Ulster Life September 2013

September 2013

Adventurous Escape

UL discovers Peru as a holiday destination in association with pinnacle worldwide

New Season Style

Interior Ideas Decorative pieces for your home

Fabulous Food

Paul Rankin talks about the new series

FASHIONWEEK 10-13 October 2013 BelfastFashionWeek.com BelfastFW WestCoastCoolerNI Tickets from ÂŁ20 Call 028 9024 6609

contents

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27 Treat Yourself Hair New season trends.

39 A Tasty Trip Paul Rankin talks about the latest series of Paul & Nick’s Big Food Trip.

42 Escape to Edinburgh A Scottish city break

44 An Adventure in Peru 17 Treat Yourself Fashion

Take an adventurous trip to Peru.

The latest pieces hitting the high street.

48 Weddings

22 New Season Sweets

53 Treat Yourself Interiors

Add soft shades to your winter wardrobe.

Two stunning local weddings.

New decorative furnishings for your home.

Ulster Life Magazine 180 Gortgole Road Portglenone Co. Antrim BT44 8AP T: +44 777 2002 777 E: info@myulsterlife.com www.myulsterlife.co.uk

Publisher: Barry O’Doherty Editor: Mags Connolly Feature Contributors: Eve Brannon Sara Larkham All rights reserved. For editorial requests, please contact the editor. All views expressed in Ulster Life, whether that of a contributor, interviewee or advertiser do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Ulster Life (www.myulsterlife.co.uk) or the publisher personally. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of articles within Ulster Life and www.myulsterlife.co.uk we the publishers cannot be held responsible for the use of the information it publishes. If you would like any copies of pictures or articles within Ulster Life or www.myulsterlife. co.uk please contact us directly. If we discover our work being used by a third party without permission, legal action may be taken if not resolved within 5 working days to our satisfaction. In some cases we will require royalty fees if use is for commercial purpose. The use of www.myulsterlife. co.uk is restricted to general interest purposes only. The user accepts a charge of £9,950 if it is proven they are using the site to solicit our clients for advertising purposes.

editorial

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Welcome Welcome to the September issue of Ulster Life. I can’t quite believe that the summer is over and autumn is now rolling in.

In this issue we bring you all of the latest fashion finds filtering down from the catwalks to the high street and look forward to seeing many more of these on the catwalks at West Coast Cooler Belfast FASHIONWEEK which kicks of in only a matter of weeks.

We also catch up with local celebrity chef, Paul Rankin as he sets sail alongside his culinary chum, Nick Nairn for another series of Paul & Nick’s Big Food Trip” on UTV. With all of the latest in fashion, food, interiors and travel we hope you enjoy this issue of Ulster Life.

Model wears Grey & Pink Knitted Fabric Top and Pink Pencil skirt with Leather Detail, both

by Una Rodden; Styling: Cathy Martin at Fashion Pharmacy T: 02890324437; Hair: Andrew Mulvenna T: 02890 24 9191; Make Up: Paddy McGurgan T: 02890 434007; Photography: Khara Pringle Photographic T: 028 9182 6000

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Fuel consumption in mpg (l/100km) and CO2 emissions for 500 range: Urban 49.6 (5.7) - 64.2 (4.4) Extra Urban 65.7 (4.3) - 78.5 (3.6), and Combined 58.9 (4.8) - 72.4 (3.9). CO2 emissions 113 - 90g/km; for Panda 1.2 Pop: Urban 42.2 (6.7), Extra Urban 65.7 (4.3), and Combined 54.3 (5.2). CO2 emissions 120g/km; for 500L range: Urban 34.0 (8.3) - 62.8 (4.5) Extra Urban 56.5 (5.0) - 76.3 (3.7), and Combined 45.6 (6.2) - 70.6 (4.0). CO2 emissions 145 - 105g/km. Prices based on 48 month personal contract hire agreement with 6,000 miles per annum. Offers subject to status. A guarantee or indemnity may be required. Prices correct at time of printing. Offer may be varied and withdrawn at any time. Subject to availability. Models shown for illustration purposes only.

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editorial

Wrap up for winter in style!

To buy either of these massively discounted new season winter coats from Benetton, direct from Harrison Fashion just click on your preferred item and start shopping!

Discounted from RRP £149 & £165 to a winter warming £80 with Free UK delivery!

Faux fur puffer coat £8 0

Black puffer coat £8 0

FREE UK DELIVERY! www.harrisonfashion.co.uk

• Barbara Connolly, Nick Hewer and Diana Press

EVELIN BRANDT

EXPERTS IN FASHION TV presenter Nick Hewer recently visited the Evelin Brandt store on Lisburn Road Belfast.

Nick has been over on a number of occasions to

• Liz Hanvey and Lindsay Hawkins

liaise with Michele and her team as they film for a new TV production which will air this autumn.

On Nick’s last visit he was guest at an exclusive in-store fashion show which showcased the new collections and launched scarves from Dupree knitwear.

• Heather Spence and Kay Johnston

Cadogen House, 322 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 6GH T: 028 90 20 70 20 W: www.evelinbrandt.com www.facebook.com/evelinbrandtbelfast

• Nuala from Directory 14 wears a Evelin Brandt grey swirl dress

• Edna from Directory 14 wears Sandwich with a Dupree scarf

• Nick Hewer with the Evelin Brandt team

• Nuala from Directory 14 wears a James Larkeland dress

• Nuala from Directory 14 wears a teal scarf by Durpee

• Maureen Hanvey, Jennifer White and Karen McKeown

• Nuala from • Sharon Henderson and Janet McCurdy Directory 14 wears a Evelin Brandt poncho

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK To keep up-to-date with all our news, A/W13 collections and promotions, follow us at www.facebook.com/evelinbrandtbelfast

Christina Gavioli, dress, £109.90

nEW laBEl: ChrIstIna GavIolI

this italian label has just arrived in store. a perfect addition to our existing collections it is aimed at fashion-conscious women who choose a modern, dynamic style that is easyto-use and at the same time highlights quality and elegance. Be sure to call in and take a closer look.

