Connect Lifestyle Magazine February 2023

The lifestyle magazine for Kerry

Made in Kerry, for Kerry FREE

KE ME

PLEASE TA

FEBRUARY 2023

Simon Zebo & Elvira Fernandez A Love Story Top Tips to Plan Your

Perfect Day!

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EDITOR'S NOTE Hi everyone It’s February, it’s our first back after the Christmas break so we hope you all had a good one.

This month we have some great ideas for those of you getting married, and lots more.

We also invite you to nominate those in the hair and beauty industry that you feel deserve to be recognised at our annual hair and beauty awards which take place in March 26th, all info in this magazine.

We are going digital with Connect with our print issue being released quarterly, we have looked at the overall performance and feel that online is how it’s all going so we want to be able to bring you up to the minute updates, news and all that’s happening with those around us, so we will as always have it online on the first week of the month for you to read, but we will have lots more stories, interviews and up to date on whats happening around the county and the country with our daily updates. Our advertisers will be able to bring you the latest on what they have for you without waiting for deadlines and you the reader will got lots more updated stories from us when you follow us online.

We hope you enjoy the transition and as I say our print run copies will be released quarterly to coincide with our events So as always we hope you enjoy your favourite monthly read and follow us online for lots more news and updates Till next month

Mags xx

COLLAGEN...

WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT??

Collagen is a protein your body produces naturally. It plays an essential role in the structure and function of our skin, hair, cartilage and joints.

As we age, our bodies produce less Collagen.

Collagen loss leads to dehydration and thinning of the skin, fine lines and wrinkles start to appear and hair may become thinner. You can’t measure exactly how much collagen you have, but when it drops you may have symptoms such as joint pain or stiff tendons or ligaments.

People have become much more aware of taking a collagen supplement, not only for it’s beauty benefits but also for their Joint and bone health.

It is important to select a good quality Collagen.

We have a large selection here in the healthstore in liquid and powder form. If you are considering taking Collagen, call in store and we will advise you on which suits your needs best.

Until next time, stay healthy.

Deirdre

"THE WELLNESS CLINIC WITH DEIRDRE" Editor: Margaret Kissane Office Enquiries: Cathriona Murphy Print: Kingdom Printers Graphic Design: Yevgen Kalynin Editorial Contributors: Lisa Curran, Romy Birdthistle, John Canty, Mairead McMahon, Pat Harmon, Marcas Mac Domhnaill For Advertising Enquiries: Margaret: 086 2408237 sales@connectpublications.ie For Editorial Enquiries: margaret@connectpublications.ie Website: www.connectpublications.ie

NOW OPEN IN OUR MANOR STORE Offering advice and information on all aspects of your health and wellness.

Horan's Health Store Manor West Ph: 066 718 0690 E: horansmanor@gmail.com Web: www.horanshealth.ie 3

Simon Zebo & Elvira Fernandez A Love Story

By Cathriona Murphy A teen’s first love that ran deeper than the ocean separating them, strong enough to bring them back together as adults, Simon Zebo and Elvira Fernandez on their story of falling in love and finding their happy ever after in each other.

You have both encapsulated the very meaning of “Childhood Sweethearts”.

Can you tell our readers a little about how you met?

Elvira told me “I came to Ireland first when I was 15 years old. My parents wanted me to learn English properly, so they sent me here to do a full school year and live with an Irish family during that period.

I arrived on a Wednesday at the end of August and two days later, I met Simon just outside a chipper, "Denny’s". There was an instant attraction from both sides.

He sent one of his friends to find out my name and see if I would like to kiss him, I said, well, if he wants to know my name, he will have to find out himself! He came towards me, and we start talking, just a little bit, as my English was very poor and I almost understood nothing. I didn’t kiss him because even if I felt attracted to him I didn’t know him...time passed and we secretly became boyfriend and girlfriend for a few months until I had to go back to Spain for good” Little we knew back then, we didn’t have any expectations, we just lived the moment, and those moments lived were the ones that brought us back 7 years later.

And the rest, is history.

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You married in Summer 2022 in our beautiful kingdom of Kerry, was there a particular reason why you chose to marry here and in Sheen Falls Lodge?

We both love Kerry, we wanted to be surrounded by water and for some reason we feel very connected to Kerry so we decided to find a venue that would suit us there. Sheen Falls was perfect for our small wedding and its surroundings are stunning. we also wanted to get married outside in nature, and their boat house was just perfect in case it rained, which is something you need to think of when getting married in Ireland, even if it is summer!

When we hear of a wedding, the curiosity surrounding the brides dress is always anticipated. Elvira, can you tell us where and how you chose your dress, the designer etc?

I was pregnant with Isabella, so I could not go dress shopping...so I just got them made and hoped it would fit after giving birth.

I received the dresses one month after I had Isabella and they fitted perfectly, one month later I made small adjustments as I lost a little bit of weight and that was it. I didn’t make much fuss about the dresses to be honest.

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Simon, can you describe the moment you saw Elvira walk up the aisle towards you, it can often be an emotional time for the men!

It was a little bit emotional. She was my childhood sweetheart. I have been with her for so long since we were teenagers, sometime apart and then back together again. So seeing my one true love walking down the aisle was incredible special.

Something I’ll never forget.

What advice would you offer our readers who are starting the process of choosing their own dress? Did/ would you budget for a ‘splurge’ item such as designer shoes etc?

My advice is to not stress much about it.

Try to find something you like and you feel comfortable in, something that reflects part of you for that moment. At the end of the day, nobody will remember which designer you wore or how much it cost, so spending more that you can wouldn’t be the smartest thing. There are very nice dresses at reasonable prices, so I would suggest to find a dress and shoes that suit you and your budget.

Your pictures truly epitomised the meaning of a family wedding. Was there great excitement amongst your children around the day and did they have special roles in the ceremony/ day?

They were over the moon, They still talk about it sometimes, they (Jacob and Sofia) even remember when Simon proposed to me by the Eiffel Tower.

They had to walk in before I entered the boat house, they had to bring the rings and they were part of the sand ceremony, which basically was a ceremony to unite the family in our special day. Each of us had a glass with sand of different colours that we had to pour into a big jar simultaneously. Sofia also sang over the rainbow after we had food at the venue, it was very romantic and intimate.

A lot of couples can have fear’s around inviting/including children in on the guest list perhaps due to behaviour etc, what advice would you offer to keep children entertained and happy throughout the long day or more so, what worked for you?

Yeah, to be honest I never heard of the "no children rule" at weddings until I came to Ireland. I understand that being child free is much better as you don’t have to be minding anyone and you can just enjoy yourself, but sometimes, you have babies, not children, that can’t just be left for a night or few nights, if the wedding is abroad, especially when they’re used to spending all day with you, or if you are breastfeeding them. So, I can understand the view of people that prefer to have no children at their weddings but I come from a place where children are brought with you everywhere so the first time I heard about it I was like, what?

Spanish people are generally very family orientated and I have always brought my children with me almost everywhere I went and go, which is not an easy thing... but that is how they learn how to behave in public and in certain occasions. Before it was very hard to meet up with a friend just for coffee without being stressed, but now they know how to wait, be more patient and just be part of whatever is going on. So on the day, they were just part of it. The ceremony wasn’t too long and they were involved in it, afterwards it was food and fun time with us and their cousins. they were singing and dancing with us until 1am!

