N OT E F RO M T H E E D I TO R So, What’s it all about? What’s the world coming to? For many, ‘The World’ is not much bigger than their family circle, and for those in business, often not much bigger than the footprint of their office or shop, or the spare room/new ‘Office from Home.’ Here at ‘Shop Local’ HQ, we have decided to see if we could give a platform to local business, the lifeblood of any town, the backbone of the local economy. Between this and the @shoplocalportlaoise Instagram page and our new YouTube Channel,we hope the rising tide will indeed
lift all boats This magazine, along with the associated Instagram page is that stage. Non Political, non religious, non controversial and not for local, national or even international causes. The idea is to create in the minds of those who read, like or comment on the brands that they can find within the area they live. The idea is Simple. What do you need and who locally can look after that for you, EVEN IN LOCKDOWN? So have a look, support those who are working so hard to provide you with quality goods and services and #staysafe
As you go through this magazine, click the social media links (Facbook links will take you straight to Direct Messaging for the Business) and Click on the videos. All advertising in this magazine has been done without charge as a way to show our support for Local Business. If you would like to donate towards our work and support us as we support others then you’re welcome to click the link below. From the second issue we may have to charge a small amount but we would really like to keep it small. So any contribution you make as a loyal Shop Local customer is supporting us as we support others.
# S H O P L O C A L P O RT L AO I S E
COVER PHOTO CREDIT CATHERINE BRENNAN
#SHOPLOCAL Close your eyes and imagine that you are walking up the main street of your local town. Take in all of the windows and shopfronts of the local independent stores and businesses that call our main streets home. Look at all the comings and goings around you as people move in and out of the shops, cafes and offices. Now imagine that same street but without any of these businesses, pretty grim isn’t it? The heart and soul of our towns would be stripped away, and our
beautiful town centres would degrade and decay. These businesses don’t just provide our towns with goods and services, they help create a unique sense of community. No waiting for forty minutes on a customer care line with local businesses, they provide the personal touch and customer service that you just don’t get from other companies. The ability to give someone completely accurate directions using just business
names is a uniquely Irish thing and these businesses act as waypoints and meeting places for locals and visitors alike. Aside from the obvious economic benefits such as creating local jobs and pumping money into the local area, these businesses provide huge value to our local towns and villages, if we lose them we lose so much more than a shop or a restaurant, we lose a whole community. Sarah W Contributer
How to use Face Coverings
Coronavirus COVID-19 Public Health Advice
ALWAYS CLEAN YOUR HANDS BEFORE AND AFTER WEARING A FACE COVERING
Correct Covering
Check Your Fit
Medical masks should be reserved for health workers or patients in treatment.
Check that the face covering is made from a fabric that you are comfortable wearing.
If you have been advised to wear a medical mask, always have the coloured side showing and the metal band at the top of your nose.
Check that it is easy to fit and completely covers your nose and mouth, all the way down under your chin. Tighten the loops or ties so it’s snug around your face, without gaps. If there are strings, tie them high on top of the head to get a good fit. Do not touch or fidget with the face covering when it is on. DO NOT: Wear the face covering below your nose.
DO NOT: Leave your chin exposed.
DO NOT: Wear it loosely with gaps on the sides.
DO NOT: Wear it so it covers just the tip of your nose.
DO NOT: Push it under your chin to rest on your neck.
FOL LOW T H E S E T I P S TO STAY SA F E : ALWAYS wash your hands before and after handling your face covering.
ALWAYS change your face covering if it is dirty, wet or damaged.
Carry unused face coverings in a sealable clean waterproof bag, for example, a ziplock.
Safe Removal
Carry a second similar type bag, to put used face coverings in.
CHILDREN UNDER 13 should not wear face coverings.
ALWAYS wash cloth face coverings on the highest temperature for cloth.
Disposing Of Single-Use Mask
Use the ties or ear loops to take the face covering off. Do not touch the front when you take it off.
Always dispose of single-use masks properly in a bin. Don’t forget to clean your hands and keep social distance.
2M
Stay safe. Protect each other.
# C O F F E E P E R S O NA What Does your favourite coffee say about you? It’s possible Your coffee order can say whether you are an introvert, extrovert, perfectionist, warm towards others, sensitive and even someone who knows what they want in life never mind in a takeaway cup. Heres what a bit of a search on the InterWeb told us!
