Lough Eske Castle, a Solis Hotel & S winner of World’s Best Luxury Count Hotel 2009, 2010 & 2011. Experienc exhilarating activity filled destinatio the ultimate in luxury pampering an excellent food.
Donegal Town, County Donegal
T +353 (0)74 97 25100 E reservations.lougheske@solishotels
Spa, try ce an on with nd
s.com
3 Nights for the price of 2 (Midweek) including breakfast daily (Courtyard Room. Subject to availability)
â‚Ź210
from
per room per night
www.solislougheskecastle.ie
THERAPIE CLINIC New Treatment At Therapie Clinic Turning Back The Hands Of Time! Therapie Clinic is an expert in laser hair removal but did you know that Therapie is also renowned for their expert skin care? NEW to Therapie Clinic, Carlisle Road in L/Derry is Laser Photo-Rejuvenation which dramatically rejuvenates the skin and eliminates the signs of ageing, without any down time! Good news indeed! Laser Photo-Rejuvenation uses Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). The wavelengths of light penetrate deep into the skin’s tissue to stimulate the cells beneath and encourage the production of collagen. Skin appears tighter, smoother and dramatically rejuvenated in just a few treatments! Any area can be treated with IPL including face, neck, chest, back, hands, arms and legs. IPL is also incredibly effective on red veins/broken capillaries, pigmentation and age spots, freckles and even acne. It even diminishes redness of
the face associated with rosacea. How does it work? IPL uses targeted pulses of light which is attracted to the problem areas of the skin. It works by heating up the cells and collapsing them so that they can then be flushed out by the body’s natural defences. This leaves only the healthy skin cells in the targeted area and evens out the tone of the skin in just a few short sessions. Treatment can be as frequently as every three weeks. Each treatment takes about 20-30 minutes and delivers excellent long-term results. Treatment can be carried out during your lunch hour and no one will notice any sign of treatment, just a gradual improvement in your skin’s appearance! Why not book a free consultation? Call Therapie Clinic, Carlisle Road on 028 7126 5379 or visit www.therapieclinic.co.uk
Hello Readers! Welcome to another edition of UlsterLife, Ireland’s premier free fashion and lifestyle monthy. With Autumn upon us, we’re focussing on the fashion trends coming your way as the nights draw in, with baroque and gothic leading the way on the catwalk. We’re also taking some time to look at the things that might keep you warm in the colder nights, wether it’s the fine food of Belfast Restaurant Week or fahions hotting up at West Coast Cooler Fashionweek. Whatever your interest, we have it all for you in this month’s Ulster Life. Barry O’Doherty EDITOR T70 Media Group barry@myulsterlife.co.uk 07772002777 Editor: Barry O’Doherty Design: Michael Murray
FASHIONWEEK 13-21 October 2012 BelfastFashionWeek.com
BelfastFW WestCoastCoolerNI Tickets from ÂŁ15. Call 028 9024 6609.
POLO IN THE CITY Sun Shines For Glamourous Polo In The City Charity The style stakes were raised for the sporting and social event of the year, Polo In The City. Returning to the Lower Botanic Playing Fields at Stranmillis Embankment at the end of August for the second year in a
Claire Ritchie, Stuart Hackney & Dierdre Walker
row, raising funds for charity Mencap. Polo teams, led by the Northern Ireland Polo Club, battled each other in a series of exhilarating and fast paced polo matches with team Mencap, Citybeat Radio and Veuve Clicquot all victorious on the day.
Denise Robinson, Beverly Nickell & Audrey Spence
Clockwise from top— -Hugh Black, Holly Lyons & Stuart Hackney -Mark & Gareth Robinson -Michael Daly & Sarah Jane McClure -Niall Annett, Paddy Wallace & John Burns -Suzie Gates & Paula Colhoun -Rory Boyd, Ashleigh McCann & Angus Clarke -Megan Mackay & John Kearns -Rachael Ferris, Zoe Woods & Rachael McConnell -Franca Robinson & Cathy Martin
MICHAEL QUINN Local Hairdresser Brings Home National Award Title Celebrity Hairdresser and Ulster Life columnist Michael Quinn has won not just one, but two awards at the Irish Photographic Hairdressing Awards which were held in the quirky surroundings of the Guinness Storehouse in July. Michael started preparations for the competition at the beginning of this year when he worked tirelessly to create an ‘Under Water’ themed shoot which, along with the support of his team, helped him showcase the best of his and the salon’s talents and would ultimately lead them to a victory at this year’s awards. Competing against dozens of shortlisted salons from across Ireland, Michael Quinn Hairdressing claimed the winner’s title in the Best Long Hair category and the salon was rewarded with Best
Artistic Team of the Year; both awards were presented by hairdressing great, Anthony Mascolo from TIGI hair product range along with his wife Pat. Michael, who first started his hairdressing career in Dungannon and now runs the popular Michael Quinn Hairdressing Salon in the Cathedral Quarter in Belfast where he has tamed the tresses of the fashionable and famous for nearly ten years. As a previous winner at the awards, he’s delighted to have struck gold once again. “This competition is very well-known in the Irish hairdressing industry and for us to have been recognised as the best in two categories is such an achievement, I’m very proud. Both trophies are sitting in pride of place in the salon and I don’t think I’ll stop smiling for a while!
MICHAEL QUINN Ulster Life’s Resident Hair Expert Solves Your Problems I have spent the summer travelling and it has taken a huge toll on my hair! What can I do to bring it back to life without getting it all chopped off? Jenny, Omagh
The best thing for damaged locks is to have your hair regularly trimmed to remove as many of those dead, split ends as possible. In addition to this, invest in a good quality conditioning treatment to bring back some of the bounce and shine to your dull, dried out hair. I firmly recommend J O I C O ’ s Protective Sun Milk which is great for hair that has been damaged and dehydrated by the sun. Featuring the Hydroxy Sun Complex which ‘fills the holes’ burned into the hair by rays, this product also shields against further UV exposure.
I have just started a new job and want to maintain a professional look that will last all day. The only problem is that I have no time in the morning to do anything! Any suggestions? Amy, Lifford
Thankfully there are lots of options out there for you depending on your personal style. One trend which is huge right now
is the simple ponytail as seen on Victoria Beckham (pictured). A low ponytail provides class while being practical and it’s also a look that suits everyone. Once you have found your perfect parting, tie your hair just above the nape of the neck and voilà, you’re halfway there! Once you have created your ponytail just take
a small strand of hair from the tail and wrap around the hairband to hide it, keeping the look neat and tidy. If you prefer a little more glamour in your look, add volume to your style in an instant with JOICO’s Body Luxe Root Lift Volumizing Foam, a firm-hold foam that creates long-lasting root support and gives you incredible lift and body. No matter what I do my hair seems to be constantly oily. I wash it in the morning and by home time it is back to looking as if it hasn’t been washed in weeks! What can I do to control this? Molly, Holywood
Oily hair is very common and unfortunately some of us suffer from it more than others. Suffering from an oily scalp can often be attributed to a hereditary problem that has been passed down through the family although this is not the only cause. To try and tame your locks, use a shampoo with a neutral PH so that you can wash your hair as often as possible without
aggravating it. Try JOICO’s Daily Care Scalp Balancing Treatment which will leave your scalp balanced and healthy. This product minimizes excessive oil production by delivering vital nutrients and conditioners to the scalp and improves hair follicle health by increasing microcirculation under the skin. And do remember when choosing a conditioner to opt for a gentle one such as the weightless JOICO Daily Care Balancing Conditioner and focus on the ends of the hair - this prevents adding to the oils already being produced in your scalp.
CIPRIANI NEW, CHIC EATERY OPENS ON LISBURN ROAD Ulster Life recently visited Belfast’s latest chic eatery CIPRIANI Bar, Grill & Pizzeria on the Lisburn Road which brought a brand new innovative eating and drinking concept to the city this August. Boasting an Italian Restaurant, Pizzeria,
andrea white & ciara van es
Tapas Bar and Music Lounge all in one, CIPRIANI brings tasty, fresh food to Belfast using traditional Italian ingredients with the very best of local produce.
bronagh lawlor & sorcha mcglinchey
gary brownlee & wendi caroline kane
katie larmour & salvo liberante
janine & jim crone
DOWN ROYAL Ladies Day at Down Royal Like many ladies across Northern Ireland, we have a very important social date marked in bold in the diary – Ladies Day at Down Royal Racecourse, Saturday 3 November - and it’s fast approaching! Fashion and racing are inextricably entwined and there is no more fashionable event than the Down Royal Festival of Racing. The races are the perfect excuse to splurge on the new season fashion hitting the stores – think sassy yet sophisticated, sexy yet stylish. So dust off your glad-rags ladies because Down Royal and House of Fraser have another great prize up for grabs, worth £5,000, for one lucky lady who will walk away with the title of Best Dressed* on the day. Odds are you’ll like this one……… so watch this space to find out more! To be in with a chance of winning this fantastic prize, get glamorous and step out at Down Royal for Ladies Day at the Down Royal Festival of Racing on November 3rd – for tickets and more information on the event visit or click www.downroyal.com. 2011 Best Dressed Winner, Arron Curran
EVELIN BRANDT BELFAST
Welcome to our new, larger store Evelin Brandt has now opened on Belfast’s “Style Mile” just in time to showcase all of our fashionable autumn and winter collections. With floor to ceiling glass windows, an opulent ceramic tiled floor and the combination of glass, wood and steel fittings, we’ve really maximised the space available to ensure we offer an extremely spacious, yet welcoming shopping environment. Our new Lisburn Road boutique is simply stunning and double the size of our existing premises. This increased space has allowed us to add a few more brands to our existing collections, which we know you’ll love as they perfectly complement our current lines. We can’t wait to welcome you all and proudly show you around the store, while helping you to pick out the perfect autumn/winter wardrobe from our cleverly co-ordinated collections.
Special Offer
10 off %
ENJOY 10% OFF YOUR NEXT PURCHASE
The Evelin Brandt team would like to welcome you to view our new store and offer you a 10% discount off any purchase. This voucher is valid until the end of October 2012 and is not applicable against any other in-house promotions, one voucher per transaction.
3
EVELIN BRANDT BELFAST CHARLI
London label Charli offers urban essentials with contemporary silhouettes to bring a fashionable edit of jersey separates. The collection maintains an easy-luxe aesthetic at its core, working with softly draped shapes and knitwear as well as experimenting with high-end washing treatments and finishes.
This contemporary brushed silver bib necklace is a piece that would look with just about anything, particularly strong, simple pieces, be that a classic black dress or a beautifully tailored shirt.
MIA SOANA
Mia Soana fashions are beautiful, independent and charming, as well as affordable. The fabrics used are all selected for their quality and easy care, making this French brand perfect for your everyday wardrobe. This is a fun, youthful collection that once discovered will be on your seasonal shopping list!
