December 2020
no.8
TĂş The 'No Frills' Women's Magazine
Women in Business | Wellness | Food & Drink | Fashion | Creative | Education | Technology | Culture | Home & Garden
Editor's Note
Christmas Time EDITOR
ELKE
O'MAHONY
`How are you? How have you been coping with this lockdown? I think the second lockdown has been harder on many people. I definitely felt the strain this time around, The change in weather, the long period not meeting friends and family all contributed to the feel of being uprooted. Trying to stay positive can be tough as Jacqui writes in her new column 'Jacqui's World' on page 7. Our team kept busy with Bethan starting a parenting group on Facebook where she regularly invites people to a live session while sipping a cup of tea. Pat is adapting her business all the time and has now added handmade warm water bottle covers to her sortiment - and they are flying off the shelf. The Wilder Gardener is becoming famous being asked to talk about her adventures and Elaine has published her Eco Friendly Gift Guide on her website (page 8). Our thoughts are with our fashion diva Imelda who has lost her beautiful mum Rose recently. Thankfully, she has brothers and the family was able to support each other. I have been busy making gifts for friends and family and now getting the Christmas decorations from the attic to officially start the festive season in our home. Let's hope that December is a month filled with love and care and not frantic shopping sprees but that we are using the time to connect with loved ones again and go out and mingle in safe 2m distance.
Merry Christmas from me and the team xxx 02
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EDITORIAL
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NOVEMBER
2020
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TABLE
OF
CONTENT
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DECEMBER
02
Editor's Note
04
The Team
05
Wellness
07
Jacqui's World
08
Sustainability
09
This Christmas
10
Food & Drink
14
Creative
18
Shop
19
Fashion
20
Home
21
The Wilder Gardener
23
Tú Time
24
The Last Page
2020
The Tú Team Bethan is the Counsellor & Psychotherapist at the Blarney Wellness Centre and has over 15 years experience working closely with people to make and sustain changes in their lives. Bethan also facilitates Understanding Children Courses and offers Parenting Support - a safe place to work through how best to support children, their emotions and behaviours. http://blarneywellnesscentre.ie/
Elke is a food writer, event manager, business consultant for the food & tourism industry, recipe developer and trainer for Social Media for Business, Time Managment, Microsoft Office, PR & Marketing amongst others. She has worked with corporates as well as artisan producers and start up companies. When she doesn't write or talk about food she can be seen in her attic craft room creating gifts for friends. www.biasasta.ie
Elke O'Mahony, Editor, Food & Drink, Creative
Bethan O'Riordan Wellness & Wellbeing
Judy Wilkins is the General Manager of the award-winning Rising Sons Brewery. She has over 30 years experience in the hospitality industry and has a particular interest in beer - from its history to its production. Judy has hosted many successful food & beer pairing events. Her motto: If you dont like beer, you just haven't found the right one yet. www.risingsonsbrewery.com
Judy Wilkins Beer Expert
Hi, I’m Jacqui. I’m originally from Wexford and living in Cork for the past six years. The move from my home county to the rebel county was exciting, stressful, expensive but very much worth it. I turned my hand to upcycling to ease stress initially, then discovered it is a very economical and fun way to really make your home your own. I am now an avid upcycler and would love to share my experiences with you.
Jacqui Murphy Upcycling Expert, Creative
Imelda loves fashion but doesn't follow trends, creating her own unique style. She is known to be always dressed for the occasion as her credit card bill can attest to. In her fashion column she shares her style with, creating outfits for today's women from leisure to gala as well as wardrobe staples to create your unique look.
