Issue 56_Connect Magazine_March 2019

- Home Improvement Tips for Spring The lifestyle magazine for Kerry

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Hair & Beauty F inalists

AoifE hannon

Talks Style

Suzanne Jackson

talks business & keeping it real...

FREE MONTHLY MAGAZINE ....Made in Kerry, for Kerry

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2 | Connect Kerry | March 2019

EDITOR'S NOTE Hello again and welcome to CONNECT...

It’s March and it’s a busy month, it's nearly time for our Connect Kerry Hair and Beauty Awards. We are so looking forward to welcoming all our finalists, their families and friends to the Rose Hotel on March 10th. It was an an amazing day last year and we think this year will be just as good if not better. Why do we do it? Simply to recognise those in the industry who work tirelessly day after day to make us all look and feel good. Don’t miss next month’s issue to get all the news from the event, or check out our FB page on the day where we will have live updates.

Speaking of beauty and all things beautiful, our cover story this month takes us to meet the lovely Suzanne Jackson one of Ireland's most popular bloggers-turnedbusinesswoman. She has lots to tell us on how it all began for her.

We chat to Ruth O'Grady Interior Designer who gives us tips on getting the house looking well for that great summer which we are hopefully getting. Next month we look at outside the house and all things gardens and patios for those summer garden parties.

We also chat to Award winning Milliner Aoife Hannon and we think you will just love what she has to tell us, she stumbled on a career by accident that has taken her on a different path, from which she has never looked back.

As summer is looming we think about what to do with the longer evenings and our days off so we are putting together a series of suggestions here monthly. We will take you to a different town to check out what it has to offer by way of food and entertainment. We think you will like this and the ideas to be got from it for your own trip.

So we hope you enjoy your favourite monthly read Until next time..........

Mags x Editor: Margaret Kissane Design: Laura Hartnett Design Print: Kingdom Printers Photography: John Walsh Photography 066 7123777 Email: info@johnwalsh.ie | www.johnwalsh.ie Contributors: Marcas Mac Domhnaill, John Canty, Marisa Reidy, Caroline McEnery, Caroline Smith, Catherine Keane, Mary Lucey, Lisa Curran, Aine Fitzgerald and Dr Deirdre Fanning.

Beauty Editor: Romy Birdthistle For Advertising Enquiries: Margaret: 086 2408237 sales@connectpublications.ie For Editorial Enquiries: info@connectpublications.ie Website: www.connectpublications.ie Cover Image: Lili Forberg

Sinus Attack

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The sinus are a group of air filled spaces within the skull that connect to the nasal passages and throat.

There are four different sinuses located throughout the face. Their main function is to help filter the air we breathe. Healthy sinus are made of pink tissue and are empty, except for a thin layer of mucous. If you are prone to sinus infections it is very important to ensure you maintain a good strong immune system as this will help your body fight off infection, we will look at ways to do this later.

SOME OF THE SYMPTOMS OF SINUSITIS ARE: Throbbing headache, Painful jaw or teeth, Runny or blocked nose, Cough and or irritated throat, Face painful and tender to touch, Fever.

There are plenty of over the counter products to choose from when looking for something to help alleviate these nasty symptoms. But, If you want to choose a natural remedy, here are some of the more popular products you will find in-store: MUCOS LIQUESCENCE: a homeopathic liquid which does a very good job of breaking up the mucos in the head and chest, giving you relief. Simply take one teaspoon twice a day.

GRAPEFRUIT SEED EXTRACT: this is a natural anti-biotic made from grinding dried grapefruit seeds and pulp into a fine powder. It is anti-fungal and will also help to clear out excess mucous.

NETI-POT: if you are prone to sinus infections and you don’t have a NETI-POT, you will want to get one. This handy little device makes it easy to irrigate your nasal cavaity. It helps clear out unwanted mucos and any inhaled contaminants that may be caught in there. Use your NETI-POT twice a day for optimum relief and once a week once you have some relief. (add in 2 teaspoons of COLLIDAL SILVER which is a natural anti-biotic into the water) LUFFA COMPLEX TINCTURE: works swiftly against most symptoms such as sneezing, blocked, itchy or running nose, itchy or runny eyes and coughs. May be taken every 2 hours in acute conditions.

LUFFA NASAL SPRAY: superb for blocked noses. Rapid effect and no preservatives.

VITAMIN C: your natural antihistamine. Take 2000mg to 3000mg a day while you have the symptoms and then 1000mg to 2000mg a day to help strengthen your immune system. As I mentioned earlier it is important to ensure your immune system is at its best, ensuring it can do its job of protecting you against infection.

Some of the natural products that can help ensure this include: BLACK ELDERBERRY: anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties to help strengthen and support your overall immunity.

OLIVE LEAF LIQUID OR CAPS: A very powerful viral, bacterial and pathogen killer! It is also a strong anti-inflammatory agent (sinus is basically inflammation of the sinus) and is also a very strong immune enhancer.

PRO-BIOTICS: according to Chinese medicine, sinus infections are almost always related to gut and intestinal problems. So ensure you top up your good gut bacteria with a high quality probiotic such as, BIO-KULT, OPTIBAC, VIRIDIAN OR UDO’S BETA GLUCANS: for immune system support. Especially beneficial for those whose immune systems have been compromised due to chronic fatigue or emotional stress.

Good nutrition is essential for a healthy immune system. If you think your diet is lacking in the necessary vitamins and minerals it needs to perform, then ensure you supplement with a good quality multi-vitamin, such as, VIRIDIAN, SOLO OR NATURES PLUS. VITAMIN D: your immune system needs vitamin D to help it function at its best, so supplement with a capsule, spray or drops.

Until next time, stay healthy.

Deirdre x

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Connect | Lifestyle

Suzanne Jackson

talks BUSINESS & keeping it real...

By Marisa Reidy She is one of Ireland's most popular bloggers turned businesswoman, with over a quarter of a million followers on Instagram alone, but SuSueMe’s Suzanne Jackson insists she is still just ‘a normal girl at home in her Penneys slippers and pyjamas with a plate of Dominos on her lap.’

It’s that down to earth attitude - despite her immense success - that seems to endear the stunning Dubliner to followers, with Suzanne telling Connect that ‘what you see is what you get.

Suzanne told us that looking back now, she was always naturally drawn to the beauty industry, with a lot of her inspiration coming from her mom, “One of my earliest childhood memories is of my mum getting ready for date night with my dad. She would be putting on her lipstick and her perfume and I would just be sitting at the edge of the bed in awe of the whole process,” she said.

After ‘scraping’ a Leaving Cert, as she says, Suzanne trained as a beauty therapist in her early 20s and became a qualified makeup artist. However, after working in the beauty therapy industry for a few years, she decided on a change of scene and ended up working in recruitment for a while and then as an office manager at a Dublin radio station.

It was there, of all places, that her love of

all things showbiz, fashion and celebrity came to the fore again.

“I remember there would always be celebs walking through the office and station staff would also get lots of invites to parties and gigs. At the time, I had become interested in the fashion and beauty blogs that were being run by girls in America, but the concept of blogging hadn’t really taken off in Ireland at that point, so I thought, why not set up my own,” Suzanne explained.

“I was a qualified beauty therapist and makeup artist, I had worked in fashion retail, and at that point I was working in an environment where I had all this exposure to celebrities and showbusiness events, so it seemed like the perfect foundation on which to build a beauty, fashion and showbiz blog.”

The blog ‘SuSueMe’ started off slowly, Suzanne says, but gradually grew and grew.

“There was an occasion some years back whereby a Facebook post I published about a wedding dress went viral and even though SoSueMe was already getting quite popular at the time, the attention that post got was something else,” Suzanne recalls.

“A good few people who followed me at the very beginning and in the early years still follow me to this day. I'm very lucky to have such loyal supporters.”

Asked what she believes it was about her, and indeed SoSueMe that stands out from the hundreds of bloggers who try to do the same thing, she feels it’s her honestly and transparency.

