish artists with this online platform to showcase their work were they bypass art galleries & the often high commission fees which they charge will prove a hit with local artists as they will now be also able to reach an even bigger regional, national & even international market.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder they say and good art only hangs on the walls of the home of millionaire? Not so - Say’s Rees “Good art is not only for the rich and good art can also be inexpensive, by bypassing the traditional bricks & mortar galleries & their often high commission rates, DigitalCloudart. com ensures artists pieces are be more likely to attract buyers interest because everything is the same, except the selling platform. The artist does not have to pay a gallery, which will ensure the piece will be priced more competitively therefore helping sell more pieces as they will be more affordable to more people”.

Having sold many of his paintings to date, Phil Rees understands the sometimes fickle art world around him and may be forgiven for thinking purists will embrace this new digital platform wholeheartedly. “I know there is a school of thought who believe “proper” art should be viewed & purchased only from a reputable gallery, but this view no longer stands true, you can buy art now from department stores, what I am doing is bringing Northern Irish artists to a possible global platform, the opportunities are endless”. Said Phil Rees.

Rees continues “The Belfast art scene is quite often pompous and elitist with only artists like Bradley going against the norm. Our aim is to make art : ‘Available to everyone everywhere’”.

Already having had a number of his paintings

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auctioned off for huge sums at regional charity events. Phil Rees has already secured the backing of Kirsty McQuoid, owner of Belfast PR & marketing agency PRs ME & Phil’s agent . “Phil has such creative ingenuity, this & his ability to turn tradition on its head will ensure he becomes a household name.

By propelling NI artists into a more creative, less restrained & boundless platform, DigitalCloudArt will help put local artists in the international stage, It is a pleasure working with Phil, he is not a one trick pony, this guy is has got it going on ”. Said Kirsty McQuoid, owner of PRs ME. DigitalCloudArt.com is a dedicated multi-functional design agency. We specialise in design consistency and development. Bespoke drawings and paintings and commissioned pieces both on canvas or any other media & work in partnership with newly launched pr & digital marketing agency PRs ME, based in Queen’s Quarter, Belfast.

Clients include alcoholic drink businesses, Pubic Relation professionals and hospitality groups. All our clients are united to building and developing their brand in new and exciting media.We are looking for artists and designers to sell for and help them become a success.

Ulster Life

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Ulster Life Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, Alderman Ruth Patterson opens Spiral Hosting’s new offices, located on the Lisburn Road.

S

further strengthening their awareness he joined a host of business leaders from throughout the UK and beyond. technology-focused organisations, who “It’s a testament to the quality service we travelled from both North and South of the provide that in the tough economic climate, border to welcome Spiral Hosting to one of the Spiral Hosting has continued to grow steadily Belfast’s most prestigious locations. over the last few years. We are constantly The Deputy Lord Mayor said, “The Lisburn gaining new clients and business - this Road has, for many years, been synonymous expansion will help facilitate that,” said Peter with high-class retailers, hot-spot eateries and Armstrong, Spiral Hosting’s Managing Director. buzzed-about boutiques. More recently, it’s He continued, “It’s an absolute pleasure to been very encouraging to see dozens of modern have the Deputy Lord Mayor open Spiral technology related businesses set-up here and Hosting’s new offices and to meet so many local make it their home.” entrepreneurs. Businesses leaders such as these “Spiral Hosting is an exciting, vibrant business are the lifeblood of our local economy. Their that’s at the cutting edge of technology. It’s an motivation, ingenuity and dedication is inspirorganisation that’s shown tremendous drive and ing to me and hopefully, to those thinking about ambition. Local businesses tend to trade soley starting a business as well.” to domestic customers but Spiral Hosting is the You can find out more information about the rare business that is homegrown, yet trades on a office-launch party and Spiral Hosting at global platform. Clients all over all over the world www.spiralhosting.com are benefiting from their passion, expertise and hard work. And increasingly, they’re recognising that Northern Ireland is capable of meeting their needs and serious about doing so. That’s exciting. That’s where the future lies.”

The move is the latest stage in the Spiral Hosting’s development.

