Bloom Magazine (East Belfast) OCT 15

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Bloom Magazine Belfast

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Moving House?

In today’s property market you need an experienced and proactive solicitor to make sure your transaction runs smoothly. We can help.

Call or email us if you are: • Buying or selling a property • A first time buyer • Buying through Co - Ownership • Re - Mortgaging For a free competitive quotation Call: 028 9045 3449 Email: quote@reidblack.com

Proactive, Professional & Solution-driven Advice 2 Holywood Road Belfast BT4 1NT www.reidblack.com

Welcome to the OCTOBER

magazine CONTENTS 04

LATEST NEWS

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12

BLOOM LOVES

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FASHION NEWS

EVENTS

FROM YOUR LOCAL AREA

OUR STAMP OF APPROVAL

BELFASTFASHIONWEEK

SILHOUETTE, SIREN, YOKE

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LOCAL EXPERT

BELFAST MUM PARENTING BLOG

CHERRY ORCHARD

FITNESS INSPIRATION

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WHAT’S ON

THE BIG PICTURE

SECRET DAY SPA

LOCAL EXPERT

ERIC MERCER OPTICIANS

BLOOM SOCIAL

COOKBOOK

OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LOVES

IN EAST BELFAST

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DEKKO BIRD

WITH LOVE

City East Business Centre, 68-72 Newtownards Road, Belfast, Co. Antrim BT4 1GW

Contact: Angela Campbell

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Stephen Sharpe - sharpeart.com Barry McGovern - kubrixdesign.com Nicholson Bass Speedpost NI

Terms & Conditions: Any views expressed within are not necessarily endorsed by Bloom Magazine or WALL Media. Reference to any specific product or service does not constitute or imply its endorsement or recommendation by Bloom Magazine. Links and contacts are provided for user convenience and do not constitute or imply endorsement or recommendation by Bloom Magazine. Any reproduction without permission is prohibited.

News ANY NEWS? GET IN TOUCH!

OCTOBER 2015

angela@bloommagazine.co.uk

Bloom Magazine Belfast

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BloomMagBelfast

FOOTBALL FEST REACHES FEVER PITCH WITH THE ASDA FOUNDATION! The Bank Holiday saw over 200 young people breaking community and international boundaries in a ‘football fest’ held on the Billy Neill pitches in Dundonald. The cross-community knock-out tournament, organised by Active Communities Network (ACN) in partnership with Charter NI, aimed to help engage and integrate young people regardless of background.

The Asda Foundation supported the event as part of its £600,000 sponsorship of ACN and the retailer’s Community Life Champions were on hand on the day to help out on the pitch!

Now in its 5th year, the event is the longest running tournament of its kind in Ireland bringing together teams from local communities, Eastern Europe and even as far afield as Africa, to unite in their love of sport.

The festival is part of a three year long programme of activities organised by ACN and funded by the Asda Foundation which aims to support youth outreach in areas with high social deprivation, delivering clear progression pathways into citizenship and employment.

SPOOKY FUN FOR CATS PROTECTION Join the ghouls and gals at the Belfast Adoption Centre this Halloween from 1pm - 3.30pm on Saturday 24th October for a spooktacular time.

Bring the whole family along to get into the Halloween spirit and enjoy some of the following attractions: - Pirate's Bouncy Castle - Facepainting - Halloween Crafts - and meet the cats (of course!)

- Fun games with prizes to be won - Tea/Coffee and traybakes - Halloween themed sweets and treats

ENTRY IS £2 PER ADULT, KIDS ARE FREE!

All profits from this event will go towards helping the homeless cats and kittens of the Belfast Adoption Centre; all of whom you will meet on the day!

Cats Protection, Belfast Adoption Centre, 270 Belfast Road, Dundonald, Newtownards, BT16 1UE T: 02890 480 202 F: 02890 486 614 E: belfast@cats.org.uk W: www.belfast.cats.org.uk Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/cpbelfast

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MARCO PIERRE WHITE STEAKHOUSE TO OPEN IN EAST BELFAST THIS AUTUMN Legendary chef Marco Pierre White is to launch his first Northern Ireland restaurant in east Belfast’s four-star Park Avenue Hotel.

The new Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill will open in October following an agreement with the chef’s restaurant company Black & White Hospitality.

Guests at the new eatery can expect a selection of timeless English and French classics, each delivered with Marco’s own unique flair. The menu typically includes many of the chef’s childhood favourites, such as French Onion Soup, Chicken Kiev or Sherry Trifle Wally Ladd, alongside a range of 28-day aged native breed steaks.

Nick Taplin, CEO of Black & White Hospitality, said: “With my team I have explored the potential for our first ever Northern Ireland restaurant for some time, but it was crucial that we found the right partner to bring it to life.

“The Park Avenue Hotel is an excellent fit as it offers us a great space in an ideal location and we hope the people of Belfast will enjoy what we are bringing to the city.”

A NIGHT OF MYSTERY AND INTRIGUE IN AID OF LOCAL CHILDREN’S CHARITY The Great Hall at Queen’s University is the location for a night dipped in glamour and mystery in aid of Northern Ireland’s leading children’s cancer charity.

The Belfast Masquerade Ball on October 17 is the perfect excuse to dig the glad rags out of the wardrobe and up the intrigue with a bespoke mask to match. The event costs just £60 per person for a full night of entertainment which includes a champagne reception, a four course meal, music from local musicians and dancing into the wee small hours. The event is being organised by Cancer Fund for Children supporter and volunteer Sinead Campbell who is also running the Boston Marathon for the charity. Sinead (35) who lives in Belfast spent some of her early years in America and so has personal reasons for running the race. It is the novice runner’s first marathon.

She said: “I only started training in March and it is tough going but all for a great cause. The ball will help me fundraise for it. I am hoping the event will be a magical night a once in a lifetime experience in a magnificent setting.

“I have volunteered at residentials for the charity and have seen the amazing work it carries out and how it helps the whole family. Funds raised will help local families during the most difficult of times.”

Find out more or buy tickets by logging onto www.belfastmasquerade.co.uk or contact Cancer Fund for Children on 028 9080 5599.

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“ITS OFFICIAL WE REALLY ARE THE BEST SPA IN NORTHERN IRELAND!” The Secret Day Spa, East Belfast’s beautiful Boutique Day Spa have always won the love of their clients and now they’ve won Spa Of The Year 2015 at this year's Northern Ireland Hair & Beauty Awards.

During a glittering ceremony at the Europa Hotel, sisters Lynsey Bennett and Leah White, who created The Secret Day Spa, together with their team waited excitedly amongst their fellow nominees - Pure Day Spa, Aura Day Spa, Galgorm Resort & Spa, Beauty Afayre Day Spa and The Merchant Hotel & Spa. The exceptional standard of the award nominees demonstrates the heights that Northern Ireland’s booming Spa & Beauty industry is now reaching.

Lynsey, Leah and their team have worked tirelessly over 6 years to make The Secret Day Spa everything that we all desire from a true Day Spa. Women and men at any stage of life are looked after with treats designed specifically for the boys, girls, mum’s to be, brand new mummys and more. From the warm and elegant spaces, practical everyday beauty treatments, intense Medi-Spa procedures and Ritual day packages, to the incredible tension melting indulgence and relaxation treatments, feeling special is assured.

So when The Secret Day Spa’s name was called as the Winner of Spa of The Year on Sunday evening the ladies were overjoyed! The outpouring of support and loving comments on Social Media and in person since have added even further glow to what feels like well deserved recognition of all their hard work and the truly wonderful Spa they love.