EvElin Brandt: Dress to Impress dresses are so versatile and feminine. Wear to work, everyday or evening. You can easily adapt the look of your dress with some well thought accessories to dress it up or down as needed.

Wear with boots or heels and add a smart jacket or a longer, knee length coat.

Evelin Brandt, dress, £209.90

nEW arrivalS: sanDwICh throughout the season Sandwich colours are warm and earthy. autumn started with creamy grey colours in July and now in august the colours become warmer with different shades of terracotta, camel gold, dark and antique blue and slate grey. September reveals a strong monochrome look.

SExY SilhouEttES: CharlI

Charli offers urban essentials with contemporary, sexy silhouettes to bring a fashionable edit of jersey separates. From season to season Charli builds the signature day-to-night sense of chic that reflects the sensibility of the city where the collection was born, london. the collection maintains an easy-luxe aesthetic at its core, continuing to work with softly draped shades and knitwear.

Charli Chinchilla & navy oversized Jumper, £169.90

Christina Gavioli Jacket, £139.90 & tunic, £99.90

t S a F l E B t d n a r B EvElin autumn/WintEr StYlE For FaShion ForWard FEmalES Cadogen House, 322 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 6GH T: 028 90 20 70 20 W: www.evelinbrandt.com F: www.facebook.com/evelinbrandtbelfast

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promotion

Winter is coming…

Or so that locally made epic TV show would have us believe. It is not just the Stark’s saying it though, you can feel that slight nip in the air, the drop in light at around eight in the evening and that peculiarly fresh smell as September eases in. We’ll have to adjust, after all we did have a ‘proper’ summer…

Yes indeed those balmy days, basking in sunshine. Lasted for a week or two didn’t it?

A short summer for some, but superb for Northern Ireland, when you think of the endless rainfall and heart breaking floods of previous years. As well as lifting our spirits, getting us outdoors and active the good weather

has had a positive impact on our bodies…our Vitamin D levels have increased!

What’s the big Vitamin D-eal?

Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and teeth because it regulates the body’s absorption of nutrients like calcium. It is made in our skin through exposure to sunlight.

In their cutting edge laboratories in County Antrim, scientists at Randox Health have been scoping blood samples to see what effect the longer days and increased sunshine have had on a population notoriously deficient in this crucial nutrient.

“The news is good”, says Dr Fitzgerald Managing Director of Randox Health, “As part of our unique health checks, we test blood for nutritional deficiencies and have been monitoring levels of Vitamin D in our clients throughout the year. In January, 89% percent of people we tested, had insufficient levels of Vitamin D, by March this had fallen to 68%, by the end of June, this had decreased further to 41%...It goes to show what a little sunshine can do!”

Click here to continue this article

people & parties

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Sarah Travers

Cathy Martin

Aoife Malone

Fabulous FASHIONWEEK

Sophia Taylor & Diona Doherty

Photography: Brendan Gallagher Fashionistas flocked to the launch of West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK at The Fitzwilliam Hotel last month, where director Cathy Martin and her team outlined the jam-packed show and event schedule for October

along with an intimate presentation of the season’s key trends from participant retailers and designers. For full schedule informationand links to tickets plus entry forms for the Design Award, log on to belfastfashionweek.com

Franca Robinson

NEW BELFAST CITY CENTRE STUDIO - OPENING OCTOBER - 07927523743

Fashion Events Hair / Beauty / Make-up Model Portfolios Business Headshots Commercial Photography Graphic Design services To book with us email ricky@urbanfoxltd.com www.urbanfoxltd.com

Newborn Baby Kids Family location Shoots Home Shoots To book with us email info@littlefoxphotography.co.uk www.littlefoxphotography.co.uk

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fashion

West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK is back!

The change of season from summer to winter is never a welcomed one, but there is one silver lining - the return of West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK of course, which brings all the cosy winter fashion must-haves to help see fashionistas through the cold and miserable winter months.

This season’s events will run over four days from 10th-13th October across various venues in Belfast but with the key catwalk shows returning to the iconic Ulster Museum in Botanic Gardens.

Cathy Martin, director of FASHIONWEEK added: “We

have a very busy schedule this season – and we have teamed up with Belfast City Council’s Restaurant Week to share some events, which is great for the city as a whole – but ideal for foodies and fashionistas.’

The full show schedule is available online at www. belfastfashionweek.com.

Catwalk tickets, which cost £20 (or £25 for a limited number of exclusive front row seats), are available from the Belfast Welcome Centre on 028 9024 6609 or via the website. Ticket price includes a fabulous goodie bag and a refreshing West Coast Cooler.

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promotion

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Mobile wedding hair www.DaniBelleDesign.co.uk 079 6649 5767

fashion

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Triangle Simple Collar, £10, Accessorize, www. accessorize.com

Treat Yourself

Cutwork PU Shirt, £17, Dunnes Stores, www. dunnesstores.com

Black PU Detail Lapel Blazer, £60, a|wear, www.awear.com

New season trends and wardrobe must-haves.

