Local Women Belfast & Co Down Edition September 2020 by Local Women Magazine

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BELFAST, NEWRY, SOUTH DOWN & SOUTH ARMAGH

How losing 4 stone changed Newry mum

Fashion: The exclusive new collection from Blades & Beauty, Antrim

Selling Sunset Northern Ireland style with the ladies from Mayfair & Morgan

Karen

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One ‘El’ of a woman

Cover Girl:

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Hilltown’s El Fegan is scaling new heights

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The Diamond House, 63/65 Hill Street, Newry, Co. Down BT34 1AF To book an appointment: E: diamonds@jmj.ie T: 028 3026 3379 R.O.I: 048 3026 3379

Local Women Magazine | 5

INTRODUCING THE DIRECTORY Have you ever struggled with sleepless nights because your baby won’t sleep? Are you stuck for ideas for a special party? Do you need a thoughtful gift for a loved one that shows them you really care?

I never thought I would be so glad to be back into a routine. Thanks goodness school is back! I remember last year moaning about having to do the school run and always running late. This year I’m up early and just can’t wait to get my little darling off to school. It’s so great to see him walking into school knowing that I don’t have to entertain him 24 hours a day. Obviously, I love my child, that goes without saying, but lockdown is an experience that I don’t want to repeat. I don’t want to be locked up with my 12 year old son ever again! Let’s hope the new term goes smoothly and we never have to hear the words home schooling again. How have you been getting on with all the ‘new normal’ rules? I’ve enjoyed a few nights out recently in restaurants and it’s good to see everyone adhering to the new rules. I’m quite used to wearing a mask and using hand sanitizer now. It seems quite normal. Hopefully, things will be back to normal completely soon, particularly regarding weddings. It’s such a difﬁcult time for brides right now with so much still up in the air. I’m delighted to see many of your weddings going ahead albeit in a scaled down version. Don’t forget we are still printing your wedding pictures, so keep sending them in so we can share your big day with our readers. Until next month,

Cover Girls MODELS: Aishlinn Woods from Mm MamaMia Hair and Beauty, Jonesboro

SALES

Managing Editor: Kim Kelly, editor@localwomensnews.com

PHOTOGRAPHER: Alexandra Barfoot

Business Editor: Gillian Anderson,

There’s so much talent out there and so many ladies working in small businesses that we wanted to showcase. There are a host of talented specialists who are offering services that we felt needed a wider audience. In The Directory, you will see some exciting new businesses that we have discovered from across Northern Ireland. Check it out - and if you are a small business owner who wants to be showcased in The Directory, email Cara on advertising@localwomensnews.com.

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6 | Local Women Magazine

If so, Local Women’s new Directory has the answers for you. Each month in The Directory we showcase small businesses and new start-ups that we want you to know about.

w www.localwomenmagazine.com The publisher does not guarantee the accuracy of statements by contributors or advertisers, or accept responsibility for any statement that they may express in this publication. The publication of an advertisement does not imply endorsement of a product, service or promotional event.

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SHE’S ONE EL OF A WOMAN Hilltown fitness fanatic El Fegan has scaled new heights with her toughest challenge yet but it was worth it all in the end, as she tells Local Women’s MAUREEN COLEMAN

s a polercise instructor who takes classes in Belfast and Dundalk, El Fegan epitomises fitness and strength. And she had to call on that strength, both mental and physical, when she recently completed a mammoth challenge – climbing to the top of Carrauntoohil mountain in Co Kerry, every day for 30 days over the month of July. Irrespective of the weather conditions, the Hilltown woman, who celebrated her 40th birthday in lockdown, set out early each morning and walked to the summit of Ireland’s highest mountain. Some days she walked alone in heavy rain and biting wind; other days she was joined by family members and friends. In total, El climbed the equivalent height of three Mount Everests – a staggering 360km distance over 150 hours, to raise funds for local charity, Moving Mountains. Standing tall at 1,039 metres with stunning views across Co Kerry and the Killarney lakes, Carrauntoohil is a popular destination for mountain trekkers like El, who has climbed it twice before. This time was different though. Knowing she was raising money for charity meant she couldn’t take a day out from her challenge, no matter how difficult the conditions or how exhausted she was. It was all or nothing for El. Now she’s home again, easing herself gently back into polercise and reflecting on the monumental fundraiser she set herself. 8 | Local Women Magazine

ƒ El was supported by her friends and family

“I feel absolutely elated to be home, having successfully completed my charity challenge,” says El. “I’ve had some time to reflect on my feat, and read through messages of encouragement and support from friends, family and strangers. “I feel completely blessed to be in a position to give back physically and to give time and energy to raise much needed funds for charitable causes. But I’m also delighted that I’ve been able to motivate and inspire even one person to get out there and set themselves some challenges and goals. That is truly satisfying. However big or small that challenge may be, everyone has their own Everest.” So far El has raised over £4,500 (including gift aid) for Moving Mountains Trust and the cash is still coming in. The money will be used to feed around 100 street children for seven months. El, who is also a member of the Co Down based outdoor pursuits group, the Feel Good Factor, likes to routinely test herself. For the last few years, she has set herself various fitness challenges including climbing Kilimanjaro and closer to home, Slieve Donard. She also climbed the highest mountain of every county in Ireland. “I just like to make up my own challenges,” El explains. “It’s something I enjoy doing; pushing myself. And then to hold myself accountable, I choose a charity to ensure that I complete the challenge. “That way, if there are days that I don’t really feel like doing it, I’m motivated to keep going.” It was while doing her County High Point challenge five years ago, that she first encountered Carrauntoohil. Then two years ago, she returned to the mountain with her nephew, who was keen to give it a go. With her plans to mark her 40th birthday thrown into disarray as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown, El decided to put her free time to good use. “I had been planning to go on lots of holidays for my birthday but that obviously couldn’t happen,” she says.

people about. “And when the weather was decent, it could get quite busy at the top. I never felt alone really. And it’s been amazing the support I’ve had, from family, friends and people on Facebook who wanted to join in.

“I started to feel a bit restless in lockdown on my own, so thought it would be a good idea to set myself another challenge and climb Carrauntoohil for 30 consecutive days.”

“Local legend and mountaineering hero John Lenihan also came out with me, which was great.”

Some days were tougher than others, as rain lashed down and the mist set in. Pouring water out from her hiking boots became a regular thing. But on the days the sun shone down on the cross at the top of Carrauntoohil, El was able to see for miles across Kerry, taking in the county’s natural beauty and the stunning Killarney lakes. Well used to her adventures, her family and friends were encouraging, and many joined her on the daily treks. On the days she climbed alone, she was able to go at a faster pace but was glad of the company on other days.

ƒ El undertook the challenge for charity

Having to step away from her polercise classes for five months due to lock-down, El says she feels like a student again. Given her fitness levels and determination though, it won’t be long before she’s back in pole position and teaching once more. And she’s not planning to rest on her laurels any time soon as she’s already looking ahead to her next project.

ƒ Reaching the summit

“Next year, all being well with Covid free travel, I plan to travel to Nepal or Kenya to see first-hand what and where the funds raised go towards,” she says.

“I wasn’t nervous at all going up on my own,” she says. “I’ve climbed “I’d also like to volunteer some of my free time to the Moving it before and then as the days went on, I got to know the Devil’s Mountains Trust and the work they do over there.” Ladder route pretty well. “The great thing about the mountain is that you’re never really alone. Even on the worst days, weather wise, there was still plenty of

To donate, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/30daytrek

Local Women Magazine | 9

Losing 4 stone changed my life FOREVER! New Local Women Health and Wellness columnist Karen Daly (Msc) shares her weight loss journey and reveals how she has kept it off for over 10 years and still manages to fit in two businesses, two sons and hubby Frank.

Welcome to my column, I am super excited to educate, excite and empower you into better health over the coming months - but ﬁrst here’s a little more about me.

store 11:11 Bang on Trend. For most of my 20s I can remember trying every pill and potion to lose a few pounds, and despite a sporty lifestyle, my weight seemed to be forever increasing. I would lose a couple of pounds here or there, but it all went back on again and more. Then is June 2008 I gave birth to my ﬁrst little man Aaron and, in a new baby bubble, I was oblivious to my weight.

I am a 44-year-old girl with a huge passion for life with three amazing men in my life. Two little monkeys Aaron (12) and Jamie (9) and hubby Frank who I’ve been with for 21 years and married for 13. Together we own and run The Academy Masterplan That was until I went to a friend’s wedding and have also just opened our new fashion in September and I can remember getting dressed up in the house and heading off feeling on top of the world. We arrived in the hotel, checked in and rushed to the room to drop of our bags and head to the bar for a little drink. I remember feeling so excited about spending our ﬁrst day out together after a crazy few months, but in an instant that joyous feeling disappeared….

of myself in a large full-length mirror and my heart sank. The reﬂection I saw was not the same as the vision in my head, the gorgeous red dress was hideous, and I felt horrendous. I started to cry and of course Frank told me I looked amazing, but it didn’t matter I certainly wasn’t feeling it. But hey, there was nothing I could do right then so off to the bar I headed As I headed out of the room, I got a glimpse and vowed that I would never feel like that

again and that was it the moment my life changed forever. I started to eat better not less and in eight months I had lost over four stone and better still I was feeling on top of the world encouraging everyone I knew to make a change too. I got so excited and loved every second of cooking amazing food for me and our young family, and even now I am super proud that Frank and the boys enjoy the most amazing home cooked meals always. I enjoy the most amazing foods ever, Thai curries, taco chips even zinger burgers and there is nothing I can’t have. I have learned to eat to my goals, and I love nothing more that a wee glass of wine come the weekend! My passion turned into a career and I started to help other people to lose weight too. Then in 2015 I returned to college to complete my Masters in Weight Management. My new passion was now ofﬁcially my new business and now I love every second of changing lives. The joy in helping someone to lose weight and feel amazing is the best feeling EVER and knowing that you are helping someone become not only lighter, but to know that they are also becoming healthier, happier and very often living longer too! Since then I have been helping men and women across Ireland and since 2019, when we launched online, we have been able to help clients across the world. We now have clients in Australia, USA, Dubai, Canada and all across the UK and Ireland and we can help you too! We offer six-week online courses which will teach you how and what to eat whilst motivating and supporting you along the way. With our own app we offer live weekly sessions at the touch of a button and you can watch along live or back in your own time. Having lost weight myself, I completely understand all the trial and tribulations of changing habits of a lifetime and I am here to help! My key focus is not simply to help you lose weight but to have you feeling great FOREVER! My Masters research project was on long term sustainable weight loss and that is my area of expertise. If I can lose weight and keep it off FOREVER, then so can you! I am so excited to share my learnings, tips and motivations with you over the coming months and here’s to a healthier, happier YOU! Join me next month as I share my top tips for success, and I’ll be giving you a little three-day taster plan to try.

THE ACADEMY MASTERPLAN WILL EDUCATE, EXCITE AND EMPOWER YOU TO LIVE A LIGHTER, HEALTHIER AND HAPPIER LIFE!! Masters led by Karen Daly MSc Weight Management Karen has over 11 years experience helping men and women achieve their weight loss goals ● Karen won Best Social Media in Healthcare 2019 at the NI Social Media Awards ● State of the art APP ● Live sessions delivered to you in the comfort of your own home ● Weekly emails with written and visual content ● Live cookery demos and workouts included ● All the support and motivation you will need to reach your goal ● Learn how to eat better not less whilst enjoying the most delicious meals ever!!

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Local Women Magazine | 11

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Local Women Magazine | 13

RISING FROM THE ASHES…

Mm MamaMia Salon owner Aishlinn Woods, has seen her business rise from the ashes…literally! Our Local Women cover girl tells us how she’s finally looking to the future after a difficult year.

14 | Local Women Magazine

By Kim Kelly Pictures by Alexandra Barfoot

020 has been a dramatic year for all of us – but it would be fair to say that for Aishlinn Woods, the last 12 months have been a roller coaster.From starting her own business to losing everything, Aishlinn, a beautician from Drumintee, has been through more than most. But, with the support of her family and some local businesswomen, Aishlinn has turned a disaster into a triumph and she is looking forward to a bright future with the re-opening of her business. She’s never been busier at her salon Mm MamaMia Hair & Beauty in Jonesboro – but just six months ago things were not looking so bright. Having opened her salon at the end of November last year, Aishlinn was busy with work and getting ready for the Christmas rush. Then one day the police called to her house. She explains: “The police officers asked me if I knew who owned the salon and could I get in touch with her quickly. “I explained that it was me who owned the salon and they told me it had been burned to the ground. “It was the most surreal experience ever. I thought they had made a mistake or were joking. I was so shocked.” The police took Aishlinn to see her premises which had been completely destroyed. Her dream of being a business owner was in tatters, but worse was to come. The police said the fire had been started deliberately. It really was the worst of times for the usually upbeat and very positive young woman who had worked so hard to build her business. Aishlinn explains: “Those first few days were awful. But I have to say people were so supportive. My family were brilliant. My parents and my partner Alan McNally were so good to me. “Strangers contacted me and offered help.

“I explained that it was me who owned the salon and they told me it had been burned to the ground.”

absolutely perfect when the time came to reopen. “I worked in a spa before I open Mm MamaMia so I wanted to bring elements of that to my business. I wanted to create a spa feel to my salon. “I had plenty of time during lockdown to make all the tweaks I wanted to do to my plans.

“In fact, lockdown gave me time to sit back and process what had happened to me. A local hairdresser Maria McGuinness It was all a terrible shock and the time off contacted me offering help and Ingrid was probably good for me.” Graham, who is a well-known blogger On July 6 it was back to work for Aishlinn and nail artist, arrived at my door the and since her big reopening, she has next morning with a nail lamp and some never been busier. polishes and told me to keep on working Her old customers have been very with my clients from home. supportive of her new venture and she has “I didn’t even know her, but I will never gained a loyal new following as well. forget her kindness and support. It’s people She says she is thoroughly enjoying her like Ingrid who kept me going.” work and is looking to the future. And now Aishlinn decided there and then to rebuild she has even more reason to look forward her business and set to work replicating all to the future – as Alan has proposed. the work she had done. “He was planning to do it at Christmas but By the time spring arrived she was ready with all that had happened he changed to reopen. She re-opened in February…. his plans. but of course, she hadn’t factored in a “Now we are engaged, and the salon is worldwide pandemic! back up and running so I have a lot to be All her plans were once again shelved as grateful for. all beauticians closed. But Aishlinn didn’t “I will never forget how kind everyone let one more setback get in her way. was to me in my local community and She used the time to perfect her plans for further afield and I am looking forward to her salon, making sure everything would be a great future.”