Thrilled with this achievement, Lynsey & Leah say they will continue to raise the bar for their Spa with the hope that more of the ladies & gents of Northern Ireland can discover just how good they can feel with a trip to The Secret Day Spa, Belfast. Be sure to make an appointment and see for yourself!

NDCC MONSTER BIRTHDAY BASH! The North Down Craft Collective was established in October 2013 to promote the talent of local crafters, designers and food producers.

The group also support a different local charity at each event by charging a £1 entrance fee. Over the last two years the monthly events, which are held in Holywood Old School, have gone from strength to strength. The quality and variety of products is of an amazing standard with guest crafters joining the ten resident NDCC members on the second Saturday each month.

On the 10th October the NDCC will be having a Monster Birthday Bash to celebrate their 2nd birthday with goodie bags for the first 25 visitors and the chance to win their Monster Birthday cake!

The charity being supported at this event is Autism NI. Put the date in your diaries and join in the celebrations!

For more information on this event and details of the crafters and food producers visit the facebook page - facebook.com/ndcraftcollective

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NEW INDEPENDENT ESTATE AGENTS HOPES TO CLEAN UP IN EAST BELFAST One of Belfast’s leading estate agent’s Century 21 has announced a company rebrand. From Monday, 7 September, the company will trade as James Duggan Estate Agents.

The owners have invested a total of £20k in rebranding the successful estate agency which promises to give it a more local feel and offers clients a one stop shop for all home buying, selling, renting, legal and mortgage needs. With an increase in sales of 20% in the first six months of the year Founder and Managing Director, James Duggan felt the time was right and is excited about the rebrand; “We already have a wealth of experience behind us, in the last six years trading we have sold an estimated £200m worth of homes across Northern Ireland, and while we are proud to have been a part of the Century 21 team the time is now right for a more local independent agency where our customers know our face and our name. In these days of online searches and e-commerce, people are used to completing transactions as easily as snapping their fingers. But buying a house isn't always like that. We will be offering each customer the personal touch and access to all the professional services they will need to make their sale, purchase or mortgage go smoothly. We know that having a switched-on estate agent can make all the difference between a lightning-fast move... and missing the boat and believe that, by combining in-house mortgage and expert legal services with an in-depth understanding of the local market, we can make the new James Duggan Estates the best way of buying, selling and renting property in Belfast... and an unbeatable force on the local market.”

Mr. Duggan, who is a fully qualified mortgage advisor as well as estate agent, expanded on the objectives underlying his company's revamp. "It's more than just a change of name," he said.

"Adding in-house mortgaging and legal services to our established core activities is a great way of exceeding customer expectations, but we are taking this one step further, by offering a series of additional benefits which will be rolled out over the next few months. Initially, each new customer wishing to sell their house with us with be able to avail of our new cleaning service at a reduced rate which will get homes for sale in tip top condition for going on the market and making that all important first impression.”

James Duggan Estate is located at 93 Bloomfield Road, Belfast. For more information please visit www.jamesdugganestates.com.

THE LANE FRUIT & VEG BACK IN ROY’S CAPABLE HANDS The Lane Fruit & Veg Shop on Orangefield Lane is once again in the hands of its previous owner Roy. Roys says - I'm delighted to be back looking after our valued customers. At Park Lane we strive to provide our customers with fresh, quality produce that is great value for money. Our reputation has allowed us to now supply local restaurants, nursing homes and other shops and cafes. We also stock fruit baskets as well as coal, logs, sticks, plants and light groceries. Find us at: 2 Orangefield Lane, Belfast, BT5 6BW, 07976 716 803

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NEW DREAM DOORS SHOWROOM BRINGS LOW COST KITCHEN MAKEOVERS TO BELFAST Legendary chef Marco Pierre White is to launch his first Northern Ireland restaurant in east Belfast’s four-star Park Avenue Hotel.

A new Dream Doors showroom has opened on the Lisburn Road, bringing low cost and high quality kitchen makeovers to Belfast and the surrounding area. Dream Doors, is the UK’s largest kitchen makeover retailer and the Belfast showroom is its first in Ireland.

The new store will be run by Belfast resident Jon O’Hara and his partner Sarah. Jon will also hold the Dream Doors master licence in Ireland, with a remit to find additional franchisees in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The new showroom was opened today (10 September) in a gala champagne ceremony by Dream Doors MD, Troy Tappenden. The Dream Doors kitchen retail franchise has a presence in almost 60 UK towns and provides a kitchen makeover service at a fraction of the cost of a full re-fit, by replacing cupboard doors and work surfaces to create a completely fresh look.

Dream Doors showroom now open at 220 Lisburn Road, opposite Tesco. 02895 622266

LITTLE WING SERVES UP LOCAL CLUB BURSARIES Less than two years on from transforming the restaurant scene in Belfast, Slim’s Healthy Kitchen is set to open its third outlet later this year in east Belfast.

NORTHERN Ireland’s Little Wing Pizzeria is encouraging local children’s clubs to get a slice of the action by applying for the Little Wing’s Little Stars scheme which will see £3,000 up for grabs.

Following on from the success of last year’s scheme, this year it is returning even bigger and better and will be open to any type of kid’s club from sports to art and from music to dance.

The bursary programme will be available to clubs for children under 13 years old that are located nearby each of Little Wing’s six branches: Enniskillen, Holywood, Bangor, Ann Street, Belfast, Lisburn Road, Belfast and Ballyhackamore*. Six clubs will be awarded with a £500 bursary each.

Last year’s local winners were Bangor Rugby Club and Holywood Rugby Club, both of whom benefitted from a £500 bursary for their club.

To apply for the bursary scheme, children’s clubs simply need to write a 300 word explanation of why they need the bursary and what it will be used for and email it to bursaries@littlewingpizzeria.co.uk before the closing date of Monday October 19.

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EVERY SATURDAY IN FOUR WINDS WINE BAR U105 DJ CAROLYN STEWART

ÂŁ5 ADMISSION FREE ENTRY BEFORE 10PM STARTS 10.30PM We can accommodate any party size, style or occasion.

Booking is not essential but recommended.

For reservations and more info please call 028 9070 7970

Newton Park, Belfast t 028 9070 7970 e fourwinds@thefourwinds.co.uk www.thefourwinds.co.uk

getting our stamp of approval this month . . .

Mane & Tail Mane ‘n Tail hair-care products, loved by A-list celebs including Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Aniston and Demi Moore and more importantly Bloom HQ Available from leading pharmacies including Clear, Gordons, Medicare, McKays.

As the ski season approaches take the time to learn or brush up on your skills with those all important ski / snowboard lessons.

Adult Ski/Snowboard lesson £25 Child Ski/Snowboard Lesson £20 Course of six lessons: Adult £125 Child £100

See www.wearevertigo.com for more details

Black Tower Wine Black Tower Fruity White available at all good retailers (Tesco, Asda, Dunnes, Winemark, Winefair etc). £5.99-£6.99 when not on offer

Marco Piere White coming to the Park Avenue Hotel Not long to wait! Opening 12th October. www.parkavenuehotel.co.uk

Radio The city's newest community radio station, Belfast 89FM, plays tunes from the 60s and 70s and is aimed at listeners aged 55+.

Check out East Belfast's Heidi McAlpin and her dad Colin McAlpin whose weekly Saturday Bites magazine show is on from 11am to 1pm.

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NE FRUIT SHOP THE LA

Fruit and Vegetables Daily Fresh AND WHO

IL RETA

LESALE

FRUIT & VEG BOX SEE IN STORE FOR EXCITING BAKERY NEWS COMING SOON!