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So I think that if you want your children to behave, you need to teach them how to, you need to take them to places with you so they can learn how to behave on social events or public, to us, there is no better way. Our wedding was pretty small so we didn’t need much, but for a larger wedding I would recommend to get entertainment for children so they can be minded and have a good time as well. Have a bouncy castle, face painting and people to look after them will probably be something we will do for our wedding in Spain so everyone can enjoy themselves.

Irish weddings can become events of outlandish proportions, you kept your guestlist small, can you tell us why you chose to do that and what it meant to you to have such an intimate ceremony?

We felt like it was about time to get married but we didn’t have time to organise a big one, specially being pregnant and having another 3 kids and business to run at the same time, so instead of just signing a paper we wanted to do a small wedding with our closest family members so they could celebrate with us our love and make it more special.

We will have a bigger wedding in Spain next year with all our friends, which we need to start organising now...

Reflecting back on the day now, what was your own favourite memories of it?

Walking in the boat house, the moment in which we were saying our vows and the after party in the lodge were our favourite parts of the day.

The wedding came after your relocation back to Munster. Simon, how has it felt to come back home to play the game you love?

It felt fantastic coming back to Munster, coming back to the club I played for so many years with some of my old friends and new faces.

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It is great to get to play in front of my family, friends and Munster fans. The incredible crowd at Thomond Park, it is all just pretty special.

Moving house can be stressful but an international move, how was it on your family and have you settled back in since?

Moving back it was easy, apart from all the packing and unpacking part. We came back to our house, which is the same one we were living in before we left, so we felt like coming back home. Simons family is close by which is great and the kids loved their school as they made friends straight away. I find it harder myself sometimes because of the weather and not having too many friends I can talk to or do things with. I find Irish people very nice people but very close doors at the same time. Also, having Simon as a partner it is hard to trust whether people are being nice because they really like you or just because you are his partner, so I have trust issues and I don’t fully open to others either.

They say behind every strong man is an even stronger woman (sorry Simon!). In this case, Elvira you are an absolute powerhouse, proving woman can in fact have it all! If it wasn’t enough to raise 4 children, support your husband with his career that would be demanding enough, you have gone on to start your own business! Would you tell us about that please?

If I only did house work I would actually go insane to be honest...I’ve a gifted mind, which I only found out in my 20s, my parents kept it a secret and I don’t know why! If I don’t put it to use I fell unhappy and unfilled, so I’m always thinking of projects and business and once one thing is almost done, I’m already thinking what to do next.

After having Sofia I had some money saved from some modelling jobs and companies so I decided to do something with it. I wanted to be able to be there for my kids and raise them while being able to provide for the family too. I came up with the idea of a skincare brand, firstly because I could never find something that would suit my skin, serums would not be hydrating enough or they would cause me break outs, so most of the times my skin was quite dry as I was afraid of putting something that would cause me acne.

Then I also wanted to help Irish people to improve their skin so they could have more confidence in themselves and wear less makeup. I think that when our skin is good, we look better, therefore, it makes us feel better and have more confidence. More confidence in oneself equals success and that’s what I want. I want to make people happier, more confident and successful because they’re all interconnected. So Sofia Juliette Paris, skincare brand was named after our first daughter. Sofia Juliette, is also a wellness brand where you can book spiritual sessions. Soon buy an eBook on holistic recipes and articles to help us grow inside out.

Being in the cosmetic circle made me think of becoming a distributor of beauty and aesthetics machines for beauticians, salons and aesthetics centres, so I created Sofia Juliette Aesthetics Supplier company just a couple of months ago.

I also designed and got made our wedding rings, which made me create a brand for Jacob. He always said to me, why does Sofia have her brand and I don’t have mine? And I said to him, you are right, one I have a good idea and the budget for it so I will. And that is how JJewels Official came to live. Jacob loves jewellery and I love designing it, so it was the perfect project.

JJewels Official is an online store where

you can buy any ring on the website or where you can ask to get one customized with any requirements. We offer all type of materials of metals and stones so everyone can have their dream ring adjusted to their budget. We offer fractionated payment too, so people don’t have to pay it all at once and make it easier for them to get what they want without stressing over it.

So, for now, these are the 3 companies I’m working on at the moment. I want to grow them, and once I do, I’ll be onto the next projects.

Marriage is a mutual relationship that requires team effort and work throughout. With 2 demanding careers at play and 4 children, how and when do you make time for just you two, what is your secret to a lasting relationship?

Once our kids go to bed is our "us time" .

Every day we chat about things and watch something together before bed. We also try to do things on my days off. It is all about making time for each other!

But really, the most important thing is love. If you love everything is possible. If you love there is respect, if you love you try to understand the other person, if you love you want to help the other person, if you love you want the other person to be happy because if that person is not happy neither of you are. Love is the key for any relationship to work and for everything in life too.

For more information on Elvira’s business’s you can visit www.sofiajuliette.com and www.jjewelsofficial.com Simons latest Rugby news can be found on www.munsterrugby.ie

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Savour the ultimate Afternoon Tea indulgence at The Killarney Park

Classic

Afternoon Tea

45.00

from

€ per person

Set against the relaxing backdrop of live piano music and served in the warm and contemporary surroundings of The Peregrine, expect a scrumptious feast of scones, cakes and pastries and a selection of expertly prepared savouries, all with a fusion of flavours that pay tribute to the long-standing tradition of Afternoon Tea. Reservations for afternoon tea in The Peregrine are now open for select Sundays from February 19th 2023.

Bookings can be made from 1.30 pm to 3pm, subject to availability.

visit killarneyparkhotel.ie or telephone 064 663 5555 To make a reservation

13835 - kil001 - CAT Ad Killarney Adv 195 x 133.5.indd 1

18/01/2023 11:31

THE

GARDEN BAR At The Killarney Park

Enjoy The Essence of Spring on a Plate Food served daily from 12.30pm

Book your table at killarneyparkhotel.ie or Call 064 663 5555

Indulge in a fusion of fresh seasonal ingredients prepared by our chef with passion and creativity to create dishes that express the very essence of modern Irish cuisine. Choose from an impressive á la Carte menu including creative salads, gourmet sandwiches, meat, fish and garden dishes made with the best of the season.

Town Centre, Killarney, Co Kerry, Ireland, V93 CF30 Email: info@killarneyparkhotel.ie

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Top Tips to Plan Your

Perfect Day!

By Cathriona Muprhy

For our Spring Wedding edition, I wanted to bring our readers a feature designed to give insight into planning and preparing for your Wedding day and who better to chat with than Wedding Manager, Sile Browne of The Kenmare Bay Hotel. Sile is renowned around the county and further afield for her expertise and professionalism in the Wedding industry. So much so that she was awarded Wedding Manager of the Year in the Brides of Kerry Wedding Industry Awards 2018. I sat with Sile recently and asked her to give some advice and some insight into what is on offer over at The Kenmare Bay Hotel.

Sile, from the moment a proposal occurs, realistically how much time should a couple give themselves to plan a wedding?

From experience, I feel it all depends on the date/time of year you wish to book. Those looking at specific dates or Bank Holidays, school holidays or even Christmas, need to plan well in advance to secure those dates. Not just with the venue but also for other suppliers that may be high on your list and in high demand. Those that are more flexible on dates and open to numerous options, anything from 8 to 18 months is generally more than enough time.