For appointment call +44 (0)28 3084 9650

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DREAM DRESSES AT VINCENT’S For brides looking for a beautiful wedding A

gown, a new bridal suite has opened at Vincent’s in Portadown.

new bridal suite has opened at Vincent’s in Portadown. Located in the Mayfair Business Centre, the

bridal suite has a beautiful range of wedding dresses to suit any style and budget. Vincent’s Wedding Suite includes a separate changing room and a viewing area where the mother of the bride can sit back and enjoy the once in a lifetime experience of seeing her daughter trying on her wedding dress. There are more than 50 new and preloved white and ivory dream wedding dresses for brides to choose from and they can reserve an appointment to view and try on a selection of dresses in privacy. Mother of the bride, bridesmaid and flowergirl dresses, formal attire and a range of hats and accessories are also displayed in the suite. Michael Lavery, Manager of Vincent’s Portadown, wedding is such a special time in any bride’s life. said: ”At Vincent’s we appreciate that planning a When we were investing in developing the Wedding Suite we wanted to create a welcoming environment where brides could visit with their bridal party and enjoy the experience of choosing their wedding dress without any pressure.” Anne Crossan, Regional Retail Manager, SVP NI, said: “The new Vincent’s Wedding Suite is a wonderful addition to the service that we are providing to the local community in the Portadown area. I think it’s really important that brides feel comfortable and enjoy the experience of buying their wedding dress and being able to offer private appointments is a lovely way of personalising the experience for them and their families. I wish Michael and the staff well with this new offering for the store.” Brides wishing to visit Vincent’s Wedding Suite can be accommodated by appointment during normal shop opening hours and also on evenings and at weekends. To make an appointment, tel 028 3839 4219. Staff are ensuring that current COVID-19 guidelines are being adhered to. Local Women Magazine | 19

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel listened to and more positiveâ&#x20AC;?

New mental health support brings hope for stroke survivors and carers like Co Fermanagh mum Denise Watson. 20 28 28 || Local Local Women Women Magazine Magazine

By Maureen Coleman

o Fermanagh mum-of-three has told how specialised counselling from the Stroke Association helped her to cope with anxiety during lockdown after she suffered two strokes within a matter of weeks. Denise Watson, 47, who lives in Belfast with husband John, daughter Emma and sons Charlie and Louis, was rushed to Antrim Area Hospital in January 2018 after experiencing stroke symptoms at home. While undergoing tests, doctors told her she had, in fact, suffered two strokes. The news was a devastating blow to Denise, whose health seemed fine beforehand. Then in April 2019, she was rushed to the Royal Victoria Hospital after experiencing similar symptoms to the second stroke. She was told she’d had a Transient Ischemic Attack or TIA, also known as a mini stroke. The doctor informed her that because they hadn’t pinpointed an exact cause of the previous two strokes, they couldn’t rule out another happening. Afraid and anxious, Denise was referred to the Stroke Association’s counselling service in spring this year, just as Covid-19 was forcing a nationwide lockdown. But Denise was able to avail of a remote service and is now urging others who have had a stroke to reach out for that emotional support. She was speaking as the Stroke Association announced a £48,903 funding boost for the counselling service, from The National Lottery Community Fund. The service, the first of its kind to be rolled out across Northern Ireland, will directly support people to rebuild their lives after stroke during the Covid-19 pandemic. The muchanticipated service, known as the ‘First Steps project’, will offer stroke specific emotional and psychological support to stroke survivors and carers living anywhere in Northern Ireland.

“My stroke seemed to come from nowhere really. I didn’t have any health issues or at least nothing I was aware of.”

the counselling I didn’t even say the word stroke. Saying it just made it feel really real and I couldn’t handle that. “It’s a great service and I know that many people who’ve had a stroke will benefit from counselling like this. Throughout all this I’m so grateful for the support of my husband and family. I just don’t think I could’ve got through this without their love and support either”.

The six-month project will provide free, professional, one to one telephone or online counselling and is a direct response to the Covid-19 pandemic and calls from the Northern Ireland stroke community. Upon referral, each case will be When the medical team at Antrim Area Hospital professionally assessed and, if appropriate, offered revealed Denise had suffered two strokes, she was up to six sessions of one to one counselling, all from able to pinpoint an episode three weeks prior when the convenience of their own home. she’d lost her vision temporarily but had put it down In line with Covid-19 public health guidelines, to the effects of a very bad migraine. Denise then the project team will work with individuals to find spent about a week in hospital waiting on further the best remote communication method to suit the tests and scans. client’s needs. The counselling sessions are designed “After I came home from hospital, I just couldn’t to help clients develop emotional resilience, readjust get the fear of having a third stroke out of my to life after stroke and prepare to reintegrate into head. My fear was made worse in April 2019 when their community following the Covid-19 crisis. I experienced similar symptoms again, numbness Marie Penney, Project Manager of the First Steps down one side of my body and speech interruption. Emotional Support service at the Stroke Association “I felt very anxious and emotional every time I in Northern Ireland, says: “This much needed spoke about my experience. I couldn’t even say the funding has been made possible thanks to the word stroke to my friends or family. I didn’t talk to National Lottery. anyone about how I was feeling because I felt like I “We at the Stroke Association are here to support didn’t want to worry them even more. people to rebuild their lives after stroke. The impact “I’m so grateful to the staff who work on the on a person can vary depending on which part of stroke ward. They were so kind and reassuring their brain is affected. It could be anything from and it was my consultant in the Royal who tried to wiping out your speech and physical abilities, to find me ongoing support and counselling without affecting your emotions and personality. Stroke success until she was able to refer me to the Stroke survivors and carers are telling us that they are Association’s counselling service in spring this year.” struggling emotionally, and this funding will allow Denise immediately connected with her us to provide the support they need wherever they counsellor Marie and was able to open up and are in Northern Ireland. share her concerns. “Stroke survivors are already experiencing “I could say things to Marie that I couldn’t say in isolation and fear due to having had a stroke. The front of my family for fear of burdening them with Covid-19 pandemic has turned lives upside down my problems,” says Denise. and we’re hearing every day how it affects people “I felt listened to, reassured but more importantly, emotionally and psychologically.

Paying tribute to the service for helping her come to terms with everything that has happened and alleviating her fears, Denise says: “My stroke seemed to come from nowhere really. I didn’t have any health issues or at least nothing I was aware of. I felt lighter, like a weight had been lifted off me. I’ve not long finished my six sessions of counselling and “That day I was at home, cleaning and tidying I’m feeling a good deal more positive now”. upstairs, when I felt a numbness down my right side. As Denise’s counselling sessions were scheduled I continued what I was doing for a while but the feeling got worse and so I looked in the bathroom during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, she was mirror. I couldn’t see anything wrong but when I unable to meet face to face with Marie. Instead they tried to speak, my speech sounded very strange to talked by phone.

“Feelings of isolation, fear and a sense of a former life lost all echo the experiences commonly felt by stroke survivors and carers.

“The COVID-19 crisis is a difficult and worrying time for everyone and we know that both stroke survivors and their carers are experiencing increased feelings of anxiety, depression and isolation. We me. It was very frightening. “I just put my headphones in and talked away,” believe everyone deserves to live the best life they “I went to my daughter Emma’s bedroom and she says Denise. “We were able to schedule the sessions can after stroke and it’s a team effort to get there”. instantly spotted that there was something seriously for when I’d have the house to myself and could To make a referral either for yourself or someone wrong. My husband John knew it too and called for really focus on my feelings and open up. else, visit www.stroke.org.uk/firststeps and complete an ambulance. While we waited, my son Charlie was “For me, to talk over and communicate my feelings the online referral form or call 02890 508020 for great at keeping me calm”. helped me to rationalise my fear and anxiety. Before further information. LocalWomen WomenMagazine Magazine| |29 21 Local

Signature Dish

INGREDIENTS •

Chilli garlic and prawn puttanesca

•

Preparation / recipe

•

half teaspoon minced garlic

•

Half teaspoon chopped anchovie

•

Half teaspoon chopped olives Half teaspoon chopped chilly

•

10 prawns

•

5 cherry tomatoes halved

•

100 mil tomato Passata

•

2 tablespoons olive oil

•

300 grams cooked Linguinee

•

20 gram grated Parmesan

•

Chopped basil to garnish

Method • • • • •

Heat pan add olive oil ,garlic , chili, anchovies and olives cook out for one minute then add prawns cook for further 1 minute then add tomato Passata and pasta devide between 2 bowls garnish with Parmesan and basil Enjoy

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ONLINE CLASSES TO HELP STAY SAFE Bangor life saver Helen McMahon turns her talents to online coronavirus protection

By Maureen Coleman

ƒ Helen has moved a lot of her first aid classes online

angor first aid trainer Helen McMahon has redirected her life-saving skills into helping people create safe spaces for themselves and their families. The trainer, who is director of Goody Training Solutions, is delivering online Covid-19 safety training on Zoom where she says people are eager to have questions answered surrounding everyday infection control.

She says it is important that people feel safe as they return to their workplace, their children and grandchildren go back to school or family arrangements change in line with government guidelines. “Though I still deliver first aid courses, the majority of my work has switched to online Covid-19 training and giving people the confidence and awareness to simply navigate through their lives,” says Helen. “Many people come to me to work through specific issues.

ƒ Helen McMahon

“There is still much confusion and we seek to simply make people feel comfortable going about their day to day business. “The message is simple, but one that will need to be consistently communicated as human nature tends to wear down the safety precautions.” Helen McMahon’s top five tips for reducing infection at the home and workplace: 26 | Local Women Magazine

Wash or sanitise your hands when moving from one area to another and after you have touched doors and handles.

Where possible, keep doors open to reduce the need to use handles. However, this does not apply to fire doors as they must be kept closed.

“The online sessions have given participants reassurance about going about their everyday lives. How we do things now has changed and the infection control workshops encourage people to go about their daily business with the reassurance they are doing it in a safe manner. “During my workshops, I explain how to reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19 in the office, the home, the family car and when out shopping.

Be aware of shared hand contact surfaces – the fridge door handle, the buttons on the photocopier, the kettle, the microwave, the dishwasher, vending machine, sink taps and other equipment. Wash or sanitise your hands immediately after touching these surfaces.

If hot desks are being used ensure you clean well before and after use but definitely always before as you cannot be sure that the person who used it last cleaned it after themselves. This also applies to chair arms. Make sure pens are not being shared. How Avoid use of gloves. Gloves are pointless many times have you stuck the end of the pen unless you are going to change them after in your mouth to help you think better? Who each contact with a surface. The virus does had that pen last? not get absorbed through the skin, but rather www.goodytrainingsolutions.co.uk enters through the nose, mouth and eyes.

5-STAR STYLING WITH CAROL AND CATTY Meet Local Women’s new hair gurus from Carol and Catty Hairdressing in Hilltown. TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS? Carol and Catty Hairdressing originated because two sisters shared the exact same passion. We had a dream of creating a beautiful 5-star standard of service and hairstyles at affordable prices for everyone. The dream has well and truly come true and I continue to live it. I absolutely love what I do and I genuinely don’t feel I can call what I do work, I would call it passion!

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO WORK IN THE HAIRDRESSING INDUSTRY? As many people know I chose this career a little later than most hairstylists do, I explored a few different career options, but my heart was always with hairdressing. I’ve never regretted my decision to become a hairdresser, yet I’m grateful I explored other avenues as it makes me happy each and every day that I made the right decision! Hairdressing is not a job it is a lifestyle.

WHAT’S YOUR WORK BACKGROUND? I have been very lucky throughout my career. Being a hairstylist has allowed me to take my skills all over the world. I’ve lived in New York where I worked as a hair stylist and got to work behind the scenes on fashion events. I’ve competed in a variety of competitions all over the world and represented Northern Ireland in the European and World Hairdressing Championships. I was overwhelmed to be placed top 5 in the world. I’ve won first all-Ireland bridal stylist of the year, I’ve won first in Northern Ireland stylist of the year and numerous other awards. I’m currently my colour company Subtil’s colour educator and this has also given me the opportunity to travel to a variety of different countries to be updated on the latest trends and styles, including colouring and cutting. I privately educate within salons and at times participate in inspirational seminars. I’m happy to tell my

their own personal ways as everyone was trying to do the best they knew how to. But, I’ve been asked to judge the all-Ireland as a professional hairstylist I don’t and can’t hairdressing championships which I’m agree with home box dyes, they are so absolutely overwhelmed with. Of course, I dangerous! I’m sure people are annoyed said YES, YES, YES! As I say, I’ve been so lucky at constantly hearing this but it’s true. If you as each step within my background has got need medical advice from a doctor, you me to where I am today, there’s been highs don’t ignore their prescription and buy your and also lows, but each experience has own medicine. When a hairstylist including been worth it. myself indulges you with their knowledge of WHAT DO YOU SPECIALISE IN? homecare, it’s not to benefit them, it’s to As I’m a Subtil Colour Educator, I specialise educate and encourage the client to have in colouring. I’m continuously updating my the best hair possible! knowledge on the latest trends in colour. WHAT TOPICS WILL YOU BE I also specialise in cutting and styling COVERING EACH MONTH? hair, both colouring and cutting need to I’m so excited to be Local Women’s complement one another so it is vital I have hairdressing guru. I’m encouraging each these skills. Also, I specialise in bridal hair. I’m and every reader to write in and feel free extremely lucky to be involved in hundreds to ask me any of their questions or queries. of bride’s special days, personalising each I’m excited to be able to help others. My style for the beautiful bride on their special column will consist of hairdressing hints day is an honour. and tips. I want to educate the readers on WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR the importance of home care and excite ANYONE WITH POST LOCKDOWN all the readers about styling their own DAMAGED HAIR? hair. I will include live demonstrations on Trust and believe in your hairstylist and their my Instagram to complement my column professionalism. I’ve told my clients they in the magazine to help everyone. Follow get one free pass. I understand lockdown @carolandcattyhairdressing Instagram was extremely difficult for each individual in and Facebook story as like everyone’s - it’s unique!