Ankle Boot, £80, Debenhams, www. debenhams.com

Limited Edition McGreggor Trousers, £39.50, M&S, www. marksandspencer.com

fashion

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Best of British Long Camel Wool Coat, £299, M&S, www. marksandspencer.com

Aaliyah Stone Ring, £14, Accessorize, www. accessorize.com

per una Speziale Trouser, £299, M&S, www.marksandspencer.com Plaid Shirt, £45, Debenhams, www. debenhams.com

Candella, £75, Dune, www.dune.co.uk

fashion

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Tassle Clutch, £45, Dune, www.dune.co.uk

Camo Dress, £40, Rihanna for River Island, www. riverisland.com

Black Jacket, Desa, www.desa.uk.com

Queen Skull Earrings, £90, Momocreatura at www.boticca.com

Caged Heels, £130, Carvela Kurt Geiger, www. kurtgeiger.com

Sarah-Jane Boutique 1 Broad St, Magherafelt, BT45 6EB T: 028 7930 1515

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fashion

‘New Season Sweets’

A leading stylist in Northern Ireland, Eve Brannon has a wealth of experience in the industry. Each month she offers a fashion focus into the most coveted designers, trends and styles of the season.

Despite being a bona fide spring/summer trend, sweet sorbet pastels show no sign of a seasonal slow down this AW13’. A pastel palette is not traditionally known for lighting up our winter wardrobes, until now.

This season pastels have been reworked. With soft, feminine shades being spotted on several catwalks and runways, specifically celebrated by our home-grown designers at London Fashion Week.

Simone Rocha, Topshop Unique, Richard Nicoll and Antipodium injected fresh flirty offerings of winter pastels into their collections, showing sugary milkshake tones. Other design houses, including Mulberry, Calvin Klein and Carven opted for powder tones, such as winter violets, lemon and sky blues.

Where SS13’s pastels often edged towards a neon palette, for AW13’ the shades are softer, more feminine and less sharp.

From soft apple to candyfloss, sweet bonbon to bubblegum,

it looks like this autumn might be good enough to eat!

fashion

Stylist Tip

To avoid looking like you’ve dressed yourself in the children’s clothes department, steer clear of block head-to-toe pastels in one shade. Instead work around a pastel piece such as a mint green cashmere jumper or Carven-esque oversized peony pink coat.

To contact Eve, Telephone: +44 (0) 7817 597067 or email: info@evebrannonfashionstyling.com W: evebrannonfashionstyling.com

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fashion

Style Event: Directory 14 Directory 14, sponsored by ALFAPARF Milano promises to be a fashion and style event like no other bringing together some of the best known names in fashion, hair, make-up and skin care for a series of master classes and a runway spectacular.

Two bespoke masterclass events will take place at the Ivory Victoria Square Belfast starting on Tuesday 17th September with advice, live demonstrations and insider tips from highly acclaimed Clarins international makeup artist Claude Defresne, followed by an evening with award winning hair dresser Paul Stafford and well known designer Una Rodden on Wednesday 18th September.

The Directory 14 finale will be a runway spectacular on Thursday 19th September at Riddel Hall Stranmillis starting with the announcement and presentation of the 4 faces of the Directory 14 style search competition, followed by Autumn Winter collections from Una Rodden, Evelin Brandt Belfast and designer boutique

YOKE, all showcasing their picks for the season.

Tickets for Directory 14 are available from the Grand Opera House Box Office, phone 028 9024 1919 to book your place.

promotion

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people & parties

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Alan Simpson & Laurina Kennedy

Michelle Wiley & Orlaith McAllister

Sophia Taylor

To the MEXX Photography: Michael Walsh- pushfotografik.com International fashion brand Mexx, which has 16 outlets across Ireland hosted a VIP party night at its flagship store on Arthur Street, Belfast. Guests were treated to a preview of

this season’s key pieces, an Yves Saint Laurent beauty clinic and hair makeovers with Hedonist Hair. Follow Mexx ROI&UK on facebook for their latest trends and news.

Joyce Shaw, Joanne Sittlington & Louise O’Keily John Houston & Pamela Ballantine

home

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Prepare to the App mazed!

IKEA’s new mobile catalogue means you can test furniture from the comfort of your own home!

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Using the latest Augmented Reality (AR) technology IKEA’s new App allows you to place products into your rooms to find the perfect fit!

IKEA’s research has shown that many of its customers suffer from ‘Square peg, round hole syndrome’ as 14% say they’ve bought the wrongsized furniture for their rooms

and over 70% say they don’t really know how big their own homes are.

The print version of the IKEA Catalogue will also feature over 50 pages that readers can scan with their mobile to get access to additional product information, videos and alternative views of products.

1. Customers can put the physical IKEA Catalogue into their room in the space where they want to test a product 2. The IKEA Catalogue App picks up the catalogue and uses it to gauge the correct scale for products that will be shown on-screen 3. The product then appears on the customer’s mobile phone camera within the IKEA Catalogue App so it can be tested for colour and size.

4. Customers can then test different products to find the right one for their home – finding the perfect fit

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Treatment to reduce the appearance of sagging jowls & plump and refine lines around the lips.

Restylane & Perlane

Epionce Skin Peels

Providing firmness & elasticity to treat fine lines on the face and restore the skin’s natural fullness.

Treating sun damaged, ageing skin, acne & unwanted pigmentation for all skin types.

Juvederm Ultra

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For the smooth, lifted & minimised appearance of lines on the face and enhancement of the cheeks.

Treating fine lines, wrinkles, sun damaged skin & acne proned skin.

Cheek Enhancements Enhanced cheeks for a more youthful look.

Lip Augmentation Pouting & Contouring to create a more pronounced mouth and fuller lips.