“I think people like that I don't pretend to be glam 24/7. I go on Insta Stories with no makeup on and my hair in a hun bun, about to tuck into a pizza or a takeaway! In the end, what you see is what you get with me and I think people like that. I'm a normal girl at home in her Penneys slippers and pyjamas, a plate of Dominos on her lap,

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The Great Gatsby (or Love Island) on the TV, and the phone in her hand because she can't stop working.”

Suzanne still blushes at the thought of being regarded as Ireland’s top blogger, telling Connect that she never set out with that aim in mind.

“It can be a bit overwhelming to see it put like that. I never set out to be a top blogger, but it’s certainly an honour to be considered such,” she said. “Blogging was just my little hobby and something I loved doing.

Of course, I had always hoped it would be successful and I certainly worked hard to make it as successful as possible, but even I was taken aback by the interest it drew as time went on. I just hope my SoSueMe blog has inspired other girls to set a goal and just go for it.”

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Given her fame and immense popularity, Suzanne is naturally inundated with advertising and brand partnership offers, no doubt with attractive financial incentives – but she insists that money will never dictate her morals.

“I do appreciate the responsibility that comes with the role of having a very popular blog and social media platforms, and that is why I will only work with brands that I personally love,” she said. “I won't ever recommend something unless I personally love it and can stand by my recommendation 100%. I have always been strict about that because I firmly believe that you need to have integrity and honesty in this business. Money should never dictate your morals, and it will never dictate mine. Right from day one, I said I would only work with brands whose products I loved and used. My followers know that, and I value that trust they place in me. “

phenomenal. Stock that was supposed to last us a few months sold out in days. I’m very proud of how much the business has grown and I’m very proud of my team.”

Of course with every self-made business woman comes huge responsibility and crazy working hours, but Suzanne says it’s worth it. And no - it’s not all champagne and roses for those thinking that it is!

“When you are self-employed, work never stops. Any self-employed person will tell you that there is no such thing as turning on the out-of-office email because the reality is, you’re never truly out of the office,” she said. “I’m lucky in that I can work from anywhere in the world, but even when I’m away, I would have to force myself to switch off. If I don't, I’m on my phone or my laptop (sometimes both!) doing a million things and answering endless messages and emails.”

Like anyone in the public eye, Suzanne has to endure her fair share of criticism from internet trolls, but true to form, she tells Connect that she simply doesn’t entertain negativity. It’s all about self care and positive mental health for Suzanne.

A huge part of Suzanne expanding empire is her own make up range, SOSUBySJ and Dripping Gold Tan, which have evolved over the past number of years. This is something that Suzanne is extremely proud of, and an area of her business she is always keen to expand.

“When I progressed into the beauty therapy industry, I dreamed of having my own product range and I always knew in the back of my mind that I would do it one day. As my sosueme. ie blog grew, my followers were always asking me if I would bring out my own products and it was something I had often thought about myself, so the creation of SOSUbySJ was a natural progression really,” she said.

“I knew the blogging industry was reaching saturation and a livelihood from blogging wasn’t going to be sustainable, so I turned my focus towards creating a beauty brand. It was the best long term plan for me. Creating beauty products was the perfect fit for me because of my training in beauty therapy and because of my years of blogging about beauty products. I created SOSUbySJfrom scratch and that’s why I work so hard at it; I want it to have longevity. I want it to still be around in ten years’ time. The hard work has been worth it thankfully because the brand is doing brilliantly and the reaction to our latest releases, the So Kiss Me Lip Kits and the Wonder Water Face Tan Mist, have been 6 | Connect Kerry | March 2019

“Negativity is toxic and is not something I entertain. The focus needs to be on the importance of self-care and mental health and I think the most productive step we could all take in this regard is to become a little bit more considerate of our behaviour online,” she said. “People fire off comments and criticism without realising that their words will very likely be read by the person they are talking about.

My brand is about positivity, and while of course constructive criticism is always welcome, I won't engage with downright nasty, hurtful comments. I have been trolled very heavily in the past, but as I said, I just get on with it. Life is short enough without wasting time feeding the trolls.If someone has an issue with me, it's their issue, not mine.”

So what’s next for Suzanne Jackson and the exciting work of SOSUbySJ? A lot it seems....

“Oh my God, there is so much happening and so many exciting things in the pipeline, particularly with SOSUbySJ,” she tells Connect. “We have a really, really exciting year ahead. All I will say is keep an eye on the sosueme_ie, sosu_bysuzannejackson, and the drippinggoldtan_ Instagram accounts.”

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Style Chat with

AOIFE HANNON

By Marisa Reidy SHE’S now regarded as one of Ireland’s leading milliners, but Listowel’s Aoife Hannon admits that what would turn out to be an award-winning career happened somewhat by accident.

The Killarney native began her career in marketing, before moving to the world of auctioneering, until a love for fashion and, in particular, millinery took hold.

The mother-of-three told Connect that it was while auctioneering in Listowel, she was also studying fashion one day a week in Mallow – and it was while she was trying her hand at her own creation for Ladies Day in Listowel that others began to notice her talent “I was always really interested in fashion and was studying it in Mallow one day a week. My mother was very creative and my father’s family had a drapery business in Killarney so I suppose we grew up with fabrics,” she explained. “I was here at home one day making a hat for myself for Listwoel Races and my father said: ‘Oh wow, that’s lovely.’ I remember I just laughed and said: ‘Look at the state of it.’ I had it glued and sewn and cellotaped and I’d actually put feathers on to cardboard to hold them together. But that kind of sewed the seed I suppose. I just felt I’d love to know how to do it properly.”

Having completed her year’s study in Mallow, Aoife says she searched for millinery courses, although it was never her intention to make it a full-time business. In 2005, she travelled to London for a course and created a number of hats – again for herself – and from then on she thought about millinery more and more.

In 2007, Aoife closed her auctioneering firm ahead of the recession – but even at that stage she hadn’t thought of 8 | Connect Kerry | March 2019

millinery as a full time career.

She was happy to fall back on her marketing degree, she said.

“The recession was looming and after a lot of thought I closed my auctioneering office in town in 2007 and planned to return to marketing. But up to then, women had been coming into the office with dresses looking for me to make the hats, so I suppose the whole thing just evolved, rather than it being this big plan,” she explained.

“My mother was so encouraging and kept saying ‘you’ve got a gift, you’ve got a skill.

Just make hats’ - so I started to put stuff in the window of my brother-in-law Pat Hannon’s bookshop down town and it went from there.”

Aoife attributes her initial success to her amazingly loyal customers in Listowel, telling Connect that she would not be where she is today without them.

“This is a small town in Ireland and people are so supportive. At the beginning, it was luck and it was all locals and word of mouth,” Aoife explained.

“I’ve no doubt that if I was in any other town in Ireland it wouldn’t have happened for me. I don’t think people would have had the faith in me and wouldn’t have shown such support.

This town is amazing for that.”

And keeping those customers happy is Aoife’s number one priority – as she says herself, you’re only as good as your last collection.

“What you’ve got to do is build up a loyal customer base and you have to satisfy them 110 per cent,” she said. “You have to move with the times and keep up with trends and colours, and work with your

customers all the time. You have to listen to them and my greatest skill is probably listening to what they want. There’s a hell of a lot of people making hats so customer satisfaction is vital.”

Aoife is also hugely grateful for the support she has received from her peers within the industry over the years– something she says is very special to her.

“For me, things like winning Kerry Fashion Week and winning a Connect Kerry Women in Business Award are hugely special. There’s huge satisfaction in winning awards like that.”

While moist of Aoife’s work is one off, custom pieces – predominantly for the wedding market – Aoife also creates a number of collections throughout the year, which helps clients get a flair for what she’s about.