In terms of choosing a venue, what steps should a couple take?

• Choosing your location- Kenmare is a destination location and offers so much to couples in regard to photo locations, day after wedding parties and more. We also offer ample accommodation options for couples which is important as well as a stunning setting for your ceremony and/or reception with spectacular mountain views.

• Meeting with the Wedding Co-ordinator and Team – When planning your wedding, it is so important to run through packages for personal budgets and specific detail on how you imagine your day. At the Kenmare Bay Hotel, we are so flexible and open to creating a day as unique as each couple. No 2 weddings are the same and making each couple feel that is so important to 10

us. You truly get a sense of your wedding when you meet the team and feel comfortable that your day will be as you envisage.

• Ensuring the venue and main suppliers including celebrant/ church are available for your chosen date – At the Kenmare Bay Hotel, we can provisionally hold any date for up to 4 weeks while you make your final decision. This give our couples time to make sure the date lines up with other suppliers and the church etc.

What advice would you give around budget planning and making the most with your venue and budget?

Each couple will have a different budget and a different idea of how they want it split. For many, the venue, photographer/ videographer and band are very important so doing your research and finding out the cost of these main suppliers is key to developing the overall budget. After that, it’s about prioritising the remaining areas and allocating a section of the budget to each.

Doing research and getting quotes early on will help in making sure the couples priories stay in line with how they imagine their day.

With so much choice out there at the moment how will a couple know that the particular venue is the one for them?

It’s all about “that feeling”. Our couples always say how they just knew it was the venue for them when they came in and had the chat and saw what we have to offer for themselves. Some couples will have their venue picked before they even get engaged or have a dream of where they want to get married but at the end of the day, you have to feel it in your gutt and sometimes it needs no explanation only that.

For a couple booking in with yourselves for their big day, what can they expect from start to finish?

For your special day, we have everything covered to make it as stress free and relaxing as possible. Prior to your wedding, you will get a complimentary night stay plus a VIP menu tasting evening where you will sample your favourite menu options and wine on the night. After your menu tasting, we are just a short stroll from Kenmare Town so you can enjoy its atmosphere before settling down for a good night's sleep. The following morning or in the days following, we will go through all the final details of your wedding day and include everything that we need to know to ensure the smooth running of your special day.

To avoid confusions and miss communications between couples and venues, what advice would you give on how to manage expectations and give clarity to the needs of both parties?

Good communication is key between each couple and the venue.

As a venue, we put everything down in emails and have it in black and white for both parties. Each couple will know exactly what we offer, when key planning dates with the hotel will be and everything in between. It is important for couples also to ask any questions they have (the more the better) so they have clarity on all aspects also. It could be as simple as asking, what time does the bar close? No matter how small the question, having asked it means that our couples have an answer and they can tick another item off the list.

Can you give some advice on how to plan for changeable weather, does Kenmare Bay have plans in place with the couples for such events?

Our venue caters mainly in an indoor setting from ceremony to reception. We have an outdoor courtyard for summer prereceptions, but this is an extension of our main pre-reception room so if the weather doesn’t co-operate, its not used. For civil ceremonies, our suite provides spectacular views of the Kerry Mountains so even if it is raining cats and dogs, they can still enjoy a wonderful view from the warmth and comfort of our ceremony suite.

Our General Manager, Andrew, believes he has a deal with mother nature though and can almost guarantee that even on a forecasted rainy day, he can guarantee a dry spell for photos and arrival to the hotel. He hasn’t been wrong for a few years now so touch wood..

What do you feel is the unique selling point for Kenmare Bay? We have an exceptional reputation for food and service at the Kenmare Bay Hotel and we are only looking at improving this service year on year. We have new tableware, crockery, and cutlery for 2023 as well as a revamped wedding menu which will hit a whole new level of culinary delight.

Our wedding team is also second to none and have a real passion for making each wedding as good, if not better, than the last. We are a team but also with most in long service of over 15 years or more, we are a family also. You are truly in great hands at the Kenmare Bay Hotel.

The morning of your wedding, our own wedding car and experiences chauffeur Carlo will pick you up and bring you to the ceremony location. After the ceremony, he will drive you to your photoshoot locations and offer you some snacks and prosecco along the way to keep your energy high and ready for the evening ahead. A red-carpet welcome awaits you at the hotel for your evening reception with complimentary prosecco and canapes for all your guests in our Courtyard Bar before the bell is rang for your meal.

Our Head Chef Bobby was born and raised in Co. Clare and started working in kitchens at the age of 15he has travelled the world and is extremely passionate about cooking and making sure every detail is 100% up to his standards. He has redesigned our menu offerings to include more local and fresh produce and together with his team have created a mouth-watering offering to suit all tastes.

Our Banqueting Suite is flooded with light from our large windows and decorated in neutral tones to really allow the focus on our stunning mountain views. During your meal, our mood lighting reflects our couples’ colours and choices with vibrant reds to warm whites and everything in between to choose from.

Our Banqueting Suite has a partition also that allows for more intimate weddings and a beautiful civil ceremony space with those all-important mountain views. We offer complimentary décor including lanterns, centrepieces, and flowers as well as a beautiful white silk backdrop to frame the room.

Once you have eaten your fill and made your speeches, our large dancefloor is only waiting to be filled with happy feet to dance the night away.

We have ample parking onsite also for all your guests and access to our Banqueting Suite by a lift for those that may need it.

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Bridesmaid Gifts Your Girls Will Want

By Cathriona Murphy When it comes to getting married, nobody will have your back more so than your bridal party! From spending hours trawling through dress shops, planning an action packed hen weekend, helping fill in those coveted invitations to the day itself. They will pour your champagne mimosa at breakfast, carry your backup lipstick and powder in their handbags, make sure your dress is looking great in every photograph and support you in the church as you say I do! So what better way than to say thank you for all that you do by buying a perfect gift, a token of your appreciation!

I have looked around for some of the most beautiful and affordable pieces to say I do thank you!

The first item I have chosen is this stunning open circle design, cubic zirconia necklace from John Ross Jewellers. For me, the circle design can be interpreted as your support circle of your bridal party, how they all came together to be at your side throughout. The design itself is very easy to wear, it can be worn dressy or casual making it a wise choice for wearability. Priced at a very affordable €39.00 it is ideal for those with a smaller budget or a large bridal party!

The second item is my personal favourite! This stunning silver cubic zirconia paper link bracelet is so elegant and stylish. It can be worn with jeans and a t-shirt or look beautiful with a little black dress! The inter linking paper links, again, are a good representation of a supportive unit. Priced at an amazing price point of €65.00 in John Ross Jewellers, it is still affordable to gift it to a large bridal party.

I absolutely adore the next item, again from John Ross Jewellers.

These beautifully delicate pair of silver cubic zirconia half hoop earrings are priced at just €29.00!

An absolute bargain! The design is completely en pointe with current trends. These again are extremely versatile and can be worn in both day and night time settings.

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The next item is absolutely precious for the younger members of the bridal party, the flower girls! This exquisite floral pearl set has beautiful representation of the flower for the role of flower girl. The necklace and earrings will last for years to come, a beautiful memory to cherish. Priced at €65.00 it is another great price point from John Ross Jewellers.

Moving away from jewellery now, another great gift I feel is a beautiful, timeless fragrance. I went into CH Tralee to see what was on their shelves!