Sclerotherapy Treating broken red veins on legs.

Endermologie LPG Aiding cellulite reduction, inch loss & toning (The Clinic is the first salon to offer this in Northern Ireland).

Radiesse

Full range of treatments available.

Contouring, beautifying & stimulating the skin’s own production of collagen.

All medical treatments are carried out by highly qualified medical staff.

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people & parties

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Shauna McAteer & Laura McManus

Emily Graham & Christina Wallace

Debbie Allen

Sun Shines For Polo In The City Photography: Brendan Gallagher The style stakes were raised for the third annual sporting and social event Polo In The City, at Lower Botanic Playing Fields on Stranmillis Embankment raising funds for charity Mencap. The teams battled each other in a series of three exhilarating and fast paced chukkas with players from the Northern Ireland Polo Club and additional

Suzanne Savage & Michael Daly

players from as far away as Argentina. As well as the onfield action, the day boasted a fantastic selection of hospitality, entertainment and VIP Pod experiences where guests sipped chilled Veuve Clicquot champagne and exotic inspired cocktails in the Oasis Travel Celebrity Cruises cocktail boutique. The day ended with a luxury barbeque and dancing.

Emma Fletcher & Pamela McMullan

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hair

Treat Yourself...

To A New Hair Style

It’s time for a whole new season of trends not just for your wardrobe but your hair too! Martine Broggy from The Natural Hair Company in Lisburn, highlights a couple of the hottest colour trends for A/W 2013.

Dirty blonde

Golden Girls

Rachel McAdams is the most recent resident from the land of celeb to step out with new red hair. The absence of any highlights gives the impression of this being her natural colour. Copper or auburn are both very ‘real-hair’ shades - beautiful tones give a lasting impression especially when it’s in gorgeous condition on longer lengths.

This autumn we’ll see summer caramel honeys and clear blonde shades turn into more dusty and dirty shades of ash and duck egg. Take out multi-faceted tones or highlights in favour of all over matt, flat shades and give it lots of texture

SOME THINGS DON’T WASH OFF FROM THE NIGHT BEFORE HOME STI TESTING KIT

Home testing for 10 of the most common STIs including Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and Herpes.

Visit www.confidantetest.com or speak to your pharmacist for more information.

promotion

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Good Food for Leavers and Learners For ten years local charity Action Cancer has been visiting schools and colleges with its unique health promotion programme for young people – Health Action – a campaign fuelled by more than £800,000 of funding from convenience retailer Centra. The programme delivers healthy lifestyle information to young people on topics such as exercise and eating well, in order to reduce the risk of them getting cancer in later life. 440,000 children and young people have taken part to date.

Now Centra and Action Cancer have joined forces to produce a menu featuring simple, balanced and good value recipes for young people leaving home for the first time – whether that’s heading off to university, or getting their own place and starting a career.

Using day to day ingredients sourced from a local Centra store, the retailer and Action Cancer have put together a treat of a menu, with all the healthy advantages of lots of fruit and veg, but also full of flavour and exotic enough to impress any young household.

Spicy Tomato Soup

STARTER/LUNCH/ SNACK

Spicy Tomato Soup Serves 4

WHAT YOU’LL NEED • 2 onions peeled and chopped • 2 cloves garlic peeled and crushed • Sunflower oil for frying • 2 sticks celery peeled and chopped • 2 carrots peeled and chopped • 1 leek washed and sliced • 1 tsp chilli powder/cayenne pepper • 2 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes • 1 dessert spoon mixed herbs • 1 litre chicken or vegetable stock

Method for soup

Put some oil in a deep sauce pan and fry off the onions and garlic to soften, then add the carrots, celery and leek. Fry for a further 4 mins over a gentle heat, then add the chilli powder and cook for a further 2 mins. Add the tomatoes and stock, then the mixed herbs. Bring to the boil and simmer until the carrots are cooked. Puree the soup and season with salt and pepper.

For more information on the Health Action programme visit www.actioncancer.org and for a list of Centra stores and more recipes go to www.centra.co.uk

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Spaghetti Bolognese

MAINS

Spaghetti Bolognese Serves 4

WHAT YOU’LL NEED • Enough spaghetti to serve 4 • 2 onions chopped • 2 bay leaves • 3 cloves garlic crushed • 2 carrots peeled and grated • 4 sticks of celery peeled and chopped • 4 00g mince beef • 8 00g chopped tinned tomatoes • 1 tbsp tomato puree • 1 litre beef stock

• 2 tablespoons mixed herbs • Sunflower oil for frying Method

Sweat off the onions, garlic and herbs in the oil and add the grated carrot and celery.

In a different pan fry off the mince until evenly brown, then drain off excess oil. Put the onions, garlic, herbs and mince together in one large pan, stirring in the tomato puree. Add the tomatoes and stock and simmer for about 90 minutes. To

For more information on the Health Action programme visit www.actioncancer.org and for a list of Centra stores and more recipes go to www.centra.co.uk

finish, season with tomato ketchup and Worcester Sauce, salt and pepper.

Cook spaghetti according to instructions on packet and serve with the sauce and grated parmesan cheese.

Tagine of Chickpeas, with Cous Cous Serves 4

WHAT YOU’LL NEED • 1 onion peeled and sliced • 3 cloves garlic crushed • 2 carrots peeled and chopped • 2 peppers sliced

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Tagine of Chickpeas, with Cous Cous

• 3 sticks celery peeled and chopped • 1 aubergine cubed and fried in hot oil until soft and brown • The zest of 1 orange (use a peeler to get strips of the peel & no pith!)

