Northern Woman October 2018 by Helen Wright

Tickets from Â£20 available from 028 9024 6609 or visit www.belfastfashionweek.com #WCCFW #WCCSTYLESQUAD /WestCoastCoolerNI /BelfastFashionWeek

Editor’s Letter

i all, Welcome to the October edition. The highlight of my month was our fashion shoot at the Grand Opera House Belfast. I loved the experience Samantha Weightman, of standing on the stage of this Clare Beswick and I select magnificent theatre looking our favourite photos to publish around at the ornate décor and artwork, taking pictures to share on social media (while our photographer Brendan Gallagher did the real work). Turn to page 16 to see the shoot – all of the looks are available to buy from Abbey Centre, Newtownabbey. For more autumn style see ‘Leather Appeal’, and read about the four local fashion brands who are making a name for themselves. Also in this issue Jennifer Rock AKA The Skin Nerd chats to Northern Woman about Korean Beauty, skincare no-no’s, and her new book. Guest writer Patrick Farren shares his top tips for making positive changes in your life, with a down-to-earth approach. To mark Halloween, journalist Jade Beecroft turns her attention to the supernatural. She goes on a ghost hunt and showcases the province’s most haunted buildings. In addition we also bring you beauty news, readers’ weddings, local events, home interior trends, travel reviews and much more besides. This month’s social pages are a fashion-filled affair – you may get style inspiration from the pics, or spot a familiar face. We also have a fantastic subscription offer running. Get 11 issues of NW delivered direct to your door for only £15, and the price includes a free Karaja Gold & Bronze powder worth £23. To

Videographer Ben Tucker and photographer Brendan Gallagher take aim

Samantha gets Lucy Spratt shoot ready

subscribe call: 0800 028 1909 (ROI: 0044 800 028 1909) or email: subscriptions@belfasttelegraph.co.uk. Enjoy the issue, visit our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn pages for regular updates. Until next month,

Catriona Doherty Editor Northern Woman

Contact me at: c.doherty@independentmagazinesni.co.uk. Follow NW on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/NorthernWomanMagazine, Instagram @northernwomanmagazine, and LinkedIn at: www.linkedin.com/company/northern-woman. Tweet us at: @NorthernWomanNW

CONTENTS OCTOBER 2018

STYLE 08 WEST COAST COOLER FASHIONWEEK 10 LEATHER APPEAL Leather looks we’re lusting over 12 SHE’S IN FASHION Four new names in style 16 AUTUMNAL DRAMA Abbey Centre takes centre stage FEATURES 26 THE SKIN NERD Jennifer Rock talks snail slime, skincare nono’s and her new book 32 GHOST HUNTERS NW goes ghost searching 34 MOST HAUNTED Where things go bump in the night 36 LIGHTS CAMERA ACTION A true rags to riches story featuring a local author BEAUTY 39 HIGHEND VS HIGHSTREET Designer dupes 40 GOING BLONDE? 43 TEN MINUTE MAKEUP Aimee Connolly’s guide 44 THE BEAUTY EDIT Makeup bag and skincare must-haves HEALTH AND WELLNESS 46 TOFFEE APPLES Sal Hanvey’s sugar-free recipe 48 OSBESSIVE COMPULISVE DISORDER An OCD sufferer explains all 50 IT’S TIME FOR A CHANGE Eunice Nelson raises a shocking issue 52 STALKING NI The truth 35 JUST BEING ME Mental fitness advocate Patrick Farren shares his story 54 THE HUMBLE HILL WALK ESCAPE 56 MALDRON HOTEL BELFAST CITY 58 WHY TAKING PHOTOS IS RUINING YOUR HOLIDAY 59 BEAUTIFUL BILBAO Basque in one on Spain’s best city breaks 60 LAS VEGAS MYTHS 62 THE SOCIAL 5 Local events not to miss 65 THE ALL NEW FORD FOCUS Tried & Tested

Credit: H&M

LIVING 69 DOUBLE UP 70 WEEKEND DECORATOR Simple updates for every room IN EVERY ISSUE 64 LET’S DRINK TO… Sherry 67 MOVIE ROUNDUP 76 LOCAL WEDDINGS 80 THE ALBUM Social pics 94 HERE & THERE 95 BLOGGER CORNER By Cliona Arthur @thestylebee 96 NORTHEN MAN Jeff Meredith visits Dublin 98 WIN A stay at Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Sligo Cover image Photography Brendan Gallagher, mood board & concept development Clare Beswick, styling and creative director Niámh Cunningham, hair Gary Forde, makeup Samantha Weightman, model Lucy Spratt. All clothing from Abbey Centre - for outfit credit see page 16. Location Grand Opera House Belfast.

Publisher Independent News & Media Ltd Belfast Telegraph House 33 Clarendon Road Clarendon Dock Belfast BT1 3GB T: 028 9026 4264 Production Manager: Irene Fitzsimmons Editor: Catriona Doherty Design: Robert Armstrong and Susan McClean Sales Manager: Ciara Hedgcock Art Editor: Helen Wright Editorial Contributors Aimee Connolly, Claire Craig, Clare Bowie, Cliona Arthur, Eunice Nelson, Jade Beecroft, Jeff Meredith, Paula Gracey, Patrick Farren, Sal Hanvey, Sam McIlroy and Róisín Carabine Independent News & Media © 2016. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means; electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of Independent News & Media.

WHITE BICYCLE

59 HIGH STREET, HOLYWOOD, CO.DOWN, BT18 9AQ. T. 028 9042 8435 E. INFO@THEWHITEBICYCLE.CO.UK FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

Drink in the View The Observatory is the Grand Central’s jewel From pavement to panorama, this is the highest bar in all of Ireland and it makes for a phenomenally dreamy destination. Take in the view, pore over the dazzling menu and savour the most masterful mixology creations in Belfast’s most memorable cocktail lounge. Call 028 9023 1066 or visit: grandcentralhotelbelfast.com

Blouse by George at ASDA and suit by New Look

M&S

West Coast Cooler

FASHIONWEEK

Lily Rose Boutique

 All photography by Stephen Potter

here does a 25-season event go after its silver anniversary? Well, at West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK, the show goes on, and the event continues to enjoy the same success now as its early days in the Potthouse. This season, the main runway event will take place at St. Anne’s Cathedral on Friday 19 October and style proceedings will continue with some fashionable fringe events including the popular Sushi Saturday at Asian eatery Zen as well as the Action Cancer charity fundraiser ‘Style Sunday’ in the restaurant of the stunning Fitzwilliam Hotel, plus, new this season, a MaxMara Weekend brunch at Café Parisien with chauffeur-driven cars to the store afterwards for an in-store event. Paul Meekin Hair, in partnership with ghd Hair, has joined forces with FASHIONWEEK this season to oversee styling at all shows in October. Also returning to FASHIONWEEK will be award-winning make up artist Oonagh Boman, who celebrates twenty years in business this year. Her make up brand SENNA cosmetics will be used on the models at all shows, and together with Paul, the creative team will be taking inspiration from the international catwalks to create a mixture of exciting looks to enhance the fashion on show. Both Oonagh and Paul will also host a modern makeup and hair masterclass at the flagship ‘Style Sunday’ event on 21 October. The sumptuous style luncheon will showcase

Grainne Maher Millinery

top stylist picks from Blush Belfast whilst lingerie retailer Boux Avenue will talk guests through how to dress any shape from the inside out. Speaking about this season’s key trends, FASHIONWEEK Director Cathy Martin commented: “This season there is a focus on texture as fabrics in burnt oranges and mustards take the shape of chunky, oversized knits. “There will also be lots of print clashes as feminine florals marry with checks and stripes to give a whole new meaning to the term bohemian chic – with splashes of fringing, Western style.” As well as the usual complimentary West Coast Cooler at every show, guests can also enjoy beauty, food and designer popups as Belfast FASHIONWEEK creates the ultimate experience for the audience. “In an overlapping world that constantly blends experiences, we want to make our

shows bring a little bit of fashion theatre. We want to show the playful side to fashion where guests can feel effortlessly confident,” Cathy commented. At the event’s press launch back in August, Cathy took some time to get serious about fashion and retail here in light of recent events. “Retail is a massive employer in Northern Ireland and fashion stores form a key part of our city landscape, but it is suffering many blows of late. We cannot fail to mention the Primark fire and its devastating effect on employees there as well as in surrounding businesses, so I would urge people to enjoy the city and shop local if they are making shopping purchases in the coming weeks and months.” n

TICKET AND SCHEDULE INFO Tickets are available to purchase at Visit Belfast on: 02890246609 or online via the links at: www.belfastfashionweek.com For reserved seats, corporate orders and groups of four or more, the BFW team can take direct bookings – just call: 02890421509 or email: cathy@cmprireland.com

— COMPETITION —

A meal for Win four in the Cultra Inn

o celebrate the launch of the new Autumn menu at the Cultra Inn, situated in the stunning grounds of the five-star Culloden Estate & Spa, Northern Woman is giving readers the chance to win a delicious meal for four with a bottle of Director’s wine. There is no better place to enjoy a relaxing meal with family or friends this autumn than the Cultra Inn where diners can enjoy the very best quality, wholesome food in informal relaxed surroundings. The new Taste of Hastings Hotels menu features the freshest seasonal and local produce including Whipped Fivemiletown Goats Cheese with Comber Beetroot, their Great Taste award-winning Hannan’s Glenarm Shorthorn Beef Burger or Pork, Armagh Apple and Gracehill Black Pudding Sausages, or for fish lovers, try the Pan Fried Fillet of North Coast Hake! The new extensive menu is served from 12 noon until 9.30pm Monday to Saturday, and 3.30pm – 9.30pm on Sundays, and their fabulous Sunday lunch is served from 12.30pm – 3.30pm. To make a reservation call the Cultra Inn on: 028 9042 5840. For further information visit: www.hastingshotels.com n

TO ENTER Simply answer the question below. The Cultra Inn is situated in the grounds of which Hastings hotel? a. The Everglades Hotel b. The Culloden Estate and Spa c. The Europa Hotel Email your answer and contact details to competitions@ northernwoman.co.uk before 5pm on Friday 28th September 2018. T&Cs: The prize is valid until 31st March 2019 and excludes Christmas, NYE and Valentine’s Day. The prize is as detailed and an alternative will not be offered. The prize is subject to availability and must be booked in advance. INM T&Cs apply.

Leather Appeal Leather is the fabric of choice this AW in skirts, trousers, hats and trench coats. Givenchy’s models walked in petrol green, Loewe’s ladies wore butterscotch, and Vaccarello made a statement with chunky leather platform boots. Here are some leather looks we’re lusting over this season… Belted coat from Mango £149.99

Leather look trousers from Primark £15

Yellow Claudia leather cross body bag from Accessorize £29

Nappa dress from Uterqüe £250

Leather cowboy ankle boots from & Other Stories £129 Tan pencil skirt from Dorothy Perkins £24

Poppy Pu skirt from Monsoon £60

Green leather look biker jacket from Miss Selfridge £49

Boots from H&M £79.99

Leather mid skirt from H&M £149.99

Hurley black suede and calf leather two-piece kneehigh booties from Jimmy Choo £1,175

Nappa jacket with belt from Massimo Dutti £249

Leather button down dress from Warehouse £249

Patent croc heeled loafers from & Other Stories £89

Lizia from Ted Baker £329

Dress from Lipsy £62

Real leather leggings from Vila £310

Side stripe stiletto ankle boot from Dune London £125

Leather shirt from H&M £119.99

Boots from Massimo Dutti £179

Leather kick flare trousers from Warehouse £198

Angela Wilson at work

She’s In Fashion BY EMMA DEIGHAN

Northern Ireland has long been connected to fashion thanks to its rich linen heritage and the City of Derry’s respected reputation for producing some of the sharpest shirts around. We look at four new names in the style sphere; the Northern Women who are keeping the native trade alive… Silver Apples

ANGELA WILSON – SILVER APPLES Once a successful, globe-trotting marketing professional, Angela Wilson from Belfast swapped international corporate highs for the sewing room floor, to create a range of children’s clothing that once only seemed accessible to the Pinterest and Insta elite. The mother-of-three is the fashion creative behind the Silver Apples brand; a line of girls’ and boys’ pieces that scream style-astute ladies and edgy chaps. Linen and cotton dresses with the cutest of prints, and waistcoats with a range of cool designs have been gaining Angela the international recognition that she once commanded in the boardroom. Angela raises Finn, seven, Sophie, five, and Margot, three months, manages a cottage industry factory in West Belfast, and runs a stall in St George’s Market. Angela says: “I was fed up of seeing quirky clothing on Instagram but when I went shopping I could only ever see the same old things, unless of course I went to a boutique and then the clothes were out of my price range.

“I began a dressmaking course and started making pieces for my son and daughter. People stopped me on the street to find out where I bought the pinafores and waistcoats, so I decided to make four more and put them on Facebook. They were snapped up immediately. “Since then I’ve been inundated with orders from friends, family, strangers and tourists, and the business thriving. “The best thing about Silver Apples clothing is the range is handmade here in Belfast, using traditional methods and quality linen and cotton fabric.” Angela has big plans for the brand, she has particpated in the Ulster University Graduate Fashion Show and is involved with an Invest NI-funded project. The designer is continuing to expand the brand’s global profile, and with her zest for life and unwavering positivity, we are certain this range will be spotted on some high profile princes and princesses very soon. To see more visit: silverapplesbelfast.com or visit St George’s Market on a Saturday.

Hannah Vail

Han Clothing

HANNAH VAIL – HAN CLOTHING When one of the high street’s coolest names signs up a local brand, you know it’s one to watch. That’s exactly what happened to Hannah Vail, the Ulster University Fashion and Textiles graduate who proudly boasts a concession in Topshop, Victoria Square. That concession led to another deal at Topshop

MARIE NANCARROW – TITANIC DENIM Describing the icons that make Northern Ireland the attraction it is today, and indeed her own fashion brand Titanic Denim, Marie Nancarrow says: “Belfast’s boys did their thing and didn’t really care. Like them the Titanic Denim designs are unique, rebellious and a statement of intent.” Marie set up her brand of denim in 2015 following an illustrious and truly fashionable past. It’s one that includes sewing patches onto her rocker brother’s denim jackets, to working on wardrobe for international music acts visiting Belfast including Katie Perry and Robbie Williams. She also worked alongside Paul Costello. It was a business that came about after numerous life-changing events and followed on from a Belfast College of Technology fashion course, not to mention some exciting roles across the globe during her travels. Marie moved home after having her first child, Shea. Darcy, her second child followed, and then Marie’s mum suffered

in Derry and it’s gone from pop-up to permanent. Hannah’s range is a collection of tees, hoodies, bags and more. Think staple T-Shirts with embroidered motifs that make classic cool. “Our focus is to create beautiful minimal pieces with embroidery or print developed from original and abstract illustrations, which are suitable for all sexes. Although we are small we are growing.

a stroke which left her paralysed. Marie decided to take time out from her career to bring up her children and help her dad care for her mother. “It was during this time that I was accidentally asked to patch a pair of jeans for a friend in a band. I put my own mark on them and everyone love them...” and so the rest is history. “Titanic Denim resuscitate your favourite falling apart pair of jeans, and breathe new life, character and attitude into them,” Marie says. “We patch up their broken hearts and customise them to transform them into a wearable piece of art.” Not created for shrinking violets, Titanic Denim’s signature design is a tapestry of bright colours, fabrics and patterns that will get you noticed. “We are environmentally friendly, as all our items use recycled, second hand denim, jeans and fabrics. All designs are one-offs and handmade right in the heart of Belfast’s Titanic Quarter. We also give birth to new products through old denim.” See the brand at: titanicdenim.com or call into the store on Lombard Street.

We have a lot of passion for what we do and are so excited for the future,” said Hannah who says she’s been creative all her life. “Creative but quite logical,” she adds. “So applying my creativity to something functional felt very satisfying.” Han Clothing is celebrating one year in business and will mark the occasion with a bang. “We are throwing a big party with help from local electronic group Jika Jika, with all ticket sales going to Foyle Search and Rescue. I’m very excited about it.” Among her high profile fans are cool, underground personalities including DJ Amelie Lens, described by Hannah as the “Belgian queen of techno”. Referencing that Topshop gig, Hannah says: “It has been amazing to have an opportunity like Topshop in our first year. Like all businesses there are ups and downs to be expected but it has performed really well. The plan is to keep expanding steadily, growing our team (we are now three) and in the long term bring more of the production closer to home - the clothing is sourced from wholesalers in England at the moment, and all printing and embroidery is done in Derry and Donegal. To check out the range visit Topshop at Victoria Square and Foyleside or click on: www.hanclothing.co.uk

Titanic Denim

REN&GEM Sisters and mothers, Lauren Campbell and Gemma Kerr, founded their tee and sweater brand after craving ‘comfortable, throw-on’ lounge wear that stood out. We’re talking the kind that the multi-tasking goddess mum needs in a flash for a school run, impromptu corner shop dash, and one that can work its way into a day or evening out with friends. The result is “the perfect sweatshirt” collection, say the girls, and tees that are durable to be washed multiple times and comfortable to throw on at home with pyjamas or skinny jeans. Emblazoned with slogans such as ‘Raising boys’, ‘Raising my squad’ and ‘Boy mama’, this is a collection for queens rocking parenthood and proud to shout about it.

