Local Women Magazine North West Edition November 2021

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JOANNE BROWN

A Luxury Christmas Hamper from McAtamney’s Butchers

from Crafty Teddies, Ballykelly Photo by Gerard Gormley and Hair by Valerie Kelly, Eglinton

SHOPPING SPECIAL:

Derry Model

ZARA CAMPBELL

There’s a warm welcome in Ballymena this Christmas

is helping women feel safe with her new business venture

Meet the group of volunteers remembering the Factory Girls of Derry ISSN 2050-8611

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E M I T W S HO AT A T THE

DECEMBER 2021

JANUARY 2022

WEDNESDAY 29TH Tina Turner Tribute

SATURDAY 22ND ABBA Tribute (Bjorn Identity)

THURSDAY 30TH Neil Diamond Tribute

SATURDAY 29TH Queen Tribute

JANUARY 2022

FEBRUARY 2022

SATURDAY 8TH Garth Brooks Tribute

SATURDAY 5TH Elvis Tribute (Ciaran Houlihan)

SATURDAY 15TH Dolly and Shania Country Divas Tribute Show

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n a y o Enj Spritz this l o r e Ap n o s a e s e v i t s e f APEROLSPRITZIRELAND Please drink responsibly.

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“I WANT TO HELP WOMEN FEEL SAFE”

Belfast student Zara Campbell has started her own business The Safe Yard - selling self-defence products designed to make women feel safer when out and about.

By Maibh Shiels

Zara Campbell

When Derry model Zara Campbell moved to Belfast for university, there were times she felt uneasy walking alone at night.

And so, Zara, who was a former Miss Ireland contestant, was inspired her to start a business offering products designed to give women confidence in their daily lives.

Zara’s business The Safe Yard is the first selfdefence product business of its kind in Northern Ireland and, as it grows, she hopes she can help empower women.

She explains: “The Safe Yard was set up based on my own experiences as a young woman, after moving to study in Belfast and realising the many potentially dangerous situations that are out there.

“You hear people saying that women are paranoid, but it is so real.

It’s just wanting to be safe.

“I was petrified to sleep in a house on my own until I got a door lock. I take test strips out with me wherever I go to make sure my drink isn’t being spiked. I take these precautions.

“There is nothing wrong with being cautious. I wish we didn’t have to be, but I know we do, from my own experiences and the experiences of my friends.”

Zara hopes that her products will make women

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feel safe enough to do whatever they want to, whenever they want.

something like that.

“They’re very easy to use and they’re portable and make your room that bit more secure.”

“You should feel safe living on your own, traveling on your own, walking down the street, or going on a night out with friends.

It is clear that Zara has carefully considered which products should be part of her business as it starts, but she has hopes that there might be more to come as time goes on.

“You can’t stop doing these things and bringing The Safe Yard products with you can empower you to do them without fear.”

Zara’s products don’t just prevent dangerous situations but give women the security to do the things they’ve always wanted to.

“My passion has really driven me through the process. I have more products in mind, but it’s not going to stop with just selling products.

The entrepreneur explains that wanting to give women some extra security turned into an actual business in a short space of time.

“I want to create a community for people.

I want to reach out to as many charities and organisations as I can, and work alongside them.

She explains: “I did contact the PSNI when I first moved to Belfast and found out you can’t actually carry any sharp weapons or anything that you could use to cause somebody harm.

“I’ve already looked into teaming up with companies in Northern Ireland that provide self-defence classes, and would love to work together with them, and get my community on board once I have built it.

“Self-defence laws in Northern Ireland are quite strict compared to in other countries, especially around what you can and can’t carry and use with intent.

“I would like to go to schools and universities and give talks to raise awareness. I want to let women know that they’re not alone in being afraid.”

“So, I decided there needed to be something for people in positions like me, who had maybe moved to university or were travelling on their own.

or more of the common date rape drugs “We needed to find all of the legal self- have been added to the drink. defence and safety tools we could use, and “The strip will change colour if it detects also have a community where we could talk anything, and that will allow the person to and share tips.” discard of their drink, helping to prevent a Zara decided to be the person to create this community and start her own business which gave women self-defence products that are within the laws we have here.

“I started to source products with the hope that some of them would never have to be used. But, as a member of today’s society, I do unfortunately understand that’s not the case in many instances.

“I hope that my products can, at the very least, reduce the anxieties and fears people have and, if it ever came to it, prevent a dangerous situation.”

The young business owner shares the details of the products she sells.

“One of them is a testing strip to check if your drink has been spiked. They come in packs of five and are 98 per cent effective.

“All you have to do is add a drop of your drink to the test strip and it will detect if one

Zara adds that she is not the only one who is working towards making the streets and social spaces in Northern Ireland safer for everyone who lives here.

“Two local women, Kristen Wallace and Hannah Campbell, are doing work to prevent possibly fatal outcome. street harassment in Northern Ireland. I have “Then there’s a mini lanyard that looks great respect for what they are doing, and I similar to a keychain. They’re all colourful think it is really important at the minute.” and stylish.

With women’s safety coming into closer “On the lanyard, there’s a mini safety focus over the last few months, it is clear that alarm, a torch and a whistle. These tools this sort of work goes a long way, and Zara’s couldn’t cause harm to anyone but can products have come along at the right time. attract attention or scare off an attacker in “Until something is done in Northern Ireland, a dangerous situation. and the rest of the UK, and the rest of the “They are very discreet, and they’re actually world, about violence towards women, and a really cute accessory to carry around, but men, if there is anything that can prevent they can prevent an attack, or just make them, I want to help. someone feel less anxious when they’re out “I hate that these products even have to be and about. made, but I understand there is the need “Lastly, we have our travel locks. They’re an for them.” extra locking device that can be placed on The products can be found at www. the door jamb from the inside of the door. thesafeyard.com, and more information “They can be used on accommodation, about her business can be found on her social hotel, or university dorm doors, and prevent media pages, on Instagram @thesafeyard, unwanted entry from a master key or and on her Facebook page, The Safe Yard.

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Established since 2000

HOW TO LOOK FRESH FACED WITHOUT MAKE-UP

At Portstewart Family Dental, aesthetics expert Michele King can help you feel more confident about your appearance with some subtle treatments.

1.Tear trough treatment: make those dark circles under the eyes just disappear, no more heavy concealers needed here!

This month I read that one Ms Great Britain finalist Elle Seline competed make-up free.

Many of us rely on make-up to feel beautiful.

In fact, some of us can’t even leave the house without slapping some foundation and eye shadow on. Going make-up free now and again can be healthy for our skin. It can also free up time in the morning spent doing your make-up, while also saving you money spent on cosmetics. More importantly, it can help you build your self-confidence and make you feel more comfortable in your own skin!

3. Profhilo treatment: Using pure hyaluronic acid injections, this simple procedure works by bio-remodelling the skin. It stimulates four different types of your own elastin and collagen to tighten up the skin. As well a s improving the laxity of the skin it also improves the skin tone, texture, hydration and vibrancy.

4. Lip treatments: Wouldn’t life be simpler if all we needed was a little lip balm? With lip treatments you can replace lost volume or correct asymmetries easily and quickly, although the procedure needs to be completed by a trained medical professional to avoid unwanted consequences. At Portstewart Family Dental we have treated 1000’s of lips over the last 10 years, so you know you will be in safe hands, whatever your concern is come and talk to us.

So, we all know about the basics such as: • • • • • •

Get your beauty sleep Stay hydrated Up your skincare routine Consider your hairstyle Work on your smile Work on your self confidence

But, what if we would like a little extra help?

At Portstewart Family Dental we had a patient Anna who said she wanted “to look a little fresher, less tired looking.”

So, we chatted and carefully worked out a bespoke treatment plan, and these are the results.

I think you will agree, Anna looks great but best of all she still looks like her gorgeous self, just maybe a little fresher. This was achieved with a bespoke treatment plan just for her, just as easily as it can be for you today.

2. Dracula Facial: Our patients have been returning for this treatment for over six years now. The results are just stunning, complete rejuvenation of the skin on the face, neck and back of hands, using only your own blood cells.

At the core of it all, it’s all about how beautiful you feel on the inside and my dear you are. By working on your self-confidence, you’ll grow to not care what people think of you without make-up and you’ll learn more and more to do what makes YOU feel beautiful not what society or someone else makes you feel like you need to do. We are all our own worst critics but at the end of the day, it is all about loving ourselves and the bodies we are in!

Until the next time,

We have numerous options available to patients, so to name a few (but not all) these include:

6A Lever Road │ Portstewart │ BT55 7EF │ Tel 028 7083 2798

www.portstewartfamilydental.co.uk

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MIX IT UP THIS FESTIVE PERIOD WITH YELLAMAN HONEYCOMB VODKA LIQEUR

Inspired by the traditional sweet treat Yellow Man From Ballycastle’s world famous Auld Lammas Fair, newly launched YellaMan Honeycomb Vodka Liqueur is a taste of the North Coast.

Local drinks company Niche Drinks have been manufacturing and exporting their range of Irish Cream Liqueurs for over 35 years and now they are trying to bring a local favourite to a wider audience.

Managing Director Ciaran Mulgrew explains: “When I was a kid, we spent a lot of time up in Ballycastle and I always loved the Auld Lamas Fair and in particular Yellow Man - the hard boiled honeycomb sweet that you find all around the North Coast.

“Over the years I always thought it would be a great flavour to put into a liqueur and that’s where the idea behind ‘YellaMan Honeycomb Vodka Liqueur’ came from – it’s a 12

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fantastic honeycomb, and burnt caramel flavour which really comes through on the nose and on your palate.”

YellaMan has been launched locally by Drinks Inc. and Mulgrew has high hopes for it. “When people drink a vodka, the alcohol content at 37.5% is quite high and all people really get on their palate is the alcohol burn and no flavour.

YellaMan is a vodka liqueur which means it is at a lower alcohol level and that makes it easier to taste the flavours in the product, hopefully people will enjoy it.”

YellaMan – it’s honeycomb with a sting.

YellaMan Cocktails YellaMan is as mixable as you can get If you can think of a cocktail, you can YellaMan it.

For a full list of stockists check out our social media at

yellamanhoneycombliqueur @yellamanhoneycombliqueur

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DANCE TO ENHANCE… YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

Coleraine’s Emma McMullan is back with another dance campaign ‘Empty Chair’ to raise awareness of the chronic mental health issues that have become more prevalent during the pandemic.

By Maibh Shiels Photos by MMG Photography NI. Emma McMullan has bounced back after her breast cancer diagnosis and is back to doing what she does best - dancing.

Her group, Dance to Enhance, has started their second campaign since Emma was first diagnosed, and hope to raise awareness of mental health issues and suicide with their Empty Chair dance video.

Emma, 34, from Coleraine, had only been married for two months when she found a lump in her breast which turned out to be cancer. She vowed not to let the illness and subsequent treatment take away her identity and, when she was feeling better, she returned to her love of dancing with the Dance to Enhance group.

Earlier this year the group took part in successful charity campaign that saw them making a video that got thousands of views - and now Emma and her dancing friends are back and are part of another dance campaign.

health, because throughout all the lockdowns and different restrictions, we were all hearing about people’s mental health being poor.

This year’s campaign was inspired by the struggles the pandemic brought about.

“People were experiencing anxiety unlike any time before in their life, and there were a lot of suicides around our area. It did seem to be brought on by the pandemic.”

Emma says: “We were unsure whether we would get to do a show with the Covid restrictions, but we still wanted to feel like we were working towards something.

Emma explains that the dance campaign is all about an empty chair, a chair that represents so many of us at different times in our lives, and different times in the lockdown.

“We wanted to create a dance about mental “From the start, we thought it could represent

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people who have lost their lives to suicide - an empty chair in someone’s sitting room or at their dinner table.

“The other side of it was that the empty chair could represent any of us at any given time.

“It could be us when we feel too anxious to leave the house, or when we’re inside the house, feeling isolated. It could be us when we get overwhelmed somewhere and leave.

“It could be us when we have a counselling session but don’t feel well enough to go or can’t get to see the doctor because it’s too busy.

“We don’t want to say, ‘This is what it means,’ because we want it to be open to interpretations.

We want people to relate to it in their own way.

“People can watch it and can see themselves in that chair, at different stages of their life, or see someone they know in that chair.”

having a low day. Don’t beat yourself up about it.

Emma says that similar to their last dance campaign, the message is one that resonates with all the members of the group.

“Accept the way you are feeling, and once you come to terms with that, find something that works for you.

“We thought it was a topic that was weighing on us all. We’ve all experienced anxiety and low mood over the past while.

“For us, it’s dancing. It could be painting, reading, walking, or cycling. It could just be talking to someone or having a cup of tea. Find what works for you to make you feel a bit better.

“My diagnosis played a part in it because my mental health did suffer when I wasn’t feeling like myself. That sense of losing who you are, that was one of the harder things to deal with.

“What would put me in that chair though is worry.

Worrying and thinking: ‘What if my cancer comes back?’ ‘What if I get sick again?’ ‘What if it comes back and it’s Stage 4 or Stage 5 next time?’ or ‘What if it goes undiagnosed?’

“The other girls have had life happen to them, too.

Moving house, changing jobs, marriages ending, and things like that result in low mood, stress, “We can all come into practice from a difficult day, depression, anxiety or many other feelings. feeling tired and frustrated, but we leave feeling “These were things all of us were experiencing like different people. We’re all uplifted, with smiles and being removed from our normal routine in on our faces. lockdown had an impact, too.

“We’re a bit more red-faced from the dancing, and “When you’re cut off from your normal way of definitely go through a tin or two of deodorant,” she life, and you’re staring at the same four walls, laughs about the way the women feel a different everything seems so much more serious. type of tired as they leave the practice.

“For me, my treatment stopped right before the “But we do feel rejuvenated and revived. We have a long lockdown started in January, and I had thought good laugh as well. There’s as much laughing and that once treatment stopped, I would get back to joking going on as learning and moving.” dancing and back to myself. But I couldn’t do that.”

Emma says that having an outlet and support Emma shares that the dance group is a great way system is something that can help mental for all those in it to let themselves go, and forget health massively. about the stresses of daily life, which is why it “When you’re feeling like that, don’t feel guilty about matters so much to its members.

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“Then, everything shifts. You find more motivation and might open up about how you’re feeling.”

Getting people to talk about how they’re feeling is the main aim of the campaign which features members Zoe Stevenson, Jenny Lennox, Julie Virtue, Linda Purdy, Ruoyin Luo, Sharon Clark, Chloe Barkley, and Juliet McInnes, as well as Emma.

The dance campaign is about more than just raising awareness, though, as it signposts places to get support for those who need it.

“At the end of the video we’re showing what services are available in the area for people who watch the video and feel like they’re in that chair.

“But we also want to let them know that we have an empty chair for them. If people want to reach out to us for help, we will do our best to help and listen as well.”

The video can be watched on the group’s YouTube channel, Dance to Enhance, and on the Causeway Coast Community Facebook page.

Their previous dance campaigns can also be seen on their YouTube channel, too.

And anyone who needs support can reach out to Lifeline on 0808 808 8000 or call the Samaritans helpline on 116 123.

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DR ZOE WILLIAM’S TOP TIPS FOR ALLEVIATING MENOPAUSE SYMPTOMS Linwoods Health Foods ambassador highlights importance of nutrition throughout menopause

NEW Linwoods Health Foods ambassador and regular contributor to TV’s This Morning, Dr Zoe Williams, has revealed how nutrition and holistic methods can help those going through the menopause and relieve some symptoms, for World Menopause Day on 18th October.

She said: “Peri-menopause and menopause is a hot topic and, as people become more comfortable in openly talking about their own experiences and symptoms, it is fitting that Linwoods has launched the Menoligna blend with people going through menopause firmly in mind.”

“Peri-menopause [the time surrounding menopause] can last for several years and not only impact the body physically, but also have an often-untold effect on mental health. In years gone by there’s been a real stigma surrounding this natural, but often distressing, time of life which has prevented those suffering from seeking medical advice, but it’s imperative to speak to a GP for advice if you’re struggling – and I hope that as more high-profile women speak out about the topic, that’s exactly what people will do.

the body, yet this seems to be discussed less often, likely in part due to the stigma that still surrounds menopause. The changes in hormones can affect mental health directly as well as indirectly because of the physical symptoms which can also contribute towards low mood, irritability and fatigue. Self-care – including talking with others going through the same experiences and being physically active – is really important. And, of course, if you’re really struggling with your mental health during the process, please do speak to your GP.”

“HRT is a highly effective medical treatment which is safe for the vast majority of those experiencing symptoms. It can alleviate the all too well-known symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats and low mood – but there are also a whole host of holistic methods out there, available to everyone, including those that cannot take, or do not wish to take, HRT. Nutrition is high up on that list for me, and there are a few simple tweaks that can be made to diet and lifestyle to help during the process.”

LINWOODS’ MENOLIGNA

CRANK UP THE CALCIUM “Menopause means lower oestrogen levels, and this can increase the risk of osteoporosis, which is weak and thinning bones that may fracture more easily. Similar to kids being taught to drink milk for growing bones, it’s equally important during the menopause to take in that magic ingredient – calcium. Bone bolstering, calcium-rich dairy products, leafy green veg, seeds and salmon are ideal.”

MAGNIFICENT MAGNESIUM “Magnesium is calcium’s essential sidekick, as the mineral helps with calcium absorption. It has also earned a reputation as being ‘nature’s tranquilliser’. The miracle mineral does it all – it can assist with sleep trouble, combat irritability, and even aid with low mood. Rich food sources include quinoa, oily fish like mackerel, cashew nuts and dark chocolate.”

OMEGA-3 “These fats work wonders in your body, supporting hormone balance, cardiovascular health, weight management and even emotional wellbeing, according to some studies. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown 16

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to decrease the frequency of hot flushes and the intensity of night sweats. The healthy fat can be found in fish such as salmon, mackerel and fresh tuna as well as vegetarian sources like flaxseeds and chia seeds.”

PLANT OESTROGENS “Phytoestrogens are naturally-occurring plant compounds that mildly mimic the oestrogen produced in the body, and may help reduce menopausal symptoms. Phytoestrogens offer a natural food-based option which is safe and available to everyone, even those who can’t take HRT. Great food sources include broccoli, cauliflower, dark berries, chickpeas, tofu, flaxseed and soyabeans.”

MAKE TIME FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH “Menopause impacts the mind as well as

“Whilst nutrition is vital during the menopause, finding the time to ensure we’re taking in all these key nutrients can be tricky. Linwoods’ Menoligna is a healthy seed blend specifically developed with the menopause in mind, featuring a host of vital vitamins, minerals and added Lignans. All it takes is a 30g serving sprinkled on soups and salads, stirred into yoghurt or blitzed into a smoothie for optimal health benefits.”

Linwoods Health Foods’ Menoligna is a plantbased blend of milled, sprouted flaxseed and milled chia seeds, with added flax lignans, as well as other vital vitamins and minerals. It is specifically formulated with those experiencing peri-menopause and menopause in mind.

Lignans are naturally occurring phytoestrogens found in flaxseeds. When combined with vitamin B6, lignans can help regulate hormones – which may help to reduce tiredness and fatigue.

The blend also contains plant-based calcium as well as vitamins D3, K2 and magnesium.

This combination can help maintain healthy bones which is especially important to prevent conditions like osteoporosis. Additionally, the Menoligna blend is packed with many other nutritional benefits including omega-3 (ALA), protein, fibre, Co-Q10 and other vitamins.

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A BEAR-Y HAPPY CHRISTMAS

Joanne Brown, owner of Crafty Teddies, has been getting ready for Christmas for a year and canʼt wait to see the happy smiles on childrenʼs faces when they make their new furry friends.

For a full year Joanne Brown has been preparing for Christmas.

their new homes – sorting out bear skins, making sure there is enough stuffing and packing up the bear making kits ready for As soon as the tree comes down in January, the children to open up on Christmas Eve the mum-of-three from Ballykelly starts to or Christmas Day. think about Christmas and the special plans she has for her successful business Mum-of-three Joanne, thoroughly enjoys 'Crafty Teddies' where she creates blush her work at Crafty Teddies and loves nothing more than bringing a smile to the bear making kits for children. faces of children.

During the year Joanne provides bear making kits to lots of childrens parties and She tells Local Women about her plans for community events. These kits come with Crafty Teddies this Christmas and exciting easy to follow guides so all children can plans for the coming years including their be happy with their finished bear. These first ever website. parties / events are proving a fantastic success and can be facilitiated from the HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PREPPING FOR CHRISTMAS AT comfort of the venue of your choice..

Children just love receiving bear making kits for Christmas – and they have become a popular addition to Christmas Eve boxes to give children an activity to do while they are awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus.

So, for many months Joanne's days are spent preparing her furry friends for

CRAFTY TEDDIES?

Since January 2021! We are always trying to improve at Crafty Teddies therefore as soon as an event or season is over, we are already prepping for the following year.

Discussing what changes we will make, what stock we will be bringing it and how we can offer the best experience and service to each and every one of our customers.

We are a small, local and family business therefore we are beyond grateful for every single customer that purchases from us.

WHAT ARE SOME GREAT GIFT IDEAS FROM CRAFTY TEDDIES? We have an extremely exciting Christmas range of bear making kits available this year, which already have proven to be extremely popular.

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addition to Christmas Eve Boxes which have become very popular over the past few years. Crafty Teddies Bear Making Kits provide the child with the magical experience of building their own bear to love and cherish forever.

CAN CHILDREN MAKE THE TEDDIES THEMSELVES AT HOME? Yes! All our bears can be purchased as pre-stuffed bears or bear making kits. These kits come with everything you need and an easy step by step guide.

We absolutely love to see the pictures and videos up on social media throughout the Christmas period of kids sitting cosy in front of the fire, in their fluffy pjs building their new Crafty Teddies. It really is a magical and memorable experience for them.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CHRISTMAS? Family! It's not what's under the tree, it's who's around it. My eldest daughter who only lives four miles up the road comes to

stay and usually doesn't know when to go HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU FROM home! This Christmas will be even more INITIAL IDEA FOR YOUR BUSINESS special and magical for us all as we have a new addition to the family, my beautiful TO ACTUALLY TRADING? Granddaughter, Claragh.

It took approximately three months DO YOU BUY PRESENTS EARLY OR to source a reliable and good quality supplier, set up social media accounts ARE YOU A LAST-MINUTE KIND and complete a 'Go For It' programme.

OF PERSON?

I do start buying presents early however you will likely see me racing through Foyleside Shopping Centre at some stage on Christmas Eve for some last-minute pieces. I also have the reputation of hiding presents about the house and finding them in like February, this happened two years in a row and my kids will NEVER let me forget it!

WHAT TRAINING DO YOU HAVE? Being a mummy! Three kids later I understand how to communicate effectively with children and have fun.

DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY?

A typical day involves my living room floor being completely covered in bear stuffing, bear skins in every corner of every room, answering TELL US HOW YOU CAME TO customer queries, keeping on top of social media, packing orders and START YOUR BUSINESS? bribing my children to help out in any I always wanted to start my own business way possible! and knew I had a desire to work with children. I had previous experience in WHAT DO YOU MOST LOVE party plan work, and I spent every evening ABOUT YOUR JOB? when my youngest daughter, who was then aged four, was in bed Googling I love the excitement different business ideas and options. I when I arrive at a understood after having three children venue and the kids that there was a gap in the market for kids' are super excited to party options. I wanted to offer something see the range of bears creative, fun and memorable and also and start the activity! I also something environmentally friendly to love seeing the kids cuddle eliminate the junk from party bags filling their new furry friend and I get great satisfaction when our landfill.

I'm out and about and see WHAT SERVICES DO YOU OFFER? Crafty Teddies' bears which are years old still being loved and • Individual bear making kits in two cherished. sizes (10"/15") •

Bear outfits in two sizes (10"/15")

•

Bear making workshops

•

Kids' parties/community events

•

Gender reveal bears

•

Heartbeat recorder bears

•

Voice recorder bears

"Excellent service, the bear packs arrived super quick and were really easy to make. My 6 year old twin girls had great fun making rhese and will treasure their rainbow bears. Thank you. Would highly recommend,

Christina Shiels

WHAT PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE FUTURE OF THE BUSINESS?

ARE THERE ANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE HELPED YOU WITH YOUR JOURNEY TO BECOMING A BUSINESS OWNER? From

day one my mum, Margaret has been Crafty Teddies' biggest support!

She assisted at larger events and helps prep large orders. My daughter, Chloe is a real unpaid asset to the business as she takes control of our social media accounts and also attends parties and workshops when required.

Rebecca, who is only 10, has helped add fun to birthday parties and local events.

Most Saturdays she's up and ready with her Crafty Teddies uniform on but unlike Chloe, she charges £5 an hour!

I want to expand my business further throughout the UK and I want my business to grow and allow me to recruit staff.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR STARTING OUT? I would advise a female entrepreneur to believe in herself and her ability to grow a viable business and most importantly to enjoy what she does.

You can place an order via Facebook or Instagram messenger and payment can be completed via PayPal or bank transfer.

T: 07515 772115 | E: craftyteddies@outlook.com @bearmakingfun

craftyteddies Local Women Magazine

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This Autumn

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SUPPORTED BY

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SHOP EAT ENJ Y LOCAL

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T he A n G rainan W edding F ayre Prospective brides and grooms visited the An Grainan Hotel in Co Donegal to see the wonderful facilities for weddings.

Pictures by Gerard Gormley

Deirdre and Aisling Abbie and Christopher

Caoimhe and Stephen with Alana and Paul.

Laura and Ryan.

Ciana and Daniel.

Emma and Kielan.

Rhiannon and Scott.

Declan and Lisa.

Mary and John.

Damien and Sarah.

Siobhan and Emma Rose Pau and Anna.

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Ryan Wilson.

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GIFTS OF

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CHRISTMAS With Christmas just around the corner, The Designerie is the place to shop! Candles, knitwear artwork, and interiors The Designerie really is a one-stop shop offering a vast array of products from local creatives. With two floors and on-site makers you are sure to find the perfect gift, even for those most difficult to buy for. To give you a helping hand we have put together our gift guide, “12 gifts of Christmas” with many more available on our website and in store.

6.

And if that isn’t enough?! We have our annual Christmas shopping nights on the 18th and 25th of November.

For all who attend there will be Prosecco, nibbles, and entry into a draw to win one of two £100 hampers up for grabs. Head to our website and sign up to our newsletter where you will receive the latest updates for these festive nights straight to your inbox.