The first was Le Parfum Lumière by Elie Saab is an Amber Floral fragrance for women. With notes of orange blossom and jasmine, it makes a beautiful gift.

An unforgettable timeless fragrance, gifting this to your bridal party will be a gift cherished for years to come, with the scent itself bringing fresh memories of the day to them when worn. Starting at €57.00 to €113.00 it is a very reasonable price point.

The next fragrance is Chloé Eau de Parfum Naturelle.

This is an irresistibly floral perfume for women. Described as effortlessly elegant, it is a modern take on a woody rose scented fragrance. Very easy to wear in both day and night, it will turn heads wherever you go. Priced at €73.00 to €110.00 in CH Tralee, the stunningly elegant design makes it a beautiful addition to any make up vanity.

John Collins Saxophonist

Enjoy Something Different Having the right live music at your drinks reception will set the tone for the rest of your special day and create the right ambience for you and your guests.

John Collins is a saxophonist with a modern rich tone and high quality sound. Tralee born, he is an experienced, trained musician. John has played in London for wedding receptions, social events and functions for many years. John now plays regularly at venues throughout Kerry and the neighbouring counties.

He has over 30 years experience.

With over 1200 tunes to suit all tastes, ranging from contemporary to classic songs, he will create the perfect atmosphere on your wedding day.

John has played the final slot at The Guinness Cork Jazz Festival as part of the main lineout in The River Lee Hotel, Cork.

Check out a sample of John’s music on YouTube: John Collins Sax Player Kerry Email: Johncollins.saxplayer@gmail.com Facebook: John Collins Sax Player Tralee or Contact John on: 086 228 2117

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Top tips from Eavanna Breen on achieving that Bridal Glow

By Cathriona Murphy

As we fast approach Valentine’s Day, ladies across the country will be anticipating a journey of celebration and intense planning that comes hand in hand with accepting that coveted engagement. More so than ever before, we are conscious of how our photos will look on the day given the reach of social media. One way to ensure we look our best in photo’s is to start as early as possible to achieve flawless skin, with this said there was only one lady that I could chat to around this. Irish Celebrity Skin specialist, Eavanna Breen is one of the biggest names in Irish skincare and the founder of renowned Skin Clinic, Akina Beauty. Behind some of the most flawless faces in Ireland such as Samantha Mumba, Holly Carpenter and Greg O Shea, Eavanna is the go to in Ireland when it comes to achieving a flawless, fresh complexion.

I recently sat with Eavanna to get more insight into the planning and preparation that brides will need to do!

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Eavanna, there will be a lot of excitement with newly engaged couples looking towards the next 1-2 years of wedding planning.

With this, they will start to worry about skincare, what would your advice to them be?

Countless brides come into my clinic every year wanting the best skin of their life for their wedding day. No matter the time limit, yes of course we can help them achieve their best possible skin health, but so many of them leave wishing that had come in sooner, not realising the huge benefits this would have had. The best time to visit your beauty therapist is 8-12 months before the wedding; this will allow your therapist enough time to evaluate your skin and decide on the best course of action to take. If you have a skin condition such as acne, this time frame is critical. Often people suffering from acne have had to deal with it for several months or maybe even years, and that can't be turned around in a matter of weeks. A program of treatments is needed, diet and lifestyle need to be evaluated, and the varying changes that need to be made can take time. Depending on the person and the type of treatment chosen, it can happen that certain treatments will make the skin worse before it gets better, as some treatments require downtime, so leaving plenty of time before the wedding is hugely advised. If you don't have a particular skin problem, a

series of treatments would usually be recommended to give your skin a boost and get it in tip-top condition. Then you will be given a maintenance program to follow.

We live in a world full of TikTok trends and Instagram remedies, should we be more careful and stick to the professionals?

Seeing a professional is imperative when deciding the best course of treatments required for your skin type. There are a variety of treatments available that will tackle any issues your skin is having. From laser, to peels, to specific facial treatments, each treatment targets a different skin condition, so there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to pre-wedding skincare preparation. For example, a bride in her early twenties with a normal skin type does not need laser treatments. However, a course of gentle peels such as Lactic Acid Peels can be of benefit and give a brighter, fresher look to the skin with a more even tone. This will also ensure makeup will sit nicely on the day. A bride who is thirtyplus, no matter what condition their skin is in, will benefit from Laser Rejuvenation, Peeling/ Microdermabrasion, or Microneedling treatments. They give a more even skin texture and deal with any scarring or pigmentation problems. One of the most popular treatments we offer for brides is Venus Freeze, and it is very popular with brides because of its redcarpet-ready results. The combination of radio frequency and pulsed magnet energy in this treatment allows the skin to stimulate collagen without any downtime.

Plus it is a very relaxing treatment to have done.

Finally Eavanna, for some of us being organised comes easy, its second nature but for more of us it doesn’t!

What advice could you give those of us that are more last minute?

When we have consulted with a professional such as yourself, what products should we be using at home after our treatments to maintain the work?

It is very important that all brides-to-be are doing the basics correctly at home. If they are not cleansing the skin properly, make-up will not sit well on the day, as there will be a build-up of dead skin. I recommend the Skin made Clean and Care CleansingOil on a nightly basis. It’s the best cleanser I’ve ever come across in my 30 year skincare career. A gentle exfoliation once a week is also a good idea, along with a hydrating mask. The AlumierMD Enzymatic peel gives a gentle exfoliation without compromising the natural skin barrier.”

With all skin conditions be it Acne, Rosacea or Psoriasis, they are all aggravated by stress. What, in your opinion, should we be doing to avoid this?

Self-care and a healthy diet are powerful tools for combatting the effects of stress.

If the bride suffers from mild eczema or psoriasis, she can try to cut out dairy products from her diet for a short period, while also ensuring that she is getting enough of the right nutrients from foods such as green leafy vegetables, which support healthy skin. Home remedies such as adding a few drops of aromatherapy oil to a warm bath will help the physical effects, as well as the psychological effects of stress. Emphasising the importance of self-care rituals,. A daily self-massage with Environs Essentia A Oil will hydrate and heal the skin, as well as help to keep the

skin supple. Don't go to bed with your make-up on and avoid trying any new products a month before the wedding. If you don't have a routine with electrolysis or laser and must wax, do it at least 4 days before the big day. Don't use a false tanning product that you have never used before. If you are having a spray tan applied, do a trial at least six weeks beforehand. If you are a smoker don't smoke more than usual, it prevents oxygen from getting to the skin leaving it looking dull and grey.

From our first kiss as a married couple to that perfect pout all day long, I asked Eavanna what treatment she would recommend?

If dehydrated lips are a problem for you, Mesotherapy is a super, non-invasive option for dry lips. Mesotherapy is a cocktail of vitamins, minerals hyaluronic acid and amino acids, which are injected into the lips to nourish and hydrate.

Unlike fillers, mesotherapy will not alter the shape of your lips, it will simply hydrate and plump the area.

Giving yourself enough time to ensure consistent treatments is key, as a series of treatments is needed to achieve and maintain wedding-day-ready skin. To begin with, I would usually recommend a course of between 6-10 treatments depending on the skin condition. The treatment type will depend on the frequency of treatment; for example, facials can be done monthly. However, a course of radio frequency treatments is done weekly. The final treatment should be done 3-4 days before the wedding. Our signature wedding treatment at Akina Beauty can be done the day before the wedding without fear of breakouts or downtime post-treatment. For those who have left their skincare preparation to the final weeks before the wedding, not all hope is lost and there are treatments available that can ensure a glowing complexion on your wedding day.