• 2 tbsps tomato puree • 500ml vegetable stock • 2 x 400g tins chickpeas • 6 dried apricots chopped • Sunflower oil for frying

Spice mix • 2 tsps mixed spice • 1 tsp chilli powder

Method

Sweat the onions and garlic in the oil in a deep saucepan, then add the peppers, carrots and celery and cook for 4 mins over a gentle heat. Add the spice mix and cook for 3 mins, then add the tomato puree and mix in well. Add the stock, chickpeas, cooked aubergines and orange peel. Finally, add the apricots and simmer for about 30 mins.

Taste and season with lemon juice, sugar, salt and pepper.

Cous Cous • 250g cous cous • Water • 25g chopped parsley • 25g chopped mint or coriander • 1 onion chopped and fried • 25g raisins • 25g sunflower seeds • 25g raisins • S oy Sauce • Salt and pepper

Put the cous cous in a bowl, cover with cold water and

For more information on the Health Action programme visit www.actioncancer.org and for a list of Centra stores and more recipes go to www.centra.co.uk

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let it stand for 30 mins - this makes it light and separates the grains. In a frying pan cook off the onion, then add the cous cous and the other ingredients, mixing thoroughly. You can toss the sunflower seeds in soy sauce and grill them lightly - it makes a very tasty addition – but you can just serve the cous cous from the pan with the tagine, or prepare in advance and put in ramekins to be heated up in the microwave.

DESSERT

Apple and Banana Crumble

Serves 4

WHAT YOU’LL NEED • 700g fruit approx e.g. 3 Bramley apples peeled and chopped & 3 bananas peeled and sliced • 2 tbsps sugar

In a saucepan cook the apples with the sugar and a little water, then add the sliced banana and put in a Pyrex pie dish or similar.

Apple and Banana Crumble

Crumble Topping • 100g wholemeal flour • 100g porridge oats • 100g brown sugar • 8 0g low fat buttery spread

Put all crumble ingredients in a bowl and work the spread into the dry ingredients, squishing it between your fingers and forming little

clumps. Bake on a metal tray in the oven at 170c for 40 minutes. Allow to cool and go crispy/crumbly and put on top of prepared fruit mixture. The

For more information on the Health Action programme visit www.actioncancer.org and for a list of Centra stores and more recipes go to www.centra.co.uk

whole dish can be reheated in the oven or microwave at this stage. Serve with Fromage Frais or custard made with semi-skimmed milk.

www.facebook.com/ boojumgalway

interview

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A Tasty Trip Celebrity chefs Paul Rankin and Nick Nairn returned on September 2nd for a new Monday night series of the maritime cooking adventure, Paul and Nick’s Big Food Trip. By Margaret Connolly Thanks to the popularity of the first series, the second instalment, sponsored by Moy Park, sees Paul and Nick sail into ports along the Ulster and Scottish coastlines to face the culinary challenge of creating, preparing and serving delicious three course meals along the route. Over the course of eight episodes, the pair use their combined knowledge of food to source the best local produce at each destination and develop new tasty recipes.

As Paul comments, ‘What a pleasure it was to go on a food trip with my best buddy Nick - sailing, sharing and discovering our homelands. I even get the opportunity to visit my hometown of Ballywalter where we use wood pigeon and Portavogie fish to create an impressive home-grown menu. The food, the scenery, the craic, it’s all spectacular.

And Nick, well he’s just Nick…a grumpy Scotsman!’

‘This series I think the banter between the two of us is more evident. We really are the best of friends and sometimes I can’t believe I’m working when I’m able to hang out with my

best mate and cook food. I also got to spend a lot more time in Scotland this series and see places that I’ve never had a chance to visit,’ he adds.

“Every dish we make has a

real Ulster-Scots link. Without sounding arrogant all of the food this series has been wonderful, and that’s largely to do with the quality of the produce we’ve come across. A

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interview Programme 5.

CAMPBELTOWN (Monday 30 September at 8.00pm) Paul and Nick sail to Campbeltown on the Kintyre peninsula in Scotland. A visit to a local smoke house inspires the chefs to create an Ulster scotch egg. But will it go down well with the locals?

Programme 6. COUNTY DOWN (Monday 7 October at 8.00pm) Paul and Nick head to Castlewellan, Dundrum and Newcastle in County Down and in spite of torrential rain, they find inspiration from local food producers to create a Dundrum mussel tartlet for some hungry accordion band members.

highlight for me has to be the Ulster Scots egg I devised this series and our blackcurrant soufflé was something else!’

To try Paul and Nick’s blackcurrant soufflé for yourself along with all of the other recipes featured in the new series go online to www.u.tv where you’ll find all of the recipes after each programme has been aired.

Still to come:

Programme 3. ARRAN (Monday 16 September at 8.00pm) Paul and Nick visit the Isle of Arran, known as Scotland in miniature, and find some

inspiring local produce. With deer aplenty on the island, venison makes it onto the menu and a fishing adventure sorts out the starter. The chefs’ challenge this week is to prepare a 3-course meal for some hungry mountain rescue men.

Programme 4.

BALLYWALTER (Monday 23 September at 8.00pm) Paul takes Nick on a nostalgic trip to his hometown of Ballywalter on the east coast of the Ards peninsula. Local wood pigeon and Portavogie fish find their way on the menu and Paul revisits some of his childhood haunts.

Programme 7. ISLAY (Monday 14 October at 8.00pm) Inspired by the beautiful produce at the Islay House Community Garden on the Isle of Islay Paul and Nick create a fabulous healthy starter. A local fisherman provides fresh lobster and a visit to one of the island’s eight whisky distilleries provides inspiration for a dessert.