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2. GILLIAN BROWNLOW ART Highly textured and full of colour “Below the Sea” is a statement piece of art perfect for someone special this Christmas. £549 3. LAURA MCILVEEN PHOTOGRAPHY A Framed Special Edition of The Arcadia, Portrush, for that costal lover. £44.95 4. LINEN LANE Whiterocks Table Lamp inspired by the 3-mile-long beach outside Portrush. £82.50 5. TAYLOR YATES Tilly Leather & Suede £545 The Taylor Yates Tilly you know and love has been re:imagined. The same buttery leather, now with a soft suede panel.

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LOCAL WOMEN’S NEW COLUMNIST

MY LIFE...

WITH ARLENE FOSTER

Local Women’s columnist Arlene Foster shares her new life after politics and discusses the issues affecting women here and internationally.

One of the more pleasant elements of leaving public life is the amount of people you have met along the way reaching out to offer support and sometimes a coffee, or if you are really lucky lunch! Last month however I was asked to a very special lunch in London by the organisation Women of the Year.

The Women of the Year lunch is an annual event held since 1955 when its founder believed there needed to be an event where women could network together. This year 400 women from across the UK came together from all walks of life. Each guest is nominated by a member of the Women of the Year council in recognition of her personal achievement or inspiration. Four of the women present are then honoured with awards for dedication to their fields of work.

Readers will recognise the recipient of the life time achievement award – none other than Dame Esther Rantzen DBE. She was recognised for her work with Childline and now Silver Line which is a helpline for older people, but I was struck as she gave her speech how much her campaigning nature is still very fresh. She gave a great speech about Childline and then Silver Line but then had a challenge for us all namely that there should be a law which allows grandparents to have access to their grandchildren.

At the moment parents have the primary access with children when the parents are living apart, but we all know the value of Grandparents in the lives of their grandchildren. Often it is the grandparents who are the source of knowledge, support and unconditional love as parents are pulled from pillar to post and I thought it was a very perceptive thing which Dame Esther Rantzen had decided to focus on – bringing together older people and younger people and in a way mirroring her campaigns in Childline and Silverline. In this sometimes-fractured society in which we live I think it is absolutely correct that

The Department uses huge amount of money to argue against the parental choice, and I think this is wrong. I have seen the difference the holistic approach which conductive education has made to many young people. I will continue to support the Buddy Bear School because of the positive outcomes for young people – oh and by the way, the last Department of Education Inspection report in December 2020 said that the school provides an efficient and suitable instruction for learners with highly skilled staff. the value of grandparents should be celebrated and indeed protected.

Another one of the speakers at the lunch was a journalist who had escaped from Afghanistan, and she spoke very movingly about the ongoing plight of girls and women in Afghanistan. She said if there are no women’s rights there will be no peace and that the life of girls had been halted.

It was with this in mind that I was pleased to see that the women’s football team from Afghanistan had been granted visas to come to the UK. Many of them had been in hiding and had escaped through neighbouring Pakistan. It is important as I said last month that we all keep highlighting the plight of these girls and as Shazia the journalist from Afghanistan said so powerfully we must keep using our voice.

In early October, I had another chance to visit the award-winning Buddy Bear School in Dungannon.

The Buddy Bear School was set up in 1993 to give support and encouragement to children with cerebral palsy and other motor disorders and to provide them with the ability to reach their potential in life. The school is a place of great joy and young people are educated through conductive education which recognises that early intervention is essential for children to achieve and live more independent lives.

I have seen the real and meaningful change which conductive education has made in young people’s lives and am still amazed that the Department of Education refuses to recognise the value of conductive education for those young people, despite the fact that this is not the case elsewhere in the UK.

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When a parent of a child wants their child to avail of conductive education instead of the school where the Education Authority has placed them, they should be able to do so. Instead, those already stressed-out parents are met with complete resistance by the authorities often through court cases which take years to hear.

On the theme of education, I’m sure a lot of parents of primary school children let out a sigh of relief to hear that the two organisations which set the transfer tests for secondary schools have come together so that instead of children having to sit a range of tests they will now only have to sit one common assessment after 2022. This will probably take the form of two test papers, a couple of weeks apart, but it’s a little less pressure for our young people and let’s face it, parents as well!

Finally have you received your £100 Shop Local card yet? I know that many of you are looking forward to spending it, but what are you spending it on and are you looking around to get the best value? With the cost of living rising at an alarming rate I know some will have to use the money for essentials, but I hope others, who can take the opportunity to look around for discounts and deals will do so. I’ve noticed some innovative deals either giving a 10% discount or if you use your £100 in a venue it will be worth £110. So, make sure you shop around and get the full benefit of this government intervention and remember the idea behind the Spend Local Card is to help our much-beleaguered high streets as they try and recover from the impact of Covid and the onset of more people shopping online. Remember to keep it local and enjoy!

www.arlenefoster.org.uk Arlene Foster

arlene_foster__

THE MORTGAGE SHOP – YOU TALK, WE LISTEN

Welcome to the new column from The Mortgage Shop which this month focuses on navigating the mortgage process for a first-time buyer.

The Mortgage Shop was established in 1992 and has become one of the largest and most instantly recognisable brands in the marketplace.

The brand is synonymous with trust as our culture is based on a customercentric approach, reflecting our founding motto, “You Talk, We Listen.”

With a wealth of experience behind us, our Advisers arranged over 4,000 mortgages last year, with total lending in excess of £420 million.

The Advisers undertake regular training to keep abreast of industry and regulatory changes and all are CeMap or equivalently qualified.

With 21 branches throughout Northern Ireland, and a 22nd on the way in January 2022, this means there will be someone close at hand to help you through the process. The Mortgage Shop is part of a major UK network, which gives us unrestricted access to over 80 financial institutions on both a local and national level.

Homebuying can be such a daunting experience, but rest assured one of our team of professional Advisers will be at hand to make this process as smooth as possible and find the right mortgage for you. If you are a first-time buyer, the mortgage process can seem complex, and it is hard to know where to start. Typically, the process looks something like this: Establish your moving costs and then find out how much you can borrow so before you start viewing or bidding on any properties, come and see us for a free no obligation consultation.

Our Advisers complete a comprehensive fact-find to help identify and understand your needs, circumstances and aspirations, which allows them to search the market and recommend a mortgage that is both suitable and affordable.

Knowing your maximum borrowing capacity saves time when viewing properties as you can exclude those outside of your price range as your Adviser will give you an indicative quote on costs.

They will also explain the mortgage terminology clearly and concisely, including the various types of rates, terms and any associated fees.

You then start house hunting with confidence and arrange viewings with the estate agent. When you find the right property come back and see your Adviser as they can increase the likelihood of you obtaining a mortgage due to their experience in dealing with multi-lender criteria and policies. This culminates with you securing a Decision/Agreement in Principle from a mortgage lender, which the estate agent will need to allow you to put an offer on the property.

Your Adviser will complete all paperwork, liaise with all parties involved including lender, estate agents and conveyancer, ensuring everything runs smoothly. They will remain on hand to answer any queries you may have.

The whole process takes between 4 and 12 weeks during which time you meet with your solicitor to begin the conveyancing process, whilst the lender will arrange for a valuation on the property and then you will

receive your mortgage offer.

Your solicitor confirms the property details and carries out searches, whilst the seller’s solicitor will draft the contract. Your Adviser will then discuss financial protection for both your home and family, should the unexpected happen, as buying a house will likely be the largest financial undertaking you will ever make. All that’s left is to agree the contract and establish a moving in date. Remember the type of property you’re buying and the number of people in the chain can impact the length of time it takes to complete your purchase.

We take the stress out of the process, allowing you to focus on the exciting aspects of owning your first home.

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

For more information and to find your local branch find us online Local Women Magazine

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We can shop your jewellery for you We can’t believe we’re quickly approaching the last few months of 2021 and here at McCloys we’re certainly getting into the festive swing of things!

We’ve had an exciting year, welcoming big brands in the world of jewellery, beauty & accessories into Kilrea, such as Guess jewellery and watches, Qudo Interchangeable jewellery, Spotlight Oral Care and Soruka handbags to name only a few.

At the beginning of the year, our website mccloyskilrea.com launched for UKwide tracked delivery! Now you can shop from our amazing jewellery brands, all from the comfort of your own home

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and still have them gorgeously gift wrapped, completely free of charge!

With tracked delivery options from £2.99 or FREE delivery on orders over £50, you can beat the Christmas shopping queues and still have that personalised McCloys’ experience.

Looking for some Christmas gift inspiration? We’ll let you into a secret of what we think are going to be best-selling products this season.

In our opinion, you simply cannot beat a stunning piece of jewellery, whether it’s a personalised initial necklace or bracelet from the Rebecca My World collection, a colourful sparkler of a ring from our extensive Qudo range, a stylish piece of Pilgrim jewellery or a dazzling Guess Watch. Whether you’re browsing our jewellery in store or online with us, you’ll certainly discover an eyecatching piece that you’ll want to take home! Additionally, we have a fabulous new range of Nomination composable

charms, with new Christmas & friendship designs that are incredibly cute.

In store, we have a treasure trove of gifts just waiting to be discovered. Our Clarins counter have some great value Christmas Coffrets which include bestselling lotions and potions and we can even tailor a personalised hamper with any desired products. Have you tried the latest launch, Double Serum Eye? Pop in to pick

website) & if you’ve any queries please For those chasing the perfect scent we don’t hesitate to call us on 028 295 40247 have ‘Lady Million Fabulous’ by Paco or WhatsApp us on 07554 927370.

Rabanne, ‘My Way Intense’ by Giorgio We hope you have a wonderful November Armani & ‘So Scandal’ by Jean Paul and enjoy this coming festive season. We Gaultier, as well as an array of perfume are always here at the Diamond in Kilrea to welcome all customers, both old and gift sets.

Moreover, we have lots of beautiful new, in store and online & we hope to winter accessories to keep you wrapped see your friendly face this month. Rest up nice & cosy in these colder months, as assured we’ll be smiling back at you from well as a whole room full of handbags. beneath our masks! Thank you very much Our latest handbag brand, Soruka, is a for your continued support, especially Spanish range with totally unique bags, over the last couple of years, it is greatly made from recycled leather that has appreciated. up your sample.

been saved from going to landfill. Each bag & purse is unique, handmade, colourful & oh so fabulous!

The McCloys Team x

:

Not forgetting the men out there of course, we have Guess watches, ClarinsMens products & lots of new Aftershave scents, such as ‘Phantom’ the latest fragrance from Paco Rabanne, ‘Bad Boy Le Parfum’ by Carolina Herrera, & ‘Scandal for Him’ by Jean Paul Gaultier that he will surely love to find underneath the Christmas tree!

You can keep up to date with our latest arrivals via our social media channels, sign up to our mailing list (via the link in our Instagram bio or directly on our

Scan here to browse our jewellery ranges on our website.

www.mccloyskilrea.com Delivery, Click & Collect & Gift Wrapping Available.

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HAPPY BRUNCHING AT Local Women Editor Kim Kelly enjoys a delicious brunch at Barista Bar’s Café in Spar Fortfield, Carrickfergus.

Barista Bar definitely got me through lockdown.

When all the cafes and restaurants were closed, my daily cappuccino fix came from Barista Bar while I was on one of my endless walks!

Carrickfergus on a sunny Sunday morning to try out their Barista Bar Café.

If you are a fan of Sunday brunch – you’ll realise that, well, so is everyone else! The endless I’d be surprised if any of you haven’t seen Barista queues and lack of parking usually make Sunday Bar in a Spar or Eurospar and the concept is brunch a little bit of a nightmare – but not at Spar simple – it’s freshly ground top quality coffee Fortfield. Situated in a retail complex with ample available on the go - it’s so quick and convenient parking, it’s no hassle at all to get a parking when you are out and about. No more endless space. Inside we find a bright modern and airy café with plenty of seating. There’s a small queue queues at cafes and overpriced coffees. but the staff are so quick we hardly notice.

The coffee-to-go stations are a personal favourite of mine so I was excited to learn that We are warmly welcomed by friendly manger Barista Bar had expanded into the café market. Weronika and her team and shown the extensive There are currently two Barista Bar cafés, Spar menu of brunches, lunches, and snacks. You Fortfield, Carrickfergus and Spar Crumlin, both really are spoilt for choice – there’s everything with a wide range of delicious food and drinks from sandwiches to cooked breakfasts to scones on the menu (to suit all diets) and plant based and traybakes. and decaf options available for all coffees at no I opt for the Barista Brunch and Dara chooses extra cost. I was impressed to hear that Barista Waffles with Bacon and Syrup. For drinks we Bar Cafe Fortfield was recently awarded ‘Best have San Pellegrino Lemon, I have a cappuccino Coffee and Hot Beverages Outlet’ in the UK and Dara has a hot chocolate. I was even able to Barista Bar coffee really is great, you can taste Forecourt Trader awards 2021 scan my faithful Barista Bar loyalty card to earn the quality of the beans and freshness with every As a Barista Bar fan, I knew I had to try out this points on my drinks! sip, and it’s the same on the go; I love that there new concept – and I instantly knew it was going Once you order you can sit down, and the food really is consistency in every cup! As for Dara’s to be great. is delivered to your table. Our drinks arrive hot chocolate, it is enormous and topped with My son Dara (a huge fan of Barista Bar hot promptly, and it’s a lovely change that my fresh cream and marshmallows, really delicious. chocolate) and I headed to Spar Fortfield in Barista Bar coffee is served in a ‘proper cup.’ Our food arrives quickly and what a treat it is.

Huge portions and all freshly prepared. My brunch is scrambled eggs with bacon, avocado and sour dough toast. Wow! It is so nice and nearly too much for me – I say nearly because of course brunch is my favourite meal of the day and I do a great job of finishing it off! Dara’s waffles are gorgeous with heaps of crispy bacon and sweet maple syrup. I am super impressed with the standard of food and, judging by the happy customers around me tucking into massive scones, I am not alone.

The standard of food is just incredible and so affordable which really makes it the ideal spot for brunch. The service is great, everyone is so friendly and surroundings are modern and spacious. I really can’t praise it enough, it’s no surprise that it was awarded Best Coffee and Hot Beverages Outlet, a truly deserving award.

I hope Barista Bar opens many more of these cafes. I know that if there was one near me in East Belfast or in my hometown of Portrush it would be an instant hit – and I’d be there every day!

To keep up to date with news, competitions and much more follow their social media channels at

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@baristabarni

IT’S always

BRUNCH TIME 5 9 . £4

Barista Brunch available all day.

Fortfield

Belfast Road, Carrickfergus

Crumlin

Mill Road, Crumlin

Images for illustration purposes only, actual products may differ.

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REMEMBERING THE FACTORY GIRLS

The story of the friendship of the female workforce of Derry’s factories is being commemorated by a group of local women who worked hard during lockdown so the voices from the past could be heard.

By Maibh Shiels A voluntary group has been created to make sure the work women did in Derry’s factories is never forgotten.

Yvonne Norris, from Derry, is just one of the women who contributed to the commemoration of the factory workers of the North West, which has seen plaques being erected across city buildings.

Yvonne is a co-founding member of Friends of the Factories (FOTF), with the group being made up of Mary White, Mary Doherty, Clare Moore, Julie Piggott, Sadie Harkin, Isobel Doherty, Sadie Curtis, and many more.

Through a campaign carried out throughout the pandemic, FOTF succeeded in securing commemorative plaques for the factory workers, carrying on their legacy, and even winning an award for their work.

Yvonne explains how the campaign came about, what has come out of it, and how much it means to all those who played a part, including the women who worked in the factories in the past.

She explains: “Friends of the Factories came about from the need for ex-factory workers who were going through a really difficult time, like everyone else, during the pandemic, to be recognised for their work.

“I think there was a feeling from many of these women that the recognition wasn’t going to happen in time for them to see it, because Covid was making everyone reevaluate things like that.”

Despite the difficult circumstances, FOTF brought together those who were determined to see the

factory workers be celebrated and commemorated.

FOTF was not the first group to ask for the factory workers to be honoured, as The Factory Girls, led by Clare Moore, have been hoping for a publicly funded statue in the city for 15 years now.

FOTF united the efforts of the previous campaigns and pre-existing groups in one place, through the pandemic.

“My daughters, during lockdown, produced a song dedicated to their granny that they were working on with Roy Arbuckle,” Yvonne shares.

“For that song, we contacted The Factory Girls, and factory workers across the city to ask for their photographs to put into the video.

“From that, we had connections to this group of people who were keen to come together and do something positive.”

The FOTF member likes to remind her mother, Sadie Harkin, an ex-shirt factory worker herself, that it was her idea of putting up plaques that started the project going.

“I really thought she was going to send me up a ladder with a hammer!” Yvonne laughs

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about it, but the group agreed it was a good way to honour the workers, in the very community which they contributed to.

“That is where the idea came from, but we had no idea it would turn into something so wonderful during one of the toughest times.

“The project started out as one or two plaques, and now there’s eight. The group could never have imagined that we would ever have been able to achieve this starting out.

“We didn’t see this coming. The legacy is already being written. The women feel like they’ve been recognised.”

Yvonne shares why it is so important to honour the work that these women did and continue to tell their story.

“The story of the factory girls is one of friendship on the factory floor, but it’s also a story of working-class women in an industry where 90% of the workforce was female.

“The buildings hold the history of these women, a legacy of shared struggles in bringing up families, running homes, “It was communities coming together, maintaining communities. connections being made, and a lasting “There is a real story there of how they did legacy. I think to have something like that all that during challenging times. We want to come out of lockdown means more than anything else. make sure that story is told.

“The plaques are about keeping the conversation going, and acknowledging those women who worked within the factories, who went to work at a young age, and didn’t get to go to university, or pursue other options.

“The connections that people have got and keeping the conversation going means a lot.”

the hardest years for so many people, and see some positives, really means something.

marched side by side with them previously. They “With the prize money, continued support supported us at every step of the process. from the Derry Trades Union Council, “As for actually putting the plaques up, we the factory owners, local businesses and approached each individual building owner voluntary groups, we are able to keep the and asked them directly. Support from Gary project going and are looking forward to Martin, Liam Barr and Columba Moore, to further plaques going up.

The sense of support and community isn’t the only way in which the campaign of FOTF believed in it, too.” is similar to the work of the factory women.

“Those women allowed me, and you, and a lot Both were supported by the Derry Trades Their efforts earned them the 2021 Community History Prize from the Women’s Union Council. of people the opportunities that we have now.”

History Network, which means they will be Yvonne shares a story of women making The Council unionised the female factory able to continue to celebrate the work of changes in their community during a difficult workers back in 1891, forming the first women in the city. time, and it’s not unlike what the FOTF women women’s Union in Ireland, and today support have made happen by coming together the work of FOTF, which the group are hugely “For us, it wasn’t about winning the award. thankful for.

It was about what we did being recognised, during the pandemic. and it allowed us to continue to keep the “Lockdown was really difficult, but how “As a group, we didn’t have funding, and factory flame burning, so to speak. people came together really changed that. all the normal routes to get funding weren’t We were at home, but we would have weekly available, such as National Lottery, or going “Because we won the award, and the prize Zoom meetings to talk through our progress. through the Heritage Fund. money that came with that, we now have the funds to put up a further plaque.”

“Aside from what we were doing, it was a “Due to Covid, they were either going to take way for us to stay connected. For a lot of a lot longer than normal or were just not Yvonne says that FOTF has no plans to slow people, it was a really difficult and strange accepting applications. down its campaign and will continue to make time, but it brought us together.

“So, we approached the Derry Trades Union sure the work women once did is recognised “To be able to look back at what were two of Council, as many of the ex-Factory Girls have and recorded.

name a few, made it possible.

“We are all honoured to be part of a “People were so supportive, and wanted campaign driven by women, for women, to be a part of it, and that gave us hope in achieving something positive in the most what we were doing, because other people challenging of times.”

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LOCAL WOMEN’S NEWEST COLUMNIST

Shanna McSorley THE SELF COACH

AWARENESS | BOUNDRIES | COMPASSION Self-development coach and facilitator guiding people to contentment, confidence and clarity through breaking down thought processes, identifying and moving through repressed feelings and creating new perspectives.

Website under contruction, follow me on social media for more information on my services @shannamcsorley.coach 44

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shannamcsorley

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10 Kingsgate Street, Coleraine, BT52 1LB | Tel: 028 7055 6020 Local Women Magazine

New lines now available at www.daisymaeboutiqueni.co.uk

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ETHICAL, NATURAL PRODUCE FROM ROWANDALE FARM

When they established Rowandale Farm, farming family the McKays achieved their dream of delivering fresh, top-quality products straight to your door.

Rowandale Farm was established in the winter of 1999 by Danny and Bernie McKay, who along with their young family, finally achieved the shared goal of owning a farm and returning to their farming roots.

pushed ahead and began researching animal health, figuring out the best ways to treat his animals that were sick or ailing. Through his on-going research he came across two companies, Dynamis and AHV, which both lined up with what he was searching for and shared his vision for a better way to treat his They originally set about rearing pedigree Charolais animal’s health problems. Even better, they were cattle and a large flock of sheep while converting able to provide support for them to prevent health the old farmyard into modern facilities for rearing issues occurring in the first instance. animals and housing them safely during the harsher During this time, after traveling and working in the winter months. food and beverage industry, working for a number In 2007, as brother Darren was getting ready to of world class bars, restaurants and large beverage leave school, the family decided to change the companies, the time came for Brendan to return nature of the farm. Darren wanted to take on the home. At this stage in 2018, the family took over challenge of farming full time, so the decision was The Glensway, the local bar. taken to go into milking cows.

Over the next three years they worked on building At the start of 2008, work began on the new dairy on the traditional bar as a centre piece of the local us dream about going a step further and taking and the first two Lely robotic milking parlours were community. The bar brought new facilities for locals the whole process into our own hands. installed. Cows were bought and all the early and passers-by alike to come and comfortably “Bringing our story and our top-quality produce mornings and late nights began of training the enjoy time off, have a drink or a meal and unwind. straight to our customers gives us so much joy. That cows how to come to the robots to get milked.

During this time, the family finally were able to the customer knows how the animals have been This high-tech system allowed them to monitor take the step that they wanted to take the most. raised and have been treated ethically and with the cows’ health and the cow could decide herself The Farmshop was established, and they started natural healthcare is very important to us. when to get milked. The whole process requires providing their meats here. As this grew to become “Thanks for joining us on this journey as we take little or no human interference and the cows milk a major part of the business, they started to expand back control of our food chain, putting the power between three to four times a day.These cows their offering, bringing milk direct to customers in into the hands of the farmer to ensure the best lead a very stress-free lifestyle and never suffer glass bottles. The next step was to start bringing quality reaches our customers. Reducing the effect from unnecessary pressure that often comes from products direct to the customers through a home on our eco-systems by reducing emissions. Our traditional milking practices. delivery service and expanding into other localities. meat and milk leave our yard and go straight to our As the next couple of years progressed Darren They are a farming family who have worked the customers during the early hours of the morning, land and reared happy, healthy stock for many meaning our vans aren't sitting in traffic needlessly generations. It's their true passion and has been burning fuel. handed down and ingrained in each of them.

“They don't go through multiple vehicles and The family explains: “When you put all of depots and our products are produced in small your time and effort into raising livestock and batches using reusable and recyclable packaging growing crops, it's sad to see your part of the were possible, without any gas flushing or colour process end with a visit to the market. Not dyes, to give you the freshest, top-quality products knowing the next step for our produce made straight to your door.”

165 Knockan Road | Ballymena | BT43 7LP www.rowandalefarm.co.uk farmrowandale 50

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farmrowandale

SLOE INTO THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

As we Sloe into the Christmas season. In these last days of colourful Autumn, I’m feeling Winter’s chill advancing, with the frost bringing brilliance to early mornings as sunshine dances off frozen landscape when I’m baking in the early morning. I wrap up warm against that cold, biting North wind on my afternoon walks, seeing my breath rise in a misty haze in the brilliant rays of cold sunshine, as darkness wins the battle of light. But in the midst of this chill, I feel warm in my heart and under my woolly bobble hat as thoughts turn to warm crackling Christmas fires and cosy nips of sloe gin.

To make this recipe we pick the sloes after the first frost of winter which help soften the flesh and reduce the acidity of the berry. Ideally the berries should be ripe and easily

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Of recent years I have developed an appreciation for this delicious drink using the foraged ripe, dark blue sloe

berries known as Prunus spinosa, which is delicious drank neat over ice or made into a Royale by adding a drizzle to champagne. I watch out for the pretty, blackthorn bush blossoms which are among the first to appear in the hedgerows, marking the retirement of winter and the spot of a future Autumn bounty with an abundance of gleaming sloe berries. The sloe berries can be foraged until mid-December.

DIGGING FOR BREAD &

Sloe gin is the perfect glass of Christmas, having been gathering its thoughts in a large Kilner jar, since it was made this time last year, ready for decanting into pretty bottles to give out as Christmas gifts to my favourite people. Sloe gin, often known as a poor man’s port is a warming liqueur made using the berries from the thorny blackthorn bush, which are macerated in a mixture of gin and sugar over a year.

squash between your fingers before picking but be careful of the thorns. When we take them home the sloes are washed and dried before being pricked using a darning needle to help release the juices. This darning needle, which is kept for such a task has never been lost yet and is as important a tool in the kitchen cupboard as the favourite rolling pin or wooden spoon. On less frosty late Autumns, we can mimic the bletting of the frost by freezing the sloes before using them, causing them to become more mushy and removing the need for them to be pricked. The sloes are then added to a sterilised kilner jar, before adding sugar and gin. The turning of the jar is important in these first few weeks and I have a list of friends who are willing to do the daily turning of the jar if I’m away, with the promise of a wee bottle for their Christmas cheer.

www.bakehouseni.com - bronagh@bakehouseni.com - +447900806480

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“I WANTED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE”

Young, single and with no biological children, North Down’s Victoria McMurray is enjoying a different kind of motherhood as a foster carer.

By Mandi Millar Life as a respite foster carer is like getting to be ‘the fun aunty’, according to North Down woman Victoria McMurray.

In fact, she enjoyed the experience so much, aged just 32, single and with no biological children of her own, she’s now become a full-time foster carer to fifteen-year-old Nicole.

But even though she perhaps doesn’t fit the ‘stereotype’ Victoria wasn’t about to wait until she was older before she pursued her calling.

“This was always laid across my heart. The more I got to know about the challenges so many vulnerable kids face, the more I wanted to make a difference,” says the media and communications consultant.