One such option might be an Environ Vitamin Facial, which will feed powerful antioxidants, Vitamin A, C and E into the skin, leaving the skin looking younger, fresher and firmer while also combatting free radical damage caused by stress.

If you would like to begin your pre-wedding skincare preparation, Eavanna and her expert team of beauty therapists are available for consultation at Akina Beauty and Laser Clinic on Dublin 2’s Leeson Street. Eavanna and her team will advise you the best products and treatment course for your skin type and ensure your skin is at its healthiest for your big day. Visit Akina.ie for more information and to book your consultation. You can also follow Eavanna on Instagram @Eavannabreen

15 16

...Club

L London

By Cathriona Murphy

This month for my Style Spotlight, I wanted to bring you some wedding guest looks but with a difference? I searched high and low to find a brand that was size inclusive, budget friendly but with sustainability in mind along with value for money.

I came across a brand, Club L London that absolutely blew me away. Club L London specialises in accessible luxury, unique designs and unrivalled quality made to flatter every figure in sizes 4-24. The hardest part was choosing between so many beautiful looks, but these where my favourites!

The “Honey Honey” maxi length dress is a stunning addition to any wardrobe, this item will see you through many events with the quality ensuring longevity and value for money. Featuring one shoulder design to show off your feminine shoulders, with an asymmetric neckline and curve-contouring bodycon fit for an hourglass effect. Designed with jersey fabric in an elegant royal blue hue, a colour that will never go out of fashion making this item the perfect investment piece. Priced at an incredible €97.95, you can look a million dollars on the smallest budget.

Next up is the “Charming” midi dress from Club L. Exquisitely designed from jersey fabric in an earthy terracotta hue and with a sophisticated square neckline, oozing femininity. The double-strap brings prime support and the structured corset bodice is waist-cinching creating an hourglass silhouette that falls in a beautiful body-contouring skirt with a hem split.

Not only will this see you through a wedding but this item could be worn from the office styled with a blazer to drinks out after with just a subtle swap of heels, jewellery and a clutch bag.

Priced at €112.95, I think it is an amazing price point for the detail and cut in the dress.

When I spotted the “Reserved Destination” jumpsuit, I knew I had to include it here. I think the attention to detail, the structure, the design and overall quality make it the best investment piece. Designed in a luxury satin fabric in a beautiful mink hue, this jumpsuit features a stunning front drape detail with sweetheart neckline, with delicate cami straps, waist-cinching corset bodice and glamorous straight leg trousers, this jumpsuit is the perfect look for your next event. Coming in at just €142.95 this jumpsuit will turn heads in every room you walk into!

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For the more body conscious, I absolutely adored the "Destined For Greatness" blazer and straight leg trousers. With an elegant dove grey style hugging and accentuating your curves to perfection, the cut-out detail adds a flirty, edginess to the sophisticated style. Take your look from the office to the club in this tailored style. Pair with the matching "Take Your Time" trousers to finish off this look. Priced at €82.95 for the blazer and €82.95 for the trousers, they are a perfect investment for your wardrobe. Timeless, classic and versatile with the rest of your wardrobe

Last but not least, I wanted to bring to you the stunning “Phantasy” maxi dress in a bold black print shade. You will be guaranteed to have people talking about your style all night! This maxi dress features an asymmetric plunging cowl neck, scoop back design and curve contouring silhouette to highlight those curves in all the right places. Designed with jersey fabric, this maxi is perfect for a winter wedding. Priced at an incredible €105.95 it will not break the bank!

Web: www.clubllondon.ie IG: clubllondon FB: @clubllondon

CHARMING & STYLISH To arrange an appointment to view our banqueting suite and discuss our wedding packages, call Jenny Cotter, 066 7199100.

The Rose Hotel, Dan Spring Road, Tralee, Co. Kerry. V92 HKA4. Tel: +353 (0)66 719 9100 | Email: jcotter@therosehotel.com

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Valentine's

By Cathriona Muprhy

Gift Guide

Love is in the air this month with Valentines Day, hearts and flowers in abundance, February is officially the month of Love!

What better way to say I love you than with a thoughtful gift!

I have put a few of my favourites together to help you choose the perfect gift this Valentines Day! Whatever you buy this Valentines Day, Think Romance, Think Love and Think Passion!

Men, the hoover or iron might be broken, the frying pan might have seen better days but trust me, these are not items to be gifted on Valentine’s Day! Rule of thumb, if it’s household then that’s a hard No from us ladies!

Yves Saint Laurent ‘Libre Intense’

Choosing a perfume for the woman in your life can be daunting, what if I pick the wrong one? Well, you cannot go far wrong with Libre Intense from Yves Saint Laurent. The packaging itself is stunning, simple yet elegant with promise of something special inside. The bottle is a classic clear glass cut shape with the instantly recognisable YSL wrapped around it in a bold gold design against the amber coloured fragrance inside. Removing the top you are instantly treated to top notes of tangerine, bergamot, lavender. Heart notes of jasmine sambac, orange blossom, orchid accord complimented by base notes of tonka bean, vanilla, amber gris and vetiver. Priced at €132.00 for a 90ml bottle, memories of this fragrance will last a lifetime.

Paco Rabanne ‘1 Million’

When choosing a fragrance for the man in your life, my rule of thumb is, ladies, purchase a fragrance that makes you stop in your tracks and look back. Have you ever walked down the street and caught a scent that was just heavenly? Paco Rabanne 1 Million is guaranteed to do just that. It has a beautifully sensual woody scent and contains notes of rose, musk, peppermint and leather.

A fragrance that will linger on his hoodies and t-shirts so that next time you “borrow” his favourite jumper, you will be reminded of him all day. Priced at €63.50 for a 100ml bottle.

Name Plate Necklace

With love Island amassing a cult-like following, it has popularised products like never before. One such item is personalised name necklaces stating either the person’s name 18

or star sign. I sourced a beautiful one in John Ross Jewellers here in Tralee. 9ct Gold nameplate necklace at just €229.00 it is a Valentine gift that will last a lifetime.

Spa Vouchers

One way of spoiling your loved one this Valentine’s Day is with a Spa Voucher.

Treat them to a day of pure indulgent pampering. Or why not switch off from the world together and book a couples Spa break? Unwind with a deep tissue massage, spoil your senses to a decadent body scrub and relax afterwards in your fluffy bathrobe, some sparkling champagne in a most romantic setting! Here in Kerry we are spoiled for choice when it comes to Spa breaks.

My top recommendations are; The Spa at The Killarney Park, Angsana Spa in The Brehon, The Spa at Aghadoe Heights Hotel, Nadur Spa at Ballygarry Hotel and Peninsula Spa at Dingle Skellig hotel.

Hampers

Nothing speaks love more than thoughtfulness. To go to the effort of handpicking some of your loved ones favourite things shows time and effort, sincerity and sentimentality. That’s exactly where a hamper comes into play! You can purchase beautiful wicker baskets from Mr Price and for the woman in your life, fill it with her favourite lipstick, fluffy PJ’S and slippers, bath soaks, indulgent moisturizer, a gift voucher for her hair salon, luxury items that maybe she doesn’t buy that often because of the price?