Programme 8. EAST DONEGAL (Monday 21 October at 8.00pm) Paul and Nick sail down Lough Swilly in the north west of Ulster and discover the strong Ulster Scots links there and how the plantation impacted the area. A fishing trip provides inspiration for their menu and a local rare breed pig farmer provides some organic pork.

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42

travel

Escape to Edinburgh

Travel time to Edinburgh - literally 35 minutes by plane - makes it the perfect location for a quick weekend break. You can take a taxi (approx. £25) into the city centre or the airport bus (£3.50 one way) - both take approximately 30 minutes. By Margaret Connolly

I was staying at The George Hotel in Edinburgh (www. thegeorgehoteledinburgh. co.uk) and had booked a Superior Twin Room for my stay. However, I have to say I was disappointed with what greeted me, feeling it was better represented as a Standard Twin room. Known as one of the most luxurious hotels in the city and winner of the Best Hotel in Edinburgh at the Scottish Hotel Awards 2011, apart from its excellent location right in the middle of George Street (it is 10 minutes from everywhere!) making it the perfect pitstop for dropping off the shopping bags when you have too many to carry, this ‘luxury’ hotel wouldn’t be my first recommendation.

Breakfast was poor too - and not helped by cold coffee!

Instead, head to the luxurious boutique hotel Tigerlily (www. tigerlilyedinburgh.co.uk), which I discovered at the far end of George Street. Listed by

Condé Nast Traveller as one of the coolest 65 hotels in the world, it’s interior is a whirl of shimmering mirror mosaics, freshly cut flowers and chic furniture - plus the food is excellent. You’ll love it! With only 33 bedrooms, whether a girly shopping break or romantic weekend away make sure to book well in advance!

Shopping in Edinburgh

didn’t disappoint - especially after a few cocktails in Harvey Nichols rooftop bar/ restaurant! As well as this luxury department store, you’ll find all the designer shopping you want from Louis Vuitton, The Kooples, L.K. Bennett and Anthropologie to name just a few! Favourite high street stores such as All Saints and Topshop are also close to hand.

Complimentary Room Hire Private Bar Red Carpet on arrival Centre-pieces for tables 5 Piece Finger Buffet or Fork Buffet Complimentary room for the organizer Event Ambassador DJ Subject to availability Additional guests can be added on for ÂŁ22.00 per person.

www.malonelodgehote l b e l fa s t . c o m

T:028 9038 8000 info@malonelodgehotelbelfast.com 66 Eglantine Avenue, Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 6DY

44

travel

Time for Adventure

This issue we take a trip to Peru with Pinnacle Worldwide, Ireland and the UK’s leading independent luxury travel consultancy.

Peru is a vast country with so much to see. Do you go to the Amazon Basin, check out Lake Titicaca in the far south or do you climb Cordillera Huayhuash? However, for those on a ten-day or two week holiday it makes sense to head in the direction of Machu Picchu. Going to Peru and not seeing Machu Picchu would be like going to Egypt and not seeing the pyramids or leaving out Niagara Falls while in Canada!

Machu Picchu, a unique testimony to the Inca civilization, is one of the most important cultural sites in Latin America. It stands 2,430 m above sealevel, in the middle of a tropical mountain forest, in an extraordinarily beautiful

028 3832 3618

pinnacleworldwide.co.uk Visit our travel lounge at: 57 Church Place, Lurgan, Co.Armagh, BT66 6HD (Please make an appointment)

travel setting. It was probably the most amazing urban creation of the Inca Empire at its height; its giant walls, terraces and ramps seem as if they have been cut naturally in the continuous rock escarpments.

The natural setting, on the eastern slopes of the Andes, encompasses the upper Amazon basin with its rich diversity of flora and fauna.

The surrounding valleys have been cultivated continuously for well over 1,000 years, providing one of the world's greatest examples of a productive man-land relationship; the people living around Machu Picchu continue a way of life which closely resembles that of their Inca ancestors, being based on potatoes, maize and llamas. There are llama’s scattered all over the ruins unfazed by the tourists.

The incredible thing about visiting Machu Picchu is that you can hike up other peaks to see it from different angles. Seeing it from above really gives you a sense of the scope of the place. To understand how the Incan empire built this city clinging to the side of a mountain, with terraces falling into the valley is incomprehensible. The back drop is absolutely stunning.

To see Machu Picchu

you will fly into Cuzco, experiencing spectacular views of the Andes with their snow capped mountain peaks reaching up to the heavens from the plane. Cuzco itself is a lovely town but you need to be prepared to feel a bit fatigued due to the altitude - Cuzco sits at 3300 metres - but a local tipple, Cocoa Tea enjoyed in Plaza de Armas should help to alleviate any altitude sickess!

As well as taking in the magnificence of Machu Picchu, be sure to take in other nearby sights in The Sacred Valley such as Ollantaytambo, an impressive Inca ruin it its own right. Take a tour of the valley and walk along a section of the Inca Trail, and enjoy the breathtaking countryside.

So, if you are looking for somewhere different to holiday this year and looking

45

for adventure, then why not consider hiking around sacred ruins and enjoying the breathtaking scenery of Peru.

Book your Holiday

Pinnacle Worldwide offer a 12-day tour of Peru called Land of the Incas, which visits Lima, Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, Cusco and Machu Picchu. The tour costs from £2,299 and includes Iberia flights from Heathrow.

Or a 14-day Heights of Machu Picchu itinerary from £2,434, including the classic Inca Trail trek, Cusco, Lake Titicaca and Lima, and flights.

Call or email to arrange an appointment with one of their travel experts.