Victoria’s journey to foster motherhood though started in her teens when she’d be up before everyone else on Saturdays to watch her favourite programme.

“Adoption Stories followed a different case study each week and was my first realisation that there were children who didn’t have a loving family like mine,” she says.

“I was heart-broken for these children who through no fault of theirs grow up feeling abandoned. As people we have to do something if we can, so if not me, then who?”

With the seed planted then, Victoria thought her career path might take her in that direction and after university she worked with a charity in South Africa for 52

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15 months meeting children from many challenging backgrounds.

“It was probably around then that the idea of fostering coalesced,” continues Victoria who was just 28 when she made her first approach to Action For Children after hearing about them through a friend.

“I was incredibly busy with work though and always travelling so it was hard to picture how this could happen. That’s when Action for Children told me about respite foster care - having a child for a weekend a month or a couple of weeks in the summer for instance – shorter bursts.

“I thought that’d be totally manageable and so that was my entry into fostering. The fact I’m now a full-time foster carer to a teenager wasn’t something I’d even considered then!”

become her fulltime carer was easy – knowing what that’d look like was more challenging as this was for the long-term,” says Victoria who finally welcomed Nicole home for good last October when she was granted emergency approval as her full-time carer.

Victoria’s assessment as a respite carer took about six months, including 10 faceto-face sessions with a social worker.

Since then, the two have enjoyed life together but it’s not always easy.

“They go through every aspect of your life, with probing and sometimes intimate questions but you have to understand they need to equip you for every possibility,” says Victoria.

“These young people often have trust issues because they’ve been consistently let down. Much of the struggle has been to reassure her that she is worthy of being loved and cared for,” explains Victoria.

“I found it therapeutic as it makes you reflect on your own experiences.

“I have to assure her I’m not going anywhere. Like, I am not! She can respond with the usual teenage drama, but I’ll still be there.

“Another area we looked at was my support network but I have an incredible community of friends and family,” continues Victoria whose respite foster carer approval was finally granted in November 2019.

Her first placement – a teenager with learning difficulties - was just 5 days and although she enjoyed it, her second was longer and allowed her and the little nineyear-old girl to really build a relationship.

“She came to me for a weekend a month and that’s when I started to feel I was making a difference!” says Victoria, “My idea of providing respite is that the kids are going to visit their fun auntie!

It’s about bringing a sense of joy and caring, not that they don’t have that in abundance already with their full-time foster carers, but respite ensures the child and their carer get the most out of it.

“Biological children too enjoy a break away from parents – and vice versa!”

That placement ended in August 2019, and it wasn’t until the end of the year that

Action for Children called again about a 13-year-old.

“Oh, my days, the timing was awful - work was so busy!” recalls Victoria who could only take Nicole for a night. But it was a life-changing decision.

“As soon as we met, I could see Nicole was such an open young person, full of joy and life and we’d a great evening together, even though at that stage it was just to be a one-off.”

In January though she was approached again about providing regular respite for Nicole but just weeks later, the world shut down and everything was on hold because of Covid restrictions.

When respite did resume, circumstances had changed for Nicole’s full-time foster family, and she needed a new placement.

“I knew placements for teenagers were very hard to find and I’d built a real connection with her so wanting to

“It’s all about communication. That’s at the foundation of everything because you don’t have the same fundamental connection you have with biological children. You have to work on that communication, so you have that connection to fall back on.

“Fostering is a different kind of parenting.

It’s therapeutic parenting, focusing on connection and relationship rather than discipline and punishment.

“There have been some challenging times, but Nicole is amazing, and I’m so blessed to be a part of her life.

“Even when it’s tough I have so much compassion for her and what she’s been through. When you know someone’s story you can’t judge them, you have so much more understanding for them.

“And anyway, I always come back to the question... if not me, then who?”

Nicole’s name has been changed to protect her privacy.

Contact our friendly fostering team today on 028 9046 0500 or email fostercareni@actionforchildren.org.uk

www.actionforchildren.org.uk/fostering

@AFCNIFostercare Local Women Magazine

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FOR ALL YOUR HOME INTERIOR NEEDS WITH 1000'S OF PRODUCTS AVAILABLE INSTORE

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HOME & GARDEN STORE

Stunning trends for

Autumn and Winter At Fabric World, there is a great selection of curtains and upholstery fabrics to keep you up to date with the latest trends.

By Paula Sweeney at Fabric World, Maydown I can hardly believe we are in November already.

What a year! It just seems to have sped by and we’re now focusing on the run up to Christmas.

Our long-established brands have been on top form keeping stock fresh and up to date during a challenging year.

So, I’ve been able put together an amazing collection of curtain and upholstery fabrics covering all the fabulous new trends leading up to Christmas 2021.

Bold blues and gorgeous greens This autumn, trends include bright bold blue tones and gorgeous greens printed on luxurious velvets and stunning cotton base cloths. Colour is here to stay and we’re loving the vibrant tones and sophisticated designs.

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Tone on tone Don’t worry if you’re not brave enough to go down that road, as there is an abundance of fabulous tonal fabrics letting you focus on a simpler colour scheme, mixing amazing textures with tone-on-tone colours .

In particular I’m loving the new Porter and Stone ranges. We’ve been making some stunning Roman blinds from the Santamaria collection. Also, the Arezzo design with its subtle woodland design looks fabulous in full length curtains.

Simply classic For the more classical look there are a number of delicate natural ranges out, lending themselves to ivory or subtle grey schemes.

It’s all about luxurious cloths in stunning satins, brocades or sumptuous velvets. Sometimes there’s nothing better than the simplicity of a really well-made curtain in a quality fabric.

Curtain Design We offer a curtain design service - so call in for a chat and some samples and we’ll get you matched up.

Official stockists of Laura Ashley Finally, we have been working very hard putting together an extensive range of ready-made curtains for Autumn/Winter 21 and can share the exciting news that we are now the official stockist in the North West for Laura Ashley. We are delighted to have the ranges instore enhancing our collections.

HOME & GARDEN STORE

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AVOIDING THE GLARE OF THE LOW WINTER SUN While we don’t like to complain about the sun, it can be dangerous to drive when the sun is low in the sky in winter. Here’s some tips from Brian Mc Keown, Optometrist at John Laverty Optometrists to help you see clearly.

We all wish for more of it all year round but the low sun in the winter can be particularly challenging especially when driving.

• Ensure you have a spare pair of glasses and make them transitions extra active. One of the lens companies we work with has introduced a new transition to the market which reacts faster than ever and works behind the windscreen. Ask for Extra active transitions. These also come with a ‘love them or leave them’ 60-day guarantee.

• Get yourself some polarised sunglasses and keep them in the car. These will cut through the glare from low sun and wet roads, in my opinion this is a great option.

• An out-of-date prescription or a low uncorrected prescription can lead to more visual discomfort in difficult lighting conditions.

• Things that can exacerbate glare with winter sun can include cataracts and some other less common eye conditions so always ensure that your sight test is up to date.

SPEND LOCAL VOUCHER Thanks to Mavis for becoming our first customer to use her £100 card and we added a bonus £20 discount.

TAKE TWO OFFER Our take two offer comes to an end on the 25th of November which allows customers to get a free second pair of lenses to the value of £170. These can be single vision lenses, varifocals, or sunglasses. The Spend Local Voucher can also be used with this fantastic offer.

So, if you’re considering a change of style, a spare pair of glasses, or simply need some inspiration, now is a great time to get in touch.

Gift vouchers now available online www.johnlaverty.co.uk Ballymoney | Coleraine | Garvagh Call us today on 028 7034 2624 www.JohnLaverty.co.uk 62

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A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER WITH KRD CREDIT UNION With the festive season fast approaching, money worries are mounting. But at KRD Credit Union Ltd, they can help you with affordable loans and information.

Hello all you Local Women readers, I am excited to be back as your columnist for this November edition of the magazine to tell you all about how KRD Credit Union Ltd is here to help you over these expensive few months.

be a particularly expensive time for parents, especially perhaps when handed some daunting lists for you know who! So, if you’re worried about how you’re going to afford those presents, get in touch.

Can you believe it’s that time of year already?

It feels like no time at all since last Christmas and here we are again. I’m sure we’re all looking forward to spending some much-needed time with family and friends after what has been another unusual year.

•

However, it’s important to remember that many of us experience mounting costs over the festive season. We’ve all been there, as soon as December hits, money seems to last no time at all. Are you tightening the purse strings elsewhere to afford things? Or maybe you’re having to go without because things just aren’t affordable?

•

That’s where KRD Credit Union comes in! We want to hear from you. We love to be able to lend a helpful hand, particularly at this time of year, when the stress of Christmas preparations can be overwhelming! Let me give you just a few examples of how we can help you this Christmas: •

I think we can all agree that Christmas can

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With travel restrictions in place, many spent last Christmas without seeing their families and will surely want to make up for lost time this year. So, if you’re reuniting with your family this Christmas, we’d love to make that dream come true for you.

Perhaps you’re already juggling multiple loans or credit cards, and concerned about your finances? It’s so easy to get swept up in debt or even turn to doorstep lenders to make the most of the big day – and then pay the price with high interest rates. Why not talk to us about debt consolidation?

Consolidating your debt into one single repayment and kickstarting 2021 without multiple debts is the perfect gift to yourself.

costs and need a loan for a refill of oil, KRD has got you covered.

As well as all of that, it’s important to remember that it’s not always about Christmas itself.

Sometimes we may have our December sorted financially and then get blindsided by something entirely unrelated. So, whether your car needs repairs, or the dishwasher has gone on the blink, don’t stress – see how KRD can help you.

With flexible repayments and loans to suit any budget, don’t worry about getting in over your head. KRD Credit Union Ltd is a responsible lender - our loans are designed to be manageable and affordable for your own personal circumstances.

So, get in touch today and let’s make this December one to remember!

Until next time,

Claire Doherty General Manager

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BY

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Y SUPPORT E DL

Emma McCrea - Manager of Ballymena BID (Business and Improvement District)

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THE BUZZ IS BACK IN BALLYMENA

It’s home to more independent shops than any other town in Northern Ireland, and Ballymena has come through the pandemic with renewed energy. Now Manager of Ballymena BID (Business and Improvement District) Emma McCrea wants to showcase the town as a special Christmas shopping destination with wonderful customer care.

As a digital marketeer specialising in retail marketing for over 10 years and with a background in shopping centre management, Emma McCrea is something of an expert when it comes to shopping.

this as a clear advantage in her job as she is ideally placed to sing the praises of the town and to oversee a festive campaign to draw consumers in this Christmas.

“I love Ballymena as a place to shop,” Not only does the Manager of Ballymena says Emma, who previously worked in BID (Business Improvement District) have a management in both Victoria Square, clear vision and know-how when it comes to Belfast and the Tower Centre in Ballymena, before moving over to BID. promoting the town centre of Ballymena as a shoppers’ paradise, but she admits to being “I always tended to shop in the same places rather keen on shopping herself. Emma sees but when I started working in Ballymena, I 66

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got my eyes opened to what the town has to offer in terms of great shopping.

“As well as the big national retailers like Marks & Spencer, Next, Dunnes and Primark there are the two shopping centres, Tower Centre and Fairhill but what makes the town so special and what sets it apart from other places is the number of independent shops.

“Ballymena is unique because over 70% of its retail and hospitality is independent.

There’s a great mix of high street brands, department stores and gorgeous little boutiques, cafes and hotels, all owned by local people.

“We have well-known stores like McKillens, Camerons, Wallace and Wyse Byse; shops that have been there for 40 plus years and still going strong, as well as plenty of newer ones.

“And you can get anything you want, from fashion to shoes, toys to interiors. Ballymena has everything you need for this Christmas.”

With the countdown to the festive period due to get underway this month, Ballymena BID is launching a promotional campaign – 12 Reasons to Shop in Ballymena – throughout November and December. The campaign running in Local Women magazine will shine a spotlight on 24 independent shops and businesses – 12 in each edition.

Emma McCrea - Manager of Ballymena BID (Business and Improvement District) the generations and so that pride is there in what they do. Some owners have watched their fathers and mothers run the same business before taking it over themselves.

something she is delighted to see.

“Over the past six weeks I’ve definitely noticed a lot more people out and about, doing their shopping,” she says.

“Ballymena promotes a safe shopping “The place is a lot livelier. Shoppers are environment, working closely with local enthusiastic and the old shopping habits, the police and council. pre-Covid ones, are coming back too.

“The town centre is also small, condensed and compact. You can walk from one side of the town to the other within seven minutes and parking in council car parks only costs £1 for five hours. What more could you ask for?”

“The Christmas lights switch-on is on November 18 and there will be a Christmas artisan market in Greenvale Street, running from December 9 to 12 and 16 to 19, which will really add to the festive atmosphere.”

While many other towns and cities have struggled as a result of lockdown, with shops closing down and boarded up, Ballymena seems to have weathered the storm. There have been a few national casualties such as Debenhams and Top Shop but the independent nature of most of Ballymena’s businesses means they have survived; even “The heart of this town is its community,” thrived in many cases. Much of that is down says Emma. “The business owners are loyal, to customer loyalty, Emma says. and the customers are too. Many businesses are family owned, passed down through And the buzz is back again in Ballymena,

With so many reasons to shop in Ballymena this Christmas, Emma says there is one overriding factor that makes the town the perfect place to visit this season.

From chocolatiers to cafes, butchers to boutiques, a huge range of shops will take part in the campaign. Its aim is to reiterate that Ballymena is very much open for business and remind people of the unique offering that Ballymena has. We want to encourage shoppers from across Northern Ireland to re-discover Ballymena and remind locals of the great offering within their local town.

“It’s all down to the people,” says Emma.

“The people make Ballymena shopping a wonderful experience.

“I worked in Belfast for most of my adult life and I can honestly say that the experience in Ballymena is much more personable and personal.

“The customer service in every shop is unbelievable because of the community spirit “In fact, the whole retail community is like one big family.”

And Emma doesn’t just talk the talk. She is planning to do all of her Christmas shopping in Ballymena, but not before treating herself to a stylish hoodie she has her eye on in Camerons.

She loves the Christmas shopping experience and the magic of the bustling, festive town centre atmosphere.

“I love shopping with the Christmas music playing and lots of people milling about, it feels so special,” she says. “The build up to Christmas is such a treat and we have lots to look forward to this year.”

Follow @ballymenameans on social media for all things Ballymena this Christmas!

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The beautiful chocolate and coffee couture house and bistro is owned by designer Laura-Lee Elliott.

PR O

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With its stylish and beautiful interiors, coupled with great food, Chocoa feels like a hotel or a French café and offers something just a little different.

UP LY S POR T UD

ED

Sitting in Ballymena’s most Instagramable café Chocoa, sipping a tall glass of hot chocolate, I’m really feeling in the mood for Christmas.

Described as a ‘couture chocolate and coffee house and bistro,’ it’s a firm favourite with lovers of social media who flock to get their picture taken Sasha and Holly. at the flower wall with their pretty pastries and beautiful brunches decorated with flowers. But style with comfort and warmth. After much it is equally as popular with local shoppers who enjoy traditional scones, fresh traybakes and tea research Laura-Lee launched Chocoa and it has been a huge hit – perhaps because of her served up by the super friendly staff. amazing attention to detail that saw her team The staff at Chocoa really can’t do enough for you up with the best chocolatiers, coffee roasters, and, from the moment you walk in the door, you pastry chefs and bakers in the area to help her are given a warm welcome. create her vision.

Owner Laura-Lee Elliott always dreamed of owning and running her own café – and when she returned to Northern Ireland after living in England for several years, she spotted a gap in the market in Ballymena town centre for a new type of café.

Chocoa is popular at any time of the year but as we approach Christmas, Laura-Lee says she is excited to bring out the seasonal treats for her customers.

Winter warmers including chocolate fondues As an interior designer, Laura-Lee had a vision and speciality coffees are added to the menu to in mind and wanted to combine beauty and warm up busy Christmas shoppers - and of course there is that famous Chocoa hot chocolate. If you haven’t tried this yet you really are in for a treat. Made with melted real chocolate rather than syrup or powder it really is liquid heaven. It comes in dark and milk varieties and is simply gorgeous.

Laura-Lee and Kim.

Added to that, there will be a delicious range of seasonal food from brunches to lunches and snacks and treats, all with a Christmas feel. So, if you need a break while you’re out shopping, pop in for a treat and enjoy the beautiful decor and amazing food.

17-21 Bryan Street | Ballymena | BT436DN

www.chocoa-chocolate.co.uk 68

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@chocoachocolate

@chocoachocolate

A high quality, traditional butchers where you’ll also find a range of healthy pre-prepared meals for your convenience.

Barr’s Butchers is one of the oldest established businesses in Ballymena town centre – but they certainly know how to keep up with the times.

Since 1878 Barr’s Butchers has had a presence in the town and they are understandably proud of their traditional roots.

At their modern town centre store the ethos remains the same as it has always been – providing the finest locally farmed meats which are prepared to the highest standards by the skilled butchery team.

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And during these busy days, there’s also a range of lovingly pre-prepared fresh ready meals that are quick and tasty to cook at home.

With increasingly busy working lives, people want to eat fresh produce but don’t always have the time for all the time-consuming preparations. Barr’s takes the stress out of cooking by selling ready-to-go meals with freshly chopped vegetables, marinated meat

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There’s also a range of sausages, bacon and burgers and other prepared meat cuts with seasonal and speciality flavours carefully prepared by the team. These ranges are particularly popular in the summer months for barbeques - and you also pick up side salads and pasta, potatoes and rice to accompany them.

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Their award-winning beef, lamb, pork and poultry is all sourced locally and the trained butchers in the shop can tell you the best way to cook every product. They have Y SUPPORT E DL all the best seasonal meat available U and lots of advice and expertise to make sure you get it just right.

and prepared potatoes and rice. It is as fresh as anything you can prepare yourself, but so much easier!

With roast dinners, curries, lasagnes, marinated chicken fillets, chicken goujons and stews ready to just pop into the over, it is a new concept in home cooking.

And this Christmas you can let Barr’s help you put on a festive feast. If you want to cook from scratch, they can source the best quality fresh turkeys and turkey crowns, cocktail sausages, ham and bacon which you can cook yourself at home.

Or, if you have a young family and are strapped

for time, why not pick up a pre-prepared roast dinner? They have turkey rolls you can pop into the oven in a special heat proof bag, peeled potatoes on trays ready for roasting and stuffing just to pop into the oven.

Or, if you really aren’t a masterchef, the butchers at Barr’s can do all the cooking for you. Simply pick up your dinner and heat up at home – leaving you more time to enjoy yourself while still enjoying fresh healthy food.

What a perfect idea for Christmas!

13-15 Ballymoney Street, Ballymena, BT43 6AL T: 028 2565 2380

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WOODGREEN furniture & interiors

Let the team at Woodgreen Furniture help you to achieve your dream of a beautiful home.

At Woodgreen Furniture happiness begins at home.

and

Interiors,

Whether it’s a snuggle on the sofa or laughter around the kitchen table, your home is the heart of the family and Woodgreen Furniture can help you achieve your dreams for home interiors that will make everyone happy.

The stylish and unique range of household furniture and accessories will inspire you to fall in love with your home all over again.

Since 1980 Woodgreen Furniture has built up a fantastic reputation for interior expertise and great customer care.

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Owners of the family business, Ann and Jeffrey Wilson have sourced a range of stunning furniture and accessories from across the world and they can help you bring an uninspiring or outdated room back to life, regardless of your personal tastes or the existing colour palettes or design themes you’re working with.

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In their stylish Broughshane Street showroom you’ll find a selection of beautifully curated furniture that will make a statement in Y SUPPORT E DL your home.

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Whether you are looking for a complete home makeover or simply to refresh your living room with decorative cushions, throws or a designer coffee table, or if you want a beautiful bookcase to update your family dining room or make your bedroom the most decadent and cosy room of the house, the devoted team of interior design experts will help you choose timeless, classic pieces you’ll cherish.

With their help, you will discover a vibrant and varied range of high-end furniture and accessories - which means you will find items that perfectly reflect your own individual style.

The design team are happy to work to any budget to help you create the perfect look and will spend time with you either in the design studio or at your own home so that you can achieve your home interior dreams.

91 - 93 Broughshane Street | Ballymena | BT43 6ED T: 028 2564 6630 | E: info@woodgreenfurniture.com 70

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Stylish kids love the designer clothes at Ballymena’s fashion boutique for children.

Young fashionistas know where to head to source the latest in designer looks.

Marion of Bluebird Boutique.

Finding stylish clothes for your little ones can be tricky but Bluebird Childrenswear Boutique in Broughshane Street stocks an amazing range of fashion forward clothes for children from babies to 14 years old.

With leading designer brands including Billieblush, DKNY, Emile et Rose, Guess Kids, Timberland and Joules, at Bluebird you will find everything you need under one roof.

Owner Marion Reynolds spotted a gap in the market in Ballymena for quality, designer children’s clothes and has built up a range of exclusive brands which her customers love.

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Offering a personal service, Marion knows exactly what her customers UPPOR want and helps parents pick out LY S TE D UD clothes for special occasions and every day wear.

to-please teenagers with a great range of fashionable pieces – and the ever-patient staff are happy to assist. So don’t dread shopping with your fussy teen, Bluebird is here to help!

Marion is so friendly and down

For babywear and presents for new-borns, Bluebird has an amazing range of cute clothing and gifts.

to earth and is a real expert when it comes to children’s fashion and customer service. She treats her customers like friends and enjoys watching her little customers growing up as the seasons change.

At Bluebird, Marion and her staff will help you pick the sizes and styles to suit your little one, meaning that shopping in the boutique is a fun and pleasurable experience.

They know exactly the kind of clothes you are looking for and have years of experience working with kids.

Bluebird is the perfect store to dress your hard-

Coming up to Christmas, Bluebird is the number one place for a picture- perfect festive outfit.

Celebrate the holiday season in style and chose an adorable dress or a cute suit that will make your child feel and look their best.

And don’t forget, Marion runs a Christmas club, so you can spread the cost of this expensive time of year over the months.

Call in today to see the new Christmas stock which is arriving daily.

55 Broughshane Street | Ballymena | BT43 6EB www.bluebirdclothingballymena.com

@bluebirdballymena

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An authentic Italian bistro in the heart of Ballymena When Daryl Adams decided to open a restaurant in Ballymena, he knew exactly what kind of food he was going to serve up.

Daryl, Jakob, Alex and Calum from Gattos.

Inspired by his Italian granny Gina, there was only one option – authentic Italian cuisine using only the freshest and best local produce.

Named in honour of his Italian grandmother Gina Gatto, who was originally from Trieste before she made her home in Broughshane after meeting her husband during the war, Gatto’s is an authentic Italian bistro.

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The chefs, who worked for many years in Italy, make the pasta dishes with fresh pasta which is made in the kitchen following Italian recipes - and the pizza is cooked in an original Italian pizza oven.

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Daryl wanted to bring a taste of the amazing food he grew up eating to a wider audience and at Gatto’s he serves up fresh pizza and pasta - all Y SUPPORT E DL handmade in the restaurant.

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Daryl sourced his pizza oven from Italy to give it a truly authentic taste – and his hard work and attention to detail has paid off.

His deliziosa Italian menu has customers flocking to the Lower Mill Street restaurant where the friendly staff give them a warm welcome.

Locals adore the cuisine which is crafted with Italian family traditions and the restaurant is always buzzing.

There are always special offers available at Gatto’s and the ladies’ night on Thursdays with two cocktails for £10 is proving really popular among local women.

Whether you want to eat in or takeaway, Gatto’s is the perfect choice.

88 Lower Mill Street | Ballymena | BT43 5AF | 028 2565 3444 For takeaways, download the app. @gattosristorante 72

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Excellence in customer service and exclusive brands all under one roof.

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The store stocks an impressive range of ladies’ wear from exclusive international brands including Barbour, Frank Walder, Robell, Gant, Rabe, Taifun, iBlues, Oui, Vetono, and Guess among other stylish brands.

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Now as Manageress of the exclusive Ballymena store, Janice continues to put her customers first and prides herself on helping to make her customers feel and look their best.

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It’s been 44 years since Janice started at McKillens Fashions as a ‘Saturday girl’ and in that time she has seen many changes in retailing and fashion – but the one thing that has never changes at McKillens is the customer led approach and excellence in customer care.

personal welcome they get. We love dressing our customers and helping them pick the perfect outfit. It really is our pleasure.”

Janice Smyth of McKillens.

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For all her working life Janice Smyth has had a passion for fashion and customer service.

There is also a wide range of accessories, bags, scarves and jewellery as well as a range of ladies’ lingerie and shoes – so you can pick a complete outfit from head to toe all under one roof and all with the help of the wonderful, friendly staff who work there.

“It would be fair to say that things have changed dramatically over the years I have worked here,” says Janice about the store that opened in 1926.

“When I first came here, we sold a lot more formal clothing and hats upstairs, with what we called ‘separates’ downstairs. These days our focus is more on stylish, casual clothing. Fashion trends have changed a lot over the years, but we still maintain the same personal service.

“We have been offering personal shopping before it was really a concept,” says Janice.

“We are happy for you to sit back, and we will help you source the perfect outfit that we know will suit you. We are very honest and you can guarantee that we will ensure you leave looking your best. However, some customers prefer to browse on their own and we are more than happy for them to take their time and enjoy shopping alone.”

“Retailing has changed with the internet, and we have moved with the times, but what you will always get in McKillens Fashions is the personal touch. We know what our customers love and they are happy to travel from far and wide to avail of our service.

As well as extensive range of ladies’ wear, McKillens Fashions also stock men’s clothing including fashion from Crew Clothing Company, Joules, Gant and Hunter.

“We have had many customers who have shopped here for years and many more new customers, all of them appreciate the

82 Wellington Street | Ballymena | BT43 6AJ | 028 2565 2151 McKillens Fashions Local Women Magazine

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A family business providing excellent customer service, exclusive brands and caring for its customers’ wellbeing.

Walking through the doors of McKillens Ballymena always sparks happy memories.

Thomas of McKillens.

Perhaps memories of the first tentative steps your children took in their smart new Clarks shoes, which was captured in a now faded photograph – or maybe choosing your own school shoes under the watchful eye of your mum. Getting your feet measured and walking up and down the floor while the assistant ensured that your shoes were perfectly fitted was a rite of passage for many of us as school children.

At McKillens all the staff are properly trained in fitting shoes, and they always have time to spend with you to make sure you are wearing the correct size of footwear.

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Their expertise and years of experience means that no matter what health conditions you may suffer from, they can help you find shoes with maximise comfort that won’t lack anything in style.