A BELFAST BOUTIQUE WITH INTERNATIONAL APPEAL A jewelled statement necklace is a wardrobe must-have and this particular necklace picks up on this season’s rich purple and gold shades and could easily be teamed with black, navy, grey or brown to add interest.
DIVA
Diva offer a flattering range of stretch fabric dresses all of which are designed and manufactured in the UK. With dress designs to take you through the day and into the evening or any occasion, they have a devoted celebrity following including Carol Vorderman, Nadia Sawalha and Stephanie McGovern.
MADO ET LES AUTRES The collections from Mado et les Autres are distinctively French, combining quality fabrics, individual design and clean fresh colours and neutrals. Casual outfits and statement pieces are catered for in sizes 8 to18. Collections within collections and intelligent pieces that go together for versatile, easy dressing with individual style.
This basket weave silver cuff would look great day or night, worn with a chunky knit or silky blouse. Why not double up and wear one on each wrist for real fashion kudos!
FA CONCEPT
This French clothing label provides fashionable clothing for a wide range of sizes from 10 to 18, ensuring that every woman no matter what her size can still assert her love of stylish, contemporary design.
EVELIN BRANDT BELFAST
EVELIN BRANDT
Where to find us... Evelin Brandt is now located on the Lisburn Road opposite the Co-op and beside Little Wing pizzeria, just down from M&S, the Chelsea Wine Bar and Toni & Guy. EVELIN BRANDT Cadogan House, 322 Lisburn Road Belfast BT9 6GH T: (028) 9020 7020 E: info@evelinbrandt.co.uk W: evelinbrandt.com www.facebook.com/evelinbrandtbelfast Open Hours Mon – Fri: 10.00 am to 6.00 pm Sat: 10.00 am to 5.30 pm
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.HHS LQ 7RXFK We will be hosting a number of exclusive, invite-only in-store events, including our official store opening with a special surprise guest! So, make sure we have your email address because invites to our events, regular e-zines and customer loyalty offers will ONLY be sent electronically to your inbox. Update to: info@evelinbrandt.co.uk
SATURDAYS DJ MIKE MCKEE & JOE FOX Commercial Dance & RnB Doors 9pm Adm £8/VIP £10
Bradbury Place, Belfast 028 9023 3131 www.mclub.co.uk
SALLYS OF OMAGH sally’s customers raise £2000 for charity A recent fundraiser held at Sally’s of Omagh in aid of the Oscar Knox foundation rising close to £2000 on the night. Donate by clicking or visiting www.justgiving.com/oscarappeal
Female contestants
Sinead McDermott, Laura Wilson, Ciara McGurk and host Ryan Fitzpatrick
Bronagh McArdle and Emmet Quinn
gary brownlee & wendi caroline kane
Big Brother Contestant Orlaith McAllister with Kirsty Kerrigan and Bronagh McArdle
katie larmour & salvo liberante
Joanne Mullan and James Mullan male contestants mcnamee
with
organiser
caroline
BELFAST GEARING UP FOR FIRST EVER RESTAURANT WEEK Preparations are underway for the first ever Belfast Restaurant Week, with Belfast City Council teaming up with the city’s top chefs as food fans get ready for the big event which takes place from 6th – 13th October. The initiative will see chefs from across Belfast join forces for the week-long campaign which is designed to showcase the wealth of quality dining experiences Belfast has to offer.
Over 70 city centre restaurants and food outlets have signed up to the initiative which will celebrate the best of Belfast food by offering diners specially-themed signature dishes from our best chefs and money-off deals at some of the city’s most loved eateries. Belfast Restaurant Week is being organised by Belfast City Council and is supported by many of the city’s most talented chefs including Michael Deane, Nick Price, Niall McKenna, Paul Rankin and Brian McCann.
“The world-class Belfast restaurant scene is something that foodies from across Northern Ireland should be incredibly proud of, and through Belfast Restaurant Week, we will celebrate the city’s culinary excellence with a special campaign of special food and unique offers.”
Alderman Christopher Stalford, Chairman of Belfast City Council`s Development Committee, said: “Belfast Restaurant Week is a fantastic initiative which provides huge support for the restaurant industry. Not only does it dedicate a week to celebrating our city`s excellent restaurant and eating out choices, but it also will hopefully encourage more people to experience and enjoy our city`s thriving restaurant scene. “We have many food heroes in the city, and extremely talented chefs, who are receiving major recognition around the world and are true ambassadors for our excellent food and, indeed, for Belfast and Northern Ireland. Through Belfast Restaurant Week, we aim to recognise and profile their achievements closer to home.”
Restaurateur Michael Deane added: “The world-class Belfast restaurant scene is something that foodies from across Northern Ireland should be incredibly proud of, and through Belfast Restaurant Week, we will celebrate the city’s culinary excellence with a special campaign of special food and unique offers.” Belfast Restaurant Week has been created by Belfast City Council, in partnership with Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board. The scheme will feature a range of activities including special showcase signature dishes from participating chefs, food tours, new dining experiences, `pop up` restaurants and suppliers` markets and much more.
ni 2012
our food our place
belfast 2012
A tasty celebration of signature menus and offers, culinary events and local food in fabulous restaurants. Go on, treat yourself and book your table today. www.gotobelfast.com/belfastrestaurantweek
PARTICIPANTS 21 Social
1 Hill Street
028 9024 1415
Academy Restaurant The Art College, york Street ni 2012 od our fo 38-44 Upper Arthur Street r place
AMPM
ou
028 9536 7332 028 9024 9009
belfast 2012
Barking Dog
35 Malone Road 028 9066 1885 A tasty celebration of signature menus and offers,
Belfast Oyster Bar
culinary events and local food in fabulous restaurants. Go on, treat yourself and book your table today. www.gotobelfast.com/belfastrestaurantweek
Castle Street entrance
028 9024 8544
34-36 Bank St
028 9024 8544
53-54 Castle Street
028 9023 4722
Bennetts of Belmont
4 Belmont Road
028 9065 6590
Berts Jazz Bar, THE MERCHANT HOTEL
16 Skipper Street
Botanic Inn
23-27 Malone Rd
Belfast Seafood Bar Belfast Seafood COOKERY SCHOOL
028 9023 262713 028 9050 9740
Café Conor
11A Stranmillis Road
028 9066 3266
Café Harlem
34 Bedford Street
028 9024 4860
10 Exchange St West
028 9023 5053
Canteen at the MAC
Causerie, Europa Hotel, Great Victoria Street
028 9027 1066
Cayenne
028 9033 1532
7 Ascot House, Shaftesbury Square
Cellar Restaurant Belfast Castle, Antrim Road and tavern bar
ni 2012
028 9037 0133
PARTICIPANTS Chelsea Wine Bar
344-346 Lisburn Road
028 9068 7177
Chubby Cherub
49A Upper Arthur Street ni 2012
028 9031 2074
Claudine’s
65-67 University Street our food ce
028 9023 6666
Cloth Ear, the merchant hotel CoCo
our pla
belfast 2012
16 Skipper Street 028 9026 2719 A tasty celebration of signature menus and offers, culinary events and local food in fabulous restaurants. Go on, treat yourself and book your table today. www.gotobelfast.com/belfastrestaurantweek
7-11 Linenhall Street
028 9031 1150
Cultra Inn
Culloden Estate
028 9042 5840
Cutters Restaurant
4 Lockview Road
028 9080 5100
Daises Café 333-345 Shankill Road THE SPECTRUM CENTRE
028 9032 5131
Deane’s at Queens
028 9038 2111
Deane’s Deli Bistro
1 College Gardens 42 - 44 Bedford Street
028 9024 8830
Deane’s Deli Vin CafE 42 - 44 Bedford Street
028 9024 8830
Deane’s Restaurant
36-40 Howard Street
028 9033 1134
Deane’s Seafood Bar
36-40 Howard Street
028 9033 1134
Eat Etc 2- 4 University Road @ CRESCENT ARTS CENTRE
028 9024 2861
Errigle Inn
312-320 Ormeau Road
028 9064 1410
147 Falls Road Belfast
028 9024 3846
3 Cromac Place
028 9043 4065
Failte Restaurant Filini at Radisson BLU
PARTICIPANTS Fitzwilliam Hotel
1-3 Great Victoria Street
Fontana
61a High Street
ni 2012
028 9044 2131 028 9080 9908
our food our place
Four Seasons
belfast 2012 61-63 Dublin Road
028 9031 1318
Four Star Pizza
culinary events and local food in fabulous restaurants. 205 Lisburn Road 028 9066 2999 Go on, treat yourself and book your table today.
A tasty celebration of signature menus and offers,
www.gotobelfast.com/belfastrestaurantweek
Galley Café
The Barge, 1 Lanyon Quay
Great Room, the merchant hotel Grill Room TEN SQUARE HOTEL
3 Skipper Street
10 Donegall Square South
Hippodrome RestauranT Great Victoria Street GRAND OPERA HOUSE Hilll Street Brasserie Home Horatio Todd
028 9023 2448 028 9024 1001 028 9024 1919 028 9058 6868
22 Wellington Place
02890 234946
406 Upper Newtownards Road
028 9065 3090
House of Zen Il Pirata James Street SOUTH BAR & GRILL
38 Hill Street
028 90 235 973
3 St Anne’s Square
028 9027 8688
279-281 Newtownards Road
James Street South COOKERY SCHOOL
21 James Street South
028 9560 0700
21 James Street South
028 9043 4310
ni 2012
PARTICIPANTS James Street South 21 James Street South RESTAURANT King’s Head
829 Lisburn Road
028 9043 4310
ni 2012
028 9050 9950
our food our place
La Bastille Restaurant 182 Lisburn road belfast 2012
028 9066 7500
A tasty celebration of signature menus and offers, culinary events and local food in fabulous restaurants. Go on, treat yourself and book your table today. www.gotobelfast.com/belfastrestaurantweek
La Scala Bistro, 587 Upper Newtownards Road STORMONT HOTEL
028 90651066
Linen Lounge
028 9026 5177
Belfast Metropolitan College
Little Wing Pizzeria Love and Death Inc
48 High Street
02890247000
10a Ann Street
028 9024 7222
Made in Belfast
Wellington Street
028 9024 6712
Madisons
59-63 Botanic Avenue
028 9050 9800
McHugh’s Bar
29 - 31 Queen’s Square
028 9050 9999
11 Lower Crescent
028 9032 3349
Molly’s Yard
1 College Green Mews
028 9032 2600
Muriel’s Café
12-14 Church Lane
028 9033 2245
35-39 Hill Street
028 9043 9690
Northern Whig
2-10 Bridge Street
028 9050 9888
Restaurant 401 AT TITANIC BELFAST
Titanic Belfast 6-8 QUEENS ROAD
Metro Brasserie
Nick’s Warehouse
02890 766384
PARTICIPANTS Restaurant Victoria 60 Great Victoria Street
028 9033 2121
Rhubarb
2 Little Victoria Street ni 2012
028 9020 0158
Robinson’s Bistro
38-42 Great Victoria our foodStreet
028 9024 7447
our place
belfast 2012
Ryan’s Bar & RestauranT 116-118 LisburnA Road 028 9050 9850 tasty celebration of signature menus and offers, Safa
culinary events and local food in fabulous restaurants. Go on, treat yourself and book your table today.