Simply put, fill it with love, care and comfort.

Similarly ladies, this can be done for the man in your life. Pay attention to what he likes, pop into it the good kind of razors he wouldn’t buy for himself (just don’t end up borrowing them yourself!) a voucher for his local barber, some comfy loungewear, a bottle of his favourite drink and some tasty treats!

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Pearly Whites

by Dr. Marcas Mac Domhnaill Fáilte Romhaibh isteach Many dental patients often wonder about the best way to plan a dental makeover.

Firstly, attention should be directed at getting all teeth and gums into a healthy state. This is done in consideration with the overall health and well-being of the patient. Gum disease, if present, must be brought under control with improved oral hygiene. A hygienist can advise on the best way to achieve this. Teeth that need removal are usually extracted at this stage. There may be a need to have a temporary denture or bridge until such time as the mouth is ready to have the permanent treatment plan carried out. There are many different methods to restore function and good aesthetics.

If teeth are to be whitened using whitening gels, it is prudent to do this early on during the treatment plan. This will mean that the colours of crowns, bridges or implants can blend in with the improved colour status of your teeth.

The Phoenix Women’s SHED has an exciting programme of events packed with activities, including creativity, art, healing, health, fitness, Qi Gong, fashion show and beauty.

The SHED was opened in July 2022 and has seen a rapid growth in numbers attending every Thursday morning. Please pop along. All welcome.

You can attend three events before deciding if you would like to join. Membership for 2023 is €15 for 6 months or special offer of €25 for the whole year. Please see our website www. phoenixwomenscentre.ie (News and Events Page) to see what we have delivered so far and to check for forthcoming events.

The next events for 2023 are as follows:

The best treatment plans are ones that will give the patient a dentition that can easily be maintained in good health. As always ask your dentist and hygienist about your treatment options.

Beir Bua agus Beannacht 49, Sráid na Carraige Uachtarach, Trá Lí, Co. Chiarraí 49 Upper Rock Street, Tralee, Co. Kerry Ph: (066) 712 1457 | | fiacloir@gmail.com www.macdomhnailldental.ie

2nd FEBRUARY

Painting Class with Mary Sheehan

9th FEBRUARY

Art Demonstration/display of work with Libby Thompson

16th FEBRUARY Meditation/Relaxation techniques with

Pauline Russel 23rd FEBRUARY Talk on Shamanic healing/Shamanism

with Claire Forde 2nd MARCH

Skin Care, beauty and nails with Mary from the Urban Sanctuary

Offices - Community Development Project (CDP) Building, Rock Business Centre, Upper Rock Street, Tralee, Co. Kerry. V92 KF70 SHED events – Pipers Band Hall, Matt Talbot Rd, Tralee, Thurs, 10.30a.m.- 1.00p.m.

Office Phone/Help Line: 066 913 0430 Email: info@phoenixwomenscentre.ie Website: www.phoenixwomenscentre.ie www.facebook.com/PhoenixWomensCentre

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Wedding Hair & Makeup Specialists Romy Birdthistle, Makeup Aritst, Educator and Owner of Paradise Salon & Academy

Our Hair & Makeup team have a wealth of experience in the Hair & Makeup industry. We are an award winning team and love nothing more than making a bride look and feel her best on her wedding Day

In this months wedding feature I will be helping all ou brides to be with prep for your upcoming wedding and with what to ask makeup artists when choosing one for your wedding Doing your research is so important for your wedding day look and your makeup will be such a big part of it! You should research looks that you like and have them ready for your makeup artist for your trial.

The next thing I would reccomend would be skin prep and a course of facials. You should be looking to start your facials at least 6 months before your wedding. Some great options would be microneedling, microdermbrasion or a course of peels. Drink plenty of water on the lead up also as this will keep your skin hydrated and looking fresh.

On the day we arrive as a team with professional equipment and lighting (one of the most important things) We use only high end brands such as MAC, NARS and Charlotte Tilbury. We also continually upskill to make sure we stay up to date with the hotteset trends

Always do a makeup trial! Take a look at the makeup artists previous work and don't be afraid to try out a few different people.

Every makeup artist has a different style so some may suit you and others may not.

Bring along some photos for inspiration, pictures that you haves seen of other brides or picture of yourself when you have had makeup on that you really love will be so helpful for your makeup artist.

Ask your makeup artist what brands they use as you want good quality products. My personal favorites for brides are MAC, estee Lauder, IT Cosmetics, Charlotte Tilbury, Chanel and NARS One of my personal favourites for foundation, esepecially for Brides and bridal parties is Chanel Vitalumier, it's lightweight and so glowy, I love the radiant finish it gives and it has great staying power too.

Pick your wedding lipstick and have a liner and lippy for you big day. I find lipsrtick a really personal choice and everyone has different favourites. Some of our most popular shades are MAC Velvet Teddy, Chalotte Tilbury Pillow Talk and LUNA by Lisa Coco shell but maybe a red lip is your dream for your big day and that's ok too I would reccomed having a compact powder to pop in your bag for touch ups throughout the day too. Patting a little on to oily area (around the nose and T-Zone can really freshen up your look thoughout the day/ My personal favourite is the Charlotte Tilbury Compact setting powder

WHAT OUR BRIDES SAY:

"I would 110% recommend Romy and the team at Paradise Tralee for an amazing bridal makeup experience" "When my husband saw me he told me that he was so happy that I looked like 'me' (he NEVER comments on my make up)."

"Amazing professional service, talented staff, would highly recommend"

We offer a range of Packages designed with Brides in mind so get in touch today for a quotation or consulatation. You can start your skin prep in Paradise with our Luxury DIBI milano Facials or why not get the perfect hair colour with one of our in salon colour specialists Call: 066 719 7951 Email: info@paradisehairandbeauty.ie

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Lee Strand celebrates the Cream of the Crop at the Lee Strand Milk Quality Awards 2022 Twelve of Lee Strand’s top-quality farmers were recognised at the Lee Strand Milk Quality Awards 2022. The annual awards celebrate the high standard of farming excellence on Lee Strand farms and recognises the farmers who produce the highest quality milk. Gearoid Linnane, CEO, Lee Strand congratulated each of the twelve-monthly award winners for their dedication to excellence on their farms. He also mentioned the Lee Strand brand is renowned for its distinctive taste and freshness and thanked all Lee Strand farmers for their continued commitment to providing the best milk in Kerry. The overall winner was announced as Niall Mason who will be presented with the overall winner trophy at the Lee Strand Annual Social on Saturday, February 11th in the Ballygarry Estate Hotel.

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Time for a Tax Refund! · College tuition fees · Student accommodation tax credit (announced in Budget 2023) · Year of marriage · Pension contributions

SUBMITTING A CLAIM

Now that 2023 has arrived, it’s time to consider making a claim for a tax refund.

A self-employed individual must complete an income tax return whereas a PAYE taxpayer can make a claim online through the MyAccount facility.

Income tax refunds can be claimed for the previous 4 years. An application can now be made as far back as 2019.

COMMON RELIEFS AVAILABLE

· Medical expenses, including non-routine dental costs · Nursing home and home carer costs · Flat rate employment expenses · Working from home John Canty & Co Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors 3 Denny Street, Tralee, Co. Kerry.