Poorly fitted shoes can have massive implications on your overall wellbeing, so at McKillens they take their responsibilities seriously. They regularly fit customers who may need extra support due to hypermobility or suffer from foot conditions like hammer toe, plantar fasciitis, or Morton’s Neuroma to name but a few. They are well experienced in all conditions and are happy to take the time to help you browse through their range of top-quality brands to make sure you are looking after your feet while never compromising on style.

At McKillens customer service is number one. As Managing Director Thomas McKillen says – they are like a big family. The popular town centre department is now into its fourth generation of the family as Thomas’s son Johnnie is also involved in the management of the store and they know most of their customers personally.

They remember their names, their families and their stories and all the staff give every

customer the personal service and attention they deserve. It’s that personal service that means customers are happy to travel to McKillens from across the country.

Thomas says: “Over the years retailing has changed, but here at McKillens we are like a family. That’s something that will never change.

“Our customers will always be treated like family and our customer service will always be excellent.”

In an age of social media and internet shopping, it is lovely to see that McKillens holds a special place in its customers’ hearts for its wonderful service and amazing selection of shoes, accessories and fashion.

78-90 Church Street | Ballymena | BT43 6DF | 028 2565 6169 @McKillensBallymena 74

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Rachel of Fred Funk.

Fashion forward footwear, designer accessories and top fashion brands at the stylish Ballymena independent boutique.

Fred Funk is one of Ballymena’s most popular destination shops.

Customers travel from across the country to visit the shoe store which stocks the best and most fashionable designer footwear, handbags, shoes, accessories and a select range of clothing.

At Fred Funk they have one of the biggest ranges of the most exclusive brands available – and the most up to date styles, arriving daily.

Whether you are looking for fashion trainers, casual boots, dressy shoes for weddings and special occasions or on-trend heels for a night out, Fred Funk has it all.

The bustling shop is always busy with customers snapping up the latest arrivals and the friendly staff can’t do enough to help.

Fred Funk is very active on social media with customers tagging their latest purchases and also trades online and sells across the country.

Stocking brands including Zanni & Co, Guess, Kate Appleby, P.Como, S Oliver and Moda in Pelle, take a step in the direction of Fred Funk.

74 Ballymoney Street | Ballymena | BT43 6AN | 028 2564 0848

www.fredfunk.co.uk

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Support local crafters this Christmas and enjoy the huge range of unique handmade products on offer at Midtown Makers.

In the heart of Ballymena, you’ll find a very special shop that offers something a little bit different – and this Christmas it’s where you will find a unique range of gifts, each made with love and with its own special story.

Jim of Midtown Makers.

Midtown Makers is one of Northern Ireland’s biggest craft and gift shops, hosting handmade items from almost 100 local crafters.

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At Midtown Makers, crafters can display their products for sale, meaning that there is a huge selection of artisan and handmade items all under one roof.

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Midtown Makers Studio & Shop is a Ballymena Business Centre project. Recognising the need to provide SUPPORT NETWORK FOR LOCAL CRAFTERS and a desire to help regenerate Y SUPPORT Ballymena town centre.

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There’s clothing, jewellery, pottery, cards, candles, soaps and lotions and so much more.

Everything is beautifully displayed and curated in the large open plan shop that is a joy to look around.

Manager Jim Stevenson, a former crafter himself, carefully selects the producers who show their work at Midtown Makers and ensures there is a wide range of styles of craft on offer.

Each item has been lovingly produced by a local crafter and many products are exclusively available from Midtown Makers.

The crafters come from a variety of backgrounds; artisan producers, hobby crafters, artists, people with additional needs and talented seamstresses and knitters.

Every crafter has their own individual story, and many are keeping traditions alive as they continue to hand produce items.

There is something special about buying from a crafter at Midtown Makers and knowing that you are supporting local talent from Northern Ireland and not simply buying a mass-produced product.

Pre-covid, midtown makers ran workshops in the studio space and this part of the business is slowly starting to return.

If you are looking for a more sustainable and ethical Christmas shopping experience, you will enjoy a visit to Midtown Makers.

51 - 53 Church Street | Ballymena | BT43 6DF | 028 2568 9430 www.midtownmakers.co.uk 76

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@midtownmakers

@midtownmakers

Libis and Sinead McAllister are working together to keep Ultimate In Fashion fashion-forward Stylish mother and daughter duo Libis and

For decades Libis has been her boutique’s very Sinead McAllister are keeping it in the family own personal shopper, offering advice and and together are bringing a new generation helping ladies find an outfit to suit and flatter. of shoppers to Ballymena boutique Ultimate

Her customers have become like friends and know that Libis will always find the perfect outfit for them. The stylish lady has a great For 40 years Libis has been running Ultimate eye for detail and knows exactly what her In Fashion on Wellington Street which is very customers want. popular with local ladies looking for high quality, fashion forward style coupled with But it’s because of Libis’ willingness to move with the times that has seen her business grow great customer service. and develop.

In Fashion.

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These days Libis’ customer love watching her ‘style up’ videos on her social media channels, and it has added a new dimension to her successful business, particularly during lockdown when it allowed her to stay connected with customers.

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Libis never imagined when she opened her boutique 40 years ago that she would be modelling her clothes online for a new Y SUPPORT generation of social media users.

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And some of the most recent new arrivals have been chosen

by Libis’ daughter Sinead who also has a keen interest in fashion.

Libis says: “I was quite hesitant to film myself for social media at first, but I have to say the customers really seem enjoy it. I’m very honest about the fit of the clothing and how it feels, so they get a good idea of what the piece of clothing is like. It works well.”

During lockdown she launched the Next Generation brand in Ultimate In Style, offering a slightly fresher style for younger customers.

Of coursed nothing beats actually coming into Ultimate In Style for a browse. The bustling shop is full of ladies enjoying a chat as they look at the new arrivals.

With Libis’ years of fashion experience and Sinead’s technical know-how, the pair work well together and are looking forward to keeping the Ultimate In Style brand moving forward.

Sinead sells her range at the boutique but also online on Instagram where she posts videos and pictures of herself wearing the clothes.

13 Wellington Street | Ballymena | BT43 6AB | 028 2564 7271 www.ultimateinfashion.com

@ultimateinfashion

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Leading jeweller and horology expert Stuart Adair is carrying on his family’s tradition of excellence in customer care and expertise in fine jewellery and watches.

This Christmas add a little sparkle with a beautiful gift from Robert Adair Jewellers.

This leading local independent trader offers something truly special with top quality jewellery, watches and diamonds.

Stocking watch brands including Tissot, Bering, Rotary, Caravelle, Max, Mondaine and pre owned Rolex as well as jewellery brands including Thomas Sabo, Ti Sento, Hot Diamonds and Carat of London, you will find a unique gift idea for someone special.

Watch maker Gareth Hanna.

The knowledgeable, friendly staff are happy to help and offer amazing customer service to help make your shopping experience as easy as possible.

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Lynsey, Stuart and Hannah.

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Robert Adair Jewellers has a longstanding reputation for quality and high standards. Now run by the second generation of the family, Stuart Adair, the same excellence in customer care is

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With years of experience, they know exactly what your other half will want for Christmas – so call in and let them help you pick the perfect present.

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at the forefront of the business.

As a graduate of the Irish Institute of Horology and having undertaken additional training in Switzerland, Stuart is one of the country’s leading experts on watches.

At his workshop upstairs he can undertake repairs to timepieces including Rolex watches. His precision and expertise are second to none and his in-house services are in high demand.

Stuart is dedicated to conducting all his repairs to the most exacting standards and he is proud that Robert Adair Jewellers is one of the few remaining jewellers that carries out such work.

All repairs and adjustments, to not only clocks and watches but to jewellery, are carried out in Stuart’s workshop. Anything sold can be lengthened adjusted or sized while the customer waits.

It’s the unique customer care, coupled with quality fine jewellery and unique gift ideas, which means Robert Adair Jewellers dazzles – no matter what time of the year.

47-51 Mill Street | Ballymena | BT43 5AA | 028 2565 6896 Robert Adair Jewellers www.robertadairjewellers.co.uk 78

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JOIN THE FUN AT FAIRHILL There’s so much to look forward to at Fairhill Shopping Centre this Christmas, with festive promotions, pop up shops, kids’ activities and a very special visit from Santa Claus.

Christmas at Fairhill is such an exciting time of the year. When do the festivities begin?

WILL YOU HAVE EXTENDED OPENING HOURS?

We love Christmas at Fairhill, and the festivities began early this year with the Ballymena Discount Day on November 4. The centre offered free car parking that day and free car parking is also available on Thursday and Friday evenings from 6 pm to 9 pm and all day on Sundays.

Yes, Fairhill’s extended opening hours start the week of 13th December with the centre opening to 9pm all week. M&S will extend their opening hours to 10pm on weekdays commencing Wednesday 17th November until Friday 10th December. From 13th December they will be open from 8am to12 midnight and Sunday 19th December from 12 noon to 6 pm. From the 20th December the store will trade 6am to 12 midnight and 6am to 7 pm on Christmas Eve. We will keep our customers informed of the opening hours on social media as well as throughout the centre.

WHAT PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR CHRISTMAS AT FAIRHILL? We have lots planned for the centre this December. Our Christmas decorations are now on display throughout the mall adding the perfect festive feel for your next shopping trip.

Plenty of time to get all your Christmas shopping done!

Of course, you can’t have Christmas without Santa! Every Saturday afternoon in December from 12pm to 4pm Santa will visit Fairhill. This will include lots of activities across the centre including, Ms Claus and storytelling with popcorn, Christmas crafts that will change from week to week including Christmas bauble decorating, decoration making, Advent Calendar making, mask making, keyring making, letter writing to Santa and reindeer food making. There will also be Christmas characters to get your photos taken with along with face painting with glitter tattoos.

All of the activities will be free of charge so be sure to visit the centre. You will be able to,

Amy from Yankee Candle at Fairhill.

ARE THERE ANY NEW STORES TO LOOK OUT FOR? Everyone’s favourite make-up artist LMD will be opening a pop-up store in our mall. LMD Beauty will be in Fairhill from Wednesday 24th November to Friday 24th December.

Lucy Coulter enjoying the Kids Zone.

Molly Rosa, who is a regular at the centre, will be returning this Christmas. They sell unique gifts and accessories, including bags, purses, umbrellas and even face masks. Perfect for Christmas gifts!

WHEN WILL THE SALES BEGIN?

if you wish, make a donation which will go Sales across the centre’s stores will start from towards Aware NI, Fairhill’s chosen charity of 27th December! Nearly all our stores will have some sort of discount. If you keep a close the year. eye on our social media channels, we will be We will also be running a social media keeping our followers updated with all details competition for a chance to win Brunch with and promotions in the centre.

Santa at Starbucks. Breakfast will be provided WHAT PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR along with a drink of choice and a visit from FAIRHILL MOVING INTO 2022?

Santa where each child will receive a selection box and a photo opportunity with the main We are looking forward to a new year! We work man himself. Our followers will be able to closely with our stores, and we think there will enter for a chance to win this festive prize! be a lot to look forward to in 2022. It has to be Eight winners will be chosen every Saturday in mentioned that we are certainly looking forward to having a full trading year with hopefully no December. further Covid disruptions. We hope to welcome Children can post their letters to Santa at our our regular, as well as new, customers to Fairhill, Christmas post box from 1st to 20th December Ballymena. We also wish to re-establish the mall and receive a personalised response. This will activity and the normal events that contributed to the vibrancy of Fairhill pre-Covid. be located at our kid’s area.

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Creative, Professional & Individual Floral Design

Book Your Complimentary Wedding Consultation

124B Upper Lisburn Road,Belfast, BT10 0BD www.fleuriste.co.uk | 028 9060 1616 @fleuristebelfast 80

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@fleuriste_belfast

@fleuriste_bfs

@fleuriste_bfs

55 Broughshane Street | Ballymena | BT43 6EB VISIT US ONLINE - CLICK & COLLECT AVAILABLE

www.bluebirdclothingballymena.com @bluebirdballymena

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A HAVEN OF HAIR At V-Vault in Kilrea, owner and stylist Victoria Lagan makes her clients feel and look like the best version of themselves.

Helping women to feel confident is the thing Victoria Lagan loves most about owning her own salon.

The Kilrea business woman and hairdresser wants her customers to feel as good as she makes them look when they visit her salon V-Vault in Kilrea, and she says she feels a “sense of joy” when a client loves their new hairstyle.

As an expert at cutting, colouring and styling with years of experience and the most up-to-date training, Victoria, 24, makes her clients look their best when they sit in her chair.

But it’s her friendly, trustworthy manner and personal touch that makes her salon a special place and her customers quickly become her friends.

In a world that is hectic and busy, she knows that the few hours that clients spend with her at V-Vault are precious and she aims to make each, and every client feel special.

Visiting V-Vault is a relaxing time when you can leave the stresses of the world behind you – a concept that inspired the name of the salon.

Victoria explains: “I take confidentiality very seriously and I love how my clients feel comfortable to talk to me as a friend and not just their stylist. Hence the name Vault, meaning a safe place. V simply represents Victoria.

V-Vault should be your safe haven.

Tell us what you offer at V-Vault?

I offer an affordable service with a personal touch that makes people feel special and important. I want every client to feel comfortable and welcome in my salon. The idea of the luxury, high end interior was to give my clients a ‘city salon’ experience, on their doorstep. We offer all hair services and home care. This includes all colours, cuts, occasion styling, bridal hair packages and Beautyworks Extensions. We are a L’Oreal Pro salon and use Redken as our aftercare.

What treatments do you enjoy doing most?

How did you cope with lockdown - did it affect your business?

I am a firm believer that in order to be a successful hairdresser you need to invest time and practise into every hair service. I invest the same amount of time and effort into every single service. I love colouring. I enjoy a life changing haircut.

I feel most creative when I am doing occasion styles including waves, curls and up-styles. To be honest, I couldn’t choose which one I prefer to do most.

Lockdown for me was a little different than most hairstylists. I was blessed with a baby boy, in April 2020 so I spent my lockdown learning the ropes of motherhood. (FYI, Still learning something new every day!) I am so grateful for this time off work, and I wouldn’t change one second of it. I felt like I had a break and felt super motivated to return to work with a fresh mindset. Lockdown was very difficult for Northern Ireland’s economy although I feel I have come back stronger.

What are the new trends for winter 2021?

Describe a typical day?

Winter 2021 trends are looking undone to me. The highest fashion designers seem to be imitating relaxed, ‘woke up like this’ hairstyles. This includes a soft wave, maybe a blow dry with slight movement towards the ends. Take a look at Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Balenciaga and Hermes for example.

Models are wearing low buns scraped back as if they have just come out of the shower - I love it! Practical and effortless has now become stylish. Less is more in winter 2021 and hair styles are simple, but effective.

A typical day in the salon starts at 9am. I like to be in for 8.30am to ensure everything is in order for the day ahead. Lights, hot water, WiFi, music and we’re good to go! I usually use this time to grab a cup of tea as lunch time is sometimes forgotten about! I run my day on a back-to-back client basis with a little time between to disinfect each station. By the time I’m finished, Its 5pm home time!

What do you most love about your job?

I love people. I am inspired by people. I thrive off making people feel good in their own skin. I feel a sense of joy when someone is happy with their hair. It’s all about the small wins for me.

What training do you have?

When I was 16, I was accepted for an apprenticeship with a leading Irish salon, Peter Mark. My apprenticeship lasted for three years, and this involved being temporarily based in Dublin, attending courses lasting from one week to eight weeks. In our Ballymena-based salon we did weekly training nights involving live models learning new and up-to-date techniques. This covered everything from colouring, cutting, styling to customer service and professionalism.

I can’t thank the company enough for the experience I gained. I have had opportunities to train from the best stylists in Ireland, including Nadine Quinn, owner of The Space Hair, Soul, Beauty.

What plans do you have for the future of the business?

I see V-Vault expanding in every way. I want to grow my business and be recognised for the quality of my services. I have big plans for the future of V-Vault. I would simply say, stay tuned as big things are coming!

Are there any people who have helped you on your journey to becoming business owner?

I have immense support around me. My mammy is basically my right arm. She is always behind the scenes helping, seeking no thanks. My daddy has inspired me to believe anything is possible if I put my full heart into it. My brother and sister are very supportive, and I can always count on them. My partner Paddy, and his family provide me with never ending support! The list goes on, but I feel like these people deserve a special thanks.

I have invested in private L’Oreal courses since branching out on my own, at the age of 21. This keeps me up to date with new techniques and product knowledge as new products are being developed and changing more than the weather.

OPENING HOURS: Tuesday & Wednesday: 9.00am - 5.00pm | Thursday: 10.00am - 9.00pm | Friday & Saturday: 9.00am - 3.00pm

9 The Diamond | Kilrea | BT51 5QH | T:028 2934 8060 victoria_lagan_hair_v_vault

@vjlhair

“WE WANT WOMEN IN THE DRIVING SEAT!” Foyle Taxi Co is recruiting females to join their workforce and get on the road, with flexible working hours and great job satisfaction.

The taxi industry has long been associated with men, but for 16 years Oonagh Devenney from Derry has worked for Foyle Taxi Co and believes more women should be involved in working in transport.

Many women perhaps have not even considered a career in the taxi industry as an option, but Oonagh says there are so many reasons why women should see the transportation industry as theirs for the taking.

Whether it be providing a necessary service, making more women feel safe in our cities, or the many colorful characters you might meet along the way, Oonagh shares the details of Foyle Taxi Co’s latest campaign to encourage more women to get behind the wheel and be part of the transportation industry.

She says: “Foyle Taxi Co would absolutely love to have more female drivers on our license. That’s why we are launching a new campaign to reach out to females to encourage them into the industry.”

The statistics show that the transport industry still has a male majority and Oonagh, as part of Foyle Taxi Co, wants to see that change.

Antoinette.

“It’s a fact that when you phone your local taxi company to book a taxi, the chances are your driver will be a male driver that you have most likely travelled with before.

“In the transport industry only 14 per cent of workers are women and sadly even less than this are working in the taxi industry.

“Most women start driving as soon as they can, so why so few women choose the transport industry for their career is really unknown.

“Women are too underrepresented in the transport industry. We want to change that!”

Oonagh is passionate about the campaign, and for good reason. Since the pandemic, the taxi industry, like many others, has taken a hit, and trying to get back on track is a struggle. Transport is essential, though, and people need safe travel around our cities.

Oonagh is realistic about the problems which the pandemic caused but says the comeback of the taxi industry is already looking positive.

“Currently the transport industry is at the forefront of the recovery from the Covid pandemic. All eyes are upon us.”

“We know we need to keep investing in the taxi industry, because ultimately people will always need to travel.

“Plus, a diminished taxi sector has major consequences for the recovery of many businesses, in particular, the hospitality industry and the tourism sector. We cannot deliver to these industries without having adequate drivers.

“We are needed by the public, but we need more drivers to go into the industry if we want to deliver the high standard of services that we and our customers have come to expect.”

Not only the public, but other women, in particular, may have hopes that more women will become part of this business as, for many, they might feel safer if they’re getting in a taxi with another woman.

“So many times, we get requests for a female driver and unfortunately it is not always possible to meet that request depending on when you phone,” explains Oonagh.

Rhonda.

Oonagh calls upon more women to enter into an industry that they may never have considered before, when it needs them more than ever.

“With the shortage of available taxis, we now, more than ever, need you, the wonderful women of our city, to ask, ‘How can I help make an impact in this industry?’

“It is simple. Challenge yourself and raise the number of taxis available by joining our work force. Set your own hours, work around your family, and do something for you, today!”

While making more taxis and safe transport available to the public is a worthy cause, Oonagh adds that it is a job which women will enjoy if they give it a go.

“It is such a flexible job that affords women greater independence and a better work life balance. You decide which hours to work. There are no set hours, and completely open shifts. will support you through the process.

“It’s a rewarding job because you’re providing a service to the public, but it’s rewarding for yourself, too.”

There are currently training courses running which they will help you register for, and they offer packages to help with car ownership and insurance once you do qualify as a taxi driver.

She adds, with a laugh, “You’re probably an unpaid taxi driver for your family anyway, so why not make it your career?”

“We are always on the lookout for new drivers, and we do everything possible to guide someone genuinely interested in driving for a living by helping them every step of the way.

Oonagh talks about the technicalities of joining the job: “We have various flexible roles for women in our business.

“From our in-office telephone exchange, the hub of our business, where jobs are processed and dispatched, to being on the road traveling in a taxi with the driver, assisting children who need a little extra help and supervision when traveling.

“If you love driving and have a good work ethic, we will register you on a course that’s run right here in the city to get you trained up to sit the theory test.

“Of course, our main focus at the current time is offering supported training to get women on the road working independently when it suits them and their family life.”

“When it comes to getting a car on the road, we can help with that, too. We have various packages available, so don’t worry if you don’t currently own a car. We will work out a package that is right for you.”

This is not just work you can do as a woman, but it is a job that works for you. With support to get started, shifts that suit you, and the chance to provide a service of safe transport to the public, what’s not to love?

With so many reasons to get started, and so much support along the way, it seems certain that Foyle Taxi Co’s campaign will get so many more women behind the wheel of their taxis.

To get started there are some things you will need.

You have to have held a full Category B (car) driving license for at least three years, pass a taxi driver theory test and a taxi driver practical test, be of good repute, take a medical test, and have a right to work in Northern Ireland.

“Our dedicated management team are willing and able to help you,” Oonagh adds, and any questions can be answered by emailing admin@foyletaxico.com who are always around to give advice.

Foyle Taxi Co won’t let you do it all alone, though. They

SCAN THIS QR CODE FOR A DIRECT LINK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOYLE TAXI CO APP

Tracey.

She offers some encouragement for any women who want to take the challenge of changing the taxi industry from within: “Take the first step today.”

IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR...

Christmas doesn’t get any bigger than this year in Derry/Londonderry, just ask the Big Man himself!

For rest assured it’ll be the ‘real’ Father Christmas who switches on the lights on November 21, as he and his mischievous elves take a night off for their starring role at the North West’s festive event of the year.

After last year’s lockdown, traders are determined that nothing will water down the seasonal spirit in 2021, with bottomless glasses of festive cheer guaranteed on tap throughout.

Forget Brexit and supply chain worries, local traders are braced for a bumper Christmas with all the bells, whistles – and baubles – to boot.

For when it comes to shopping, Derry/ Londonderry is the North West’s premier destination with road and rail links making it an easy reach from across Northern Ireland and even into Donegal where a strong Euro is delivering an extra bang for your buck right now.

But even if you’re not spending converted Euros look out for some cracking Christmas deals with many traders offering special deals on the back of the Shop Local voucher scheme so your £100 goes even further.

not fall into bed in one of the city’s many B&Bs or hotels, again catering for every budget and offering some unbeatable festive and New Year deals.

You’ll be assured of a good night’s sleep so you’re ready for another day’s shopping in Strabane.

Set on the east bank of the River Foyle it’s roughly midway from Omagh, Derry/Londonderry and Letterkenny so it’s ideally placed as a base if you’re making a weekend of it in the North West.

from chain store and more traditional department stores to independent From November 20, the town will be boutiques offering those unique pressie transformed by its Christmas lights with local people and visitors invited to watch ideas you just can’t find anywhere else. the big switch on from the streets this year, While in a city renowned for its art and unlike last year’s virtual event.

Maybe that’s why Santa and his crew are culture, Derry/Londonderry is brimming flying in for some early retail therapy and with artisan craft and gift shops - one-off And also unlike 2020, traders are expecting they won’t be disappointed as the city’s and bespoke pictures, jewellery, ceramics, a hectic run up to December 25, as stocked with gift ideas to meet even the candles, knitwear, household linens, shoppers enjoy the festive cheer and buzz most demanding Christmas wish lists. of the thriving market town. fabrics, yarns, you name it.

Whether it’s national chain store names Whether you’re looking for quality produce you’re after or something more exclusive, Lovers of the past won’t be disappointed either. Not only is the Craft Village like a for family and friends at your festive dinner Derry/Londonderry will deliver. scene from a Dickens’ Christmas, there’s table or tracking down a fine wine to go From the beautifully decorated shop also a range of retro interiors shops to give with the rich food, you’ll find it here. windows which transforming the city centre your home that vintage vibe so you have a While tracking down fashion for those into a winter wonderland, to the streets cool Yule this year. special events is no problem with a range twinkling with fairy lights and decorations, of locally-owned independent fashion and With so much on offer you need to give this promises to be Derry/Londonderry’s yourself at least a day if not a weekend foot wear boutiques sitting beside more best Christmas yet. to enjoy it and leave time for refuelling familiar high street chain store names and For the focussed shopper who does their in some of the city’s endless dining and with ranges to suit all tastes and budgets from the dreaded Christmas jumper to shopping in a single hit, there are the drinking options. something altogether more sophisticated. shopping centres offering one-stopping under a single roof – complete with on-site Whether it’s Vietnamse, Lebanese, street But remember, the devil’s in the detail parking, so you needn’t worry about the food or fine dining, you can be assured of so don’t neglect that Christmas coiffure some of the best eating out experiences in winter weather. at the hairdressers and treat yourself to Ireland thanks to award-winning chefs and a facial and manicure while you’re at it For the exhaustive shopper who likes to top local ingredients.

– there are plenty of options to choose think they’ve seen everything on offer before deciding, a flurry or two of snow is With everything from craft beers to a from in Strabane. nothing to be sneezed, transforming the quick cuppa on offer, take your pick Christmas only happens once a year so go city’s historic streets and alleyways into from a Michelin ranked restaurant to a on, enjoy yourself. Set the sat-nav for Derry/ coffee kiosk.

Christmas card scenes.

Londonderry and Strabane and have Those shoppers will find everything And when you think you’ve done it all, why yourself a cracker!

All About The Customer Experience at Maydown Farm Located on the Clooney Road just a few minutes’ drive outside Derry City, the Maydown Farm Shop is a unique stop-off on the Causeway Coastal Route.

Run by Kathy Craig, Maydown Farm Shop has been among the many fantastic businesses on our doorstep that have been promoted as part of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Small Spend, Giant Difference campaign. This initiative was created to encourage people to support local businesses in any way they can, and that no amount spent is too little.

The country shop is also a member of LegenDerry Food, the city and district’s food brand which incorporates food producers, restaurants, and experiences, all of which champion the promotion and use of local produce.

The shop’s delicious potatoes are grown and dug a stone’s throw away, so it fits the brand nicely. But the noble spud is far from the only food stocked here. So, what else can we find on the shelves?