Imelda Barrett aka Mel B Fashionista
Pat Murphy Wellness & Wellbeing Elaine Butler from Living Lightly in Ireland is a writer, speaker and researcher on all matters sustainable. She's been tracking her family's efforts to live more sustainably on her blog and social media channels for over 4 years now. In order to maintain objectivity she doesn't do sponsored posts and is funded by readers of the blog. As well as being a mum and a wife she's a designer, and is currently studying for a Masters in Product Design for the Circular Economy in NCAD, which is being funded by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
Elaine Butler Sustainability & Environment
Pat is a clinical reflexologist, yoga & meditation teacher at Blarney Wellness Centre. She has over 22 years experience working with all ages from babies to the elderly, utilizing proven therapies and techniques to help with anything from stress to sleep issues, fertility, pregnancy and so much more. She’s passionate about the power of the mind/body connection and our ability to heal ourselves. http://blarneywellnesscentre.ie/
The Wilder Gardener is a great addition to the Tú team, taking us on a journey through her ‘Learner’ garden and sharing her adventures with us. Calling herself ‘a total novice, chancing her arm’, her writing will nevertheless have you in stitches, while you still learn a thing or two along the way- just as our wilder gardener does. You can expect creative solutions, beautiful imagery and the trials and tribulations of her family who regularly get roped into the latest wild ideas… follow her adventures also on Facebook under @thewildergardener
DM aka The Wilder Gardener Photo Credit: Crena Garden Adventures
THE SLEEP FACTOR
Wellness
by Bethan O'Riordan
Parent Connections
"I TRAVEL NOT TO GO ANYWHERE, BUT TO GO. I TRAVEL FOR TRAVEL’S SAKE"
When this goes to print, I am unsure where things with be with restrictions. But what I do know is that parent connections are getting smaller. Parent and toddler groups, breastfeeding groups, chats after school drops off, hanging about catching up at the after-school activities- the opportunities to be together and hang out aren’t there in the same way anymore. And as we enter winter, we will have to keep a sleeping bag in the boot in case we meet someone for an outdoor coffee. I met a friend a few weeks ago and we sat on a wall, after an hour of chatting my bum was freezing cold and numb. Took the edge off to say the least!
Robert Louis Stevenson
I have been thinking for a while if there is anything I can do about this and bring people together, so I have created the Facebook Group ‘Calm and Confident Parenting’. No-one needs anyone to tell them how to parent or what to do, so this isn’t a place of that. And it also won’t be ‘therapying’ anyone. Instead, it’s a place where parents can come together. All parents share the same experiences – anxiety, guilt, exhaustion – so the group will support that. We will have weekly tea break chats (take a break!) where I will talk about a parenting topic or hold an interview with other parents and professionals sharing their wisdom. I’ll share my clinical, therapeutic and personal parenting experiences and parents help and support each other on their journey towards reaching our parenting best. We are better together and this group lets people be just that, together. https://www.facebook.com/groups/calmparent
Bethan is offering counselling & psychotherapy for adults and adolescents in a private practice in Blarney. Early morning and late evening appointments available. Bethan has over 15 years experience in the field and is fully qualified.
I love those connections that make this big old world feel like a little village 05|
WELLNESS
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DECEMBER
2020
GINA BELLMAN
Take care of You
by Pat Murphy.
“A room without books is like a body without a soul” Cicero As we approach the end of one of the most challenging years in living memory, our thoughts turn to Christmas and the wonderful art of gift giving and indeed receiving and in my view nothing can eclipse the joy of unwrapping a beautiful book, with its promise of mysteries revealed or ability to evoke memories of Christmas’ past or perhaps it may contain answers to all our problems. The possibilities are endless. My first ever grown up job was in an independent bookshop and oh the joy of opening deliveries, the scent of new books and the sound of the pages as I turned each one to see what happened next. And I’ll never forget the frisson of excitement as I created each window display, in fact, I won a prize for one such window. Our library is vastly eclectic and oftentimes eccentric and I’m deeply proud that our children adore reading too. Pictured is just the tip of the paper iceberg and what you don’t see are the tomes on my beloved holistic therapies and yoga, crochet and knitting books, music, every type of cookbook written since writing was invented, bios autobiographies, silly joke books, encyclopedias and so many more. My favourite books are the ones that I read over and over again and top of that pile are the following: McCarthy’s Bar by Pete McCarthy. Pete was a stand up comedian and travel writer who’s heritage was confusing to him because his parents were Irish and English. His side splittingly humorous take on Irish and English life was inspiring. I’ve read this again and again and it still make me laugh out loud. Rick Stein’s India. I love both Rick Stein and Indian cooking in equal measure. Billy Connelly’s Tall Tales. No need for words.