T: 066 7127802 M: 087 9431998 E:info@jcantyaccounts.ie | www.jcantyaccountants.ie

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Nurtured Coaching with Nora Butler Are you ready to try something different?

By Cathriona Murphy For those of us who have been on the weight loss hamster wheel, we will be very familiar with Nora Butler. Nora has been a Slimming World leader working out of the North Kerry area for the last 8 years, a role which she still very much enjoys. In her position, she quickly became aware of the extended issues faced by some people, issues which fell beyond the scope of her group and issues that required specialist support. Spurred on by this, and by her own life experience, she went on to study nutrition. Not satisfied at that point she looked to America to study under the world-renowned Marc David where she completed specialist training around the psychology of eating. She has further expanded her qualifications and is a binge and emotional eating specialist.

Is there a continued support/after-care system in place?

There will be a community space amongst members in which they will have access to videos, downloads, written exercises and meditation and a community forum in which they can engage with other members. They can also opt-in for follow-up calls after the course.

With this new knowledge, Nora has now established a unique company to complement her current skillset, to help clients who struggle with issues such as binge eating. This is something Nora has first-hand experience with as it is something she struggled deeply with after the loss of her child. I sat with Nora to get more information on this exciting, one-of-a-kind service now available in Kerry.

Nora, can you explain how your service works and what support you offer?

There are 5 pillars of support, Gut rehabilitation, Neuroscience, Cognitive behaviour Therapy, Looking into the past and letting go of what no longer serves us and Self Care Strategies. What this means is we are looking into the past to see what no longer serves us. This is not a weight loss programme, it is a guilt loss programme.

It is also evidence-based and it gives people the support and tools to finally break free from binge and emotional eating. I feel that it is empowering people to let go of the learned behaviours and coping mechanisms they have been using. When you understand how your brain is sabotaging you and when you realise how beating yourself up encourages binge eating, when you have the practical toolkit of resources and supports available 24/7, then you’ll achieve the changes you’ve longed for.

What, in your opinion, distinguishes this new service from what is currently available?

My new service is more in-depth, personalised support. It gives me the opportunity to delve deeper with my clients and help them see what behaviours they are currently demonstrating with regard to food.

I work with them to help them understand and recognise how these behaviours are no longer helping them. I give them the tools and support to help change their eating habits, automatic thinking, reactions and how they choose to respond to life situations and stresses. I will be delivering this service in a 12-week one-toone session or online programme and also ½ day workshops.

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For anyone interested who might be feeling embarrassed or ashamed of current habits, what would you say to them?

I firmly believe your mess becomes your message. My own binge eating disorder was a message to me that there were areas in my life that I needed to work on. I had to put systems of self-care in place and I honestly thought that the rest of my life would be permanently controlled by food. It made my world smaller, I was saying no to so many opportunities and missed out on so much life and living. I was trying to control everything in my life through food. If my food was right I felt my life was right, which in essence just wasn’t true. To have that ease in my life now, to live in peace and not under the control of food, is incredibly liberating. To lie your head on the pillow at night and have that peace of mind, not lying there regretting a binging episode instead. Now I divert my energies to outdoor activities and exercise. It’s very landscape-based and very therapeutic, doing stuff I never thought I would do. So with that said, I want you to know I am coming from lived experience. I was once that person, feeling the shame of my actions. I need you to know there is no shame in reaching out. Taking that first step in reaching out is a brave and courageous step. I am here and I am ready to help you.

HOW AND WHERE CAN WE SIGN UP?

You can contact me directly at 0872489838 or email me at norabtralee@gmail.com

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Ask the Pharmacist

In the first of 2023's Ask the Pharmacist features, Mounthawk Allcare Pharmacy's Pat Harmon explains how to stick to those new year resolutions and to maintain some healthy living habits.

"First of all, on behalf of all of the team in Mounthawk Pharmacy, I would like to wish all of our customers and readers a very happy( and belated) new year. The new year is often a time of quiet reflection on the year that's beenachievements that should be recognised and also a time to mull over those things that we think we could improve on.

It is for this reason that so many people buy into the "New Year New Me" mantra. While the naysayers will often say this is all just setting yourself up for failure, here in Mounthawk we prefer to look at the positives and think any attempt at self improvement is to be applauded. To this end, I will focus on those products available in the pharmacy that can help with certain health goals in 2023.

Our weight is often a sensitive topic and I think it would be fair to say that most people see room for improvement in this area. A great show to watch on TV at the moment for inspiration is Operation Transformation and the associated website contains lots of healthy meal ideas as well as other useful information. Those dark evenings can make the idea of exercising outdoors seem forboding but the reality is that 30 minutes of exercise is less than 2% of the day. And that 30 minutes doesn't mean you need to go overboard. Any exercise that raises the heart rate is beneficial so even a brisk walk down the road is better than no exercise at all. The old saying that you can't out train a bad diet still holds true so it is important to watch the food you are consuming as this is the main determinant of meaningful weight loss.

Chromium is a little known supplement that we sell in the pharmacy that is proven to regulate blood insulin levels. This has a knock on effect on blood glucose levels and so can be used as an adjunct to a healthy diet as a way of reducing appetite. B Vitamins and Co-enzyme Q10 will also go someway towards improving energy production within cells so if you are looking for more energy before embarking on those 5 km runs these are something to keep in mind. Popular supplements like Berocca, Pharmaton and Revive Active will help to set you on the path to representing Ireland in Paris 2024. There is an admitedly enormous range of products available in these ranges so ask us if you have any questions. So get those trainers on and out you go!

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Smoking cessation is always a hot topic at the start of the year and this year is no different. With the cost of cigarettes as an added deterrent, more people than ever are giving up tobacco for good.

I have covered the full range of nicotine replacement products on sale in the pharmacy before so I won't go into detail about them again but as always pop into store where our team will be delighted to help you on your journey. We have fantastic offers on all Nicorette and Niquitin products at the moment so now is as good a time as any to kick the habit for good. One customer told me she has a savings account set up and every time she would have bought a pack of cigarettes she puts the money into the account instead. By the middle of January she already had over €200 squirreled away for a holiday later in the year. If that is not a positive incentive I don't know what is!

Of course we all need to put as much focus into our mental health as much as our physical wellbeing this year. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to stick to unrealistic resolutions as you will end up disappointed and deflated. If you fail at something it does not matter. Try again and look to do better. Aim to do one thing everyday that excites you. Take up a new hobby to keep your mind stimulated. There are great classes available online and in local colleges that will teach you a range of new skills. These are also a great way to make new friends with like minded people. So whether it is learning a new language or learning to dance there is a course out there for everyone. Try to get out of long engrained bad habits and make 2023 the year of real change in your life. Be thankful for all the good things you have going for you and learn to be kinder to yourself. It goes without saying that we should all aim to be kinder to others. Simple acts of kindness cost nothing but can make the world of difference.

Finally, we will be having a competition in store this month to WIN a Hamper Worth over €200! It will contain a selection of some of our best selling items from such fantastic ranges as Nuxe and Sanctuary. We will announce the winner at the end of the month. Keep an eye on our social media for details on how to enter and the very best of luck. Until next time!