“Let’s see… we have chutneys, jams, beetroots, honey, eggs, all types of fruit and veg, chorizo, bacon and plenty more,” Kathy explained. “On top of that, a fishmonger (Something Fishy) travels here all the way from Portavogie every Friday, stocking fresh, top-quality seafood. So, if it’s salmon, lobster, or shrimp you’re into, Friday is the day to visit. The most important thing for me, however, is the fact that all my products are locally sourced from north and south of the border. I love helping other small businesses as best I can. In fact, my brother is a farmer and helps grow the potatoes just around the corner.”

Despite the considerable selection of locally produced goods available, potatoes are the shop’s lifeblood. As Kathy reminisces, the growing and digging of potatoes has been in the family since she was a child. “We used to grow our own potatoes, and one day mum decided to start selling them to local people. I started helping out with the spuds quite a bit as I got older, particularly in my teenage years.”

Kathy worked as a catering manager for a lengthy period, but over time she became fed up, and harboured a longing to go back to what she knew best. The Maydown Farm Shop was up and running in no time. “I wanted to start afresh, and I knew the spud business like the back of my hand. I was also intrigued by the community element of it all, and soon the shop

your small spend makes a

GIANT

difference

was going from strength to strength. I also have two members of staff to help through these busy times.”

In terms of what flies off the shelves, you can probably guess without too much effort what the most popular item is: “our potatoes are big sellers! I had to close the shop earlier than anticipated in February as I ran out.

People are also keen to snap up the Sunday dinner foods, such as bacon, cabbage, and other types of vegetable – plenty of staple foods. Our selection of fresh breads, apple pies and other baked products also go quickly. One thing you won’t find here, however, is tinned foods. It’s a fruit and veg shop to me, but if you’re on the hunt for baked beans here you’ll be out of luck!”

One topic that can’t be ignored is, of course, COVID-19.

Unlike many businesses who suffered drastically because of the pandemic, Kathy admits she was fortunate to be kept extremely busy throughout the past year.

She said: “By the time restrictions first kicked in I had closed up for spring, but I am an essential small retailer so was okay to reopen as normal in June last year. I was lucky in a way because as well as my regular customers, I was attracting many more visitors who may not have been keen to visit the larger shops and supermarkets during lockdown. My shop is small, and with a restricted capacity I had queues out the door many times, and I was just so glad to be able to serve so many people. I don’t offer a delivery service, but for regulars who asked I was happy to drop off bits and bobs to homes around the local community.”

‘Community’ is a word Kathy uses very often when discussing her shop, and she is keen to stress how much of a welcoming atmosphere she tries to create for every customer who walks through the door. “I love having a chat and a laugh with everyone who comes in. I get lots of older customers, and some can come in for a bag of spuds and end up staying for half an hour! It’s about making the experience the best it can possibly be.”

To find out more about supporting local businesses, visit https://shoplocalderrystrabane.com.

Christmas at Foyleside Shopping Centre With so many top stores under one roof and friendly, helpful staff, Foyleside Shopping Centre is the perfect destination to get into the Christmas spirit.

There’s nothing like a visit to Foyleside Shopping Centre to get you in the mood for Christmas.

Situated in the heart of Derry, Foyleside comes alive at Christmas and becomes a winter wonderland packed full of great shops and seasonal pop-up stores.

It really is a shoppers’ paradise, and the wide range of shops cater for every member of the family. From fashion to perfume, to jewellery and electricals, you will be spoilt for choice.

With plenty of parking, top high street retailers and local traders , Foyleside is a one stop destination for all your Christmas shopping needs.

So, get shopping early this year - there are plenty of great gifts available in the centre and the friendly staff can’t wait to serve you.

You can even pick up your new Christmas outfit in the centre, as well as all your wrapping paper and cards – it’s a no hassle festive experience.

We took a little trip to Foyleside to meet with the friendly staff who were getting ready for the Christmas rush.

SARA MCFARLAND AT YANKEE CANDLE

At Foyleside they have Christmas all wrapped up for you. This is only a small selection of what’s on offer, so step into Christmas right now!

Thereʼs nothing like a scented candle to make your home small inviting. At Yankee Candle, they have been selling out of gorgeous advent calendars which make the perfect pre-Christmas treat for a loved one, as well as the popular gift sets which are a great value festive gift idea.

AMBER ROBINS AT BPERFECT Teenagers can be so hard to buy for – but look no further than Bperfect. Northern Irelandʼs homegrown makeup brand has so many great ideas for Christmas with makeup palettes and hair styling products from the Voduz range.

BETH MCCONOMY AT CLAIREʼS

SIUN CRUMLEY AT SMIGGLE

Itʼs a winter wonderland at Claireʼs where we found some great gifts including bags, scarves, hats and accessories, perfect for teens.

Little ones just love the colourful bags and accessories at Smiggle where the backpacks make a great gift for boys and girls.

EVELYN BROLLY AT SC BEAUTY Perfume and aftershave make great presents and at SC Beauty they have all the top brands and giftsets. Pop in and the helpful staff will find the perfect scent for your loved one. There are also great gift ideas like candles, oil burners and diffusers.

CLAIRE MCLAUGHLIN AT UBERPHONE

KIERAN MCLAUGHLIN AT THE CARD FACTORY

A case for your mobile is the perfect stocking filler and at Uberfone, youʼll be spoilt for choice with cases for all models and makes stocked.

Wrapping can often be a hassle. At the Card Factory thereʼs an amazing array of bags and paper to take the stress out of wrapping.

£100

HIGH STREET VOUCHER

£110 FOYLESIDE GIFT CARD

GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE LATE NIGHT SHOPPING

OUR NEW WEBSITE IS NOW LIVE

www.esquireformalwear.com 58-60 Spencer Road, L’Derry, BT47 6AA Telephone 028 7134 4740 | www.esquireformalwear.com EsquireWeddingHire

esquireformalwear

theemp1

Filtered Aesthetics is a medical aesthetics clinic in Derry/ Londonderry established in 2018.

The clinic provides medical grade treatments with a comfortable and friendly atmosphere.

We have three female clinicians who are fully medically and aesthetically trained and pride themselves on holistic care for their patients whilst attaining the best possible results. We provide the most up to date treatments and pride ourselves on our constant learning to ensure safety of our clients.

• Anti-wrinkle injections

BEFORE Non Surgical PDO

• Advanced treatment for excess sweating BEFORE Dermal Fillers

• Dermal Fillers (Lip augmentation)

AFTER Dermal Fillers

AFTER Non Surgical PDO

• Non surgical PDO threading for jaw, eyes & cheek lifts - jaw augmentation • FREE Facial Assessment Consultations Medical Weight Loss clinics

• Advanced Dermal Filler (tear troughs, cheeks, etc)

• Sunekos

• Non surgical Liquid Rhinoplasty BEFORE Non surgical Liquid Rhinoplasty

• Mirconeedling • Deso Face & Body (fat dissolving) • PRP (Platlet rich plasma) AFTER Non surgical Liquid Rhinoplasty

• Dermplaning & Deluxe Dermaplaning • Vitamin Injections & Infusions • Zeus for skin tag or wart removal • Aesthetic Procedure Corrective Work All treatments/procedures carried out by fully qualified adult nurses with advanced aesthetic qualifications and registered with NMC, BACN & ACE World regulating bodies to ensure safety and best practice.

TO BOOK VIA PHONE: Call 07852448787

TO BOOK ONLINE: www.filtered-skin.com Simone Louise Ferguson

FOR MORE INFO: larry@filteredaesthetics.com

aestheticsfiltered

AT KULAR FASHION As you know, at Kular Fashion we believe that a bag is much more than just an accessory – handbags make a personal-style statement. And, no other brand of bags The Spencer collection is comprised of affords the opportunity to express personal style quite like simple yet luxe accessories. The Spencer Dome Crossbody is crafted from a durable Kate Spade New York.

Saffiano leather, meaning it will keep its sleek Since the brand first launched in 1993, Kate Spade New appearance. Kate Spade have ensured that York have sought to design fashionable, utilitarian bags this beautiful piece is just as functional with a that will take you from day to night. At Kular Fashion, spacious interior compartment. We love the croc-embossed we are delighted to introduce the handbag collection in style in grenache! its entirety. This collection sits beautifully alongside our For those who like to keep their finances in check, the range of Michael Kors and COACH. Spencer collection includes a range of purses and wallets.

For this month’s column we are The Kate Spade New York Spencer Bifold Wallet taking a closer look at our carefully may look petite, but it packs a punch. Featuring curated collections of lively, luxe 12 card slots, 4 slip pockets, an I.D. window handbags and purses from Kate and exterior zipper pocket, this wallet will Spade New York. ensure you are organised.

The Spencer Collection

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The Spade Flower Jacquard Collection The instantly recognisable Spade Flower design is synonymous with Kate Spade New York. Whilst the Spade logo is integrated into each design, this range is a celebration of the signature heritage and branding. Coming in a selection of styles for each occasion, the Spade Flower range is crafted from the finest jacquard for a truly luxurious finish.

The Everything Large Tote is perfect for those on-the-go. The name speaks for itself; it will hold just about everything, including your 13” laptop, making it the ideal companion for work and travel. Furthermore, this functional accessory features a detachable wristlet pouch, which is perfect for storing cosmetics or important documentation.

JACQUARD COLLECTION Another staple style from the Spade Flower Jacquard collection is the camera bag. This medium-sized bag offers versatility - it features an adjustable strap meaning it can be worn as a crossbody or a clutch.

We think this style is a must-have!

Just need the bare necessities? Kate Spade New York offer a range of wristlet pouches which are perfect for storing cash, cards, a phone, keys and even a little space for your favourite lippy.

Extraordinary for the Everyday Kate Spade New York seek to design extraordinary accessories for the everyday, and they certainly have with the Rubix Colourblocked Medium Crossbody. This playful, rubix-inspired bag is crafted from a soft Nappa leather.

This standout piece features a top handle as well as an optional crossbody strap.

This style is a favourite at Kular Fashion.

The Smile Collection Add a touch of 90s nostalgia to your look with the Smile Shoulder Bag. This smile-shaped shoulder bag features a zip-top closure along with interior card slots. This bag instantly makes us happier.

Find our range of Kate Spade New York on Level 2 Shop online 24/7 at kularfashion.com Ferryquay Street | Derry~Londonderry | 028 7126 1326 kularfashion

kularfashion

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Hillsborough Castle and Gardens Co. Down

Get lost in

a natural

Great

Value Short

wonderland

Breaks

from £75pps* Donna Fox Tour Co. Armagh

Mount Ida Pottery Co. Down

Killeavy Castle Co. Armagh

Hillsborough Castle & Gardens

Killeavy Castle Estate

You never know who you might bump into at Hillsborough Castle & Gardens, the official residence of the Royal Family when they visit Northern Ireland. Immerse yourself in the history of this Georgian castle as you explore everywhere from the Throne Room to the State Dining Room. Afterwards, you can contemplate, socialise and seek inspiration in the stunning stately grounds.

At the foot of Slieve Gullion, you’ll find the stunning Killeavy Castle Estate. This grade A listed castle offers a variety of unique experiences. The hotel is a beautiful marriage of old and new. The original mill and coach house have been wonderfully reimagined to create a 45-room boutique contemporary hotel with a fine dining restaurant, bar, spa and meeting facilities. For that special occasion, you can go all out and book the exclusive use of Killeavy Castle itself with its 4 bedrooms, dining and drawing rooms plus library and lounge. A truly unique and wonderful experience for up to 8 guests.

Mount Ida Pottery Get hands on with Mount Ida Pottery, a family-run ceramics school in Banbridge, Co. Down. Suitable for all levels, you can learn the ins and outs of working with ceramics from the resident owner and artist, Trevor Woods. Trevor and his team offer group bookings, and will cater the class to your needs. Prebook in advance and get ready to clay the day away!

St. Patrick’s Camino Walk and Lunch Pack in a full day exploring St. Patrick’s Way on The Pilgrim’s Walk.

Your guide will lead you in St. Patrick’s footsteps, around the medieval town of Downpatrick, to the first healing wells in Ireland, and up to the world’s largest monument to St. Patrick. Lunch, and stunning panoramic views, provided!

Armagh Georgian Weekend Enjoy the city’s delightful Georgian splendours with some added festive sparkle at the Georgian Armagh Christmas Weekend.

Taking in the city’s architecture, history and heritage this celebration of Armagh’s Georgian past has something for everyone, including wondrous festival lights, horse and carriage rides and guided tours from local historical experts.

Donna Fox Tours There’s nothing quite like discovering a place through its people.

With a witty and inquisitive, personal guide, offering everything from Georgian walking tours to uncovering hidden gems of Armagh City, the award-winning Donna Fox Tours has you covered.

Book your next giant adventure at discovernorthernireland.com

discovernorthernireland.com

* Based on 4* Hotel for 1 night B&B, two persons sharing. Prices and information correct at time of going to print.

Travel advice and guidelines apply. Visit nidirect.gov.uk. Check ahead with providers.

60 wax melts fragrances.

Great selection of room sprays, carpet fresheners & mop shots.

Kids bath time fun; baff slime, bath playdoh, body wash pens & toy bathbombs.

Large selection of bathbombs; designer inspired, fun designs, hidden surprises.

Spoilt for choice with our range of soap sponges, paper soap, soap massage bars, soap flowers and artisan olive oil soap.

Car diffusers

Variety of tealight wax burners and electric aroma lamps.

Gift boxes available.

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Invest in your skin Aesthetics and dermatology specialist Dr Andrew Mottram joins The Skin Clinic at Galgorm for all your skincare needs.

INTRODUCING DR ANDREW MOTTRAM I have been working as doctor for the last 19 years after graduating from Queen’s University Belfast back in 2002. I actually developed a love for dermatology and everything skin related exactly 20 years ago when first traveled to Australia as a final year medical student for a three-month elective in Dermatology. This really inspired me to keep dermatology as a special interest.

After graduation I spent seven years training in many different specialties such as General Medicine, Surgery, Aesthetics and Intensive Care, Cardiology, Accident and Emergency, Paediatrics, Obs & Gynae before completing my training as a General Practitioner in 2009.

Given my experience and training I have been able to provide regular skin clinics and minor surgery clinics while working locally as a GP since 2009.

In 2013 I was given the opportunity to follow my dreams and move to Australia where I spent three years training and performing skin cancer surgery. It was also here that I developed my love for Aesthetic medicine. I travelled to Melbourne to begin studying with the world leading experts from the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine. During this period, I gained a certificate and later completed a post graduate diploma in Aesthetic Medicine.

Home sickness brought us back from our Australian dreams, however we are delighted to be back in sunny Northern Ireland, and I am tremendously excited to bring all my training and skills to the wonderful Galgorm.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BEGIN CAREER IN AESTHETICS? I always loved dermatology and during my time performing skin cancer surgery I really wanted to know more about how I could improve people’s post operative scarring, severe acne scarring and pigmentation. I had some experience of lasers on various attachments in dermatology, but I really wanted to jump into this and get more experience and training.

A wonderful colleague had told me about a course in Melbourne where you spend weeklong sessions alongside the world’s leading experts getting hands on experience with all the latest lasers, IPL machines and begin to study everything aesthetic related.

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WHAT IS MY AREA OF SPECIALISATION? I am an Aesthetic Physician and a (GPES) GP with enhanced skills in Dermatology & Dermatosurgery (Skin Surgery).

Alongside working in my Aesthetic clinic, I currently work for the NHS as a GPES in Dermatology

&

Dermatosurgery

(Skin

Surgery) and as an Urgent Care Doctor providing Out of Hours care.

With 12 years’ experience performing minor

surgery

and

joint

injections

combined with 3 years performing skin cancer surgery I am delighted to offer mole checks/ skin cancer assessments (using

a

dermatoscope)

and

a

full

range of minor surgery procedures from Skin

Biopsies,

Mole/Lump/Cyst/Lipoma

removals, down to Skin Tags, Age Spots, Thread Veins, Warts and Verrucas. Even in-growing toenail surgical treatment and cautery for nosebleeds.

My advice to anyone who is considering any

you added years without the need for a facelift. It

aesthetic treatment is to protect your investment

has also become very popular for younger patients

in your skin with a good SPF cream.

looking for that well defined jawline.

Regarding

anti-wrinkle

injections

these

are

Alongside all of this I am delighted to

prescription only medications and therefore we

provide the full range of joint and soft

are not permitted to advertise them by name. I

tissue injections from Frozen Shoulder to

have extensive experience in treating all areas

Tennis/Golfer’s elbow, Carpal Tunnel, Wrist,

from basic to advanced level injections using a

Thumb, Trigger fingers, Hip bursitis, Knee,

variety of the most popular brands.

Achilles’ tendonitis, Morton’s neuromas of toes and Plantar Fasciitis.

Regarding fillers I have extensive experience using and training with the Juvederm range and more

3.

Scar reduction: Post acne scar reduction.

This will often involve a specific regimen of

prescription

medication,

Microdermabrasions,

Peels, Dermapen Micro-needling with PRP, LED light therapy & more.

I have also done a lot of work on post traumatic scars

and

post-surgical

scars.

Dermapen

Microneedling with PRP (platelet rich plasma)

My GPES role in Dermatology and my

recently the Teoxane and Belotero range. I have

experience in the specialty of Aesthetic

been really impressed with the performance of

Medicine

provide

the new Teoxane RHA (resilient) range which is

assessment and treatment of many of

designed to move naturally with your face and

the common Dermatology problems

not remain static. I am also a big fan of Teoxane

faced by so many. Some of the most

Redensity 2 filler which is specifically designed and

commonly treated problems include

licensed for the tear trough (under eye) area and

acne,

contains 14 natural essential nutrients designed to

feeling of job satisfaction.

help dark eye circles. I may change and try new

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO CONSIDER BEFORE GETTING INJECTABLES?

enables

rosacea,

me

to

eczema,

psoriasis,

pigmentation and scar reduction.

Treatments

may

medications,

involve

prescription

microdermoabrasión,

peels, LED light therapy, microneedling, cryotherapy, electrosurgery and many more to come…

WHAT PRODUCTS DO YOU USE AND WHY? I feel it is important as an experienced injector to have experience in using a variety of different products.

I worked with Image Skin Care in Australia and was very impressed. They have a great range whether it is for acne, for excessive pigment or anti-ageing.

I really love their new plant stem cell “Max” collection and their Image MD Doctor only range.

I personally love their SPF range of sunscreen (arguably the most important cream in my opinion).

There is no thick white film, it absorbs quickly and smells fantastic. When you buy a product, and it smells great it releases endorphins and feel-good factor which can start your day off well.

fillers on occasions, but I will only use smooth highquality fillers manufactured with robust traceability.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE TREATMENT TO PERFORM? I love a challenge and I love helping solve a problem which has truly bothered a person for a long time.

My top 3 favourite treatments would be:

1.

Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty (nose job): This really is a very satisfying treatment to perform. Often

people have been putting this off for years. I get a

can give absolutely amazing results similar to laser resurfacing with very little down time. I also use kenalog injections to greatly improve even the most problematic of keloid scarring.

Seeing a person’s confidence being restored after effective scar treatment gives a real

The most important advice when considering getting injectables would be to choose your injector wisely. Definitely chose an injector from a doctor/nursing background.

These are medical procedures on your face. Even the most experienced doctors and injectors in the world may encounter a very rare complication. The secret is knowing how to recognise a complication and treating any issue early to prevent you coming

lot of Brides & now more frequently Grooms asking

to any harm.

for this treatment. It can easily be done using a

I usually advise 1st time clients that it should be a

combination of Botox, Fillers or even PDO threads.

It avoids any surgical procedure and has very little down time.

PDO threads technique being the

journey with your injector not a one off inject and go. You want to gradually replace the volume loss and slow down the effects of the ageing process.

longest lasting at 18-24 months.

Too much too quickly can look unnatural and can

2.

be riskier. Saying that our dermal filler treatments

PDO 3D Cog mini facelift: This is a fantastic treatment for those with a degree of

heaviness especially on the jowls. It is not suitable for everyone and is not a full facelift but can buy

can give wonderful instant results, but slow and steady progress wins the race over time.

For more information visit galgorm.com Local Women Magazine

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Joanna Denton

Should you care about negative feedback?

Business coach and Local Women columnist Joanna Denton helps one local blogger work out whether she should listen to negativity – or simply keep on moving forward.

Dear Joanna, I have wanted to start blogging for a while now, and about six weeks ago I finally bit the bullet and started to hit publish, posting to my blog each week as well as Facebook and Insta. I was so proud of myself for doing this, but the feedback has been mixed.

Some people have told me that the blogs are great, but others seem to be hating on me, writing that I am talking rubbish, or that the posts are just theory but have no grasp on the real world.

I am getting really disheartened – it took so much for me to put my ideas out there, but if I am going to get awful feedback I don’t know if it’s worth it.

like. It doesn’t talk to the quality of the work itself.

As an example - listen to some of the comments from the judges on Strictly (spot my Saturday night entertainment). Craig will be there telling the celebrity that their performance was a bit stompy, or that their head was in the wrong position, or that it wasn’t believable – Motsi will look at him with her big eyes and say, “what dance were you watching?” and turn to the same celebrity and tell them they were fabulous.

The steps that follow are about letting you take a step back to assess what feedback to take into account, and what to do about it.

STEP 1: WHAT FEEDBACK ARE YOU GETTING, AND DO YOU CARE ABOUT IT?

What advice do you have for me?

Take a look at the feedback, and think through these questions:

Rachel

•

Dear Rachel, Congratulations for launching your blog! It sounds like it took you a while to build up to doing this, and this is a great achievement!

Thank you for telling me about the feedback.

It takes courage to admit that some of the feedback has been negative – and I know how much that sucks, to put such an effort into writing something you are proud of for it to be shot down in flames.

Let’s talk about how to deal with that feedback, and if necessary, turn it into something to help you move onwards and upwards. As soon as you begin to put ideas out in the world, folk will have something to say about it. The key to dealing with the feedback is to decide which of it is relevant, and which to just ignore.

As a starting point I want you to think of feedback like this: feedback is simply information that tells us what the person feeding back likes or doesn’t

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Local Women Magazine

•

Who is giving the feedback? Are they people whose feedback is important (like potential clients, stakeholders, bosses or audience members)? Or are they random people that don’t even put their name to the comments?

If the feedback is from people whose feedback is important - What does the feedback tell you about what is important to them? Are these priorities you can do something about?

•

What does the feedback tell you about assumptions you have been making?

•

What is the positive feedback telling you to keep on doing?

•

What feedback do you want to do something about? What feedback do you want to put to one side?

STEP 2 - USE THE FEEDBACK TO IMPROVE THINGS Where the feedback is from people whose opinion matters to you, it gives you some potential areas to look at and translate into action.

For example, you get feedback that your blog post is too theoretical and not tangible enough - here are some questions you might ask yourself: •

What does more “tangible” mean? How will you know that it is more tangible?

•

What exercises have you already done with clients that have been successful?

•

What were the learning point from these exercises?

•

What examples can you include in your blogs?

•

How can you get out of your head and into these concrete steps or points?

Similarly for the positive feedback – what does it tell you to continue doing?

STEP 3 - CREATE YOUR ACTION PLAN Finally let’s take these elements and turn them into action to move forward.

• What insights do you have about the blog post now that you have worked through the various questions?

• How do you feel about the blog post and the feedback now?

• What do you want to do to move forward?

I hope all this has been helpful. Whatever you do, do not stop blogging. Get your ideas into the world; we need to hear them.

Sending love for now,

JD Speaking and Strategy Ltd River House | 48-60 High Street | Belfast | BT1 2BE T: +44 (0)7795085297 |E: joanna@joannadenton.com For further information check out

www.joannadenton.com

WOMEN IN STEM with Sapphire Duffy

Industry leader and role model Sapphire Duffy, 26, from Ballymena joins Local Women as a columnist to highlight the need for more young women to follow in her footsteps and pursue a career in Tech.

‘MIND THE GAP!’ This month, I am going to discuss the importance of diversity in STEM and why it matters. One of the obvious reasons is to close the gender gap!

Gender equality is still an issue in the workforce, especially in the tech industry.

Women are underrepresented at the workplace and the gender gap is still huge even though more women are in C-suite positions. Companies need to keep investing in diversity and inclusion, campaigns and support can’t just be a one-time thing, they need to continue to review, develop and maintain.

Before I go into why it is important to have diversity in tech, I want to highlight why there is a lack of women in tech. There are several reasons for it and one of them is that there is no support or role models for young people in education. According to CCEA Research & Statistics report (2019) “Why don’t more young women study computing”, Stereotypes is the top reason why there is low participation of women in tech. The image that some people think of individuals in this field are nerdy, awkward males who lack interpersonal skills. As a result of this stereotyping, it can lead to computer anxiety that women may develop. Lastly, computer anxiety cause women to experience self-efficacy believing that

they don’t have the natural ability in maledominated disciplines.

We need to support, showcase and empower women in tech! Why? I’ll explain below:

TO BUILD THE RIGHT PRODUCTS FOR EVERYONE Despite women making up half of the population, the truth is, women’s needs are rarely being taken into account. The world’s been primarily designed by men for men.

We need tech for women, by women and if women are not in technology, then we are not representing their needs.

If there is a diverse team and their voices and input are listened to, then the team will build a product that serves many people.

Men and women think differently and see things from a different perspective, and this then means better problem-solving.

Below are some examples in the past where products have been built by nondiverse teams: •

Apple’s credit card, a scandal a few years ago when the algorithm used to set credit limits discriminated against women.

•

Google Home is 70% more likely to recognise male speech. It is trained on large databases of voice recordings and is dominated by male voices. A similar trend happened when Apple’s Siri first launched.

•

Women are more likely to get workrelated injuries. An example of this would be the police bulletproof vests.

Most personal protective equipment is developed for an average male.

•

Women have a 47% higher risk of serious injury and a 17% higher risk of death than men in a car crash. This is because safety test dummies represent an average male.

A book that I recommend reading is Invisible Women, this book is about gender data and provides a catalogue of facts and figures that document persistent gender inequalities in society. It is an eye-opener!

WE NEED MORE ROLE MODELS We need more women in leadership positions to encourage and inspire the next generation of women to pursue careers in technology. According to a recent study by diverstyandinclusion.com, the two biggest

barriers for women in tech are a lack of mentors (48%) and role models (42%). When women have little support it can impact gender and diversity within companies and cause uncertainty for people wanting to enter it.