10B Rostrevor Road | Hilltown | Newry | BT34 5XB

T: 028 4063 1783

Find us on Facebook and Instagram Local Women Magazine | 27

THE SECRET TO PERFECT BROWS

ƒ Natacha

have always been a little scared of getting semipermanent eyebrows – and I know I’m not the only one!

Local Women Editor Kim Kelly learns the secret to beautiful longlasting eyebrows as she gets semipermanent makeup with the expert Changing Faces By Natacha. ƒ Before

I really wanted fuller, darker brows, but if like me you have visions of semi-permanent makeup meaning thick, black, sharpie pen style brows – then I’m pleased to tell you, you are wrong! I am now the proud owner of two beautiful brows that are as perfect when I wake up, as when I am on a night out – and I have to thank the lovely Natacha from Changing Faces by Natacha. Natacha has a wealth of experience in microneedling and semi-permanent makeup and holds clinics across Ireland.

ƒ During

She has an array of qualifications and is also a trainer in the industry. She has her own clinic in Hilltown and her services are very much in demand all over Ireland, and it’s easy to see why. I’ve met Natacha before when she did some microneedling on my face, so I know her work is first class. As I look at her portfolio of work, I am feeling reassured, because I can tell you, I was more than a little anxious about this procedure. I’ve looked at semi-permanent eyebrows many times but as well as the fear of it not looking right, I also worried about the pain. Natacha assures me that the process isn’t painful. She is aware that clients are nervous about how the brows will look and worry that they will look too harsh. She tells me my brows will look natural. 28 | Local Women Magazine

ƒ After

I really didn’t know what I wanted. I knew that I wanted ‘nicer brows’ but was vague about what look I wanted. Thankfully, Natacha took charge and led me through the process step by step. I put my complete faith in Natacha and she confidently gave me the perfect brows I have always wanted. In the post lockdown world, Natacha is of course adhering to all the new regulations. But as her work was always very close contact, she always wore full PPE and where possible her clients wore masks. After running through a full health briefing and consultation, Natacha gets to work. She begins to ‘mark me up’ using a piece of string to get the correct angles and a pen to mark my skin. She has me sitting upright rather than lying down and spends a long time marking out the perfect brow shape for me. Natacha says the expression ‘brows are sisters not twins” is not one she believes in. When she’s doing brows, she says, they are twins! She is so precise that I ask her if she has studied art in the past. She confirms that she won prizes for art in school and when I see the finished ‘drawn on’ brow I can see why – they are perfect. I definitely feel like I am in the hands of an expert. Natacha instinctively knows what will suit me and has created exactly what I wanted without ƒ Natacha me telling her. Natacha says an ombre brow will suit me - this technique uses a full fill an hour. for a defined, perfected look with softer/shaded edges. When she is finished, I can’t wait to look in the mirror and see what it Now we are ready, Natacha can start the tattooing. As I have never looks like – I love it! had a tattoo before I am worried it will be sore, but it really isn’t. She has made my brows the perfect shape. I now have the brows I have Natacha explains that the process is similar to traditional tattooing, but always wanted. They are so defined and dark. I just love them. the needle doesn’t go as deep into the skin and pigment is used rather Natacha gives me an after-care plan. I can’t get the browswet for two than ink, so it won’t be as dark. weeks and I can’t touch then while they are healing. There is only a tiny The sensation is a bit pinchy like hairs being pulled but no sorer than bit of redness and no swelling at all. that. It’s a similar sensation to waxing or laser hair removal, Over the next few days, I just can’t stop looking at my lovely brows. At one stage I start sneezing but apparently that is quite common, apart A complete stranger actually comes up to me in a restaurant and for that I actually drift off to sleep while Natacha works away for about compliments me on them. They are that nice! Over the next week a little flaking occurs as the skin heals and by week two the healing process seems to be over and the brows are siting perfect. They have faded a little but other than that they are in great shape, I have to go back to Natacha in September for a top up so she can see if there are any bits that need retouched. In the meantime, I am loving life with new brows. No brow pencil, no Brow Zings, and I wake up looking refreshed! These brows will remain in place for around a year to 18 months. Natacha, you are a miracle worker.

Semi-Permanent Make-up Artist & Micro Needling Specialist T: 078 9404 9928 | E: changingfacesbynatacha@gmail.com Keep an eye on our social media for upcoming courses.

with Anna Nelis

ey peeps, it’s Anna here! OMG! I’m going back to school on the 24th of August. I am so excited!! Okay, let’s move on to the real stuff here. This month I went to circus school for a week and I loved it so much that I didn’t want to leave. I made the coolest group of friends and had the funniest coaches ever. They made me feel comfortable straight away and that was good, because I was really nervous about going. On the first day, we were given our own square to practise in and we all had our own bag of hand tricks so that we weren’t sharing. This was okay. I know that Coronavirus has changed the way we do some things to stop us spreading germs. I learnt how to do hand tricks, unicycling and tightrope walking. I practised all week and now I know how to go on the unicycle. I was really proud of myself, as I worked hard all week until I could do it! I am asking for a unicycle for Christmas, and I can’t wait to show all of my friends my new skill. I can’t do all of the hand tricks yet, but I can do the platespinning and the diabolo. I am still mastering the juggling and flower-sticks. My cousin Ava came with me and she had fun to. She l o v e d the diabolo and was really good at it. Ava told me if I mess up just move on. She is older than me and gives me some lovely advice. On the first day I drunk 2 litres of water in one-hour LOL. I’ll never do that again, because I spent the whole time running to the toilet! I want to go back because it was so much fun. Have confidence in yourself and don’t be afraid to try something new. I was scared to go, but now I want to go every week!

30 | Local Women Magazine

his month, we loved the ‘Eat Out to Help Out’! My favourite was when we went out to a pizza parlour called, ‘Noonas’. I loved my pizza. Beaut!

Back to School

On 24th August, after ﬁve and a half loooong months, I ﬁnally went back to school. I was so excited to see my friends and teachers. Everybody in my class looks so much older and has changed. My teacher measured all our heights and I am now 5ft 3inches! I am the tallest pupil now in the whole school. Haha I was very nervous about going back to school because of this whole Covid thing. We now have to queue, hand wash and hand sanitise before we go in, and then do that a few more times during the day. We all have to bring in tissues and I have my own hand sanitiser too. We are only in half days for two weeks and then we are back full time, so I still get to play loads outside. It feels nice to be back to a bit of normal life. My Mummy is happy that she doesn’t have to be my teacher anymore, and I am glad too!

Cinnamon Swirls My wee brother, Faolán, absolutely loves cinnamon swirls. He calls them, ‘swimming in swirls’. Haha He is so cute! So we made these buns for him, but we all love them anyway, so I wasn’t letting him eat them all! These buns are super easy to make. All that you need is,

• • • • • •

Shop-bought Puff Pastry 50g Butter 50g Brown Sugar 1tbsp Cinnamon Milk (for coating) Icing Sugar

• • • •

Preheat the fan oven to 160 degrees First, you roll out the pastry Cover the pastry in butter Mix together the sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over the butter Roll up the pastry like a Swiss Roll Cut into 2cm rings and place on lined tray Coat them the milk and then cook for 2025 mins When they are cool, mix some icing sugar with a tiny bit of water and the pour that delicious mixture all over the swirls. Mmmm…so good!!

• • • •

•

Local Women Magazine | 31

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Younique Logo.pdf

20/08/2020

17:08

CMY

The Non-Surgical

The Liquid

Facelift

Younique Aesthetic Clinics offer an amazing alternative to a face lift, with one simple procedure that lasts for a least 12 months. The liquid facelift is a form of non-surgical facelift, reducing the signs of ageing without any invasive surgical procedures. Treatments are administered to the face via injection of dermal filler, and can be used to fight wrinkles, lines and sagging facial skin to give a dramatic result. This treatment consists of seven to eight dermal fillers which contain hyaluronic acid, lasting up to eight months, covering all of the face, accentuating, and lifting certain areas of laxity or wrinkling. Before starting, our aesthetic practitioner will provide a local anaesthetic to numb the area. Each injection takes just a few minutes and depending on the patient’s preferences, it may target areas such as:

34 | Local Women Magazine

●

THE TEMPLES

●

TEAR TROUGHS

●

SAGGING CHEEKS

●

NASOLABIAL FOLDS BETWEEN

dermal ﬁller is injected on each side of the face, removing any darkness or tiredness below the eyes.

that are lacking, such as your cheekbones. The next area to be treated is the nasolabial folds between the nose and mouth which is also known as the marionette lines. Filler will be used to remove the sad or concerned expression caused by these ﬁne lines.

Many have the impression that THE NOSE AND MOUTH, ALSO bigger cheeks CALLED MARIONETTE LINES create a fuller ● CREASES BESIDE THE MOUTH look to the face. THAT CAUSE JOWLS However, a slight ● LIPS augmentation of the ● NOSE cheeks will assist in the ● CHIN lifting of the face, jawline AFTER ● JAWLINE and under the eyes. Cheek Dermal Filler can be used on filler will also restore lost volume the chin to stiffen the skin and define The laxity usually starts in the face stemming in the cheeks, reduce the shadows cast the chin and jowl area, lessening the from the temporal hollows which contains by facial lines and add definition to areas weakness of a weak chin. Chin filler can lengthen and enhance one’s lower facial a fat pad, slowly diminishing as you get appearance creating a more balanced older. This leaves the skin on the top lax, profile and slimming the face. hyaluronic gravitating down, leaving a heavy and acid dermal filler is specifically designed tired look to the face. During this time, for use in the chin and jawline. This will there is bone loss around the eye pockets be used to improve facial harmony by and teeth due to loss of calcium which strengthening the jawline and chin, to increases the volume loss on the face, soften jowls, improve ‘double chins’, or to adding to depressions around the eyes, give a stronger more defined jawline. fine lines and wrinkles on the upper the lip and marionettes which are the creasing in the corners of the mouth. The next area to be treated is underneath the lower eyelid, which can also be referred to as the tear troughs. 0.5ml of

BEFORE

AFTER

The nose loses volume with age and as the bone becomes more protruding, the nose will start to push forward. The nose filler procedure, also known as non-surgical rhinoplasty, involves a careful injection of dermal filler above and below the nose ridge, providing a smoother finish. Additionally, the filler will be injected around the tip of the nose, making it look thinner and more refined. Overall, the dermal filler can give an impression of a smaller nose. The last area to be treated is the lips. For a natural looking lip enhancement, dermal filler is injected to plump up the lips, increasing fullness, enhancing lip definition, creating a more defined smile and giving the mouth area a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance. This full procedure costs £1,500 and only needs to be repeated once a year or every two years depending on the patient. You can book in for this non-surgical treatment by phoning our Newry clinic on 02830256254 or Belfast clinic on 02896930183.

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Younique Aesthetics Newry Local Women Magazine | 35

SELLING SUNSET… NORTHERN IRELAND STYLE!

Move over Chrishelle, Mary and Amanza, there are three super-sassy estate agents right here in Northern Ireland – and while they don’t have the California sun, they have the connections, know-how and business flair to get your property moving. The future of estate agencies in Northern Ireland is being rewritten by those who know how to work smarter. While The Oppenheim Group are blazing a trail in LA, here in Northern Ireland we have one company that is doing just that right on our doorstep. Mayfair and Morgan Estate Agents, run by three local business women with a wealth of knowledge know that the industry in Northern Ireland is in need of radical change and have raised the bar by combining high levels of personal service and innovation with unbeatable prices to rock the boat on the local property market and set new standards. Their Business Development Manager Kerry Green says “What sets us apart is our empathy, our customer service, our dedication, innovation and adaptive approach. And off course our charming personalities. Who needs the Selling Sunset cast when you have the real deal here on our own Emerald Isle!” Karen, Kerry, and Christine are disrupting the traditional high street estate agency model by bringing property sales and lettings into the ‘New Normal’ of 2020 and beyond.

a host of other systems and processes to ensure they handled the dramatic change at a speed no other agency could compete with.

This group of highly motivated property experts know exactly what homeowners want and deliver every time. For decades, there have been estate agency offices on every street of every town, and the cost to run these inevitably is incorporated into agency fees. The world has changed and with advanced technology at our fingertips this team feel they do not need an office dotted everywhere and can pass the savings onto their clients.

The Property Manager, Karen McClurkin believes “One of the most important decisions you make is that of selling and buying property, especially if it is your family home where many factors are to be considered. This decision requires a greater understanding of lifestyle and ﬁnancial implications as well as the changing dynamics of the family unit, the working life of individuals and the ladies at Mayfair & Morgan truly understand their clients and the market.”

Christine Keenan, the Financial Director explains “Property owners shouldn’t have to pay for the inflated costs of having local offices in every town, as this creates increased overheads that ultimately the client ends up paying for. During the Covid-19 crisis many of these offices were closed for many month but we remained resilient and quickly adapted our approach to selling and letting so that we could provide our services across the province without any additional cost of local offices and this increased our portfolio by 25% and we have now emerged as the strongest, forward thinking agency second to none.”

Karen, Kerry, and Christine are having a positive effect on the industry and it is their ability to connect with client’s and their genuine felt concern for their customers that makes this trio a force to be reckoned with. They are not only acquiring new rental properties and house sales every day but are securing offers within as little as 14 days from listing and exceeding the asking price for property.

With a world class hub of innovative technology and systems that creates a slick and efﬁcient service for landlords and property sellers, Mayfair & Morgan have already started to rapidly grow across Northern Ireland with a team of local Ambassadors operating from their hub in Antrim. The ladies at Mayfair & Morgan not only guarantee maximum exposure for property owners and provide a tailored homeowner marketing plan, but they introduced, within days of rumours of lockdown, virtual video viewings, contactless contracts, remote access door locks and

Karen, Kerry and Christine have built their reputation with their large portfolio of clients and investors all over the North by being “real”, down to earth women who love a laugh and bring sunshine to every property with their professionalism, passion and charm. These ladies get their buzz from the delight they bring to their clients and are firm believers in honesty, integrity, and getting stuck into deliver the best service the North has to offer. Thanks to their adaptability, the team at Mayfair and Morgan can provide their customers with a faster sale and rental, higher profits and all with great professional support and service. Given that season 4 of Selling Sunset is still to be confirmed why not get your property fix from our new section covering numerous topics over the coming months or call into their hub for a chat.