“Once or twice a year, I take a source of inspiration and work on that, otherwise you’d be lashing out the same stuff all the time. There has to be something to inspire you. If it was just all made to order, customers wouldn’t have that confidence -they have to see something and work from there,” she explained

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“So in order for me not to be creating the same thing season after season, I need to be making new collections. A lot of people like to order from what they see in front of them.”

Saying that, creating that special, one-off piece for a client – and seeing their reaction – is what gives Aoife the biggest buzz.

“What gives me the most satisfaction is not the accolades but when you see a client look in the mirror and their face lights up.

It’s the person’s reaction that’s key for me,” Aoife explained.

“I have had people almost do an Irish dance in front of the mirror, with the delight of it. Or people will send you a message afterwards to say, ‘Oh my God I’m so comfortable’ - people who’ve never worn a hat before. That’s what is special to me.”

So what about people who believe that an Aoife Hannon hat or headpiece is out of their league? People who feel that they simply cannot afford a custom piece by one of Ireland’s leading designers?

“I’m practical and normal and my prices are not extortionate. People are often very pleasantly surprised,” Aoife explained.

“Obviously there are people who want something a lot cheaper, but to be fair I can usually work within a budget. I normally say to people that for my pieces you’re

10 | Connect Kerry | March 2019

Aoife pictured with her her nep

hew, top jockey Oisin Murphy.

probably looking between €140 and €220/€240, which is not a massive amount of money for what they’re getting - a one off, handmade piece to suit them.

I’m very approachable and I take no offence when people talk about money, as I completely appreciate that we all have to work within budgets for everything.”

Asked what she sees as the biggest challenges in her career, Aoife was quite practical in her response.

“For anyone who is self employed, I suppose the biggest fear is that you do not know when the next pay cheque is coming in,” she said. “There’s nothing steady and secure in this business, so the fear I suppose - although I don’t think about it because I’m a glasshalf-full person thank God – is that you would go out of flavour.’

Well, given the esteem in which she is held and the huge customer base she has built up over the years, we reckon Aoife has nothing to fear!

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Revamp your home with RUTH O'GRADY

By Marisa Reidy

IT was almost twenty years ago that Killorglin’s Ruth O’Grady was first bitten by the design bug, realising her flair and passion for interior design when she and husband Dermot bought their first home in London.

In fact, so taken was Ruth by the project that lay ahead that she decided to refocus her entire career path – putting her Ecomonics degree and Masters in Business on the back burner, and starting from scratch in interior design.

“I studied Economics in UCD and then did a Masters in Business, but it wasn’t until we bought our first house in London in 2000 that I realised my flair and passion for interior design,” the Killorglin-based designer told Connect.

“The house was in a bad state of repair so we had to pretty much gut it and go back to basics. I decided then to go back to college in London and study interior design and have been working as an interior designer since 2002. I gained a vast amount of experience working in London with a range of clients and property developers.”

Now living in Killorglin with her husband and three children - Jack (18), Ella (14) and Ned (11) -since 2009, Ruth has built up an impressive portfolio and is regarded as one of the county’s leading interior designers.

beautiful countryside where the colours are constantly changing. I also love to travel and would be heavily influenced by different styles of architecture.”

Ruth explained that her job varies massively day to day, with no job too big or too small.

“My clients range from someone looking for a new paint colour for the walls in one room in their house or a new colour for their kitchen cupboards, to the person looking for help to redecorate an entire home whether it’s a new build or a revamp of an existing home,” Ruth told Connect.

“I am happy to help with any aspect of home design no matter how small a job it is. People usually come to me for my expertise in interpreting their brief, without being too forceful with my own style. I strongly believe that when I sign off on a project that it should really feel like my client’s home and not a duplication of previous projects I have worked on” A good working relationship with her clients is the most important aspect of her work – and getting to know the client and what they want is vital before any work can be done.

Despite travelling extensively before settling in Kerry - living in Brussels Connecticut, London, Dublin and California - Ruth says that there is no place like Kerry from which to draw inspiration.

“The most important aspect of the designer / client relationship, in my opinion, is the brief. This is where I get to know the client. I find out how they plan to use the space, the ages of the members of their families, the mood they want to create in the particular room, what items/ features are staying in the room, if they have any favourite colours or any colours they particularly dislike and so on,” Ruth explained.

“My inspiration is drawn from a variety of sources and it can vary depending on the project that I am working on,” Ruth said. “A lot of the time nature inspires me, especially the changing light on the mountains near where I live or a walk on stunning Rossbeigh Beach. I am so fortunate to be surrounded by

“I get a very good idea of a client’s style by visiting their home and also by looking at photos they may have taken from social media sites of styles they like or from interior magazines. Once I know what a client’s style is like, I find it easy to interpret that style and develop a coordinated scheme for them within their budget.”

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Asked about people’s perception that hiring an interior designer is a ‘waste of money’ and that people can create their own vision if they know what they like, Ruth said the opposite is in fact true. There are many, many plusses to enlisting the help of an interior designer, Ruth says.

“Unfortunately, that’s a common misperception that people have about interior designers, but what people don’t realise is that an interior designer can actually save you money in the long run,” Ruth explained. “For me a vital element of the brief a client gives me is their budget.

There will be elements in the project where it will be possible to scale back and not spend as much but still have the wow factor. I really believe in giving value for money and that it is possible to create stunning interiors without spending an absolute fortune. Another bonus that you get when you hire an interior designer is their vast amount of contacts which can be invaluable when embarking on a project.”

As well as working on private projects, Ruth has also been working as an interior design consultant part time in Boyles of Killorglin for the past seven years.

So what is it that drives Ruth to continue to help people create the interior of their dreams?

“Without a shadow of a doubt the ultimate job satisfaction for me is when I give a client the room or home of their dreams. I love the variety in my work,” she said. “I am constantly meeting new people and no two jobs are ever the same. I thrive on the challenge of delivering above and beyond my clients’ expectations and finding them the perfect accessories to complement their schemes. I love the projects where I can bring real value to the lives of my clients.”

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Ruth's Top Tips 1. Always put up a sample of your chosen paint colour in the room that you are painting. The light in that room will be different to the light in the shop where you saw the paint sample so it’s essential to put up a tester of the paint. Light is one of the fundamental factors that influences colour and this is why the paint may take on different hues in your home to the way it looked in the shop or in your friend’s house.

2. Pick your paint colour last. Choose your curtains, blinds, rug and furniture first and then find a paint colour that complements all the elements of your room.

3. Give your furniture some breathing space. Resist overcrowding a room with furniture. Only keep furniture in a room that is in proportion to the size of the room.

4. Hang your artwork and photographs at the correct height which is 57-60 inches from the centre of each frame to the floor. Even in a room with very high ceilings the artwork should relate to human scale and not to the scale of the building.

5. Don’t choose one item in your room in isolation to everything else. Before you finalise a scheme ensure you look at all the elements of it together to ensure the underlying tones work well together.

6. Sometimes less is more so edit your collectibles and know when to stop adding accessories to a room. Choose one feature in a room and let this be your focal point to anchor the room. Allow all the other elements in the room to take on a secondary role. Choose something in the room that will draw attention. For example, a headboard in a bedroom or a fireplace in a living room.

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Spring has Sprung @Clinique in CH Tralee from Clinique @CH Tralee

By Breda

Spring time is foundation time! This Spring Clinique is launching a NEW foundation called Even Better Refresh hydrating and repairing Make-up.

It is a full coverage, weightless, hydrating formulae that covers without settling into lines and wrinkles. It will cover redness and blemishes. With ingredients like Hyaluronic acid, Salicylic acid and potent Peptides skin looks smooth, plumped, refreshed and more youthful. It is long wearing for all day and night wear. Keeping to Clinique’s true style there is a variety of shades and tones to suit everyone. Oh and it is in a tube!! Why not pop into CH for a colour match. RRP€36

Don’t forget Mother’s Day 31st March Clinique has a selection of box sets for Mother’s Day from skincare and make up to fragrance. Also don’t forget we can make personalised hampers to suit you.