The tech sector will continue to create more jobs as it will be more available in more aspects of everyday life. By encouraging more women to see a future for themselves in tech we need to have women leaders to show them and have more visibility for women who break the glass ceiling and more men to advocate for them.

It is great to see that many companies across the world are focusing on diversity and inclusion and hiring specialists in to help with this. However, there is still a long way to go! Next month I will discuss benefits of having a career in tech!

EXCITING NEWS TO COME!

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TIME, TIDE – AND TINSEL – WAIT FOR NO MAN (OR LOCAL WOMAN) AND THIS YEAR’S NO EXCEPTION!

Right now though there’s never been a better time to hit the high street as the fairy lights go on across the Causeway Coast and Glens.

With Spend Local vouchers and festive cheer in equal abundance this is the perfect spot for all your Christmas shopping and retailers are braced for a bumper year.

Offering every kind of buying experience from retail parks and shopping centres to exclusive boutiques, markets and artisan outlets, the area is just bursting with Christmas gift ideas to suit every taste and budget you can think of – and even some you hadn’t!

From family-owned department stores bringing that unique personal touch to shopping to national and international chain stores you’re sure to find something special.

And when the shopping’s done there’s plenty of scope too to revive, refuel and re-hydrate in the area’s enviable menu of cafes, restaurants, hotel, bars and street food catering for any palette and purse and serving up the finest in locally-sourced ingredients whether you’re hungry for fine dining or just want a quick pit stop.

From the oldest licensed whiskey distillery to new artisan producers, there’s a lot going on in the Causeway Coast and Glens’ food and drink scene, thanks to talented chefs and the finest ingredients.

Why not even make a weekend of it and pace yourself so you can take in the whole of this beautiful area, one of Northern Ireland’s top holiday destinations.

Treat yourself – become a tourist in your own country and enjoy what they enjoy by booking into one of the area’s many hotels, spas or B&Bs for a couple of nights.

If you’re looking for a starting point, why not head round the coast and kick off at beautiful Ballycastle, clinging to the spectacular North Coast, overlooked by Knocklayde and surrounded by glens, forests and ancient rocks.

With its famous Ould Lammas Fair just a distance memory at the end of summer, this pretty market town still has it all going on thanks to Christmas markets, galleries and gift shops.

There’s no shortage of eateries either from hotels and traditional pubs to coffee shops and renowned fish and chip shops.

If the weather’s half way decent – and even if it isn’t – there’s a plethora of history in the area too with ruins to explore and even a smattering of science thanks to Marconi’s 19th century radio exploits in the area.

After that why not head into the west, but don’t forget to take in the internationally famous Dark Hedges from Game of Thrones – and you might even veer off to Bushmills for a quick half-un straight from the still – before pulling up at Ballymoney.

Now here’s a town known the world over thanks to its adrenalin-fuelled road racing and the much-missed riders, brothers Joey and Robert Dunlop.

Take time to visit their memorial gardens before heading into the bustling heart of this busy town, famous in the area for its beautiful Christmas streetlights and friendly welcome.

Here you’ll find everything from high end fashion to vintage shops, for those who love a good rummage – and a hidden gem.

There’s plenty of scope too for kitting out the house for Christmas visitors thanks to local interiors retailers.

If all this has you yearning for terra firma, then land-locked Limavady is the perfect antidote.

If you’ve the kids in tow though there’s always the leisure centre, golfing and karting activities as an alternative to shopping for them – or even mum and dad.

Strategically placed at the heart of the North West it’s within easy striking distance and offers a multitude of retail opportunities as well as historic, cultural and outdoor activities thanks to its beautiful setting below Binevenagh mountain.

Ten minutes down the road and you’re into Coleraine. Enjoying its stunning riverside setting by the Bann, you can even leave the car at home thanks to its excellent rail links.

With its broad main street Limavady is a beautiful place to shop at Christmas, full of festive cheer, street music and food.

Here you’ll find top name fashion retailers as well as exclusive independents centred around the pretty town square and in nearby retail parks where you’ll find catalogue shopping, electrical and motoring goods, as well as all things pet and furniture related.

There’s the town’s popular outdoor market too, bursting with artisan foods and gifts and everything from cupcakes to quail.

And once you’ve exhausted your gift list for everyone else, don’t forget a little something for you too.

shopping with a traditional touch.

As befits a university town though, the après shopping’s not bad either - theatre and cinema to bars and fine dining, not to mention boat trips and water sports, history and culture.

Those of a nervous disposition might want to dodge the surfing and diving opportunities off this stunning coast though the towns are renowned for their wild water swimming and what better time But if you’re missing the coast, why not to try it? Summer maybe? take the road to The Port and enjoy But if even if the thought of it leaves you Portrush and Portstewart as they create a peckish, this corner of the coast dishes up magical Christmas experience by the sea. a culinary smorgasbord thanks to eateries Here you’ll find art and craft ideas for that serving some of freshest fish you’re likely one-of pressie from boutiques and local catch, as well as other local specialities craftspeople as well as department store created by award-winning chefs.

This Autumn

SHOP EAT ENJ Y LOCAL

After all, Christmas comes but once a year so there really is no better excuse to treat yourself as well as friends and family – and there’s no better place to do than Causeway Coast and Glens.

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Style with Sarah Jayne

Local Women fashion columnist Sarah Jayne from Charlotte & Tess shows you how to move through the seasons with some cosy, luxe styles.

What a month! At Charlotte & Tess we have lots of exciting plans in the pipeline and, with the busy lead up to party season, the juggle is real! But there’s always time for fashion, for this month’s column I have created a mood board full of the latest luxury trends laced with classic and timeless undertones to give you some outfit ideas and inspiration for the month ahead.

I love the exclusivity of luxury.

But let’s be honest there aren’t many of us that will splurge on the latest luxury trending piece from Isabel Marant. At Charlotte and Tess, we try to bring our customer affordable pieces that don’t compromise on quality, fit or style.

Lux We Love - Introducing some of the heroes of the moment ready to bring a seasonal update to your daily style.

Roll with it The iconic striped sweater has always been a firm favourite of mine and even better when its monochrome. One of our latest ‘new in’ pieces is the classic Malene Roll neck sweater, a piece you’re guaranteed to wear continually. I choose this piece as it resembles the Totême Signature Stripe Turtleneck, currently trending amongst popular influencers on IG. Designed in a luxury wool mix fabric it has a natural drape fitting, slouched drop shoulders, bell sleeve and side slits. Perfect for layering and styling with your jeans/leggings and the latest footwear staple for this season the classic riding boot.

Keep it quilted

pockets mirroring those you will have seen gracing this season’s catwalks.

Get a gilet I adore shearling and boucle for the colder months and so at Charlotte and Tess we couldn’t resist the faux shearling gilet. A firm favourite styled over dresses shirts and sweaters adding effortless interest and a luxury dimension to your outfits.

Shoe of dreams Our Imogen heels created in a plush velvet and boasting an elegant statement bow are one of Charlotte and Tess’s own curated designs. Designed with both comfort and style in mind Imogen are guaranteed to add statement to your sparkles. Similar to the Tom Ford style but a fraction of the price these beauties will walk you comfortably and stylishly through party season!

Watch out for next month’s column, featuring this season’s must-have pieces for after dark styling.

This Month’s styling tip.

Outerwear should never be an afterthought.

During the winter months your most worn pieces will be your coats and jackets. Invest in swaddling pieces that are versatile, comfortable, elevate your outfits and make you feel good!

Love Sarah Jayne.

Have you seen our latest quilted coat and hero piece for your off duty looks the Madison jacket?

Comparable to the Frankie Jacket, it has an oversized drape, curved hemline, crew neckline and contrasting piping. A key piece and part of your seasonal uniform to help you to create easy and effortless everyday looks.

Luxury robe coat I had mentioned in my previous column one of the coat styles to be seen in this season is luxury robe coat. This style features amongst premium brands such as MaxMara year after year and it never gets old. It is a style we adore so much at Charlotte & Tess we have two different styles and three different colourways in it! Evanna & Alexandra are both designed in the most luxurious wool mix fabrics with luxurious drapes, dropped shoulders and functional

Browse and shop online at

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DOWN TO EARTH...

with Joanna Braniff

KEEP WARM AND CARRY ON! Gardening for the mind, body and soul with Joanna Braniff

By Joanna Braniff They say the darkest hour is before dawn, and so it is with the growing seasons. As we move into the shortest daylight hours of the year, your garden will now be going into a dormant phase of rest and self-protection.

Now Winter is upon us; trips to the garden for the next few months will primarily involve protecting your plants and preparing for Spring.

But you shouldn’t hang up your wellies and mothball your trowel just yet as there are plenty of garden jobs to attend to in November.

Don’t forget to save the seeds from your favourite plants for planting next year by carefully shaking the dried seed head contents into a paper envelope. Then seal, label and store in a cool, dark, dry place until ready to plant. I keep my seed packets in a pocket photo album. I organise them in advance into the month when they need to be planted, so I remember what I have collected.

LAWN IN ORDER This month there are a few simple jobs to attend to in the garden.

The colour and interest you enjoy in summer have faded but there’s still beauty to be found in the dark, naked, architectural stems of trees and shrubs that have shed their leaves and the complex dried seed heads fluttering in the wind.

Aerate your lawn by sticking a garden fork in at regular intervals to let air in. Then, clear leaves and give it a final cut with the blades set on high.

Even in their decaying state, old-growth and dead stems provide valuable habitats for insects to overwinter.

Prepare roses for Winter by lifting fallen leaves from around the base and cutting back to one third/half their height to prevent wind rock which will loosen their roots.

These pared-back structural elements can also be incorporated as dramatic accents to simple flower arrangements so you can bring the natural world indoors. In addition, fir tree branches, holly and ivy, can be fashioned into simple Christmas decorations for the table, door wreath or fireplace.

Now is the time to cut back the yellowed leaves of herbaceous perennials like delphiniums and geraniums.

Tidy and wash out your shed or greenhouse. Clean, sharpen and oil your garden tools.

Clean and disinfect bird feeders, water bowls and baths and stock up on seed. Put up nesting boxes.

FLOWER POWER Maybe you have already planted some early flowering bulbs like snowdrops, daffodils and crocus and are eagerly anticipating their arrival in a few months. But there’s still time before to plant some tulip bulbs for confectionary-coloured Spring delight.

Captivating and sensual tulips are like an artist’s palette because with such a variety of colours and shapes to play with, they allow the gardener’s creativity to run wild.

For example, inspired by Delftware china I have just planted in containers a lovely combination of white Angel Wings tulips and blue allium bulbs. I have also put together black Queen of the Night tulips with silky National Velvet red tulips for glamour and drama. But if you prefer a more natural planting, simply distribute the mixed or single colour bulbs randomly in your flower beds and plant them where they fall.

When flicking through the bulb catalogue or browsing in the garden centre, it’s easy to see how these floral beauties sparked ‘Tulip Mania’ in Holland in the 17th century. Originally from Turkey, tulips at that time were considered such luxury items that a single, desirable bulb would change hands for a small fortune.

But if you can’t wait for Spring and the long, dark days are already getting to you, fill containers, hanging baskets and beds with winter flowering pansies, violas, primrose, hellebores, heathers, cyclamen and camellia for a pop of instant colour.

Avoid over-watering your plants and raise your containers up on pot feet or bricks to stop them from becoming waterlogged.

Position your colourful planters close to the door for a cheery welcome home or where you can see them from the window so even if the weather is awful, you can still enjoy them from the comfort of indoors.

from other regions. Secondly, stay vigilant to disease and intervene early before it spreads. Thirdly, care about the An old proverb states, ‘The best time to plant a tree was 20 trees in your area and protect them from being destroyed years ago. The second-best time is today.’ unnecessarily in the name of development.

PLANT YOUR FAMILY TREE

The truth is you don’t really plant a tree for yourself to enjoy but for future generations to benefit. It’s a selfless act that delivers satisfying returns for years to come.

And finally, plant a tree yourself. You don’t need to have a big garden or a lot of space as there is a tree to suit every situation. There are giant trees and dwarf varieties, As living entities, trees are incredible, with the oldest flowering and fruiting trees and options to suit most tastes recorded so far as a bristlecone pine in California’s White and spaces.

Mountains aged by scientists at 5,067 years old. It’s hard Think about what you want from the tree. Do you want to imagine there are trees still alive and thriving today that ornamental attributes such as berries, textured bark, were initially planted before the ancient Egyptians even blossom or autumnal colour? Or maybe you prefer a built the pyramids! fruiting tree to attract wildlife, birds and insects? Perhaps Trees are the workhorses of nature. Life on earth depends you need a bit of shade or visual interest as a focal point on their ability to take in carbon and release oxygen. They in your garden. provide habitat and food for wildlife, and their shade helps When selecting a tree and where to site it, things to reduce the temperature. In addition, trees improve our consider are its typical height at maturity, the spread of its physical health and mental wellbeing, with studies proving roots, and the environment it needs to flourish. that just 15 minutes spent in woodland reduces anxiety, Also, think about your budget and the time you have depression and stress. to wait for noticeable growth. Larger trees are more Trees are literally horticultural superheroes. Yet perhaps expensive but mature more quickly, while saplings tend to because they are ever-present in our landscapes, we tend root better but take more time commitment. to take them for granted, assuming they will always be Before you plant your tree, also take into consideration its around to support us. distance from buildings, will it impact on a road or footpath But trees need our help as they are already suffering from when it grows to maturity, is there access to prune it, is the the effects of a warming climate. soil right for root growth, will it block light to anything Trees require dormancy to rest during the colder months else and will it get enough light to grow? Do your research and build their resilience, but a hotter planet means winter before you choose your perfect tree, and remember you are planting for the future. There’s valuable information seasons are getting shorter and warmer. on the Woodland Trust’s website (www.woodlandtrust.

Consequently, trees are not getting enough time to renew org.uk), which details the characteristics of 31 native tree and are weaker and more susceptible to disease and species that will really help inform your choice. weather damage.

The planting season runs from November to March, We can all play our part in helping our native trees thrive when the tree is dormant. When it comes to planting, start and survive, and we must act now. by clearing the area of any weeds that will compete for You can help with a few simple actions. Firstly, don’t nutrients and dig a hole three times as wide and the same expose native trees to disease by bringing in cuttings depth as the pot your sapling is in. Soak the root ball by standing it in a bucket of water. Then put the root ball into the hole the point where the roots meet the trunk is level with the surface of the soil surface.

Why not make an occasion out of it and get all your family and friends around to help you plant your tree?

Celebrate with cake and champagne and take lots of photos for future generations to learn the tree’s story and who planted it. Imagine the kids who are helping you plant it today returning in 20 years to have their wedding or graduation photos taken under it. Or your great, greatgrandchildren picking apples from it.

Planting a tree is an epic act, so make it a ceremony to celebrate the symbolic gesture of optimism marking the moment that society emerges from the turbulent years of the pandemic. Let that tree symbolise resilience to rise above any crisis.

Embrace how it’s a sobering reminder of the brief time we have on earth. That sapling will probably still be going strong long after those who planted it have gone.

Trees certainly put the true span of a human lifetime into perspective.

When you plant a tree, you put roots down in history and grow memories for future generations. So become a proud tree hugger and boost your mental wellbeing and the planet’s health with a positive, productive living legacy.

Don’t wait 20 years - plant that tree today!

For more gardening hints, tips, and advice, visit www.downtoearthnorthernireland.com

Fill the soil around the roots making sure there are no air pockets, and firm down to ensure your sapling is sturdy and upright. Water well and mulch.

Finish by securely staking the sapling at a 45-degree angle and attach it to the stake with a flexible, soft tie which you can buy online or at the garden centre. Simple as that.

Planting a tree will take no more than an hour of your time, but it will have a positive impact on your environment for decades, even centuries to come.

TURN OVER A NEW LEAF Queen of country music and my personal hero Dolly Parton once said, ‘Storms make trees take deeper roots’. Given the unexpected COVID storm we have all been experiencing, this is a timely reminder that trees have much to teach us.

They weather storms by creating a solid grounding to hold their roots, but they also have enough flexibility to bend with the wind and not break.

They stand tall and reach for the sky but keep firmly grounded in the earth for stability and sustenance.

Trees know when to rest and when to bloom. They take negative, poisonous pollution and convert it to positive, clean air. Their giant bulk originates in a tiny seed that found a supportive environment to flourish. That’s just like your own true potential, which may be lying dormant waiting for the right conditions to emerge and grow. You need vision, ambition, self-belief and support to grow in the

same way a tree needs light, water and nutrients.

Be inspired by trees because they teach us that life’s challenges are tough, but ultimately, they will strengthen us. In the moment, you may despair when caught in a crisis but draw inspiration and comfort from the fact that past challenges have shaped you and made you strong. Trees remind us that life goes on and you must adapt to flourish.

PLANT OF THE MONTH DOGWOOD – MIDWINTER FIRE As the name suggests, this native deciduous shrub is most spectacular during the colder months. In summer, it’s an unremarkable green bush. But in Winter, it casts its leaves to reveal stunning red and orange stems that seem to glow when illuminated by the sun.

This feature has earned this native European shrub the nickname of the Blood Twig. It looks particularly spectacular when planted together in a group in a border or as a hedge for screening. Dogwood is an easy to grow shrub with a preference for sun to produce the best colour, but it is tolerant of most conditions and will thrive in damp soil.

COP ON TO CLIMATE CHANGE WITH NATURAL GAS

In anticipation of the COP26 summit, firmus energy have commissioned a countdown series of energy-saving tips to inspire you to make simple but effective change.

For 26 years the United Nations (UN) has been bringing together almost every county on earth for global climate summits, known as COPs or “Conference of the parties” during this time global climate change has gone from being a tingling issue to a frantic global priority. It’s thought that this year’s COP is believed to be the world’s last best chance to get a runaway climate change under control.

Throughout November World leaders will descend upon Scotland, alongside tens of thousands of negotiators, government representatives, businesses, and citizens for twelve days of key talks in the city of Glasgow.

With a dedicated media following and high publicity from the likes of Prince William, who recently launched the Earth shot prize, People are starting to come around to the idea that we need to become more sustainable to protect the Earth for future generations but for many, the question remains… what is sustainable living?

Everything you do in your day-to-day life has an impact on the planet, from the food you eat to the car you drive.

This doesn’t mean you should only eat vegetables and start riding a bike everywhere. There are a number of ways you can do this, including limiting the amount of energy you use, using ecofriendly products, and changing your diet.

To live a sustainable lifestyle you should try to have as little of an impact on the Earth as possible, while also trying to replace the resources you do use.

By making some small changes to your lifestyle, you can reduce your carbon footprint and help to tackle these issues.

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1. SAVE ENERGY

further, across Northern Ireland. Today firmus

tonnes of CO2 from the local atmosphere by investing £210 million to bring natural gas

By using less energy, you can help to reduce carbon emissions. There are a number of ways you can save energy at home, including switching off standby appliances, turning your heating down 1 degree can have a huge impact on efficiency.

energy supply and distribute natural gas to 39

2. EAT LESS MEAT

can dramatically reduce our carbon footprint,

The production of meat is one of the biggest contributors to climate change and the pollution of landscapes and waterways. By eating less of it, you can help to reduce the impact the meat industry has on the Earth.

together we will pave the road to a cleaner,

cities, towns, and villages across the province and are proud that the efficiency of natural gas means that over 108,000 customers have up to 52% less carbon emissions* By making small and consistent change we

brighter Northern Ireland

3. GO PAPERLESS To avoid wasting paper, choose to receive letters over email and only print off documents if necessary. You could also ask shops to email your receipt instead of printing it off.

4. RECYCLE AND REUSE Make sure you’re recycling by putting your rubbish in the correct bins. Also, try to reuse products and items as many times as possible before binning them to reduce waste.

5. DON’T WASTE FOOD If you have leftovers, don’t throw them away. Save them for your lunch or tea the next day, or even freeze them. However, if they do go off, use them to create compost for your garden. firmus energy is proud to assist Northern Irelands transition to carbon net zero and since being established in 2005 hthe company

For more information on our energysaving tip countdown to COP26 check out our social media channels.

Facebook @firmusenergy Instagram @firmusenergy_official Twitter @firmusenergy

*Information based on switching your home heating system from a 15-year-old Sedbuk F oil boiler without controls to a new Sedbuk A natural gas boiler with heating controls used correctly.

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Together we will transition to a net zero carbon future.

Join over 108,000 firmus energy customers across Northern Ireland using natural gas to reduce their carbon footprint.

www.firmusenergy.co.uk

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THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR At Houston Homewares, they have everything you need to transform your house into a winter wonderland

Christmas is without a doubt our favourite time of the year. Family gatherings, entertaining friends and getting that festive feeling calls for show-stopping Christmas decor. We have carefully curated our 2021 Christmas products including trees, wreathes, baubles, faux florals and much, much more to offer our biggest selection of stunning Christmas decor yet.

Set the tone for your guests this Christmas with a consistent decor scheme. It definitely doesn’t have to be matchy-matchy, but maybe keep the inflatable Santa in the attic and opt for more sophisticated vibe that flows through your home.

With trees, wreathes, mantle and table decor there’s plenty of opportunities to create the wow factor for your visitors or maybe just for yourself.

Nothing gets the Christmas season started like getting the house decorated in festive style.

If you like to change it up every year with a different colour scheme, then invest in quality neutral tree decor as this will form the base of any scheme. White, golds and silvers are at the core of all my Christmas tree decorating and whatever accent colour you may want to add will sit comfortably with these tones.

I would strongly encourage mixing golds and silvers to create more depth within the scheme.

Maybe you need that real pine tree smell to make

it feel like Christmas (I’m sure there’s a candle for that) but if you’re thinking about the more sustainable option – a quality artificial tree is an investment. Like all faux plants and trees, you really do get what you pay for.

You’ll want to get 10 plus years out of it, so going for the lower end of the market is probably not a great idea.

With so many options from snow flocked, real look, pine, spruce and fir, it can be a tough decision. For standard height rooms a 7ft tree is ideal. It will allow enough room for a tree topper and not be scraping the ceiling. Consider width too - if it’s a small room, a slimline tree might be the best option. I never get hung up on pre-lit trees. LED lights have made the frustrating annual task of unravelling the tree lights a thing of

the past and with thousands of LEDs on the one set it makes what was once a laborious job much easier. I would always recommend warm white lights. They create a cosier and classier vibe than cold/blue-white lights.

For more soft ambient light to complement your Christmas decor, our Uyuni LED candles are perfect of long winter nights. Made from real wax with a patented realistic flicker flame they are a safer alternative to lighting candles. Available in a range of sizes including tapered/dinner candles, triple flame and pillar candles.

Our Christmas decor and gift collection is available in store now. We can accept the spend local voucher up until the 30th of November 2021 and we are adding 10% onto your vouchers value. Don’t forget to follow our social media accounts @ houstonhomewares for loads more Christmas and interior inspo.

11a Victoria Street|Ballymoney|BT53 6DW Call us on 028 2766 9999

START YOUR FITNESS JOURNEY TODAY! At Benmore Nutrition & Fitness they don’t believe eating healthy food and staying in shape should be painful, difficult or miserable – at any time of the year.

Have you ever delayed starting a health drive in the autumn until January 1st because it just wasn't worth it with all the festive temptations around? You most definitely wouldn't be alone but let me try to convince you to look at things differently this year.

ALL OR NOTHING This approach is what we can refer to as "on a diet rather than have a diet mentality." We all have a diet: it's what we eat and drink over a set period of time.

Being "on a diet" suggests restrictions and having to avoid doing things we enjoy. It also means we can be "off a diet" and eat constantly with reckless abandon to no positive conclusion. Neither of those two options are really that healthy. Many of us have experienced the pitfalls of yoyo dieting over the years but if we just look at our diet as a combination of foods of varying caloric and nutritional content then we can simply make tweaks to what we consume to promote better health. It's a sliding scale rather than all or nothing. The all or nothing approach, whilst it can give us a boost when we first begin our health drive, can also put a lot of unnecessary pressure on us, bringing with it a sense of failure if we don't stick to it perfectly. This can deter us from trying again in the future or can cause us to label ourselves as quitters.

This certainly isn't healthy.

HEALTH IS FOR EVERYONE, ALL YEAR ROUND Our health is important all year - not just after we've "let ourselves go" over the winter and are conscious of not fitting into our clothes comfortably anymore.

Our weight is a useful health marker when looked at in relation to other factors and can help us determine our risk of ill health over time. However, getting caughtup in the beach body concept in January reduces health to a seasonal, aesthetic goal and whilst there can be some benefits for some in changing one's appearance, the big advantage is an internal one related to improving how our bodies function and therefore limiting our health risk. We all have bodies and can take them to the beach whenever we like, whatever their shape and size. Surely it would be better to have the goal of being able to continue to take our bodies to the beach with ease and enjoyment for as long as possible?

FOCUS ON WHAT YOU EAT BETWEEN NEW YEAR AND CHRISTMAS When it comes to Christmas and that fortnight when nobody knows what day it is, we're eating chocolate for breakfast and cheese features at every meal; enjoy it! Just remember that the health challenges can arise when we let that drag on and it just becomes the way we typically eat. Enjoy the festive season and then get back to making good, balanced choices for health. What matters most is what we eat and do between New Year and Christmas - not the other way round!

Photos by Oliver Hegarty of Islander Visual Media as little effort as possible. So, start today. Start small.

Stay consistent. That's all there is to it! Drop us a line to chat through how you can establish some healthy habits that'll take you through the festive build-up and into the new year.

TIPS FOR STARTING A HEALTH DRIVE PRE-CHRISTMAS •

Select and focus on manageable daily habits rather than specific goals.

•

Don't demonise food, just be conscious of what you're consuming. Eat it mindfully, savour it and balance it out with something nutritious if that helps keep you on-track.

•

Where you can, fill-up on the more nutritious items first then indulge in the treats. That way you'll know that you're getting your nutrients and you are less likely to eat larger quantities of the treat.

•

Get active every day, whether it's hitting your step goal, taking a brisk walk or attending a fitness class.

•

Get those zzzzz. Ensure you rest well and get plenty of sleep where you can.

•

Buddy-up with someone, if possible, to keep you motivated.

•

Acknowledge that by introducing a few healthy habits now will put you in a more positive and relaxed position come new year.

IN IT FOR THE LONG GAME Associating healthy habits with pain, difficulty and misery is something we really have to reframe.

Newsflash! They don't have to be painful, difficult or miserable! Get creative and find healthy habits that work for you. Understanding what your body needs on a daily basis, logging how you currently eat and then making a comparison between the two is a great place to start and will allow you to see where some small adjustments can be made. You do not need to completely start over with a new way of eating or the latest fitness regime to make a difference to your health.