4 Tomatoes 1 Cauliflower or Broccoli or Cabbage 6 Large Eggs (Free Range) 4 Royal Gala + 4 Golden Delicious 4 Medium Oranges + 4 Bananas 1 Bag Maris Piper / Navan Spuds 3 Onions 3 Carrots

ONLY ÂŁ10 2 Orangefield Lane, Belfast, BT5 6BW Call us on: 07976 716 803

BFW Special

15-18TH OCTOBER 2015

It’s back! SEASON20 celebrations will kick off with one of our busiest and best schedules yet. With three nights of catwalk shows, plus Sushi Saturday, Style Sunday – oh and the Fashion Souk @ BFW – all to look forward to, as well as a menswear show (did someone say eye candy?!) and our “To Be Beautiful” Body Image symposium; we’re pretty sure you should just clear the diary, call your friends and get down to BFW HQ in Bruce Street where style, sushi and sumptuous West Coast Cooler cocktails await you... #WCCFW

Thursday 15 October, 6:00pm

The Menswear show

VENUE: BFW HQ AT 11A BRUCE STREET Ticket Price: £20 or £30 FROW Tickets: 02890246609 or via links on www.belfastfashionweek.com

Thursday 15 October, 8:00pm

Designer Boutiques & Local Designers…

VENUE: BFW HQ AT 11A BRUCE STREET Ticket Price: £20 or £30 FROW Tickets: 02890246609 or via links on www.belfastfashionweek.com

Friday 16 October, 8:00pm

High Street

VENUE: BFW HQ AT 11A BRUCE STREET Ticket Price: £20 or £30 FROW Tickets: 02890246609 or via links on www.belfastfashionweek.com

Saturday 17 October, 10am-12pm

To Be Beautiful Brunch Symposium Join body image campaigner Katie Richardson as well as nutrition and image experts to hash out some thoughts on what body image means to you.

VENUE: BFW HQ, 11A BRUCE STREET, BELFAST Call 028 9042 1509 or email cathy@cmprireland.com to join us on the day.

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Saturday 17 Oct, 11am-4pm

The Original Fashion Souk comes to BFW. Got some unworn or previously loved clothes you’d like to sell? Want to pick up some super stylish bargains in pre-owned designer, vintage and top end high street clothes? Join us at the BFW Souk.

Call 028 9042 1509 or email cathy@cmprireland.com for more details.

VENUE: BFW HQ, 11A BRUCE STREET, BELFAST

Saturday 17 October, 2-4pm

Sushi Saturday “The Director’s Cut” Fashionistas can make their way to the uber-chic Sushi Saturday event, hosted at Belfast’s hottest new venue The Perch.

VENUE: THE PERCH, BELFAST Ticket price: £30pp including a welcome cocktail and Sushi platter (all dietary requirements catered for) as well as the show. To Book: Call 028 9042 1509

Sat 17 October 8:00pm

Ireland’s largest online fashion retailer www.excelclothing.com closes our catwalk shows.

VENUE: BFW HQ AT 11A BRUCE STREET Ticket Price: £20 or £30 FROW Tickets: 02890246609 or via links on www.belfastfashionweek.com

Sunday 18 October 2-5pm

Style Sunday

VENUE: SHU, LISBURN ROAD, BELFAST To Book: Call SHU on 028 9038 1655. £45pp including a welcome cocktail, a glass of wine, and a delicious 4 course lunch as well as the show and a generous goodie bag.

www.belfastfashionweek.com

love

Slimming World Join a warm and friendly group near you today…

TUESDAY

BALLYHACKAMORE Bloomfield Collegiate School Astoria Gardens, 5.30pm & 7.30pm

THURSDAY

BELMONT (Morning Group) Belmont Presbyterian Church Sydenham Avenue, 9.30am HOLYWOOD CFC Community Hall 108 High Street (beside Yard Coffee shop) 5.30pm & 7.30pm

Telephone Sally on Visit thewebsite tore ad07738713436 Zoesstory… slimmingworld.com

0844 897 8000

Catering for all your sewing needs such as:

TROUSERS OR SKIRTS SHORTENED • SLEEVES SHORTENED • TAKE INS OR LET OUTS • FORMALWEAR HOME DECOR LIKE CURTAINS, CUSHIONS ETC We also have a range of handmade gifts and memory bears

60a Bloomfield Avenue, Belfast BT5 5AD Telephone: 07925 973713

BFW Special

Shop Spotlight SILHOUETTE

75 Belmont Rd, Belfast, BT4 2AA

As the weather turns colder and the days grow shorter, many of you may be thinking about updating your winter wardrobes. But the question we all ask is…’What are the fashion trends and colours that I should be wearing this season?’

Some fashion trends can be difficult to wear, but we will try and give you some ideas for you to stay on trend this season, however, if in doubt, follow your own personal style!

This season there are lots of subtle floral prints and animal prints, shaggy, chunky knits and capes, quilted coats, pleats, fur, lace, and retro and bohemian style tunics, dresses and skirts. Popular colours that feature this season are teal, pastel pink and blue, fuchsia, lime and mustard, which all add a brighter twist to the collections.

If you would like some help in choosing some new items to revamp your wardrobe, call in to Silhouette on the Belmont Road in East Belfast. In store you will find fabulous casual clothing and accessories that are perfect for brightening up your winter wardrobe, that will compliment your existing outfits to keep you on trend this season, and are that little bit different from the high street stores.

Shop Spotlight

SIREN 72 Bloomfield Avenue, Belfast, BT5 5AE The four pics below are from our newest brand - Zeitlos - a german label we are all very excited about and fell in love with at first sight!

Other brands currently in stock are ; Lauren Vidal, NU By Staff Woman, Summum, Alembika, My Soul, Postcard from Brighton, Six Ames, Pieszak & Deck by Decollage.

We also have a fabulous small collection for the curve lady - size 16+ And many accessories such as Pom Scarves, gorgeous leather belts & fur gloves, cashmere ponchos all selling well for Christmas presents already!!

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Browse our Autumn and Winter 2015 collections in store now! www.silhouettefashion.co.uk

75 Belmont Road, Belfast. (02890) 652428

BFW Special

Shop Spotlight YOKE CLOTHING 5 Wellington St, Belfast, BT1 6HT

Alister and I (Kathleen) have owned Yoke Clothing at 5 Wellington Street, beside Northern Bank on Donegal Square, for almost ten years. We have been living in East Belfast for seventeen years, and while Alister is from Belfast, I’m originally from Britanny in France. The East is a superb part of the city, everyone is friendly, and there are plenty of places for me to go for coffee or food. We tend to stay local if we go out, and really like Bank Café/Bar. We have two young girls and its great because they can play in the kid’s area while we have some food and maybe a nice cocktail.

“ Ideally our

aim is to make people’s everyday wardrobe stylish, on trend, but most of all easy!

We stock Maison Scotch, Mes Demoiselles Paris, and Nobody Jeans - to name a few brands - and our favourite outfits center on a combination of rich colours and textures. We’ve curated our stock to reflect changing tastes over the years, staying true to what we love. And our looks have been called Glam Geek, Duvet Dressing, Faux Fur Revival, and even Sports Deluxe (lurex is the fabric of choice for many designers at the minute). Essentially, current fashions are inspired by a world of antique luxury and romantic revival. And 1970’s boho chic is back in a big way with strong statement pieces being embellished jackets and vintage prints. Feel free to pop by the shop and have a look at some of our styles. We are always here and happy to chat with fellow clothes lovers.

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“

In my women’s collection I try to pick feminine and luxurious looks.