30-32 Bank Street 028 9023 3519 www.gotobelfast.com/belfastrestaurantweek
Salt Bistro
Saint Anne’s Square
028 9023 8012
Shu
253- 255 Lisburn Road
028 9038 1655
Sonoma BELFAST HILTON St George’s Market BAR AND GRILL Stan and Ollie’s Temple The 4th Wall
3 Lanyon Place
028 9027 7000
119 May Street
028 9024 0014
18 Dublin Road
028 9023 1213
62 Andersonstown Road
028 9020 2060
St Anne’s Square
028 9027 8707
Wagamama
1st Floor, Victoria Square
028 9023 6098
Whitefort Inn
61 Andersonstown Road
028 9060 2210
55-59 Adelaide Street
028 9023 224421
Zen Restaurant
ni 2012
Appletiser StyleFIX turns heads at Victoria Square Ladies who covet style were in shopping heaven with the recent Appletiser StyleFIX fashion event at Victoria Square. Having taken to the roads earlier this year and visited shopping centres right across the island of Ireland, the highly successful runway show
made its way to Belfast. The fashionable afternoon boasted three catwalk shows, mini makeover stations for beauty tips and advice, and a Best Dressed competition. With complimentary Appletiser on hand to keep stylistas refreshed, it was the perfect girls’ day out.
elizabeth jones and rachel grimason
kerry healey alexandra nelson
lauren harley emma shannon grace lennon
DV8 Autumn Knits
Emma Jeans, DV8 £29.99 Shirt, DV8 £27.99 Coat, DV8 £59.99 Boots, DV8 £44.99
As autumn arrives fashion follows on two fronts – the colour palette becomes dominated by natural hues and the drop in temperature means it’s time to get wrapped up. As we can see in this exclusive preview from leading retailer DV8, which has stores across Northern Ireland and a shopping website at www. dv8fashion.com, this autumn it’s all about the knits and earthy tones! Knitwear is a must-have for the 2012 autumn wardrobe, for both girls and guys. The selection for girls includes wide-necked jumpers, heavy patterned cardigans and lighter cotton knits, which can be matched with funky denim minis or metallic jeans. On colder days you’ll be bang on trend with cosy cords, heavy boots and a signature raincoat. At DV8 the autumn look for boys features chinos or dark jeans and brogues, with a blazer to smarten things up a notch. All clothes and accessories featured are from DV8.
Rachel Jumper, DV8 £34.99 5.99 Skirt, DV8 £1 4.99 £4 8 V Boots, D
Emma Jumper, DV8 £17.99 Jacket, DV8 £64.99 Shorts, DV8 £19.99 Richard Chino, DV8 £29.99 Shirt, DV8 £24.99 Tank, DV8 £24.99
Rachel Cords, DV8 £25.99 Vest, DV8 £7.99 Cardigan, DV8 £39.99 Bag, DV8 £29.99
Rachel 8 £29.99 Jeans, DV 8 £29.99 Shirt, DV DV8 Cardigan, £69.99
Richard 9 Jeans, DV8 £49.9 .99 £9 8 DV , irt T-sh 9 Jumper, DV8 £29.9 9 9.9 £6 8 Blazer, DV
Richard DV8 Cardigan, 9 .9 £89 V8 £19.99 T-shirt, D 8 £29.99 Shirt, DV £49.99 Jean, DV8
Emma Jumper, DV 8, £29.99 Jeans, DV8, £29.99
Rachel Knit Tunic, DV8 £14.99 Boots, DV8 £54.99
AMERICAN DREAM FOR SHONA Ireland’s longest established transatlantic travel operators, American Holidays, sponsored August Féile. To celebrate, American Holidays teamed up with Cool FM to give away a holiday to Toronto. Thousands of people entered the competition, however only five people were shortlisted as finalists to come down to American Holidays’ headquarters in Lombard Street, Belfast, where Pete Snodden and Kirstie McMurray from Cool FM unveiled the overall winner. Shona Power from Kildress in Co Tyrone selected the winning envelope and was tearful when receiving her prize as her brother Kieran lives in Toronto and adopted two girls Shadow and Sky last year, to whom she is Godmother, and she hasn’t as yet met them! Thanks to American Holidays for making dreams come true!
Karen Sheals, Cool FM’s Pete Snodden, winner Shona Power, Cool FM’s Kirstie McMurray and Kevin Gamble from Feile
Astrid Johnston, Shona Power and Karen Sheals
Jenny Bartlett (finalist) and Philip Bartlett
The Perfect Brow at The Beauty Company, Belfast It is fair to say that since the royal wedding the nation has gone a little doo-lalley for all things Middleton. In this instance, I am not referring to the bridesmaids delightful derrière, no, the focus is firmly on the newly defined eyebrows that the Duchess of Cambridge has been sporting of late. Industry experts have dubbed this brow revolution, the “Kate Effect.” So, I hear you ask, how do I jump on this brow bandwagon thus ensuring my set of very own face framers are groomed enough to make the future queen J for Jeal!? My answer would be to look no further than our very own Aileen Morgan. What Aileen doesn’t know about eyebrows, quite simply isn’t worth knowing. Having recently become qualified in HD brows, Aileen has the expertise to study the shape of your face and transform your
eyebrows using seven unique steps. Una Healy, Saturdays band member and wife of Ben Foden says “I love my HD Brows and can’t believe it took me so long to realise how great they could look.” And let’s not forget about the man in your life. Duncan James, former member of the band Blue is also a fan, “What I like about HD Brows for men is they never look feminine or over shaped, the just looked groomed and it is now part of my regular routine.” So don’t delay, make sure your brows are a talking point for all the right reasons. Book an HD Brow appointment with Aileen at The Beauty Company today on 028 90 332546 for the special introductory price of £30.00.
PUTT FOR PHENOMENAL PRIZES AT PANI GOLF DAY 2012 The upcoming Publicity Association Northern Ireland Golf Day 2012 sponsored by Charles Hurst is one event not to be missed. Boasting a spectacular Hole-in-One Challenge players will compete for out-of-this-world prizes which include a new Land Rover Freelander TD4 XS courtesy of Charles Hurst; a four-day golf holiday for two at the 5* Le Meridien Penina Hotel & Championship Golf Club, Portugal (includes flights, accommodation, B&B, car hire and golf); two days golf with accommodation for four at The Belfry and a set of Callaway Razr X Irons. Peter Gordon from Charles Hurst comments: “We’re thrilled to be part of the sports action at PANI’s Golf Day 2012 and to commemorate such a fantastic year on the green in Northern Ireland we wanted to offer something very special as a prize, the super stylish new Land Rover Freelander TD4 XS.” Tee times kick off at 12.30pm at Malone Golf Club on Friday 21 September and for nongolfers or for those who would like to make a day and night of it, the post-course awards dinner at The Clubhouse will make for a great evening of fun and networking. PANI hosts a number of workshops and social networking events throughout the year for members and non-members from across the advertising, marketing and public relations industries. Chairman at PANI, Tony Axon says: “We’ve a great day lined up for this year’s PANI golf outing! New organising team, new venue, rejuvenated format and some super prizes as well. It’s going to be a great networking opportunity, an entertaining opportunity and great fun as well! I’m a non-golfer and I’m excited too, I’ll certainly be there!” Team entry is £300, individual entry is £80 and an evening guest ticket is £30. Places are limited so please book early. To book, email elsie@elymarketing.co.uk
CIARA DALY The beginning of August saw the third annual ‘Shaz Awards’, held at Lilys Pub and Eatery based on the Lisburn Road. The annual event, organised by Ciara Daly MUA and her team with all funds raised donated to ‘The New Hope Village’ in Cambodia, celebrates local talent by recognising up and coming make-up artists, photographers and models in Northern Ireland. The evening kicked off with a buzzing atmosphere as several hundred attended to earmark this annual event. A total of six awards were presented including; ‘Make-up Student of the Year’, which was won by local girl Leeann Crossan, and ‘Photo Shoot of the Year’, awarded to Helen Carland. Models competed for ‘The Face of ..’ which saw the angelic face of Melissa Elliott claim the title! Stephanie Burns won ‘Outstanding Team Member’, ‘Photographer of the Year’ was awarded to Brendan Gallagher, Jane Lee was the proud
winner of the ‘Special Phoenix Award’ and the grand accolade of the evening ‘Open Creative Makeup Award’ saw proud and deserved winner Marijanna Martin pick up the prize. The evening was a complete success and enjoyed by all who attended. Many thanks to the events sponsors and helpers which included recently founded fashion boutique ‘Dolled Up’, situated on the Lisburn Road for supplying outfits including that of Ciara Daly’s and Bella Vie who provided a welcoming and yummy drinks reception which went down a treat! A highlight of the evening was the debut of up and coming music star Neil Kerr and his video ‘On You Knees’ which is must see!! The evening raised over £2,000 in aid of ‘The New Hope Village’ where the money will make a real difference. A massive thank you from Ciara Daly and team.