Already Northern Ireland’s largest web host provider and a Top Ten Irish Managing Director Peter Armstrong and Marketing Executive Richard Miles talk business with web host provider, Deputy Lord Mayor Ruth Patterson and Conall McDevitt MLA they’re set upon

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Ulster Life

sTYLE Bennett & Collins 37 The High Street, Killyleagh, United Kingdom, BT30 9QF Tel 028 4482 1581 Closed Sunday/Monday Open 10-5 Tuesday to Saturday

Bra Boutique 19 Aurthur Street, Belfast, BT1 T: 028 9031 2277 thebraboutiquebelfast.com Belfast newest specialist lingerie store and sister store of Orchid Lisburn Road and The Lingerie Room Moygashel.

Lingerie Room 7 The Linen Green Moygashel, BT71 7HB T: 028 8772 3181 lingerieroom.com One of Northern Ireland’s leading lingerie specialists.

Here you will find an exquisite range of lingerie, nightwear and swimwear to suit all sizes.

We also specialise in bridal lingerie, maternity wear and mastectomy wear.We carry a full range of Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries.

A fitting and advice service is available and personal attention for every customer will ensure you experience ... the ultimate in femininity.

Orchid Lingerie 633 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7GT T: 028 90381313 orchidlingerie.co.uk Orchid Lingerie offers customers a unique experience while shopping for lingerie. Coupled with our sister store, The Lingerie Room,

we source exquisite collections of lingerie, nightwear and swimwear from some of Europe’s top designers, bringing them exclusively to Northern Ireland.

those you already know. We have extensive experience in fashion, travel, jewellery and other boutique sectors.

Velvet Boutique

The Boudoir

661 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7GT T: 028 9066 5221 E: grainne@velvetclothing.co.uk W: www.velvetclothing.co.uk Velvet is a cutting edge, sophisticated boutique located on Belfast’s Lisburn Road, offering only the best in established and new international fashion labels - World Class names such as Schumacher, Anna Sui, Tory Burch and J Brand, exclusive to Velvet in Northern Ireland.

4 The Linen Green Designer Village Dungannon, BT71 7HB T: 028 8772 9967 We specialise in ladies fashion & accessories with labels from Italy, Spain, America, Denmark, Germany, UK and Ireland.

Check out our facebook page facebook.com/ TheBoudoir which will be regularly updated with pictures of new stock, promotions and information on discount evenings!

Jill Graham Contemporary Jeweller

Candy Plum Boutique

49a Market Square, Lisburn, BT28 1AD T: 07828 210333 E: info@jillgraham.co.uk W: www.jillgraham.co.uk Tyrone born Jill Graham is a local jewellery designer, inspired by organic structures and elements of plant life, specializing in producing high quality, contemporary jewellery.

Using sterling silver and 18ct gold, each item is meticulously handmade in her Lisburn workshop.

Icon Creative 410 Lisburn Enterprise Centre Enterprise Crescent Lisburn, BT28 2BP T: 028 9267 0522 E: studio@iconcds.com W: www.iconcds.com Stylish, design-led marketing and advertising to attract the customers you want and appeal to

4 Main Street Hillsborough Co. Down BT26 6AE Northern Ireland +44 (0)28 92 683 273 www.candyplum.co.uk Candy Plum is nestled right in the heart of the beautiful Georgian village of Hillsborough, County Down. As stated in the name, this award winning boutique is drenched in scrumptious plum tones. It has been dubbed by many of Northern Ireland’s industry experts as a serious contender to be one of Northern Ireland’s finest boutiques. Stockists of Wildfox Couture, Elisa Cavelletti, Markus Lupfer, Shakuhachi, Gustav, Ugg Australia, RJS Richard Sorger,Stefanel, Stills & more

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Ulster Life

Hair & Beauty DKY Hair Company 159 Belfast Road Bangor 02891 857 180 info@dkyhair.com Recently opened on the Belfast Road, Bangor is the pride of three local girls who have succeeded in bringing a little bit of Belfast, New York & Canada to Bangor as well as reviving one of Bangor’s favourite salons ‘House’ on High Street. Whether you’d like to book an appointment, find out more about our services or just get some friendly advice, we’d love to hear from you! Feel free to give us a call, send us an email or come and visit us at the salon.