Pat Murphy is a clinical Reflexologist at Blarney Wellness Centre 06|
WELLNESS
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DECEMBER
2020
Becoming by Michelle Obama. Her life story is awe inspiring. Chocolat and Blackberry Wine by Joanne Harris. Joanne’s writing is beautifully evocative of love and loss and her French roots shine through. Cornflakes for Dinner by Aiden Comerford. Aiden is a stand up comic, author and all round hilarious writer. This is his story of his children’s autism diagnosis, his wife’s depression and trust me, his uplifting approach is hilarious. And finally, I’m in the process of reading this beautiful collection of real people’s stories. A Page from my life. A portion of proceeds will go to LauraLynn children’s hospice. You’ll cry, laugh, feel outrage and so much more. Happy Christmas The foot whisperer ❤
Pat
Jacqui's World That’ll clip yer wings I’m not going to lie, Tú readers, November has been a tough one. While the first lockdown was lengthy, there was a goal, an end in sight, a clear path. This second round, confusion about levels officials disagreeing, trying to figure out facial expressions, mood and what has just been uttered from under a mask is taking its toll. I feel exhausted. Picking up a delightful piece of furniture or smaller item such as a spice rack and then very satisfactorily dickying it up has ground to a rude halt. I’ve had a couple of delights this month; one was purchasing a new Dyson hoover, a seriously meditative piece of kit. I’ve never possessed a “good” hoover so it's lots of fun. The second, was traveling over Ferrycarrig bridge in Wexford just coming up to winter sunset time. It took my breath away, I stopped the car to admire it for quite a while, the grace and beauty of nature in this scene I saw every day when living there. I felt like it was the very first time this scene had unfolded before me and realised just how institutionalised I had become in a short space of time. When I was younger, the elders had an expression, “That’ll clip yer wings”. It was a term usually aimed at an individual as they were about to embark on an adult change in their lives such as getting a permanent job, marriage or children. It was not meant as an encouraging statement more of a now…..that's your lot type of a statement. I have always had a strong dislike for this statement and can’t say I ever felt bound by any of my adult choices but this November I feel that yes my wings were well and truly clipped. I miss Wexford, I was down to visit my mother because she had spent a few days in hospital and at 84, I needed to go down see she was ok and spend time with her in case she needed to go in again.
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WELLNESS
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DECEMBER
2020
I miss the sea. I miss the hills I miss sitting in a cafe watching the world go by I miss my life long friends, my connections to my past, my partners in crime for everything Zoom and Messenger are not the same. I know that this too shall pass but right now I feel it's important to accept how I feel and come up with a dazzling upcycling project to reattach my wings to the aching space that has been left by their absence . I feel that there will be a lot of sparkle involved. Here is a picture of my beloved Ferrycarrig . Look after yourselves.
Jacqui
by Elaine Butler
Eco Friendly Festivities
Ironically Christmas is the most damaging time of the year environmentally, what with all the additional journeys taken (less than usual this year maybe!), food wasted and extra consumption. How is it that one of the most joyous times of the year has become such a huge threat to the existence of humans on this planet? It certainly wasn't like that in the past and it doesn't have be like that now, here's how to have a guilt-free Christmas. Gifts After years of finding 'thoughtful' presents at the back of recipients' wardrobes and cupboards I called a halt to gift giving. Now I only give gifts to my kids and godchildren. It's the best sustainable decision I have ever made. I've tonnes more time and money and because my relatives and friends don't have to buy me gifts they're the same. It's a win, win. If that's all a bit too bah humbug for you, that's fine. We're all different. If you'd like to still buy gifts but want to avoid trashing the planet while you do it then here are a few suggestions Buy experiences over stuff Buy second-hand over new Buy consumables you'll know they'll use, like soaps, food or alcohol Buy organic / fairtrade / compostable items from an ethical preferably Irish company Give vouchers (digital or paper ones please) Donate to charity instead of buying gifts. Cards Less and less of us are buying and sending Christmas cards, preferring instead to donate the money to charity, but if you like to send cards just make sure they're printed on sustainably sourced (FSC certified) paper and free of glitter and foil, which are just forms of plastic that contaminate our waterways and us! Wrapping Paper The same is true of wrapping paper. If you're buying wrapping paper aim for 100% paper and if possible wrap using paper tape instead of sellotape, to make the wrapping completely plastic free and fully recyclable. Some people like to buy fabric bags or cloths to wrap presents in, which are only sustainable if you know they'll be reused. A cheaper and more accessible option are paper gift bags; they're inexpensive, reusable and, depending on embellishments and coatings, fully recyclable at the end of their life.
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WELLNESS
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DECEMBER
2020
Food The food waste at Christmas time in the over-developed world is criminal and yet so easy to avoid. In our house the only extra food we buy for Christmas is for dinner on the day and St Stephen's Day and that typically amounts to ingredients for a fancy dessert, a turkey, a ham and vegetables. That's it. It saves us a fortune, and we don't have to go on a crash diet in January. Winner, winner, turkey and ham dinner! Organic and/ or locally grown is far better for the planet and for you if you can afford it. Even if your budget only stretches to a few locally-grown and/or organic items it's still worth making the switch. Drinks For something with less air-miles, how about Irish wine? Wicklow Way Wines have a range of tipples made in Wicklow from Irish berries! Or a Merlot made in Lusk by Lusca. If you can't get your hands on an Irish wine opt for organic or natural wine, which is now readily available and not expensive at all. To cut down on packaging how about getting a few reusable growlers from your local pub, or a returnable keg from a local brewery. Christmas Crackers Traditional Christmas crackers are single-use and full of crap that most of us never use. You could just give them up completely, or make your own crackers using leftover wrapping paper and ribbon, or buy a set of reusable Christmas crackers to fill with your own choice of treats. Have a wonderful yuletide! Elaine
Check out Elaine's Sustainable Gift Guide https://livinglightlyinireland.com/2020/11/06/sustaina ble-christmas-gift-guide-2020/ Elaine Butler publishes the sustainable living guide Living Lightly in Ireland. This website has all the information you need to live more sustainably in Ireland; from where to shop, to what to cook. In order to maintain objectivity she doesn't do sponsored posts and the website is funded by readers. As well as being a mum and a wife she's a designer, and is currently studying for a Masters in Product Design for the Circular Economy in NCAD, which is being funded by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. For more information please go to www.livinglightlyinireland. com for tips & resources
This Christmas Never has it been more important to support your local shops and businesses. Show the big global companies that we prefer the small family run shops.