FUELI NG T H E FULL M O O N
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BAROQUE & ROLL. Jenny McFarlane Just when you thought minimalism was still at its peak, luxurious prints and opulent embellishments reign supreme for A/W 12. From gilded filigree and appliques to heavy brocades and lavish fabrics, adopting the Baroque look will ensure that you make an impression this autumn. Rich gold and sumptuous velvet were spotted at Dolce & Gabbana while Balmain and Mary Katrantzou showcased decorative, architectural pattern and embroidery. miu miu
balmain
The look has been presented in a number of ways with varying degrees of brilliance. For the bold, adventurous types, flashy chain prints on leopard spots intertwine with ropes on just about everything. For the more minimalist fashionistas, swirling gold flora and fauna adorn pencil skirts, trousers and dresses. However, the trend isn’t strictly for clothing; with shoes and accessories getting in on the act too. You’ll look utterly decadent from your head to your feet with my top picks to savour now! mary katranzou
motel for topshop
miss selfridge
moo
dorothy perkins
lipsy
motel for topshop
BELFAST FASHIONWEEK West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK back for Fourteenth season Fourteen seasons is a long time in fashion, but since its inception in 2005, Belfast’s West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK continues to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to providing the latest looks and hottest trends for fashion conscious stylistas. A fabulously fashionable event held on the rooftop at The Merchant, Belfast took place recently to launch the event, which will take place from 13th–21st October across various venues
in the city. This autumn’s programme will include kids’ shows and workshops sponsored by The OUTLET at W5 as well as chic afternoon teas at the Merchant Hotel, the Diet Coke Design Award, the Fashion ReFound project and the super stylish Style Sunday event at James Street South restaurant, as well as the main catwalk shows in the Europa FASHIONWEEK Centre.
holly sweeney & jenny curran
jenny curran & katie larmour
holly sweeney
jamie hannaway
joanne salley
kelly mckee
ricky m and emma-louise doyle
katie larmour
www.cuba-clothing.com
15–17 Scotch Street, Dungannon Tel 028 8772 7575 29 James Street, Cookstown Tel 028 8676 0008 24 Market Street, Omagh Tel 028 8225 1211
EVE BRANNON A leading stylist in Northern Ireland, Eve 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.
zara
stella & dot
Goth meets Victoriana this season, as romantic elements combine with dramatic black. Moody, yet overtly feminine this autumnal offering has a decisively gothic undertone. Contemporary silhouettes ensure this trend remains soft, floaty and full of glamour. Designers presented polished, elegant takes on the trend. Versace showed bejewelled rebellious cross motifs, while Elie Saab was all about the soft sweeping silhouette. Victoriana Dracula-style high ruffle collars took over at Gareth Pugh and full length black leather maxi styles captivated at Valentino.
rare london
Rock the gothic vibe from the high street and add to the dark side of your wardrobe - covet floor length sheer gowns, romantic ruffles, delicate lace and rich velvet ‌all in black of course. Stylist Tip For those of you that feel solid head-to-toe black is a little OTT, take note from Gucci who offered glam-goth in a sultry palette accented with deep hues of purples combined with luscious reds and sheer lace panelling.
topshop
Contact W: evebrannonfashionstyling.com E: info@evebrannonfashionstyling.com T: +44 (0) 7817 597067
C I H T GO CE N A M RO
MS. MALONE FASHIONISTA AGONY AUNT
Fashion Pharmacy. Style consultants for individuals.
Dear Ms Malone, I’m starting a postgraduate course at Queens University in a couple of weeks and I need an entire wardrobe! I like to be casual but still stylish, and as a student I need some clothes that are on budget. I’ll be writing a dissertation this year, so I need to also have some grownup looking clothes to wear for fieldwork and interview. What can I wear that will be comfortable, chic, professional, and most of all—affordable? Worried Postgrad
Style Mentors Image Consultancy Personal Shopping 3rd Floor, 21 Talbot Street, Belfast, BT1 2LD Tel: +44 (0) 028 90324437 Cell: +44 (0) 78 2388 2095
www.fashionpharmacy.com
Firstly, congratulations on getting into Queens, it’s a fabulous university and you’ll have great fun! As for your wardrobe, in your undergraduate years anything goes, but for postgrad years it’s time to transition into a bit of a grown-up wardrobe. For a chic student look for class, I recommend skinny jeans and pumps with a colourful cardigan. While you may be budgetconscious right now, the occasional splurge on a timeless piece will help you to build a sturdy professional wardrobe for post-uni days. This Jigsaw Wool Ponte Shift Dress, £149, will never go out of style and is made from a sturdy wool jersey cut to accentuate your curves while keeping it professional. This dark teal dress is so versatile and can be worn with flats, heels, statement jewellery, or even a leather jacket for night. Definitely worth the investment!
Dear Ms Malone, I’m going to my husband’s work party in a couple of weeks and I’m at a loss about what to wear! It’s a cocktail party and a shorter dress will do but I want something a bit different and individual to go with a pair of high black heels. What do you recommend? Party Girl For a cocktail party dress, I always recommend Debenhams in CastleCourt! With so many brands and labels to choose from, there is always something a little bit different for every shape and size. As you want to have your own individual look, try opting for a different colour. So many people stick with black, especially going into the autumn/winter season but if you choose a purple or a deep shade of red, you’ll stand out from the crowd and still be smart enough for your husband’s party! Feast your eyes on this gorgeous little number from Preen/EDITION at Debenham’s. The sophisticated mix of red with a navy lace overlay in the Navy Lace Pencil Dress, £85, will be sure to turn heads at the party in a good way!
GRAINNE MAHER DEBUTS AT HOUSE OF FRASER Visionary milliner, jewellery maker and ‘NI Fashion Designer of the Year’ Gráinne Maher continues to spread her creative wings with the launch of her debut collection at House of Fraser Belfast this August. The Gráinne Maher Millinery collection at House of Fraser will feature a statement collection of couture hats and heavenly headpieces expertly complemented by matching clutch bags. With prices for hat and bag sets starting from just £125, these must-have accessories make wedding and race day shopping an exciting experience in itself. Nothing short of show-stopping, Gráinne’s new collection features elements of sinamay, lace, Swarovski crystal and pearl so if you’re searching for an opulent finish to your look, the hunt is over. House of Fraser first snapped up Gráinne’s laser-cut jewellery label Pluck & Devour earlier this year following the donning of Gráinne’s ‘Bark at the Moon’ pendant by US superstar Selena Gomez before an audience of millions as host at Belfast MTV EMA’s. For A/W 12 Pluck & Devour has several new avant-garde designs launching in-store including the
new ‘culture vulture’ range which gives nod to literary gems such as Shakespeare and Wilde. Be sure to also look out for Gráinne’s P&D LUXE label boasting ultra-modern 3D curved perspex oneoffs for ladies who want nothing short of a style statement. Gráinne who was recently named in The Irish Times’ Top 20 People Changing the Face of Northern Ireland, comments: “The last year has been a whirlwind of creativity and opportunity for me and I am super excited to be collaborating with House of Fraser for the launch of Gráinne Maher Millinery in-store. I have had great fun putting the A/W 12 collection together, working on new embellishment twists and alternative materials for a truly bespoke feel.” Gráinne Maher’s jewellery pieces are also available online at www.pluckanddevour.com and a range of boutiques around the country. For more information, please visit www.grainnemahermillinery. com or www.pluckanddevour.com, email g@pluckanddevour.com or g@grainnemahermillinery.com or alternatively call 00 44 7813 775164
CATHY MARTIN: SPA SLEUTH. It’s hard to believe that the summer days and evenings by the beach are over and that we’re now headed towards the dreaded winter nights. As the season changes, I’m going to tell you how to look after your skin. It’s important that we prep and prime our skin with the most gentle yet effective products and treatments. Let’s get started… The Face Darphin has created an extraordinary new replenishing moisturising cream that promises deep hydrating action on normal to dry skins resulting in a supple, moisturised and radiant complexion. It gives that added hydration boost lacking in thirst-quenched skin whilst the deliciously light feathery-soft cream texture means skin is left perfectly matte and even. With ingredients such as cogongrass to calm and protect the skin and kiwi extracts to revitalise and moisten the epidermis, this product will help to keep your skin in shape during the autumn and winter months. Another favourite of mine is the Vitamin C Microdermabrasion product from The Body Shop. This will invigorate the skin and promote a radiance boost. The product lends itself beautifully to a more thorough and intense weekly exfoliation treatment. Wrinkles, wrinkles, wrinkles… ugh! We all know the sun increases our chances of wrinkles and if you’re anything like
me and love the sun, it’s difficult to think about! The Capture XP range from Dior offers to combat this inevitable process and quickly returns the skin to smooth, plump and younger-looking without resorting to injections – count me in! The Eyes As I mentioned before, the sun can be extremely harsh on our skin, especially the face and the eyes in particular, adding unwanted wrinkles in the most unforgiving of places. With Matilda Archer’s Cucumber & Peptide Eye Treatment, we have the chance to refresh tired, puffy eyes. This product promises to hydrate and moisturise as well as cool and soothe the eye area. The Body Our bodies may have suffered from peeling and burning during a summer holiday of basking in the sun therefore it’s important that we begin to revitalise and renew the skin. For this, I recommend the Vitamin E Intense Moisturiser from The Body Shop which will help to provide protection against environmental aggressors as well as moisturise the skin back to perfection. For nights out, if you’d like to add some shimmer and shine to your body then there’s no better product than the new Luminous Shimmer by He-Shi. This is a wash-off bronzer, meaning you
can sport a natural glow without the commitment of a longer term self-tan. If you’re heading into town with the girls, He-Shi cofounder Shelley McMurray says that the tan “will add a sophisticated and glamorous finishing touch to any party look” and I agree! The bronzer is packed full of hydrating organic quinoa protein, proven to provide optimal skin conditioning which is just perfect following a summer of harmful rays. The Lips Your lips suffer majorly from the sun and may become dry and even peel, which is why I recommend Clarins’ Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm. This works deep beneath the skin’s surface to help heal dry, chapped, weather-roughened lips. Lips will not only be left soft and smooth but also beautiful.
Luxe spa celebrates 2nd birthday
Luxe Day Spa, Blackwood Golf Centre, Crawfordsburn Road, Clandeboye, Co. Down, BT19 1GB T: +44 (0) 28 9185 2112 E: lindsay@luxedayspa.co.uk
We’re giving Ulster Life readers a chance to win a treatment for 2 at the luxury spa situated within the unrivalled surroundings of Clandeboye Estate’s Blackwood Golf Centre. Luxe Day Spa is the ultimate in relaxation, You will feel like you are in the heart of the countryside but you are only just off the beaten track. Making Luxe Day Spa easily accessible for manicure maintenance in your lunchtime or an afternoon of complete indulgence. To enter all you have to do is visit the Ulster life Facebook page by clicking here or visiting F/ ulsterlifemagazine. Post your name under the Luxe day spa post that will be on top of our page from midnight on the 15th September to enter.
LADIES WHO LUNCH We all know ladies like to lunch and nothing builds up an appetite like a morning gliding up and down the Lisburn Road or the escalators of Vic Square. So we here at UL HQ decided to compile a little list of some of Belfast’s finest dining experiences that are perfectly located for a well earned midday glass of vino along with some exceptional food and all in close proximity to some of Belfast’s most iconic shopping areas.
James Street South www.jamesstreetsouth.com 028 90434310
JAMES ST. SOUTH James Street South Restaurant opened its doors in 2003 on a quiet side street in Belfast City Centre. Set in an old linen mill we are within walking distance of the main hotels, theatres and shopping areas as well as the historic Crown Bar. The restaurant focuses on serving local seasonal produce cooked with classic French technique and flair. Presented in a bright yet intimate dining room by a professional team of attentive waiting staff, and accompanied by a wide selection of wines. Chef/Owner Niall McKenna and head chef Stephen Toman work together with their team compiling menus to showcase the excellent fare Northern Ireland has to offer on our set lunch, pre-theatre, á la carte and tasting menus, while our dedicated front of house team led by Nicola Walls, Will King, and David Fogg ensure you have an exceptional dining experience. We are open for lunch Monday to Saturday from 12pm to 2.45pm and for dinner Monday to Saturday from 5.45pm to 10.45pm. Offering great value set menus available at lunchtime 12pm to 2.45pm and pre theatre 5.45pm to 6.45pm with 2 and 3 courses £15.50 and £18.50.