Tel : 028 3832 3618 or email: info@ pinnacleworldwide.co.uk www.pinnacleworldwide.co.uk

Exceptional holidays. Boutique service.

parties & people

47

Bjorn Blythe & Sarah Jayne Cassells

Jason Clarke

Seainin Brennan

Jason Clarke Performs Intimate Gig at The Merchant

Katie Larmour

Photography: Brendan Gallagher It’s been a busy couple of months for Belfast singing sensation Jason Clarke.

Following the release of his summer single LOVING YOU in June, the young singer travelled to Norway after

Mairead McClelland & Jessica Holland

being invited over to write songs for an international recording label, before returning home to perform an acoustic show to a sell-out crowd at The Merchant Hotel.

wedding

48

Happily Married Photography: Shelley Rodgers Surrounded by their family and friends, Karen Tosh married Rodger Lindsay. The couple enjoyed a fabulous

reception at the Slieve Donard in Newcastle before leaving for their honeymoon.

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Voted irelands Best Wedding Retailer 2013

wedding

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49

50

wedding

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Voted irelands Best Wedding Retailer 2013

wedding

51

A Summer Wedding Photography: Steven Neeson Photography On the 1st of August, Steph Floyd and Saul Lockhart were married in Newtownbreda Baptist

Voted irelands Best Wedding Retailer 2013

Church and enjoyed their reception in The Culloden Estate & Spa with their families and close friends.

88 William Street, lurgan tel: (028) 3832 1607. WWW.perfectdayni.com

Wedding Cars

Rockin Roll Collection, Get you to the church on time!

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Personalised Number Plates Available for Photographs Choice of Ribbon Colours Floral Arrangements Available Packages from: ÂŁ165

interiors

53

Trinket Box, £25, Debenhams, www.debenhams.com

Antoinette Two Drawer Wide Chest of Drawers, £525, Debenhams, www.debenhams.com

Treat Yourself...

Stylish inspirations for the bedroom, bathroom & living room.

Butterfly by Matthew Williamson Throw, £125, Debenhams, www.debenhams.com

Flower Bomb Double Duvet Set, £49.50, www.hintonshome.com

Stella King Bedstead, £649, Linea at House of Fraser, www. houseoffraser.co.uk

interiors

54

Cashmere Coco Soap Dispenser, £32, www. sweetpeaandwillow.com

Mirror, £40, Debenhams, www.debenhams.com

Rocha.John Rocha Towels, from £2.50, Debenhams, www.debenhams.com

Antique Cream Shabby Chic Free-Standing Bathroom Towel Rail, £49, www.homekandi.com

Woven Wash Basket, £29.99, www.homesense.com

interiors

55

Star by Julian Macdonald Beaded Cushion, £22, Debenhams, www. debenhams.com

Star by Julien Macdonald Gold Pillar Candle, £8, Debenhams, www.debenhams.com

Linnell Ceramic Table Lamp, £69, M&S, www. marksandspencer.com

Ben de Lisi, Cara Chaise Uni, £2,260, Debenhams, www.debenhams.com

Birds Cushion, £40, House of Fraser, www.houseoffraser.co.uk

larne cairnryan/troon

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Get down to business.

We’ve been busy changing and improving our Northern Ireland to Scotland service for you.

We’re introducing a luxury new Club Lounge area to all of our ships*, which started with the P&O Express. So now you can recline in peace and quiet, enjoy complimentary wine, hot and soft drinks or dock your laptop and charge your phone to catch up on some work.

This is the ultimate way to cross the Irish Sea so be one of the first to experience Club Lounge for only £12 per person when you book online.

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Club Lounge available on P&O Express sailings to Troon from 27th March. Available on sailings to Cairnryan on the European Highlander from 12th May and the European Causeway from 28th May. Terms and conditions apply.

*

editorial

58

Girls... are you ready?

To celebrate the opening of their fourth ‘Fiat’ dealership in Northern Ireland, the Donnelly Group will be throwing a number of events throughout October to treat local ladies to a bit of glitz and glamour!

The events will take place in the Donnelly Fiat showrooms in Dungannon, Eglinton, Enniskillen and Mallusk. For all the latest information, please visit www.donnellygroup. co.uk or keep an eye on facebook.com/ donnellygroupni

FIAT 500 1.2 POP • Remote central locking • Radio/CD • Electric power steering • Electric windows

£149 £149 DEPOSIT

PER MONTH

SUMMER COLLECTION DONNELLY BROS

DONNELLY BROS

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DONNELLY & TAGGART

028 9084 2000

028 8772 7888

028 6632 4712

028 7181 3038

MALLUSK WAY, NEWTOWNABBEY, CO. ANTRIM

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101 IRVINESTOWN ROAD, ENNISKILLEN, CO. FERMANAGH

CAMPSIE IND EST., EGLINTON, CO. L/DERRY

DONNELLYGROUP.CO.UK

Fuel consumption for Fiat 500 range: mpg (l/100km) and CO2 emissions: Urban 49.6 (5.7) - 64.2 (4.4) Extra Urban 65.7 (4.3) - 78.5 (3.6), and Combined 58.9 (4.8) - 72.4 (3.9). CO2 emissions 113 - 90g/km. Prices based on 48 month personal contract hire agreement with 6,000 miles per annum. Offers subject to status. A guarantee or indemnity may be required. Prices correct at time of printing. Offers may be varied and withdrawn at any time. Subject to availability. Model for illustration purposes only.

makeup artistry

Stacey Kilpatrick Irish Makeup Artist of the Year

t: 07738090660 e: info@sakdesigns.co.uk

www.sakdesigns.co.uk

GMINI Magazine; Model: Jenny @ Alison Campbell; Photography: Janine Walker

films

60

FILM REVIEW

Elysium What’s It About?