Lauren Campbell says: “The concept of Ren&Gem was thought up over numerous coffee sessions whilst we were both on maternity leave. The struggle of trying to find something comfortable but tidy to throw on whilst juggling motherhood was a constant topic of conversation. “We decided to take the plunge and see if we could design clothing that mums like us would love and be proud to wear, at an affordable price. For months we searched for the perfect shapes and styles of clothing. We also made the decision to only source ethically-certified products. Finally, in February 2017, Ren&Gem was officially born,” adds Lauren, who is pregnant with her second child. All Ren&Gem sweatshirts and tees are made from 100% organic cotton and produced ethically in conjunction with the Fair to Wear Foundation. Every garment is screen printed for a quality finish. And they’ve been endorsed by life-loving mums on Insta, where picture-perfect posts showcase the products and celebs such as Kimberley Walsh and Pippa O’Connor have been seen wearing Ren&Gem. The family-focused slogans come from Lauren and Gemma’s close-knit family life, while the side hustle business (Lauren works as marketing manager and Gemma is a teacher) is made possible thanks to a “strong work ethic” which Lauren says has always been instilled in the family. “We are inspired daily by the hugely supportive network of women who wear our little brand. They’ve become our club and we love how they wear our clothing somewhat as a badge of honour; after all this mothering gig isn’t easy,” she continues. Just as NW went to print Ren&Gem launched a Sisterhood line. Lauren adds:

“It’s time we spread the Ren&Gem love out a little more. We’ve experienced first-hand what can happen when women support women and a slogan like ‘Sisterhood’ embodies this. We’re also excited that a percentage of profits of sales of this tee will go directly to the charity Equality Now which works ‘for the protection and promotion of the human rights of women and girls around the world’.” n See the brand at: www.renandgem.com

drama The spotlight is on Abbey Centre for their striking autumnal collections. Wardrobe essentials include sensual silk, headto-toe print, layered contrasting textures, and double coats for added impact. This season it’s all about embracing the limelight; clash, get creative... express your own individual style.

All clothing from Abbey Centre, Newtownabbey. Shot on location in Grand Opera House Belfast

Jumpsuit £27.99 and bodysuit £12.99 from New Look; cardigan £34 and headband £8 from River Island; pointe shoes model’s own

Coat £69.99 from DV8 Fashion; jacket £46 and trousers £29 from Topshop; bodysuit £12.99, sunglasses £14 and earrings £10 from River Island; bag £8 from Primark

Shirt £14.99, trousers £22.99 and bodysuit £12.99 from New Look

Playsuit £46 and top £22 from Topshop; bag £19.99 from DV8 Fashion; sunglasses (on head) £16, and boots £50 from River Island

Bodysuit £24.99 and dress £39.99 from Quiz; shoes £38 from River Island; earrings £14.99 from New Look

Jumpsuit £29.99, top £24.99 and necklace £14.99 from New Look; pointe shoes model’s own

– PHOTOGRAPHY – Brendan Gallagher 079 0063 8365 brendangallagher.net – MOOD BOARD & CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT – Clare Beswick @ Abbey Centre 02890 868018 www.abbeycentreshopping.co.uk – STYLING & CREATIVE DIRECTOR – Niamh Cunningham 074 5394 0312 www.facebook.com/niamhxcunn – HAIR – Gary Forde @ Andrew Mulvenna Hair 028 9024 9191 andrewmulvenna.com – MAKEUP – Samantha Weightman 078 6631 5279 www.samanthaweightman.com – MODEL – Lucy Spratt @ ACA Models acamodels.com – LOCATION – Grand Opera House Belfast 028 9024 1919 www.goh.co.uk

Trousers £32 , jacket was £70 now £30 from River Island; top £12.99 and earrings £3.99 from New Look

Photo credit: Johnny McMillan

The

Skin Nerd AKA Jennifer Rock talks snail slime, skincare no-noâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and her new book

BY CATRIONA DOHERTY

or readers who are not one of The Skin Nerd’s 126,000+ followers - introducing Jennifer Rock... “I was originally a lecturer, dermal facialist, aesthetician, and brand consultant for global skincare brands,” Jennifer begins. “I came across so many people who truly were treating their skin poorly and expecting great results, people who were using face wipes, and people who believed the marketing buzzwords that salons were feeding them. “I wanted to create a skin consultancy that prioritised education and was accessible to all, and so I started The Skin Nerd online skin consultancy and cosmeceutical department store. Our team of Nerdettes speak to people one-to-one over video chat, explaining why the skincare they’ve been recommended works rather than just telling people to use it. “Being online means that we can speak to people across the world, on their lunch breaks or after they’ve dropped the kids to school, from wherever they are most comfortable. We know from speaking to our clients that some don’t want to go to a salon or clinic without makeup on, and some people get to a point where they don’t want to leave the house at all due to their skin. We help people regain confidence and see true skin results and it’s an amazing feeling. “Now, I’ve written a big nerdie guide full of the skinformation I’ve gathered along the way which has just been published.”

Straight-talking skincare

The Dubliner’s new book ‘The Skin Nerd: Your straight-talking guide to feeding, protecting and respecting your skin’ advises on all skin concerns, from spots to cellulite and more. “I felt like I had some skin-related home truths to serve to the general public and it was a fantastic feeling getting it all down on paper,” Jennifer says. “My mantra is ‘the skin is an organ’ so it’s truly a 360˚ viewpoint of the skin, looking at what could be triggering certain things internally and how to manage that. “My 360˚approach is ‘inside’

Photo credit: Johnny McMillan (supplements and nutrition), ‘outside’ (cosmetic and cosmeceutical skincare), and ‘on top’ (mineral makeup).” Jennifer uses a sunflower analogy to represent her viewpoint: “The skin is like a sunflower. What you see is the beautiful flower on the top but you can’t just water the petals. You have to nourish from the roots so that that gorgeous flower can blossom. Getting the right skingredients in to you, as well as on top of you, is the key to the glowing, healthy skin you’ve been looking for.” Jennifer recommends taking supplements that are especially for the skin, as opposed to general health: “I adore Advanced Nutrition Programme and ZENii

supplements, both of which are stocked in The Skin Nerd store online. The exact supplements you need depends on your skin concerns – for example, those with redness need Vitamin C. “If you haven’t heard of cosmeceutical skincare before, it means skincare that is results-driven with high amounts of active ingredients such as vitamins, exfoliating acids, peptides, premium hydrating ingredients and antioxidants. Cosmeceutical skincare can actually help to improve the skin whereas I would believe that cosmetic skincare predominantly soothes and pacifies the skin. “We work with cosmeceutical brands like IMAGE Skincare, Neostrata, Murad and Environ. We also stock more well-known brands like REN, Pestle & Mortar and Caudalíe and I adore them all.”

Continued on 28 ➤

Jennifer recommends using fully mineral makeup, as opposed to cosmetic makeup which she says can sometimes dry the skin. “Two brands that I can vouch for as being fully mineral (and that I wear myself ) are Jane Iredale and Bellápierre. Both of these are also talc-free. Talc is technically a mineral but it dehydrates the skin so it’s not preferred in mineral formulations. Minerals like zinc oxide and titanium oxide are antioxidant, light-protective and antiinflammatory in nature so they give back to the skin whilst you wear the makeup.”

Korean beauty

We hear so much about Korean beauty/KBeauty at the moment, we ask the aficionado to tell us more about the trend. “The Koreans love a lengthy routine where each step simultaneously aids in the workings of the other steps and gives something different to the skin,” Jennifer explains. “You’ll find out of the ordinary ingredients in Korean skincare, such as snail slime. I visited Korea on business, picked out my own snail and it was that very snail’s slime that they gave to me to put on my face. It was such an experience – I would 100% do it again. “Their application techniques are to die for. They are a huge fan of tapping as opposed to rubbing the skin. Rubbing and pulling irritates the skin, and choosing to tap it in instead increases the absorption of the product you are applying.” For readers who wish to do their own at-home Korean skincare routine, Jennifer recommends using Seoulista Instant Facial sheet masks which she is “bananas” about. “I particularly like Seoulista’s Super Hydration hyaluronic acid mask as hyaluronic acid plumps up the skin and can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water. The brand is London-based but their masks are made in South Korea so they are authentic in this sense. “If you’re not already using a serum, get your hands on a one. Serums aren’t exclusive to K-Beauty but the trend really brought them to the forefront. Serums are much more beneficial than moisturisers due to the fact they have smaller molecules, and can thus penetrate into the skin and get where they need to go. They usually have higher concentrations of active ingredients too. We’ve heard a lot about sheet masks recently and ask Jennifer to tell us more. “A sheet mask is usually made up of a face-shaped piece of cotton, paper, or a gel substance that is soaked in a high-powered serum. Because there is a physical sheet on top of the serum, it means that it can’t evaporate off the face so more of the serum to be absorbed by the skin.”

Autumn skincare

‘Do you feel it’s necessary for people to adjust their skincare routine for the new season?’ we ask. “Indeed, but it depends on the needs

Photo credit: Táine King of the individual and their skin,” Jennifer replies. “Many find after the summer months, especially the few months we’re after having here, their skin is dehydrated and they may have a bit of post-sun pigmentation, so your autumn skincare should include brightening ingredients. “Personally, I think Vitamin C is the man for pigmentation so adding a Vitamin C serum is a great shout. Heading towards November, it’s getting chillier and the cold winds doth blow so you may need to include a thicker cream in your routine if you’re prone to dryness due to the wind or cold weather.” Jennifer’s biggest skincare no-no is: “not respecting the skin as an organ and neglecting it. “The absolute worst thing you can do is nothing at all; not wearing a broadspectrum SPF every day to protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays, not cleansing it, and not protecting it from anything. “After that, I’d say face wipe usage. They’re not a true cleanse as they don’t actually remove anything from the skin, they just move it around, and they often contain drying and sensitising alcohols and

fragrances that can impair the skin’s barrier (which locks moisture in and keeps irritants out).” Jennifer created the Cleanse Off Mitt; a microfiber makeup removal mitt that she recommends using instead.

And finally…

NW concludes: ‘You are the beauty expert for TV3’s Ireland AM, have won numerous awards, and prepped the models’ skin at London Fashion Week earlier this year describe some of your career highlights.” “We’ve accomplished so many exciting things already and there is much more coming in the next year,” Jennifer says. “I’ve appreciated every experience we’ve had and I’m proud of it all. However, my career highlight is constant. Every single time I open my messages and see a client has messaged in saying how phenomenal the team is, how much their skin has improved, and how they feel that they can leave the house now – that’s my career highlight. It reminds me of why we’re doing this.” n

‘The Skin Nerd: Your straight-talking guide to feeding, protecting and respecting your skin’ is £17.99 and is available from Eason, Waterstones and Amazon. For more from Jennifer visit: www.theskinnerd.com

Photo credit: Tรกine King

In the November issue of Animal print Reboot: fabulous footwear Guide to contouring Back to black: moody-hued interiors

Interiors, health & wellness, travel reviews, local weddings, beauty news, events, competitions and lots more Credit: Closet London

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00321-02_Forest_Feast_Halloween_Ad_Northern_Woman_V2_PRINT.indd 1

28/08/2018 16:45

From left, Karen McCready, Shirley Moore, and Sarah Monaghan

Halloween is traditionally the time we turn our attention to the supernatural. But for one team of investigators it’s a year-round fascination. Jade Beecroft reports

e’ve all seen the movie Ghostbusters, but the reality of paranormal investigations couldn’t be further from the fiction of proton packs, ghost traps and green slime. Northern Ireland is steeped in legend and folklore, and many say it’s also rich in hauntings. There are a number of paranormal investigation groups across the province who spend their spare time trying to find the truth behind the ghost stories. One such organization is Ghostsearchers NI, a group of enthusiasts who spend their weekends documenting supernatural activity in old buildings and other ancient spaces. They also run regular public investigations at Belfast’s Crumlin Road Gaol. Their ethos is trying to debunk anything spooky by approaching situations with skepticism. So if a door creaks or a voice whispers they look for a logical explanation first. Members come from all walks of life – with respectable day jobs, families and day-to-day lives that are a far cry from ghostbusting.

But when Northern Woman joined group members Sarah Monaghan, Karen McCready and “Auntie” Shirley Moore for an investigation at Donagadee’s disused old town hall building, things moved away from the ordinary very quickly indeed. “It’s a three-storey townhouse built in the 1770s as a private residence,” explains Karen as we take an initial look around the building. “It was probably owned by one of the richest families in Donagadee at that time.

µµthings moved away from the ordinary very quickly indeed∑∑ “We don’t know how long it was privately owned before it became a public space and town hall. It’s now been sold to a developer and it’s going to be turned into luxury apartments, but before the building work starts we’ve been given the keys to investigate the place.” In fact Ghostsearchers NI have run a number of investigations in this building, which they say is one of the most “active”

sites they’ve ever worked in. It’s opposite Grace Neill’s, on High Street, which is said to be Northern Ireland’s most haunted pub. And Town Hall Lane was previously known as Murder Lane because legend has it a woman was killed there in 1852. The town hall is believed to be haunted by several restless spirits, including the ghost of “Matthew”, a disabled boy who was locked in the basement, a second child “Thomas”, and a man known as “The Key Keeper”. It’s certainly a creepy place to walk around. Although the building is disused it’s not quite derelict, and retains many beautiful old features, including grand cast iron fireplaces complete with original tiles, shuttered windows, carved bannisters and high ceilings. Northern Woman very much hopes the developers renovate with a gentle, sympathetic hand. But it’s also covered with a thick blanket of dust and curtains of cobwebs, and there’s a symphony of creeks and groans as the building breathes around you. No sooner have we walked up to the second floor when one of the heavy wooden doors closes behind us, causing all four of us to jump. “I think I nudged that with my foot,’ Karen says immediately. She opens and closes the door several times, before wedging a prop back beneath it. “Yes, I definitely kicked that with my heel as we came in.”

But when a second door slams a few minutes later it’s slightly harder to explain away. The atmosphere is tense and expectant as the members unload their kit. Ghosthunting is a serious business and investigation groups can spend thousands on recording equipment and sensors. Ghostsearchers NI have all manner of gadgets, including movement sensors, devices that read electromagnetic changes, and equipment that’s supposed to help them communicate with spirits. “I’m going to set up the REM pods,” explains Sarah, heading out to the stairs. It’s slightly disturbing how these plucky women move about this dark space seemingly without fear. Northern Woman won’t even go to the loo here alone! A REM pod, or radiating electromagnetism pod, is one of the staple pieces of equipment in paranormal investigations. It sends out its own signal and has an antenna, which should pick up any electromagnetic changes within its field. The theory is that if a person – or ghost – moves nearby the REM pod will light up and start beeping. Sarah puts one on the stairs and another in the first room we’re preparing to investigate. “There’s nothing creepier than when it goes off, and you know there’s nobody out on the stairs,” she grins. Something of an understatement. We begin by gathering round a table in one of the downstairs rooms. Karen is brandishing a Ghost Box – which is basically a radio that permanently scans though all available frequencies, never stopping on anything for more than a fraction of a second. The result is a combination of white noise and snatches of radio stations, and the theory is that spirits can then manipulate the audio to communicate. “Spirits of the town hall,” Karen begins. “We would love you to come forward and communicate with us. What’s your name please?” The Ghost Box continues to play a mixture of white noise and snatches of radio as the team carry on calling out into

the room, introducing themselves and asking questions. “Come forward and use our energy. Come and speak to us. How can we help you?” Then Sarah asks: “Do you like us being here?” We all jump as a voice replies “we’ll see.” It could be a trick of the airwaves, but the investigators are excited, especially when an electromagnetic measuring device Sarah is operating, which has been sitting at zero ever since we arrived, suddenly goes into overdrive. At the same time, we could swear something just blew into our ears. “Let’s go and check out the basement,” Karen suggests. This dank and foreboding area of the house has thrown up lots of unexplained sights and sounds for the group in the past. We all troop down the steps and gather around another makeshift table. Karen has set up a light sensor, to detect any movement, which means we’re not completely in the dark, but it’s still pretty eerie, and Shirley jumps when someone accidentally brushes against her. Again we use the Ghost Box and another bit of kit called an EVP – or Electronic Voice Phenomenon – recorder as we call out inviting spirits to communicate with us. But this time nothing happens; in fact despite this being arguably the spookiest part of the building, there’s absolutely nothing down here going bump in the night. When we hear a faint bang from above we dismiss it as a car door slamming out on the High Street. It’s Friday night and the local area is still busy. Over and over the team’s attempts to communicate are met with silence. Not even an eerie silence – just the quiet of an empty building. “Let’s try upstairs,” decides Karen, and we all troop into a back room on the first floor, stepping over a large plank of rotting skirting board that’s lying inside the doorway as we enter. “Watch your step,” says Karen automatically. Then… “Hang on, was that there before?” We all look down at the plank and our skin starts to crawl. No. It wasn’t there

before. When we did our initial walk around the house we stood in this room remarking over the attractiveness of the old flooring pattern, which could still be faintly seen. We did not step over a plank as we came into the room. Of that, all four of us are certain. “It’s heavy,” remarks Karen as she lifts it and props it up against the wall. We scan the room, looking for a clue as to where it came from. The ceiling is intact and there’s no obvious place it could have fallen from. Northern Woman’s photos of the room, taken on our previous walk round, do not show it propped against anything. Its sudden appearance is genuinely hard to explain logically. Karen throws it back onto the floor to test the sound it makes and we all cough as it kicks up a cloud of dust. Was that the bang we heard when we were in the cellar? “There’s one way to find out,” says Karen, taking Northern Woman back down to the cellar and giving Sarah instructions to throw the plank onto the floor to see if we can hear it. We stand for what feels like an age, but in reality is probably only a few seconds, in the dark cellar, and then we hear a faint bang as Sarah drops the plank.