Bengal Brasserie www.bengalbrasserie.co.uk 028 90682999
BENGAL BRASSERIE Last year, two of Belfast’s finest Indian restaurants (The Jharna and Indian Ocean) joined together and opened the doors of Bengal Brasserie to the people of Belfast. The Brasserie’s ambition was to gain the same reputation as its sister venues in becoming one of the best Indian restaurants in the city by providing very high standards in food preparation and service. The stunning Brasserie menu reflects the popular dishes of the established parents with some classic favourites that are sure to tantalise the taste-buds. Our expert chefs take a more healthy approach to our menu. Our dishes are created with the freshest and finest herbs, spices and ingredients. They are low in sodium and fat and contain no artificial colourings. To check availability or to book a table please click the web link above and follow the instructions. We look forward to offering you an enjoyable and interesting meal whether you are dining on your own, for a business meeting or shopping on the Lisburn Road with family and friends.
HOUSE OF ZEN Cocooned in the Heart of the Cathedral Quarter is the newest addition to the Zen Restaurant Group, the Cool and Elegant House of Zen. The House of Zen blends a little bit of The Orient into the Traditional cobbled streets and cosy bars of the Cathedral Quarter in Belfast. Eddie Fung’s newest baby is an exciting venture that combines dark and moody elegant décor with a Chinese menu never before seen in Belfast. A tangible energy meets you at the entrance where our Masterchefs tempt your palate with the aromas of slowly barbequed, tender ribs, chicken fillet or wings, wild mushrooms or Asparagus and succulent steaks slowly cooking on our outdoor barbeque. Perfect for a city lunch with the girls on a breezy Autumnal afternoon. Or try the House of Zen Signature Dish, Marinated strips of Fillet beef cooked to your liking right at your table if you feeling a little more peckish!
House of Zen www.houseofzen.co.uk 028 90278688
The Merchant www.themerchanthotel.com 028 90234888
THE MERCHANT The Great Room Restaurant is truly the jewel in the crown of The Merchant Hotel. A sumptuous space evoking effortless and timeless grandeur, a more fitting setting for the gastronomic delights prepared daily for discerning guests could not be imagined. The food in The Great Room Restaurant is inspired by the classics, yet allows the excellence of each individual ingredient to shine through. This is a showcase for food as it should be, using the best in local produce. Couple this with attentive and professional service and The Great Room Restaurant is an experience not be missed. With now famous Merchant Afternoon Teas available daily, along with a delicious À la carte lunch menu, The Great Room Restaurant is the ideal city centre lunch time destination. A pre-theatre menu is also available from Monday to Thursday, 5.30pm to 6.30pm, at £18.50 for 2 courses and £22.50 for 3 courses.
CIPRIANI “Belfast’s latest chic eatery CIPRIANI Bar, Grill & Pizzeria on the Lisburn Road is an Italian Restaurant, Pizzeria, Tapas Bar and Music Lounge all in one. CIPRIANI brings tasty, fresh authentic Italian food, cooked by Italians, using traditional Italian ingredients and the very best of local produce. Cipriani’s contemporary luxe decor is the ideal place to have a long lazy lunch with friends. Our 100 seat restaurant has views of the open pizza kitchen for chef watching and boasts an extensive lunch and dinner menus, and specially selected wine list. For lunch why not try our Cipriani Burger topped with Dolcelatte cheese and crispy bacon or one of our tasty Ciabatta! Or if you fancy Cipriani Bar Grill & Pizzeria www.ciprianipizza.co.uk 028 90660610
something light, what about Insalata Cipriani? our house salad with baby spinach, mozzarella, new potatoes, crispy bacon, olives and fresh fennel. CIPRIANI proprietor Salvo Liberante is no stranger to the Northern Ireland restaurant scene having opened a number of successful venues to date including the highly popular Speranza and the former much-loved Café Milano. Salvo comments: “At CIPRIANI we have reflected our passion for Italian cuisine in a menu full of great quality dishes, expertly executed and perfectly presented in stylish surroundings. We offer honest, home-from-home affordable Italian cuisine at its best.”
SIMPLE, GOOD VALUE FAMILY MEALS FOR UNDER £10! The old saying goes ‘Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves’. It’s never been so relevant, with so many of us trying to save money these days. But, when it comes to our most essential household expenditure – the money we spend on food - we don’t want to sacrifice quality. So, we have a real treat for you courtesy of convenience retailer Centra – recipes for great value family meals that are balanced and delicious, and best of all the ingredients come in at under £10 on average for three courses, and feed four! With increasing numbers of people doing smaller, more regular food shops at stores like Centra, these recipes use ingredients that are easy to come by and quick to shop for. The other thing we’re all keen to save is time;
that’s where convenience, or ‘basket shopping’ comes in – you can easily pick up what you need for these mouth watering dishes on the way home from work or during your return school run. In addition, they are fairly quick to cook. The experts at Centra have put together two meals, but you can easily mix and match courses to create a different menu. Meal 1 starts with a really easy Butter Bean Hummus you can serve with sticks of healthy raw veg. The main course is a Mediterranean inspired Paella, with Chicken, Peas and Mushrooms. And, for dessert, a scrumptious Banana and Lemon Strudel. Meal 2 combines a traditional Chicken Broth, using the leftover chicken from the Paella if you made that
too, with a main course of your own home made Beef ‘Sausages’ in a Wrap with Tomato Salsa and Salad. This family feast is finished off with the divinely simple Bread and Butter Pudding. Whichever combination you opt for, your family is sure to be impressed, not just with your cooking skills, but when you tell them you just served a cooked-from-scratch meal for under £10 be ready for some questioning looks! The message here is simple - being frugal and wanting to save time doesn’t mean you have to eat boring food. A list of Centra stores and further details of the recipes are available at www.centra.co.uk
Meal One s
mu m u H n a e B r e t t u B
Serves 4 D U’LL NEE , juice WHAT YO ans (drained be er tt bu n 400g ti kept) rlic crushed 3 cloves ga t butter oons peanu sp t 2 desser ive oil ol or l oi g in 1 tbsp cook r, od processo garlic in a fo d the butPut crushed ad t, finely. Nex er and blitz blitz to chop peanut butt e th d an s pper. terbean salt and pe oning with da as ad se , y n dr ai o ag s to if mix look and blitz n ti Add oil and e th juice from ith little of the ate. Serve w to amalgam floe or er m ow fl ce on uli es such as ca . raw vegetabl ks ic or carrot st rets, celery
Chicken Paella with Peas & Mushrooms Serves 4 WHAT YOU’LL NEED 1 small chicken 1 medium onion chopped 4 cloves garlic crushed 250g mushrooms sliced 150g frozen peas 200g long grain rice 750 ml chicken stock Oil for frying If you have either paprika (2 tsps) or saffron (3-4 strands soaked in the chicken stock) add them at the beginning, but the dish is fine without them. Cut up the chicken so that you have 8 pieces e.g. 2 wings with a bit of breast, 2 breast bits, 2 legs, 2 thighs. Leave on bone for more flavour and season with salt and pepper. Save the carcass for soup stock. Pour some oil into a deep frying pan and put on a moderate heat. Fry off the chicken, until evenly brown, then remove from the pan and set aside. Fry onion and garlic in the pan with a little oil, until soft. Add mushrooms and cook them off. Introduce the rice and fry it for a moment, making sure it is coated in the oil. Then put the chicken pieces and any juices back into the pan and pour in 500ml of the stock and simmer over a low heat for at least 30mins or until the chicken is cooked. Add more stock if it dries out, and 5 mins from the end of the cooking time add the frozen peas.
Banana & Lemon Strudel Serves 4 WHAT YOU’LL NEED 3 bananas sliced 70g butter and 30g melted for the Filo 100g soft brown sugar Juice of 1 lemon 1 packet of ready-made Filo pastry (if you can’t get Filo it could be made with puff pastry) Set oven at 200c or 180c for fan oven. In a frying pan melt the butter and add the brown sugar, then add the bananas and cook lightly. The butter and sugar should caramelise. Now add the lemon juice and mix in well. Simmer gently and take off heat. The mixture should be quite thick and the bananas intact. On a baking sheet brushed with melted butter lay out a sheet of Filo and brush surface with more melted butter. Next, lay another sheet on top and repeat, continue until there are none left. Lay the banana mixture in a line down the middle of the pastry, leaving a gap at either end. Now fold the ends inwards and the edges over one another to form a parcel, brushing with melted butter as you go. You are trying to avoid any leaks of banana mixture. Bake for about 2030 mins until golden brown and serve with cream or custard.
Meal Two
Grandmas Chicken Broth Serves 4 WHAT YOU’LL NEED 1 onion sliced 2 carrots peeled and grated 3 sticks of celery, peeled to remove stringy bits, and finely chopped 1 leek washed and sliced 2 cloves of garlic sliced 50g long grain rice Oil and a knob of butter The stock and reserved meat Chicken Stock: 1 chicken carcass and any trimmings (from Paella recipe perhaps) 1 carrot peeled and chopped 1 onion peeled and sliced 3 sticks celery washed and chopped Oil for frying 2 litres water In a deep sauce pan put 2 tablespoons of oil and place over a moderate heat. Add the cut up carcass to the pan and colour. Next add the onion and vegetables and fry off for 3mins. Next add the water and bring to a simmer, cooking for 40-60 mins. Strain off the veg and chicken, pick any meat off the carcass and put in soup later. In a deep sauce pan put some oil and the knob of butter - once melted add the onions and garlic and soften. Next add the leeks, carrots and celery and cook over a low heat for 3/4 mins. Then add the rice, chicken meat and stock and simmer for 25 mins. Season with salt and pepper, add chopped parsley and serve.