Tues - Wed:10:00-18:00 Thurs:10:00-20:00 Fri:10:00-18:00 Sat:09:30-15:30

Hebe Clinic 182 Lisburn Road,Belfast PHONE - 02890 683549 EMAIL - info@hebeclinic.co.uk Check out www.hebeclinic.co.uk CLINIC OF AESTHETIC MEDICINE – NORTHERN IRELAND’S EXCLUSIVE DERMAL FILLERS (without needles) AND BOTOX EXPERTS

Meri-Med Dental 186 Lisburn Road, BT9 6AL 028 9066 0642 / 07955 147413 Meri-med.co.uk The new dental clinic on Lisburn Road with the latest equipment in Northern Ireland, employing Polish dentists. An intra-oral camera gives patients a better understanding of their dental needs and ultrasonic

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scaler is used for teeth whitening. Our staff members are highly trained and use the most up to date techniques in Europe

IONA Beauty 14 Church Street, Magherafelt, County Derry , BT45 6AN 028 7930 0309

KK Beauty Clinic Unit 14, Ballymena Business Centre, Fenaghy Road Galgorm, BT42 1F T: 028 25640466 Kathy Kernohan Beauty Clinic is a modern beauty salon that is situated on the outskirts of Ballymena. Our clinic offers a comprehensive range of services. From manicure to make-up we always focus on style & quality.Opening hours Mon – Fri 9-9 Sat 9-4

Hedonist Hair 97 Botanic Avenue Belfast, BT7T: 028 9023 1428 Hedonisthair.com Situated on Belfast’s Bohemian Botanic Avenue, Hedonist’s award winning stylists and colour technicians are ready to treat you with the care and attention that we pride ourselves on. We have created a friendly, relaxed, yet efficient and professional service in a contemporary, opulent space that is as much a visual treat as you will be when we’ve finished with you.

Keith Kane Hair International Unit 8 Carryduff Shopping Centre Church Road, Carryduff, Belfast, County Antrim, BT8 8ND Since 1983 KEITH KANE HAIR

INTERNATIONAL has been recognized as one of Ireland’s leading hair salons, endorsed by industry giants Schwarzkopf, Wella and L’Oreal, The Guild of Master Craftsmen and not forgetting the Good Salon Guide Five Stars rating. With standards set at the highest level in both customer care.

Salon opening hours.

Monday 9.00am – 6.00pm Tuesday 9.00am – 6.00pm Wednesday 9.00am – 8.30pm Thursday 9.00am – 8.30pm Friday 9.00am – 8.30pm Saturday 9.00am – 6.00pm Telephone: ( 028 ) 90813622 E Mail: info@keithkane.co.uk

TONI&GUY 338 Lisburn Rd Belfast, BT9 6GH, T: 028 90682323 Mon - Wed: 10am - 6pm Thurs: 10am – 8pm Fri: 10am – 6pm Sat: 09:30am - 5:30pm TONI&GUY are committed to the excellence in the art of hairdressing.We are passionately dedicated to providing clients with the highest level of skills, service and products in an enjoyable, friendly salon environment.

Zuni Hairdressing 1a India Street, Belfast BT7 1LJ 028 9033 2345 www.zunihairdressing.com Zuni are the 2010 L’Oreal Colour Trophy winners and is the ‘go to’ salon for re-inventions. It is located off the quirky Botanic Avenue, close to Queens University and offers student discount. Their beauty salon, The Sanctuary, specializes in Dermalogica facials and hot stone therapies, along with a wide range of other treatments.

Ulster Life Opening Hours Tues 9am - 6pm, Wed 9am - 6pm, Thurs 9am - 8pm, Fri 9am - 6pm and Saturday 9am-4pm.