µµWe all look down at the plank and our skin starts to crawl…∑∑ “It’s certainly a very similar noise to the one we heard when we were down here,” says Karen. We’d been asking the spirit world to communicate with us. Had they done just that? The rest of the investigation drags a little. We move from room to room, asking the same questions and manipulating the kit, even playing Mozart in what would have been the drawing room, but for the most part the equipment stays silent. As we pack up to leave, Northern Woman ponders whether the team are disappointed that it’s been a relatively quiet night. “Actually it’s been really good,” says Sarah enthusiastically. “That wooden plank falling upstairs is genuinely hard to explain. But I think the spirits used so much energy moving it that it then made everything go really quiet. The first part of the investigation was definitely the most active.” The ladies went home to review their footage. They make videos of their entire investigations, and also spend hours poring over all the recordings on their various pieces of equipment after each outing, uploading anything of interest to their Facebook page. “It’s always worth looking back,” explains Shirley. “Sometimes something really interesting appears in a photo or recording that you didn’t spot at the time.” Northern Woman is secretly disappointed not to find a ghost hovering on any of our photos from the night. But it was certainly a thought-provoking evening. n

Cairndu House

Most Haunted As we prepare to celebrate Halloween, some of Northern Ireland’s paranormal investigation groups give us their pick of the province’s most haunted buildings BY JADE BEECROFT CAIRNDU HOUSE, GLENARM

Chosen by Peninsular Paranormal Group Built in 1875 as a summer house for Stewart Clark, a wealthy industrialist, the ruins of this once grand mansion are now believed to be haunted. Over the past 140 years it has served as a stately home, military hospital, convalescent home and even film location before falling into disrepair. Located off the Coast Road in Carnfunnock Country Park, the building has lain empty for decades. In 1995 Lord Rana bought the house and gardens from

R-Space Gallery

the council and lodged plans to develop it into an 80-room nursing home, but work has yet to start. Over the years there have been reports of ghosts appearing at the windows and unexplained noises heard by caretakers. The grounds are open to the public but the building itself is private property so investigators must apply for permission to visit. Kirsty Gracie, from Peninsular Paranormal Group, says: “We consider this place to be really haunted. We’ve heard voices and unexplained footsteps during

our investigations, and seen shadows. “I’ve had the life scared out of me by the ghost of a doctor at the site. Every member of the team has had some sort of spooky experience there.”

R-SPACE GALLERY, LISBURN

Chosen by Eternal Voices Paranormal 28 The visual arts and crafts gallery on Castle Street is based in the former rectory to Lisburn Cathedral, a beautiful building that pre-dates the 1800s. While the downstairs is now a modern exhibition space, many of the warren of upstairs rooms still boast original features. The site has a colourful history, as Will Crawford, from Lisburn-based paranormal investigations group Eternal Voices Paranormal 28, explains: “It’s been destroyed twice by fire and was also, more recently, involved in bombing during The Troubles.” The group hold regular investigations in the R-Space Gallery, and have recorded plenty of unexplained activity. “Every time it never let’s us down,” says Will. “We’ve had activity such as figures being seen and heard in the basement and strange light anomalies. Glass work always gets a reaction from certain spirits, we get electronic hits on our Rem Pod and K2 equipment – which works on EMF energy – footsteps are regularly heard and people have been touched and pushed. It’s

Coneen Ghost House Photo credit: Jack Longmate

THE BEST OF THE REST Crumlin Road Gaol definitely one of our favourite locations.” The back road from Belfast to Lisburn, the Upper Malone Road around the Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park, is also said to be haunted. Drivers have reported spotting the ghostly figure of a woman holding a baby, who steps out in front of cars late at night.

CRUMLIN ROAD GAOL, BELFAST Chosen by Ghost Searchers NI

Crumlin Road Gaol dates back to 1845 and closed its doors as a working prison in 1996. Since then it has become one of Belfast’s most popular visitor attractions, and also hosts conferences and other events. Throughout its history, 17 men were hanged at the gaol and their bodies buried in unmarked graves within the prison walls. It has also been the scene of riots and bombs during The Troubles. Ghost Searchers NI are the group who conduct four-hour paranormal tours of the old jail. Karen McCready, from the group, says: “During the day the gaol is a fascinating and beautiful architectural

building. But when the sun goes down it takes on a very different atmosphere. You can almost feel the oppression and emotion in the air.” Karen herself has had her most significant paranormal experiences in the gaol’s changing rooms, and in the underground tunnel linking the prison with the (now disused) courthouse opposite. In the first, she felt a man standing behind her as she guided a group of visitors, but when she turned there was no one there. And in the second she was using an EVP recorder in the changing room with a public group when something unexpected happened. “I heard footsteps coming very clearly from the corner of the rooms,” she explains. “But I could see that no one was moving. “We asked a question – are you male or female? In a very clear female whisper a voice came back… female! Every single person in the room gasped at how clear this was and I felt goosebumps up my arms.”

FLAME GASWORKS MUSEUM, CARRICKFERGUS Chosen by Shadow Hunters NI

Flame Gasworks Museum

The gasworks, which still dominates the skyline in Carrickfergus, was first opened in 1855 and supplied the town with gas, made from coal, until 1967, when a number of local men lost their jobs. It was then used to pipe gas from Belfast until 1987. The site was restored by the Carrickfergus Gasworks Preservation Society and opened as a visitor attraction in 2002 – one of only three preserved gasworks in Britain and Ireland. It is now run by volunteers in partnership with the borough council and Environment Agency. There have been numerous local reports of ghostly goings on in recent years, including the spirit of a lady who is said to patrol the central yard. Paranormal group Shadow Hunters NI have held many investigations at the site. Fra McDonald, from the group, explains:

• Newcastle Harbour: Rumoured to be haunted by a banshee – a spirit of Irish mythology – who walks silently among the boats. The banshee’s appearance is said to herald a death. • York Road Railway Station, Belfast: A ghostly figure has been reportedly spotted sitting in the station’s locked canteen at night, possibly the spirit of a man who died during a bungled robbery. • Antrim Castle: A phantom coach pulled by four horses is said to appear on May 31st each year before sinking into the pond, drowning all on board. • Ballygally Castle: Heralded as Northern Ireland’s most haunted hotel. Its owners have even set aside a ‘ghost room’, which was once been the bedroom of Lady Isobel Shaw, who fell to her death from the window after being locked in to starve by her husband. • Former Roe Valley Hospital, Limevady: Security guards have reported hearing crying babies and seeing the ghosts of men and women in uniform. One guard actually caught an apparition on camera and the photo was authenticated by the Paranormal Society Ireland. • Coneen Ghost House: The Cooneen/ Coonian Ghost house is a cottage in Fermanagh. 100 years ago the widow Bridget Murphy and her children were plagued by a poltergeist. It would create loud noises, bangs and raps on the walls. The Murphys fled to America and the poltergeist followed them on the boat.

“This place is amazing and the activity is second-to-none. We’ve been the resident paranormal team for this location for several years now and we’ve had everything from positive and negative energies, originating from the location and also the surrounding areas. The more we delve the more we seem to uncover.” The gasworks isn’t the only spooky site in Carrickfergus; legend has it that the castle is haunted by a soldier garrisoned there in the 1960s and crossed in love by local lass Betsy. His dark figure, known by the nickname ‘Buttoncap’, has been spotted by visitors in the castle keep, near the old well. n

Lights, camera,

ACTION

In a true rags to riches story, an author from Northern Ireland is preparing to move to Florida to turn her book into a blockbuster movie. Jade Beecroft meets Capella Van Ryan

tanding on the very cusp of success, Letterkenny-born Capella Van Ryan knows her life could be about to change beyond all recognition. The 33-year-old’s first novel The Snowboat has been picked up by a US movie producer and there are plans to turn it into a blockbuster. It’s the stuff of dreams; she’s written the script herself and is currently taking acting classes and voice coaching to play the female lead. It could turn the former accountant into a household name. Now she and her husband, former paramedic trainer Colin Gibson, are preparing to leave their Irvinestown home to move to Florida, where her manager is based. “It’s overwhelming,” she laughs. “People have already starting asking for my autograph or getting me to sign copies of the book. “It’s going to be a big budget movie, it could make me a very wealthy woman. People keep asking me whether it’s a dream come true, but for me the dream was having

my novel published. This is something else entirely.” Capella grew up in Omagh, and tragically lost her mum to breast cancer when she was just five years old. “I have very few memories of her,” she says sadly. “I mostly just remember her being ill. But when I was a teenager I really missed having that female guidance in my life.” Capella says she was “a straight-A student”, with a passion for English and history, but she was bullied at school and didn’t fulfill her potential.

µµMy ideal lead actor would be Tom Hardy or Daniel Craig∑∑ It was her husband Colin, who she met when she was 19, who encouraged her to go back into education, and she briefly joined him in paramedic training before gaining accountancy qualifications.

But it was a holiday to Switzerland in 2010 that proved to be a turning point. “I just fell in love with the breathtaking beauty,” she remembers. “The people were some of the nicest I’d ever met and the countryside - the mountains, were incredible. “One evening we went for dinner at this restaurant called ‘The Snowboat’. It was like something out of a 1960s Bond film; the building was boat-shaped so when the snow fell it looked like it was gliding across it. “I’d always wanted to write a book, I was just waiting for inspiration. Right then I knew I was going to write a novel called The Snowboat, set in Switzerland. I had the title before I had the plot!” But the couple faced tough times, with Colin fighting a serious illness, and the novel took five years to complete. “It’s a romance with a murderous twist, because I love thrillers,” explains Capella. “I wanted to put my heart and soul into it; I did so many drafts and made so many changes. “At one point I got so sick of it that I actually threw my manuscript in the bin! It was Colin who fished it out and told me I had to carry on. “Then getting a publisher was difficult; I sent my synopsis and chapters to so many different places.” The Snowboat was eventually published by Austin Macauley in 2015, and – to

Capella’s surprise – it became popular in America. “That’s when a well-known manager Max Millionz, based in Florida, contacted me,” she says. “He said he loved the book and wanted me to turn it into a movie script.” Capella says she can’t disclose the budget she’s been offered by a Hollywood-based production company, but she’s hoping filming is going to start next year. “Max wants me to play the female lead,” she says. “They’ve lined up acting classes and I’m working out in the gym for four hours every day. We’re hoping to get a bigname British actor to play opposite me. “My ideal lead actor would be Tom Hardy or Daniel Craig.” Driven Capella says she is also in talks to turn another script into a movie, and The Snowboat is the first book of a ten-part series. “I’ve got the next five written,” she laughs. “But we’re holding off to start releasing them alongside the movie.” So is the Letterkenny lass prepared for a life of red carpets and opening nights in the Hollywood hills? “It could happen,” she laughs. “It’s unbelievable really, Colin keeps joking that I’m going to need a bodyguard. It just doesn’t feel real yet.” To aspiring writers and actresses, Capella has this piece of advice: “make mistakes”. “Mistakes are wonderful,” she insists. “They make you stronger and more determined. Rejections toughen you up, they force you to make your writing better or try harder. “Mistakes are like lessons; never be afraid of them.” In a statement Max Millionz Enterprises

said: “We are honoured and excited to be representing Capella Van Ryan, on making her dreams into reality and bringing her book to life on the big screen. “We are joining hands with Dream

Cinema to bring forth the motion picture ‘The Snowboat’.” n

The Snowboat is available on Amazon, priced £11.99.

SO YOU WANT TO WRITE A BOOK? Belfast author Olivia Rana teaches novel writing at Queen’s University. Her own first novel, Elastic Girl, tells the story of Muthu Tikaram, an 11-year-old girl sold into slavery in India. And she is currently putting the finishing touches to her second novel, Black Beach, set in Iceland. Fashions come and go within popular fiction, but Olivia says it’s important to be true to yourself and stick with what you want to write about. Her inspiration for Elastic Girl came from a radio programme on child trafficking. “The novel took me about three years to write,” she says. “I did a huge amount of research; my husband’s family are from India and it’s a country I love, so I decided to give a portion of the proceeds from each book sold to a charity called Child Rescue Nepal.” And the idea for Black Beach came from conversations with Icelandic friends, who told Olivia about the legends of huldufolk – hidden people who live in the rocky landscapes. She applied for a grant from the Arts Council Northern Ireland to visit Iceland and research the book.

“The title comes from the black lava beaches near Vik, on the south coast,” she explains. “The protagonist, Freda, has been seeing the huldufolk since she was a child and believes she can communicate with them.” Olivia’s 10-week novel writing evening courses are intended to give budding writers a head start. They cover topics like dialogue, characterisation, plot and pacing, and give students the opportunity to read out their work. “It’s really important for aspiring writers to get used to sharing their stories,” she explains. “Either join a class or find a writers’ group. You

can become very disillusioned; novel writing is a long process and there’s so much rejection and criticism. Moral support and feedback from other writers can be crucial.” Olivia has the following tips for would-be novelists: “It takes time and energy; it’s not going to write itself. If you’re serious then you need to set aside time to sit down and write on a regular basis. “It’s also so important to read; you wouldn’t believe how many students say they don’t really read books. “You need to read as much as you can, especially in the genre you want to write in. There’s so many things you can learn from other successful authors. What is it that they are doing that is working? “Finally, keep a notebook handy, in your handbag or pocket, so when inspiration hits you can jot it down before you forget it. Observe the world around you and human behaviour; you have to be really aware of your surroundings and environment to write engaging fiction.” Olivia’s novel Elastic Girl is available on Amazon, priced £7.99.

BEAUTY

Credit: Vero Moda

Glam Crystals Eyeshadow from Collection £3.99 Eyebrow Dipping Pot from George at Asda £3

Contour Kit from Sleek £10.99

Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow from Stila £23

Ka-Brow from Benefit £20.50

Brows on fleek needn’t cost a fortune. This creamy formula from George at Asda comes in a range of shades and features a neat brush to mimic hair-like strokes.

Create dazzling eyes in one easy sweep with Collection’s Karma eyeshadows which are highly pigmented for a metallic finish – at a fab price.

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The Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Powder Kit is a firm favourite among makeup artists, but with its four ultra-blendable shades and two highlighting tones for a quarter of the price this Sleek palette is a purse-friendly alternative.

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Bargain beauty products that work as well as their pricier counterparts BY CLAIRE CRAIG Beam Me Up from W7 £8.95

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Freshen tired skin with a slick of liquid illuminator. Pat over cheek and brow bones or add a few drops to your foundation for an instant pick-me-up.

Marula Self Tan Oil Vita Liberta £37.50 Winter needn’t mean pale skin, fake it the safe and easy way with a self-tanning oil. These easilyabsorbed formulas help keep skin hydrated in the colder months while adding a healthy dose of colour.

Can you dye black hair blonde?

Going blonde? It’s not as simple as a single trip to the salon. Finding the perfect shade can take months, Nicola Clarke, the A-list’s top colourist, tells Dominique Temple

ying your hair blonde is harder than you think. It’s relatively easy to go brunette or black – all it takes is one trip to the hairdresser and you’re pretty much done. But going blonde is much more of an art and takes time, which is why so many people get it wrong. For blonde hair to look elegant there are only a few hues that actually work and leave you looking sophisticated rather than cheap or washed-out, so we quizzed the queen of colour, hairstylist and director of John Frieda Colour, Nicola Clarke. Nicola counts Kate Moss, Gwyneth Paltrow, Madonna, Cate Blanchett and Sienna Miller all as clients with enviable blonde locks.

How long does it take to get your hair blonde?

“To get the right colour for your skin tone,

work with your colourist who will guide you to the right shade of blonde,” advises Nicola. Bringing photos of blonde shades you like is a great starting point. Let your colourist know a little about your lifestyle – how often you can visit the salon, how you typically style and wear your hair. “This will help to determine what shade will best suit you,” Nicola explains. “If you are looking to drastically change your hair colour from brown to blonde or similar, you need to allow a good six months. It takes time and can’t be done in one session.” Changing your hair colour is something to be considered carefully. Hair colour and length is a huge part of our personality so it’s important to ensure you make the right choice. “You may need to change your wardrobe and the make-up you wear according to your new colour shade,” says Nicola

Yes, you can but you have to be patient with it and build it up. “I recommend doing it slowly,” says Clarke. “Start treating your hair at home with Olaplex Hair Perfector to start the lightening process.” Hair that is in good condition will accentuate your features and show off your new colour to its utmost potential. “Ask your stylist to add a few brighter flecks of colour, whether it’s around the face or ends, to bump up the brightness and get you and your hair ready for the new colour.”

How often should you get your colour done?

It depends on the type of colour you have. If you have balayage, it can be every 10 or 12 weeks, whereas a tint will need to be topped up every two to six weeks and highlights every six to eight weeks.

Nicola’s five-step guide to elegant blonde hair:

1. Blonde hair should have several shades running through it to break up the colour, otherwise it looks too solid. 2. Cool, bright hair tones work well with fair skin. Think Scandi blonde, lifted with sections of ice-white tones to lift your hair and give it some dimension like Kate Bosworth. 3. Olive skin tones suit warm, blonde tones with more of a beach-blonde look. Balayage works well with olive skin as it makes the blonde look more natural. 4. For dark skin I would recommend using a dark blonde around the face to lift and frame the face without lightening the overall shade too much. 5. Highlights and balayage in cool blonde tones work well on Asian skin tones, to soften and add dimension. Be careful not to choose too warm a shade as it can look brassy. n

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GET SOME CHEEKBONES ON

It probably comes as no surprise that contouring is included in my top tips for a natural look, but that’s because I believe a good cheekbone totally lifts your face. I always shade very lightly into the hollows of my cheekbones and then add some cream highlight. I also love a bit of blush to wake the complexion up. Sculpted By Aimee £22 (above)

LIVEN UP THE LASHES

Cathy Toal models Aimee’s 10-minute makeup look

TEN MINUTE

MAKEUP

Celebrity makeup artist Aimee Connolly shares her tips for a ten-minute makeup

Mascara is the number one product most of us won’t leave the house without. In the photo I have used the NARS Climax mascara, which is a new product for me, and is great for creating a deep black lash. Apply a thin coat for a more natural look. NARS Climax Mascara £20

BROWS ARE BEST Choosing the right daytime brow product is totally down to your personal taste and makeup routine. I find mascara gels or pencils are good for day wear, as they tend to be quick to use in the morning.