Minced Beef Sausage Wrap with Salsa Serves 4 – 1 large wrap per person WHAT YOU’LL NEED 350g packet beef mince 1 egg ½ medium onion finely chopped 70g breadcrumbs 1 tbsp dried parsley 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp ground cumin 1 dessert spoon tomato ketchup nts In a bowl combine all the ingredie mix er, pepp and salt with on seas and shapes. well and form into thick sausage grill. Brush with oil and cook under a ers and They can be formed around skew cooked on a BBQ if desired. Tomato Salsa: 3 tomatoes, peeled, deseeded and chopped ½ medium onion finely chopped 1 tsp chilli powder 1 garlic clove crushed Juice of 1 lemon 1 dessertspoon sugar 1 tbsp oil l and Combine all ingredients in a bow season with salt and pepper. ½ an To assemble the wrap you’ll need lla iceberg lettuce shredded and 4 torti s. wrap a dry Either grill the wraps or heat in the fry pan, then place on a plate. Put and salsa with le, midd the sausage in and lettuce. Now fold up the bottom edge tely. edia imm ing serv , wrap roll
Bread & Butter Pudding Serves 4 WHAT YOU’LL NEED 250ml cream 3 eggs 85g sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract Pinch of salt 50g butter 8 slices of white pan loaf 60g raisins Oven 170c Butter the bread and cut into triangles, laying them in a row in an ovenproof dish. Then sprinkle with raisins and make another bread layer on top. Make custard with the eggs, sugar, vanilla and cream, whisking all together with a pinch of salt and pour over the bread. Put the dish into a roasting tray filled with water to halfway up the outside of the pudding dish and bake in the oven for approx. 40 mins or until custard is set. Melt some apricot jam, if you have it, in a saucepan with a little water to make a glaze and brush over the top, then pop back in oven for 10mins. You could just sprinkle with sugar or another type of jam to achieve same effect.
BEAUFORT INTERIORS The interiors industry in Ireland has a most interesting history. Perhaps the most famous aspect within the field of textiles is the Irish Linen Industry, and although Ireland is not well known now for its textile mills, a few remain and are going strong such as RA Irwins and Ulster Carpet Mills. Today, the interiors industry is seen to be driven mainly by the housing market and the media are largely reporting that it is still performing poorly. When less people are moving house, there will be less re-decorating of houses; but, the Robert Wilson Estate Agency Group who have offices in Belfast, Dunmurry, Moira and Lurgan have experienced record house sales this summer. Also making a splash in the media are stories of design houses closing and large furniture retailers going into administration or liquidation. Again however, some companies are bucking the trend. Beautiful Strong. In French, ‘Beau Fort’. Beaufort, based in Moira is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this month - and it is making a strong impression doing it. Although the name is French, it has a strong connection to this Island. It is the name of a town-land in County Kerry. Sir Francis Beaufort, who was the Admiral who invented the Beaufort Wind scale in 1805 was born in Navan, and Ruth Wilson, whose father was from not far away in Cavan, founded Beaufort Interiors in 1982. What perhaps gives this particular company its edge is that it comprises a design studio, showroom and workrooms, providing a complete service, so its
clients may view a range of styles, create and select their own look, have it brought together, made and fitted, all by the one company and one point of contact, rather than having to visit a range of shops or departments. Beaufort has a team of dedicated interior design professionals who are eager to create a space that will be loved by those using it. Not only do they know what fabrics, wall-coverings, floorings and decorative lighting are available and how to put them together; they can if you wish produce CAD drawings to help visualise the layout of furniture in the space, sketch your curtains, and create mood-boards for the project. Members of the Beaufort design team have been asked to give lectures and talks at schools and colleges throughout the country. Trevor has appeared on television programmes such as Showhouse on RTE 1, competing head-to-head with other interior designers, and he has been interviewed live on Radio Ulster talking about the history of interior architecture and various other aspects of interior design and decoration. Ruth has had appearances on TV 3 speaking with Alan Hughes on Ireland AM about current trends in the interiors industry. Ruth, Trevor and their team are celebrating the 30 years of Interiors for the 30 days of September, and they would be delighted for you to join them at their showrooms in Moira, County Armagh. You can contact them on T. 92619508 or by email trevor@beaufortinteriors.co.uk
A Personal Invitation from Ruth
Dear All, This September, Beaufort Interiors will celebrate 30 years in business. It started back in 1982 with an old sewing machine and a small loan. You may remember there was a dilapidated building at the bottom of Moira's Main Street. When I was buying what is now Beaufort Hall, I wondered if I was doing the right thing. It was a listed building; the roof was damaged, the rain poured in, so renovation would be substantial. I hoped and prayed that everything would work out...and it did, with your support. Now Beaufort has been extended into the two adjacent houses which make up Beaufort’s magnificent showrooms and design studio. Beaufort Interiors gradually established itself as one of the premier showrooms in Ireland and the UK. For 10 years, from 2002 until earlier this year, a contemporary interior styling was displayed in an additional showroom on Belfast’s Lisburn Road. This has now been incorporated into the newly refurbished Beaufort Hall in Moira. In 2005 my son Trevor brought a new level of design expertise into the business to complement our experienced design team, talents which have been recognised throughout the industry.We have now received prestigious commissions from some well known politicians and high profile sports celebrities, and I have personally been awarded the inaugural Tatler ‘Designer of the Year’. Beaufort’s workrooms have also showcased their products in top hotels and other commercial ventures such as the five-star Merchant in Belfast and the seven-star Trinity project in London. And so it's onwards and upwards towards our 30th Celebrations. To mark the 30th Anniversary of Beaufort, we are giving 30% off all furniture orders (including floor displays) for the 30 days of September - just in time for your Christmas order! Additionally, I am inviting you to join me for a celebration supper on the evening of Wednesday 5th or Thursday 6th September when you will receive a voucher for £50. This will go towards curtain-making by our expert craftspeople in the Beaufort workroom and you can use your voucher for any window dressing purchased during our celebratory month. If you pre-register on-line at www.beaufortinteriors.co.uk/register we will increase this voucher to £100 per window. Thank you for all your support over the past 30 years - see you on the 5-6th September! In appreciation,
Ruth Wilson P.S. Doors open at 7.00pm on the 5th and 6th September. The first 30 people on each evening will receive a special limited edition anniversary gift manufactured by Beaufort.
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Designing Out Crime New and previously unpublished research released by Secured by Design has highlighted for the first time that Crime is a green issue: • Reported crime and the loss and damage associated with crime in England and Wales equates to a staggering 5.5 million tonnes of CO2 per year - with un-recorded crime taking this to over 6.5m tonnes! With 5.6m tonnes attributable to the consequence of crime (e.g car journeys taken fro fear of travelling on public transport, house moves because of crime suffered or perceived) the overall total carbon cost of crime equals more than 12.5m tonnes of CO2. That total roughly equals to 2% of the UK’s total CO2 output. • The CO2 produced by UK crime is greater than the entire output of many emerging world economies, including Ecuador, Zambia and Armenia.
be expected that all new homes meet the SBD security standard.
SECURED BY DESIGN - ALIGNING SUSTAINABILITY AND SECURITY Achieving SBD status and using Secured by Design accredited products, which have been certified to security standards identified by ACPO, also help increase the lifespan of a building. It allows residents to feel safer and improves the security of premises while reducing unnecessary maintenance work which is often required to repair the damage caused by criminal attacks. With the eco-agenda becoming ever more firmly cemented as one of the key issues driving the building and construction industry, building to SBD standards and utilising SBD accredited products has never been more important. l
• To put things into context - one tree growing for 100 years absorbs only one tonne of CO2 over its lifetime.
WHAT PART DOES SECURED BY DESIGN PLAY IN CUTTING CO2 EMISSIONS? • Secured by Design is the UK Police flagship initiative supporting the principles of designing out crime and crime prevention. • Secured by Design Developers Awards are given to those building developments that incorporate the principles and physical security features identified in the SBD design guides. • Previous research conducted by SBD has proven that SBD developments are half as likely to be burgled, have two times less vehicle crime and show a reduction of 25% in criminal damage.
A SMALL PRICE FOR A BIG GAIN • The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has evaluated the evidence of reduction in crime and the fear of crime through the adoption of the Secured by Design initiative. The conclusions were very positive and called for the scheme to be adopted more widely. • An independant assessment conducted in 2010 shows that the additional cost of SBD in the average home is only £170 - proof that security does not come at too high a price! In fact, at this low additional cost, it should
Contact: Crime Prevention Design Advisor Crime Prevention Branch Room 142 Lisnasharragh 42 Montgomery Road Belfast BT5 6LE
1 THE WATERMILL , MAIN STREET, CRAWFORDSBURN , BT19 1JF
The Water Mill can be found nestled in the heart of the sleepy picturesque village of Crawfordsburn conveniently close to Belfast yet a world away from the stresses and strains of city life. The calming sound of Crawford’s Burn cascading through the gardens accompanied by a cacophony of bird chorus makes this a special place to live. The Water Mill is a converted 17th century saw mill originally part of the Clandeboye Estate. The property is private, gated and secure. Hidden off Main Street behind The Old Inn in the award winning historic County Down village of Crawfordsburn. Within walking distance to the village shops, Crawfordsburn primary school, The Old Inn and ten minutes drive from Belfast City Airport. Belfast city
centre is only fifteen minutes by car, or, if you prefer to take a bus, the stop is nearby on Main Street. Helen’s Bay train station is located in the neighbouring hamlet, and Bangor town, with the Marina and choice of restaurants, is five minutes drive away. For golfers there is a choice of six courses all within ten minutes drive, including Royal Belfast, Holywood, Blackwood, Carnalea, Bangor and Helen’s Bay. The Water Mill is without doubt a special stand-alone property, however it is the breathtaking location elevated above the river and waterfall that make this a truly amazing setting. The stunning grounds encompass almost two acres of woodland and landscaped gardens. Crawford’s Burn river cascades
through the grounds to a mill pond island link to the river banks by wooden foot bridges. The Water Mill lease includes the right to generate electricity from the river within the property. The property is a wildlife haven with resident ducks, squirrels, foxes, otters and quite rare dipper birds. The private gate at the bottom of the garden leads into the country park where a ten minute walk will take you through the woodland glen and on to the golden sandy shores of Crawfordsburn Beach. Internally The Water Mill is spacious yet warm and welcoming. A sense of calm prevails with the background soothing sound of the flowing river. There are many interesting features throughout the home. The magnificent arched windows in the drawing room look out onto an amazing waterfall. The windows in the family room look out onto a 100 year old Japanese Acer tree on the mill pond island. All rooms enjoy fabulous vistas of the river, island, waterfall, woodland and glen. The house has four bedrooms, three of which have
en suite facilities. There is a self contained outbuilding above the garages which house what could be a teenage apartment, a granny flat or home office. It is equipped with a separate heating system, kitchen, en suite and wood burning stove. All of the bedrooms outlook onto the gardens and benefit from the sound of the river and birds. The house is constructed of locally sourced granite and sandstone with white painted hardwood windows. The back garden is surrounded by a large stone wall with old lime kilns set behind a planting of wisteria, honey suckle and jasmine. A real cottage garden where in summer the scents of the flowers become evident and can be enjoyed whilst relaxing and listening to the bird chorus. The Water Mill and its grounds combine to create a most desirable period property. Viewing of this property is strictly by appointment. For further details contact John Minnis or Emma Coote at our Holywood branch on 028 90428888 or click any of the images on the page to redirect to the John Minnis web site
ADRIAN MARGEY Kilrea artist Adrian Margey (28) has been making waves on the local art scene in recent years with his contemporary depictions of iconic Northern Ireland landmarks, landscapes and musical traditions. We caught up with him one year on from our last interview, to find out more about his upcoming Belfast Exhibition and what his plans are for the next twelve months. It’s been a busy year for you Adrian. What have you been up to? I’m nearing the end of my 2012 exhibition series which has taken me the length and breadth of Northern Ireland. The series culminates with a one-man show at the Culloden at the end of October. I have also been undertaking a lot of commissioned work, creating bespoke pieces for clients. Outside of work, my girlfriend Evana who is an architect, has been designing our future home. We just found out this week that her design has been granted planning permission. I guess I’ll know even more about being busy when the build starts! You are well-known for the diversity of your work, tell us about your different styles? I have two main styles. One I call traditional, as it follows in the footsteps of the Irish impressionist landscape painters
and the other I call contemporary. Much of my contemporary work uses bold colours, strong shapes and expressive texture to conjure up moods and evoke an emotional response from the viewer. I use palette knife, brush work and finger-painting techniques to bring a new perspective to the familiar. What can visitors expect to see at your Belfast exhibition? A real eclectic mix of my work will be on show at the Culloden. Bold, vivid depictions of the North Coast, Glens of Antrim, Fermanagh Lakelands, Ards Peninsula, County Down and Kingdom of Mourne will be juxtaposed with dramatic Belfast cityscapes, nostalgic portrayals of Donegal and softer depictions of Irish traditional music sessions and dancers. What are your plans for after the Belfast exhibition? I have recently received support from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s Creative Industries Innovation Fund to begin promoting my work outside of Northern Ireland. I will be launching my work in the Republic with a large exhibition over Saint Patrick’s weekend in Dublin. I have secured a stunning venue and I am really excited about developing a new body of work specifically for the show. With an increasing amount of
interest in my work coming from overseas recently, the Arts Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s support will also enable me to start promoting my work in the USA. So lots going on, long may it continue!