And I love casual comfort. At the minute I’m particularly fond of chunky knits and layering with scarves and basics (and I can’t deny that sumptuous fabric is this Autumn’s ultimate indulgence).

Ideally our aim is to make people’s everyday wardrobe stylish, on trend, but most of all easy! This is why we do the hard work for you, selecting what can be worn as part of a realistic lifestyle, while still having a bit of fun with it.

Sewing ROOM

The

PRINT & DESIGN

810GSM

YOUR COMPLETE SEWING SERVICE ALL GARMENT ALTERATIONS

BUSINESS CARDS

x100

£75

x250 *

x500

£95

*

x1000

x2000

£160 £270 *

• • • •

*

£495

*

*excluding VAT

(028) 9023 0177 studio@xinked.com 177 Donegall Street, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT1 2FJ

Bespoke Curtains Soft Furnishings Roman Blinds Bridal Alterations

Open

Mon & Fri: 9-6 (Closed Wed) Tues & Thurs: 9-7 Sat: 9-5 Unit 16, Hanwood Business Park, Old Dundonald Rd

Tel: 9048 9642 or Mob 077 0615 6331

Are you interested in volunteering with people with dementia?

Volunteer Befrienders Our volunteer befrienders meet with a person with dementia or a small group of people with dementia once a week or once a fortnight. If you would be interested in volunteering in a small group or on a one-to-one basis, we would love to hear from you. We provide induction, ongoing training and support for all volunteers.

For more information about the befriending service or volunteering please contact Gillian Clarke on 028 9038 7787 or email: gillian.clarke@alzheimers.org.uk alzheimers.org.uk

Registered charity no. 296645

LOCAL

EXPERT

Ok so summer has gone… its sad right? But let’s try and think on the bright side….

Whenever I’m sad about a season ending, there’s one thing that inspires me for the next – hair, fashion and MAKEUP for the new season!

So let’s embrace the Autumn leaves and look at what’s ahead of us in makeup for this season…

If one thing’s for sure – lips are still in the spotlight. We’re talking anything thing from bright red, candy pink or tangelo tones – pretty up your pout with them, and allow your lips to be the feature of your makeup. It’s time to pull out the favourites in the likes of Youngblood’s Vixen Lipstick, Envy Lipstick, Kranberry Lipstick or maybe even a bit of Just Pink Lipstick. Why not embrace the colours of Autumn, because orange lips are also a big hit for now. Youngblood’s latest edition, Tangelo Lipstick is just what you need to grab and team it with a little Nectar Pressed Mineral Blush on the cheek…perfection!

And speaking of cheeks… it’s time to play them up! As your summer tan fades, embrace the freshness of paler skin but bring it to life with a playful pop of colour on the cheek (this goes so well with the brighter lip too!) If you want a doll like pinky hue, try Zin Pressed Mineral Blush or Dusty Pink Crushed Mineral Blush. For a rosey hue (this is beautiful on a darker skin type especially) dust on a little Rouge Crushed Mineral Blush or Plumberry Pressed Blush. Whatever the shade, colour is the name of the game so don’t be scared! Blush it up!

The other tip I want to bring is to embrace the matte textures in makeup for this Autumn. Put away the sheen and shine of summer and try some more muted tones on the eyes for a change. Coco Crushed Mineral Eyeshadow is an all time favourite of mine, for that understated warmth of brown on the eye. Other great matte shades that will add a little plum to the eye are Merlot Pressed Mineral Eyeshadow and Willow Pressed Mineral Eyeshadow - these look particularly A-mazing on a green or blue eye. And let us not forget the trusty Black Opal Pressed Eyeshadow for the smokier look.

So hopefully this helps you a little to get into the Autumn vibe!

Call in to view all the products mentioned above.

30 Belmont Road, Belfast, Antrim, BT4 2AN

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SECRET DAY SPA

Tel: 028 9067 1914 Email: contact@thesecretdayspa.co.uk Web: www.thesecretdayspa.co.uk

A Belfast Mum Donn

a Bell

Hi Bloom readers, this issue I wanted to talk about mums and tots groups. There’s a pretty comprehensive list of the East Belfast groups elsewhere in this magazine, so if you’ve been thinking about trying your local one, but don’t know what goes on at them, or what their purpose is, here’s the low down.

Most groups take place in church halls or community centres and all are run by volunteers.

Some groups will have a slightly more religious slant than others - there might be grace before the kids have a snack, or a bible story at the end, but for the most part they’re fairly secular and welcome to all, regardless of belief.

When I first started taking my eldest daughter, I tried out the groups closest to me, and then tried some in other areas that suited days I was free. You don’t have to be a local to attend a certain group, although sometimes it is good to phone first in case they’re very oversubscribed. A couple of the more popular groups do have waiting lists, but there’s usually alternatives available nearby. Each group is different, and I found that I liked the ‘feel’ of a group and the ones I clicked with weren’t necessarily the biggest or the ones with most toys or activities. Most are very welcoming and friendly and you’ll find it easy to make conversation with other mums, but there will be the odd one which is very cliquey, or where everyone else seems to know each other, but don’t let that put you off. Try a few different ones out until you find one that makes you feel comfortable.

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Small or large, all the venues will have toys laid out for the kids. Some groups divide the areas out into wheeled toys like bikes, trikes and scooters, smaller toys, cars, trains and garages, building blocks, and baby toys. There could also be an area for jigsaws and books. Some will have separate rooms for crafts, singing, or stories. In other venues, everything will happen in the same room. There are usually plenty of seats for the mums to have a much-needed sit down while the kids play, and maybe even a cup of tea while they have their snack.

Most groups tend to follow the same pattern of activities, although not necessarily in this order: the first half hour at least will be free play, then there’ll be a snack for the children, and tea, coffee and toast, scone, cake or biscuits for the mums. Some groups do organised craft activities, some will do stories, but nearly all of them will end on songs, so you’ll need to dust off your moves to ‘Wheels on the Bus’ and get familiar with the Dingle Dangle Scarecrow.

And their purpose - well, it’s to provide something for the community, give the kids a safe place to play with other children, and give the mums a chance to get to know other mums in the area.

I’ve made good friends at the groups I’ve attended, and been given some great parenting advice by parents who have older children - in fact I’d probably have missed out on the application closing dates for playgroup if it wasn’t for mums and tots!

So, if you’ve never given mums and tots a try, well maybe it’s time to give it a go. The most expensive one I’ve ever attended cost £2, so it’ll not break the bank, and you never know, you might make lifelong friends, and get a bit of a break while your toddler drives a Cosy Coupe about a church hall…

At the very least you’ll get a nice cuppa and a chat, and sometimes that’s priceless.

www.abelfastmum.com

cookbook ABOUT CHERRY ORCHARD Based in Kings Square, Cherry Orchard is open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and afternoon treats – including gluten-free options! Cherry Orchard also offers an outside catering service, and delivers daily to offices/workplaces.

Salted Caramel Krispies (Gluten-free)

Ingredients:

Method:

Base - 300g milk chocolate - 150g rice krispies (check with - Coeliac UK for gluten free brands)

1. Line a traybake tin (roughly 35cm x 12 cm) with greaseproof paper 2. Melt the chocolate over a basin of simmering water, and then mix with the rice krispies. Put the mixture into the traybake tin and leave to set in the fridge.

3. Meanwhile make the caramel topping! Put all the ingredients into a saucepan over a medium heat and bring to the boil – stirring continuously!!!