MAC Omega Eyeshadow £12.50

ith the colder, darker mornings approaching we could all do with an extra few minutes in bed. This month’s column examines how to tackle a natural makeup look that still gives you a little bit of something to carry you through your day. Whenever I give advice on a natural look its always about maximising the four pillars on the face; lashes, cheekbones, brows and lips. Once all of these features are defined – it can be in the most natural way – then you will have a well-rounded makeup look that enhances all of the features. Here’s my ten-minute makeup look applied to my lovely assistant Cathy Toal.

For more from Aimee visit: www.instagram.com/aimeeconnolly_com or www.facebook.com/AimeeConnollyMU

SOFT SHADOW

Not everyone goes for eyeshadow during the day and that is fine. However, if you’re someone who is trying to distract from dark circles, or you need a bit of depth in the socket to wake you up - then make your life easier, double up and use your bronzer as an eyeshadow. Bronzers usually blend so easily and come in great shades – of course I used Sculpted By Aimee for this.

LINE THOSE LIPS

This is an area that often gets overlooked and it is so important. I think lip liner is a must for everyone, so much so that I decided to put four liners into one pen. I think a subtle trace of a colour really emphasises the shape of your lips. It is totally up to you what shade you would consider your daytime look to be, so go for what works for you. n Sculpted Lip Quads £22

Credit: Zara

Beauty EDIT BY CLAIRE CRAIG

The latest makeup bag and bathroom cabinet must-haves

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KISS KISS

Opposites attract with Bobbi Brown’s new Luxe Matte Lip Colour collection. Oil-infused super powders offer a maximum matte look and a featherlight feel for 12-hour wear without dryness. 18 lust-worthy shades are formulated with light waxes that melt onto the lips for intense colour potency. Luxe Matte Lip Colour in Nude Reality from Bobbi Brown £28

PLUMP UP THE VOLUME Stacey Marie Carnival Palette from BPerfect £39.99

Shine bright with these plumping liquid lipsticks from Buxom. The curved applicator hugs lips to easily deliver precise application and saturated, super-lustrous colour with just one, easy swipe and a plumping tingle.

COLOURS OF CARNIVAL

Go crazy with the colours of carnival thanks to the new palette from BPerfect Cosmetics. Created in association with makeup artist, Stacey Marie, the bright palette is perfect for sizzling nights and fun daytime vibes. Stacey Marie is renowned for her passion for colour and creative flair and this palette features 24 vibrant eye shades and two highlighters.

TRUST ISSUES

Soothe a stressed scalp instantly with this rebalancing treatment from IGK. The moisturising complex gradually releases into the skin over time to rebalance the optimal skin moisture level and leave dry, irritated scalps soothed, refreshed and hydrated. Trust Issues from IGK £25

Va-Va-PLUMP Shiny Liquid Lipstick in Boldly Go from Buxom £15

LINE UP

Enriched with intense black pigments this waterproof gel eyeliner is water-resistant and can withstand humidity and perspiration for up to 12 hours of wear. The little pot also comes with a handy travel sized eyeliner brush for perfect application on the go. Waterproof Gel Eyeliner from Clarins £26.50

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Credit: Oysho Gymwear

This month Sal Hanvey marks Halloween with her recipe for sugar free toffee apples

utumn – my favourite time of the year. It reminds me of childhood, back to school, and new beginnings. In some ways it feels like a new year but it’s not as cold as January. It’s a season for wrapping yourself up with scarves, taking the boots back out of the wardrobe, and going out for that long autumnal walk. It is also a time for catching up on your favourite programmes and cosying up in front of the fire. Autumn is a time where things slow down. A time of crisp leaves falling, a cool fresh breeze blowing, and apples start to fall from the trees. This is the season of apples. I took myself off down to Helen’s Bay Organic Farm, Bangor, to see beautiful apple trees in all their glory. Organic apples taste so much better than standard apples. They are free

from pesticides and fertilisers, and are so crisp and tasty. My visit to River Cottage HQ in the summer made me realise the importance of eating more local, seasonal and - if possible - organic produce. The nutrient quality of organic produce far exceeds that of standard produce. It is wonderful to know that we have people here in Northern Ireland who share a similar ethos. When I visited Helen’s Bay Organic Farm I spoke to the owner, a pioneer of sorts – John McCormick, who has been running his business for 27 years. I asked John: ‘When did you become interested in organic farming?’ He replied: “Back in the early 1970s there was a lot of talk in the environmental movement around the dangers of chemicals and other pollutants in our food. So when I

was studying horticultural science I became aware that organic food production offered more solutions to the pressing problems, that today we are only too aware of.” I really enjoyed our conversation and he is a man with similar ideologues to myself. I asked: ‘Why do you think it is important to eat fruit and vegetables when they are in season?’ “Eating seasonally allows us to create rhythms and recipes that that enrich our lives,” John explained. “By eating locally produced, seasonal food we cut out much of the transport of food that contributes significantly to climate change.” We moved on to discuss the topic at hand; apples. “You can grow apples trees by grafting the fruit tree onto the rootstock (or root) of another apple tree. That will determine the

Photo credit: Connor Tilson

NT NUTRIES OF IT BENEF ES: P P A L lood sugars

these within five years. However, it takes b bilise a t another s y s a s M ht lo two or Aid weig lesterol er cho w three lo t n h a ig C yes years until prove e naemia May im a ting the trees l in trea Is usefu id digestion produce to Can a full capacity. The larger rootstocks take longer to product fruit, but then they are about for many more years to come.” Photo credit: Connor Tilson Commenting on the popularity of organic produce, John said: “Climate change, pesticides in our food, soil size of the tree,” John explains. “The smaller depletion due to overuse of chemical influencing rootstocks will mature and fertilisers, the current biodiversity crash – bear fruit quickly, so it is possible to start the likes of which has not been seen since collecting reasonable amounts of fruit on the dinosaurs became extinct; have all contributed to many people waking up and Photo credit: Connor Tilson being prepared to start to make changes to how they consume. “We all want to nurture our families properly but we have to realise that if we do not nurture the planet which sustains us, then it will be in vain. The urgency of this is what is driving the organic movement even if the motives are still subliminal”. I conclude by asking John what is favourite fruit or vegetable is. He replies: “I love them all”. To which, I was not at all surprised. n

Sal Hanvey specialises in reflexology and acupuncture for fertility and maternity. She is also a nutrition advisor. To contact Sal call: 078 0147 6048, email: sal@naturalhealthni.co.uk, or visit: www.naturalhealthni.co.uk

REFINED SUGAR FREE TOFFEE APPLES By Sal Hanvey (serves 4) Ingredients 4 apples – use windfall eating apples or locally bought, preferably organic, red apples 6 tbsp granulated sweetener (I use a combination of Stevia and Xylitol) 3 tbsp of water 1 tbsp of white vinegar or white wine vinegar 4 toffee apple sticks Method • Pour the sugar, vinegar and the water into a medium saucepan. Dissolve the mixture slowly over low heat. • Bring to the boil. Bubble for a few minutes until the liquid starts to darken and reduce down. • Wash the apples and remove the stalks. • Push the sticks into the fruit from the top through to the bottom, creating a lollipop. • With the apple lollipop in your hand, coat each of them with the hot, sugary, toffee mixture. Make sure the entire fruit is covered and coated in the mixture. • Place them on a lightly greased baking sheet to cool and then transfer to the fridge. • The toffee apples can be eaten shortly after or wrapped up ready to be given out at a party or occasion.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Local NW reader *Sam McIlroy explains more about the condition that has affected her since early childhood 48

bsessive Compulsive Disorder is often used as a joke to describe someone who is worrisome, highly organised or extremely neat. When we think of this condition, people like Monica Geller from Friends spring to mind, but for those with OCD the condition is much more complex. A lot of people think OCD is just about the physical rituals that they can see which are carried out in order to alleviate anxiety caused by obsessions, but in fact, sometimes there are no physical rituals at all. This is the case with the lesser known form of OCD I suffer with, sometimes named ‘Pure O’, but what I call ‘OCD-O’. People with OCD go through life dictated by habitual behaviours to curb their uncertainty. For people like me who have ‘OCD-O’, life is a constant questioning game where anything from a graphic newspaper article or misunderstanding in conversation can result in hours of self-debate about who I am as a person or how I am viewed by the outside world.

* The author’s name has been changed to protect her identity is just a compulsive action or a means to prevent this uncertainty. However, one also can get dark or ‘shameful’ obsessive thoughts such as about shoplifting, hurting somebody or unwanted sexual thoughts e.g. about a friend’s partner. These thoughts usually lead to guilt and anxiety (not pleasure or motivation), and can leave the person feeling guilty, as if they had acted these thoughts out. It is also important to realise that everybody get intrusive thoughts, the brain fires all kinds of strange and disturbing thoughts our way. However unlike an OCD sufferer, most people quickly let go or forget they had an inappropriate thought. For example, when most people read about a murder case in the newspaper or hear about it on the news, this might naturally lead them to visualise the details or motives of the murderer and they would probably feel a sense of sympathy for the victim. For non-OCD sufferers these images and thoughts disappear shortly after, whereas for some OCD sufferers the details of the murder may linger and cause distress by returning. As an OCD-sufferer myself I’d like to remind you that intrusive thoughts, no matter how violent, taboo or just plain weird they are, do not reflect you as a person or reflect the reality of a situation. This is not always obvious, and to OCD sufferers they need ‘certainty’ that this horrible image or thought does not reflect them as a person and hence why they need to carry out a compulsive act to make it go away. OCD forms because the sufferer needs a reassurance that the intrusive thoughts are meaningless or will not become reality, however seeking this reassurance is a compulsion and won’t help in the long run.

Compulsive

Many people with OCD experience the sensation of having ‘false memories’ which means that they doubt their own life experiences, and OCD has been nicknamed ‘the doubting disease’ for good reason. To understand what OCD really is let’s examine its name.

Obsessive

One of the biggest misconceptions about OCD is that the ‘obsession’ the person has is the task or ritual that friends and family observe them routinely carrying out - such as intensive cleaning. However, for those with OCD, this doesn’t mean they enjoy the cleaning. Their cleaning is a compulsive behaviour that is carried out to alleviate the anxiety caused by the obsession, which is usually a distressing or unwanted intrusive thought that does not go away until they carry out their compulsive action. A person with a cleaning compulsion may be having an intrusive thought about getting sick from germs, or feeling unprepared in the case of unexpected visitors arriving, therefore the cleaning

When we say: “she is ‘obsessed’ with hand washing”, in an OCD context it really means ‘she has the compulsion to carry out excessive hand washing’. The compulsion is an act (either physical or mental) that temporarily soothes the anxiety associated with the impulsive thought. The problem with compulsions, as I described earlier, is that they only cause temporary relief, and in the long run they are just feeding the obsession and will make it come back stronger next time, thus forming a vicious cycle. While physical compulsions like obsessive hand washing or checking doors are well known, less well known are internal compulsions, which are the hallmark of ‘OCD-O’ but can be found along with ‘classic’ OCD too. These could include things like counting or making a deal with yourself or a spiritual figure to ‘erase’ the intrusive thought you had, or rationalising and debating internally to ‘prove’ to yourself that the thought is meaningless or the terrible event you fear happening is unlikely.

Disorder

it is believed that after the anxiety spike from the intrusive thought is settled by a compulsion (therefore serotonin is released to reward you for your achievement – you ‘prevented’ something bad happening), your brain forms this into a habit leading to an unhealthy cycle. Breaking or managing this cycle is key to managing the disorder. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) including Exposure Response Prevention Therapy (ERP), are useful for treating OCD. They help you to address what your obsessions and compulsions are, help you to break the cycle and reduce your compulsions (which will in turn reduce anxiety), and to ultimately stop feeding the intrusive thoughts. ERT works by helping the patient to face up to the fear they have. For most people with OCD the fears are totally focused on the meaning of an intrusive thought, so for people like me with ‘OCD-O’ ERP teaches us that an image or thought about committing a horrible act or imagining a tragedy, is just a thought. ERP and other CBT practices help people with OCD realise these anxieties are really about a fear of the unknown. In some cases anti-anxiety medicine called SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) is used to help reduce anxiety.

Getting Help

If you feel that you recognise OCD symptoms in yourself or a loved one, you should reach out to a GP or mental health expert who can recommend treatment that’s right for you. Remember OCD is a treatable disorder. For best results it is best to be as frank as possible especially when undergoing therapy, so the issue can be addressed properly. n

Olivia Bamber Youth Service and Communications Manager at OCD Action concludes: “OCD Action is national charity that provides support and information for anyone affected by OCD, including family and friends of those with the condition – OCD has a huge impact on loved ones. “Often OCD is a very misunderstood condition, it’s seen a joke or a way to describe a quirky personality trait, but in reality it can be a severe and debilitating condition. But people with OCD can get better, it’s a treatable condition with CBT and (sometimes) medication, people can recover and manage it well. We’re here to help people access treatment, and support them through it and afterwards.”

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

Ocdaction.org.uk Ocduk.org www.ocduk.org/support-groups/belfast

While OCD is not yet fully understood

It’s time for a

CHANGE This month Eunice Nelson draws our attention to a pretty shocking situation that many families here face daily…

aise your hands if you love using public toilets. Hmm I can’t see any hands in the air - what a surprise. Most of us can be a little anal (pardon the pun) about the hygiene levels of the various bathrooms we use when out and about. Of course there are some that are sparkling and spotless but I’ve seen more than a few that make festival portaloos look appealing. There are the places that use so much bleach that your eyes start to water before you open the door, and worse still are the ones that haven’t seen disinfectant since the dawn of time. We all have our own nightmarish tales to tell when it comes to public toilets - whether it’s falling over while trying to hover over a questionable seat or losing your underwear because you

forgot to check if there was toilet roll. With that in mind I would appreciate if all you lovely readers would participate in a little experiment for me. Think about some of the restrooms you have used over the years, cast your mind back and visualise the urine-soaked floors, the stained tiles and the overflowing bins. Now picture yourself laying down on one of these floors, stretched out and vulnerable amid the mess and stench that often inhabits some of these facilities. Sounds pretty disgusting doesn’t it? It sounds degrading and humiliating. It is all this and more, and it’s also what I have to do to my nine-year-old daughter each and every time she has an accident when we are out of the house – lay her on the floor. My lovely, funny little girl has cerebral palsy and a learning disability. She is only partially continent so if she needs to be

changed when we are out shopping or on a day trip, then she has to be laid out on a bathroom floor. If we’re lucky it will be a well-maintained, disabled-access bathroom, but it’s still a toilet floor, and believe me we are not always lucky. I’ve had to deposit some of my coats in the nearest bin because the floor was too disgusting to lay my child down on.

µµlet’s get together and make a change∑∑ I’ve been acutely aware of wheelchair needs since I was sixteen and my Dad was paralysed in a road accident. I spent years lecturing shop owners about steps leading into their establishments and countless hours complaining to anyone who will listen about how inaccessible some places are. In the last twenty years since my Dad’s accident things have definitely got better, ramps are abundant and most places now have bathrooms with handrails and

Reports indicate that there are around 250,000 people in the UK who cannot use standard disabled toilets. That’s a quarter of a million people whose lives are governed by how close they are to the nearest useable bathroom. In Ireland it is estimated that there are 40,000 wheelchair users, many of whom will be like my daughter and need space for a carer in the bathroom. Some people are forced to severely limit their fluid intake, risking dehydration, just to leave the house and others have gone to even more drastic measures to be able to function in our society. Some women have taken the decision to have a catheter surgically inserted just so they can leave the house for any significant length of time. These people are opting to put themselves through completely unnecessary surgery just so they can have a life. So they can go shopping, go to college, or socialise when they choose. So I ask you, is it fair that these fully-continent people are desperate enough to undergo a serious operation so they can have the basic independence that most of us take for granted?

µµthere are around 250,000 people in the UK who cannot use standard disabled toilets∑∑

emergency cords. But unfortunately there is still a Grand Canyon-sized gap between where we are and where we need to be. Sadly enough it took someone else to point out to me just how inadequate the toilet facilities are for my child. The truth is I had become so used to changing her on floors that I had become desensitised to how awful it is. It was the look of horror on my good friend’s face as we spoke about the subject that made me realise how truly unfair this situation is. You see, while disabled-access bathrooms are adequate for lots of disabled people there is a large section of the community for whom they are woefully inadequate. While I am still capable of assisting my daughter on and off the toilet I often wonder what will happen when she is ten, or twenty, or thirty for that matter. The sad fact is that she will most likely live with us for the remainder of our lives and the lack of facilities will make my family, and families like ours, more and more isolated. Let’s face it, none of us would venture too far if we knew with certainty that there were no toilets available should we need them.