by Elaine Butler
Eco Friendly Festivities
Check out Elaine's Eco Friendly Gift Guide on her website: https://livinglightlyinireland.com/2020/11/06 /sustainable-christmas-gift-guide-2020/ for some great ideas on how to keep the carbon footprint low this year.
Our very own gift guide got something for everyone - Irish-made with a focus on Cork based businesses. Most of the featured businesses offer online shopping or mail order service. The guide can be found on www.biasasta.ie
Christmas is also the time to think of others in less fortunate situations. Pieta House, Dogs for the Disabled, St Vincent de Paul and S.H.A.R.E are all local charities that get no to little State funding and could use a helping hand. Details on the charities are in our gift guide (see above) ‘Cribs for Cribs’ is a 5- week Christmas challenge to raise funds for the PMV Trust for Homelessness in Ireland. The public is asked to post a photo of a crib, donate €2 here www.justgiving.com/fundraising/cribsforcribs and challenge/tag their friends to GET CRIBBING! Check out www.facebook.com/cribsforcribs for more details!
Cribs for Cribs 2020
Food & Drink Food News
Products we love
At time of print, restaurants are due to open again in December but new restrictions are expected to return in January.
Sheridan's Cheese Club This Christmas, why not gift a membership to Sheridan's Cheese Club - the gift that keeps giving. Memberships start from €45
Rye River Brewery, makers of McGargles Craft Beer have just released the limited edition of Bourbon Barrel Squad. In Cork it is available from Bradley's in North Main Street
www.sheridanscheesemongers.com
Bertha's Sloe Gin Justin Greene and his team have done it again - created an outstanding gin with this Sloe Gin version. We believe that Christmas is not complete with a little tipple of sloe gin
Hotels have special offers nationwide to attract domestic visitors Tullamore Dew Hosting Virtual Snug Parties in lieu of office parties.
Available from selected retailers
Oliver Dunne Restaurants are launching the Urru's Hampers are back #YouDineWeDonate campaign in support of Hampers are great gifts, it gives the Aware. For every dinner opportunity to try out products you booking made this might not yet know. But make sure it's December, the group will be a proper one with Urru's famous Irish donating €5 per reservation Food Hampers. Located in Bandon, across all seven venues to Ruth and her team know a thing or two about Irish food. Aware. www.urru.ie
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FOOD
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DRINK
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DECCEMBER
2020
Festive Delights We are skipping the turkey (you know how to cook the big bird) and bringing you some festive delights, perfect for entertaining (if we can) or simply to treat yourself. Everything is easy (more or less) and utterly tasty
Mushroom Mini Tarts 450g Shortcrust pastry 500g mushrooms, cleaned & chopped small onion, finely chopped 2 cloves of garlic 1tbsp butter 1 tbsp olive oil 2tsp Dijon mustard 150ml cream 1 egg 1tbsp fresh chives, chopped Preheat the oven to 160°C. Roll out the pastry and using a fluted pastry cutter, cut circles of 6cm Ø and place them in a mini 24 hole muffin tin. In a frying pan, heat the butter & olive oil. Add the onion and garlic and sauté over a low/medium heat until the onions are translucent and the garlic is cooked. Add the mushrooms and increase the heat to medium/high. Sauté until the mushrooms are starting to slightly caramelize. In a jug, whisk together the cream, mustard, egg and chives as well as seasoning. Divide the mushrooms into the pastry cases and spoon the cream mixture over each. Bake for 10-15mins or until the cream mixture has set.