By easing-in to the long game we see that making some incremental changes over time can be way more beneficial and will reap more rewards than an intense burst of focus for a few months and then a gradual return to where we were before we began. It's normal to want the outcomes yesterday and to have to put in

Benmore CrossFit is situated at 11b Ann Street, Ballycastle.

www.benmorenutritionfitness.com For more about Benmore Nutrition and Fitness:

Email address: hello@benmorenutritionfitness.com @benmorenutritionfitness 126

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We are proud to accept the spend local card

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Home Heating Specialist Taylor Fuels are a local, family run business based in Ballymoney, County Antrim.

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We offer a great service and excellent prices, please give us a call.

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BERNIE’S 70TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS IN THE MILLSIDE, CLOUGHMILLS

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CM

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CMY

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Christmas at Millside Cloughmills Christmas lunch menu available from Wed 1st Dec. to Thu. 23rd Dec. Served from 12.00 noon to 4.00pm (Excluding Sundays) Christmas evening menu available from Wed 1st Dec. to Thu. 23rd Dec. served from 4.00 pm to 9.00 pm (Excluding Sundays)

Starters

Chef's Vegetable Winter Soup Served with Homemade Bread Deep Fried Brie Served with Salad Leaves and Berry Compote Garlic Mushrooms breaded mushrooms, salad leaves, garlic dip, basil pesto Warm Chicken Satay Caesar Salad Goats Cheese & Cranberry Tartlet cranberry, rocket, parmesan

Main Course

Traditional Roast Stuffed Turkey and Ham Served with Cocktail Sausages, Cranberry Sauce and Rich Gravy

Desserts

Millside Christmas Pudding Served with Brandy Sauce Chef's Cheesecake

Traditional Roast Irish Beef rich roast gravy, homemade yorkshire pudding

Millside Chocolate Fudge Cake

Half Roast Chicken Served with Stuffed Bacon Roll & Gravy

Cream

Served with Fresh Cream or Ice Christmas Trifle

l2oz Sirloin Steak Served with Peppered Sauce and Crispy Onions (€5 surcharge)

Apple Crumble & Custard

Grilled Salmon On Mash Served with Chorizo Cabbage & Pea Cream

Fresh Fruit Pavlova

Pan Fried Chicken Supreme with crispy onions, champ, yorkshire pudding, bacon & mushroom sauce Goats Cheese & Cranberry Tartlet cranberry, rocket, parmesan

Chocolate Profiteroles

All served with Tea or Coffee Christmas Cheeseboard & crackers can be pre-orderd £6.95

Lunch £20.95 Evening £24.95

All Served with Selection of Winter Vegetables, Roast & Mashed Potatoes

Please ask for vegetarian or gluten

More Vegetarian & Vegan options on request

allergies known before ordering

free options. Please make any

Millside will be closed Christmas (Friday) 24th December

We will only be open for sale of vouchers and Christmas dinners - pre-order collections only.

Dinners can be picked up from 2pm - 6pm Vouchers will be sold from 10am - 8pm sharp Closed Saturday 25th, Sunday 26th, Monday 27th, Tuesday 28th Restaurant and Takeaway re-opens 12 noon to 9pm Wednesday 29th December 130

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Don't want to cook on Christmas Day?

Due to popular demand, Millside Cloughmills will be providing takeaway Christmas dinners for collection on Christmas Eve, to save you the hassle of cooking on Christmas Day. All dinners and desserts must be pre-ordered in advance and picked up on Christmas Eve at the restaurant between 2pm & 6pm only.

Christmas Eve Platters

Having a family movie night or a get together with friends this Chrismas Eve? Why not consider one of Millside's Christmas Eve platters?

Sandwich Platter Dessert Platters Cheeseboard Platters To order call the restaurant on

028 2763 8562

Turkey & Ham

£13

Roast Beef

£14

Trio of Meats

£16

Served with stuffing, cocktail sausages, cranberry sauce and rich gravy served with roast gravy and homemade Yorkshite pudding Turkey and ham, sliced beef, stuffing, Yorkshite pudding, cocktail sausage and rich gravy.

Christmas dinner served with selection of vegetables and potatoes

Choice of single desserts from

£5

To order call the restaurant on

028 2763 8562

Shop Local Card

Whether you're looking for a Christmas night out or takeaway Christmas Dinner why not use your shop local card?

Gift Vouchers Available

We have a range of Gift Vouchers for purchase this Christmas including: Millside Cloughmillls Takeout, Millside Restaurant and Millside kitchen, Rathkennny The perfect gift this festive season

4 Drumadoon Road | Cloughmills | BT44 9LJ | 028 276 38562

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HOME FURNISHINGS & INTERIORS

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CASTLE HOME TRENDS 89 Castle Street Belfast | BT1 1GJ T: 028 9543 9998

@CastleHomeTrends 132

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Local Women Magazine 04/10/2021 | 133 03:25

PAWTECT YOUR DOG THIS WINTER Winter is the time of year for crisp dark nights, cosy fires, big thick jackets, wet and muddy walks, welly boots, car de-icer, snow, gloves, and umbrellas. For many of us, this is our dog’s favourite time of the year, but before you head out for a walk with your beloved pooch it’s important to remember different breeds tolerate winter weather better than others.

WALKIES There are lots of important factors to consider when walking your dog in the cold months, three of which are, the type of breed you have, its age, and general condition of health.

Remember, puppies and older pooches are much more sensitive to the cold because their bodies can’t regulate their body temperature well. Small dogs and short-haired dogs need added warmth and protection, so may require a jumper or jacket. Pet & Country has a large selection of clothing items, so call in to browse and pick up something special for your furry best friend.

Winter tends to sneak up on us fast, and with this in mind, we have created a winter checklist to help you prepare for the colder months.

•

when it is snowing, keep your dog on a lead. Body temperature will lower much faster in snow, so also shorten your walk time in these conditions

•

don’t let your dog walk on frozen ponds and lakes

•

never leave your dog in a car

•

windchill lowers the feel of the temperature, so you should always go by the temperature with windchill included

BEAT THE THIEVES We adore our canine companions, so dog theft is a topic none of us really want to talk about. With that said, now that the evenings are getting darker, we feel it is an important topic to discuss, and thankfully, we have some tips to help decrease the likelihood of this happening to you. According to the RSPCA, dog theft has risen by 250% during the pandemic in the UK, and in a recent police survey of 125,000 people, 22% of the respondents knew someone who had their dog stolen in the last 12 months.

Dog theft is currently classed as property theft under the Theft Act of 1968, so, unfortunately, pets are classed as ‘property’, however, there is good news because this is soon about to change. A new criminal offence for pet abduction is set to be introduced under government plans.

The new law will recognise the welfare of animals and that

pets are valued as more than just property. Fear not, there are measures you can put into place to protect your dog and improve your chances of keeping those thieves at bay.

•

make sure your dog is wearing a collar and an ID, and is microchipped – to increase your chances of being reunited with your dog if the worst happens

•

check your garden is secure and has a gate with a lock

•

fit a bell to the gate so you hear if anyone opens it

•

don’t leave your dog unsupervised in the garden

•

neutering your pet can reduce the likelihood of roaming

•

Pads - Get those pads trimmed – removing hair from pads can help to stop unwanted

REGULAR GROOMING

pieces of debris like salt, dirt, mud, and stones

With much more time being spent indoors during the cold winter months, it may be easy to become a bit lackadaisical regarding dog grooming. Regular grooming is not only a great way to keep your pooch healthy and happy, but there are also many other benefits to maintaining contact with your groomer over the colder months.

clinging in between them, which can lead

•

Dry skin - Artificial heat tends to dry the skin, so regular grooming will help limit itchiness and irritations. Ask your groomer about Groom Professional Coconut Moisturising shampoo, which is designed to prevent dry skin, and reduce dandruff, while adding a luxurious shine to the coat. And between grooms, you can use Furrish Daily Body and Paw Wipes which not only remove dirt, dander and smelly odours, but also leave the skin and coat healthy, shiny, and ready for cuddles.

to discomfort. In between grooms, you can protect your dog’s paws from everyday wear and tear with super conditioning WildWash Magic Paw Balm •

‘Pawdicure’ - Your dog’s nails will not get worn down in winter when compared with warmer months, so maintaining a regular nail care routine will prevent painful overgrown nails

•

Stay beautiful - Regular grooming will ensure your pooch stays looking and smelling fantastic

If you would like advice on how to look after your dog this winter call into Pet and Country for a chat.

Our staff are always ready to help. Happy walking.

38 - 44 Main Street | Ballymoney | T: 028 2766 3513 | Monday – Saturday 9.00am - 5:30pm 134

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Lat collec est ti arrivin ons now of new g with lots design and excitin g er Essen dresses fro se m and M of Australi aggie a Sotter o.

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WE ACCEPT HIGH STREET VOUCHERS

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1 large onion, roughly chopped 3 tbsp mild curry paste 400g can chopped tomatoes 2 tsp vegetable bouillon powder 1 tbsp finely chopped ginger 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and chopped 2 skinless chicken legs, fat removed 30g pack fresh coriander, leaves chopped cooked brown rice, to serve

STEP 1 Put 1 roughly chopped large onion, 3 tbsp mild curry paste, a 400g can chopped tomatoes, 2 tsp vegetable bouillon powder, 1 tbsp finely chopped ginger and 1 chopped yellow pepper into the slow cooker pot with a third of a can of water and stir well.

STEP 2 Add 2 skinless chicken legs, fat removed, and push them under all the other ingredients so that they are completely submerged. Cover with the lid and chill in the fridge overnight.

STEP 3 The next day, cook on Low for 6 hrs until the chicken and vegetables are really tender.

STEP 4 Stir in the the chopped leaves of 30g coriander just before serving over brown rice.

ASSURED RM A F

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NORTHERN IRELAND’S LARGEST GALLERY OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK, ALL YEAR ROUND

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MEET THE ARTIST WITH GALLERY 1608 OPE OPOEP 7 D7AD NEN 7 DA N AW A YASYSA W YS EEK ALALLLEWEEKE,A K,L Y Y L E E RORUOU ARARR YEA , NDND. OU .

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ChristmasGi�t Gi�tGuide Guide Christmas Christmas Gi�t Guide forArt ArtLovers Lovers for a loved of stunning localartartthis thisyear year GiveGive a loved one one the the giftgift of stunning local for Art Lovers with Gallery 1608’s Christmas Gift Guide. with Gallery 1608’s Christmas Gift Guide.

Dutch born Rikki van den Berg has made her home in Ireland where she pursues her passion for painting.

DID YOU ALWAYS ASPIRE TO BE A PAINTER?

much. I work intuitively and connect with myself, it's my way of processing life but also a way I come from a very creative family. We have of finding stillness and grounding. Can I put a sculptors, writers, theatre and film makers, but name on my style? Expressionism probably. most important is my mum who is also a painter.

I loved painting with her since I can remember IF YOU COULD MEET A FELLOW ARTIST, and loved spending hours messing with paint ALIVE OR DEAD, WHO WOULD OT BE? crayons or clay.

It was my place of comfort too.

Local Art… First of all, I would love to meet my aunt Maria I have memories from when my family With Christmas just around the corner, this month Localgreat Art… van Everdingen who passed away many would gatherwe over Christmas and on Boxing havearound pickedthe our corner, favourite Christmas gifts from With Christmas just this month Day, years ago. She was a sculptress and I loved it was tradition we would all artists. makeThis something, some offavourite our top Irish year, visiting her in her studio. She lived in a tiny old we have picked our Christmas gifts fromwhy not do arty stuff.avoid Wethe would all sit high around the big homogenous street cottage with a huge barn attached which some of our top Irish artists.

This year, why notpresents and buy dining table, something often extended with smaller tables for which is both unique and collectable was her studio. I loved being in this space, the avoid the homogenous high street presents and buy to accommodate family your lovedallones.

A bit ofmembers. extra thoughtSome will provide a smells of wax and bronze, all the art! I felt a something which is both unique and collectable for ith Christmas just around the corner, this month would paint, draw or sculpt, others would take gift which keeps on giving. real connection here and with my aunt. She your loved ones. A bit of extra thought will provide a building windmills whichgifts would turn on e havetopicked our little favourite Christmas from always encouraged me to keep making art.

Topon of our list this year are limited edition prints by gift which keeps giving. of a tealight. Magical times.

How amazing would it be to meet her now me ofthe ourheat top Irish artists.

This year, why not two of Ireland’s most well-known artists. Belfast and talk to her about her incredible life! (And Top of worked our listartist, thisinyear are limiteddepiction edition prints byworkers and Terry Bradley’s of dock I have the theatre for many years, oid the homogenous high street presents and buy to tell her I am still making art!) two of Ireland’s most well-known artists.

Belfast burlesque type women always popular and we Maguire, Robert Spotten, NUA, JG, NI Silver, Ghost, directing and devising plays,are another great mething which is both unique and collectable for artist, Terry Bradley’s depiction of dock workers and doing more of this work. have all of his most recent prints in stock.

Bonesetter and Spirit Jewellery. passion of mine. This then Secondly check out, alive and well, Silvie Cliche, ur loved ones.

A type bit ofwomen extraare thought provide a Maguire, Robert Spotten, NUA, JG, NI Silver, Ghost, burlesque always will popular and we led on to teaching French sculptress.

Keith Drury’s drama limited edition work is also very Painting however was Ceramics… all of mostcommunity recent prints in stock.

BonesetterLocal and Spirit Jewellery. t which keeps onhisgiving. in have schools and collectable and popular with our clients. His work is always and still is my way of WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS? Ceramics are also a very popular gift and again we groups, something I didn't both quirky and contemporary, expression and even though I Keith Drury’s limited edition work is also verydepicting different can accommodate all budgets. Pieces range from I will continue chasing my dream of finding a p of our list this year are limited edition prints by Ceramics… know I would enjoy so brought together in oneLocal scenes seamlessly piece. enjoy other art forms, painting collectable andlocal popular with our clients.

His work is functional pottery to bespoke sculptural pieces. gallery in London and New York to represent Ceramics are also a very popular gift and again we much: teaching. o of Ireland’s mostThe well-known artists.

Belfast artwork has appeared on television’s is my language. both quirky and contemporary, depicting diff erent The Fall and Represented are household names such as Sharon me, this has been on my bucket list for some can accommodate all budgets.

Pieces range from isdepiction even in the collection ofworkers Princess Anne.

Prints from tist, Terry Bradley’s of dock and I decided bring teaching local scenesto seamlessly brought together in one piece.

Carty, RoryBROUGHT Shearer, LeonaYOU and time now. I would simply love to travel with WHAT functionalReagan, potteryIan to bespoke sculptural pieces.DevineTO both artists can be bought framed or unframed. into my arthasand a The artwork appeared on television’s The Fallwe and Maguire,Patrick Colhoun. urlesque type women are devised always popular and Robert Spotten, NUA,such JG,asNISharon Silver, Ghost, my work.

IRELAND? Represented are household names in Expressive even in the collection ofAbstract Princess Anne. Prints from ave all course ofishis most recent prints in stock.

Bonesetter and Books…

Spirit Jewellery.

My parents to Ireland WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE Reagan, Ian Carty, Rory Shearer, Leonamoved Devine and Artboth which focussed theor unframed.

Local artists can be boughton framed in 1973, I was about one year STARTING THEIR ARTISTIC JOURNEY? Patrick Colhoun.

The gift of a book never fails and at Gallery 1608 we process of edition creating ith Drury’s limited work israther also very old at the time. We lived in Co have perhaps the largest selection of Irish Art Books than the end result. This was Never give up, keep showing up for yourself and Westmeath for many happy llectable and popular with our clients.

His work is Local Books… roof in the whole of Northern Ireland. do the work. Chase the joy in what you do, the great fun and look forward to Ceramicsunder areone also a very popular gift and again we years butat returned The gift of a book never fails and Gallery 1608toweHolland rest will fall into place. th quirky and contemporary, depicting different caninaccommodate budgets.

Pieces range theIrish Eighties.

It all was a diffi time, I hadfrom little perhaps thePaintings… largest selection ofcult Irish Art Books cal scenes seamlessly brought together in one piece. have Dutch and was very unhappy.

Once I finished functional pottery to bespoke sculptural pieces. have been working tirelessly under oneFinally, roof inour thepainters whole of Northern Ireland. e artwork has appeared on television’s The Fall and college, I got myself a small second-hand to ensure have new works available foras theSharon Represented arewehousehold names such car Paintings… and packed few belongings even in the collection of Princess Anne. Prints from Christmas season my and the range and quality of(mostly our Irish Reagan, Ian Carty, Shearer, Leona Devine and canvasses and isRory paintbrushes) and returned to Localframed Jewellery… show Finally, ourcurrent painters haveamazing. been working tirelessly th artists can be bought or unframed.

Ireland in 1997. I never looked back.

Patrick Colhoun.

If jewellery is more your idea of to ensure Remember, we have new for the we works can offavailable er 10 months interest free a gift why not support our local Christmas andYOU the range and quality of our HOW season WOULD DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE? credit on all pieces over £100 and you can makers? We have a wide range of Local Jewellery… current show is amazing. take the work away immediately.

I started out as a fi gurative painter but dabbled jewellery available at many different If jewellery is more your idea of A great way to spread theincost of1608at ingift landscapes occasion.

I was The ofwe a book never fails and at Gallery we 10 MONTHS INTEREST Remember, can offon er 10 months interest free college price points, ranging from costume a gift why not support our local Christmas.I was passionate about FREE LOANS NOW AVAILABLE the time.

Even though have perhaps largest of Irish jewellery to more bespoke pieces. credit on the all pieces overselection £100 and you can Art Books makers? We have a wide range of my figurative work, especially life fiall gure painting PLUS YOU TAKE HOME We whole would to wish our We have sourced many of Ireland’s take the work awaylike immediately. under one roof in the of Northern Ireland. jewellery available at many diff erent later on in my career, it was the landscape THE PIECEINTEREST TODAY customers a very finest jewellers and have work available A great way to spread the happy cost ofChristmas 10 MONTHS painting thatand really moved me more, spoke to price points, ranging from costume a peaceful New Year! from well-known names such as Louise Christmas.

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PLUS YOU TAKE HOME it creates a would certain aour space to purely We likefreedom, to been wish all We have sourced many of Ireland’s Finally, our painters have working tirelessly work from within aand literally work out what THE PIECE TODAY customers very happy Christmas finest jewellers and have work available to ensure we have new works having availabletoforthink the too needsand expressing without a peaceful New Year! from well-known names such as Louise

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Main Street, Bushmills, Co.BT57 Antrim, BT57 8QD 83-85 Main83-85 Street, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, 8QD ewellery is more your idea of Remember, we can off er 10 months interest free 028 2073 W:www.gallery1608.co.uk T:T:028 20731324 1324E:info@gallery1608.co.uk | E: info@gallery1608.co.uk gift why not support our local credit on all pieces over £100 and you can akers? We have a wide range of take the work away immediately. wellery available at many different A great way to spread the cost of 10 MONTHS INTEREST ice points, ranging from costume Christmas.

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Local Women Magazine | 139 PLUS YOU TAKE HOME We would like to wish all our e have sourced many of Ireland’s

www.gallery1608.co.uk

The Fall

By Myra Dryden drydenmyra@googlemail.com

N

o, not the Fall of Man. Of me.

Last week outside Iceland on the Buncrana Road. One minute I’m sailing along thinking about getting something nice for dinner, the next I am hurtling headlong towards a line of supermarket trolleys; and the split second before I make contact I envisage myself in A&E in the care of a young doctor who hasn’t seen a bed for three days (indeed doubts that they even exist anymore) who will proceed to bandage up my good arm while leaving the injured one dangling from its socket, then mumble something about brain injury; but before he could do any more damage two angels extricated me from the jumble of trolleys, marveled at my being still in the land of the living and sent me on into the store with many good wishes and a lot of sympathy.

Thank God my glasses stayed put, sparing me at least the indignity of scrambling to my feet with them dangling from my ear.

However, there was still embarrassment which my carers tried to help me cover up, but in my heart I knew that the sight of me sprawled among the wire baskets would still be in their heads, even be dined out on for days.

It has taken me quite a while to get over and even two weeks later I am still sprouting a bruise the size of Australia on my left thigh.

And how I escaped a broken arm ! I must have bones of iron which I am sure is due to my daily intake of Vitamin D and Folic Acid. Anyway it’s all over now and even if I never cease to be amazed at the kindness anything serious had resulted I am safe in of strangers under such circumstances; the knowledge that my insurance plan is how they rush to the fallen with paid up, with Sunlife, although as I all sorts of offers of help, from have declared many times before, glasses of water to cups of it would hardly bury the cat. tea and even something Apropos of the latter, I read to secure your spectacles recently that the average until you can see span of human life is less Specsavers when you’re than one thousand hours. So up and running again. far I have used up the guts of nine hundred and twelve by which reckoning I have another eighty eight left. That’ll do me rightly.

And if it comes about at least I won’t have to bother to renew my passport again.

Of course it’s not much good to me at

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present the ongoing situation with Covid as it is and the many restrictions entailed in entering other countries. But I am hoping that it will be possible to get to Boston for Easter for a big family gathering. Meanwhile I have to make do with dreaming about New England in the Fall, with its beautiful red and yellow and even purple leaves on the full bodied trees which line every street and not just the rural areas.

Recently I was offered a Covid passport, no good for access to America but I can now gain entrance to any nightclub or pub of my choice, if I’m so inclined or daft enough.

No. I’m afraid that ship has sailed for me, right out of sight. Mind you I always loved a good boogie, and often over the years I have found myself, in the company of my friend or sister, locally enjoying a night of jiving.

One particular stands out in my memory, although no jiving was involved: My company had gone to the ladies when an old man asked me out to dance. And just as the set was ending he whispered in my ear, “Have yee bothers on yee?” I took it for what it was: no cliched chat up line but a genuine concern by a decent man; and I might have told him some of those bothers had Glen Campbell’s cowboy not at that moment walked off into the sunset,

severing our connection. And the amazing thing was that I was seriously bothered by something on that occasion but thought I didn’t show it.

Shame on me for not getting round to this sooner: Book Week which fell this month is just over, and in the middle of that, Library Day. As I said many times before, my position re that wonderful institution is not the best; and it’s all very well giving an amnesty on overdue volumes but I have to find them first and the state of my shelves at the moment is disgraceful.

There was a time when I could put my hand on any book I needed, probably after Patricia had been on the case, but those days have gone and I now find myself in a state of literary Chasis with Chaucer rubbing shoulders with Catherine Cookson, Shakespeare in the company of Adrian Mole, and

might end up in the future unable to read ever again.

Then when shops opened up once more I found a marvelous little volume of essays on various aspects of reading: Scribbles In The Margins by Daniel Gray in Waterstone’s in Belfast which set me back on track after reading one of those essays entitled, Just Giving Up, and removed all anxiety about my future relationship with books. I simply have to quote you some of the content:

poor Alan Coren, my favorite humorist, in There are occasions when a the middle of a gang of pretentious critics, book fails to put you under its spell, when the ignition which he would absolutely deplore. splutters and fades or the My reading material over the lockdowns candle turns its back on the hasn’t been great; what with the library and match. Your eyes move across the lines the charity shops being closed I resorted but they are shuffling rather than to further readings of my favorite novels: cantering. Words turn into bollards, Cormac McCarthy’s The Road, Sarah sentences to blockades and Dunant’s Sacred Hearts, Brian Moore’s paragraphs are entwined The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne, in barbed wire. To finish Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads, John the chapter is to arrive McGahern’s The Leavetaking, and flustered and late having William Trevor’s The Boarding House, become hopelessly lost. all of which I thoroughly recommend You revisit lines over and that you read. again, nothing much vaulting from paper During that time I also tried to mind, and feel as again with books I left half way if you are wading through, hoping to find this through treacle. time round that I could get to Pages seem to the end; but I succeeded be a negotiation with very few which process.

The gave me such a whole thing is a feeling of failure, even slog.......... worried that I might be suffering from serious lack of concentration due to my age, and that I

It is a liberation. All is clear. You see that life is too short for bad books and struggling on. It is an epiphany. There is a funeral ceremony for the book: you shake your head, sigh or swear, pull away the bookmark, fan through the pages one last time, clap it shut, and take one final glance before tossing it down on the floor like an Edwardian schoolmaster dismissing an essay. Do not mourn nor feel guilty. This was a destructive relationship. You have found sweet release. There are plenty more books on the shelf.

That’s for sure, in this house anyway. There are forty-nine other entries on such as reading in bed, my favourite spot; sneaking a look at what someone else is engrossed in on the bus, and I certainly have done that; losing an afternoon organising bookshelves, I won’t go there; old bookshops, I love them; hiding yet more purchases from partners, ‘nough said; impromptu bookmarks, bills, receipts, and on one occasion a piece of toast while at breakfast; the smell of new books, especially Bunty and Schoolfriend all those years ago, and on those occasions it could be said that I smelled my way through Christmas.

There is one essay I have to take issue with: The calm a room of books brings. That surely depends upon the distribution of those books, on shelves surfaces and floors.

Mine are, as you have already guessed, strewn around; and while no one has run screaming from my home, Patricia did come close after stumbling over Ulysses last week.

I’ll say no more.

Then one day, you just do it. You give up. You snap.

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HAIR & MAKEUP: Eugenia at Valerie Kelly Hairdressing MODELS: Magda Lukaszewska Ula Celinska PHOTOGRAPHER: Gerard Gormley www.gerardgormleyphotography.co.uk

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53 Main Street | Strabane Tyrone | BT82 8AU | 028 7138 2888

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HAIR & MAKEUP: Eugenia at Valerie Kelly Hairdressing MODEL: Magda Lukaszewska PHOTOGRAPHER: Gerard Gormley www.gerardgormleyphotography.co.uk

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NEW YEAR, NEW CAREER?

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FASHION AND PHOTOGRAPHIC ACADEMY WITH PADDY MCGURGAN Time: Starting at 10am finishing at 5pm with time for lunch.

Discount: 15% off all products Date: January 24th 2022 ITEC Course: £1550 Paddy McGurgan Certification £1250 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.

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Discount: 15% off all products on the day of the course Date: Sunday 9th January Cost £80 About the Course: Our one-day Night-Time Glamour course based in the heart of Belfast City Centre, is the perfect experience for anyone who is currently in the beauty industry and working with clients regularly, or would like to.