Paul Shappiro and THE NAIL & MAKE-UP BOUTIQUE 56 upper Arthur Street Belfast, BT1 4GJ 028 9023 5090 Mon 9.30am – 5.30pm Tue, Wed & Fri 9am, - 5.30pm Thurs 9am – 8pm Sat 9am – 5pm

Peter Oliver Bloomfield Avenue 028 9058 9889 Opening Hours: Mon-Wed, Fri 9am – 5pm Thurs 9am – 6.30pm Sat 8.30am – 3.30pm Lisburn road 028 9038 1992 Opening Hours: Tue, Wed, Fri 9am – 5pm Thurs 9am – 6.30pm Sat 8.30am – 3.30pm

Newtownards Opening Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 9am – 5pm Thurs 9am – 6.30pm Sat 8.30am – 3.30pm

Kircubbin 028 42739001 Opening Hours: Mon-Wed, Fri 9am – 5pm Thurs 9am – 7.30pm Sat 8.30am – 3.00pm Ballyhackamore 028 9065 8452 Opening Hours Tue-Fri 9.30am – 6pm Sat 8.30am – 3pm

Michael Quinn hairdressing Cathedral Quarter 143 Royal Avenue 028 9043 4003 Located in Belfast’s trendy Cathedral Quarter, Michael Quinn

Hairdressing, caters to both men and women. We’re known for our cutting edge design and funky atmosphere. Our award winning team is committed to your satisfaction.

Opening Hours 10.00 - 6.00 Tue, Wed, Fri 11.30 - 8.30 Thurs 9.00 - 5.00 Sat Specialists in humanHair extensions

David Graham Hairdressing Linen Green,Dungannon, United Kingdom, BT71 7HB www.davidgrahamhairdressing.com 028 8772 3154 Mon: 09:30 - 18:00 Tues:09:30 - 19:00 Wed:09:30 - 18:00 Thurs: 09:30 - 21:00 Fri: 09:30 - 18:00 Sat: 09:00 - 16:00 David has worked alongside the best hairdressers in the industry for over ten years, creating new styles and colour techniques, he blends his experience working in London and Belfast to create an unforgettable professional service at the Linen Green, Dungannon.

Glow Tanning & Beauty Clinic 37 Church Street, Magherafelt BT45 6AP T: 028 793 00007 Specialising in Glow Sunless Tanning, Massage, Body Mask Wrap, Glowing Hands & Feet, Glow Facials, Eyes That Glow, Teeth That Glow, Glow With Tigi Makeup, Glow Body Treats, Botox Injections.

Opening HoursTuesday to Friday : 9.30am – 8.00pm Saturday : 9.00am – 3.00pm

DINE & DRINK La Bastille Restaurant 182a Lisburn Road Belfast,BT9 6AL 028 9066 7500 Labastillerestaurant.com Now under new management, La Bastille Restaurant boasts true, chic, parisienne style and class for Northern IrelandLa Bastille Restaurant provides authentic, traditional french cuisine with a modern twist in an intimate, romantic setting.

Shu Restaurant 253 Lisburn Road Belfast, BT9 7EN 028 9038 1655 Shu-restaurant.com AA Two Rosettes 2001-2007 AA Seafood Restaurant of the Year: 2003-2004Bridgestone 100 Best Restaurants in Ireland 2002, 2006, 2007, 2008 Georgina Campbell Best of the Best 2006, 2007, 2008 Food & Wine Magazine: Best Restaurant in Ulster 2006 Observer Food Monthly Magazine Awards: Best Bar Northern Ireland 2006 Tia Maria Best Restaurant in Northern Ireland 2003

Deanes Howard Street, Belfast 028 9033 1134 Michaeldeane.co.uk “Following the recent makeover of Northern Ireland’s most exceptional dining experience, Michael Deane’s city centre hot spot continues to fly even higher.

For not only has the prolific chef’s hard working team been flamboyantly flying the flag of quality food but they have fashioned an outstanding all round package.”