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FOOD
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DRINK
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DECEMBER
2020
Savoury Scones A tasty take on the traditional scone, adding Parmesan cheese to the dough 160g self-raising flour 30g cold butter pinch of salt 80g Parmesan cheese, grated 120g sour cream 60ml milk 300g soft goats cheese 2tbsp fresh chive, finely chopped seasoning to taste
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Sift the flour into a bowl with a pinch of salt and rub the butter in. Add the Parmesan cheese and mix well. Stir in the sour cream and enough milk to form a smooth dough. On a floured surface, roll the dough out to 1cm thickness and cut into 3-4cm rounds. Place on a baking tray, lined with baking paper, and bake for about 10-12 mins or until the scones are lightly browned. Mix the goats cheese with the chives, and fill a piping bag fitted with a medium star nozzle. When the scones are cold, cut horizontal and just before serving, pipe the goats cheese onto half of the scones. Top with the lid and serve
Festive Delights Roasted Grapes Canapés Roasting grapes with balsamic vinegar brings out the sweetness of the grapes which works so well with goats cheese. A perfect canapé that will impress your guests
1 punnet of red grapes 1 tbsp olive oil 2 tsp fresh thyme pinch of salt 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 200g goats cheese, soft baguette, cut into slices Highbank Orchard Syrup Preheat the oven to 160°C. In a bowl, combine the grapes, olive oil, thyme and salt and mix well so that the grapes are well covered in the oil mix. Spread out in a single layer on a baking tray and roast in the oven for 30mins. every 8-10 mins, stir the grapes around to prevent them from sticking. After 30 mins check if the grapes have softened you don't want them to shrink away, just to become plumb, juicy and soft. Spread or pipe the goats cheese on the baguette slices, top with a few grapes and drizzle the Highbank Orchard over the grapes, sprinkle some fresh thyme over it and serve.
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FOOD
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DRINK
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NOVEMBER
2020
Baked Brie Is there anything more indulgent than a baked brie topped with caramelized nuts and a drizzle of orchard syrup? We don't think so
1 round brie (make it Irish) 40g of walnut halves 50g soft brown sugar 50g butter Highbank Orchard Syrup Pre-heat the oven to 160°. Unwrap your brie and place it back in its wooden box (if the brie didn't come in a box, use an ovenproof dish that is not much bigger than the cheese). Using a sharp knife, slash the cheese a few times. Bake the brie for 15mins - until warmed through and starting to melt (increase cooking time if you prefer the cheese more gooey). While the brie is baking, melt the butter in a saucepan, add the sugar and nuts and stir well to coat the nuts with the butter-sugar mix. Keep stirring until the sugar has melted and starts to caramelize. Keep your eyes on it as the sugar can burn quickly. Keep stirring until the mix turns a golden brown colour. Take off the heat. Remove the cheese from the oven and while still warm, top with the nut mix and drizzle the syrup over the cheese. Serve immediately with crusty bread or crackers.
COCKTAIL BAR RECI PES, TEXT, PHOTOS BY BI A SASTA Homemade Eggnog So much better than the commercial version but we don't recommend pregnant women or children to consume it as it contains raw eggs 6 large eggs (free-range) 200g caster sugar 400ml whole milk 500ml double cream 1tsp vanilla extract freshly grated nutmeg to taste 200ml rum In a large bow, beat the eggs until frothy, add the sugar and keep whisking, adding the vanilla and nutmeg. Whisk in the cream and milk, then add the rum in a steady trickle, whisking all the time until well combined and the sugar has dissolved. Store in a fridge to chill. Serve in small liquor glasses and grate a bit of nutmeg over for garnish.
White Mulled Wine A lighter take on the traditional mulled wine, made with red wine. We used a Sauvignon Blanc 1 Bottle White Wine (not sweet) 3 cinnamon sticks 5 cardamom pods, slightly crushed 1 star anise 5 whole allspice 200ml apple juice 1/2 apple, sliced 1 orange, sliced Honey to taste if sweetness is required In a saucepan, mix all ingredients together and heat slowly over a medium heat, you want the aromas to come out about 10 - 15mins - you don't want the mix to boil. Add the apple and orange slices and leave on a low heat for a further 5 mins. Take off the heat, taste and add honey if needed. Leave to infuse. Before serving heat again (no boiling).
Christmas Bunting Create your own Christmas decorations with our simple yet stunning ideas.
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You need: cotton fabric in different colours/motives, bias binding, thread & needle (or a sewing machine) and little bells (optional, we just love the look of it)
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Cut triangles from the fabric in the size you like your bunting to be. We had 3in on top and 5in long triangles. We wanted our bunting to have 20 pieces so had to cut 40 triangles
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We added the 1/4in seem allowance to the triangles. Placing two triangles right side facing and sewed the long sides together. Turning the triangles inside out and press with an iron. Arrange the triangles in the order you want the bunting to be and using the bias binding, sew the triangles to the binding, leaving gaps (if you have enough lengths of binding, your gaps can be longer)
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Make sure to leave space on the binding on either end to be able to tie the bunting. Add the little bells to the bottom of the triangles with a few stitches.