I am far from naïve and I don’t expect every café or small business to install a Changing Places (www.changing-places.org) bathroom. But surely larger businesses such as shopping centres, cinema complexes or hotels could make this a standard feature? The desirable space needed for a Changing Places bathroom is 12sqm. 7sqm can also be adequate for children but to accommodate an adult in a full-sized wheelchair, together with their carer, the larger size is much more suitable. To be considered a fully equipped Changing Places facility it must include a height adjustable, adult-sized changing bench, a ceiling hoist, a peninsular toilet, and a privacy screen so the carer can also use the bathroom with dignity. These

bathrooms are not only needed by some wheelchair users, they are also necessary for adults and children with complex health issues, severe autism, spina bifada, balance issues, and those with behavioural problems who need support and supervision while toileting. These bathrooms also offer a carer somewhere to use the bathroom while still keeping the wheelchair user safe. I have also been in the unfortunate position of having to use the facilities with the stall door open just so I could keep an eye on my little girl far from ideal. To round this off here are a few figures to blow your mind. In the whole of Northern Ireland there are around twenty four registered Changing Places toilets. In the Republic of Ireland there are a woeful eleven. Just to put that number in perspective there are 2618 toilets in Wembley Stadium alone. How is this fair? How is it fair that in 2018 I still have to change my child on a floor and see the look on her face when this happens? How is it fair that I have to explain this situation to a nine year old girl who should be able to go where she chooses, not where society has deemed she can go. Because when we really get down to the nitty gritty that’s what this is, an entire section of our community who are denied the right to go where and when they please. This is not what I want for my child or anyone else’s children and as a society we should be outraged on behalf of every child, adult and family that this issue affects. So let’s get together and make a change, bug your local swimming pools and cinema complexes. Pester every shopping centre and kids’ play centre. Send your government letters and emails until they could wallpaper their houses with our complaints. Let’s make a difference in the lives of people who have enough on their plates without worrying about where they can find a bathroom. Nic Bungay from Muscular Dystrophy UK which co-chairs the Changing Places Consortium, concludes: “Without access to Changing Places toilets, over a quarter of a million people who have severe disabilities are faced with a choice of not going out or being changed on a toilet floor. By building more Changing Places toilets, we can tackle the exclusion many disabled people face.” n

Stalking NI

Specialist Stalking Advisor and Campaigner Vicky Clarke talks to Northern Woman about Stalking NI What is stalking?

There are many definitions, but basically it’s when another person becomes fixated and obsessed with another human being, and seeks to destroy their life because of rejection, jealousy, revenge, or imagined romantic connection.

Tell us about your experience of being stalked.

Following a five-month relationship, my stalker used revenge porn against me on Facebook with photos I didn’t know he had. I was then bombarded with texts, emails, and followed on dual carriageways. On one occasion I was stopped at the lights on Queen’s Bridge in Belfast, when he What is Stalking NI? suddenly appeared banging on my car It was set up to support victims of stalking, window shouting: “I love you”. and educate those who work with people Following numerous other incidents, I who are living a stalked life - in fear of realised this man was not only obsessed another person. with me but also dangerous, when Having had my own he stood behind me one night in experience since 2011, I March 2012 and threatened saw very little support to have me shot. My friend available – which witnessed this threat. stalkers will exploit. He desperately tried Unless a physical to ruin my career, and assault takes place spread personal and or a signed death professional rumours threat is given, it about me in my local seems impossible town. He stalked my then to bring a stalker to partner, and neither of us court. could not get him convicted After I tried to end no matter what we reported, a relationship, I was left Vicky Clarke witnessed or evidenced. to put up with a man who has been seeking revenge ever since. I got to the stage that I had For readers who are going through enough of feeling afraid as my life was on something similar at the moment – hold. I approached MLAs and secured a what would you like to say to them? Private Members’ Bill in September 2016 I get it! The fear is you don’t know how far for stalking laws for Northern Ireland. As your stalker will go and if he/she will give part of my campaign for justice, I set up a up. Your feelings of going mad are normal website because I realised that little is being considering what you are experiencing. done to protect victims. I established the No one understands this – not even your support group this year to reach others. closest friends – and the impact on your

mental health can take its toll over time. I have been on my own with this for years until I reached out and met others via my Facebook page. I would encourage anyone who feels isolated or numb with fear, to make contact with me through Stalking NI’s Facebook page or website. There is support and monthly workshops available for those who are living in fear, and even just knowing you are amongst others is sometimes enough to start with. This crime feeds on distress and fear so tell your family, friends and neighbours who it is, so they can look out for you.

What advice do you have for readers who are being stalked, in terms of reporting?

You can ask for a PC to handle your case throughout so you are not repeating the same story over and over again to different officers. Log all calls to the PSNI, screenshot them, request your incident numbers, and ask for the name of who you are dealing with. The early days are likely the easiest to evidence as the incidents tend to be more covert once the PSNI are involved, so report everything that happens no matter how small the incident seems. Keep all evidence and a backup copy. Be sure to report when the incident takes place or soon after. Do not think your stalker will simply just go away as he/she is likely to have a mental health disorder.

What advice do you have for readers who are being stalked, in terms of documenting evidence?

Log every single incident in a diary ideally. Keep all evidence and screenshot texts with your stalker’s number showing. Try to capture your stalker in the early days on video or camera. Install a CCTV if you are really scared. Make sure the date and time is displayed if you are copying social media posts. Block your stalker on Facebook and via all communication pathways. n For more information visit: www.stalkingni.com

Just being me This month mental fitness advocate Patrick Farren shares his story

y name is Patrick Farren and I am from Carndonagh, Co. Donegal. Earlier this year I decided to set up The Inishowen Positivity Page on Facebook to promote mental fitness. I set out with the goal of sharing how I was going to start changing how I lived my life.

Exercise goals

In January 2018 I joined local gym SMC Health & Fitness. I wanted to work on a new morning routine to see if I could change how I felt. I wanted to have a new purpose, and to see if this would lead to new beginnings in my life. I looked at the timesheet and saw that some classes started at the ridiculous hour of 6am and said to myself: “That means having to wake up at around 5am to get ready for a 6am class!” The other option was an evening class and I felt that this would not suit as I get home from work at around 6.30pm. The rush in the evening was not going to motivate me; it would stress me more and that was what I was trying to avoid. So I decided to start going to the early classes three mornings a week. After only a couple of weeks, I found myself feeling better and having some great new creative thoughts. I thought: “How good am I going to feel in six months or a year from now?” Three months on, I was still going to the gym and feeling fantastic so I decided

I would start sharing the good news with others. I set up The Inishowen Positivity Page, I felt if I could help one other person have a better outlook on life then the page would be a huge success. I wanted to tell people about the importance of mental as well as physical fitness.

Self-help audio books

I had found that by going to the gym my mind was working better that it had in years. I was a terrible reader; I could read well but I could never concentrate long enough to sit down and read. My mind would always lose focus and wander, I would complete the first few chapters but never the book. My wife Bernie mentioned audio versions of books. This has been one of the most important factors in helping me get into a fantastic mindset. I downloaded an app called Audible and I am now on my fourth book, which for me is quite amazing considering that in the previous 50 years I had managed to complete one book – Othello – and that was for my Leaving Cert! Thanks to Audible, each day my mind is filling with new ideas and I’m learning new ways that self-help methods can improve our lives.

My morning routine

From listening to the books, one thing that is constantly mentioned is the importance of having a morning routine. Step-by-step I have built up my routine which includes the following: 1. Drinking water 2. Exercise 3. Mediation 4. Journaling 5. Reading/listening to self-help material

It has taken me weeks to establish this routine and now my goal is to sustain it.

Facebook videos

Creating Facebook videos each day has proved to be something that I really enjoy doing as it holds me accountable to myself and helps me improve as a person. I wanted to share what I was doing that has made me feel amazing. I just wanted to be me and find who the real me was. I do not want to be what others want me to be, I want to be me. Day by day I am finding out who the real me is. I am not perfect – far from it – but one thing I am each day is me. We are what we think and if we can fill our minds with positivity and remove the negativity in our lives, we give ourselves a great starting point to becoming happier.

Meditation event

Last month, I held an Introduction to Meditation Evening, which was attended by more than 100 people. I am slowly building meditation into my morning routine adding more minutes to it each day. Already I feel the benefit of a calmness in all I do.

My ‘why?’

We all have to try and find a purpose in life whatever that is, and the best way to answer that is by asking ourselves the simple question ‘why?’ Ask why do you do what you do each day? What do you want from your life? I now know what my ‘why’ is and now I am on the journey to delivering it. n

For more from Patrick visit: www.facebook. com/nevergiveupinishowen Check out his app Positive Vibes Motivational Quotes & Life Tips, which has just launched on the Google Play Store.

The humble hill walk

Celebrities like Reese Witherspoon, Kate Hudson and Jennifer Garner are fans – the hill walk is having a bit of a moment, writes Jessica Salter

ast aside fusty images of tatty cagoules and shorts with cargo pockets. Hiking is the fitness trend du jour with celebs like Reese Witherspoon, Kate Hudson and Jennifer Garner boasting about its heart-pumping, bum-sculpting and mindclearing benefits. “By 2019, hiking is likely to replace

yoga as the ‘it’ fitness activity,” says Clare Varga, Active Director (sport) at the trends forecaster WGSN. And despite its dodgy track record in the style stakes, the fashion world is now hooked, too. “Don’t expect to see this new generation of hikers in hand-knit socks,” Clare says. From hiking boots by Gucci and pink walking socks by Prada to sporty parkas at Balenciaga and climbing ropes styled as

belts at House of Holland, fashion has gone mad for the pursuit. Unlike many trends that start and end on the runway, or in la-la land, this is something that translates to the real world, too. One reason it has taken off? Just look at Instagram, where the hashtag #hiking has 35 million posts. “As an activity, it’s highly Instagrammable,” Clare says. “Bagging and then bragging about each trail completed is hugely aspirational and has fuelled the hiking rise.” Meanwhile, outdoor clothing company, Wiggle, found that 51 percent of people listed walking or hiking as their main exercise in a YouGov survey. In response, activewear and outdoorsy brands are now upping their game. So typical gym clobber, like bra tops and

WALK NI “Northern Ireland boasts trails for every level of walker, from little hills boasting big views to spectacular mountaintop panoramas,” says Jayne Woodrow from Walk NI. “For those taking their first steps into hillwalking we recommend exploring easy to follow trails such as Castlewellan’s Slievenaslat Walk or Belfast’s Divis Ridge Trail. More seasoned walkers have lots of options too including the challenging summits of the Mourne Mountains and unique trails such as Ronan’s Way or Fairhead along the Antrim Coast. While looking fashionable is important, it is essential that suitable clothing and footwear is worn for the various terrain and conditions. This is particularly important for those exploring higher ground where weather conditions can quickly change. For information on these trails and hundreds of walks throughout Northern Ireland Northern Ireland check out: WalkNI.com.”

WALK @ PARKRUN Walk @ parkrun is a new initiative in Northern Ireland running alongside preexisting parkruns on Saturday mornings at 9:30am. The programme is now running (or rather walking) alongside parkruns in Belfast, Ballymena, Castlewellan, Craigavon, Cookstown, Lisburn, Newtownabbey and Antrim. This fun, free and friendly 5km walk is free to participate in and is suitable for all ages and abilities. Sign up for your free barcode online via the parkrun website: www.parkrun.org.uk/ register and select #ParkWalk as your club.

ULSTER FEDERATION OF RAMBLING CLUBS So many people are nervous about walking in the hills on their own, for others it is for health or social reasons that they like the idea of regularly walking with a group. Ulster Federation of Rambling Clubs (UFRC) are a real lifeline to many members who enjoy the weekly or fortnightly challenge of getting out into the hills or exploring local trails with likeminded individuals. UFRC is ideal for anybody interested in keeping active, making new friends or simply looking to experience some of Northern Ireland’s spectacular scenery. Check out: www.ufrc-online.co.uk to find your nearest club.

leggings, are “outdoorsed-up”, as Clare puts it, with UV protection added in, as seen at luxe activewear brands Lucas Hugh and LNDR. It’s easy to see why celebrities like Witherspoon and Garner – both mothers in their forties – favour a hike to the gym. Why wouldn’t you? You can get all the physical and mental benefits, plus a hit of nature too. Even a moderate one-hour uphill hike can burn around 400 calories (for someone who weighs around 10st), which is similar to an hour’s slow jog on a treadmill. Plus, scrabbling up paths and jumping over streams firms up the core and sculpts the lower body too. And as the gradient goes up, so do the benefits. Walking uphill has a similar effect to using the StairMaster in the gym or repeated lunges. “You strengthen your quads, glutes, hamstrings and calves; it’s a great lowerbody workout,” says Mercedes Sieff, co-owner of Yeotown luxurious UK fitness retreat. And one of the best physical benefits? “Your core,” Mercedes says. “I always notice when I’ve done a few days’ hiking that my tummy feels firmer. I have had two children and going for a hike was one of the best ways of strengthening my core muscles without having to do endless crunches.” The effects of walking are especially important for women, she says. “As we get older our bones get weaker and women, in particular, are vulnerable to osteoporosis. But hiking is great at building up bone density and helping to prevent that.” Plus there are the many mental health benefits, too. “I’m happiest when I’m outside. For me, going for a hike is so much more appealing than going to the gym,” says Mercedes. “I find being outside and exercising

makes a huge difference to my mood.” Lorna Jane Clarkson, founder of the activewear brand Lorna Jane, goes hiking every weekend: “I find that nothing relaxes me more than escaping the city to spend a few hours among nature - and getting some exercise at the same time.” As well as relaxing, psychologists from the University of Utah found that hikers who spent four days walking in nature scored 50 percent better in creativity tests when they returned. Emily Gough who writes the blog alongdustyroads.com documenting her hikes, understands this creativity boost. “Hiking still gives you that sense of discovering the undiscovered, even if it’s along a path that others have walked down,” she says. This is partly to do with the fact that when you’re up a mountain with patchy signal, you are automatically cut off from any electronic devices. “Day-to-day life has become frantic, and with the evolution of smartphones, many of us find it difficult to truly switch off. Heading out into the wilderness, even for a few hours’ hike, provides the opportunity to do just that,” Emily adds. It’s perfect for beginners or seasoned fitness fans alike. “You don’t need expensive kit and you don’t even need to be that fit you can start at any level,” Mercedes says. On her retreats, beginners go on the 1215km hikes, but take them as slowly as they like: “That’s the beauty of walking; you can do it at your own pace.” And we’re blessed in this country. With numerous national parks, you’re never too far from a good hike in beautiful surroundings. While you can dress it up (literally, in Prada) and Instagram it, at its heart, the attraction of hiking is its simplicity. n

ESCAPE

Bilbao, Spain

Four reasons to stay at the

MALDRON HOTEL BELFAST CITY 1. The location

The four-star, 11-storey hotel is located on Brunswick Street in the heart of Belfast City Centre. Situated across the street from the Europa Bus Centre, in behind The Crown Bar and Robinsons, Maldron Hotel Belfast City’s location is ideal. Pretty much anything you could wish for on a city break is close to hand; restaurants, shops, bars, theatres, historic landmarks and entertainment venues.

2. The bedrooms

The décor is modern and stylish with a local twist; a framed cityscape print of the

skyline featuring Titanic Belfast, boats bobbing on the Lagan, and the Hamilton Graving Dock. The guest amenities (shampoo, conditioner, body wash and body lotion) by Irish-American designer Paul Costello add a touch of luxury to the bathroom. The bed – arguably the most important aspect of the bedroom – was super comfy, as were the fluffy, snow white robe and slippers. Every convenience you could want in a hotel room was supplied, from an E-Spresto machine to a user-friendly safe, spare bedding and ironing board. There is even an ice-dispensing machine on the corridor.

3. The facilities

The hotel boasts 237 bedrooms and five state-of-the-art meeting rooms. Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, 43” inch interactive plasma TVs, and USB wall plug-ins make the hotel an ideal spot for meetings and events.