Do any of these identify to you? Americano
You prefer to keep things simple. You are old school, patient, occasionally quiet, but efficient and set in your ways. You want a coffee that’s fast and hits the spot ASAP. But be careful, don’t become overwhelmed and need to take a step back every once in a while.
Decaffeinated Coffee
Why do you bother. JUST KIDDING WE LOVE YOU AS WELL! Control is your thing. Possibly leaning toward a perfectionist and your health both physical and mental is important to you. Occasionally overly sensitive and sometimes a bit of a worrier.
Espresso
Simply a natural born leader that knows how and get things done. No messing, deadlines met and the same expected from others . You need 8 Days in a week to fill your Calander.
Latte
Creature Comforts are your thing. Just like your latte, you like to break down the bitterness of life. You are pretty laid back, can be depended on, realistic, but decision making is not among the
first things in your daily routine. You enjoy the simple things of life. Cappuccino Espresso, milk and foam, you want everything. Elegant, sophistication and style. You’re a social animal and your local coffee shop is your second home.
Mocha
Sophistication with a hint of bold. You are warm, sensitive and liked by everyone.
DIRECT QUOTE FROM INTERWEB…
Instant Coffee You pride yourself on being traditional in some ways. Procrastination is a big part of life and you don’t get lost in the details. Who has time to brew a whole pot of coffee right?
Coronavirus COVID-19 Help prevent coronavirus
Wash your hands
Cover mouth if coughing or sneezing
Avoid touching your face
Keep surfaces clean
Stop shaking hands and hugging
Keep a safe distance
The virus spreads in sneeze and cough droplets, so regularly taking the above measures helps reduce the chance of it spreading.
Visit HSE.ie
For updated factual information and advice Or call 1850 24 1850
Protection from coronavirus. It’s in our hands.
Cosain tú féin agus daoine eile ó thinneas Nigh do lámha • Tar éis casacht nó sraoth • Nuair a bhíonn tú ag tabhairt aire do dhuine tinn • Roimh agus tar éis bia a ullmhú • Sula n-itheann tú • Tar éis an leithreas • Nuair atá do lámha salach • Tar éis lámh a leagain ar ghearradh, spuaic nó créacht oscailte • Is féidir cuimilteoir alcóil láimhe a úsáid mura bhfuil cuma shalach ar na lámha
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hygie d n a /h e .i e s .h www
# FA S H I O N I S TA Lounging It Up. “All the trees are losing their leaves and not one of them is worried”.. And neither should we be. However, while the trees may be losing their layers, for us it’s time to bundle up.So why not do so stylishly? For me, style is a selfish thing, I dress for myself, not for anyone else. When I feel good in what I’m wearing I feel good in other areas of life too. And that is exactly what we need right now. So I’m talking lockdown lounge wear. It’s tempting to reach for the same old leggings and tatty jumper you’ve had forever, (no judgement here!) but you might be surprised at how changing it up a little can improve your mood.
Comfort and cosiness is key. Think colour! Pattern! Textures! Bright colours are scientifically proven to boost our mood. Be inspired by the colours we see all around us in nature at this beautiful time of year. Burnt orange, ochres, deep greens, mixed with soothing shades of grey.
Mix it up with pieces you already have, like that classic cable knit jumper with your trusty joggers or that soft
cashmere jumper with faux leather leggings for something a little bit unexpected and luxe. Ribbed knitwear is a big trend right now, it’s super flattering on all figures and available at a variety of price points. Treat yourself to a co-ordinated set for an easy look that will feel put together even if you have to pop out for groceries! And can we talk about plaid jackets?! Once relegated solely to wood choppers, they have had a major style overhaul and are now the only thing to be seen in for the fashion set. Personally I’m a big fan of the longer length versions, perfect for the incoming Autumn chill, but there are plenty of options out there. And locally we have a host of boutiques and
fashion stores offering a variety of styles of cosy lounge wear as well as dressier options as the festive season approaches. Now more than ever these businesses need our support so once their doors reopen don’t forget to check them out and show them some love! Shelly xx (Contributer)
Autumn is about falling leaves, shortening days, slightly chillier nights and warm evening fires. Just as we dress seasonally, we tend to eat and drink seasonally and at this time of year we revert back to our comfort foods of game, roasts and stews. The summer is a little hot for the big, juicy, spicy style reds and
Autumn allows us to ease back gently into these wine styles, but it’s still a wee bit early to take on board the heavy brooding dark reds of oaked Shiraz and Grenache. In Autumn medium bodied wines with aromas of wood, tobacco and pepper are the perfect follow on from bright and fruity summer reds
and a perfect introduction to the heavier styles suited to cold November and December evenings. This is the perfect time of year to try a Montelpulciano d’Abruzzo from the central slopes of Italy. These wines are full of rustic charm and stewed fruit, great with grilled meat and roast chicken. continued.....