4. Turn the heat down low and simmer until it turns it thickens and turns deeper in colour – around 5 minutes.

5. Pour the mixture over the krispies and leave to set in the fridge again – around 2-3 hours.

6. Finally sprinkle with the flake and cut into squares.

Salted caramel - 2 x cans condensed milk - 6 tablespoons golden syrup - 75g butter - 110g caster sugar - Large pinch salt flakes - Cadburys flake to decorate

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26

Mini Lemon Butterfly Cakes

Ingredients:

Method:

- 110g unsalted butter, softened - 110g caster sugar - 110g self-raising flour - 4 large eggs - Zest 1 lemon

1.

2.

Buttercream - 175g butter, softened - 350g icing sugar, sifted - Zest 1 lemon, plus 1 tablespoon juice

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Heat the oven to 180 degrees Mix all cake ingredients together until the mixture is smooth – probably around 2 mins in a mixer.

Spoon into bun cases (should make 12).

Bake in the oven for around 15-20 mins.

Remove from the oven and leave to cool on a wire cooling rack.

The make the buttercream, mix all the ingredients together until smooth and light and fluffy.

Cut discs from the top of the lemon buns and cut in half. Top the bun with the lemon buttercream (its nicer if it is piped on!) and then pop the two halves back on to form ‘wings’.

27

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S T E P

I N T O

Hi my name is Naomi Ferguson and I am the Studio Manager at I Work Out. With less than 100 days to go until Christmas there is no better time to get ready for the festive party season. With the successful launch of our September timetable we have a variety of classes to suit everyone (and options to suit all abilities).

We have 33 classes on our timetable ranging from early morning (6.30am) to evening classes (up to 9pm) Monday to Saturday. We have the renowned Les Mills classes such as the hugely popular Bodycombat and Bodypump, as well as our in-house freestyle classes such as Legs, Bums and Tums, Warrior circuits, I Work Step and I Work Tabata all taught by some of the best instructors in the industry.

We are very proud to be one of the first clubs to provide the newest fitness craze Pi-Yo! This class takes inspiration from Pilates and Yoga and combines them into a fun achievable class. Don’t be nervous or worried about attending a new class, we have all had to start somewhere!! I would suggest a good class to start with, if you’re new to fitness is Zumba or Bodypump. I’m always on hand to answer any questions regarding group fitness and you’ll also catch me teaching Bodycombat, Bodypump and our freestyle classes.

Find our current timetable on our facebook page - iworkoutbelfast

Tel: 028 9543 4398

Find us: www.facebook.com/iworkoutbelfast

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Shapes & colours

Lenses

Often the best starting point is to select a frame shape which balances rather than mirrors the shape of your face.

For example, an angular or rectangular frame compliments a round face while a square face is better suited to round and oval styles. Selecting the best colour of frame is influenced by a number of factors, including skin tone, the colour of your eyes and your hair colour.

To maximise comfort and appearance, don’t forget to think about different lens options. High-index materials will make your lenses thinner and lighter. No-line varifocals offer cosmetic advantages over traditional bifocal designs. And the latest anti-reflection coatings minimise reflections from the surfaces of your lenses, making them more transparent and attractive.

Plastic Frames The recent trend for retro “geek chic” shows no signs of fading. While chunky plastic frames in black and tortoiseshell remain popular, recent trends are favouring subtler shades and colour combinations, often with softer shapes. New generation materials, like TR90 and Ultem, are inspiring new designs with finer, thinner rims. These new materials are also stronger, lighter and more flexible than traditional plastics.

Whichever glasses you choose make sure they are ones you enjoy wearing and that feel comfortable. Ask your optometrist for advice on the best frame and lens options for you.

Metal frames For those who prefer a more traditional look, metal frames remain a popular option. Most standard metal frames are made from nickel alloys. These are very adjustable and cheap to produce but can cause irritation if you have sensitive skin or a nickel allergy. Materials like stainless steel and titanium are hypoallergenic, as well as offering greater durability, strength and flexibility.

Titanium For the best quality and comfort, titanium is a great choice of material. With less than half the weight but double the strength of other metals, titanium is ultra-light and durable as well as being allergy-free. Titanium is particularly well suited to minimalist, rimless designs.

CONTACT ERIC: |

30

448 Woodstock Road Belfast, BT6 9DR. Tel: 028 9058 3030

For more information check out the practice website at: www.ericmerceropticians.com

249 Castlereagh Road

028 90 450 281 Track Your Repair @ clrbelfast.co.uk Mon-Thur 10am-6:30pm Fri 10am-4:30pm Sat 10am-1pm

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Social angela@bloommagazine.co.uk

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Instagram Fine and Dandy Market Lovely wee market held in the CRESCENT ARTS CENTRE, BELFAST on the last sunday of the month 11.30am - 3.30pm (check website for details) www.fineanddandymarket.co.uk

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We've got fabulous clothes, homewares, upcycled furniture and local art and crafts.

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370 Uppernewtownards Road, Belfast. www.thebeautifulflowercompany.co.uk

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JBirdBakery J-bird Bakery Cupcakes and wedding cakes in Belfast, N.Ireland. www.jbirdbakery.com

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34

Twitter @LittleWingPizza Serving yummy, awesome pizza in Ballyhackamore, Anne Street, Lisburn Road, Holywood, Bangor and Enniskillen! Follow us and prepare for mouth-watering temptation

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what’s on Toddler

email your event details to: angela@bloommagazine.co.uk

Groups

Tots & Co 10.15- 11.45am (term time) Cregagh Methodist Church Tel: 07791 776307/07980 984506 £1.50 per family (incl juice/snack & TODDLER GROUPS St Columba’s Mums & Tots 10.15- 11.45am (term time) tea. 28-30 Cregagh Rd. 028 9045 7564 9.45-11.45 (term time). 29 Kings Road Cregagh Methodist Church Calvary Mums & Toddlers.

Ballyhackamore Library £1.50 per family (incl juice/snack & 10.30-12.00am. £1 per family.

1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204 tea. 28-30 Cregagh Rd. 028 9045 7564 100 Dee St, BT4 028 9073 2331 Books R Us Etc 9-11 yr olds reading group EVENTS Calvary Mums & Toddlers.

Little Stars (third Mon of month) 3.30-4.30 Busy Bees 10.30-12.00am. £1 per family.

The Salvation Army 110 Cregagh Road Knit & Natter 2-4pm 10 -11:30am Knock Methodist Church, 100 Dee St, BT4 028 9073 2331 Toys/snacks/craft/music. £1.50 per Bedtime Stories 7pm. Me Time (Last Knock Road. Tel: 028 9065 3413 Little Stars Busy Bees family. 10am-12 term time for 0-4 Mon of the month) LibraryFor busy women 7-8.

The Salvation Army 110 Cregagh Road 10 -11:30am Knock Methodist Church, Ballyhackamore years. 028 9045 4466.

Bean Blessed 10.30-12 37 North Road, BT5 5NE 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204 Toys/snacks/craft/music. £1.50 per Knock Road. Tel: 028 9065 3413 Sydenham Parent & Toddler Books R Us 9-11 yr olds reading group family. 10am-12 term time for 0-4 Mon 10-11.30 £1 per family scones, pastries. 10.30-12 (thirdTea/ Moncoffee, of month) 3.30-4.30 years. 028 9045 4466.

10.30-12 37 North Road, BT5 5NE Inverary CC BT4 1RN 028 9047 1456 Memorial Community, 464 Castlereagh Road Knit &Harding Natter 2-4pm Sydenham Parent & Toddler St Finnians Rainbows Monday Bedtime Storiesgirls 7pm.4-7yrs Me Time (Last6pm Mon 10-11.30 £1 per family 10-11.30 Cregagh Park, 9079 2793.

Brownies girlsFor 7-10yrs Monday7-8.

