GIRL ABOUT TOWN UT’s columnist Nuala Meenehan

EDITED BY

NUALA MEENEHAN

COME IN THE, WATER IS LOVELY!

Iremember taking a walk along the coastline at Crawfordsburn last year, in and out of various lockdowns and spotting a group of swimmers bobbing about in the bay! I also remember thinking, are these people crazy? This is the Irish Sea. Well it appears not! There’s a growing trend across Northern Ireland for daring dippers who are taking the plunge. People of all ages are donning their togs and dipping their toes in our waters in increasing numbers. Sales of wet suits, dry bags, buoys, water shoes and Dryrobes (fl eece-lined, tent-like coats to change under) are all on the increase. Rafts of swimming groups have been formed, from the Ballyhalbert Bathers, the Millisle Dippers, Donaghadee Chunky Dunkers, the Portrush Menopausal Mermaids and the Portstewart Seabirds. Last month, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council announced they are to explore the possibility of creating open air, safe swimming areas at Lough Neagh and the benefi ts of bathing are bountiful; better sleep, better circulation, increased metabolism and glowing skin! Join a group, don’t swim on your own, otherwise come on in, the waters lovely (apparently). Queen of the sea Eva Wilkinson set up the Crawfordsburn Lobsters in October last year, since then the group has amassed over 300 members on their Facebook group alone. You’ll fi nd them in the water as soon as Government restrictions relax and their regular swim ups resume.

Kyla Phillips and Ruth Irvine from the Crawfordsburn Lobsters enjoying the winter sunshine in the sea at Crawfordsburn.

Kristine Cooke and Sarah Harvey. Kyla Phillips keeping warm.

TO INSANITY AND BEYOND!

Kyla Phillips and Eva Wilkinson. Lukas Wilkinson and Colin McCard (Swell Swimmers Open Water Swim Coach).

Apparently the next big holiday destination for the worlds 1% is outer space! Plans are underway for Voyage Station, the fi rst ever luxury hotel in space. The company behind the project plan to build the hotel with all the amenities you would expect from a luxury property – guests can even take a space walk! Right now I’d be happy with a tent overnight in my neighbour’s garden, but I guess i’m not in the 1%.

FEELIN’ GROOVY

Right now we’re having a full-on 1970s love affair. The age of boho and disco has come back in full force, and it’s hitting home – literally. From rattan to wicker, home décor has seen a big shift from minimalist and modern to “eclectic hippie,” and we are loving it. If you’re been looking for an excuse to look in your grandparents garage, now is the time.

LE FREAK, C’EST CHIC

Looking for bespoke up cycled vintage retro furniture at its best! You’ll be inspired at Betty’s Lounge. For inspo pop over to socal media channels @Bettyslounge or mobile 07563092668

FLOWER POWER

Not only do plants boost concentration and mood, they can reduce stress and purify the air. Trending right now are anything that has “elephant ears”. Try alocasia zebrina, or alocasia polly, any Monsteras, snake plants, calatheas (prayer plants) or any fern, especially a Boston fern. Look no further for inspo than Penelope Flowers, Kings Square, Belfast. Celebrating 20 years in business this is a heavenly flower and plant emporium. Watch out for their new expanded boutique and vintage workshop space. Shop and visit www.penelopeflowers.co.uk.

Penelope flowers.

MACRAMÉ

Alison Pascoe, Astrl Fibres.

Our love for Macramé is far from waning, in fact last year #macramewallhanging was the most popular search on Instagram. From wall hangings to lamp shapes, plant pots, to baskets. While we might think this trend originated from the 70’s, the craft of macramé, actually dates back to several centuries ago. One of the earliest recorded uses of macramé style knots as decoration is in the carvings of the ancient Babylonians and Assyrians. Alison Pascoe, a self taught macramé artist and a lifelong creative runs a business from her home in Belfast. An artist in residence at Born and Bred, Alison shares her passion for macramé and promotes wellbeing through regular workshops, although the pandemic has halted these. From this month Alison will be offering a series of simple tutorials from her website. Look out for the updated Macramé Your Own Plant Hanger Kit and a brand new Macramé Your Own Wall Hanging Kit. Both kits come with everything you need to make your own including materials and a guide with simple tutorials to assist. Astrl Fibres also offers a collection of pre-made textiles, made to order and bespoke commissions as well as workshops - more information available at:

www.astrlfibres.com

JANE ASPLE

Founder and owner of Emma by Jane jewellery company

1. What do you love most about your job?

My job is so varied, but I love seeing things that I have planned and designed and sometimes dreamt of for a long time, come to life and then, be successful.