Georgina Campbell Guide Restaurant of the Year Issue 28

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Michael Quinn hosts VIP Night Last month Michael Quinn Hairdressing hosted a VIP Bash in the quirky, industrial Shoe Factory in Belfast where the glamorous guests were treated to an evening of expert advice from hair and beauty specialists. Michael and his team from the salon carried out hair demonstrations using Matrix and Cloud 9 products to set the ladies and gents up with new styles for the Christmas party season while skin care developer Matilda Archer gave her tips on how to care for the skin in the harsh winter elements using advanced derma therapy and make up pro Paddy McGurgan showed how to transform a make up look from day to night. Guests enjoyed flavoursome food from Safa Indian cuisine and danced the night away to the cool tunes from the DJ decks.

Gareth Maguire, Garry Duff, Grainne Shannon, & Dessy Devlin

Christine Boyle & Ciara McVeigh

Carrie and Christine Shannon, & Paula McKeever

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Lisa Trainor, Laura McCrory, & Lisa Trainor

Ulster Life

Karen Reidy & Ronan Quigley

John Meighan. Michael Quinn & John Meighan

Paula Arthurs, Jacqueline Keenan, Gerard Quinn, & Cara Browne

Diane Meaney & Claire Feenan

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Ulster Life Profile

Ulster Life Business Profile

Jack Murphy Jewellers

Ulster Life speaks to Jack Murphy from Jack Murphy Jewellers, Newry about the importance of picking the right ring!

What can couples expect when they come to Jack Murphy Jewellers to choose engagement rings and wedding bands?

Jack Murphy Jewellers understand that your engagement announcement and wedding day will be two of the most important times in your life, special occasions when you come together to make and pledge your love for each other.

The friendly experienced staff at Jack Murphy Jewellers in Newry enjoys the privilege of helping couples choose their rings- the ‘unique symbols’ of their love for each other.

At their newly refitted premises in the heart of Newry city, Jack Murphy Jewellers have reaffirmed their commitment to providing quality jewellery and dazzling diamonds with A vast choice of exciting designs and styles to suit every pocket.

Their newly designed store blends traditional friendly service, expertise in diamonds and designer jewellery together with a new, modern look and relaxed atmosphere -new contemporary jewellery collections and designs offer a wider choice for today’s discerning consumer.

What services do you provide in your store?

Jack Murphy Jewellers have a reputation and a fantastic flair for one-off bespoke designs. The ‘JMJ’ design service allows you to play a part in creating the ring of your dreams, such creations

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plays a large part in the Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands Rings business in their Newry showrooms receiving many wonderful accolades.

Many brides look for something different, on such occasions Jack Murphy Jewellers will blend aspects and create an unique design -this gives the bride the opportunity to reflect her personality and lifestyle.

Jack Murphy Jewellers also offers an engagement package, lifetime complimentary cleaning and checking of your diamonds plus 15% off both wedding rings and all bridal party gifts. Most importantly Jack Murphy Jewellers offers a truly memorial experience, with the most romantic and significant purchases of your lifetime, we ensure you enjoy this moment.

What are the current trends in wedding and engagement rings?

You may think that trends are something you want to stay away from, and depending on the style of engagement ring you dream of, this may be the best direction. But for most of those shopping for an engagement ring, the trends are a great place to start and find what is both beautiful and current. Knowing the major trends and being on the edge of fashion will guide you to what works well amongst certain designs and styles.

Platinum is still the most popular metal and it shows off the beauty of the diamonds best. While traditional solitaire is still in vogue, new designs featuring the centre diamond surrounded by a rim

Ulster Life Profile of smaller diamonds plus diamond set shoulders are very much in demand but remember your ring should always match your personality and lifestyle so keep this in mind while choosing.

Trends influence engagement rings designs as much as they do every other aspect of our life; Jack Murphy Jewellers are always ahead of the trend and have designs that could make you the trend setter.

Over the past few years however the most obvious trend has been the vintage styles - especially when set in platinum. Our Vintage engagement ring collection draws inspiration from older styles of jewellery making, which is more ornamental and makes use of smaller decorative diamonds, this is elegant, eye catching and distinctive.

What advice would you give brides and grooms when choosing rings?

• Enjoy the experience • Don’t over spend buy the best of what you can afford –but don’t skimp!