4. The food

It’s no exaggeration to say the food at the hotel is sensational. If you have not eaten at the Grain & Grill you really should check it out. Our waiter was friendly, attentive and really funny actually, and we loved our main course Espetadas. The Espetadas is one of those eyecatching dishes that other diners turn around to have a quick (envious) look at on arrival. It’s served on a skewer that’s suspended from a silver stand and consists of: ‘Jane Russel’s award winning Merguez sausage (exclusive to Maldron Hotels) and chicken skewers with bay leaves and olive oil served with crusty bread, tomato salad and garlic aioli’. The prices are surprisingly low for such a fantastic standard of food. Starters cost from only £3.95, and mains cost between £11.95 and £14.95 (for steak). n

Why taking photos is ruining your holiday ‘We remember things better if we haven’t interrupted or compromised the experience by taking a photograph of it,’ says Nick Trend

ow much do you rely on photographs to remember your holiday? I have always been very bad at taking them. For years I travelled without a camera, and I now have one only because it is part of my phone. Our family holidays were well documented because others took photographs, but I have virtually no pictures from the many trips I have undertaken on my own. Do I miss anything as a result? Certainly, I’m very glad, through the efforts of others, to have pictures of children growing up, of tanned, happy faces and bright sunlit beaches. And I still enjoy occasionally going through them and relishing the memories. But, even though I have very few photographs of the places I have visited, I don’t feel that I am missing much. My theory is that we remember things better if we haven’t interrupted or compromised the experience by taking a photograph of it. Here’s one example. In 1990, when I went on safari for the first time to Kenya and Tanzania, what amazed and delighted me was how incredibly close we could get to the wildlife. I have vivid memories of stopping on a track while three lionesses padded past in the cold half-light just before dawn. I can picture the dew on the long grasses, I can feel the lingering chill of the African night. I can still visualise the flicking tail of

the last lioness as she passed the minibus. And I can remember the incessant clicks and the motorised whirrs as the other tourists desperately tried to capture the moment for posterity. Did they see what I saw? I don’t think so. How can you look properly if you are either squinting through a lens or always thinking of the next picture? It seems I am not alone in this feeling. A few years ago Paul Theroux was asked about photography in an interview with Telegraph Travel. “I never bring a camera – because taking pictures, I’ve found, makes me less observant and interferes with my memory,” he said. Not only do they make the touristphotographers less observant, but they can also spoil things for bystanders. I remember visiting the Taj Mahal some years ago. Not only did most visitors appear to be experiencing the site through a viewfinder, but they expected those of us who were not to be continually on our guard to make sure that we weren’t getting in the way of their picture. Of course, I have to concede that the photographers have a better formal record. They can have confidence in their images and videos. They know what they saw – or, at least, they know what they photographed. My memory might be playing tricks. Perhaps there were four lionesses. Maybe the flicking tail has been subconsciously elided with a memory of another occasion on the same trip. I can’t be certain. Does that really matter? Maybe the photographers’ memories are also playing tricks on them. It’s easy to think of photographs as an aide-mémoire,

but do you remember taking each of them? I certainly don’t. Many are capturing moments I have forgotten. I recognise the scene and the people, of course, but I’m not sure I really remember experiencing the moment itself. I think photography stops you looking properly, and interrupts the emotional experience of seeing new and exciting things. And when you have taken your picture, you have to keep looking at that screen to make sure the image has captured the memory in an acceptable way. Perhaps the subject had his eyes closed at a crucial moment in front of the Taj Mahal. If he did, the whole process has to start again. As for video cameras, they are even more problematical. Would you watch your daughter’s first experience skiing down a slope with your own eyes, or look at it through a lens? Many parents do the latter. The daughter does well, she gets a nice film of herself as well as an uninterrupted memory of winning/losing/falling over. But the photographer parent has missed the magic of the moment. How did we record our travels before the age of the camera? Many wrote diaries, and some – particularly 18th- and 19th-century travellers – sketched what they saw. Far from interrupting their experiences by recording them, these globetrotters were intensifying the moment and, presumably, therefore, their own memories. They had time, of course – too expensive an option for most of us in the 21st century. What’s more, few of us can paint or sketch. But I wonder if we wouldn’t see more, and forget less, if we tried to wean ourselves off the tyranny of the camera. n

which is teased on the grill before serving. We breakfasted there too and always got change from a humble tenner.

Top tip

Beautiful Bilbao Basque in one of Spain’s best city breaks

BY FRANK COUGHLAN

etermined pilgrims weighed down with backpacks dangling seashells, the symbol of the Camino de Santiago, could have made us feel guilty. They were around every street corner in Bilbao and on a quest far more profound than ours. We, in contrast, were there to breathe in the sites before idling in pintxo bars and soaking up Bilbao’s atmosphere. But these hordes of hikers do add colour and flavour – a reminder of this city’s long and noble history. Squatting in a steep valley on either side of the often tempestuous Río Nervión, Bilbao is a picture-postcard place proud of its separatist identity, its language and prosperity built on shipbuilding. The 350,000 inhabitants see their Basque home as something much more than a regional capital destined to be forever in the shadow of Madrid.

Insider intel

Bilbao is a neat and compact city, tucked snugly into surrounding hills that roll up

steeply either side of the river. Getting around is easy and its must-sees are all within a decent ramble – though when the temperatures rise, I’d recommend the Euskotren Tranbia; the shiny caterpillar tram that runs on one line (even I couldn’t get lost). It’s a great way to catch everything through a series of fleeting vignettes for a €1.50 ticket. Tranbia will take you past the Guggenheim; the seductive modern titanium masterpiece, affectionately rechristened ‘The Googen’ by Bilbainos, has redefined this old city and is a must-see. The tram then glides over to the medieval old quarter, Casco Viejo, where the locals shop for fresh fish, cheese and fruit.

Cheap kick

We quickly learned that Bilbainos don’t just go out for dinner but instead bar-hop, sampling small plates as they roam. On a residential street opposite the glorious Jardines de Albia, Café Iruña is not only a wonderful space steeped in tradition, but is as cheap as it is cheerful. Most memorable is the pintxo moruno, or lamb tapas (€2.50),

The Guggenheim (€16) may be tick-boxed by everyone, but the Museo Marítimo de Bilbao (€3.50) – a 15-minute walk up the river on Ramón de la Sota Kaia – is easily overlooked. It’s a fascinating way of tracing the city’s economic and historic DNA.

Drink Up

We sniffed and sipped some amazing Riojas (a neighbouring region) at Bilbobeer, which is essentially a chic bar in a basement. You won’t pay any more than €1.50 to €2 a glass - bargain!

Glitches

Bilbao has an endearing attachment to its Basque language. Street signs, transport maps and menus tend to give preference to it rather than the official national tongue. Those that haven’t bothered to brush up on their school Spanish will find wandering unfamiliar streets and ordering pintxos a bit perplexing. Don’t expect them to have much English either. They don’t. The few that might, don’t always share it.

Get me there

We flew with Aer Lingus direct from Dublin. Return flights in June for two came to €327 (direct flights from Belfast to Bilbao are not available). We stayed at Hotel Abando on Colón de Larreategui, not far from the old town across the river. Pristine, modern and with large, comfortable rooms, it cost us €330 for three nights. What it lacked in charm and atmosphere, it made up for in convenience and bang for our buck. n

The Bellagio Hotel & Casino fountains

Las Vegas Myths Sin City is not necessarily what you’d think, writes Tanya Sweeney

as Vegas: a town so fabled that it pretty much has its own language. What happens in Vegas... The town with no clocks... A little bit of Vegas goes a long way... Disneyland for grown-ups. Everyone comes home from there with a brilliant, overblown story to tell. Most seem to have enjoyed living like a rockstar for a few days, with all the excess, glamour and peril that’s involved. There’s often a hangover involved; fiscal, physical or metaphorical. This was my first visit, but pretty much everything I thought I knew about Las Vegas was wrong. Certainly, the Strip, the debauchery and the high rollers are all as you might expect - yet many of the threadbare clichés in this town are fast approaching their sell-by date. In fact, I found a quick trip to Vegas surprising in more ways than one...

Myth 1: The food’s merely for soakage purposes

I’ve long heard of Vegas’ five-dollar breakfasts and all-you-can-eat buffets (we all love a bargain, after all). But proper gourmands are spoiled for choice too, and some blue-chip chefs – Gordon Ramsay, Guy Fieri, Wolfgang Puck and Nobu Matsuhisa among others – have rocked into Sin City with new branches.

The choices can be overwhelming, but the Lip Smacking Foodie Tour is a great way to cover some top restaurants in a short space of time ($125-299 per person). The tours last anything from two-and-ahalf to five hours, but take in a course (and cocktail) each at some of the town’s most acclaimed restaurants with a small group. Leo DiCaprio’s regular spot Javier’s is the first stop for signature Mexican dishes; after that foodies are whisked to the VIP tables of Estiatorio Milos’ Greek emporium, Jaleo by José Andrés and Cucina. All in all, a great way to find your feet quickly with the Strip’s high-end offerings. Most casinos will have dozens of restaurants within their labyrinthine buildings; among the best is the Osteria Costa at the Mirage (3400 South Last Vegas Boulevard), an Italian restaurant with a heavy emphasis on the ‘how Mamma used to make it’ vibe. Casual dining in Vegas can still be a cut above the usual fast-food fare, too. Flour & Barley (3545 South Las Vegas Blvd) is a spacious, modern spot in the new LINQ Hotel & Casino complex, serving up gourmet brick-oven pizza for around $15 a throw. Over at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas (3708 Las Vegas Blvd), Holsteins Shakes & Burgers’ top sellers are so brilliantly excessive, they put many of Ireland’s new gourmet burger gunslingers to shame. (Seriously. Go hungry).

Myth 2: It’s just a city of casinos

It’s impossible not to be dazzled by the sheer scale of Vegas’ casinos – often, the lights flash as far as the eye can see. But there’s more to the city than endless opportunities to place everything on black. Find out more about the city’s famous mob history – one that grew out of the great migration through Ellis Island – at the Mob Museum (300 Stewart Avenue). This non-profit prides itself on offering up an authentic, fairly unadorned view of Vegas’ vintage organised crime gangs, from the Valentine’s Day Massacre wall to Nevada’s gas chamber chair. General admission costs $26.95 per person if you book online. Where the Strip’s sleek, ultra-modern skyline is now visually closer to that of Dubai or Singapore, the Fremont Street area is still assuredly old-school, with its succession of older, Scorcese-style hotels and casinos. You could zip past it all, thanks to the Slotzilla Zoomline Experience (tickets from $20). Whether lying or sitting down, you can zip down the entire length of Fremont Street within a thrilling few minutes – be warned: wait times can be longer in the evenings. If Fremont Street isn’t spectacle enough, the Neon Museum of Las Vegas (770 Las

WHAT TO PACK

Light clothing, comfortable walking shoes, headgear and plenty of sun protection. Though most of the action happens within air-conditioned buildings, Vegas’ average temperature in August is 39 degrees and it’s still a warm 28 degrees in October. A water spritzer is also a good idea if you need to cool down quickly while walking the Strip. Oh, and if you really want to get into the spirit of things, pack at least one glamorous outfit.

WHERE TO STAY

Tanya stayed at the Park MGM Las Vegas, the Strip’s newest hotel and casino. Formerly the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino, it is located next to the 20,000-capacity T-Mobile Arena, with almost 3,000 guest rooms and its own 9,500-square-metre casino. Prices range from £70-187 per night, based on averages for a standard room.

GETTING THERE

Direct flights from Dublin to Las Vegas with British Airways range from £530 incl. tax for World Traveller (economy) to £1,728 incl. tax for Club World (business), both including baggage. Prices subject to availability and change.

Vegas Boulevard North) preserves the city’s old neon signs and is a kitschy, fitting shrine to bygone times. Tickets are $28 for adults and can be booked online.

Myth 3: The drinks come thick, fast and cheap

You’ll see piña colada slushie machines and folks carrying two-litre containers of Lordknows-what everywhere, but a trip to Vegas doesn’t necessarily have to mean a race to the bottom of the glass. In fact, some of the best cocktail bars put a premium on quality over quantity. The Sunset Lounge at the Hyde Bellagio comes with its own expansive terrace overlooking the famous Fountains of Bellagio. Signature cocktails of the classics, with a few wild cards thrown on the menu, cost around $18 each. There’s a cover charge of around $25 for ladies and $38 for gents, while a Fountain View table can cost upwards of $595. Over at the Park MGM Hotel & Casino (3770 South Las Vegas Boulevard) the

Welcome to Sin City

Helicopter view over the Grand Canyon Juniper Lounge aims to do something different. Set in a muted, Mad Men-style room, the Juniper is home to Vegas’ biggest collection of gins, and they certainly push their collection to its very limits with some interesting juices and syrups. Signature cocktails include A Little Birdie (gin, vermouth, lemon and strawberry), served in bird-shaped glassware, and the Maple Old Fashioned (rye whiskey, maple syrup and bitters).

Myth 4: Only washed-up stars perform here

Once upon a time, Vegas shows were the preserve of stars reaching the twilight of their careers. Tell that to Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars and Calvin Harris, all of whom have recently signed up to perform in walletbusting residencies here. Right now, Gwen Stefani, Backstreet Boys, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion and Santana are some of the other big-name draws.

Myth 5: There’s no fun beyond the Strip

Maverick Helicopters can take you away from it all, on a guided tour to the nearby

Grand Canyon. The round trip lasts about two-and-a-half hours and departs from McCarran Airport, meaning it’s possible to take in the neon lights and megaresorts from on high. In among the stretches of red desert, you’ll also see the surprisingly sapphire Lake Mead, the Hoover Dam and the 320-acre oasis that makes up Lake Las Vegas. The Canyon itself is every bit as awe-inspiring as you’ve been led to believe, and the helicopter lands at the peak of the canyon, with refreshments and bubbles served under a canopy before the return leg. There are even some Top Gun power ballads thrown in too. The Vegas Dream is around $259pp if you book in advance.

Myth 6: It’s all about the sleaze/tack factor

It’s true that most parts of Vegas ooze sex, money or extravagance, as promised. But you’re likely to come across several parties of travellers who aren’t there on stags or hens, or on the lookout for mischief. I saw plenty of families attempting to enjoy good, clean fun, too. One afternoon worth spending with the kids is the Speed Vegas (14,200 South Las Vegas Boulevard), a short drive south from the action on the Strip. Choose your supercar of choice – Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, BMW – and drive (or be driven around by a qualified driver) a monster 1.5-mile track full of twists and turns. They have special experiences for guests under 18. Experiences cost from $195. Elsewhere, The High Roller at the LINQ Hotel & Casino, not unlike the London Eye, offers a chance to see the entire city from a 550ft-high ferris wheel. The cabins take a half-hour to rotate, and an open bar with bartender is optional. Day passes are $22 for adults and $9 for children (online bookings only). n

THE SOCIAL 5

Northern Woman’s round up of October’s most happening events Belfast’s Victoria Park will be glowing bright on Friday 19th October as Autism NI hold their Glow Walk. Local families are encouraged to ‘get their glow on’ and don their neon fancy dress for autism. For free registration and to receive your glow pack, please contact: events@autismni.org or call 028 9040 1729.

West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK will see three days of fantastic fashion from 19-21 October. This season, the main runway event will take place at St. Anne’s Cathedral on Friday 19 October and style proceedings will continue with some fashionable fringe events including the popular Sushi Saturday at Asian eatery Zen, as well as the Action Cancer charity fundraiser ‘Style Sunday’ in the restaurant of the stunning Fitzwilliam Hotel. Plus new this season, a MaxMara Weekend brunch will take place at Café Parisien with chauffeur-driven cars to the store afterwards for another event.

Photo credit: Brendan Gallagher

The Egg Men aka Joel murphy and Conor Fleck are two instrumentalists from Belfast who have blended their rich musical heritage into a fresh new sound played on two Spanish guitars. These raiders of the vintage jukebox and searchers of the lost chord, are playing fortnightly at Homebird Café, Holywood, and monthly in The Dirty Duck, Holywood, as part of the Starsky and Hutch sessions. You will hear sounds from the 60s, 70s, 80s and more. For information email: eggmenbelfast@gmail.com

Belfast’s annual Halloween Monster Mash and Fireworks Display takes place at the Titanic Slipways on 31st October from 6-8pm. Enjoy wicked workshops, creepy crafts, monster rides, scary street performers, live music, and a range of sweet treats and hot food. The fireworks display will begin at approximately 8pm, lasting for 15 minutes. Admission to the event is free and tickets are not required.

A welcome like no other awaits you, and the division between this world and the otherworld’s is at its thinnest, as supernatural beings and the souls of the dead flood into Derry City. The Derry Halloween carnival runs from 26th October to 3rd November. Highlights include the Haunted Harvest Market, Carnival Parade and Awakening of the Walls exhibit.

autumn

REWARDS £70 resort credit*

Embrace Autumn and reward yourself with a luxury overnight stay midweek (Sunday – Thursday) including an indulgent breakfast, use of The Infinity Pool and £70 complimentary credit. (£10 Spa Credit, £10 Restaurant Credit, £10 Golf Credit, £5 Afternoon Tea Credit, per adult, per stay*).

from only

£119 per room*

*Terms and conditions apply including credits have a minimum spend, can only be used during your booked stay and cannot be used against any other promotion or offer. Advance booking is required with each resort credit to avoid disappointment and bookings are subject to availability. See lougherneresort.com for full terms.