The exhibition opens on the evening of Thursday 25th October and runs all day Friday 26th, Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th October 2012. Admission free â&#x20AC;&#x201C; everyone welcome. See www.adrianmargey.com or telephone the Kilrea studio on 07841593762 for more details.
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Ulster Life at the Wedding of Karen and Stephen McCarthy Clandeboye Lodge Sunday 26th August 2012 Images courtesy of George Pennock Photography
POP CULTURE Mini Cooper S Coupé We’ve seen many variants of the ubiquitous Mini since BMW took charge of the brand back in 2001, but the Coupé is the first high volume twoseater car produced by the German brand; that’s if we overlook the limited edition lightweight GP version of the Phase 1 Mini Cooper hatch from 2006. This Coupé S is Mini’s attempt to get their foot in the door of the evergrowing luxury two-seater sports car market, which in recent years has been dominated by such cars as the Audi TT, Porsche Cayman and the BMW Z4.
ULSTER LIFE DRIVING WITH GRAEME WALLACE Outside I’ll admit succumbing to the stereotype and labelling the Mini Coupé as a bit of a girl’s car, consequently I did feel a little self conscious when I set off behind the wheel, this was further compounded by an abusive text message received by an acquaintance that spotted me out on my test drive! The windscreen in the Coupé is tilted 13 degrees and the curious looking roofline is lowered by 29mm over the Mini hatch. As a consequence of this the top half appears a little squashed, and the colour combination of our test car (silver body with black roof) exacerbated this ill fitting look. Nevertheless, from some angles the car in fact looks very good, and what it does very successfully is stand out from the crowd, which I think is exactly what will appeal to potential
customers of this car. As one would expect from Mini, there are numerous exterior colour combinations available, and I think matching the roof to the body colour would work very well to overcome the slightly awkward roofline, this could then be broken up nicely by some of the usual Cooper style stripes over the bonnet/roof/boot. The John Cooper Works body kit on our test car makes the Coupé stand out from lesser models in the range, with the front apron, larger wheels, side skirts and twin exhaust pipes making for a nicely aggressive package. Inside Stepping into the Mini Cooper S Coupé is certainly more of an event than getting into the hatch, the low slung roof and angled windscreen help give the impression that you’re inside a sports car.
The seating position is as excellent as you would expect from Mini, and the headliner has been carved out to improve head height for those of a taller disposition. In a bid to keep costs down the interior of the Coupé is shared with that of the convertible model; however the rear has been given a thorough make over with the removal of the rear seats and the addition of a very useful parcel shelf and through load feature that can be accessed from the driver’s seat. The boot is also significantly larger than the hatch, being 280-litres as opposed to 160-litres in the hatch. Some of the interior switch gear is a little fiddly and awkwardly placed, but it’s all very simple and easy to figure out, the Bluetooth pairing is particularly simple and effective. I like the central rev counter with digital MPH readout in front of me, although
the central speedo and on board computer is enormous and a little over the top, this can be overcome to some extent by ticking the sat nav option. The quality of the interior plastic and trim is good, although not quite a match for the Audi TT which is class leading. Visibility from the cabin is surprisingly good given the shallow roof and small rear window, the mirrors provide ample views all around and the rear view is auto dimming. I did get a bit of a fright at one stage though when changing lanes on a dual carriageway at speed, my peripheral vision caught
what I thought was a car near my blind spot which almost gave me heart failure, but it turned out to be the spoiler which rises automatically when over 50mph. Disaster averted. Driving This is where the Mini Cooper S CoupĂŠ excels; forget the awkward looks and what your mates might think of your sexuality for driving one if you are male, this car delivers fun in abundance. The turbo charged 1.6 litre four cylinder develops 181bhp and 177lb ft of torque, and with the sport button engaged the car sounds
very raspy and purposeful whilst also increasing power. I am almost certain that there is even a subtle hint of the original Mini sound in there too. With a lower centre of gravity and the additional rigidity provided by the rear cross member, this helps provide a stiffer chassis over the hatch, which on the road equates to less body roll, sharper turn in and more grip mid corner when you lift off the accelerator. Dynamically these changes arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t dramatic over the hatch, but they are certainly noticeable and are a welcome additional that adds to the sports car feel
Vital Statistics Model: Cooper S Coupé Price as tested: £24,000 (£19,780 basic) Engine: 1.6 turbo petrol Gearbox: 6 speed manual Power: 184 hp (135kW) @ 5,500 rpm Max torque: 177lb ft at 1600-5000rpm Acceleration: (0-62 mph): 6.9 s Top speed: 143 mph Fuel consumption: 38.7 (urban) 56.5 (extra urban) 48.7 (combined) CO2 emissions: 136 g/km
of the Coupé. The Cooper S Coupé is as fast as you need in reality, extremely agile, well balanced and provides sharp feedback through the weighty steering. The brakes are strong with very little interference from the ABS system even in wet conditions. The front wheels manage to get the power down effortlessly even on damp surfaces, and the traction control system does its job well without being too invasive, unlike that found in some of the Mini’s competitors. The car does seem to follow uneven cambers in the road though; a bit like water the Mini seems
adamant to follow the shortest route of travel. I have saved my favourite trait of the Coupé S to last. I remember reading that the previous generation limited edition Cooper S GP emitted some rather spectacular noises when being pushed on, but I wasn’t expecting anything like that in the Coupé S. Nevertheless, I was soon pleasantly surprised to find that when you lift off the throttle it pops and bangs via the twin pipe sports exhaust in a manner that cars from much more exotic pedigree would be proud of, I’m sure any true petrolhead reading this will know exactly what I
mean. I can only expect the full John Cooper Works version with 211bhp to be even better. Mini have created a sports car here with broad appeal, it is sure to attract the usual trendy city set who love their Mini’s, but I think this one will be a guilty pleasure for everyone, men included. Wives, girlfriends, daughters…. hide your spare key. Thanks to Angela and Aidan at Mini/Agnews
JOHN MINNIS John Minnis, Director, John Minnis Estate Agents, which has two branches, specialising in both the residential sales and lettings throughout Belfast, North Down, Bangor and Ards Peninsula, shares with us his inside knowledge on the mortgage market… John Minnis, Director, John Minnis Estate Agents, which has two branches, specialising in both the residential sales and lettings throughout Belfast, North Down, Bangor and Ards Peninsula, shares with us his inside knowledge on the mortgage market… Mortgages have never been more talked about. Deposits, interest only, early repayments, coownership – it can feel like a mine-field. But it needn’t be. Do your research. As with most things, you can carry out research yourself online – however you will be presented with a myriad of information and can spend hours trying to decipher it all. You can also visit your local bank or building society – although here, you will only presented with one lender’s offering – i.e. theirs.
The best and most effective way research the market is to engage the services of an independent financial advisor. Independent Financial Advisor (IFA) The same as anything else in life, there are the good ones and the not so good ones. Ask around, speak to people you trust, and get their recommendations. Our trusted partner is Barbara Boyd, Lifestyle Mortgage Solutions, whom we have worked with for many years and is exceptional. Your independent financial advisor will sit you down and in layman’s terms talk you through the mortgage process step by step. They will ask you a series of questions in order to get a handle on your own individual situation, and in turn answer any questions you will have. Be open and honest with
the IFA, they are simply trying to determine the best mortgaging solution to suit your unique situation. Qualifying for a mortgage It’s commonly reported that mortgages are difficult to come by, and there are many hoops that we are to jump through and criteria we must meet in order to qualify for mortgages. This varies from occasion to occasion, bank to bank and building society to building society. Interestingly there are up to half a dozen new lenders in the Northern Ireland market place that were not here six months ago. Meeting the criteria over the last number of years has been difficult but the criteria; due to the increased competition within the mortgage market has eased.
Finding the right deal There are some extremely good deals out there, however, what is mandatory, is a deposit. From the beginning of time a deposit has always been required when trying to secure a loan to purchase property. I bought my first home when I was 20 which required a 10% deposit, which the norm then, and indeed still is today. The bank route If you choose to go down the banking route, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel you have to be loyal to your own bank which you have saved with since you were a child. Just because you have been a loyal customer to them, does not necessarily mean they will be loyal to you and give you a better rate. Deals change within the banks and building societies, and very often the deals on offer at any given time are subject to more global economic factors and forecasts rather than what is happening locally. These conditions fluctuate on a daily bases, currently, we are witnessing much more favourable rates with a shorter list of exclusions.