Breda x

Hi Lovely Readers, Hope ye are enjoying the mild weather, and dare I say it there is a stretch in the evenings... As I mentioned in last months piece when you are in the accessory business every delivery of new stock is exciting. We have stock just in and at times I wish I was a customer walking in off the street seeing the shop for the first time (I hope that make some kinda sense to ye all).

March is a busy month , Confirmations are in full swing, St Patricks Day and probably the most important of all Mothers Day and as we all know there really is no one like our Moms and whatever your budget is we can sort you out, Scarves range from €6 to €30, Bags from €20 to €45 euro and the range of jewelley and wallets just in will sort out all the Mammys whatever their taste.We are again delighted to be involved in the Connect Hair and Beauty awards 10th March on in The Rose Hotel, it has to be the most glam get together I get to go to.

Will sign off now need to prep myself for Awards, Keep smiling and try one good deed a day for March Carmel xxx

Carmel xx

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By: Jack Joy

Kerry is renowned for great hospitality and fantastic eateries so over the next few months we will be making trips around our beautiful county to see what we can find to guide you should you wish to take a day out with family or friends. There are lots on our doorstep in this beautiful county so be sure to take the time this summer to enjoy them. First stop is KENMARE. It was a bright morning and as the sun began to shine we decided that there was no better place to head than lovely Kenmare. Deciding to skip breakfast, we headed straight on the road. The weather was holding, traffic proved minimal and so our journey was pleasant. Arriving in Kenmare, Henry Street was as always, bustling with people, both locals and tourists going about their business in the morning sunshine. We were eager to see the sights but our empty stomachs told us that one of Kenmare’s many cafes should be our first port of call.

We entered Poffs Café on New Street shortly after opening and only a handful of guests were present as we entered. We were greeted by a lovely lady and took our seats at a table which gave us a good viewpoint from which to observe all goings-on inside Poffs. As we scanned our menus we took notice of the mouth-watering cakes displayed at the counter as well as the selection of jams and ginger beers for sale close by. I chose to quash my hunger with the café’s take on the full Irish breakfast, comprising of many locally sourced ingredients, while my companion treated himself to ‘The Works’, a mouth-watering meal consisting of American style pancakes, cream, berries and a side serving of maple syrup. As we sipped tea and waited for our breakfasts to arrive we took notice of the beautiful framed paintings hung on the walls of the cosy café, and in particular the painting of Michelangelo’s ‘Creation’, placed directly on to the ceiling, drawing our minds to that same artist’s painting of the Sistine Chapel. Both meals were beautifully presented and were full of flavour, making prolonging our first meal of the day fully worthwhile. We were served by the same lady who was friendly and helpful from start to finish, checking in on us and the other tables frequently to see if everything was OK. 18 | Connect Kerry | March 2019

Our appetites satisfied, we set-off on foot, eager to see some of the sights. Taking in two of Kenmare’s ancient attractions, Cromwell’s bridge and the Stone-Circle, we took a gentle stroll back through town towards the Pier. Overlooking Kenmare Bay, the Pier proved to be the perfect afternoon setting and we sat for some time at one of the benches dotted along the dock, admiring our picturesque surroundings.

Eventually though, our appetites caught up with us and we craved a hearty lunch.

Heading back through Henry Street, we spotted ‘Mick and Jimmy’s’ restaurant and after a quick glance at the menu posted outside, we decided that this would be the perfect place to dine.

We had entered the restaurant at prime-time for lunch goers and most tables were populated with guests as we were taken to our table by a welcoming waitress. The restaurant had a rather casual feel to it, open to everyone, and a truly family friendly atmosphere radiated from within the premise as guests of all ages enjoyed their lunch outing. The menu offered a variety of dishes from Mexican Burgers to All-Day Breakfast options, but in the end we both opted for toasted sandwich style servings to put our lunch time cravings at ease. My companion opted for a ‘B.L.A.T’ (Bacon, Lettuce, Avocado and Tomato) toasted sandwich served with a salad while I chose the Pesto Chicken Sandwich, prepared with rocket and kale in a toasted bun and served with fries. Our excellent waiters, although occupied with many tables, ensured our lunch went terrifically and we did not have to wait long to get our hands on our meals. Both dishes offered unique takes on the classic toastie meals that many of us turn to as our go-to, lunch-out dishes’, and the tremendous blend of flavours and generous portions of both meals will certainly encourage us to return to the unique ‘Mick and Jimmy’s’ again in the near future.

When we entered the Bookstop Vegetarian Café on Bridge Street, we knew we had stumbled upon something unique. Doubling as both a Vegetarian Café and a book shop/library the Bookstop offered the perfect space to relax. The menu offered a host of veggy delights, fair trade coffees

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and locally produced herbal teas. Staff were friendly and we felt like we could sit at our table all day and not be hurried.

Seated opposite the doorway, with a perfect view out on to the street outside, we relaxed over a pot of refreshing peppermint tea. Chatting and skimming through the various books and literature packed into the packed bookshelves within reaching distance, we were amazed with how easy it was to lose track of time in the Bookstop.

Entering Maison Gourmet on Henry Street, the air was filled with the uplifting scents of freshly baked bread and pastries. The café’s walls, painted in warm bright colours, reflected the cosy atmosphere within. Despite being busy, staff were welcoming and delivered requested hot beverages to our table promptly. Sipping our freshly brewed coffees, we had a great view of the many pastries and breads on offer on the countertop as well as of the passers-by on the street outside, from our high window-side table. The café was close to being chockfull at times and the friendly exchanges between patrons generated a cheerful feeling inside the café, adding to our overall positive experience.

When departing we were thanked for our business and we made sure to express that the pleasure had been ours.

We headed to Reenagross Woodland Park to take in some of Kenmare’s natural beauty and to burn a few calories in anticipation of our dinner that evening. We wandered through the park passing the occasional dog-walker and admiring the peaceful surroundings. We headed back into town as evening began to arrive, window-shopping as businesses began to close for the day. Our travels on foot had left us ravenous once again, it was time for dinner. On a local’s recommendation, we headed for ‘Casey’s Bar and Restaurant.’

Located on the Sneem Road, an extension of Brook Lane Hotel, we took the short walk to Casey’s Bar and Restaurant. Despite not having a reservation, we were swiftly seated by a welcoming member of staff and from our window-side table, we had the perfect viewpoint to take in the peaceful atmosphere within the restaurant, furthered by the flickering candles present on each table. A near-by stove kept us warm as we glanced at our menus and ordered our drinks.

Designated driver, I stuck to a simple jug of water while my companion, ignoring the large selection of craft beers and ciders on offer, opted for his tipple of choice, a pint of Guinness, to accompany his meal, which went down a treat with this Stout aficionado. Ordering from the a la carte menu, we began our feast with a shared portion of the Glazed Chicken Wings, marinated in ginger and chilli they were simply delicious and oozed of flavour. For main course I opted for the Killarney Beer Battered Fish served with fries and minted peas while my partner-in-crime selected the Free Range Baby Back Pork Ribs, also served with fries. The Fish & Chips were top-class and you could taste the freshness from the locally sourced Cod. The Ribs left my companion extremely content, and sampling them myself, flavoursome and comprising of plenty of meat, we agreed that they were some of the finest ribs either of us had ever set our hands on. Although close to bursting, we were determined to indulge ourselves for the last time that day in the desserts on offer. The Brown Bread & Bailey’s Ice Cream appealed to my sweet tooth and, well presented, it tasted as good as it sounded while the Sticky Toffee Pudding drew similar compliments from he who sat opposite me. Service was excellent and timely, the members of staff friendly and willing to chat, contributing greatly to a wonderful well-rounded dinner experience.

As we left behind Neidín over the scenic Moll’s Gap, we discussed with delight our taste of Kenmare, eager to see what the rest of County Kerry had to offer.