T: +44(0)28 6632 3230

Autumn at Lough Erne Resort

reathe in the crisp Fermanagh air while basking in the natural colours of the season with a stay at the picturesque five-star Lough Erne Resort. Families will delight in the resort’s Friday Night Fright Night package; on Fridays during the month of October, kids can trick or treat around the grounds with bowls of sweets provided to those guests in lodges who wish to participate in the Halloween fun. Prices start from £299 for a family of four. For foodies, the Taste of Autumn package will celebrate the best of harvest season local fayre. Guests can indulge in a five-course dinner in the 3AA Rosette Catalina Restaurant, experiencing the latest menu from Executive Chef Noel McMeel and his team before enjoying an overnight stay with breakfast. Prices start from £107.50 per person sharing. Embrace autumn and reward yourself with a luxury overnight stay midweek (Sunday – Thursday) from only £119 per room including; an indulgent breakfast, use of the infinity pool and £70 complimentary credit (£10 spa credit, £10 restaurant credit, £10 golf credit, £5 afternoon tea credit, per adult, per stay). For those looking for the ultimate treat to beat the Monday blues, the Sunday Slumber package includes cookies and hot chocolate on arrival, and starts from just £59.50 per person sharing with a luxury overnight stay and indulgent breakfast the next morning. For bookings and enquiries contact: +44(0)28 6632 3230 or visit: www.lougherneresort.com

lougherneresort.com

GET YOUR

BRAND NOTICED ADVERTISE WITH US...

contact Ciara on: 07769951595 or c.hedgcock@independentmagazinesni.co.uk

LET’S DRINK TO…

Sherry BY PAULA GRACEY

hen was the last time you picked a glass of sherry? Have you ever actually tried sherry – apart from in a trifle or the obligatory Harvey’s Bristol Cream thrust upon you at Christmas? Well there’s a whole world of quality sherry out there and you need to broaden your horizons. Sherry originates in the Jerez region of Spain in south-eastern Andalusia and throughout history has been much revered. Those intrepid explorers Christopher Colombus and Ferdinand Magellan didn’t leave home without a bottle or three on board. William Shakespeare had a good word for it and Alexander Fleming, discoverer of penicillin, even declared it the best remedy against disease. There are up to 10 varieties, ranging from pale dry Manzanilla and Fino through medium dry Amontillado and Oloroso to the deep, dark and delicious Pedro Ximinez and everything in between. Let’s start with a Manzanilla and the exquisite Bodegas Baron ‘Xixarito’ Manzinilla Pasanda En Rama, £11.99 from Direct Wine Shipments (DWS). Made from the Palomino grape variety it’s very pale in colour. Give it a swirl and appreciate the intense woody aromas with a touch of mashed up rose petals (or maybe that’s just me) and hints of almonds. It is very dry but with lots of body and texture and a good acidity. It finishes with a slight saltiness which makes it the perfect aperitif to sip with tapas such as cured meats, olives, and seafood. Barbadillo Amontillado, £10.99 from DWS, is deeper in colour with a more golden, amber hue and is medium dry. This is another perfect sherry for an aperitif as well as with creamy mushroom risotto, or soups, stews and cheeses. Moving up a notch now to the Lustau East India Solero, £19.99 in its sexy black bottle. This is a blend of dry Oloroso and sweet Pedro Ximinez; a deliciously sweet and rich sherry with a deep mahogany colour and fabulous aromas of raisins, toffee and mocha. On the palate you get those rich, fruity raisin flavours along with nuts and candied orange. International Sherry Week runs from October 8-14. You can celebrate all things sherry at the Flamenco, Sherry & Tapas Evening on 11th October at DWS, Belfast. See you there. Ole! n

Wine Recommendation from Rebecca Robb: Bertarose 2015 Beautiful October! Hints of yellow, rust & gold escape from above laying soft carpets of leaves below. Few things can give more pleasure than the autumn amber through the woods, arriving home to a glowing fire, a glass or two of elegant, blush rose… This month’s wine is the Bertarose, Chiaretto, 2015 from our wine list here at Fratelli Belfast. A family run winery overlooking Lake Garda is where this delicate yet lively lychee pink rose is produced. The light skinned Molinara grape has been put to wonderful use in this wine. It is blended with a smaller percentage of merlot, resulting in a rose with firm length and pronounced fruit on the palate. On pouring, the delicate nature of this wine becomes apparent with its blush, light pink colour. Sweet scents of rose petals and pomegranate on the nose lead gently onto a refreshing palate of wild strawberry and raspberry. Three months of ageing on the lees imparts a great length to this enchanting little Italian beauty. I have chosen chef’s Gnocchi Sardi from our lunch menu here at Fratelli Belfast to compliment this delicate rose. The strawberry accents are a good match against the heat of chilli which will leave a sumptuous surprise on the palate.

GNOCCHI SARDI Ingredients for 2 persons: • 100g x gnocchi • 250g x tinned tomatoes • 2 x cloves of crushed garlic • 2 x medium red & green chilli, sliced • 1 x spring onion, sliced • 2 x tbsp. tomato puree • 1/2 chorizo sausage diced • 2 x small chicken thighs • Salt & pepper to taste • 50g of parmesan shavings for garnish • Olive Oil Method • Season chicken thighs with salt & pepper and cook in oven for 10-15 minutes. Leave to one side to cool then shred meat off the bone. • In a pot bring 2L of salted water

to the boil, add gnocchi and cook between 6-8 minutes, or until gnocchi has risen to the top. Leave to one side and drizzle over a little olive oil to avoid sticking. • In a separate pan, add the diced chorizo and lightly fry for 2-3 minutes. Add in the tomato puree, garlic and sliced chilli, fry for a further minute or two. • Add the tinned tomatoes into the mix and simmer for 2-3 minutes. • Add in the gnocchi and shredded chicken and combine all the flavours together. Add salt & pepper to taste. • Serve in warmed bowl and garnish with parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil

ALL-New Ford Focus Ciara Hedgcock takes the All-New Focus 1 litre ST-Line on a test drive

he all-new Focus has been dramatically transformed by the Ford engineers and designers; new body, new platform and new technology. It is a significant step forward for this contender. This month I had the opportunity to review this sporty family hatchback â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the All-New Focus. This is what I discovered:

Safety first

This re-engineering has not meant style over substance. It has been given the maximum five-star independent NCAP safety rating. Sophisticated features designed to help prevent or reduce the impact of an accident include: Pre-Collision Assist, head-up display, Blind Spot Information System, and adaptive front headlights for improved visibility, monitoring bends and road signs. If an accident does occur, new post collision braking technology helps to reduce the impact of a potential secondary collision.

Styling

I immediately noted the beautifully designed interior with its increased front and rear legroom, rear shoulder room and knee room. The dashboard features were clear and easy to read. The bigger boot space is always a plus for everyday or oneoff requirements.

The technical bit

All the new technology makes journeys easier, safer and more enjoyable. Features include Adaptive Cruise Control with stop and go, and speed sign recognition, Lane Centering Assist, and Live Traffic providing regular traffic updates to keep you on the

move. FordPass Connect and FordPass App deliver a suite of connected services in your car via your Smartphone.

The verdict

The All-New Focus ST-Line feels effortless to drive; it is strikingly sporty but has all the features required by families. Economical petrol and diesel engines are available and are good value considering all the wonderful technology with which they are packed. Like magic - the Active Park Assist takes any drama out of parking.

Cost

The list price for a 1 litre ST-Line is ÂŁ22,000. For more information,call the Ford Team at John Mulholland Motors, Randalstown or Campsie, on: 028 9447 3903. n

INTERSTELLAR RELAXATION Autumn Day Spa Experience

Luxurious Spa Experiences available from Â£110 per person For Reservations The Spa at Culloden on 028 9042 1135 The Spa at Slieve Donard on 028 4372 6166 hastingshotels.com

Bohemian Rhapsody

First Man

Movie roundup James Oliver’s selection of classic horror and sci-fi flicks, and upcoming treats coming to a cinema near you this month

Venom

One of Marvel’s most enigmatic, complex characters comes to the big screen - Venom - Eddie Brock’s alter ego. Starring Academy Award-nominated actor Tom Hardy as the lethal protector Venom. Release date: 5th October Starring: Tom Hardy and Michelle Williams

Bad Times at the El Royale

Seven strangers, each with their own dark secrets, come together at a run down motel

Classic flicks The Neon Demon

(the El Royale) which has an unpleasant history. During the course of the evening these seven strangers will all get a last desperate shot at redemption, before all hell breaks loose. Release Date: 12th October Starring: Chris Hemsworth and Jeff Bridges

Available to watch on Netflix, The Neon Demon tells the story of Jesse; a young aspiring model whose recent move to L.A sends the fashion industry into overdrive as every great designer wants a piece of her thanks to her natural beauty and youth. However these traits soon draw the attention and jealousy of rival models and others who have sinister intentions. Release Date: 2016 Starring: Elle Fanning and Keanu Reeves

First Man

Predator

Directed by Damian Chazelle (La La Land) and based on the incredible journey of American astronaut Neil Armstrong, First Man takes you on Neil’s journey as he dared do what no man had ever dreamt of or done before. Neil was the first man to walk on the moon, and the trails and tribulations he had to go through to get there are remarkable. Release Date: 12th October Starring: Ryan Gosling and Claire Foy

Halloween

Venom

This movie is a celebration of Queen, their rise to superstardom, and extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury. Freddie defied stereotypes and shattered conventions. As the tag line says “the only thing more iconic than their music... was him”. Release Date: 24th October Starring: Rami Malek and Joseph Mazzello

This direct sequel to the 1978 original asks that you forget about every other sequel and reboot that came before it. Jamie Lee Curtis returns as Laurie Strode. Having waited and prepared herself for four decades for Michael Myers’s inevitable escape, when it happens she’s ready to fight and finally put an end to the masked murderer. Release Date: 19th October Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis

Having spawned a direct sequel, two crossover films with another famous movie monster, and a prequel, Predator sees a special ops group of commandos on a covert mission come up against an extraterrestrial hunter who kills for sport. Release Date: 1987 Starring: Arnold Schwazenneggar

Alien

When they answer a distress call from a neighbouring vessel, Commander Ripley and her crew come up against a creature who has only begun its life cycle of bloodlust. Alien is amongst one of the top movie monsters of all time, and for good reason. Release Date: 1979 Starring: Sigourney Weaver and Tom Skerritt

LIVING

Credit: Alwood

DOUBLE UP Shop this month’s designer buys and purse-friendly lookalikes BY RÓISÍN CARABINE

SAVE

Marble Base Table Lamp from George @ Asda £20

SPLURGE

Ferne Emerald Armchair in soft polyester from Dunelm £249

Heart of House, 8-piece Geo metallic porcelain dinner set from Argos on ebay £15.99

‘Linda’ Concrete & Copper Table Lamp from AbodeLIving.co.uk £49

Frame Armchair in green cotton velvet from Made.com £599

Rose Gold Marble Effect 12-piece dinner set from Next £45

Oil Slick Vase from Debenhams £45

Iridescent Glass Vase from George @ Asda £8

Comet Retro Metal Table Lamp in copper from CultFurniture.com £129

Green ‘Nordic’ Storage Basket from Debenhams £18

Bell Table Lamp in copper by Tom Dixon from TomDixon.net £450 Bloomingville Grey Seagrass Basket from Amara.com £31

Replace knobs and pulls

Give your kitchen cabinetry a quick refresh by updating the handles. It’s cheaper and less hassle than replacing the entire kitchen. Leather pulls, hammered copper bars and glass knobs are very on trend and can make a cheap kitchen look expensive. Curved end Nude Leather Handles from Handgdesigns.com, from £14.31 each. UK company DowsingandReynolds.com also stock a range of cabinetry handles in leather and knurled metal.

Weekend decorator

Give your home a new season makeover in a weekend. Here’s 12 simple and very affordable decorating updates for every room BY RÓISÍN CARABINE Rearrange the furniture

It’s the quickest (and free way) to give your room a new look. If your living space is large or open plan you can create a more intimate setting by moving furniture away from the walls. In smaller rooms consider positioning the furniture and rugs at an angle to create a new dynamic.

5A Fifth Avenue freestanding mirrored screen from Dunelm, £150.

Otley medium sofa in sano velvet khaki £699; Hudson chair in morais floral green £549; Sandford parquet coffee table £229; Emmett floor lamp £89; Printed cotton stripe rug from £19.50; Printed cotton geo rug from £19.50; Hexagonal embroidered cushion £29.50; Modern fine knit cushion £15; all from Marks & Spencer

Create a dressing zone

No space for a dressing room? Fret not. Transform your bedroom from bland to boudoir with the addition of a folding mirrored screen. Style it up with an upholstered chair and some hooks affixed to the wall, next to the screen, for hanging outfit changes.

Hang a gallery wall

Framed photos and artwork can have a major design impact when hung together as a group. Plan your layout on the floor first before you take to the walls; vary picture sizes, subjects and frame style for an eclectic look.

Selection of hanging frames from Oliver Bonas, Belfast, from £4.50 to £22.

Add instant storage

Sometimes the simplest additions can have the biggest design impact. Keep your bathroom clutter under control and stylishly stored away on freestanding ladder shelves – they’re a chic alternative to standard cabinetry and wall hung shelves plus require no drilling. Vilto shelving unit (small) £40; large £55; Vilto towel stand £35; Odensvik/Godmorgon wash stand with two drawers £150; Vilto step stool £19; Langesund mirror £20, all from Ikea, Belfast.

Focus on a feature wall

Power up your decorating scheme with a statement feature wall. The one wall design trend is back and bolder than before. Think customised wall murals, oversized digital images, vinyl wall stickers and anything else that packs a visual punch. Made to measure ‘Patina Desert’ mural by SpaceFrog Designs for WallSauce.com. Available to order in a variety of wall papers including peel and stick, from £30 per square metre.

Switch to new lighting

Changing the lighting in a room can completely transform the feel. Even something as simple as replacing the shade for an oversized one can make a huge difference. For maximum impact in a dining room consider a statement pendant suspended just above the table.

Delilah agate ceiling pendant £450; Farrugia dining table £699; Moritz dining chairs £299 each; Yoko shelving unit £699, all from JohnLewis.com

Invest in an area rug

Rugs are a great way of adding pattern and texture in a room while providing cosy comfort underfoot. They’re also perfect for reviving tired boards and plain tiling. For maximum impact go extra large.

Step up your stairs style

Villa Bright rug from Carpetright, from £49.99 a square metre.

Make a feature of your stair risers by painting, tiling or papering with patterned wallpaper. It’s cheaper than carpeting and can be upgraded again easily should you grow tired of the look. We love this idea by Purfrost which uses vinyl stickers. Self-adhesive, durable, wipeable and easy to apply stickers in a choice of colours and patterns, made to measure by Purlfrost.com

Stonewash Diagonal, 100% polyester bedspreads available in grey, blush and white from Harvey Norman from £65.

Make bedding changes

It’s amazing what a difference new bedding can make to the look and feel of a bedroom. For maximum comfort add multiple layers of contrasting textures – crisp linens, chunky knitted blankets, velvet throws and sumptuously soft cotton duvets – to create a strategically messy setup.

Muuto Fiber Side Armchair with swivel base and castors is available made to order in textile or leather from Maven, Belfast, from £530.

Dress up your windows

Dramatically improve your living room’s outlook simply by updating the window dressing to new curtains, shutters or even decorative window film (WindowFilm.co.uk). In a neutral scheme a colourful blind can even act as a piece of art. Pop Art roman blinds made to measure from EnglishBlinds.co.uk, from £75.45

Upgrade your home office chair

Transform you home office into a serious working hub with a new chair. After all, the seat you spend your day working in should be up to the task. This side armchair by Muuto offers optimal back and side support, is height adjustable and looks stylish pulled up to your desk.

Mr & Mrs Lloydwin

Photos by You Them Us

ounty Down bride Dr Christina Erwin and Welsh groom Gareth Nutt first met while they were travelling solo in Bali and they happened to sit next to each other on a boat headed for one of the Gili Islands. “Gareth made a silly joke about there being an insufficient number of lifejackets and we talked for the whole boat trip,” Chrissy begins. “When we got there we walked the whole way around the island together and basically fell in love, and haven’t really stopped talking and laughing together since. It felt like we’d always known each other from really early on and we had a really similar view on life.” Two and half years later Gareth proposed during a holiday in Costa Rica. “We got engaged in December 2017 and married in June 2018, so we were incredibly lucky that we managed to organise our dream wedding in such a short timeframe and that all of the amazing suppliers were available,” Chrissy says. The couple chose You Them Us photography as they loved their natural style. Leaf Designs, Galgorm, supplied the wedding flowers, bouquets and button holes, and the bride’s sister Amy arranged the flowers at Mussenden Temple. The vegetarian couple wanted the food to be incredible. “I recently finished my PhD which was about the Mediterranean diet, so we worked with Galgorm (who were incredible) to organise a vegetarian Mediterranean feast for our guests - it was amazing! “We are both pretty relaxed and love nature so I wanted that to be the feel of the wedding, with lots of foliage and flowers, and a relaxed super-happy atmosphere.” Gareth’s favourite memory of his day was of the last song of the night: Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. “Somehow we ended up in a huge circle on the dancefloor taking it in turns to perform each line of the song through theatrical dancing. It was pretty spectacular – there were some trouser casualties due to knee sliding!” Chrissy has fond memories of her guests singing What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong during the ceremony. The new Mr & Mrs Lloydwin – which is a hybrid of surnames Erwin and Lloyd (Lloyd is Gareth’s mother’s maiden name) – enjoyed a relaxing honeymoon in the Lake District with rescue puppy Milo. n

Reception venue: Galgorm Resort & Spa, Ballymena Dress: Sanyukta Shrestha, London Groomswear: Moss Bros, Belfast Bridesmaids’ dresses: ASOS Hair: Aoife Ferguson, Belfast

Mr & Mrs Park Photos by Fergal McGrath

onegal bride Claire Mc Gonagle and Armagh groom Gareth Park met through mutual friends in September 2012. When asked what made her realise Gareth was The One, Claire replies: “His attitude towards life – he puts in extra effort to make each day that bit better so I know he’ll always look after me.” Gareth says: “She is very kind-hearted and thoughtful towards me and others. We got on so well from the very beginning”. Just over three years later Gareth proposed on Culdaff beach. Claire says: “We went for a walk early that morning and he got down on one knee and said that he knew that place was special to me (from childhood summers) and it would now be special for us both.” The bride looked stunning in a Justin Alexander gown from Amore Bridal, accessorised with a veil also from Amore. Fergal McGrath took the photos. “Fergal previously did landscape photography and has since started doing weddings; we loved the concept of capturing the landscape alongside us,” Claire says. “Both of our mothers baked fruit wedding cakes and we had those iced by Mandy Mc Laughlin who is from Malin. “Music is really important to us both so we focused on that. Our wedding singer was Gareth’s friend from his Queen’s University days – Joanne McClelland, and Clare Galway played the keyboard, violin and sang. Shane Devlin and Dave O’Connor played at the drinks reception. The Untouchables band and DJ were so lively; the place was hopping!” Claire’s favourite memories of her day include “arriving at the church and thinking that this is exactly where I want to be right now. I felt so ready to get married and excited to see all of the decisions that we had made along the way come to life.” Gareth says: “It was standing at the top of the altar – the anticipation of Claire walking up the aisle and then seeing her walk up to stand beside me looking absolutely stunning.” The couple honeymooned in Bali, highlights included enjoying afternoon tea in a rainforest with a waterfall backdrop. n

Venue: Ballyliffin Lodge & Spa, Donegal Dress: Amore Bridal, Derry Groomswear: The Black Tie Showroom, Derry Bridesmaids’ dresses: www.tfnclondon.com Hair: Eileen McColgan (freelance) Makeup: Miranda Henderson Pro Make Up (freelance)