Every year I do a “Vision Board” of what I would like to achieve both professionally and personally. It sits beside me on my desk so I look at it daily and it is a great way to stay focused on future goals while also refl ecting on the things I have already achieved and how far you have come.

I would highly recommend it to anyone, even if you don’t have a business.

2. What has been your career highlight to date?

I am lucky to have a few, some more glamorous than others, being featured in British Vogue as a “Brand to Watch” is defi nitely up there, and being awarded “Best young Entrepreneur” in my fi rst year of business and Businesswomen of the Year then last year. These awards are all incredible but for me, the biggest award is the feedback from our followers and customers and seeing them come back time and time again to buy our latest collections. We are a young brand with big plans and the customers are the backbone of that. I love to chat, so anything that involves catching up my friends I will always say yes to. I love sports and play tennis. In the last year I have taken back up reading, it has been a great hobby to get me through the long lockdowns and we have even created a Monthly Book and Podcast Club on Emma by Jane that anyone can be a part of, you just need to subscribe to our website; emmabyjane.com

4. What is your daily routine?

I always start the day with a walk with my dog Bailey and a podcast, I love listening to inspirational podcasts as they inspire me for the day ahead.

Its then quick shower and get ready for the day. I work at home so a routine has been key and ever since I set up Emma by Jane three years I have kept the same routine I would have had when I was a buyer for Primark.

At the moment, I will end the day with another walk or I am obsessed with This Is Us on Amazon Prime so if there is a an episode to watch, you will fi nd me on the couch!

5. Do you have a fi tness regime?

Pre-lockdown I would have been a gym goer especially as we were due to get married in Spain last year, I found it really hard to keep it up at home so I am now what my husband would call me “a power walker” and I have just started a prenatal pilates class, which I am really enjoying.

6. Do you have any tips for staying positive during this time?

For me, I always get aware of my surroundings, if I am feeling stressed and negative, podcasts are great to refocus the mind and distract me so I might go for a walk with one or, I have a great group of friends so texting or calling them is always a great distraction and puts me in an instant good mood.

The beauty of being self-employed is, if the day is not going my way, I can get up and out for a little distraction and reset and then come back to the problem or issue later with a better frame of mind.

7. What do you think is the best thing about living in Ireland?

I moved back to Ireland six years ago after living in London for many years. I love that, in Ireland you are always so close to the countryside and the sea. In the London there was never any escape from city life and it has made my appreciate Ireland and all that we have on our doorstep even more.

8. What is your mantra or favourite quote that you live by?

‘You get in life what you have the courage to ask for”.

9. Who has been your biggest infl uence?

There are so many, I really look to women who have set up businesses and are a few steps ahead of me or are where I would like to be. I fi nd them really inspiring to follow on Instagram or read articles about them. I also love following women who have stood up for something and set to change things for the women that will follow.

There is room for everyone and we can all learn so much from each other.

10. FAVOURITE

Movie: Father of the Bride Band/Musician: Forever a Westlife fan Book: Where the Crawdaddies Sing –I couldn’t put it down Favourite restaurant: I would go to McDonalds at the moment if it meant I could ‘eat out’

Holiday Destination: Spain, we were due to get married there last year, but we ended up getting married in Wicklow instead Drink: Espresso Martini Meal: Pizza

Pictured at the Grand Opera House reception for the Lyric Theatre’s version of Brian Friel’s ‘The Home Place’, are Hanna Slatna, Mick Duke, with Martin Lynch and daughter Breige.

Lagan College Belfast held a charity fashion show and pictured at it are Zoe Latimer, Sarah Wood and Kate Hollywood.

Pictured at a Gala Civic concert to celebrate the refurbishment of the Ulster Hall are John O’Neil, Marie McGovern, Gwynneth and George Bain.

Pictured at an the event to mark the re-opening of Mullan Gallagher Dental Practice, Downpatrick, are Anne Higgins, Maria McGivern, Julie Etchingham, Peter Mullan, Ciara Gallagher, Mary Deeny and Fiona Kirk. Pictured at an event to celebrate Designers at Debenhams are Mary and Sheila Devlin.

Charlene and Jacob Welsh.

Jamie, Isla and Niall Orr and Puppy Teddy.

KILTONGA NATURE RESERVE

Kiltonga nature reserve is located on the Belfast Road outside Newtownards. A pathway suitable for pushchairs and disabled access along the lake allows for closer views of swans, mallards, little grebe, moorhens, and coots. In July 2000, Kiltonga Nature Reserve became the fi rst site in the UK to be awarded BT Millennium Miles Status.

Rosemary and Ted Reid.

Amy Matchett, Dee Sinton and Rocco. James and Alison Sears.