7pm St Colmcille’s Parent & Toddler Mon of the month) busy women Inverary CC BT4 1RN 028 9047 1456 Community, 464 Castlereagh Road Wandsworth Mums & Chums 10am term time St Colmcille’s BeanGuides Blessed10-14yrs Mondays 7pm.

St Finnians 10-11.45am. Wandsworth CC. £1 Contact Clare 07905 556825.

Parish Hall (opposite Tesco’s) in 10-11.30 Cregagh Park, 9079 2793.

St Colmcille’s Parent & Toddler 26a Belmont Church Rd. 07903 674698 Ballyhackamore. 191a Upper N’ards Rd Tea/ coffee, scones, pastries. 10.30-12 Wandsworth Mums & Chums 10am term time St Colmcille’s Ladies Coffee Morning 1st Mon of month Harding Memorial 10-11.45am. Wandsworth CC. £1 Parish Hall (opposite Tesco’s) in 10.30am 37 NorthMonday Rd 028 6pm 9065 7876 10-12pm W’stock Rd, 028 9045 7654 Rainbows girls 4-7yrs 26a Belmont Church Rd. 07903 674698 Ballyhackamore.

Men looking after Skainos Building skainos.org Brownies girls 7-10yrs Monday 7pm young children welcome. 191a Upper Albertbridge Congregational Badminton Guides 10-14yrs 2-3pm.

MondaysCrosslinks 7pm. - Cross Newtownards Rd 10.30-12.15 Community Arts 556825.

7-9pm 14-21 yr olds.

Contact Clare 07905 Woodstock Link Contact Andy Hill.

Albertbridge Congregational Donation £1 10-12pm W’stock Rd, 028 9045 7654 NI Mon Starsof month LadiesStrand CoffeeCinema Morning&1st CFC10.30-12.15 Mops & Tots Holywood Road, 10-11.30am £1 per family 10.30am 37 North Rd BT4 028 .nistars.com 9065 7876 Woodstock Link.time Donation £1 9.30-11am (term - alternate Singing & dancing 7-8pm Grand Parade 028 9065 8946.

Skainos Building skainos.org CFC Mops & Tots Tuesdays) £1 for one child, £1.50 total Wandsworth Community Cregagh Mums & Tots Badminton 2-3pm. Crosslinks - Cross (term time - alternate for 9.30-11am more. Tea/coffee/juice/snacks.

028 9065 Children’s 10-12pm Cregagh CC. Mount Merrion Community Arts1668.

7-9pm 14-21 yrDrama olds.

Tuesdays)Presbyterian £1 for one child, £1.50 total McQuiston Toddler Group Academy 5-6pm. Children & Teens Avenue.

Tel: 028 9040 1444 Contact Andy Hill. for more.

Tea/coffee/juice/snacks.

10-11.30am £1 per family Castlereagh Road, Belfast carnival drumming 6.30pm-7.30pm.

Gilnahirk Presbyterian Strand Cinema & NI Stars CFC Mops Grand Parade 028 9065 8946.

Tuesdays 11.15-11.30am, £1 Per Family Aerobics Combat 8.15-9.30pm Thursdays 10-11.30am. £1 per family. Holywood Road,7-8pm.

BT4 .nistars.com 9.30-11am (term time - alternate Cregagh Mums & Tots Includes Juice, Toast & Tea/Coffee, Biscuits 161 Gilnahirk Rd. Laura 07708 000025 East& Belfast Singing dancingMission 7-8pm Tuesdays) £3.50 per mum. Breakfast 10-12pm Cregagh CC. Mount Merrion Mersey Street Presb.

Skainos Community Square Irish Classes Kirkpatrick Memorial Presb Wandsworth and creche provided. 10 Belmont Rd. Avenue.

Tel: 028 9040 1444 10-11.45am term time. £1.

Parents & Toddlers.

10-11.30am 10am 12pm (Upper Intermediate) 028 9065 1668.

Children’s Drama 028 9067 1838 www.thisiscfc.com Gilnahirk Presbyterian Mersey St Presbyterian 028 90 657025 Upper Newtownards Rd£1 £1per donation 6pm5-6pm.

- 7pm (Singing ChildrenClass) & Teens Mersey Street Presb.

Thursdays 10-11.30am. family. Academy St Donards Church Knock Parent Toddler 7pmdrumming - 9pm (Upper Intermediate) 6.30pm-7.30pm.

10-11.45am term time. £1.

161 Gilnahirk Rd.& Laura 07708 000025 carnival 10-11.45am Knock Presbyterian Aerobics 7-8pm. Combat 8.15-9.30pm Mersey St Presbyterian 028 90 657025 Kirkpatrick Memorial Presb Tel: 028 9065 2321 53 Kings Road, Gillian 07803 117619.

St Donards Church Parents & Toddlers.

10-11.30am £1 for adults. Tea/coffee/juice Upper Newtownards Rd £1 donation Strandtown Baptist Tots Tel: 028 9065 2321 Knock Parent & Toddler Belmont Tower 10.00- 11.30am (term time) Belmont Tower £1 for adults. Tea/coffee/juice 10-11.45am Knock Presbyterian www.nationaltrust.org.uk/belmont-tower Strandtown Baptist Church, Baby Breakfast Strandtown Baptist Tots 53Bank Kings Road, GillianClub 07803 117619. www.belmont-tower.co.uk Childrens dance classes 4-7pm 1 Clonallon Court BT4 2AB 10:00am - 11:30am, Bank Cafe Bar Childrens 4-7pmMonthly Meeting 10.00- 11.30am (term time) East dance Belfastclasses Wine Makers Tel: 028 9080 8380 £1 per adult 20 - 22 Belmont Road Pregnancy Yoga 7.30-8.30pm Meditation 7pm - 9pm Any Tea or Coffee - £1 East Belfast Makers SkainosWine Building skainos.org St Columba’s Mums & Tots Skainos Building skainos.org Tots ‘R’ Us Compass Womens Group 7-9pm 9.45-11.45 (term time). 29 Kings Road Compass Womens Group 7-9pm 10.30am House of Worship Zumba 12.30-1.30pm

Monday

Mondays

Wednesday

Wednesdays

Mondays

Tuesday

Tuesdays

Thursday

Thursdays

Friday

Fridays

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36

Tuesdays

AUTUMN

NOW ON

what’s on

email your event details to: angela@bloommagazine.co.uk

Yoga Belfast Pregnancy Yoga @ Gilnahirk Primary.

6.45-7.45pm. Community drop in class @ Ice Bowl 7-8pm. yogabelfast.com

Skainos Building skainos.org Fusion - Weekly programme of games, crafts & fun for p1-p7’s. 6.30-8pm £1 per person. Contact Tanita Robinson.

Irish Class: 10am - 12pm 10.15- 11.45am (term time) Tel: 07791 776307/07980 984506 (Lower Intermediate) Cregagh Methodist Church St Columba’s Mums & Tots The Academy £1.50 per family (incl juice/snack & 9.45-11.45 (term time). 29 Kings Road Lego Club 3.30-4.30pm. Ages 3-6 tea.

28-30 CregaghLibrary Rd. 028 9045 7564 Ballyhackamore years. £5 p/wk. 77 Holywood Rd. 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204 EVENTS Etc 028 9508 8818 Rhythm & Rhyme (1st & 3rd Thurs of Wandsworth Community 10.30-12.00am. £1 per family. the month) 11.15am. Book Pack (1st Painting for Pleasure 11am-1pm Busy Bees 100 Dee St, BT4 028 9073 2331 Thur) Adult reading group. Scrabble Childrens Ju Jitsu 6-8pm 10Night -11:30am Knock Methodist Church, Little Stars (adults) 6-8pm.