Supported by Taste Kerry Taste Kerry is an organisation that promotes food and drink in Kerry. While promoting food tourism and encouraging new visitors to the Kingdom, Taste Kerry also adopts a distinctively original approach by bringing together all aspects of the food industry to encourage inter-county trade and promotion of food tourism across the county. if you would like to know more about us check out our website www.tastekerry.ie

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Dingle International Film Festival A Strong 13th Year 21st - 24th March 2019 Dingle International Film Festival was founded in 2007 by Maurice Galway.

Maurice had a strong track record in both Festivals and Film and so came to Dingle with a singular vision of establishing a Film Festival that would set itself strongly against the backdrop of the town itself and which would embrace the Gaeltacht essence.

Now in its 13th year, the Festival has done precisely that; with its infamous Físín event it is the ONLY Festival offering a competition for film scripts written in the Irish language. When guests come to this Festival in Dingle, (and they do come, some making the journey year after year), they do so in the knowledge that they will experience not only film, but also Irish culture - its language, its music, its food, its scenery, its welcome.

Dingle IFF is renowned for its welcome, crowning it the Festival that makes room for everyone. Indeed Maurice himself was given an Ambassadors Award by Failte in December 2018 for his contribution in bringing guests into Ireland.

At Dingle IFF you will find Hollywood executives sharing stories and a pint with upcoming young filmmakers. Over the years this has been encouraged and nurtured with events such as the Pow Wow with its Chinwag and Banter sessions; its nightly clubs; its masterclasses, Q&A’s and its wonderful Dingle Gin Receptions before screenings. But in this its 13th year, the Festival has made strides to dig deeper in its welcome; this year it has developed The Festival Hub @ McCarthys Bar. So now, a trip to Dingle IFF will have a centrifugal pull and a place to meet, greet and spend time.

It will be in its Festival Hub @ McCarthys Bar (in the family since 1867) that you will find the Box Office, its Pow Wow events, nightly festival club with a curated programme of live music film

by Anthony Wall and, new to this year, its Adult Only Screenings. Dingle IFF screens its very discerning programme in the iconic Phoenix Cinema, (one of the very last of the independently 22 | Connect Kerry | March 2019

owned cinemas in Ireland) and in the towns beautiful 200 year old St James Church. This year, some films which made it through the Festival’s highly competitive submission process were, perhaps, for a more mature audience.

In the spirit of what makes this Film Festival so DIFFerent, a decision was made to curate the Adults Only programmes.

Just some of the highlights to be found at Dingle IFF 2019 include the opening film ‘Wild Rose’ starring the Killarney born Jessie Buckley; the new Jacques Audiard film ‘The Sisters Brothers’ with John C Reilly, Joaquin Phoenix and Jake Gyllenhall; and closing the Festival is the incredible documentary film ‘The Push’ which tells the remarkable story of spinal injury adventurer, Grant Korgan, who literally ‘pushed’ himself to the Pole.

Grant will be attending the Festival and taking part in a Q&A after the screening - a remarkable event since Grant is one of the most sought after inspirational speakers worldwide and has given numerous TED Talks. Aside from these Feature Films, the Festival boasts a wide range of Short Film Screenings, a full FREE Friday of LUX Prize Winning Films, a number of Irish Feature Films, including; Dark Lies The Island, Float Like A Butterfly, When All is Ruin Once Again, The Curious Works of Roger Doyle, The Science of Ghosts, Town of Strangers. Its annual Físín event with not only last years winner being screened, but also a return of our first winner with his first Feature Film, Slán leis an gCeol and, of course it's Pow Wow events with high calibre guests such as director Kirk Jones (Waking Ned), composer for film Patrick Doyle (Murder on The Orient Express, Harry Potter and The Goblet Fire), TV and film writer/producer Peter Tolan (Analysis This) and a panel of Irish filmmakers. There is a new and unique programme of visual arts films being screened in the cinema called Snapshots and this is also FREE! Join us, for this LUCKY 13th YEAR…..

Dingle International Film Festival runs 21 - 24 March 2019

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Connect Kerry | March 2019 | 23

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Exercise and Wellness Hi all, Áine of AfitBody Gym here again to tackle all your questions in regards to exercise and wellness. I have no doubt over the last two months, many of you have tried a various number of diets, detox programmes and sworn off bread for life! The world of diets is huge with so many options, ranging from simple to highly complex diets to choose from, no wonder we are baffled and mostly getting nowhere.

So let’s just simplify it, to lose weight you need to burn more calories than you take in.

If you really are struggling with knowing what you are eating, keep a food diary or download a free food tracking app, the easiest way to be aware of you food intake is to track it, write it down. The paper won’t lie to you your memory just might!!!

So your homework for this month if you want to see changes • Go on Google to get a daily calorie intake calculator to get an idea of what you should be eating • Track your food to see how many calories you are eating • If this still seems much too complex talk to a health professional to set you on the right track

REMEMBER: BURNING MORE THAN YOU EATING = WEIGHTLOSS Now to add to our Banish the Bingo, Lets tackle that annoying LITTLE MUFFIN TOP! 4 Minutes 4 Times a week, As Many Rounds as Possible • Add this workout to your arm workout or add this after your walk or run.

• Remember consistency is key • If you want it work for it - 16 Jumping jacks - 8 Bicycle Abs - 8 Russian Twists - 8 Knee to Elbow - Side Plank Hold 15 Seconds Each Side

Who said you can’t have treat’s??!!

THIS MONTHS TIP!

PORRIDGE BREAD: If you are looking to reduce your bread intake but miss that feeling of biting into a slice of toast or having that carb hit with your soup or salad, Porridge bread is a fabulous way to keep bread in your diet.

Porridge Bread also contributes to healthy digestion due to it's fibre content and cardiovascular health as the oats are great for controlling cholesterol in the blood due to the betaglucan content. I also add lots of nuts and seeds, and chia seeds which are full of protein, fibre and healthy omega 3 fat.

What can I say YUMMY! 24 | Connect Kerry | March 2019

Start the Day with Hot water & lemon The world’s most natural detox

If you have any questions for Aine email us info@connectpublications.ie and we will have her include the answers in the next issue.

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Connect Kerry | March 2019 | 25

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Why do Babies Cry? Evolutionary Biology • The young of most species create some sort of auditory signal to signal to their parents to feed, protect and keep them warm.

• The louder the cry (noise) the greater the chance of survival.

• Weak cries do not get priority and thus may not survive.

• However, when all needs have been met as happens in human babies – the answer is not that simple.

Parents • Infant crying causes so much distress since there is a perception that the infant must be in pain or have a serious illness.

• This response is exaggerated when the mother is already stressed or herself was neglected in childhood.

• Thus, vicious cycle is easily set up: crying leads to parental stress, sensed by the baby which leads to more crying.

“DIAGNOSES” Over the years excessive crying has been attributed to various causes.

Colic-assumptions.

1: Pain? The assumption that persistent crying is due to pain may be false 2: That it is coming from the bowel.

3. Colonic milieu may by irritant - importance of bowel flora.

4. Breast feeding may help in some babies.

5. Probiotics and Prebiotics may help. (incorporated in infant formulas) However, there is some evidence of the importance of bowel flora (abnormal) in ‘colicky’ babies.

Constipation: • Unexplained crying and infrequent passage of hard stoolsstool softeners may be used.

• There is no rationale for using stool softeners in babies with normal stool consistency.

Aerophagy (Air Swallowing) • Babies who cry will swallow air which will accumulate in the gut and cause more crying.

• Crying is sometimes relieved by burping.

Cow’s milk protein allergy • Sometimes changing to a formula suitable for the above – Hypo-allergic milk may help particularly if there is family history of allergies or allergic rashes in the baby’s skin.

Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux • When crying is temporarily related to feeding, anti-reflux treatment may be helpful.

• Zantac, Gaviscon, Thickeners, Losec.