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Hang the bunting along a staircase or across a window to add some festive cheer.
check out https://make-ire.com/ for more tutorials 14|
CREATIVE
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DECEMBER
2020
Festive Masks I have these masks in my tree and it looks awesome. You can get these masks in most craft shops. These were bought in Mr Price last year for â‚Ź1. You need: Papermache Masks, metallic gold paint, pva glue, glittle, gems
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Paint your masks with the metallic paint (I used gold as it fits my tree but feel free to use any colour). I recommend using metallic paint rather than matt.
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Give the masks a second coat to ensure good coverage. Leave to dry
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Decide on the design and start applying glue in a thin layer where you like your glitter to stick. Sprinkle glitter over the glue, shake off excess into a bowl and leave the glue to dry.
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Repeat with the different colours of sprinkles, leaving the glue to dry each time. Attach gems.
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These masks are great fun to make and ideal to make with your kids at home. One word of warming - glitter and kids can be dangerous for a clean room
check out https://make-ire.com/ for more tutorials 15|
CREATIVE
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DECEMBER
2020
Christmas Cards Send handmade cards this year to friends and family. It's easier than you might think and could be done with kids. Why not start a new tradition? You need: Blank cards (we used square 5in x 5in, decorative paper/card, ribbon, Christmas stamp, ink pad, glue, adhesive pads
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Cut the decorative paper about 1/2 in smaller than the front of the blank card. Glue it centered on the blank card.
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Cut a piece of cardstock to a small square, slightly bigger than the stamp you are using. Stamp the image/saying. If you don't have a Christmas stamp, you can use stickers.
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Cut the ribbon to size, you want to fold it over and still be long enough to stick out on the top and bottom and glue into place on the card.
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Using the adhesive pads, attach the small square on top of the card. Write a personal note in the card.
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Change the colours, ribbons etc to create a series of cards. We bought cards and paper in Vibes & Scribes Craft Shop in Cork City
check out https://make-ire.com/ for more tutorials 16|
CREATIVE
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DECEMBER
2020
Recycled Tags Keep this year's cards you receive and create gift tags and bookmarks for next year. You do something for the environment and create unique tags in the process
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You need: Christmas cards, scissors, ribbon, hole punch, ruler, craft knife
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Take the front of your card and decide what part of the card you want your tag to be. Using a ruler and craft knife, cut the tag to size. If working with children, use a scissors instead
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Punch a hole in the centre of the top of the tag. Cut the corners to create the tag shape.
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Decide on the length of your ribbon and cut to size. Attach through the hole to the tag.
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Cutting thinner stripes can be used as a bookmark - you might get a tag and a bookmark from one card.
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Using a corner punch, round the corners of the bookmark (if you don't have a corner punch, use a scissors to round the corners. and attach the ribbon.
check out https://make-ire.com/ for more tutorials 17|
CREATIVE
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DECEMBER
2020
TĂş Shop Pat Murphy of Blarney Wellness Centre is offering foot reflexology in her practice in Blarney. Pat is a certified practitioner with many years of experience. Please call 087-9721149 for details and to book an appointment.
During lockdown, the Rising Sons Brewery offered home 5l kegs of their award winning beers. Although open again, kegs can still be ordered from the brewery. Orders need to be placed by midnight Tuesdays for pick up on Fridays. Please email you order to risingsonscork@gmail.com.
Handmade masks are available from Blarney Artsy Craftsy. Each mask is made by hand from 100% cotton with space for filters and elastic for easy wear. Masks can be posted or delivered within the Blarney area (time permitting). Please call 087-9721149 or follow Blarney Artsy Craftsy on Facebook.
Coming Soon Bia Sasta will be opening an online shop shortly with handmade items like these recipe collecting journals & planners. Email Elke at elke@biasasta.ie to be added to the mailing list to be one of the first to know about the shop going live or check www.biasasta.ie 18|
SHOP
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DECEMBER
2020
Customised Mandalas can be ordered from our creative team member, Jacqui Murphy. Mandalas represent wholeness and are said to focus the mind. The famous psychologist Carl Jung has used mandalas in his therapies, believing that it can balance the psyche. In other terms, it can look fantastic on your wall. Please contact Jacqui on
Fashion with Mel B FAISEAN FÉILE. HO HO HO Cailini, I cannot believe we are already in
Mixing and matching the different looks is
December and like every other year and occasion I
always a challenge but at this time of year so
love planning my wardrobe.