Fitness & Boxing Class 8.30-9.30pm Knock Road.

Tel: 028 9065 3413 Ballyhackamore Library The Salvation Army 110 Cregagh Road Belmont Tower 29th NI Girls Brigade Shiloh Hall Toys/snacks/craft/music. £1.50 per www.nationaltrust.org.uk/belmont-tower1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204 Cregagh Congregational. Explorers (307712 299206, 76 The Mount, ND 10.30-12 37 North Road, BT5 family. 10am-12 term time for 0-4 Art classes 10am-1pm.

Baby5NE Sensory Books R Us 9-11 yr olds reading group 7) 6:45-8:15pm.

Company Section (8Coffee (third Mon ofMorning month) 10:30-12.

3.30-4.30 years.

028 9045 4466.

Classes 7-13 mths Thurs 10-11am 18) 6:45-10pm. Helen 07938 521823.

Knit & Natter 2-4pm Sydenham Parent & Toddler 0-7 mths Thurs 11.30-12.30 Belmont Tower Community, 464 Castlereagh Road Bedtime Stories 7pm. Me Time (Last Mon 10-11.30 £1 per family Yoga with Sharon 6.30pm-8.30pm www.nationaltrust.org.uk/belmont-tower Inverary CC 10am-1pm.

BT4 1RN 028 9047 1456 East Belfast Historic (Monthly Meeting) Mon of the month) For busy women 7-8.

Baby massage StMindfulness Colmcille’s Courses Parent &6.30-8.30pm Toddler Bean37 Blessed Finnians 39thStOld Boys 7-9pm North Road, BT5 5NE 10am term time StLuncheon Colmcille’s 10-11.30 Cregagh Park, 9079 2793.

Senior Citizens Club PlayBall NI 10am - 1pm Searchlight Club p1-p7. 10.30-12.

Parish Hall@(opposite pastries.

10.30-12 Wandsworth Mums6.30pm & Chums Midday BallymacTesco’s) Centre. in Hot lunch Tea/ coffee, Skainosscones, Building skainos.org Mindfulness Classes - 8.30pm Ballyhackamore.

Men looking after Harding Memorial 10-11.45am.

CC. £1 & social time. alison@ballymac.org Walking Trips from 10am Over 60’s Lunch Wandsworth Club children welcome.

191a Upper Rainbows girls 4-7yrs&Monday 26a Belmont Church Rd. 07903 674698 young Skainos Building skainos.org Strand Cinema NI Stars6pm Newtownards Rd- Weekly streetdance.

Brownies girls 7-10yrs Monday Vibe Academy Holywood Road, BT4 Stage7pm school 12.30pm. 3 courses for £3. Grand Guides 10-14yrs Mondays 7pm. p1-p4 3.30-4.30pm P5-P7 4.3010-1pm www.nistars.com Parade. Tel: 028 9065 2314 to book.

Contact 07905 556825.

10-12pm 028 9045 5.30pm W’stock 1st yr+ Rd, 6.45-8pm. £6 7654 per TheClare Academy Gilnahirk Men’s Group class. Lisa 07736 315420. Compass 10am Lego Club. 11am Claycrazy Club.

JackAlbertbridge Britton Hall.Congregational Tea/coffee/chat & a Morning771stHolywood Mon of month 10.30-12.15 Mens Group 7-9pm. 50+ Gardening & Ladies£5Coffee per session.

Rd. speaker.

10.30-12 until 29th April.

10.30am North Rd 028 9065 7876 Crafts Thurs 1-2.30pm 028 37 9508 8818 GirlsWoodstock Brigade Link. Donation £1 Skainos Building CFC Mops & Tots Beginners Tin Whistle 2pm - 3pm Yoga Belfastskainos.org Badminton 2-3pm.

- Cross 9.30-11am (termP5time - alternate The Academy Pregnancy YogaCrosslinks @ Physioworks 3 yrs - P4 6.15pm. upwards 7.30pm Community Arts10.30-11.45am 7-9pm 14-21 yr@olds. £1 per family Age 7+ Tuesdays) £1 for one child, £1.50 total 10-11.30am Lego Club 3.30-4.30pm.

Gilnahirk.

ComLuncheon Club Contact Andydrop Hill.in class 10.30-11.45am @ Grand Parade 028 9065Rd. 8946. more.

Tea/coffee/juice/snacks. £5p/wk.

77 Holywood munity For for senior citizens.

Cregagh Methodist.

Strand CinemaPrimary. & NI Stars Cregagh Mums CFC Mops 028 9508 8818& Tots Gilnahirk yogabelfast.com 12 noon. £1.50. Pre book meals at the Holywood Road, BT4 .nistars.com 10-12pm Cregagh CC. Mount Merrion 9.30-11am (term time - alternate Wandsworth Community Wandsworth Community Singing dancing Avenue.

Tel: 1668.

028 9040 1444 Tuesdays) £3.50 per mum. Breakfast 028 9065 Needlework 028&9065 16687-8pm Skainos Bulding skainos.org Wandsworth Community Gilnahirk Presbyterian and creche provided.

10 Belmont 10am-12pm.

Spanish mums & tots STX/Kickboxing 10am-11.30am Compass Kidz Gap - Parents, guard- Rd. Thursdays 10-11.30am. £1 preschoolers per family. 028 9065 028 9067 1838 www.thisiscfc.com 11am-12pm.

Spanish for Park1668.

Run Children’s Drama ians, toddlers - crafts, games, stories Children & Teens 161 GilnahirkSpanish Rd. Laura 000025 MerseyGoing StreetGreen Presb.

Every5-6pm.

Saturday in Victoria Park 2.15-3pm. for 07708 children 3.15- Academy 10am-12.

Gardening drumming Kirkpatrick Presb 10-11.45am term time. £1.

9.30am - FREE6.30pm-7.30pm.

Event 4pm. Boot Memorial Camp 7-8pm.

Core Combat carnival 2-4pm.

Yoga 5.30-7pm Aerobics 7-8pm. Combat 8.15-9.30pm & Toddlers. 10-11.30am St Presbyterian 028(Family 90 657025 8.30-10pm.

IrishMersey Classes: 5.30pm - 7pm Class) Parents Upper Newtownards Rd £1 donation St Donards Church 7pm - 9pm (Beginners Class) Knock Parent & Toddler 7pm - 9pm (Lower Intermediate) 10-11.45am Knock Presbyterian Tel: 028 9065 2321 Strand Cinema & NI Stars Strand Arts Centre TowerRoad, BT4 53Albertbridge Kings Road, Congregational Gillian 07803 117619. Belmont £1 for adults.

Tea/coffee/juice Holywood “Wacky Wednesdays” shows, all day www.belmont-tower.co.uk Strandtown BaptistAllTots Singling & dancing 1.30-3.30pm 6 Woodstock Link 028 9045 7434 for 10.00£3. strandartscentre.com dance classes 4-7pm 11.30am (term time) www.nistars.com Friday Friendship. 10.30am-12.30pm. Childrens Wandsworth Pregnancy YogaTea 7.30-8.30pm StrandtownCommunity Baptist Church, S.D. Bells & Coffee House Ballyhackamore Library Sewing Group 10am-12noon.

East Belfast Tots Us 1 Clonallon Court BT4 2ABFlower ArJava JiveWine JazzMakers Brunch Brunch 1-3‘R’ Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204 ranging 1.30-3.30pm.