Lactose Intolerance • Lactase preparations often marketed as treatment for ‘colic’ such as Colief, no evidence that it is effective.

• Lactose free milks may be tried – occasionally may improve matters.

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How to advise parents; 1. Inform parents that crying will eventually cease and that the baby will come to no harm 2. Parents at end of tether – other family members to share child care to give parents a break 3. May need admission to hospital to break cycle.

Simple non-drug treatments • Tight swaddling, rocking, driving around in a car.

Soft classical music, massage.

• Controlled crying-baby is left to cry for progressively longer periods is sometimes effective – not recommend under 6 months.

Sugar/Sucrose • Often used when carrying out painful procedures in children.

• If pain is perceived to be the problem add a 5ml syringe full of sucrose and slowly feed to infant Alternative Treatments • Fennel is the only herb for which there is some evidence of effectiveness.

Probiotics •The best evidence to date is for the above.

• Lactobacillus reuteri appears to be the most effective strain. It is being increasingly added to formulas often with prebiotics.

Placebo effect • In any condition that is self-limiting and benign, one often obtains powerful placebo effect just by doing something.

• This can lessen parental anxiety and break out of selfreinforcing cycle.

Summary • Parental anxiety is exacerbated by the fear that there may be something serious wrong with their baby.

• The evidence from follow-up studies is reassuring.

• Range of interventions may be tired-some with evidence some without.

• Every effort must be made to reassure parents.

• If mother seems unduly distressed at relatively normal levels of infant crying – consider a psychological illness.

Dr Fergus Leahy

Consultant Paediatrician/ Neonatologist FRCPI, FRCPCH (Lond), FRCP (Canada), FCCP (USA), (Fellow of American College of Chest Physicians /Allergies), DCH (London), M.Sc (Neonatology).

For an appointment with Dr Fergus Leahy, The Scotia Clinic, Manor West, please contact 066-7181100

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Keeping Bang on Trend...

With each season, comes a new wave of heavy-hitting trends. Whether you are on the hunt for occasion wear ideas for upcoming communions, confirmations and weddings or you are a lady that just wants to stay on track with all the upcoming trends for the new season ahead it’s now time to start prepping.

Occasion wear in general can be a little tricky. For some ladies the ideal outfit is one that has a timeless quality about it and will stand the test of time as fashion trends change quickly. But if you are like me and on a budget you definitely don’t have to break the bank to look great at an occasion as there are lots of options ranging from different price points.

However, if you are just buying new pieces for your wardrobe for the new season take a look at your current wardrobe and get a good idea of what is in it. Otherwise, you will end up with a bunch of random things that don’t go together and when you are on the hunt you have a good idea how many items in your closet you can pair the potential new item with.

Without understanding how it works with the current items in your closet is like going to the grocery shop without a list.

I have picked some of my favourite trends for the season to inspire you while searching for your perfect outfit!

Vintage Puffed Sleeves alluding elegance, femininity and sophistication describes one of the newest trends which is currently very hot for the season. The puffed sleeves are very popular on blouses and dresses giving a slight feeling of the vintage decades transforming yourself into an elegant and sophisticated lady. These puff sleeves can also add a fun ’80s twist to modern outfits. Try the look yourself but just be sure to keep the rest of your outfit subdued, so you don’t appear over-the-top.

Animal Instincts which was one of the biggest trends for winter 2018 just got bigger and better.

Loud leopard print was a favourite amongst the fashionistas during fashion weeks favouring strong and striking designs with bold and bright neon colours. Head-totoe leopard is the look to try this year. However, for those of you looking to take an easy approach to the trend there’s no need to go in all guns blazing. Start off by accessorizing with a jacket, bag or shoes that will keep your look on point.

Ruffle yourself up as cute ruffles are back in the game and it looks like they will not disappear anytime soon. The beauty of ruffles is that they can adorn 28 | Connect Kerry | March 2019

pretty much every item you can think of, so if dresses aren’t your thing nod to the trend with sandals, a frilled bag or even on some swimwear.

Feminine bows are not everyone’s cup of tea but if you like them a lot like me you are lucky. Remember, you do not have to wear them only on the clothes as you can also wear them as an accessory on your favourite handbag or tie your hair with them.

Sunshine shades are the colour of the season and for spring 2019 this colour is a bright yellow. In case you prefer orange over the yellow do not worry. The colours which reflect the shades of the sun are currently on trend.

Whether you are a last minute shopper or you have a couple of months before the special day, there is a great selection of new season outfits now in stock on the high street and in all boutiques across the county.

So whatever your occasion I hope you find some inspiration from these trends and can now start planning for your requirements.

Happy shopping!

Catherine x

Catherine’s Fashion Fix

By Catherine Keane

For all your fashion questions email: info@connectpublications.ie

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Finalists for the Connect Kerry Hair and Beauty Awards 2019 Make-up Artist of the Year

Nail Technician of the Year

- Katherine O'Byrne - Makeup Magician Kat - Rasha Amin - Rashas Beauty - Cara Reen - CR Beauty and Training, Rathmore - Vicky O Sullivan - Touched by Tori - Leonie Guinane - Beauty at Cathriona's, Tralee - Rebekah Barry - Freelance - Yellivel Contreas - House of Glamour - Romy Birdthistle - Paradise Hair and Beauty, Tralee - Lauren O Sullivan - Freelance - Leah Clail - Leah Clail Beauty

- Claire O Sullivan - Crazed Nails - Elina Abele - House of Glamour - Aishling Leen - Turnin Headz Ardfert - Jacqui O Sullivan - Image Hair and Beauty Tralee - Niamh Curley O Sullivan - Transformations Beauty Salon - Gintare Bajerunaite - Marthas Salon Kilorglin - Saba Balal - Sabas Beauty at Ballybeg

Wedding & Occasion Make-up Specialist

- Amy O'Hara - Vogue Hair Tralee - Joanne Henderson - Freelance Wedding Specialist - Nicole Morris - Sean Taaffe, Killarney - Aideen O'Connor - Cathriona's Hair Group Tralee - Rebecca Griffin - Tri-Bekah Kerry - Pat O'Neill - The Style Suite at the Brehon

- Zoe O'Carroll - Brush n Blush Beauty - Eveleen O Connell - Serenity Beauty, Listowel - Ericka Tynan - Beauty at Cathriona's, Tralee - Helena O'Leary - Abbey Hair and Beaut,y Abbeydorney - Sinead Hillard - Sean Taaffe - Lesley Dennehy - Hairworks, Tralee - Gail Sheehy - Pure Beauty, Dingle - Tina Somers - Bearna Beauty, Listowel - Norma Murphy - N Joy Beauty with Norma

Brow / Lash Specialist of the Year - Rasha Amin - Rashas Beauty - Josie McCannon Coffey - Eyeporium, Killarney - Bobbie Jean Bambidge - Paradise Hair & Beauty, Tralee - Leah Clail - Leah Clail Beauty - Megan Flynn - Hairworks, Tralee - Ksenija Ka - Brush n Blush Beauty - Michaela Sugrue - House of Glamour - Aileen Goodman - The Brow Fairy - Kiera Buckley - The Glam Pod - Rachel Aslett - Transformations Beauty, Tralee

Waxing/Threading Specialist of the Year - Saba Balal - Sabas Beauty at Ballybeg Hair - Leslie Harrington - House of Glamour - Emma Herlihy - The Glam Pod

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Wedding Hair Specialist

Occasion Hair Specialist - Crona Barry - Roses Hair Studio Ballybunion - Therese Diggin - The Purple Hair Lounge Causeway - Edel O'Donoghue - Image Hair - Laura O'Sullivan - Paradise Hair and Beauty - Sarah Thornton - Sarahs Hair Necessities, Listowel - Breda McMahon - Cathriona's Hair Group, Castlegregory - Tara O'Sullivan - The Glam Pod - Emma Enright - Patricks Hair Company Tralee - Charlene O'Sullivan - Hairworks, Tralee - Katie Gibbons - Katies Hair Salon