Whether you want to advance your makeup skills for wedding guests or nighttime clients this master class is a huge step towards adding more skills and techniques to your disposal.

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Discount: 15% off all products on the day of the course Date: Sunday 9th January Cost £80 Our one-day beginner’s course based in the heart of Belfast City Centre, is the perfect experience for anyone who loves makeup and wants to submerge themselves into the World Of Makeup Artistry. Whether you want to update your personal make up routine, make a fresh start with new products or want to create a new look, this master class is a huge step towards being a makeup artist for the day.

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WITH PADDY MCGURGAN Time: Starting at 10am finishing at 5pm with time for lunch.

Discount: 15% off all products on the day of the course Date: Sunday 6th February Cost £120 This exclusive One-day Bridal Make Up Course with Paddy McGurgan will equip you with all of the knowledge you need to know for any upcoming bridal parties and weddings you have coming up. Based in the heart of Belfast City Centre, this course will be taken by award-winning Bridal Makeup Artist Paddy McGurgan as he shared his tips and advice over his 20 years of experience in the Bridal Makeup Industry.

This course is only for beauty professionals, makeup artists and people in the industry that will be creating Bridal Make Up. No two brides will ever be the same or want the same look, so understanding the bride’s vision for their special day is the key to creating the perfect look. Paddy will train you during this intensive one-day course all of the techniques and the most requested looks and things to watch for during your trials, and of course, the big day itself! --

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THE SAVVY INVESTOR Make 2022 your year and invest in your future with NI Property Girl Eimear Gourley who knows how to make your money work for you.

What another fantastic month for us at KEEGO Investments. We reached £2m worth of investments found for our clients.

This is fantastic news for the company and our clients as we continue to go from strength to strength.

I keep getting asked what type of person invests with me.

then we are busy, which is great. We have a large number of properties completing shortly, so we are going to have a very busy few months ahead. I expect an influx of enquiries before Christmas as people try to get ahead of the game and start to plan their 2022. I have already had new clients come onboard as they want next It is not the money that year to be the year that they change they crave though, it their lives and how they do things. is the freedom that it I am currently taking on new clients brings. They want to and I would love to hear from Local be able to stop their Women readers who want to get 9-5 and gain control moving with their property journey. If of their lives. They see you have been thinking about getting investing as a vehicle a buy-to-let property, then please get to allow them to be in touch with me today and let’s get able to see their children started. Make 2022 your year! You more, to see their friends can contact me via any of my social more and to give them choices. channels below or via email.

They want that extra holiday or they know that a house generating income can pay It is so great to finally be able to meet those that work with me or are interested for a car. in doing so. I love being able to have We know that it doesn’t happen conversations face to face and whilst overnight, but we always look at the video calling is great, nothing beats face goals and put a plan in place to to face. achieve them.

On a personal note, you all know that My clients appear to have cash built I left my 9-5 recently and I have to up or serious equity in other say, I am loving life. Do I still work long property and hours and some of the weekend? Yes, have educated although I am doing what I want to do themselves and for me and my family which brings enough to make with it a completely different attitude. the decision that I will admit that getting the balance they want this right is still difficult and if we are all money to work for honest, I would say that none of us ever them instead of gets it right. I am trying though and feel sitting gathering like I am succeeding more days than dust. not. I am finally able to attend events Obviously, if my that I have wanted to but couldn’t, I clients are getting am able to network more often and what they want with the right people.

Most of my prospective clients have had a serious mindset change because of Covid. They now value their time more and no longer wish to trade time for money in the same way. They realise that investing in property for the long term can allow them to replace their income and add to a pension.

Contact me today M: 077 838 79534 E: eimear@keegoinvestments.co.uk linkedin.com/in/eimeargourley @ni_propertygirl 150

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Available at the finest independent boutiques in Northern Ireland!

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Turkey, Sausage & Stuffing Sandwich

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10p

from the purchase of the dailyDeli Festive range is donated to charity.

SPAR & EUROSPAR are bringing some festive flavour to lunchtimes with dailyDeli ON THE GO Christmas Sandwiches & Wraps*.

Last year’s Seasonal favourite, the Turkey, Bacon & Stuffing Wrap is back along with the classic Turkey, Sausage & Stuffing Sandwich, and this year they’re joined by new Ham & Stuffing and Vegetarian Brie & Cranberry Sandwiches.

‘Tis the season of goodwill and again this year 10p from the sale of each product will be donated to SPAR & EUROSPAR charity partners, Marie Curie and Cancer Fund for Children.

You can do good and save money at the same time with the great value meal deal of a sandwich, wrap or salad plus selected drinks for only £3, and all Christmas packs are included.

Add a slice of festive cheer to your lunch with new Treats for just £1: choose from Spiced Apple Crumble or Chocolate Brownie to complete your Festive Feast. Season’s Eatings!

*Available in selected stores

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Freshly made Bowls, Wraps & Smoothies

Exclusively at Rossdowney Rossdowney Park 156

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The newest food to go offering at EUROSPAR Rossdowney, Nourish is a range of freshly made bowls, wraps and smoothies. Specially created recipes combine hot & cold ingredients, or you can create your own with your

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The first ‘No ‘Noël’ … from Buick House

Gail Lynas from Buick House Candles has produced her first limited edition Christmas candle called ‘Noël’ which captures the scent and memories of the festive season.

WHAT SCENTS REMIND YOU OF CHRISTMAS GROWING UP?

Portrait by Alexandra Barfoot

The aroma of citrus, spice, clove and cedarwood reminds Gail Lynas of happy Christmases growing up in Co Down.

Citrus and mixed spice. My Mother is an amazing baker and on the approach to Christmas she would bake Christmas cakes for friends and family, Christmas puddings were steamed using a recipe passed down through the family. The fragrance of orange and lemon zest, clove, freshly ground nutmeg filled our home for weeks.

So, in time for this festive season, Gail has produced her first limited edition candle to add to her range of beautifully scented products at Buick House Candles.

Buick House Candles are a bespoke range of beautifully scented candles with scents that evoke and create memories.

WHEN DID YOU START GETTING READY FOR THE CHRISTMAS AT BUICK HOUSE?

Gail set up her luxury candle business during lockdown and followed her dream of being a small business owner.

Her candles have become very popular, perhaps because of the time and dedication Gail puts into researching scents and hand pouring all her products.

In fact, planning for the new Christmas candle started last February. She spent the summer sourcing stockists for her festive candles and

by August as the sun was still warm, she was pouring the winter products ready for sale in the autumn.

It’s been a long journey, but Gail is delighted with her expanding range and has plans for the Buick House Candles brand as we move into 2022.

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW CANDLE. TELL US ABOUT ‘NOËL’?

For me it just captures all of the scents of Christmas - citrus, spice, clove and 158

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cedarwood. In my head I wanted a fragrance that captured Christmas and not something that was cinnamon based like so many others - the lovely fragrance of a real Christmas tree or a fresh natural door wreath.

I also have another candle The Loft, which is a lovely alternative, very rich, warm and intoxicating with notes of pink pepper, clove, sweet cinnamon and cedarwood.

Would you believe planning for the Christmas fragrance started in February? It took a little while to get the blend I was happy with. I also wanted the Christmas candle to be a limited edition, so there have only been a certain number poured - both of the standard home candle, a new larger candle and luxury Christmas melts. Then there was the packaging - I envisaged a box that looked like it was tied with a bow in very traditional Christmas colours, and I’m so pleased with the end result.

All of this had to be completed by the end of June to enable a photo shoot to take place and have meetings with stockists who were planning their Christmas gift range. Doing all of this in July and August felt so strange. The pour then started at the end of August - as everything is done by hand from pouring to packing, it all takes a little while.

DO YOU ENJOY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING? I think as with everyone, buying Christmas

gifts for your nearest and dearest is always a challenge. I always like to buy gifts that are for the person - something they would love for themselves but probably wouldn’t buy.

My significant other is a real car fanatic, loves Formula 1, anything to do with racing cars, old and new. He has received a few weekends away in the past to enjoy racing or a particular event, so right now I’m wracking my brain to think of something he hasn’t done. Me, I like to receive only one gift. I think my tastes are rather simple and I’m easy to buy for - the other half would definitely not agree. A piece of jewellery, a scarf, underwear from my favourite store Orchid Lingerie - in fairness I’m never disappointed.

TELL US ABOUT THE BUICK HOUSE CANDLES BRAND? For as long as I can remember I have always been fascinated by fragrance, by the fact that a smell can evoke so many memories. I recall reading a quote: “Nothing is more memorable than a smell.” So, it became my aim to use fragrance to evoke and create memories. I picked the name as it was the maiden name of my great-great grandmother and also of our home. I did a lot of research and finally found a local chandler who agreed to work with me on developing the fragrances, and using his extensive knowledge, to pour the candles.

WHAT INSPIRED THE SCENTS? The names of the candles themselves are inspired by our home and the beautiful Irish countryside that we are so lucky to have all around us.

The fragrances are all personal to me and I describe them with my own memories. My father loved classic cars and the smell of leather just takes me back to driving with him as a child. Wednesday was laundry day at my granny’s, and I tried to create that lovely fresh yet comforting smell that reminded me of piles of bedlinen and towels.

CAN YOU TALK US THROUGH THE PROCESS OF MAKING THE CANDLES? Buick House Candles are double poured in a Co Down workshop. Hand pouring the candles is an old-fashioned process, but this makes a difference to how the candles burn and throw their scent. The wicks are trimmed and straightened by hand once the candles have sufficiently cooled. Finally, they are cleaned,

labels are applied, and each candle is then hand-wrapped in our branded paper before being boxed and ready for shipping.

WHERE CAN I BUY YOUR CANDLES?

WHAT DO YOU MOST LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

The candles can be purchased from Bella Rosa Cottage Beauty & Spa (Newry), Country Blossoms & Home Interiors (Moira), Cafe Marmalade (Banbridge), F.E.McWilliam Gallery (Banbridge), The Old Courthouse (Greyabbey), Slieve Donard Hotel (Newcastle), Vera & Ernies (Rathfriland), Milk & Honey (Belfast), Herbert Gould Home (Belfast), Tassels & Tiebacks (Ballymoney), Gallery 1608 (Bushmills), Twigs & Twine (Hillsborough), The Little Petal (Annaclone), Strandfield (Dundalk), Nook Home (Trim), Sage & Meadow (Dromore), SHap @Finnebrogue Woods and Alexander’s of Markethill. I’m looking for additional stockists so if anyone is reading this and is interested, do get in touch.

I adore the creative side of the business - developing fragrances, coming up with new names. It’s all so different from the timecontrolled, meeting orientated world I have been used to. As cheesy as it sounds, I love hearing feedback from customers and seeing candles lit in their homes. I ask people to share their photos with me on social media and seeing one of my candles lit, hearing people’s feedback and what the scent reminds them of - that’s what it’s all about, creating memories and filling homes with fragrance.

Trading is predominantly online at www. buickhousecandles.com.

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Models: Adam Hutchinson, Laoise Hannan & Darcy Smith Photography: Alexandra Barfoot www.alexandrabarfoot.co.uk

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Models - Adam Hutchinson, Laoise Hannan & Darcy Smith Photography by Alexandra Barfoot www.alexandrabarfoot.co.uk Models: Adam Hutchinson, Laoise Hannan & Darcy Smith Photography: Alexandra Barfoot www.alexandrabarfoot.co.uk

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61 Main Street | Limavady Tel: 028 7776 8373

QUALITY BEDS AND MATTRESSES

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FOR MORE SAMPLES OF OUR WORK VISIT US AT

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At The Cake Pantry, there is a range of extra special, delicious festive baked treats perfect for gifting … or enjoying yourself!

Enter a winter wonderland of festive treats at The Cake Pantry this Christmas.

Offering an astonishing array of the most splendidly scrumptious delights, anything you choose is guaranteed to be the perfect gift for family and friends this festive season.

There’s a modern twist on the conventional Christmas cake, as well as traditional gingerbread and vanilla cookies adorned with eye-catching designs.

Tanya has created a spectacular assortment of beautiful seasonal goodies that bring the sparkle and magic to baking this Christmas.

Everyone is familiar with the classic Christmas fruit cake, (whether you love it or hate it), but The Cake Pantry is casting aside this tradition in favour of a vastly more tantalising sponge cake for a merry centrepiece that will dazzle the tastebuds of even the fussiest of little ones. If you wish to, you can even choose to include a personalised cake topper for a truly bespoke look.

For a bite-sized alternative, a range of freshly baked cupcakes are also available for festive gatherings or gifting. Or, if you are 170

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searching for a unique gift for the sweet-toothed person in your life, then look no further — The Cake Pantry’s lovingly hand-decorated vanilla sugar cookies and gingerbread biscuits are certain to be a resounding hit. Boasting skilfully piped royal-iced decoration, they look just as exquisite as they taste.

Their more compact size and long shelf life (cookies last for 1 month and gingerbread for 3 months) also makes them perfect for gifting and stocking fillers. They are sure to get you into the Christmas spirit of giving and sharing. All cookies can be gift-wrapped.

The Cake Pantry is now taking orders for the festive period. Please place your orders early to avoid disappointment as this is an extremely busy season and availability will be limited.

Browse and order online at

www.cakesthecakepantry.com T: 028 9036 9734 E:cakes@thecakepantry.com @thecakepantry.cake Local Women Magazine

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It’s time to get ready for Christmas with some beautiful, seasonal flowers from Blossom & Birch, Ballymoney.

At Blossom & Birch we love Christmas and those gorgeous festive blooms that brighten up the dark days.

• AMARYLLIS: a long lasting, gorgeous flower perfect for having in the house over the festive period.

• POINSETTIA: the iconic Christmas flower is a very popular and blooms throughout December.

• CHRISTMAS FOLIAGE: If flowers aren’t your thing, why not just go all foliage this year? Mixing seasonal foliage like spruce, conifer and Eucalyptus brings a lovely Christmas fresh scent into the home. You can finish off your rustic foliage arrangement with apples, orange slices, cones and cinnamon sticks for that festive flair.

Ordering your Christmas flowers

We will be taking pre-orders for Christmas this year due to high demand. Don’t forget to get your order in to avoid disappointment.

Christmas workshops

We will be hosting Christmas floral workshops this year which is very exciting. We will be at The Sleepy Cow Curiosities for a fireplace festive arranging class, table centre making and door wreaths.

We will also be at Artisan Row in Coleraine for a festive door wreath class. Hope to see you there.

Blossom & Birch Flowers by Shannon Ormandy 4 Church Street, Ballymoney, BT53 6DL

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Blossom & Birch The Flower Shack 36a Broughshane Street, Ballymena BT43 6EB

Wedding Boutique Blossom&Birch Wedding Centre Randalstown

MOO to Ballymoney The Sleepy Cow Curiosities is a stunning new antiques boutique in Ballymoney town centre where you can shop, enjoy afternoon tea and even take part in a workshop with a glass of prosecco.

The Sleepy Cow Curiosities is an antiques shop with a twist.

Follow the little cobbled alley way at No 6 Church Street, Ballymoney and you’ll be met with a warm welcome at the quaint shop where you can browse the antiques while you have a cup of tea or a cup of Causeway Coffee with a sweet treat like scones or traybakes.

Afternoon tea is served in a beautiful antique china tea set in our little tea room for a wonderful luxurious experience. It really is a special treat and a great place to meet friends for a catch-up.

At The Sleepy Cow Curiosities, they also run fantastic workshops and event nights.

There have a range of events from floral workshops, sound healing, coffee tasting, art and paint workshops, as well as paint and prosecco and dining event nights.

6 Church Street | Ballymoney | BT53 6DL @TheSleepyCowatNo6

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Caldwells Est. 1895

98-100 Church Street, Ballymena, Co. Antrim BT43 6DF 02825 652810 • www.caldwellsjewellers.co.uk 174

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SAVE ON SHORT BREAKS & SUMMER SUN FROM CITY OF DERRY AIRPORT With that little chill in the air, the darker evenings descending and the kids all back at school, there’s no denying - autumn is here! And it’s a great time to cure those post-summer blues and book yourself a little break to look forward to, assured in the knowledge of a safe, convenient and efficient travel experience at City of Derry Airport.

Local travel agent, Travel Solutions, are offering some fantastic two and three night city breaks from City of Derry Airport to the fun-filled cities of London, Liverpool and Glasgow, with prices starting from just £249pp (based on two people sharing). This includes return flights with Loganair, airport taxes and security charges, 3* hotel accommodation, 15kg hold baggage, 6kg hand luggage and complimentary in-flight refreshments!

Travel to Manchester will also be available from City of Derry Airport as Ryanair returns to the North West this Winter! Flights to Manchester are taking off from 1st December 2021, operating three days per week and fares start from just £11.99pp one way. You can book now via the airport website: www.cityofderryairport.com.

Christmas shopping weekends, glamorous theatre nights, cosy dinners and drinks over a crackling fire, action-packed football fun - there is an endless list of memories to be made on a short break in the UK’s top cities!

City of Derry Airport has also recently welcomed some NEW summer package holidays for Majorca and the Algarve for 2022. The flights, operated by Albastar, will commence on a weekly basis from 29th June 2022, and packages are available for couples, families and groups, with 3* and 4* accommodation offerings to suit all tastes and budget, and every board basis available from room only to all-inclusive.

Prices start at just £499p and include airport and security taxes as well as 20kg checked in luggage per person, not forgetting that FREE child places are available when you book before 31st December 2021! A booking deposit of just £50pp is required and you can book via your local travel agent or by contacting Travel Solutions on 028 9045 5030 or www.travel-solutions.co.uk.

The beauty of travelling from City of Derry Airport is the stress-free experience, with passenger health and safety at the heart of all operations, cost-effective car-parking and convenient transport links. You can start your journey in style by pre-booking into the airports Amelia Earhart Lounge where you will be assisted with refreshments and entertainment in a relaxed space whilst enjoying fantastic views of the airfield and surrounding area. Full information is available on the airport website.

For more information on the short breaks and summer package holidays available from City of Derry Airport, visit

www.cityofderryairport.com.

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LADIES FASHIONS, ACCESSORIES AND GIFTS

HOLISTIC HEALING THERAPIES

The therapies I offer are nurturing and relaxing, allowing you to re-connect and listen to your body. Helping to ease pain, release tension and re-ignite your body’s own amazing ability to heal itself. Your healing is in your hands.

We are proud to accept the spend local card Hand Reflexology | Relax & Restore Ritual Women’s Health & Fertility Massage | 3 Step Process STILL THE MIND - RELAX THE BODY - SOOTHE THE SOUL Serenity Blue is located in the Ballymena area.

Contact Emma at T: 07926 527706 | E:emma@serenityblue.co.uk

www.serenityblue.co.uk Serenity Blue

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serenityblue.co.uk

18 Main Street | Larne | BT40 1SS | T: 028 2832 9402

www.bridalelegance-boutique.co.uk bridalelegancelarne

bridaleleganceboutique

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StarScope by Paul Local Women’s Spiritual Zodiac Astrologer Paul McCaughan guides you through the month of October.

“You can positively change the way you feel about yourself, your life, how you approach challenges and meet your physiological and emotional needs.

When you need to be brought out of fear, doubt, and confusion to travel along the path to enlightenment, use these words as your guide.”

ARIES THE RAM

TAURUS THE BULL

GEMINI THE TWINS

CANCER THE CRAB

It order to be creative, you must

You don’t have a set plan, no road map

You’ve lost your way, your inner light,

Distractions and circumstances meant you

have

intention

to the future. There’s a distinct lack of

making you a ‘ghost of your former self.’

had to ignore the ‘Call of the Universe,’

and focused mind if you’re going to

give and take. It’s not that you don’t

You’re not as self-assured and confident

the opportunity to discover yourself and

receive the necessary flow to be able

have the know-how, the resources, or

as you used to be.

You’ve been

your true vocation, but that’s all about

to give your emotional and physical

the skills required to proceed. It’s just

following the will-o-the-wisp, who delights

to change. Destiny is about to catch up

best, and receive the inspiration and

that you don’t have any idea where best

in leading unsuspecting travellers to

with you as reward for everything you’ve

motivation needed to produce.

One

to place your energy – and scattered,

places where they perish!

You may

had to endure, and as a compensation

motivation will be material responsibility.

energy results in sloppy, low quality,

feel less attractive and really notice the

for never losing your integrity and dignity

The accumulation of money, friends,

shoddy workmanship. Think in terms of

aging process! Don’t excessively isolate

to judge people with the harshness that

knowledge,

and

‘concept, design, creation’ in order to

yourself. Do re-evaluate mental blocks,

they judged you.

personal qualities is the foundation for a

get the most reward from your ideas,

and be willing to explore alternative,

now aligned with your feelings, making

solid future, and for living life as a mature,

and remember to take a lot of well

evolutionary pathways that will make

choosing with the head and the heart

well-adjusted adult.

When you have

deserved rest periods between work

you happier. At your core, you’re an

much

these things in abundance, you’ll live in

shifts, professional commissions, and

optimistic person – keep hold of that

Problems will only arise if you allow your

slendour.

personal demands.

optimism.

heart to cloud your judgement.

the

proper

mental

experience,

skills,

LEO THE LION

VIRGO THE MAIDEN

LIBRA THE SCALES

easier,

Your thoughts are

leaving

you

content.

SCORPIO THE SCORPION

What steps must you take to receive the

When you don’t follow your instincts, your

With around 9 hours of daylight, and

In many cases the head has to caution the

desires of your heart? The first thing to believe

nose, you leave yourself vulnerable and

an average temperature of around 7

heart, or restrain it completely! Each choice

is that it’s never too late to go after your

open to making poor choices. Listening

°C, it’s hard to feel radiant, joyous and

you make can be extremely important and

dream. The second thing is to believe that

to your intuition, your E.S.P., your hunch,

full of energy in November.

To feel

influential to your life. Either your heed your

you can achieve it, then focus all of your will

your sneaking suspicion, that ‘feeling’ in

restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed

thought-inducing, rational head, the voice

and determination in that area, regardless

your bones that you can’t quite put your

and redeemed, but that’s exactly how

of reason and logic, or you listen to your

of what others are expecting or demanding

finger on, means recognising your own

you should be feeling.

The sun may

emotion-filled heart. As an emotional being,

of you. You must now forget all past efforts

truth and trusting what you already know.

well be a source of warmth and life-

you tend to opt for the latter because the

and look to what lies ahead as you test

Trusting that your assessment is accurate,

sustaining nourishment, but when it

heart wants what it wants, right?

new waters and push new boundaries. The

that your thoughts and feelings have

doesn’t shine, you must look to other

decision is meaningful and potentially life-

greatest tool to carry is love, for without love

equal validity, that you have enough

sources for opportunities that bring

changing, whether deciding what to eat or

(given and received), you’ll limp along half-

courage to take the action needed,

happiness into your life by spending time

if you should buy that cute chair. Your head

heartedly. For the next five months, focus on

will prevent you from second guessing

with your family and friends, and doing

will keep you from eating the most fattening

self love. You have your own path to follow,

yourself and allow fear and doubt to

something constructive of your choosing

meal, but your heart will internally persuade

your own labour of love to fulfill.

dictate your future.

that actually gives you pleasure and joy.

you to buy that cute chair.

SAGITTARIUS THE ARCHER

CAPRICORN THE GOAT

AQUARIUS THE WATER BEARER

Every

PISCES THE FISH

There comes a point in everyone’s life when

Munch referred to his famous painting

The moon waxes and wanes through

With the clock ticking down to Christmas,

they have to take a good, hard look at

The Scream as the “study of the soul, the

transformative phases and cycles – new

there’s a frantic urgency to get things done,

themselves. Paying attention to yourself,

study of my own self, after I gave up hope

moon, full moon, half moon – influencing

but when the clock stops, frenetic panic sets

actually looking at yourself, causes a

of ever being able to love.” The painting

erratic

in

in. You may think it’s too late, that time has

reinvention of beliefs, goals, and attitude,

may be about personal angst and feeling

humans, and the ebb-and-flow of the

run out. Now is the time to be calm, cool

because life is about more than what you

hopeless after looking within, but that may

tides, due to gravitational and stabilising

and collected. Losing your mind is a quick-

can get for yourself and do for yourself. The

be an understatement when personal

forces. November’s full moon marks the

fire way to lose control. So start listening to

shift from making it all about you, to making

stress is coupled with professional stress, as

beginning of the end, as it’s the very last

your heart. Get in touch with how you feel

it about someone else, will serve your

well, and there’s so much more yet to do.

full moon before the winter solstice, which

– your emotional intelligence. Get to the

emotional growth, which is more important

One of your greatest needs is to raise a

makes it the ‘Mourning’ Moon. Use this to

bottom of why you had certain negative

than material gain. An area in your life has

substantial amount of money in the next few

shed bad habits and toxic relationships,

thoughts, acted in a brusque way, or think

you bemoaning ‘shoulda, woulda, coulda,’

months to keep moving forward. “Hardships

and get a fresh start by focusing on

that you’re losing control.

had you taken another life path. To get a

make or break people,” wrote Margaret

developing a new skill and mindset. Allow

reduction strategy is necessary. Instead of

good return on your regrets, turn them into

Mitchell, who gave us the determined and

yourself to mourn the things you lost this

twisting the knife and pushing it in deeper,

hard-won insights of wisdom.

indestructible Scarlett O’Hara.

year, and to let them go.

yell ‘Plot Twist!’ and shake it off.

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and

irrational

behaviour

An anxiety

All vouchers include accommodation for two adults sharing. Hot chocolate & cookies is per adult and the €10 spa credit is per room.

Terms & Conditions: Can only be purchased up until 23rd December 2021, after that prices will revert to standard rates. Voucher is only valid to use in January & February 2022, Sunday - Thursday, a supplement of €20 per night applies for Friday or Saturday stays. Excludes Valentines period.

Offer is subject to availability. Vouchers can be purchased online at www.shandonhotelspa.com I Vouchers can be emailed or posted. Post February 2022, the monetary value on this voucher is valid for 5 years against any other goods & services throughout the resort at the standard rates. This voucher entitles the bearer to B&B in a standard room, standard rooms do not have a seaview and the view is limited.

A seaview room is subject to availability and a supplement will apply.

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SPEND LOCAL CARD SPECIAL Buy 2 x 100ml bottles: £50 NORMALLY £58

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WHY SPEND A FORTUNE ON BIG BRANDS? - YOU WILL BE AMAZED AT EQUIVALENZA Call in for a FREE SAMPLE to our hight street store at

Equivalenza | Level 3 | Richmond Centre | Derry City 184

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