many of the choices I am illustrating in this
This year it may be more dressing up to stay indoors
article work as it makes it so easy to look and
but as I always advocate making the effort for what-
feel AMAZING. So, ladies have a wonderful
ever the occasion is crucial in my style world. As a
Christmas and looking forward to the many
big fan of the so funny "Fr Ted" show my T-shirt look
more months of fashion in 2021.
of Fr Jack is a definite for me for the comfy, lounging days of the festive season and I think the logo says it
Nollaigh Shona Dhuit.
all for the year that is in it. But I really love Christmas and it gives us ladies the license to party, relax, exercise, shop and of course for all of these reasons we need to be dressed in the right outfit. Glitz, sequins glamour, fur, sparkle and colours of silver, red, gold, black and teal all resonate with me at this time of year as the weather, traditionalism, comfort and a magical time allows me to put all these great outfits together.
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FASHION
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DECEMBER
2020
Mel B
Home & Garden AT HOME AT CHRISTMAS by Elke O'Mahony
The most wonderful time of the year is here.... Christmas is the time we are decorating our homes and turn down the lights to create a comfortable and festive atmosphere in our houses. Furniture is moved around to make room for the tree, fairy lights are being de-tangled and precious baubles are carefully removed from their boxes. Some people are colour matching the decorations while others are using decorations made by their kids over the years, creating a wonderfully coloured Christmas rainbow on trees in our living rooms. It seems that we forget about the other rooms in our homes - kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms can be transformed for the festive season.
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HOME
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DECEMBER
Mini Christmas Wreaths on kitchen cupboards, baubles hanging in the windows and evergreen garlands around door frames add warmth to rooms we normally ignore. Christmas is all about the atmosphere achieved by low lights, candles and fluffy blankets on sofas. Decorations don't have to be expensive as old baubles get a new life with some gold metallic paint, collect some evergreen from woodlands (careful not to damage the plant) and picking up some pine cones which can also be painted if required. Leave your children run wild with these free decorations - making memories in the process that you can look at back in years to come.
2020
However you are decorating your home or celebrating Christmas this year, make it special. You deserve it.
The TheWilder WilderGardener Gardener
Garden ramblings from a mostly bewildered ‘L’ gardener with no gardening qualifications whatsoever… Text & Photos by @the_wildergarden
In my garden this month I got roped into filming for Cork Environmental Forum’s campaign to promote biodiversity awareness in garden spaces, be they large, small or balcony style. It was decided that our slot would fall under ‘Heritage Gardens’. I was to be ready for the following week and would my other half (aka ‘The Saint’) also get involved? I said “No bother…” So, I started to get ready. I booked a hair appointment and was considering a few beauty treatments…and maybe those nail jobs. ‘The Saint’ looked on calmly and sez “I don’t think that’s what they meant when they said to be ready…”. “What do you mean?” I asked, totally bewildered! “I think they might mean getting ready to talk about the garden…” I stared at him in horror! I assumed they would be doing the talking!!! “Sure, I know almost nothing about gardening… what am I supposed to talk about?” He went back to his laptop with a smirk on his face. “You’re talking too!” I told him… that wiped the smile off his face… I rang my friend to tell her I no longer required her ‘Hunter’ wellies or her hairdressing skills as I was downgrading and had to look like a gardener… So, the day arrived- and we survived! It was great fun and hopefully the camera didn’t pick up on my confusion when asked about the tits in my garden. Took a split second to realise they weren’t referring to ‘The Saint’ and myself…looking forward to the final cut.
What I Planted this Month
Tulips & daffodils are among my favourite flowers so when my spring bulbs arrived, I was literally like the proverbial pig in shhhh… I think ‘we’ planted over 1000 spring bulbs including crocuses, hyacinths and allium & I can tell you I was exhausted standing there with my glass of red, watching ‘The Saint’ to make sure they all went into the right spots Shout out to
Photos by @donaghgarden Disclaimer Everything I know about gardening would fit into a pot plant the small tiny plastic ones you’d use for seedlings…how-ever, the amount of pleasure I get from chancing my arm in the garden is immeasurable. It will make this second #Covid19 lockdown more bearable for sure!
My sister in law who gives me so much help & advice in the garden. Her latest offering was her hand- me- down Darjeeling Reds which sounded more like a type of posh tea…not that I’d know anything about those. She arrived with a barrow full, having cut back her own and literally flung them into the holes she dug in front of the row of canna lilies. The nurse in me casually remarked that they’d be lucky to survive the trauma of her rough treatment. She looked at me standing there watching her dig & retorted that they survive any trauma & that’s why she gave them to me… Garden Quote of the Month:
“Sometimes, less is more…” The garden has given up on the Summer bloom and is stripped back to the basics. It is like seeing someone without makeup- and I like it. The evergreens are telling us, “We have your back” - pretty much like our good friends. And the pleasure of seeing one unexpected blossom where before there was profusion…well, it’s perfect!