Colour Technician of the Year - Ciara O Shea - Marion's Hair Miltown - Antoinette Legg - Ballybeg Hair - Jodie Murphy - House Of Glamour - Meabh Enright - Turnin Headz Ardfert - Orla Dooley - Cathrionas Hair Group - Chanelle Hurley - Hairworks Tralee - Lorraine Chawke - Tracey Grimes Hair and Extensions - Ciara McCarthy - Patricks Hair Group Tralee - Ailish Cronin - Sean Taaffe Killarney - Emma Quirke - Emma Quirke Hair Tralee

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Cutting & Re-styling Specialist of the Year - Claire Reidy - The Hair Lounge, Tralee - Marie Johnson - Cathrionas Hair Group, Dingle - Melissa O'Grady - House of Glamour - Imelda McGarry - Image Hair Salon, Tralee - Aishling Conway - Sean Taaffe Hair Group - Maressa Locke - Turnin Headz - Marion O'Shea - Marion's Hair Salon, Miltown - Michelle Galvin - Patricks The Hair Company, Tralee - Maire Sheehan - Emma Quirke Hair

Facial Specialist of the Year - Svetlana (Lana) Luniov - Inishfallon Health and Beauty Rooms Great Southern

- Ramona Scur - Serenity Spa at the Rose Hotel Tralee - Sandra Horan - The Beauty Boutique, Killarney - Kamila Czarnowska - Kamilas Beauty Room, Castlemaine - Shiela McQuinn - Natures Way Beauty, Tralee - Edita Lucan - Nadur at Ballygarry - Mary O Hara - The Sanctuary Spa

Cosmetic Procedure - Alijica Nowak - Euphoria Salon, Tralee - Sisu Clinic - Killarney - Dr Susan Crean - Tralee

Male Grooming - Julies Barbershop - Killarney - James Barbershop - Kilorglin - Cormac Kelliher - Sean Taaffe Kilorglin - Kevin O Regan - Boru Barbers Killarney

Spa of the Year - Serenity Spa The Rose Hotel - Tralee - The Plaza Spa - Killarney - Nadur Spa - Ballygarry House, Tralee - The Peninsula Spa - Dingle Skellig Hotel - Ansanga Spa - The Brehon Killarney

Tanning Specialist of the Year - Emer Kemple - Sean Taaffe Tralee - The Beauty Boutique - Killarney - Sheila McQuinn - Natures Way Beauty Tralee - Meg O'Mahony - Vogue Beauty - Rebecca O'Connor - The Glam Pod

Junior Hair and Makeup Specialist of the Year - Kayleigh Murphy - Image Hair, Tralee - Adele Conway - The Hair Lounge Tralee - Kellie O Brien - House Of Glamour Hair - Niamh Comeford - Cathriona's Hair Group Tralee - Katie McCoy - Vogue Hair Tralee - Labhaoise O Connor - Brush n Blush Hair - Hayley Donovan - Brush n Blush Hair - Alana Foley - Sean Taaffe Hair Kilorglin - Amy Taaffe - Sean Taaffe Hair Killarney - Zara Lee O'Shea - The Hair Lounge Tralee Beauty - Kelly Donovan - Brush N Blush Beauty - Alanah O Sullivan - Marion's Hair Studio Miltown

Massage Specialist of the Year - Cecilia Coffey - Innisfallon Spa at the

Great Southern Hotel Killarney

- Siobhain Gilbert - Serenity Spa at the Rose Hotel - Victoria Tynan - Beauty at Cathriona's, Tralee - Sinead Somers - Nadur at Ballygarry - Catriona Delahunty - The Lake Hotel Wellness Centre

Hair Salon of the Year - Tracey Grimes Hair and Extensions - Listowel - Turnin Headz Hair Salon - Ardfert - Image Hair Salon - Oakpark, Tralee - Marion's Hair Salon - Miltown - Patricks Hair Group - The Mall, Tralee - HairWorks - Tralee - House of Glamour - Tralee - Ballybeg Hair - Tralee - Emma Quirke Hair - Tralee

Beauty Salon of the Year - CR Salon and Traiining - Rathmore - Nicolas Haven - Tralee - Njoy Beauty by Norma - Killarney - The Glam Pod - Tralee - Pure Beauty - Dingle - The Beauty Boutique - Killarney - Chique Beauty - Tralee

Salon Counter Manager of the Year - Christina Hurley - Brush n Blush, Tralee - Tara Cunnigham - Serenity Spa at the Rose Hotel - Nicola O'Carroll - Sean Taaffe Tralee - Carrie Anne Boylan - HairWorks, Tralee - Linda Cremins - Tracey Grimes Hair and Extensions - Emma O'Brien - Patricks The Hair Company - Samantha Cole - Vogue Hair and Beauty - Catriona Delahunty - Wellness at the Lake Hotel Connect Kerry | March 2019 | 31

Connect | Lifestyle

Zing into Spring….

The days are getting brighter and hopefully there’s a pep in your step as you go about your day! The stretch in the day means we can start to emerge from our Winter hiatus and start to get out and about a bit more if you haven’t already done so….So here’s a few feel good food recipes that will also help you to slim down and eat really well…. I never feel bad about using my savvy syns* on some avocados…. They are worth it!! I’ve included a few sandwich combos to liven up your lunchbox and some flavoursome mains to see your midweek through in style for this edition.

Avacado & Chicken Sambo/Pitta ½ avocado* on sliced beetroot, with tomato and sliced chicken in 2 slices of a small wholemeal loaf or in a pitta bread.

Chicken Salad Sambo 2 Slices of bread from small wholemeal loaf/sourdough bread *(bchoice) with 2 tbsp of reduced fat salad cream or fat free greek style yoghurt. 2 thick slices of chicken breast, sliced tomatoes and crisp lettuce, followed with a pear.

Tuna Sambo Mix half a can of tuna in brine in a bowl with 2 tbsp of reduced fat salad cream* , diced cucumber on 1 regular slice of wholemeal bread followed by some sliced apple.

The Main Event Rice, Prawn and Broadbeans 75g Brown Rice cooked and cooled mix in tsp of ginger in brine or 1 tsp of ginger paste. 1 tsp of rice wine vinegar chunks of cucumber 80g of broadbeans, 75g of prawns. Season with lime juice and black pepper. Follow with sliced orange and a small tub of fat free greek style yoghurt.

Brocolli and bluecheese risotto Serves 4. 400g sliced leeks.

250g of sliced mushrooms.

2 veg or chicken stock cubes.

350g Brocolli. 140g of Blue Cheese.

100g of Spinach. 2 tbsp of fresh parsley.

Fry off mushrooms and leeks. Add rice and stir, add a ladle of stock leave it simmer for 5-10mins. Stir through broccoli, half of the cheese, add 500ml of water, fresh ground place pepper and simmer down til creamy (approx. 10mins) Stir through spinach and the remaining cheese and scatter with parsley.

Baked Nachos with fried tomato salsa 1 wrap e.g. fitzgeralds family bakery/bfree ½ tsp of smoked paprika. Salt & Pepper ½ red onion finely diced.

1 tsp of garlic in brine 1 tbsp of red wine vinegar 35g of grated mozzarella* or 35g of Reduced fat mozzarella* and 20g of Reduced Fat Cheddar Cheese.

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Using a clean kitchen scissors cut the wrap into 8, place on a baking tray sprayed with olive oil frylight and shake over the paprika. Bake for 10mins @ 180.

Frying pan out and spray with frylite, fry off the tomatoes on a high heat til they blacken and burst. Stir in the red onion and garlic squash the tomatoes down with your spoon and cook for a further 2mins. Add the red wine vinegar in. Scatter the mozzarella and cheddar over the tortillas and bake for a further 5 mins til melted. pile on to a bowl, spoon over the salsa and sprinkle with coriander.