• Give the lady want she wants • Choose a ring you love • Trust - only buy from a jeweller with a good reputation, someone you know you can depend on. Listen to their advice • Buying abroad and websites can result in horrendous problems later • Don’t just go for the biggest – the most important element is the cut of the diamonds, have a ring that dances on your finger!

£500, to infinitely! They also offer Interests Free Credit, so check out the detail when you visit.

Has the recession affected what couples are spending on wedding jewellery?

Couples are still investing in quality engagement rings and wedding rings, as a symbol of the marriage; remember it is the one item that is worn every day of the rest of their lives, something that is handed down through generations, worn with pride.

Is it still popular for the bride and groom to buy jewellery for their wedding party as a thank you gift?

While Jack Murphy Jewellers specialise in designer jewellery and watches, there is an exceptional range to cater for all budgets. Some of the most popular bridal party gifts include ‘Links of London’ and ‘Troll beads’ range which is a particularly popular charm bracelet. Newly arrived ‘Swarovski Crystal’ appears to be the perfect bridal jewellery, with a stunning and wide collection. Not forgetting the ever so important flower girls, Molly Brown is the perfect gift for that princess, adorable children’s jewellery that will be a treasured memory of an exciting role.

Are brides still opting for the traditional pearl necklace and earrings for their big day?

Buying that special someone in your life an engagement ring is important for so many reasons. This is not just a piece of jewellery, but the most important piece she will wear for the rest of her life. The ring symbolizes love, commitment, strength, and should be able to be worn every day

Pearls and diamonds are the most popular designs for wedding days, however the vintage theme has defiantly become appeart over recent years and drop earrings, with has higher in demand since Kate Middleton’s marriage to Prince William. One particular designer which is a personal favourite for wedding day jewellery is Paul Costelloe - elegant and graceful.

What is the average spend on an engagement ring?

What’s the most unusual design a bride or groom has asked for in a ring?

Two to three months wages would still be the average spend on engagement rings however Jack Murphy Jewellers have a diamond in store to suit every budget Engagement rings starting from

A few years ago Jack’s son Rory secretly wanted to have a diamond but without anyone knowing so inside his wedding ring they engraved ‘love’ with a diamond for the ‘o’. Of course he spends more

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Ulster Life Profile time showing everyone this unique touch which contradicts the reasons for hiding it of course!

When it comes to buying wedding day gifts for each other what are the most popular items for couples to purchase? (i.e. a watch/cufflinks for him, earrings for her etc.)

Following tradition the groom will purchase diamond earrings, pendants or pearls. Trends have developed and they offer matching set or suitable jewellery to compliment engagement rings.

Knowing the style of engagement ring they will guide the groom to be of what may suit or compliment the bride and her current jewellery collection. Wedding day’s gifts and still highly expected and respected something that you can wear every day of the week and cherish the memoires and the magical experience of marriage.

Watches are still a keen favourite for brides to purchase for the men in their life’s, just to ensure they are always on times - especial of the most important day of their life’s.

I see you have a facebook page; do you find social networking a useful tool for the business?

Facebook and social media is an exciting and accessible way of browsing and educating. Jack Murphy Jewellers find social media an excellent tool for communicating and engaging with their loyal and future customers. It is a guilty pleasure - an enjoyable way of view and selecting your favourite style or wedding or engagement ring and preview of special offers and new arrivals. Jack Murphy Jewellers believe that social media is a tool to let their customers feel comfortable with the store, staff and stock. Private mail allows the general public make personal enquires; with a prompt response someone is always there at the other end, happy to support, educate and give advice.

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Issue 28

Why should brides and grooms choose Jack Murphy Jewellers for engagement and wedding jewellery Jack Murphy Jewellers of Newry pride themselves on their stunning collecting of exquisite engagement rings, with a wonderful reputation for value of breathtaking beauty in the quality of diamonds he personally selects at source. Jack’s dazzling diamonds need to be seen to be believed in the comfort of their private selection rooms. Jack Murphy Jewellers embrace the exciting ‘Hearts on Fire Collection’ the worlds most perfectly cut diamond. A Hearts on Fire diamond sparkles, whiter, brighter and more intensely than any other diamond.

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