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This is a fast-paced and intensive Make Up Artistry Academy with Paddy McGurgan and his Senior Team. Turn your love and passion for Make Up and Beauty into a career with the help of award-winning Make Up Trainer Paddy McGurgan. This course will encompass all areas and aspects of Make Up Artistry to ensure you are not only industry-ready but ready to excel in your chosen field. Whether it be Soft Glam Make Up, Night Time Make Up , Mature Make Up, Bridal Make Up or Editorial, Paddy and his team will allow and nurture your artistry to ensure you finish your course feeling motivated, confident, and ready to begin a New and Exciting Career.

TIME TO BRUSH UP! As our Local Women readers will know, we love to include new and exciting product releases for you all! Here is news hot off the press - He Shi have released a brand new luxury Kabuki Brush to ensure a perfected finish and flawless finish for any tan application. This product is in collaboration with someone you may know - yes you guessed it, Make Up Pro Store and He Shi are delighted to collaborate on this exciting new product! This is a silky soft multipurpose face blender for applying finishing products or tan giving a perfectly airbrushed flawless finish!

You can also apply for finance over the phone with myself. This will be based on 12 monthly instalments which will not incur any interest. Initial deposit is £200.

FINANCE OPTIONS NOW AVAILABLE FOR • 9 WEEK FASHION AND PHOTOGRAPHIC MAKE UP ACADEMY • 10 WEEK ITEC ACCREDITED MAKE UP ACADEMY • 5 WEEK BEGINNERS MAKE UP COURSE WITH NEW COURSES TO BE RELEASED Finance available from under £20 per week For more information email anita@makeupprostore.co.uk

WE ARE OPEN We are delighted to open our doors at Make Up Pro Store, we have worked tirelessly over our closure period to ensure a professional and safe environment for all clients and customers. Do not hesitate to come into our Make Up Pro Store on Royal Avenue and allow Paddy, Ursula or Melissa and the team to recommend products that will best suit you. Whether it be skincare, colour correction, foundation help and much more! Or call us on 02890 434007.

Shop Online: www.makeupprostore.co.uk

108-112 Royal Avenue, Belfast, Co Antrim, BT1 1DL Shop Online www.makeupprostore.co.uk

A SHARED PLATFORM FOR PCOS SUFFERERS Maureen Busby has set up an online forum to help women affected by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

hen Maureen Busby was first diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), there was no help for her. Back 35 years ago when she first started to experience symptoms, she was simply told by her doctor not to worry about it and come back to him when she wanted to start a family. Sadly, Maureen believes the situation is not vastly different these days and so she has set up a non-profit organisation, PCOS Vitality, to help women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - a little known endocrine-metabolic disorder that can also affect women’s fertility and long term health. She says: “Over the last 35 years I’ve grown more frustrated as I realised nothing ƒ Maureen has changed. There is little support or information for people with PCOS and so irregular menstrual cycles, hirsutism, the concept of PCOS Vitality was born. infertility/subfertility and pregnancy “We have a website and are active on social complications and metabolic features media - the group brings together people such as insulin resistance, metabolic who are suffering from similar symptoms syndrome, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, so they can share their experiences and so and cardiovascular risk factors. they don’t feel so alone.” Often, the condition is regarded as a The aim of PCOS Vitality is to raise fertility issue but PCOS affects every awareness of this little-known condition. system of the body and does not go away Many people, including healthcare at menopause. professionals, are not aware that PCOS is Maureen believes awareness of the a lifelong endocrine-metabolic condition. condition is vital as women need to take PCOS is common, affecting as many as care of their health across their lifespan, one in five women. Women with PCOS can not just during reproductive years. experience a host of symptoms although Maureen explains: “What drives me to everyone is different. Symptoms can include and are not limited to anxiety, make a difference in PCOS is my family, depression, body image concerns, they are my driving force. PCOS tends to

38 56 || Local Local Women Women Magazine Magazine

run in families and I think it is important that there is support available for people like me and for future generations. I have a background in psychology and am extremely passionate about mental health and wellbeing. It is important to me to highlight the psychological impact PCOS can have as this is often overlooked. “I hope that PCOS Vitality will be a shared platform to give women’s health a voice. We are gender diverse and fully inclusive and welcome everyone with PCOS. “We post content regularly on our Facebook Page, Instagram and Twitter @pcosvitality. We also have a private Facebook group called PCOS Vitality Peer Support. We hope to soon arrange our first support group meeting in Belfast city centre as nothing beats chatting with people who understand and really get what it is like to have PCOS. “It is both a challenging and exciting time for us. Challenging due to the restrictions of the pandemic but also exciting as it pushes us to develop novel ways to engage with other women and keep moving PCOS awareness forward together. PCOS Vitality Facebook peer support group has been great during lockdown. Due to the online nature of the group we have been able to continue to support one another, share tips, book recommendations, recipes and to have some fun and moral support all through the pandemic.” If you would like to get involved you can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @pcosvitality everyone with PCOS is welcome.

“I’VE FALLEN FOR REFORMER” Local Women columnist Lesley McGarrity takes on celebrity favourite exercise Reformer Pilates – and surprises herself by enjoying it!

eformer Pilates classes have always intrigued me and intimidated me at the same time. I have always pictured them as incredibly difficult yet exclusive workout for celebrities. I kept on hearing about Adele’s incredible transformation has ‘helped put Reformer Pilates on the map’ It’s been said that Adele doesn’t exactly like working out (and she’s pretty much all of us on that one), but she’s fallen for the reformer hook, line and sinker because the practice is pretty low-impact, but its results are so noticeable that you can’t help but keep it up. ‘It’s so good for sculpting and toning the body, lengthening the body out, posture… anything to do with your legs, bum, abdominals, waist, midback, arms. But she is not the only one ranting on about its Lady GaGa turned to Reformer Pilates when she was suffering with fibromyalgia to rebuild her strength again.

The list goes on, Kate Hudson, Kimberley Walsh, Rochelle Hume’s, Meghan Markle, so I had to just try it and see what the hype was about!!! I took my first class on a reformer to de-mystify the workout, mostly for myself, but also to prep anyone who also might want to give it a shot! Here’s what you can learn from my hour on the contraption. My first thought when I entered the studio was one of surprise; I didn’t expect to see 5 reformers machines

in the room. I pictured it as a more one-on-one, or at the very least, a double experience. But there are 5 machines, so it’s amazing for a group of friends to go together, or like I did a session on my lunchbreak with my lovely work colleagues, Clare, Michelle & Rachel (p.s check out Clare’s picture! She aced it she’s is hardcore super fit, so don’t expect to nail this move in your first session lol) Seriously it really can be a lot harder than it looks. Don’t get too frustrated or let that deter you. I couldn’t stop thinking that I kind of felt like Ugly Betty fumbling her way through a class, whilst all my colleagues looked like Russian Trained ballerinas gliding through air, whilst I was banging and crashing the cradle into the springs (which you are defs not meant to do! Sorry Tanya) One exercise that Tanya had us perform was a swan move on a box that sits on the top of carriage! Well I most certainly did not look like a swan let me tell you, more like a one-legged duck bill platypus! There was absolutely no elegance remaining in my body, so I knew I had to step my game up! I asked the Tanya to show me what I am doing wrong and she run through the move again a couple of times with me

and guess what!? I too, was now gliding through the air like a swan and better still I could feel the burn in all the right paces on my muscles! So overview’ yeah ok you might not sweat like you’re used to in the gym session, but you won’t be bored and you’ll certainly be sore the next day. I quickly learned that this machine has tons of purposes. It’s incredibly versatile, and there are endless combinations of exercises to try on it (all of which took me a minute to understand what to put where in order to get on the same page as the rest of the class, springs in sprigs out! Bar up bar down!). But I had to cut myself some slack, considering it was my first time. And I know that if I practiced regularly, I would be getting more out of the workout. As with anything, it takes time to understand how to safely and effectively go through the workout, but once you get the hang of it, it can achieve some pretty serious results. So, remember it’s not really about being the most athletic person in the group, it’s about being the person that turns up each time and works on their form & builds their fitness level. I loved it so much I booked a course of classes, so I will be seeing you son Pilates Fix Studio Newry and for those of you thinking of trying it out JUST DO IT#

Lesley xoxo

Local Women Magazine | 39

WHAT COLOURS ARE TRENDING ON THE CATWALKS FOR AUTUMN WINTER 2020 Hello to all my readers it is hard to believe the Autumn winter is almost upon us so I thought this month I would give you a small insight to what is trending this season with colour, style and designers on the famous catwalks so I have done a little research just to keep you all updated with the world of fashion around us from the London catwalks, to Milan fashion week and not forgetting Newyork and Paris.

LILAC

I just love Autumn fashion it has endless styling opportunities available because of the simple way that you can layer your clothes and look so chic and stylish with little effort. So what colours are trending this season on the runways you might ask ? Here is a few that I have found just to enlighten you.

You cannot go wrong with silver it is the party season colour every season ,that’s if we will all be still party popping this Christmas, one likes to hope! However shades of silver dominated the catwalks paired with fun injected whites, greys and even blacks, shown by Givenchy and Mode . I Have to say I love the combinations used and the separate block colours combined into each outﬁt.

The power of purple was all over the runways with layers of suiting up showcased from designers like Boss and Alberta , it is a great colour to give your skin tone a lift however not everyone can wear the darker shades so I am always careful to buy the mid tones as they are easier to match up.

STATEMENT SILVER

BROWN AND PEACH

This fabulous combination of colours was spotted repeatedly on the catwalk for this season I have to say it was one of my favourites, Chloe, Bogetta , Venta were one of few designers that showcased baggy pants, ﬂared bottom cut trousers ,dresses with pvc coats it was all BROWN AND BLACK COMBINED happening with modern cuts and twists It is now the trendy colour of the season pairing both brown and black into your outﬁt. Whether it is a single piece with the MAXI RED combination of black on top and brown Yes full blown vibrant red took over the on the bottom this duo is the ultimate style catwalks for this season with Alexander for Autumn Winter . Prada, Christopher Mc queen and Bottega Venta sporting kane, Bregazzi they all incorporated maxi dresses, trousers suits, top , skirts pairing and layering, single pieces and you name it there was no holding back tones for this season. I will be taking out on this colour . Get that vibrant lipstick my black boots now with my brown back out ladies with this Vibrant red you trousers knowing if Prada can do it well will be bang on trend ! so can I. 40 | Local Women Magazine

LIQUID LINER BLACK

Alexander McQueen took the deep plunge of darkness with his liquid black sheens of vinyl, silk and even rubber to add layers of texture to his pieces, he certainly showed off a complete head to toe look of this midnight look . It would not be for everybody I think I would look like a vampire if I wore this style and rubber liquid liner.

Lets hope we will all get to dress up this winter and feel good about ourselves , these unprecedented times are very hard on everybody especially the old and the vulnerable but please be assured here at Gasp we are doing our utmost best to look after all out daily customers while keeping safety

regulations our highest priority . We look forward to you all popping in to browse our New Autumn Winter collection I may not have a Holographic sheen skirt in stock but I certainly have an array of beautiful stock for you to view all at affordable prices and a great service. Until next time stay safe Regards

Ann Doyle

Proprietor of Gasp Boutique Armagh

HOLOGRAPHIC SHEEN

It wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be one of my favourite colours but Holographic pieces were showcased for this season by the designers Mode and LaPointe they came in deep greys, whites etc so the colour tone was not overworked however I have to say I also associate Holographic colours with outer space themes foe some reason ,maybe I am showing my age but it tends to be a colour for the younger generation . Local Women Magazine | 41

STOCKIST S OF SIZES 6 - 22

10 St Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Avenue | Downpatrick | BT30 6DW | Tel: 028 4461 6443

Landscape Design to suit every project and budget Tobermore has launched a range of new Landscape Design packages and services to suit all sizes of projects and budgets; whether you have a large garden and driveway in need of some inspiration or a small outdoor area to transform for your children to play, our designers will help turn these ideas into reality. What online design services are available? Paving Creator

Paving Creator is a free and easy-to-use online tool which allows you to select Tobermore products and view how these look in various garden or driveway scenes. Simply select the type of project you are considering (patio or driveway), pick the products you like and select the outdoor scene which looks most like your home. You will be able to view lots of different products to help you decide which will suit your project best. Visit the Tobermore Homeowner website and click on the Paving Creator tool to get started.

Paving Visualise

If you can’t decide which Tobermore products you would like to use on your project, our Paving Visualise Service can help. Our experts can provide you with a visualisation of what your favourite Tobermore products could look like at your own home. Simply send us a photo of your driveway or patio area and a description of what colours/products you would like included in your project.

Visit the Tobermore Homeowner website to book the Paving Visualise service

What landscape design packages are available?

How do I book a design package?

All you need to do is to decide which design package suits your project best - our Silver, Gold or Diamond Package.

All of our Landscape Design Packages can be booked by contacting your local paving centre directly. When you make a booking you will receive a confirmation email with details of the information required by the Landscape Designer before your appointment – including measurements and photographs of your outdoor area. Following your design consultation appointment you will receive a drawing of your designed area and a quotation for the Tobermore products included . Contact your local paving centre today to book a design package and get your project underway.

Silver package

• A 90-minute consultation with a qualified Landscape Designer • You will receive a 2D computer-generated plan of your landscape project for one area (Driveway or Patio).

Gold package

• A 2-hour consultation with a qualified Landscape Designer. • A design for two areas is included in this package (e.g patio and driveway) • You will receive a 2D computer-generated plan of your entire project.

Diamond package

• A 2-hour consultation with a qualified Landscape Designer • You will receive a 2D computer-generated plan, a 3D visualisation and product portfolio of all the recommendations for your new outdoor area.

Outdoor Living Is your driveway, patio or garden space looking a bit tired? Do you fancy giving your home a little facelift but youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not quite sure what you want? Tobermore holds the answer to your problems with their inspirational landscape design services!