Building skainos.org 10.30am of Story Worship Tel: 028 9080 8380 Yoga £1 per7-8.30pm adult 11am -2.30pm Chill OutHouse Family Time. 3.30pm. Skainos Compass Womens Group 7-9pm 127a Orby Drive Tots & Co Belmont Tower www.nationaltrust.org.uk/belmont-tower Art Classes 38 |

Irish Classes: 7pm - 9pm (Beginners) 7pm - 9pm (Beginners - Dundonald High School) 7pm - 8.30pm (Set Dancing Class) Wandsworth Community Playclub 3-4 yr olds 10am-12.

TODDLER GROUPS Painting for Pleasure 11am-1pm Kids Irish dancing 5-6.30pm, Aerobics 7-8pm. Appreciation of Art 7-9pm. Wasps seniors group last Tues of month 2-3.30pm Calvary Mums & Toddlers.

Mondays

Wednesdays

Mondays

Tuesdays

Thursdays

Tuesdays

Fridays

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paranoid schizophrenic, gangster had much more going on.

I personally think Tom Hardy is a fantastic actor and I have to be careful of saying that everything I see him in is great. However, it happens to be true again in this instance. The true art was him playing their differences so well and in some ways making them humorous and very likeable in their own very different ways but bringing them together to show their brutal sides.

I have never really been interested in The Krays or their story. However, regular readers of this page will know that I am a massive Tom Hardy fan and when I read about and watched the trailer for his new film, it was definitely one I knew I wanted to see.

Mainly I wanted to see how Tom Hardy would play both roles.

Ronnie and Reggie Krays were twins but in some ways that's where the similarity ended.

Reggie was a standard gangster but Ronnie, a homosexual,

Tom Hardy's performance naturally dominated the film but other performances were definitely notable. Emily Browning played Frances Shea, Reggie's girlfriend and eventual wife. I have not seen her in anything previously although at the same time she seemed very familiar. She played a great part in this and Tara Fitzgerald as her mother, who hated Reggie with great venom, was very well cast. Nice to see our very own Colin Morgan playing her brother building on his exposure in 'The Fall'.

The film is peppered with fantastic actors such as Christopher Eccleston and David Thewlis who you will recognise from a variety of different things especially Chazz Palminteri as the token mafia boss! The other triumphs of this film were the costumes, cars, clubs, pubs and streets of 60s London which serve to give you a real flavour of the time and how they lived.

It's worth saying that this film is quite violent and doesn't pull any punches in showing that violence making some parts quite gruesome. However, that aside this film is definitely worth seeing.

Tickets for all events at Strand Arts Centre can be booked in person at the Strand, by phoning (028) 9065 5830 or online at www.strandartscentre.com.

october

M O V IE

L ISTI N G S AT THE STRAND

October is a busy month for big new movie releases at the Strand Arts Centre.

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s t r a n d

classics Everest

Spectre

Ghostbusters 2 Scream The Shining Donnie Darko BFI LOVE Blue Velvet Experience

The Martian

Pan

Miss You Already

Pan

the Liveatstrand Ireland's Call: Irish Sporting Heroes who Fell in the Great War

Suffragette

Hotel Transylvania 2

Rod & A Touch of Tina Simone Felice

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We know your love for all things handcrafted, so each month we’ll be sharing our favourites found while browsing markets and local boutiques.

Deli Muru is Finnish for ...'a little something'.

Created by founder Kay Armstrong in her kitchen in East Belfast, using locally sourced produce where ever possible. Her Artisan preserves, sweet and savoury biscuits and foodie gifts, include her Great Taste Award winning Brinjal Pickle, can now be found in some of Ulsters leading restaurants and delicatessens. Say hello and sample some of Deli Muru goodies at the Ballyhack Market every third Saturday at St Colmcilles or at Brewbot on the Ormeau Rd, where our Ale chutneys compliment local Artisan cheese and Ale!!

Find us on Facebook and Twitter

Pretty Crafty Ceramics' is designed and handmade locally by Jane Neely. The range is decorative, with personalised pieces available to order, all with a contemporary edge. Driftwood is incorporated into some of the designs which compliments the porcelain beautifully. The range is fresh and colourful with a seaside vibe and delicately embossed with various lace and crocheted materials. As a maker she is constantly adding to her collection and experimenting with new ideas.

Jane is the resident ceramic maker at the 'North Down Craft Collective' which meets in Holywood every second Saturday of the month.

Contact Pretty Crafty Ceramics at prettycraftyceramics@gmail.com or follow 'Pretty Crafty Ceramics' on Facebook.

Scone Mad specialise in the creation of freshly baked scones. “I started Scone Mad 2 yrs ago, baking to order so your scones are fresh from the oven, we have a huge variety of scones available both sweet & savoury”, Not only do we deliver straight to our customers, you’ll also find us at local markets, cooperate events, wedding/birthday parties and other family occasions. T. 07894076647 to order or contact tracy@itssconemad.com or visit www.itssconemad.com or LIKE US on facebook for our latest menus.

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Step this way to the amazing new willPower & grace® class.

Go barefoot and plug into some positive energy for the mind and body from the ground up. It’s a whole new kind of class that frees your mind, improves your flexibility and boosts your cardio system. It’s truly awesome!

Check out the class timetable and hotfoot it over to the next willPower & grace® class.

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At Belfast East we offer professional tutoring programmes for primary through to high school students. We help build the foundations for academic success.

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Focus On A Brighter Future

Home Styling & Decor News

Dekko Bird

Now that autumn is well underway, it’s time to cosy up our homes for the long winter ahead, so here are some tips on how to create that warm, welcoming retreat we all love to come home to at the end of a long day.

Turf Fire candle / #thebeardedcandlemakers / £10 Woodland lampshade / Asda Home / £8 Felt embroidered heart cushion / Next / £14 Fairisle embroidery bedding set / Next / from £40) fireside image credit: The White Company

It’s no secret that energy bills soar when the temperature drops, so try to introduce some heat into your home without simply turning the thermostat up. Our choice of accessories, lighting and colours can offer a genuine feeling of warmth and cosiness to the home, along with the usual practical changes such as using draught excluders or adding thermal lining to your existing curtains (try Next for its range of made to measure thermal lined curtains).

Introduce textural interest and a log cabin-esque homely feel by investing in soft woollen and woven blankets placed inside a wicker basket by the sofa or drape a thickly padded quilt at the bottom of the bed. Swap your crisp cotton bedsheets for soft flannel ones in wintry tones of off-white, grey and heather; these colours also suggest a sense of tranquility and relaxation and provide a nice backdrop to deeper, earthier shades of plum, berry and mustard. Lay down a sheepskin or high pile rug over cold tiled floors to give your toes a snuggly welcome on frosty mornings (the Gåser rug from Ikea is a great budget option here).

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Have fun accessorising your home with touches of plaid, fairisle and tweed, replace springlike blooms with baskets of pine cones or bare willow branches arranged in ceramic vases and bring the outside in with cushions and lamps inspired by woodland animals. Try George at Asda for some quirky woodland accessories and linens.

Lighting and scent are hugely evocative and create a cosy ambience during the darker evenings, so add some intimacy and warmth to the room with glass lanterns and scented candles (try the Turf Fire candle from local artisans The Bearded Candlemakers - find them at St George’s Market on Sundays), or by replacing your regular lightbulbs with Calex globes, available from your local hardware store; their wonderful smoky finish will give a beautiful soft glow, reminiscent of times gone by.

So there we have it. Now that your pad is warm, cosy and wholly inviting, you’re ready to enjoy it with friends and family, because next month I’ll be looking at how to style your home for festive entertaining… bye for now! K x

Follow my blog at www.dekkobird.com

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