Facebook/Instagram: mounthawkallcarepharmacy E: mounthawk@allcarepharmacy.ie Ph: (066) 712 8989 Facebook/Instagram: mounthawkallcarepharmacy

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FROM PORTMAGEE TO THE US

A Taste of How Portmagee's Finest Whiskey Won Over the US Market

By Cathriona Murphy Can you tell our readers your own personal backgrounds.

James Murphy and I are brothers from Portmagee and the 5th generation of the Murphy family to grow up in this picturesque village in South Kerry. James trained as a plumber initially, but then graduated from DCU with a degree in Multimedia following which he and I established a video production company, Bold Puppy Ltd. We ran this business for over a decade before we decided to set up Portmagee Whiskey. James is still heavily involved in the creative side of the business and regular creates digital media advertising content for both the Skellig Coast Tourism Network and Kerry Tourism Industry Federation, both of which he plays an active role in. I met Stuart McNamara who completes the Portmagee Whiskey team in Sarajevo of all places where he was based overseas during his 37 years’ service as an officer in the Irish Defence Forces. Stuart is a well-known Irish Whiskey writer and blogger and these connections opened many doors for the company.

Stuart has gone on to complete a post grad in Brewing and Distilling in TUD as well serving on the national council of ISME representing ICADA (Irish Craft and Artisanal Distillers Association). My own background as a chartered engineer officer with twenty years’ experience in the Irish Defence Forces and general grafter helps to keep the train on the tracks as we grow from a company that started with a single cask of whiskey to bringing to life our grand ambitions.

Where did the idea for Portmagee Whiskey come from?

The idea came about following James’s decision to return to Portmagee to raise his family. Both James and I always had ambitions to restore the Murphy family’s historic home which

was once the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) Barracks on the top of Barrack Hill at the entrance to Portmagee village. The last use of the building was as a cow shed with our grandfather and it had falling into ruin since his passing. We wanted to create a quality product that would have both domestic and international appeal to tell the unique history of Portmagee village and develop the building into a visitor attraction that could support tourism in the village all year round. Irish whiskey was the natural and perfect fit!

Can you break down your individual products and explain what they are made from, taste etc?

We have three whiskey expressions on the market at present, two blended whiskeys, our small batch and a 9-Year-Old, as well as a Single Pot Still expression. All our whiskeys are finished in a Barbados Rum cask finish which is a homage to Captain Theobald Magee, the smuggler after whom the village is named. One of the many spirits he would have smuggled into the village in the 18th century would have included Rum from the Caribbean and the newly discovered Americas. The Rum Cask finish really gives our whiskey an easy drinking appeal to all whiskey drinkers. All our whiskeys are non-chill filtered with no added colouring as we want to keep the product as natural as possible.

What, in your opinion, sets Portmagee Whiskey apart from other Irish whiskey brands?

Beyond our high-quality smooth Barbados Rum cask finish, and also the 9-year-old expression, both of which are pretty unique on the market, I think what really sets us apart is out passion and vision for the brand and the story behind it. We really consider every bottle of Portmagee Whiskey to be a brand ambassador for the village and with every expression we want to tell a little bit more of the story of Portmagee’s unique history and culture.

You have intertwined a lot of local history into your story and branding, was this always a focal point or a direction you wanted to go in?

Yes, very much so. We initially started creating the brand by drafting a document that covered over 50 pages of local stories, tales and peculiarities about the region that were interesting. We worked with a fantastic graphic designer by the name of Gillian Murphy, no relation of ours, to turn these stories into brand options. When she showed us the first draft of the Seine Boat logo, we immediately knew exactly where we wanted to go there and then. The Seine Boat is a traditional fishing vessel still used to this day exclusively in South-Mid Kerry as a traditional rowing sport. The Portmagee

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regatta is the final regatta of the season and the ultimate race of the season. It was the perfect logo for the brand and reflects the stories and history behind the visitor experience we have today and believe me, we have plenty more stories and tales yet to come that we look forward to bringing to life over the coming years.

You successfully branched out into the American consumer market which can be notoriously difficult to break into, how was that experience for you?

It has been a great experience so far and we look forward to developing it over the coming months and years. We are working with a great importing team - Camelot Importing, who have a great connection to Ireland and are a family-based business already working with their own Irish based brands of Meade and Whiskey. We had a very successful initial launch in Florida just prior to the Fort Lauderdale boat show which wonderfully tied into both our tagline ‘Spirit of the Sea’ and the wider Portmagee story as Florida would have been at the far reaches of Captain Magee’s smuggling empire many centuries ago. We are now just about to expand to several more states and have also secured a placement on the USA wide online retail store www.ReserveBar.com for alcohol products. This placement will allow Portmagee Whiskey to be available in nearly all 50 USA states and already we have had orders from both East and West coasts getting facilitated beyond our initial launch state of Florida.

Can you tell our readers about the Portmagee Domes, the idea behind them and your hopes for the future with it?

The Portmagee Domes are where we have our visitor centre located on the top of Barrack Hill. So far, we have constructed two of the three geodesic domes we plan to have on site.

The first 9.5m diameter dome is our history dome which tells over three hundred years of Portmagee’s history and cultural growth from a smuggling village to the present-day fishing and tourism village it is now famous for. It also tells the story of the Seine Boat and how this fishing style has over time morphed into the traditional rowing sport we are so proud to support and participate in today. The second dome is 14m in diameter and houses a state of the art 360 immersive experience unlike anything else created here in Ireland. This is our flagship ‘Spirit of the Sea’ experience which brings the visitor on a journey out at sea through centuries of our history right up until modern day racing times. We elected for the domes to house the visitor centre taking into account our plans to incorporate digital technology into the whole experience, bringing the past into the future so to speak – the domes are very versatile as a space and facilitate incredible creativity for the digital aspects of the

centre with the 360 projections. Last December we turned the entire experience into a Christmas wonderland with the 360 Dome becoming a giant snow globe complete with a 12 ft tall story telling Santa Claus to entertain and amaze children and adults alike. We have even more plans for the Domes this year to create magical moments and experiences for our community and beyond, using this state-of-the-art technology.

Have you plans to expand on the range in the future?

Yes, and Stuart, our master of whiskey is doing some exciting work in this space already. Rum wasn’t the only spirit that Captain Magee smuggled into Portmagee so we have a lot of that story left to tell and that is before we even start experimenting ourselves on site.

Given that you are now supplying in America, have you plans to go further afield?

Yes, is the short answer. We are already exporting to the EU via our German based distribution partners. We have very much an open mind on the future and are openly exploring several options to get Portmagee Whiskey to Asia, Australia and other parts of the world. The diaspora of Portmagee have made it to every corner of the world. Our ambition is that in any Irish Bar and others that they set foot in, a bottle of Portmagee whiskey should be part of the top shelf. That way they can tell of the wonderful village that they hold so dear to their heart simply by just talking someone through what is on the bottle in front of them.

One key aspect of our business that we have taken very seriously from the start is the issue of sustainability, not only are we a Bord Bia – Origin Green certified company since 2018 but we have actually managed to realise some of our bigger ambitions. None more so than the plating of 5,430 native Irish trees on our site surrounding the distillery and visitor centre location. 550 of these trees are Oak trees so we are really laying down a mark here that we plan on seeing this business as an intergenerational game and something that can help sustain and grow along with the village of Portmagee for generations to come. Six generations of the Murphy family have lived in Portmagee so far, we want to create a business and legacy for the next six generations to continue.

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