Call us today to discuss your project:

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Bangor Paving Centre Tel: 028 9185 2545

Tobermore Releases New employee Wellbeing App World-class paving and walling manufacturer, Tobermore has released a new health and wellbeing app for staff. Employees now have access to 24/7 support through the Tobermore Connect app.

he Tobermore Connect Health and Wellbeing app provides employees with access to 24/7 GP appointments and a trusted team of medical staff.This means that Tobermore staff can avail of comprehensive and specialist support wherever needed - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Now more than ever,Tobermore is committed to developing a healthy workplace culture.With over 300 staff employed throughout the UK and Ireland,Tobermore recognises that their employees are their greatest asset. By adopting a systematic approach to wellbeing,Tobermore hopes that their new Connect app will contribute to the company’s success. David Henderson, Managing Director of Tobermore, commented on the new app: “I am proud to launch our new Tobermore Connect app which provides health and wellbeing support for our employees. All of us can experience pressure from different parts of our lives, from time to time, whether it is personal, work or financial.These factors can make life difficult, so it is essential we have the necessary tools and support available. By providing our team with the best support, everyone can reach their full potential. We want our staff to know that whatever mental, physical, emotional or financial struggles they face,Tobermore is here to help.” If you are interested in joining Team Tobermore, you can view their current career vacancies here: www. tobermore.co.uk/careers/

Launching September 2020 Appointments Available Day, Evening & Weekends.

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THE

FEELGOOD FACTOR AFTER BEATING A NASTY BOUT OF PNEUMONIA IN HER 20S, JOANNE CATHERS WAS INSPIRED TO SET UP A BUSINESS TO PROMOTE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING. HER BUSINESSES MOUNTAIN SALTS AND JO & CO HAVE BEEN RUNAWAY SUCCESSES - AND MUM-OF-THREE JOANNE IS PASSIONATE ABOUT SPREADING THE FEEL-GOOD FACTOR.

By Kim Kelly | Pictures by Alexandra Barfoot “If you’re passionate about what you do, you’ll never feel like you’re working,” says business owner Joanne Cathers, who is a shining example of someone who simply loves her job. As owner of the award-winning Mountains Salts and newly launched Jo & Co, as well as working part time for her husband’s business and being mum to three children, Joanne from Omagh doesn’t get much time for herself. But she doesn’t mind because she is pursuing her passion and has created two very unique businesses which encompass her love for all things healing and holistic. Mountain Salts is a holistic boutique stocking the most incredible range of salt lamps, diffusers, and crystals while Jo & Co focuses on workshops teaching mindfulness, sustainability, and 48 | Local Women Magazine

self-care. Joanne explains: “Creating these two businesses is my passion.Yes, I am very busy, but it never feels like working. It’s wonderful being able to do what I do, and I enjoy every minute of it.” Joanne’s first business Mountain Salts was established in 2015 due to her belief in the healing power of Himalayan salt. In her 20s Joanne suffered from a nasty bout of pneumonia and she believes that Himalayan salt promotes well-being. Joanne’s husband Adrian runs an agricultural supply business and imported Himalayan salt to Northern Ireland to be used for cattle, so they were familiar with the suppliers of the product. The idea came together, and Joanne sourced a range of Himalayan salt lamps and candles that she began to sell at Agricultural Shows, Holistic Events

and Festivals. Due in large to her passion for her products, her small business took off and soon she was sourcing more products to sell to her ever-growing customer base. As the busines grew she was offered a stand at Castle Court Shopping Centre in Belfast where she traded for two years, winning awards for her enterprising efforts, while all the time growing her client base and product range. Eventually the time came to take on permanent premises. On the way home from Belfast one day, Joanne took a wrong turn and ended up in Moygashel where she saw units to rent. She thought the facilities and location were perfect and so she set up business in Linen Green, Northern Ireland’s leading shopping village. Since Mountain Salts opened it has gone from strength to strength. Customers flock for the extensive and unique range of products they stock, from salt lamps (the biggest range in Ireland) to crystals and alternative treatments. Mountain Salts has tapped into the desire for people to look after themselves and enjoy a little self-care. “These days it is more important than ever to take care of yourself. We live in a busy world and now with the Covid-19 crisis, people are more aware than ever about wellbeing,” explains Joanne. “Our customers love the products we stock. Products like salt lamps are so popular and there are many people, like me, who fully believe in their powers. Others just like the aesthetics and that is fine too. “The secret of Mountain Salts is giving customers somewhere they can come and

spend time, browsing product they love. I believe in the personal touch and our customers enjoy connecting with the staff. We know exactly what our customers like. When I see a new product, I know immediately who will love it. I really love working with our customers, they are so appreciative. “Mountain Salts is also perfect for gifts that are a little more thoughtful. We have such a great range of products and the emphasis is always on well-being. What could be nicer than receiving a lovely present that is actually good for you?” The success of Mountain Salts led to Joanne setting up her new venture Jo & Co. Again, the emphasis is on well-being but here there are workshops and training opportunities

for those interested in learning about mindfulness,Yoga and sustainability. Jo & Co brings together like minded people to work together in groups – however with lockdown, many plans were shelved. But now, with the relaxing of restrictions, Jo & Co will be restarting many of its activities again soon. Meanwhile in a post lockdown world, Mountain Salts in busier than ever. Joanne says: “We have had so many customers coming into us saying this is the first shop they visited after lockdown. Wellbeing is so important right now and we must do whatever we can do to make ourselves feel better and take a little time for ourselves.”

NOW O P E N AT THE LINEN GREEN

E XQ U I S I T E S A LT L A M P S | A R O M A D I F F U S E R S | C RY S TA L S E S S E N T I A L O I L S | N AT U R A L P R O D U C T S L I N E N G R E E N , M OYG A S H E L T E L 0 2 8 8 7 7 2 4 9 9 9

Local Women Magazine | 49

Employment | Family and Child Law | House Purchases and Sales | Accident Claims | Wills

GUIDING YOU THROUGH EVERY STEP OF THE LEGAL PROCESS EMPLOYMENT ISSUES WHEN EMPLOYEE RETURN FROM ABROAD DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

Rosemary Connolly LL.B. L.L.M. rosemaryconnolly@solicitorsni.net Leanne McKeown LL.B., Solicitor leannemckeown@solicitorsni.net Since the restrictions on travel to other countries have started to ease, we have received a number of enquiries about the options available to employers should their employees travel abroad and are required to quarantine upon their return. It is important for both employers and employees to be aware that employees are not entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if they are required to quarantine upon returning from abroad. Employees are only entitled to SSP if they are quarantining as per NHS advice due to displaying symptoms of coronavirus. Employers should have an open and frank discussion with their employees before they go abroad to discuss the options available to them should they be required to quarantine upon their return from holiday. Employees

PENSION AND SCHOOL APPEALS

Rachel Rice LL.B., Solicitor rrice@solicitorsni.net • Court ﬁnds that disabled people are inadequately provided for in the Pensions Act (Northern Ireland) 2015. A case was taken and recently heard in the Court of Appeal, in relation to a lady who was unable to work throughout her adult life due to severe disabilities and because she did not ‘pay’ any National Insurance she did not meet the criteria for Basic State Pension. The Court concluded that to strictly apply the conditions to a person who has not contributed to National Insurance

The ideal option, if available, is for an employer to direct their employee to work from home during their quarantine period. Government guidance continues to state that employees should work from home where possible and therefore, this is the most logical option if suitable to the circumstances.

a number of problems for employers. Employers therefore, cannot be expected to grant an additional two weeks of annual or paid leave to enable their employees to quarantine. This is rarely a viable option for any business. However, if the employee has the requisite annual leave entitlement remaining, they should discuss and agree the option of using their annual leave in advance with their employer. However, most commonly an employee will be required to take unpaid leave for any quarantine period they may have to endure. It is not expected that furlough leave will be an available option in the circumstances.

Things become more difﬁcult when an employee is unable to complete their work from home. A further unplanned two-week absence from the workplace can cause

For more information on employer and employee rights during these uncertain times, please contact Rosemary Connolly or Leanne McKeown in our employment and equality team.

should be honest with their employer if they are planning to travel abroad as failure to inform their employer ahead of time if they are aware that they will be required to quarantine and therefore, be absent from work for a further two weeks following their holiday, may lead to disciplinary action being taken against them.

due to disability had been discriminated against and the law should be read in a certain way when dealing with disability. • As you may be aware A Level and GCSE results caused a stir recently. At ﬁrst A Level results were decided by an algorithm taking into effect a number of matters including the area in which the student went to school. This left students from schools were high

achievement is not standard at a

complete

disadvantage

from high achieving schools. The

Executive

thankfully

are working to resolve the matter and to issue results that reﬂect the individual student’s achievements. If you have any queries in relation to Pension or Beneﬁt appeals or School appeals be it A Level or GCSE results or the choice of secondary school your child wishes to attend, you can contact Rosemary Connolly Solicitors who can assist you.

Rosemary Connolly Solicitors, 2 The Square, Warrenpoint, Co. Down T: +44(0)28 4175 3121 email: rosemaryconnolly@solicitorsni.net 50 | Local Women Magazine

UNDERSTANDING WILLS AND ESTATES

Emma Matthews LL.B, Solicitor emmamatthews@solicitorsni.net I often hear from clients that they have felt stressed at the thought of creating a Will because they have no prior knowledge of the process and are unsure what certain terms are. The “estate” includes property, personal belongings and money of an individual after deducting debts, funeral and legal expenses. A deceased’s estate has to be “administered” which is when the estate assets and liabilities are identified, debts are paid and beneficiaries are paid. The “beneficiaries” of an Estate are those family, friends, charities who have been left a specific/monetary gift e.g. jewellery, money or residue under the Will of the deceased. The “residue” is any assets remaining in the estate after paying the debts, funeral and legal expenses and specific/monetary gifts. The main elements of a Will;1. Appointing an Executor 2.

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Deciding whether to leave either your entire estate to beneﬁciaries

OR specific/monetary gifts to beneficiaries and then the residue to beneficiaries 3.

3. A Will must be signed in the presence of two witnesses. The witnesses can be the executors but they cannot be beneﬁciaries under the Will.

Creating a Will can ensure that you have made provision to ﬁnancially support your spouse, civil partner and dependants after your date of death and also to prevent a signiﬁcant sum of inheritance tax being paid from your Estate on death. If you do not make a Will, your estate will be distributed according to the rules of intestacy and therefore if you are married or have a civil partner, your entire estate will be left to your spouse or civil partner unless the estate is valued at over £250,000.00. Circumstances in which inheritance tax is not payable; 1.

Your estate is valued at less than the nil rate band of £325,000.00

You have left your entire estate to your spouse

Circumstances in which the amount of inheritance tax may be reduced; 3.

Your deceased spouse did not use his/her entire nil rate band of £325,000.00 for his/her estate on death so the remainder can be used towards your estate

£175,000.00 reduction if you have left your main residence to a child, grandchild or other blood relative (2020-2021)

You survived 7 years after gifting an asset during your lifetime (inheritance tax may become payable if you die within 7 years of making a gift during your lifetime)

If you hold a joint asset, only your share of the joint asset could incur inheritance tax

100% inheritance tax relief on agricultural property or lands

100% inheritance tax relief on an interest in a business

Please contact Emma on 028 4175 3121 or emmamatthews@solicitorsni.net if you wish to discuss creating a Will or your potential estate.

Newry Street | Kilkeel | Co Down T: 028 4176 2315 SHOP ONLINE AT

www.johnashannon.co.uk Find us online at www.solicitorsni.net Local Women Magazine | 51

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Shop online at www.johnashannon.co.uk Local Women Magazine | 55

SCRUBBING UP WELL!

Local Women pays tribute to the 9,000 people who got involved in the NI Scrubs Group and created much needed PPE for our NHS heroes.

ith an unprecedented pandemic and a shortage of PPE for front line workers, Omagh woman Clara Maybin called for an army of volunteers to assist with the pandemic throughout Northern Ireland. Hundreds of volunteers answered the call and the NI Scrubs Group was created, which in total had over 9,000 members. Volunteers fundraised to purchase material to create much-needed PPE and deliver these items to front line medical staff as they battled to save their patients from the clutch of Covid 19. Volunteers included cutters, drivers, material donators, monetary funders, sewers and hub organisers who managed all administration duties. The group turned out 26,485 sets of scrubs, 606 scrub tops, 364 trousers, 23,465 bags, 4,985 hats, 926 gowns, 13,300 masks, 2,667 headbands, 4,500 visors, 228 ear protectors and 580 rainbows, a total of 104,491 items donated in total.

North Coast and Ballymena

inzi McGaughey was the founder of the Ballymena and Antrim Group which included volunteers from Ballycastle, Larne, Greenisland, Carrickfergus, Whiteabbey, Ballyclare and everywhere in between. Linzi stated “when I first started the Ballymena & Antrim group of NI Scrubs, I never thought in a million years that we would be able to achieve so much. After 11 weeks we provided over 3000 sets of scrubs and over 26,500 as part of the overall group.