Another Autumnal favourite is Maty’s, a blend of Cabernet/Merlot from the Western Cape in South Africa. It’s a medium bodied wine with soft tannins and spicy undertones, ideal with rich stews and roasts.
And finally, a red wine partnered with November is wine from the Piedmonte region in Italy. The world renowned truffle region celebrates October with a bang. Try a Barbara d’Alba or d’Asti to match your rich mushroom infused dishes or if you’re lucky enough your fresh white truffle. While Spring and Summer whites are fresh, zesty and zingy, Autumn whites take on a more serious note of oak and complexity.
An oaked Chardonnay from the Languedoc in France or the Piedmonte region in Italy is a perfect Autumnal wine with vanilla aromas, golden hue and rich fruit.
While Spring and Summer whites are fresh, zesty and zingy, Autumn whites take on a more serious note of oak and complexity. An oaked Chardonnay from the Languedoc in France or the Piedmonte region in Italy is a perfect Autumnal wine with vanilla aromas, golden hue and rich fruit. Gabi - Contributer
And finally, a red wine partnered with November is wine from the Piedmonte region in Italy. The world renowned truffle region celebrates October with a bang. Try a Barbara d’Alba or d’Asti to match your rich mushroom infused dishes or if you’re lucky enough your fresh white truffle.
Open EVERY SUNDAY & LATE EVENINGS Monday - Wednesday Thursday - Friday Saturday - 9am to 6pm
9am to 7pm 9am to 8pm
Sunday - 10am to 6pm
Walk-in DERMALOGICA Beauty Salon in store That’s right………...no appointment needed!!
CHIROPODIST available by appointment Call us today on 057 8632200
Your Health, Your Beauty, Our Passion
O’Farrell Opticians has been open since October 2009 with the aim of providing thorough, professional eye exams in a relaxed, friendly environment. We also pride ourselves in always trying to provide and maintain excellent service to both patients and nonpatients alike. The owner Sean O’Farrell is a native of Portlaoise and is currently living in the town. He attended St. Paul’s primary school and Patrician College, Ballyfin. He graduated from D.I.T, Kevin St in 1998 and so brings 20 years of experience with him.
Part of the philosophy at O’Farrell’s is individual, personal patient care. Each person who books an appointment is guaranteed at least half an hour with the optician. In this time the eye exam can be done and advice on lens type and/or frame selection can be given. As Sean is the sole owner of the practice, anyone returning will be seen by him each time, thereby guaranteeing continuity of care. O’Farrell Opticians happily accepts medical cards.
#NEWNORMAL From the Young to The ‘Silver Surfer’, Since the COVID-19 pandemic many of us have had to learn new technology in order to keep our Business lives going. What may have been seen as a Big Business tool before is now an everyday event for many.
face and makes it simple to schedule and conduct meetings via video conferencing. Some of the most popular and useful features include the ability to share your screen (desktop screen, web browser, Powerpoint, etc.), and the ability to record meetings/lectures.
Events across the world have gone online. The virtual meeting is the new normal for many. Many of us wish we had put some money into shares of the ‘Zoom’ app! Platforms such as Skype, Zoom and Facebook Videos have become the way forward with Zoom heading the game it would seem.
For you to maintain the best safety and security protocols, always make sure to check for software updates and install the most current updates.
‘Zoom’ The video conference and chat app boasts an easy to use inter-
Available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, Zoom has become an essential part of our remote business workflow
#KEEPING IT CLEAN
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