THE

ALBUM Emma Young at Downpatrick Racecourse. Photo by Declan Roughan, Press Eye

Iconic Bronze Extra Dark Launch Event

Hannah Colbert, Joanne Kelly, Rosie Williams, Georgia Steel and Michaela McNamee

To celebrate the launch of Iconic Bronze Extra Dark Lotion and Mousse, which helps deepen your glow to achieve the next level in tanning, a host of Northern Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beauty bloggers were invited to an exclusive launch party. The event took place in the Iveagh Garden Hotel, Dublin, with special guests; Love Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Georgia Steel and Rosie Williams. Photos by Brian McEvoy

Nadine McCallum and Leanne McCandless

Ryan Burnett and Lara Milner

Georgia Steel and Linda Stinson

Shauna Rafferty, Laura O’Hanlon, Stuart Montgomery and Dervla Rafferty

Ladies Day Downpatrick Racecourse Some of Northern Ireland’s most stylish racegoers brought a touch of elegance to Ladies’ Day at Downpatrick. Ten race days are held every year at the Co Down course, and Ladies’ Day is always a highlight of the Downpatrick programme. Nuala Perry won the Rekorderlig Cider Most Appropriately Dressed Lady Competition. The prize included two nights in Bangkok, five nights in Phuket and a Thai Cullinary Tour. Photo by Declan Roughan, Press Eye

Lauren Heaney

Vicky Clarke, Courtney Ward and Catherine Walker

Lucy Stewart

Colin and Catherine O’Connor

Kiera Turley, Angela Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Rourke and Kerry Fisher

Bridgeen King and Celina Doran

Best Dressed Lady Nuala Perry with Vincent Perry

Nicola Montgomery

Claudia Gorska

Jayne Gallagher and Tori Shaw

Victoria Withers and Lauren Moore

The Style Edit Titanic Hotel Belfast The Style Edit held their Pre Fall Edition in Titanic Hotel Belfast, treating glamorous ladies to a live makeup masterclass from Stevey Lennox, using her favourite picks from Urban Decay, Charlotte Tilbury and Kiehls. Attendees enjoyed a Shortcross Gin reception and new season fashion show that was styled and hosted by Rebecca McKinney, featuring fashion from The Walk in Wardrobe, Cameo Boutique, Rosoir Boutique, Chloe Dougan Design, Victoria Square and Sprucefield Shopping Centre. Photos by Heather Rose Photography

Ivona Moore and Kamile Buivydaite

Stevey Lennox and Rebecca McKinney

Lyndsey Welsh and Lynsey Lauder

Emma McCall, Michelle Hasson and Carla McGuigan

Nuala Harvey and Linda Stinson

Louise Brown and Alison Craig

Sandra Kelly and Majella Haran

Nicole Quigley and Naomi McLaughlin

West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK launch West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK launched with a fashion show in The Fitzwilliam Hotel attended by fashionistas from across the province. This season the main runway event will take place at St. Anneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cathedral on Friday 19 October and style proceedings will continue with fashionable fringe events including the popular Sushi Saturday at Zen, the Action Cancer charity fundraiser Style Sunday in the Fitzwilliam Hotel, and a lot more besides. Photos by Brendan Gallagher

Rebecca Henderson

Terrell McKeown and Ashleigh Taylor

Katie Andrew, Melissa Riddell and Aisling Gallagher

Kate and Deirdre Grant

Cliona Arthur

Maria McFarland, Elanna Perchele, Melissa Elliott and Laura McConnall

Emer Dooris and Claire Craig

Alison Partridge

Kathryn Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien

Tabitha Agnew and DJ Trevor (Big T) Campbell

Mark and Angela Glover,and Alasdair Moran

Pop Up Bluegrass Festival National Museums NI presented its first pop up Bluegrass Festival night in Belfast to celebrate the 27th Annual Bluegrass Music Festival at the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh. The event took place at The Dirty Onion and attendees enjoyed a night of toe tapping live music by The Henry Family Band and other acts, a smokin’ hot barbeque, and drinks sponsored by Bushmills. Photos by William Cherry

The Henry Family Band

Marion Russell and Alasdair Moran

John Toner, Colm O’Reilly and Jennifer Toman O’Reilly with Ulster American Folk Park guide Alasdair Moran

Paul Bell

Colin Johnston and Mayor Lindsay Millar

Noleen & Paul Toal

Castle Kitchen & Bar Opening Party Galgorm Resort & Spa launched the Castle Kitchen & Bar with an opening party. The venue offers a 150-seat BBQ smokehouse restaurant, as well as a 60-seat balcony terrace providing alfresco dining with unrivalled views across the Castle grounds and golf course. The £600,000 investment by Galgorm in the bar and restaurant has creating 50 new jobs. Photos by Paul Faith Bridgene and Eddie McKeever

Matthew O’Neill and Declan O’Kane

Stephen and Jill Shaw, Ryan McCollum

Chris and Jade Henry

Enoksen Watches launch Ormeau Baths A Belfast-based company which makes stylish, high quality wristwatches officially launched in Belfast at Ormeau Baths. Guests enjoyed a drinks reception and had the opportunity to try the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s watch collection. Enoksen Watches is headquartered in Belfast, but harbours ambitious plans to expand its operations into the UK, Europe and beyond. It was founded by Hans Henrik Enoksen â&#x20AC;&#x201C; businessman, entrepreneur and watch enthusiast. Photos by Darren Kidd, Press Eye

Nuala Gurney and John Cranney

Damian Cranney, Sarah Pannasch and JP Samuels

Bernard Fouquet and Michael Pernfors

Coirle Oakes and Conor Breen

Pamela Ballantine and Michael Kerr

i3 Digital party Crumlin Road Gaol Belfast based company i3 Digital has secured over $1.5 of new contracts across the USA and one of these prestigious companies is California Avocados. To celebrate i3 Digital, together with Crumlin Road Gaol, treated staff, press and VIPs to a delicious avocado-inspired meal in Cuffs Restaurant. Entertainment was provided by local singer songwriter Michael Kerr. Photo by Jim Corr Neill Murphy, Paul Burns and Stephen Sharvin

Keith Gutu and Adrian Bradley

Ciara Luke and Clare Calgie

Billy McCartney and Jamie Watts

Rachel Annett and Leanne Armstrong

Ulster Business Top 100 Northern Ireland Companies 2018 launch The cream of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business crop turned out in force for the launch of the Ulster Business Top 100 Northern Ireland Companies 2018, sponsored by A&L Goodbody. Around 200 of the best of Northern Ireland business and industry packed the Ivory restaurant at Victoria Square, Belfast, for the launch of the 30th double-edition of the leading business magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s definitive list of the biggest companies. Pictures by Kelvin Boyes Press Eye

Michelle Donnelly, Matthew Jeffrey and Glenda McStravick

Claire Bonner, John Mulgrew, Clare Daly and Nicola McClean

Karen McGarvey and Grainne McGarvey

Gareth Stewart and Rebekah Fitch

Helena Kelly, Jack and Charlie McLean

Pop Up Gig Q Radio Headquarters Local songstresses Rebekah Fitch and Allison McGrath performed at a free pop up gig on the terrace of Q Radio’s HQ in the Fountain Centre, Belfast, as part of Belfast City Council’s Pop Up City of Music Initiative. Guests were treated to Indian cuisine and Cobra beer from the award-winning Bangla restaurant. Photos by Bill Smyth Grainne Connolly, Simon Hunter and Hannah Spratt

Divils Ice Cream & Coffee Co. Opening A ‘diviously’ delicious new ice cream and coffee brand Divils Ice Cream & Coffee Co. opened recently at Omniplex Omagh, Kelvin Road. The trendy new ice cream and coffee spot is the perfect pit stop to satisfy a sweet tooth. Divils also serves a range Nespresso coffees, teas and delectable hot chocolate to enjoy alongside the ice cream. Photo by Donal Doherty Andrew Leitch, Yasmin Robinson and India Reed

Send us your photos! Thanks to all who submitted photos for Here & There. To be featured simply take a photo of you with Northern Woman out and about locally or abroad. Every month one reader will win a ‘Pic of the Month’ prize – so well done to Doris Moore who has won a Lusso Tan gift set worth £54. Email your photo to NW editor Catriona: c.doherty@independentmagazinesni.co.uk

Kimberly Wong pictured with Northern Woman after getting her hair styled at Rogue by Jody, 45 Bradbury Place, Belfast

Chloe Doherty pictured on her First Holy Communion Day in Carndonagh, Donegal

HERE & THERE

Carla Doherty at Ardmore Advertising, Holywood

F PIC O THE H T MON

Doris Moore from Carrickfergus “enjoying a windy time in sunny Portstewart”

Marianne Connelly outside Miel et Moi, Lisburn Road, Belfast

Have your brand featured here and reach your target audience. To sponsor Here & There contact Ciara Hedgcock on 077 69951 595 or email c.hedgcock@independentmagazinesni.co.uk

R E G BLOG CORNER

BY CLIONA ARTHUR @THESTYLEBEE

hen London blogger @thecarlyconquest wore a pleated red skater dress and posted a picture on Instagram, I was hooked from the outset. She decided to share the dress with bloggers, letting it travel from one custodian to another, to see how far its journey would go. The instafamous dress has been traveling for months with every custodian posing in it, uploading a snap to Instagram and selecting a new owner. All custodians are part of the Red Dress Army. I’m not usually one to influence other people’s kids and I promise I wouldn’t normally use ‘emojional’ blackmail on a fellow girl mama. However, I knew when I typed my message on @overdresseddaughters picture, she would pick me as owner thirteen - if I used some girl mama code. Her daughters were selecting the next custodian, so I lured them to my post with cute emojis. Well, what would you do if you were desperate to get your hands on the #travelingreddress? The dress was destined for Northern Ireland and it was up to me to give it a warm Irish welcome. It’s not all glamorous, the life of an NI blogger. I went to Belfast dragging my insta-family along, a trolley dolly full of accessories, and some ladybird rain macs. There is no shame in hopping up on a pink chair on a Sunday morning in Belfast among crowds of tourists beside a wall mural of George Best, to strike a pose for the gram, right? It was just about acceptable for my insta-family on the basis they would be fed and watered by me and the girls could visit the Wizard of Oz event in Victoria Square afterwards.

Three ladybirds and a traveling red dress I loved the experience, even if the dress didn’t zip (nothing a red body suit and a long cardigan couldn’t hide!) And I do apologise to anyone who seen a rather oddlooking family of ladybirds in Belfast one rainy Sunday! I selected the @themuddymummy in bonny Scotland to be the next custodian as I had a feeling she was just as excited as me about the prospect of joining the Red Dress Army. If I have learnt anything from this experience, it’s that nothing makes more impact than a red dress, especially a traveling one. Follow its journey on Instagram @thetravelingreddress. I’m a firm believer that a red dress is not just for Christmas, so I have picked my three favourite red dresses this season. For more style tips look me up on Instagram @thestylebee Love, The Style Bee x

MY TOP PICKS Red Dress from Monsoon £110

Dress from Traffic People £145

Ghospell Dress from Sister Jane £69

NORTHERN MAN

Jeff Meredith talks staycations and daycations

Puro Menswear and Sneakers

Colourful Dame Lane

Industry Cafe

i folks, Daycations and staycations have been my travel thing during the last few months. I’ve been all about visiting places within driving distance of home and enjoying trips locally in Northern Ireland, down to Dublin, and over to Scotland. First on the list was a trip with P&O and Glasgow Life to experience a city celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the birth of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the cultural icon who has left an incredible legacy of architecture and design in Glasgow. Mackintosh150 is a year-long programme of exhibitions, events and tours. During my visit I checked out the permanent Mackintosh exhibition in the stunning Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, The Lighthouse, The Willow Tea Rooms, The Mackintosh House and House for an Art Lover. October is a great month to take a trip to Glasgow for the annual Mackintosh Festival. And of course, hopping on the P&O ferry with your car means you can enjoy the beautiful Scottish coastline on the way. My 2018 daycation wishlist included a trip to visit Castle Ward - a place I last saw when I was on a trip in primary school. These days its part of the Game of Thrones tourist trail and the folks

at Winterfell Tours are making sure visitors have a fully immersive GoT experience, that includes archery lessons on the same spot Jon Snow practiced his skills. And you get to do it wearing authentic Game of Thrones cloaks. What a great day out! Have you visited Grand Central Hotel yet? We stayed in the stunning new hotel on Bedford Street for a night, enjoyed cocktails in the Observatory bar, the highest hotel bar in Ireland, and had an amazing vegan breakfast in the GC café. The latest addition to the Hastings Hotels portfolio is special and sets the bar high for Belfast hotels. Grand Central is a new icon for the city and those views from the Observatory bar are stunning. Our night at the Grand Central resulted in another fab find - Café Parisien opposite the City Hall. I went in to check it out in the afternoon and ended up booking dinner for that night, then mid meal, we were both enjoying it so much we booked to go back for their New Year’s Eve party. What an end to 2018 that will be, enjoying a great meal with great friends whilst looking out over the City Hall. Thanks for reading. n

Powerscourt Townhouse Centre

Jurys Inn Christchurch

George’s Street Arcade George Street Market

Photography by Jeff Meredith

Castle Market

Genius Menswear

The Irish Design Shop

Explore Dublin Why you should take a day trip to Dublin’s Creative Quarter

BY JEFF MEREDITH

ocals know it as the Creative Quarter, to me it’s that cool area behind Grafton Street that reminds me of The Meat Packing District in New York City. The old Dublin streets around the area behind Brown Thomas - including Drury St and William St South are crammed with creativity, arts, cool cafes

and boutique shops. The gateway to the area for me is Brown Thomas; somewhere to go and be inspired by the latest high-end fashion. All the big labels are there Gucci, Prada, Givenchy; if you have the budget it’s paradise, if not, it’s great for inspiration.

Things I love about the Creative Quarter: Powerscourt Townhouse Centre is always

worth walking through, it’s a beautiful old covered courtyard where you can relax in the café surrounded by art, design and fashion. Wicklow Street is a gem, always buzzing and a place where you’ll find some great fashion. One of our favourites is Puro; a men’s fashion shop selling premium sneakers and casual wear. Or try Genius Clothing just around the corner at Powerscourt for a great selection of jeans and footwear. George Street Arcade on Drury St/George St is like a mini version of Belfast’s St George’s Market. South City Market was Dublin’s first purpose-built Victorian Shopping Centre, it was completed in 1881. Following a serious fire in 1892 it closed down, the market reopened in 1894 and has been trading continuously since then. Further down Drury St is the beautiful Irish Design Shop filled with Irish-made homeware. It smells amazing and is packed with quirky Irish gifts. Next door to the Irish Design Shop is Industry & Co, a unique and beautiful lifestyle store and eatery; my go-to place for a delicious vegan lunch. Jo’Burger is around the corner is a popular busy spot for lunch. On a sunny day the pavement seating is packed full of diners enjoying lunch. One for the chocolate lovers, Butlers Chocolate Cafe is always worth a visit and always busy. If you’re looking for a night-time experience you could always dander around Temple Bar. We love Dame Lane, lined with bars and buntings. Wherever you end up you’ll have a great night soaking up the atmosphere in Dublin 2. During my trip I stayed at Jurys Inn, Christchurch. n

— COMPETITION —

Win

A two-night stay at Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Sligo

ake Christmas extra special this year with the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Sligo, where all your festive dreams can come true. From the moment of arrival on Christmas Eve, guests will be treated to festive goodies including a mulled wine reception, followed by a three-course candlelight dinner in the AA Rosette, Classiebawn Restaurant, with live carol singing adding to the wonderful atmosphere and excitement of Christmas Eve. Awake to the buzz of Christmas cheer throughout the hotel, enjoy a super buffet breakfast before gathering around the tree as Santa arrives with gifts for all the little ones. Savour a luxurious Christmas lunch with all the trimmings, while being entertained by the resident magician as you while away the afternoon with your nearest and dearest. Wind down for the night in Waves Bar where festive entertainment and an evening buffet will top off a very merry, stress-free time this year. Surrounded by the gorgeous countryside of Rosses Point, Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa offers stunning views of Sligo Bay and the neighbouring mountains. Take in the stunning landscape and enjoy all that the hotel’s location has to offer including golf at championship courses or surfing at the beach, which is located just three kilometres away.

TO ENTER Simply answer the question below. What is the name of the AA Rosette restaurant in Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Sligo? Email your answer and contact details to competitions@northernwoman.co.uk before 5pm on Friday 26th October.

T&Cs: The prize (a two-night stay with bed and breakfast, and dinner on one night) is subject to availability and is non-transferrable. The prize is not valid for Christmas, New Year, Easter or bank holiday weekends. INM T&Cs apply. Onsite guests will enjoy four-star accommodation, dinner in the AA Rosette Classiebawn Restaurant, a casual bite to eat and drink in Waves Bar, or the chance to unwind in Solas Spa and leisure club. To celebrate the Christmas package, one lucky reader will win two nights’ accommodation for two adults in fourstar accommodation, plus dinner on one evening of your choice in the AA Rosette Classiebawn Restaurant, a super buffet breakfast each morning, and complimentary access to Solas Spa which features an 18-metre indoor swimming pool and Thermal Suite including a Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. Visit: www.radissonblu.com/en/ hotel-sligo for more information on all the fabulous, festive offers that start from €350 per person sharing for two nights at Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Sligo. n

Anchor Down in Autumn Enjoy an overnight stay in one of our guestrooms with a two-course meal in The WolďŹ&#x20AC; Grill, complimentary car parking for 24 hours and a Titanic-sized breakfast the following morning. Rooms from ÂŁ159 Terms and Conditions apply. Valid Sunday to Thursday from September to November 2018. Subject to availability.