56 | Local Women Magazine 78

Clara stated: “When I started the group it was The group made PPE for Hospital wards, GP for the purpose of a handful of stitchers to keep In Surgeries, children’s wards, nursing homes, touch as WhatsApp was getting too hectic. dental agencies, day-care centres and many more After a night of the group going live, we had 80 essential services. join! Within a week there was 800 and 12 weeks The community was at the heart of this later there was nearly 9000. mission, volunteers who had never met before I really didn’t think it would go to the scale it did. quickly formed bonds and learnt to work quickly It has been the busiest thing I’ve ever done… busier together to get orders out, often speaking to other than having a baby! It’s just nice to be able to help volunteers more than their family members. The and to see the faces of the people you are helping Ni Scrubs Group have gained friends for life and treasured memories, each member played their is amazing. part in the history of the Covid 19 pandemic in Requests for scrubs came in all shapes and sizes Northern Ireland. and child-friendly material was used for children’s Northern Ireland is a nation of stitchers with an wards and child community teams. Spare sheets, amazing array of talent. Without these people, pillowcases, duvet covers, and curtains were used none of this would be possible. To the cutters, in addition to material donations. designers and delivery folk, everyone has played an Many volunteers put personal notes in the pockets imperative role in making NI Scrubs the success it of scrubs to encourage medical staff and thank has been We hope to keep the momentum of sewing them for their service – a stranger reaching out to up throughout Northern Ireland as we’ve developed keep another stranger a little safer. an amazing community of talented people.” We met new people, developed new skills and loved every minute of it” Claire Caulfield, another coordinator for the area was perfect woman for this job as she usually works as a Project Manager for the Unite Union. Her family were shielding due to health issues, so Claire worked from home throughout lockdown and with the support of her employers, who saw the merit in her voluntary work, she was permitted to make Ni Scrubs her primary focus. Claire stated “Initially Linzi and I were utterly overwhelmed by the enormity of the task, the group covered a 30-mile radius and it was a huge logistical operation. In the early days of lockdown, this was

problematic, thankfully we added Barbara to

The Ballymena and Antrim group raised just under £19,000 with huge amounts coming in from Unite the Union Branches, DJ Mark Ritchie, PowerNi, Cleary Contracting and Ballymena United Supporters Clubs. The Ballymena United players also fundraised by growing moustaches and called it ‘Cash4Tache’. Everyone wanted to donate, there was great community spirit. Overall the Ballymena and Antrim group had nearly 250 amazing volunteers ranging in age from 11-87. The group had over 200 orders from wards, departments and community teams. No one was turned away.

the team who run the Antrim Hub from her business Fairy-tale Wedding and Events at Junction 1. The group also had another hub at The Salvation Army Church in Ballymena where Linzi, Doreen and her volunteers run a very tight ship. In the first couple of weeks of the lockdown the police stopped the drivers regularly, but quickly moved them on with thanks and best wishes when they realised they were delivering scrubs. A huge team came onboard from Larne/Carrick & Greenisland. Sewers quickly formed and drivers were assigned to them. It was a logistics nightmare which turned into a slick

worked tirelessly, no one looked for praise or

In total the group turned, 4500 scrub sets, machine. The group welcomed the SixMile elevation, everyone just got their head down 2600 bags, 2200 scrub hats, 3000 masks, Seamstresses serviced by Dave Snoddy as and sewed until their hands ached or their 200 gowns, and 500 headbands, a total of demand grew. The whole Ni Scrubs team machine gave up. It was a joy to behold.” 13,000 items.

North West

he Derry NI Scrubs group was headed up by Shauna McCloskey, a sister of Grainne Quinn who managed the County Down group. Both sisters hail from Trillick in Co Tryone. Shauna previously worked for the NHS and so too had many other members of the Derry group. These volunteers gave up their time in solidarity with their former colleagues. The group was made up of 97 people, a bag of dolly mixtures including community sewing groups, people shielding, furloughed staff, parents juggling home-schooling, retired pensioners, drivers and a busy foster parent. Volunteers ranged from young to old, professional dressmakers, costume designers, interior designers and some hobby stitchers who have stepped up to the challenge. All with one thing in common- their unbelievable generosity! Volunteers spanned from Draperstown, Maghera, Dungiven, Limavady, Feeny, Eglinton, Ballykelly, Park, Glenullin, Derry city, New buildings, and a few angels from across the border in Donegal.

The group was supported by Paula Sweeney from Fabric World, The White Oaks Rehabilitation Centre in Muff, donations from good citizens everywhere like hand creams from Bernie Rafferty at Forever Living, Keeping Us Moving, Eunan

Doherty from Top Quality Blinds, Tommy and Steven from the scouts, and the amazing volunteer bikers group who were essential to distribution. Financial support was also given by the Derry branch of Unite the Union, Limavady Rotary club and Derek Warnock in addition to fabric bought with the central fund. Shauna stated “The scrubs ended up in all parts of the North-West! Hospitals (Altnagelvin, Gransha, Roe Valley, and Letterkenny) Health centres (Claudy, Limavady, Feeny, Great James streets, Waterside and Carndonagh) Numerous care homes in Limavady and Derry, and Community Nurses and carers for several organisations throughout the area.” In total, the group turned out 1068 completed scrub sets, 852 bags, 779 masks, 326 scrub caps, 313 hairbands, 50 ear protectors, 179 single scrub tops, 14 scrub bottoms.

57 Local Women Magazine | 79

Mid Ulster, Armagh and Enniskillen

he County Armagh group was coordinated by Kerry Collins and Joanne Wallace, with Angeline Murphy as group fundraiser Co-Ordinator. Angeline stated “It’s crazy what’s been achieved in a matter of weeks, over 20,000 meters of fabric has went out from my own home. A special word of thanks to Bedwins in Kilkeel for material and Colin’s Aerospace for creating pre-cuts which were distributed throughout the province to stitch up. A special word of thanks to my employers firmus energy, who donated £10k to buy material which went a long way in clothing our NHS heroes and the Eric and his team at Zip Yard for volunteering to assist the group whilst on furlough.”

it even the early morning messages. I have met some amazing ladies throughout Omagh and Fermanagh that I would never have met otherwise and hope to keep in touch with many of them in the future. None of what we all achieved as a group would have been possible without Clara and every single person who gave up their time freely during a very difficult time. There were so many people throughout our wee community who dedicated weeks and months of their time to helping our frontline workers in both the NHS and community social care. To have been part of this from the start and watch it grow into the epic group it became was heart-warming. If I had to go back in time, I’d choose to help again. Kasia Rogowiec managed the Dungannon area, the group had massive support from the entire community and deputy first minister Michelle O’Neil and Archbishop Eamon Martin visited the hub to offer support to proceedings. Kasia of Polka Dot photos Dungannon wanted to create a lasting memory of the NI Scrubs Group and created a collage of photos including the faces of thousands of Volunteers who gave up their time to help throughout the Pandemic.

Joanne Wallace stated, “My little shed has been a hive of activity throughout this. With no sewing skills at all its been a steep learning curve and I now know what bias binding is. It’s been a crazy time trying to balance home-schooling, my own business “I have been working tirelessly over the past two and what turned out to be a mini manufacturing line months coordinating and managing volunteers but I’ve met some wonderful people along the way” within the Mid-Ulster NI Scrubs group.

Kerry Collins stated “we are exceptionally proud “We are very lucky to have a fabulous bunch of of all of our volunteers and it’s been lovely to meet local volunteers and I wanted to use my own skills so many stitchers in our area. Our friendship has to say thank you and create a lasting memory for crossed communities and brought the whole of the group. Northern Ireland together, this is our legacy.” In total. the Portadown and Craigavon group Joanne Chambers who managed the Omagh and turned out 1347 sets of scrubs, 2146 masks, 64 Fermanagh group stated “It was hectic, frantic and headbands, 1490 bags, 160 hats and 164 ear thoroughly enjoyable, it got me through the first 8 protectors. weeks of lockdown in a blink. I loved every minute of

Belfast and Lisburn

hloe Dougan, a costume designer based in Belfast and owner of Call me Sophia along with Rachael Wright from Lisburn Coordinated the Belfast and Lisburn area scrub group. Chloe recalls “I drove around the country

58 80 | Local Women Magazine

leaving off bundles of materials in car parks, driveways and to other members of the group in all the counties throughout Northern Ireland. My geography is much better after this experience. I also used my contacts to fundraise on behalf of the group and by the second day, I had already raised over £1,000 which eventually turned into £12,000. I was very conscious of social distancing and

cleanliness and was nicknamed the Dettol queen as everything was sprayed with Dettol before being passed to other members. My contact Sew n sew from Belfast delivered the material to me and they were absolutely amazing throughout the campaign.” The sub-group turned out 6504 scrubs, 6823 bags, 264 ear savers, 66 gowns, 50 headbands, 194 theatre caps, 606 masks, a total of 21,014 pieces in total.

South Down

ounty Down had its own team of heroes based in Annalong, the team was a dozen strong and on average, made 160 scrub sets a week. Volunteers set about fundraising for material for their seamstresses, one of its most fruitful fundraisers was from a local male volunteer, who dressed as Borat and walked down Annalong street in a mankini collecting money, he raised over £6000 for material. An additional £2000 was donated by the local community in aid of material out in every box to show that they cared. and the remainder of the funds was Grainne Quinn from Iconic Interior Design pledged to Newry Hospice. was a hub coordinator for the Annalong team. The stitchers of Annalong became the heart Volunteering became a real family effort. Her of the community and a knitted heart went young daughters who are 8 and 10 years old packed and sorted completed scrubs to get them ready for Grainne to deliver. Grainne drove around the country in her white van delivering material to stitchers and collecting supplies and completed PPE. She regularly met other group co-ordinators from other subgroups to share supplies. Grainne stated “I had so many completed items returned to my home that I set up a wheelbarrow at the end of my lane and wheeled the returns home to be sorted. I’m so proud of the volunteers in my area and the part that we played in helping in the pandemic” In total the group turned 2502 scrub sets, 2622 scrub bags, 2,200 Masks, 4800 Visors, 265 Headbands, 655 Ear protectors, 289 Gowns 142 Knitted Hearts Local Women Women Magazine Magazine || 59 81 Local

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The Angels Fight The Fear

A MESSAGE OF LOVE AND HOPE. Hello everyone happy September to you all and I hope all the kids are doing amazingly well back at school.

mental health and addiction awareness. Ironically yet here we are now during a pandemic that has swept the world.

As I write this interview for local women Everyone has experienced anxiety, anger magazine. I am looking at the images of my and fear over our own personal situation new collection for 2020. through this pandemic. Mental Health and Addiction Services are receiving more calls THE ANGELS - FIGHT THE FEAR. from potential service users than ever before. A MESSAGE OF LOVE AND HOPE. I began making this collection in 2019, pre covid as a message of LOVE and HOPE for PICTURES BY KEVIN COBB PHOTOGRAPHY

I have been blessed enough to have a business, which enables me to surround myself with very gifted individuals who have helped me create these images. Hairdresser, Make-up artists who are part of my Team. Amazing models who have worked with me on countless occasions and some taltented photgraphers to capture my art. Last but not least my amazing friends who agreed to be part of this shoot as they knew it was very close to my heart. Thank you Dame Bro for letting me use some of your exquisite gowns to compliment my designs. We are moving forward. Sometimes it may seem slowly, but never the less it is a step in the right direction. This is my visual gift to you all, my message, the best way I know how to express myself through my art. I hope you like it. The Angels, fight the FEAR it is always better to live in LOVE and HOPE. Lots of Love

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25 Antrim Business Park, Randalstown Road, Antrim, BT41 4LD T: 028 9446 4434 | E: blades&beauty@gmail.com www.bladesandbeauty.co.uk Local Women Magazine | 61

The Angels Fight The Fear

PICTURES BY ALEXANDRA BARFOOT PHOTOGRPAHY MODELS: Yasmin, Shelley, Gemma, Amy, Tess, Lilah, Caroline, Janet, Courtney, Katie, Bronagh TEAM BLADES AND BEAUTY: Catriona, Janie, Paula, Alicia, Shannon and Danielle

62 | Local Women Magazine

The Angels Fight The Fear PICTURES BY IMAGE NH PHOTOGRAPHY

25 Antrim Business Park, Randalstown Road, Antrim, BT41 4LD T: 028 9446 4434 | E: blades&beauty@gmail.com | www.bladesandbeauty.co.uk Local Women Magazine | 63

GET WINTER READY WITH THE ULTIMATE HOME LUXURY – NATURAL GAS! T he summer days and warmer weather might still be within our grasp but winter is just around the corner. The thoughts of cosy family nights by the fire while watching the new autumn winter TV dramas might not be on anyone’s radar just yet but being prepared can never hurt.

Installing natural gas is one way to make your home more cosy and it’s really easy to do. Just call firmus energy on 0330 024 9000 and see if you can get connected. If you are on its network you could have natural gas installed as quickly as November this year. There are many benefits of having natural gas. From constant hot water for all the family, which means never having to wait for the water to heat up, or worse the water running cold half way through a bath or shower, to never having to remember to order oil again. And, as natural gas has 50% less carbons emissions than oil, and new ‘A’ rated natural gas condensing boilers are remotely. Perfect for when plans change fitted in all new gas installations, you will and you find yourself coming home early be ticking the environmental box too! or decide to pop out for a family meal Of course the benefits of natural gas don’t and need to push back the time your heat stop there, new customers have the option comes on allowing you to be savvy and of getting smart controls which allow you saving you money. to adjust the house and room temperature to personal comfort levels and even Right now firmus energy has a number allow you to turn your heating off and on of brilliant offers making it even easier

to switch. Choose from 0% finance which means you can spread the cost of installing natural gas over two years or £200 cashback. You may even be entitled to £1200 off your installation if you have an inefficient boiler at least 15 years old and meet certain criteria. So what are you waiting for? Find out if you can get natural gas today by heading to firmusenergy.co.uk/gas or calling the team on 0330 024 9000. We also have a team of energy advisors who are ready and waiting to answer any questions you might have. Just head to firmus energy.co.uk, choose the energy advisor dependent on the area that you live, and give them a call. With most of us spending more time in our homes than ever before, the comfort of our homes has never been so important to us, so get winter ready with natural gas. It’s one improvement you can make that will pay dividends right through the winter and all year round. To date, over 100,000 customers use natural gas supplied by firmus energy and are enjoying the benefits that natural gas brings - from constant hot water, to more space in the garden, more efficient boilers to simply being a better choice for the environment. Homes and businesses interested in making the switch to firmus energy natural gas can find out more by calling 0330 024 9000 or visiting www.firmusenergy.co.uk

64 | Local Women Magazine

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0330 024 9000 Local Women Magazine | 65

DETOX YOUR WARDROBE AND CREATE A

Capsule Collection W

e’ve all been there – staring into our wardrobe at a sea of contrasting colours and prints and claimed we have nothing to wear. We all know we’re being dramatic; our wardrobes are bursting at the seams (pardon the pun). We have lots to wear, it’s just that it doesn’t work very well together.

don’t make us look or feel good, but we keep them anyway. Why? Get rid of all the clutter and make room for versatile, good quality pieces that will last a lifetime.

Be specific

Be ruthless with what you have and what you want to add to your wardrobe. Don’t In this month’s column, we’re going to give you just say you need jeans - be specific some top tips on how to detox your wardrobe, with the colour, cut and length. Don’t and the must-have items that will make getting say you need a few tops - be specific with neckline, colour and sleeve dressed much easier in the morning. length.