In the year 2154, the wealthy elite have abandoned a polluted, over-populated Earth for Elysium, an orbital space-station paradise. When an industrial accident leaves Earth-bound Max Da Costa (Matt Damon) with days to live, his only chance of survival lies with Elysium’s state-of-the-art medical technology - but the station’s ruthless Defence Secretary Delacourt (Jodie Foster) will stop at nothing when it comes to keeping non-citizens out.

Review

Elysium is a commentary on the growing divide between rich and poor that pulls no punches in its critique of the

modern condition: Max may need the futuristic technology of an Elysian med-bay, but the hospital scenes in 22ndcentury Los Angeles (filmed in a Mexico City shanty town) are strikingly reminiscent of today’s emergency care, and it highlights the current issue of poverty as a barrier to basic health care that faces millions around the world today.

This is not a boring movie, that’s for sure, but it could have done with some judicious story-editing. There’s far too much going on in the narrative to allow any of the various threads to develop properly, and, at times, it feels as though there are at least three different movies trying to happen all at once.

But a good science fiction movie ought to be a feast for both the eyes and the brain, and Elysium, though it may descend into hyperbole from time to time, delivers. It’s more Terminator than 2001, but Elysium will still make you glad you’re in 2013.

tv

62

One to Watch: 6DEGREES

6Degrees has returned for an exciting second series this month and the students will be getting up to their old tricks as they experience their second year in University.

The new six-part series picks up on the lives of Jess (Georgia Maguire), Danny (Niall Wright), Conor (Cillian O'Sullivan), Sandie (Jayne Wisener), Leech (Ryan McParland) and Eva (Jamie Lee O'Donnell) as they return to University in Belfast for another tumultuous year.

The first episode follows the friends as they move out of student halls and into a shared house together.

They may be older, but they certainly aren’t wiser.

Hearts will be broken, friendships made and trust betrayed, but within all the madness and mistakes, our students are learning the invaluable life lessons that books just can't teach.

This is a show about relationships - a crash course to adulthood. Six students, brought together by six degrees who may become lifelong friends, or lifelong enemies.

Sarah Stack, Executive producer BBC NI says: “We are thrilled with the second

Jamie Lee O’Donnell who plays the role of Eva

series of 6Degrees that allowed us the opportunity to work with some really exciting talent in front and

behind the camera“.

6Degrees Series 2 is on BBC One Northern Ireland on Tuesdays at 10.35pm.

music

63

Bye Bye Belsonic Sarah Larkham was lucky enough to head along to enjoy the final night of Belfast’s popular annual music event.

Night six of Belfast’s notorious Belsonic brought us nineties nostalgia in the form of Brit pop legends James and headliners Suede.

The crowd was scarce for the local openers Runaway Go, but it didn’t reflect in their performance as they gave it their all and lived up to the size of the stage, with the lead vocalists complementing each other perfectly.

A prompt stage rearrange and a fuller-crowd later, Manchester born James took to the stage in a confident

get-up, greeting the gig goers and kicking straight into an energetic set full of old classics and fresh new releases.

Clear favourites amongst the crowd were golden oldies ‘Sit Down’ and ‘Tomorrow’, having the indie lovers going wild. It didn’t take long before lead singer Tim Booth started into his charismatic on stage dancing, adding in a quick dash to crowd and making the front rows night.

Soon our headliners of the night took to the stage illuminated in red light and got off to an unusually mellow start with one of their newer tracks. Things really kicked into gear when the open bars of ‘Trash’ belted out across Custom House Square, seemingly giving the crowd what they want as they started into an indiestyle frenzy. The mod haircuts were out in full succession and everyone was loving it.

Saving the best till last, the well dressed Londoners came back for their encore and sang a powerful rendition of ‘Beautiful Ones’, having everyone swaying and dancing along, making for an outstanding closer to the night.

64

interview

Dragon Lady Former Dragon Hilary Devey CBE will breathe fire on the Women in Business NI Awards in association with Invest Northern Ireland, when she makes her first Women in Business NI Awards appearance in Northern Ireland in November.

The award winning businesswoman, who is best known for occupying a seat in the ‘Dragons’ Den’, is an entrepreneur, commentator and television personality who will tell of her business experiences and share hints and tips to those attending this year’s third annual awards ceremony in the Culloden Estate and Spa on Thursday 21st November.

Enter the Women in Business NI 2013 Awards in association with Invest Northern Ireland at www. womeninbusinessni.com.

Awards are open to all business women in Northern Ireland, you do not need to be a member of WIBNI to nominate or enter. Closing date for entry is Friday 4th October at 12noon.

Client’s Kitchen

Established 1933

Winners of the UK KBB Kitchen Design Award 2012 AWARDS

Kitchens | Bedrooms Bathrooms | Fitted Furniture 1 Shaerf Drive, Lurgan, Co. Armagh BT66 8DD T - 028 3832 3296 E - mail@alwood.co.uk W - www.alwood.co.uk

2010

WINNER

AWARDS

2010

WINNER

• Winners of the KBB Kitchen Design Award - London, 2011 • Winners of the Designer Magazine Kitchen Design Award - London, 2011 • Winners of the IKT Kitchen Design Award - Belfast, 2010 • Winners of the IKT Lifetime Achievement Award - Belfast, 2010 • Winners of the KRI Lifetime Achievement Award - Dublin, 2010 • Also finalists in nine other major design awards in the UK and Ireland

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