Mortgages are more freely available now and there is greater access to suitable mortgages than there has been in the last five years. Last year only the local banks were offering mortgages, favourable in Northern Ireland, but they made customers jump through numerous hoops to qualify. Now many more English banks and building societies have entered our marketplace, giving much more choice and flexibility â&#x20AC;&#x201C; something we havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seen since 2007. These English banks and building societies are now back for a reason, property is currently selling at decent volumes and they want a piece of the action. They are willing to offer better rates with less clausing than some of our home grown high-street operations. To speak to John Minnis about buying, renting or selling your home or for independent financial advice, call 028 90 4288 88 or visit www.johnminnis.co.uk To speak to Barbara Boyd on financial advice, call John Minnis on 028 90 4288 88
PATRICK COLHOUN Ulster Life’s Resident Art Columnist. Back to school, back to work, back to art with a vengeance! September is typically a hectic month after a supposed relaxing summer. That said, Olympic themed art events were to the fore in England throughout the summer, and it would be a bonus if the feel good effect of the Olympics rubbed off in any way on the local art scene. Like the London scene, but on a smaller scale East versus West is happening in Belfast. September is the East’s time to shine with a host of events, including Art in the East Side 3 billboard trail running from 6th to 16th of September. Billed as the largest outdoor exhibition to take place in East Belfast, it celebrates the people, culture, history and social aspects of the area. A total of 26 billboards form a visual arts trail across the east of the city combining work from eight Creative Exchange artists. The exhibition is part of the East Belfast Arts Festival and runs in tandom with the Creative Change NI exhibition which features 30 artists who have been showing in the wider Belfast area over the last 18 months. Art and charity combine on several fronts this month as my work now sits in the permanent exhibition space in The Bermondsey Project in London and will
be sold to aid the charity Crisis. Local Art Consultant Carrie Neely has recently joined the Board of NSPCC Changing Childhoods NI and has been putting her art contacts to good use in order raise money for the charity and its new city centre service centre. Carrie will be hosting an Art Auction at The 5* Merchant Hotel in Belfast on November 6th with an impressive list of over 50 artists including established artists Neil Shawcross, Colin Davidson, JB Vallely, Rita Duffy, Jack Packenham, Brian Ballard and emerging artists including myself, Stephen Johnston, Kyle Barnes, Ciaran Magill, Christine Trueman, Eamonn Higgins and Colin McMaster. This is a great opportunity for emerging artists to mingle with some Irish art legends whilst raising money for a fantastic local charity and it will include original paintings, drawings, prints and sculpture. For enquiries about the auction or to reserve a catalogue, please contact carrie@carrieneely.com. The boundaries between art and fashion were blurred this month with the official launch of Grainne Maher’s wonderful Pluck and Devour range at House of Fraser, with the wonderfully creative perspex headpieces worthy of a space on many a gallery wall!
Picture shown: Colin McMaster, Lina (for NSPCC)
Lastly this month, for me, Conception Part Two, the second part of my two man, two part exhibition with London based artist, Darren MacPherson. I am excited about bringing a new artist like Darren to Belfast and I think in terms of the art scene in Belfast, the city is now much more receptive to contemporary art than it was only a few years ago so I am very grateful for the opportunity to work on a project such as this in my home city.
Q&A
LADYBOYS OF BANGKOK This Month the Ulster Life interview tells you everything you always wantedto know about the third sex (but were afraid to ask) KATHOEY (Lady Boys) have long been accepted in Thailand as neither men nor women - but occupying a space somewhere between the two genders - the third sex. This is quite consistent with Buddhist and Hindu teachings, but to the western world it is still an alien concept and has no precise equivalent. Even the term “transvestite” falls short of the true meaning of KATHOEY as Western culture cannot grasp the total commitment involved by those pursuing the long and frequently costly journey to determine their own gender in the third sex. To shine a light on some of the experiences of the performers we asked one of the stars of the show Toon - if she would answer some of the most frequently asked questions. The answers are provided by Anwar, the Lady Boys of Bangkok company manager, who acted as a translator to allow us to obtain this unique insight into the life of a Lady Boy. My name is Angkookrat - but to my friends I am known as Toon. Like many of
the Lady Boys although my name has no meaning in the Thai language it has a very pleasant sound in our native tongue. I come from Pattaya, 70 miles (112km) south east of Bangkok. I am the youngest of five children and was raised by my mother and father. My father is a fisherman and my mother is a teacher. Tell us about your childhood I was happy childhood growing up - my mother and father were caring and thankfully we had a little bit more money than many people growing up in Pattya. However when I became a teenager I realised I could not relate to boys of own age. I wasn’t interested in typical male pursuits such as kickboxing, football and martial arts so began to feel more and more isolated. I kept hoping that I would feel less confused and less lost but it didn’t happen. When did you first think of yourself as being female?
At 16 I began to consider myself female full-time. I always had an interest in dressing up in my mother’s clothes and wearing make-up but it wasn’t until my late teens that I thought I might be kathoey. Boys games never really interested me I was just happier doing my own thing. At college I studied drama and it was an eye-opening experience as for the first time I met other boys who felt the same as I did. This was a great reassurance for me. For the first time I didn’t feel alone. I had never discussed my feelings with my parents - although I thought they might understand and indeed they probably had their suspicions - it didn’t feel comfortable. Once they found out they quickly accepted me for who I am though so I wish I had had the courage to tell them directly. When did your parents discover your ‘secret’? It was through one of my aunts that my mother and my father found out that I was a Lady Boy.
In my final years of academic study I used to drive to Pattaya with some friends and we would visit one of the Lady Boys cabaret shows. The Lady Boys were so beautiful and had such perfect features and figures that I felt very jealous. I knew that if I was to be a Lady Boy I would want to look as beautiful. Because I had made friends with some of the cabaret artistes they put me forward for an audition. I had never had any professional dance training and I really only agreed to do it because I wanted to learn how the Lady Boys applied their makeup. It is such a skill. I got a job in the chorus and had to learn to dance and all about stage movement and deportment. I had been combining my life as a student and as a cabaret dancer for about a year when on one of my visits home (still disguised as a boy) one of my aunts came in and confronted me and my parents with the fact that I was a Lady Boy because someone she knew had been to the show in Pattaya and seen me on stage! I don’t know who was more shocked, my parents at finding out I was no longer the son they thought I was or me for having my secret revealed. When the dust settled my parents was absolutely fine. For me it meant a lot that I no longer had to hide a secret. What’s the reaction when people find out you are not a woman? Surprise or disbelief. A newspaper photographer asked us to pose with a group of builders - they didn’t know we were Ladyboys. We were wearing our show costumes and all the men had their arms round our waists. It was only after the photograph had been taken that the photographer told them that we were all Lady Boys. Their reaction was great three of them just shook their heads in disbelief, and one said he didn’t care anyway and gave all of us a big kiss! Ladyboys of Bangkok takes place at Custom House Square, Belfast from 3rd November to the 17th November. CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS!
WAGAMAMA RECIPE hot beef salad with chilli soy you need:
instructions:
· · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
heat a wok over a medium heat for 1-2 minutes or until completely hot and almost smoking and add the vegetable oil. add the red onion and courgettes and stir fry for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned. add the beef and stir fry for about 5 minutes until lightly browned. add the mangetout, garlic, chilli and beansprouts and stir fry for a further 2-3 minutes. add the sugar, salt and soy sauce and toss quickly. divide between 2 plates, squeeze over the juice from the lime, garnish with the shallots and coriander
3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 red onion, peeled and cut into half-moon slices 110g (4Oz) courgettes, cut into bite- sized pieces 250g (9oz) sirloin or rump steak, cut into thin strips handful of mangetout, thinly sliced lengthways 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed 1 red chilli, trimmed, deseeded and sliced 150g (5oz) beansprouts 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon light soy sauce 1 lime, halved 2 tablespoons fried shallots (available from oriental stores) 4 sprigs of coriander
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Q&A
LISA DUFFY Lisa Duffy is the director of Bright Young Things, a drama school taught exclusively by professional actors for young people aged 3 – 18. Founded in Magherafelt in 2010, Bright Young Things is launching in Belfast at The Southbank Playhouse, Upper Ormeau road on Saturday 22nd September. Lisa has been performing from the age of four in anything she could persuade her parents to bring her to but she got her first real taste for acting when successfully auditioning for The National Youth Theatre in London. She is now an associate facilitator for NYT and can see just how fundamental good youth theatre was in forming her career. Having travelled to London at the age of 16 to have this experience. Lisa is now wanting to bring those kinds of opportunities here to the young people of Northern Ireland. What was your first job? My first job was as Santa’s elf in the grotto at Christmas as a teenager. I’m not sure that counts but a life in performance was writing in
the stars after those dizzy heights! My first job as an actor was playing the lead role in The Snow Queen at The Lyric Theatre Belfast after graduating from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). It felt really special that my first job was to be a return home to Northern Ireland and the magical Lyric stage.
What qualifications and qualities does your job require?
Bright Young Things Drama opened in Magherafelt in 2010 and now, two years later, Bright Young Things Belfast is ready to open its doors on Saturday 22nd September at The Southbank Playhouse just off the Ormeau rd.
I completed a BA Hons Drama at Queens University before going to LAMDA for actor training. I later did a PGCE in primary education. So I suppose I have completed quite a lot of education to do my job but there are plenty of great drama teachers out there who do not have qualifications and their experience tells them all they need to know. For me however, I like to know that my toolbox is full of both experience and qualifications so that I can give the best, fully rounded teachings I can to the members of Bright Young Things
After graduating from Queen’s University, I trained as an actor at the London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art (LAMDA) and spent several years working in London’s Theatreland. I also qualified as a primary school teacher and worked in a diverse and challenging school in Hackney. It was when these two roles of teacher and actor came together that I felt most fulfilled and successful as the room would come alive and the kids would burst with ideas, confidence and inspiration.
One of the first qualities you need to teach anything is patience. I love seeing young people grow at their own pace. Some will come flying in on day one full of confidence and continue to develop week after week. With others, it will take a lot longer to gain trust but it is so rewarding to see that through games, group dynamic, improvisation, storytelling and many other activities everyone without exception grows in confidence and creativity. Oh and energy - Without bags of stamina and momentum it is pretty
How did you end up in your current job?
impossible to control a group of excitable bright young things!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
What has been the highlight of your job to date?
Hmm there’s been a few and all from my dad. The one I need to remind myself of most often is ‘you were born with two ears and one mouth, use them in this order’! Yes I tend to talk a wee bit too much! But the one that inspires me daily is ‘have high expectations of life’.
I have been lucky to have such a varied career to date but the highlight of Bright Young Things has got to be our first production in Magherafelt. Everything went off without a hitch – lights, sound, costume and kids all came in on cue! The audience loved it but most importantly the young people were completely elated after the curtain fell. They felt such an enormous sense of personal achievement and I was just bursting with pride! What is the most rewarding thing about your job? Seeing young people stepping outside of their comfort zone for the first time and loving it!
What do you do in your spare time? I love discovering new things. Whether it’s a new restaurant, new play, new activity or new country that is where you’ll find me, with some good friends, my family and probably a glass of red wine. Bright Young Things is enrolling new members this week 07793683456 www.bytdrama.com for more information.
DAVID C CLEMENTS Cara Sebastian & Guests
FIGHTING WITH WIRE | SILHOUETTE JASON CLARKE | ROBERT VINCENT | JOSHUA BURNSIDE
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