Take out everything

Take everything out of your wardrobe and inspect it all individually – is it faded? Bobbled? Do you still love it? When was the last time you wore it? Not only will this remove a lot of old junk, but it will also remind you what you have and what you’ve got to work with when creating a capsule wardrobe. It might be time-consuming but it’s worth it.

Figure out what colours/ patterns/shapes make you look and feel good Try on everything in your existing wardrobe and figure out what makes you look and feel good, so you know what to keep and what to look for when shopping. A capsule wardrobe should be functional and make you feel great in everything you wear.

No one knows you and your shape more than you do, so make sure you’re specific with what you want. This will make the shopping trip a lot easier.

Build a wardrobe that suits your actual life, rather than your ideal life While it might be tempting to create a wardrobe that is filled with glitz and glamour, does that suit your 9-5 lifestyle?

Make sure your capsule wardrobe reflects your normal life. You should be able to reach into your wardrobe and pick something that will be perfect for your day, We all have those pieces in our wardrobe that whatever you’re up to.

66 | Local Women Magazine

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kularfashion Local Women Magazine | 67

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Christmas Gi�t Guide ChristmasGi�t Gi�tGuide Guide Christmas Christmas Introducing the sculptors who are displaying their work at Gallery 1608, Bushmills.

for ArtLovers Lovers forArt Lovers for Give art this this year year Givea loved a lovedone onethe thegift giftofofstunning stunning local art

It has been a busy month at Gallery 1608, Northern Ireland’s premier art gallery.

Customers are getting used to the social distancing guidelines and have been enjoying viewing the new pieces that have arrived.

a sculptor and further developed her technique of working with bronze. Through her work at Pangolin Editions, she was exposed to the work of other sculptors and also had the opportunity to work on bronze pieces by notable sculptors, such as Lyn Chadwick.

Sara Cunningham Bell

Give a loved stunning local this year Give a loved oneone thethe giftgift of of stunning local artart this year withGallery Gallery1608’s 1608’sChristmas Christmas Gift Guide. with Guide. with Gallery 1608’s Christmas Gift Guide. with Gallery 1608’s Christmas Gift Guide. Local Art… Local Art… As ever Gallery 1608 is at the forefront of Northern Ireland’s art scene with new works arriving on a daily basis.

Her own bronze sculptures, whether they feature figures or animals, as her subject matter are characterised by their elegant modelling and As well as paintings and drawings, Gallery 1608 With Christmas just around the corner, this month With Christmas just around the corner, this month has some amazing sculptures available from highly distinctive and unique patination, a skill With Christmas just around the corner, this month we have picked our favourite Christmas gifts from With Christmas around the corner, this month we have just picked our favourite Christmas gifts from some of the finest artists inartists. theChristmas country. that she still employs for Cast Foundry in Dublin. some of our top Irish This year, why not we have picked our favourite gifts from we have picked ourtop favourite Christmas gifts why fromnot some of our Irish artists. This year, avoid the homogenous high street presents and buy some of our top Irish artists. This year, why not This month we learn a little more about some ome ofavoid our top artists. This year, whypresents not and buy ANNETTE HENNESSY the Irish homogenous high street which is both unique and collectable for ofavoid thesomething sculptors whose beautiful creations are the homogenous high street buy avoid the homogenous high street presents and buyandfor something which is both unique and presents collectable Annette Hennessy is from Cork yourat loved ones. A bitunique of extraand thought will provide a available Gallery 1608. something which is both collectable for omething bothAunique and collectable yourwhich loved isones. bit of extra thought willfor provide a now living in North Antrim. gift which keeps your loved ones. Agiving. bitonthought ofgiving. extra thought will provide a your loved ones. Akeeps bit ofon extra will provide a gift which She is a sculptor who has Freda Gilmore gift which keeps on giving. Topon of our list this year are limited edition prints by gift which keeps giving. worked internationally, and on Top of two our of listIreland’s this year are limited edition prints by mostare well-known artists.prints Belfast Top of our list this year limited edition by public sculpture commissions two of Ireland’s most well-known artists. Belfast op of our listartist, this year limiteddepiction edition prints byworkers and Terryare Bradley’s of dock two of Ireland’s most well-known artists. Belfast Ireland. She has artist, burlesque Terry Bradley’s depiction dock popular workersand andwe throughout wo of Ireland’s most well-known artists. Belfast type women areof always Maguire, Robert Spotten, NUA, JG, NI Silver, Ghost, artist, Terry Bradley’s depiction of dock workers and broad experience in NUA, working burlesque type women are always popular and we Maguire, Robert Spotten, JG, NI Silver, Ghost, artist, Terry Bradley’s dockprints workers and have all ofdepiction his most of recent in stock. Bonesetter and Spirit Jewellery. burlesque type women are always popular and we with Maguire, Robert Spotten, NUA, JG, NIinSilver, Ghost, wax and bronze particularly have all of his most recent prints in stock. Bonesetter and Spirit Jewellery. burlesque type women are always popular and we Maguire, Robert Spotten, NUA, JG, NI Silver, Ghost, limited edition work also very haveKeith all ofDrury’s his most recent prints in isstock. Bonesetter and Spirit Jewellery. figurative sculpture. Local Ceramics… have all of his most recent prints in stock. Bonesetter and Spirit Jewellery. Keith Drury’s limited also veryHis work collectable andedition popularwork withisour clients. is Annette was a former Executive Ceramics are also a very popular gift and again we Keith Drury’s limited edition work is also very both and quirky andwork contemporary, different collectable popular with our clients. His work is Keith Drury’s limited edition is also verydepicting Member of Association of Artists. can accommodate all budgets. Pieces range from Ceramics arethe also a very popular gift and again we collectable and popular withbrought our clients. His work is local scenes seamlessly together in one piece. Ceramics are also a very popular gift and again we bothand quirky and contemporary, depicting diff ollectable popular with our clients. His work is erent functional pottery to bespoke sculptural pieces. can accommodate all budgets. Pieces range from both The quirky and contemporary, depicting diffThe erent Ceramics are also a very popular gift and again we CUNNINGHAM BELL artwork has appeared on television’s Fall and SARA can accommodate all budgets. Pieces range from localand scenes seamlessly brought together piece. oth quirky contemporary, depicting diff erentin one Represented are names such as Sharon functional pottery tohousehold bespoke sculptural pieces. localisscenes seamlessly brought together in Prints one piece. can accommodate all budgets. Pieces range from FREDA GILMORE even in the collection of Princess Anne. from Sara is a North Irish artist functional pottery to bespoke sculptural pieces. The artwork has appeared on television’s Fall and ocal scenes seamlessly brought together in one The piece. Reagan, Ian Carty, Rory Shearer, Devine and Represented are household namesLeona such as Sharon The artwork hasnow appeared on television’s The Fall functional and who pottery bespoke pieces. Freda Gilmore, aofretired teacher a sculptor both artists can be bought framed or isunframed. works to out hersculptural North Represented are of household names such as Sharon is even in appeared the collection Princess Anne. from he artwork has on television’s The FallPrints and PatrickIan Colhoun. Annette Hennessy Reagan, Carty, Rory Shearer, Leona Devine and is even in the collection of Princess Anne. Prints from Represented are household names suchLeona as Sharon in bronze. As a teacher young children for many Coast studio, herRory figurative Reagan, Ian Carty, Shearer, Devine and both can be bought framed or unframed. s even years, inboth theartists collection ofbePrincess Anne. Prints from Patrick Colhoun. artists can bought or importance unframed. Freda is very familiarframed with the of sculptural Reagan, Ian Carty, Rory Shearer, Leona Devine and and painting practice Local Books… Patrick Colhoun. oth artists can be bought framed or unframed. play. “People often bemoan the loss of children's Patrickendeavours Colhoun. to seek the beauty and The gift of a book never fails and at Gallerystrength. 1608 we games of the past. I have portrayed some of Media applied are diverse from bronze to steel, have perhaps the largest selection of Irish Art Books these in Ring a'rosies, Hopscotch, swinging round calcined The gift of aclay booktonever fails and at work Galleryhas 1608 we oil been under onea roof the paint. whole ofHer Northern Ireland. The gift of bookinnever fails and at Gallery 1608 we the lamppost, skipping etc,” she says. have perhaps the largest selection of Irish Art Books The giftprivately of a book never andinternationally. at Galleryof1608 commissioned have perhaps thefails largest selection Irish we Art Books under one in the whole ofofNorthern Ireland. Smaller pieces bear witness to Freda’s own have life perhaps theroof largest selection Art Books Irish Paintings… under one roof in whole of Irish Northern Ireland. Sara studied atthe Edinburgh College of Art David McGlynn experiences like children playing street games.under oneFinally, our painters have been working tirelessly roof in the of Northern receiving thewhole Andrew Grant Ireland. Award for her Last year a piece depicting children playing from degree to ensure we have new works available for the work, later representing Ireland at the our painters been working tirelessly the series ‘No Toys Just Us’ toured Ireland as part Finally, Christmas seasonhave and the range andSalon quality of ourin Petr Holecek Finally, our painters have been working tirelessly Grands et Jeunes D'Aujourd Hui 2000 to ensure we have new works available for the of the Local art collection of Finance and Personnel.Finally, our Jewellery… current show is amazing. painters have been working tirelessly to ensure we have new works available for the Paris, Luxembourg, Japan. Christmas season and the range and quality of our If jewellery is more your idea of to ensure we have new available for the Christmas range andthe quality of our ANNA CAMPBELL Remember, we works can offthe er 10 months interest free Her work isseason held inand collections of Edinburgh current show is amazing. a gift why not support our local Christmas season andis the range and quality of our current show amazing. Anna Campbell is an Irish sculptor, born in Newry, credit on all pieces over £100 and you can University, Fraser-Smallwood, Bass Ireland, If jewellery is more youraidea makers? We have wideofrange of currentCauseway show is amazing. but who nowislives and works If jewellery more your ideainofDublin. She studied take the work away immediately. Remember, we can off er 10 months interest free and Glens Council. Remember,Coast we can offer 10 months interest free jewellery availableour at many different a giftiswhy not support sculpture the Crawford College f jewellery your idea ofourlocal a giftmore whyatnot support local Aall great wayover to spread the cost 10 MONTHS INTEREST credit oner pieces £100 and youofcan Remember, we can off 10 months interest free price points, ranging from costume credit on all pieces over £100 and you can In the last year Sara's work was selected makers? We have a wide range of ofmakers? Art support in We Cork the of a gift why not ourand local Christmas. have a wideinrange FREE LOANS NOW AVAILABLE take the work away immediately. jewellery to more bespoke pieces. credit all pieces over £100 and you can take the work away immediately. as on part of shows touring: Berlin, New York, jewellery available atmoved many erent early nineties she to makers? We have a wide range of diff jewellery available at many different A great way to spread the cost of 10 INTEREST PLUS YOU TAKE HOME We would like to wishthe all cost our of We have sourced many of Ireland’s Luxembourg, Sligo, take theAwork away immediately. great wayDublin. to spread 10MONTHS MONTHS INTEREST price points, ranging costume England, where shefrom worked price points, ranging from costume ewellery available at many diff erent Christmas. FREE LOANS NOW THE PIECE TODAY customers a very happy Christmas 10 MONTHS finest jewellers and have work available A great way to spread cost ofsculpture FREE LOANS NOW AVAILABLE AVAILABLE INTEREST for four years Pangolin jewellery to moreatbespoke pieces. Presently Sara Christmas. is working on athe kinetic as jewellery to more bespoke pieces. price points, ranging from costume and a peaceful New Year! from well-known names such as Louise PLUS YOU TAKE HOME Editions, Gloucester. It of was Christmas. FREE LOANS NOW AVAILABLE We would like to wish all our We have sourced many Ireland’s a learning tool We for genocide last public PLUS YOU TAKE HOME would like victims. to wish Her all our have bespoke sourced many ewelleryWe to more pieces.of Ireland’s PIECE TODAY here that she gained customers aavery happy Christmas finest jewellers and have work available sculpture Towards Tomorrow has been short listedPLUSTHE THE PIECE TODAY YOU TAKE HOME customers very happy Christmas fi nest jewellers and have work available We would like to wish all our We have sourced experience many of Ireland’s valuable as as Anna Campbell and a peaceful New Year! from well-known names such Louise for the Irish Sculpture Concrete Award. THE PIECE TODAY and a peaceful New Year! from well-known names such as Louise

Local Local Art… Art…

Local Ceramics… Local Ceramics… Local Ceramics…

Local LocalBooks… Books… Local Books…

Irish IrishPaintings… Paintings… Irish Paintings…

Local LocalJewellery… Jewellery… Local Jewellery…

83-85 Main Street, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, BT57 8QD customers a very happy Christmas T: 028 2073 1324 E:info@gallery1608.co.uk W:www.gallery1608.co.uk and a peaceful New Year! 83-85 Main Street, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, 83-85 Main Street, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, BT57 BT57 8QD 8QD Main Bushmills, Co. Antrim, BT57 8QD T:T:028 2073 E:info@gallery1608.co.uk W:www.gallery1608.co.uk 02883-85 20731324 1324 Street, E:info@gallery1608.co.uk W:www.gallery1608.co.uk

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68 | Local Women Magazine

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Local Women Magazine | 73

PAULA’S EATING OUT TO HELP OUT! With the ‘wet pubs’ still closed Local Women’s food and drink columnist Paula Gracey tries out a little pre-dinner ‘on street drinking!’

o, did you eat out to help out during August? We certainly did our best to bolster the economy as we took dishy Rishi Sunak up on his offer of

FLAVOURS OF THE MONTH

half price meals Monday to Wednesday as much as

For a fab little fizz for all family celebrations you can't go wrong with Lidl's award-winning Allini Conegliano Prosecco Superiore DOCG 2019. It recently won the "World’s Best Prosecco" at the 2020 Sparkling Wine Awards and it is fun, fruity and very easy drinking for £7.99!

humanly possible – who wouldn't? The thing is, hubby and I always like to go for a drink somewhere before our meal and as the so called ‘wet pubs’ weren't open we had to sit outside some of our favourite hang outs for a pre-dinner tipple. What can I say? Street drinking just isn't me! Not unless we are sitting outside our local bar in Spain in the belting heat as we watch the world go by. It’s a slightly different story here, sat outside The Cloth Ear with me directly under the heater and spending most of my time jumping up to hit the button every time it went off! Suitably chilled, like the excellent Pinot Grigio we sipped, it was as well we were only crossing the road for a taste of Spain in the hugely popular 2Taps. Their tapas are legendary, and I can especially recommend their massive seafood and chorizo paella, as good, if not better, than some we’ve been served up on our Costa hols. Total cost of meal and wine, a Rioja, of course? Under £25. Amazing (but you do need to book).

new post-lockdown menu, devised by chef Matthew Moore… three of us were only too glad to help ourselves to cod and chips twice and giant sausages with bacon chop and champ, plus another bottle of Pinot Grigio, for £42. We were also very glad to see Novelli at City Quays

Another evening, in the interests of supporting the

in the Marriott Hotel re-open and we spent a very

hospitality industry, we met up at Fountain Lane on the

pleasant sunny summer evening there with lovely views

Belfast city centre street of the same name and it was

of the Titanic Building… the only disappointment was

actually pleasantly warm as we enjoyed a glass of Rose

that the main attraction, the lovely Jean Christophe

while people watching - until our peace was shattered

Novelli of TV fame, wasn’t personally supervising that

by the obligatory booze bike blasting out 80s music.

night as he often does.