The TheWilder WilderGardener Gardener
Garden ramblings from a mostly bewildered ‘L’ gardener with no gardening qualifications whatsoever… Text & Photos by @the_wildergarden
Things I learned more about this month:
1. Don’t mess with your sister in law… 2. To get a woodland effect, scatter your daffodil & tulip bulbs as if you’re throwing away money, or feeding the birds…and plant them where they land. (Thanks to @Windy Acre Designs for that tip.) 3. Instagram tip: Take the last of your hydrangea blooms and place the stems in a container of water and as the water dries out, your flowers do too-& are great for Christmas wreaths or dried flower arrangements. 4. No such thing as social distancing in the garden! The blossoms were stuck right up next to each other like there was no pandemic- and the Fatsia Japonica was even mimicking the Corona virus…had to walk away in disgust. Gardening tip
Indoor plants in unusual containers not only add intrigue to the home but they also add a sense of fun and individuality. While there are some simple beautiful and traditional ways to place container plants outdoors, it’s always fun to get creative by using unusual containers which are often more affordable than pots and more interesting! A large galvanised bin can even become home to a large tree!”
Photos by @donaghgarden
Garden Visit
This month’s virtual visit is to the amazing garden of Instagram’s @donaghgarden- just look at those photos! Paula has kindly given us this tip - “A Dutch friend recently introduced me to the joys of container gardening both indoors and outdoors and now I’m addicted. Container gardening not only refers to plant pots but any receptacle with drainage holes drilled in the base- from pots, buckets, bins, barrels, tins and tea caddies to the more adventurous brass coal buckets and glass ice buckets. To Follow I get some great gardening tips by following certain pages or accounts on social media. 1. Instagram: @donaghgarden- see above. 2. Instagram: @the_wildergarden /Facebook: @thewildergardener - my own humble accounts. Wink Wink… 3. Facebook: @cribsforcribs - nothing to do with gardens but everything to do with raising funds for homelessness by just sharing a photo of your Christmas crib and donating €2 to provide homes (cribs) for others. See page 09 for more details.
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TÚ TIME WHAT HAVE WE BEEN UP TO
ELAINE
Tune in to Dublin City FM (online) on Saturday, 5th December at 9pm when Elaine is joining The Green Room on becoming sustainable. Check out her online gift guide: www.livinglightlyinireland.com/2020/11 /06/sustainable-christmas-gift-guide2020/
MEL B
Our thoughts are with Imelda who has lost her beautiful mum Rose last month. Rose gave Imelda her love for fashion
DM
The ‘Cribs for Cribs’ Challenge to fight homelessness runs from 1st Dec – 6th Jan. Post a photo of your crib & help us to raise funds! Check www.facebook. com/cribsforcribs for details.
ELKE These days you can find Elke in her craftroom creating gifts for friends
JUDY
Judy is ready to welcome guests back to the Rising Sons Brewery pub. Pop in for excellent pizza and craft beer
PAT Pat is opening her practice again 2nd Dec. with all safety measures in place. Contact the Blarney Wellness Centre for details on special offers.
JACQUI Jacqui discovered her love for writing and is embracing Jacqui's World on page
Love from the Tú team
Imelda's beautiful mum
Pat's handmade hot water bottle covers - can be purchased via Blarney Artsy Craftsy
Cribs for Cribs Fundraiser starts 1st December.
Caramel Sauce by Bethan's daughter
The Last Page Thank you Tú would not have been possible without the support of some amazing women who have contributed their expertise and feedback. Thank you to all these amazing women Love Elke
Disclaimer
The magazine has been created by a team of volunteering writers. All pieces have been researched thoroughly but we can't guarantee accuracy. All articles are opinion pieces.
Contact us We welcome submissions but don't guarantee inclusions. Please email your submission to elke@biasasta.ie We are open to advertising but reserve the right on final decisions. Please contact the editor elke@biasasta.ie
Next issue out 1st January 2021
with more wellness, gardening, recipes, business, crafts & everything in between
Tú (You) is a monthly online magazine for women by women, published by Bia Sásta Editor: Elke O'Mahony elke@biasasta.ie Photos by: Elke O'Mahony, Crena, The Wilder Gardener, Pat Murphy, websites where appropriate, stockphotos by GraphicStock. Created with Canva and elements within