From there it was on to a relatively new spot earning

How is everyone getting on wearing face masks,

rave reviews - Ben Madigan’s on the Cavehill Road

by the way? Personally, I absolutely hate them as I

where hubby raved about his delicious daube of

am claustrophobic but needs must, so I wear one

beef with creamy parmesan mash while I enjoyed

with well-hidden gritted teeth, but not one of those

a butternut squash and chickpea hotpot with hot

blue surgical ones – oh no, mine have to be fancy.

sourdough bread – scrummy, and all for just

I actually have one with a cat's nose and whiskers

over £30 with starters and wine, a Merlot

on it (as befits a crazy cat lady) and in keeping

recommended by our very pleasant server,

with my obsession with animal print, I’ve also

Karen, who boosted hubby’s ego no end by

got snake, leopard and zebra… I look like I’m

telling him he hadn’t changed a bit

on day release from Belfast Zoo.

from when he used to frequent another restaurant where she worked – 20 years ago! The Dirty Duck in Holywood

The biggest bore is that being such a make-up junkie, I keep forgetting and putting my lippy on, then having to cover it with a mask! You really need to ramp up the eye make-up cos that's all

is another favourite spot of ours

anyone can see these days – and learn to smile

and delivered great value on their

with your eyes!

74 | Local Women Magazine

If you prefer a white wine with a bit more body to it try a Viognier. They are a more medium to full bodied white wine, fragrant and fruity and go really well with Asian food – try the award-winning La Linda Viognier from Direct Wine Shipments (£11.95) and the Viognier Gres du Trias 2018 from The Wine Society (£9.95 online). Viognier also works will with crab dishes, anti-pasta and cheeses – but you can very easily enjoy it on its own. For gin lovers, I have discovered a new flavour of my beloved Spanish Larios Gin – I can generally drink my own body weight in Larios is all its forms when we are in our house on the Costa. Pink Larios is distilled through Andalucian strawberries and is delish but hubby nipped over (pre-quarantine) for a few days and made a new discovery in Malaga Duty Free – Larios Provenzal for €14.95. It is the first retail exclusive for Larios, flavoured with fresh Mediterranean citrus fruits and herby notes of Rosemary, Thyme and Basil. This new addition to the Larios family is meant to be a "taste of summer wherever you are" – I can vouch for that! Salud!

Local Women Magazine | 75

“AMBITION IS THE FIRST STEP TO SUCCESS”

Local Women columnist Hollie Campbell takes another step towards her goals as she launches a range of beauty courses. It is always easier and safer to remain still and not take the risk in moving forwards - but how are you ever going to better yourself, further your career and be successful if you remain still and safe? I talked about it for quite some time and finally I took the plunge and went and did my teaching course. I received my results during lockdown which of course held things up a bit - but that’s life. This teaching course was possibly the toughest thing I ever did, but now I have my certificates, it has made it all worthwhile. I intend on teaching a few different courses within the beauty field, but for now I am

beginning with eyelash extensions. This is one of the best courses I ever did back 10 years ago at Younique, and I can’t wait to teach you everything I have learned through my journey.

you and it’s never too late to start. Have confidence in yourself and what you do. We spend so much of our lives working so I think it’s so important to love what you do and find a career that makes you happy. Love

The courses are up and running and you will find all details on my website www.holliecampbell.com Whatever career you are in, if you can move further, climb the ladder and better yourself, then do it! No one else is going to do it for

Check out my website at

www.holliecampbell.com Contact me at holliecampbellblog@gmail.com

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@edenhillinteriors Local Women Magazine | 79

Yanna’s dressed for success Randalstown student Yanna Scott’s winning dress design to be made by designer to the stars Kevan Jon

elfast Met Fashion student Yanna Scott, 20, from Randalstown, has created a winning design which will be made by top fashion designer Kevan Jon.

The former pupil of St Patrick's College, Maghera has just completed her second year BSc Hons in Fashion Production and Business at Belfast Met and she spoke about how much the award meant to her: "I was really delighted when I got the news that I had won the competition, I couldn't believe it. My sister encouraged me to enter, and even though I was very busy with course work I was able to set aside some time to focus on my design submission. "I've always loved fashion and followed my passion by choosing the Fashion degree course at Belfast Met, which is the best decision I have ever made. I really enjoy all aspects of the course and would love to go on to design houses in London and New York, and eventually open my own design business." Roisin McCaffrey, Curriculum Area Manager for Art and Fashion at Belfast Met, said, "I would like to congratulate Yanna on behalf of the College for winning Blush Boutique's design competition. The Fashion Department is really delighted with her success which displays the core strengths of our fashion programmes that provide students with the opportunity to develop a range of skills across the three themes of Design, Technical, and Business. The commercial awareness that is developed across our programmes is so important when developing a design that is to go into commercial development and production." Caoimhe Curran, Manager of Blush Boutique Belfast who organised the competition confirmed: "The initiative behind our competition was to offer focus, creativity, inspiration and a general feel good factor to our social media followers and wider community during Lockdown. "We were completely overwhelmed at the standard and volume of entries. The independent judges narrowed the incredible 250 entries down to just six finalists, who then went head to head for votes on the Blush Instagram page. “Yanna's beautiful design won with a unanimous vote, and we were so excited to hear that she is a design student from Belfast Met. We cannot wait to see the finished product when our award-winning UK based designer Kevan Jon makes Yanna's dress for her, which will then be showcased at our next fashion show."

80 82 || Local Local Women Women Magazine Magazine

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Introducing Luxury Day Spa, Le Jardin. Local Women Magazine | 81

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THE IMPORTANCE OF PET GROOMING

Maintaining your dog’s coat is important may give your dog’s teeth a deep clean it is for more than just appearance. Dog important that you look after their teeth at home Grooming is essential to ensure your between grooms. dog stays healthy and happy. Long nails can be uncomfortable for your pup, may make walking awkward and can lead to HOW OFTEN DOES MY DOG NEED infections. If you are worried about cutting your GROOMED? Short coated breeds need washed regularly to dog’s nails at home chat to your groomer who remove odours, bacteria and clean their faces, will be happy to do this for you. paws, ears and hygiene areas. Long coated TIPS FOR SIMPLE AT-HOME GROOMING breeds need daily brushing, then regular grooming to trim their coats and remove any matting, plus to keep their face and paws clean. WHERE TO START? Introduce your puppy to grooming as soon as you can so that they can get used to the concept, the sensation on their skin and the noises. Groomers are experienced in working with animals with differing levels of confidence and will make the grooming process as stress-free as possible for your pup. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PROFESSIONAL PET GROOMING? The most obvious reason to have your dog groomed is that they will be returned to you looking and smelling better than they went in, but the benefits of grooming don’t stop there. Clipping and scissoring will help remove the excess coat which will make your pet feel more comfortable. Removing excess double coat or trimming the coat allows the air to flow through the coat, cooling the skin and allowing your pet to better regulate their body temperature. Matts can be a big problem for owners and groomers. Bacteria can gather below matts leading to nasty skin infections. If your dog is severely matted the groomer may have to shave them, but regular grooming will help avoid this. Make sure your groomer knows about any skin conditions your dog has, so they can use the correct products when grooming. If your pet has sensitive skin or a skin condition, they can use gentle or medicated products to help soothe the skin. Eyes and ears are important areas to keep clean and your groomer will be able to keep on top of this every time your dog is groomed. Poor oral hygiene can lead to the loss of teeth, bad breath, and pain for your pooch. While your groomer 82 | Local Women Magazine

growth, it will be remove dead hair and will leave your dog’s coat healthy and shiny. Check out the Groom Professional range of brushes in Pet and Country.

NAIL CARE To look after your dog’s nails at home, check and trim at least every two weeks. If you can hear your pup’s paws clicking on floors – it’s definitely time to trim! Use the smaller sized plier style nail clippers and shine a torch under the nail to show the transparent area where it is safe to cut.

EYE CARE Remove the gunk from your dog’s eyes with cotton wool balls soaked in target eye solution which will help to break down dirt and oil. Keep shampoo and soap away from your pup’s eyes.

BATHING Make sure you use pet specific products on your dog. Dogs’ skin has a different pH to human skin and human products can leave their skin dry and irritated which can lead to infection. At Pet and Country we have a huge range of shampoos to target different problems and with a range of gorgeous scents.

BRUSHING Brushing at home will prevent matts in your dog’s coat. It will also distribute natural oils throughout the coat which will help promote

EAR CARE To clean your dog’s ears use tweezers to remove any hair from the ear canal. Fill the ear canal with cleaning solution and massage for 20 seconds, then use a cotton wool ball to clean the outer visible area.

ORAL HYGIENE In Pet and Country we have a range of different pet oralcare items from tooth brushes and pastes, to products whose application does not require brushing, making them really easy for use at home. All the products will remove plaque, tartar, and keep breath fresh. If you need help or advice visit Pet & Country and chat to our staff about your at home grooming queries and we can put together a bespoke Pet Pack especially for your dog’s breed and coat type.

MONTHLY COLUMN

Women’s Health WITH DR MARK MCCOMISKEY

Dr Mark McComiskey MD MRCOG is a specialist gynaecologist and gynaecological surgeon. Dr Mark McComiskey is a specialist gynaecologist and gynaecological surgeon who trained at the world-famous Christie Cancer Hospital in Manchester. His work has been published widely in peer reviewed journals in obstetrics and gynaecology and his work has been presented at international meetings throughout Europe and North America Dr McComiskey takes a holistic and caring approach to managing all general gynaecology conditions with the aim of maximising women’s quality of life. Each month Dr McComiskey provides Local Women readers with healthcare advice, dispelling some of the many myths surrounding women’s health.

GETTING HELP FOR BLADDER PAIN SYNDROME Each month Dr Mark McComiskey MD MRCOG discusses gynaecological conditions and women’s health issues.

specialist

with the condition increases the chances of a

has actions on bladder spasm and pain

gynaecologist and gynaecological surgeon

Mark

McComiskey

relative being affected and stress may exacerbate

nerve ﬁbres

who trained at the world-famous Christie Cancer

the problem.

Hospital in Manchester. His work has been

How would bladder pain syndrome be diagnosed?

published widely in peer reviewed journals in obstetrics and gynaecology and his work has been presented at international meetings throughout Europe and North America

Your family doctor or consultant will normally ask a physical and neurological examination. Tests such as urine testing, urodynamic bladder studies and a

to managing all general gynaecology conditions

cystoscopy (telescope test) of the bladder may be

with the aim of maximising women’s quality of life.

carried out.

Each month Dr McComiskey provides Local Women

What is the treatment for bladder pain syndrome?

the many myths surrounding women’s health.

BLADDER PAIN SYNDROME

No single treatment works for all people affected by BPS. Treatment must be considered and

Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium – may improve the strength of the bladder lining

•

Antihistamines – may be used if an allergic component is suspected to be contributing to

questions about your medical history and perform

Dr McComiskey takes a holistic and caring approach

readers with healthcare advice, dispelling some of

•

the syndrome •

Sometimes drugs may be instilled into the bladder via a catheter – various drugs and regimes exist, for example heparin and Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO)

Are there surgical therapies that can be considered? Cystoscopy (telescope test of bladder) with bladder ﬁlling – causes stretching of the bladder wall and

individualised on a person to person basis in order

will often lead to relief of pain afterwards. Any

to control symptoms. Often, a combination of

ulcers seen in the bladder wall could be treated at

lifestyle changes and medical therapies are tried

this time also Neuromodulation/injections – involve

and adjusted until relief is found. Gaining control of

the treatment of the bladder wall with electrical

symptoms may often take months to achieve.

impulses or Botox.

Can bladder pain syndrome be cured?

other cause. There may also be other urinary tract

What lifestyle changes can be made to improve the condition?

symptoms like a frequent, urgent need to pass water.

Limit stress - emotional and mental stress can worsen

Often treatment is required from time to time on a

What causes bladder pain syndrome?

BPS symptoms. Also, dietary changes can help with

long-term basis. Using a mixture of strategies, most

What is Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS)? Bladder Pain Syndrome is an issue of long-term bladder pain. This condition in sometimes referred to as interstitial cystitis (IC). It is a feeling of pain and pressure in the bladder area (especially on bladder ﬁlling) that persists and without infection or

The exact cause of BPS is unknown. Theories include a weakness within the lining of the bladder, contents of urine damaging the bladder wall, allergic

the avoidance of citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate,

people affected by BPS ﬁnd that they can lead a

caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods as they may have

good quality of life.

a signiﬁcant impact on symptoms.

For further information contact Dr McComiskey

reaction, neurology conditions and the impact of

What medical therapies are available?

the body’s immune system. Having family members

•

KINGSBRIDGE PRIVATE HOSPITAL Tel: 028 9066 7878 www.kingsbridgeprivatehospital.com

BPS symptoms generally improve and often resolve.

Amitriptyline - an antidepressant which also

at info@drmarkmccomiskey.com.

www.drmarkmccomiskey.com

HILLSBOROUGH PRIVATE CLINIC Tel: 028 9268 8899 www.hillsboroughprivateclinic.com

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