Pak Choi and Mange Tout Pad Thai Serves 1 75g of dried flat rice noodles. Juice of a lime 1 egg beaten. 2 tbsp of soy sauce. 1 tsp of soft brown sugar* Pinch of chilli flakes. 1 pak choi. 1 tsp of garlic. 1 red pepper 100g mange tout. Handful of beansprouts 1tbsp of roasted peanuts crush slightly* Chicken breast can be added to this dish at the beginning if you prefer.

Boil water, place noodles in bowl, cover with boiled water.

In the meantime in aother bowl mix in lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar*, chilli and set aside.

Leave noodles in water until soft. Slice. pak choi, garlic and red pepper. Push veg to one side and pour in the egg using your spoon to scramble it. Remove pan from heat. Drain noodles and add them to the pan with the sauce and beansprouts.

Put back on the heat and cook for about 2 mins. Plate up and serve with the crushed peanuts*, sliced spring onion and slices of lime.

Nice Slice 120g Watermelon, 25g of Feta, handful of mint leaves, pinch of dried chilli flakes, black pepper.

Cut skin off of melon, cube it, cube the feta pieces to go on top.

Place a mint leave on top of each cube of feta then sprinkle over the chilli flakes and black pepper….

Strawberry & Ricotta Toast 1tbsp of pumpkin seeds* 1 slice of sourdough bread e.g. Kelkin 4 Strawberries 40g of ricotta cheese 1 tsp of honey* Dry fry the pumpkin seeds on medium heat. Remove the stalks from the strawberries and slice, toast the bread and spread on the ricotta. Place the strawberries on top. Drizzle over the honey and top with the pumpkin seeds. *denotes syn value or healthy extra choice.

Nora’s Slimming World Tralee

takes place every Wednesday 9:30 a.m, 11:30 a.m, 3:30 p.m, 5:30 p.m & 7:30 p.m.

Search: Noras Slimming World Tralee on facebook or foodoptimisingninja on instagram.

Contact Nora: 087-2489838

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JRI America’s Foodie Friday A BIG HIT WITH STAFF AND A BOOST FOR LOCAL FOOD PRODUCERS & PROVIDERS

60 lunches sold in half an hour – sushi, tapas, paella, pizza – this is not in a busy city restaurant but it’s actually how quickly the grub has been selling on Foodie Fridays at JRI America in Tralee.

The initiative at the Kerry Technology Park-based company has been a great success since it began last December, creating awareness among staff of the magnificent local food producers and providers in the county. The events are designed to highlight one food producer each week, which enables both commercial success and excellent promotion opportunities.

Foodie Friday was the brainchild of JRI America’s in-house foodlover Anluan Dunne: “I have a personal interest in maintaining high quality food in Tralee, while I believe the introduction of Foodie Friday adds another layer of attractiveness to working at JRI America in Tralee. It is important for us to support our local food producers and providers. Kerry Technology Park is a great place to work but can be a little lacking for food options. Everyone has embraced the idea, it generates plenty of chat and suggestions as to what will be next on the menu.”

Until the introduction of Foodie Friday, the staff at JRI America either brought their lunches into work, drove into town or went home to grab a quick bite. John Dough’s Donut, Coffee, Pizza and Ice Cream Shop Tralee was the first local vendor to satisfy the taste buds of the JRI America staff last December.

The proprietor of John Dough’s, John McCarthy, said: “This is an ingenious idea for people who work in technology parks like this that are slightly cut-off from the town centre, or without canteen facilities. JRI America are the pioneers in Tralee but there is no reason why others can’t introduce the same as it’s a nice treat for people to have access to a high standard of food at work.”

The concept has proved to be so popular with local producers that upcoming Friday slots are filling fast. Local producers are encouraged to contact JRI America to get involved. At present, Foodie Friday is exclusively for JRI America, but with around 600 people employed in the Kerry Technology Park, other companies may consider introducing the service to their own premises in due course. JRI America, Inc., is a subsidiary of the Japanese IT financial services company Japan Research Institute Ltd (JRI) which is the specialist IT subsidiary of Sumitomo Mitui Financial Group (SMFG). SMFG employs 68,000 people worldwide with a stated objective of further global expansion. The Tralee operation employs approximately 120 people who support the group’s Western Hemisphere IT operations including US, Europe, Moscow, Dubai and other markets since 2011.

Any local food producers or providers who would like to be considered for inclusion in the Foodie Friday at JRI America can contact info@jri-america.com.

Pictured below: Anluan Dunne (JRI America), Shane Walsh (JRI America), Emer O’Connor (JRI America), Gearóid McCann (John Dough’s Shop) and Rachel O’Sullivan (JRI America). Photo By Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD

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Self-Regulated Wellbeing

If there can be said to be a Holy Grail in the area of psychiatry, psychology or psychotherapy, it would have to be self-regulated wellbeing. This is ultimately the aim of all therapy, that the individual would develop the capacity to regulate her own wellbeing, independent of others or circumstances.

What does it mean to regulate one’s own wellbeing? It means that we are not dependent on external factors, such as the approval of others, social acceptance, medication, financial stability, etc., in order to feel well. It means learning to make one’s own choices and being accountable for them.

It means managing anxiety, stress, disappointment or loss in such a way that, while these things are painful, they are not debilitating or disabling. It means recognizing that while other people are important in one’s life and that relationships are essential, nobody else is in charge of you, and that you are a free agent, making your own choices with full awareness of the unconscious, and conscious, forces that influence you. If you feel that your sadness or your anger or your fear could overwhelm you and that you’d be unable to come back from it, if you do things that you don’t want to do simply because it’s expected of you and you feel you “have” to, if you find yourself parenting your children out of guilt or fear, then your well-being is not, unfortunately, being regulated by yourself. Learning how to achieve this can be complicated, but ultimately it is very much worth it.

Caroline Smith, Psychotherapy Counselling www.carolinesmith.ie | 087 6444837 BY: DR SUSAN CREAN BDS (HONS)NUI MFDRCSI

ADDING STRUCTURE TO THE FACE AND REPLACING THAT LOST TISSUE BEFORE ITS TOO LATE! As we age the collagen and elastin levels deplete in our skin. These important proteins form part of the structural network that support our face. They act as a scaffold within THE TRIANGLE OF the face. Therefore, within the ageing process YOUTH INVERTS the scaffolding effect reduces and the the OVER TIME soft tissue migrates to the lower half of the face.The bone support from the cheeks also reduces ,and is often worse in smokers.The triangle of the face which forms the structural support become everted due to loss of the fat pads. Hollows begin to appear under the eyes. The cheeks become flattened,wrinkles appear around the nose and mouth. However, adding cheek filler to the face can help to restore this lost volume. The procedure is relatively painless and involves using either a cannula or needle depending on the amount THE TRIANGLE of volume loss. The filler contains both OF YOUTH lidocaine ( an anaesthetic ) and hyaluronic acid a natural product which restores volume to the cheeks . This product absorbs water and encourages formation of new collagen and elastin replacing lost cellular structure.

Each client will have an individual mapping of the face completed during the consultation to indicate where and how much filler should be added to restore the structural framework of the skin. Please make an appointment now for your free consultation with Dr Susan Crean at Mac Domhnaill Dental Tralee, Co. Kerry or THE INVERTED expose Beauty salon, Tralee, Co.Kerry.

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SALUTING THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD AT KBN INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY EVENT ONE OF IRELAND’S LARGEST and most influential female networking organisations, the Kerry Businesswomen’s Network (KBN), has every reason to mark its most important day of the year with a very special celebration. Under the guidance of a new, dynamic Coordinator, together with an exciting new re-brand and impressive calendar of planned events – KBN invites women in business to mark International Women’s Day 2019 at an inspirational, big-name happening at the sumptuous Muckross Park Hotel. Dedicated to helping women play a bigger, better and more fulfilling role in their businesses and in society, KBN will play host to guest speakers Pauline McLynn, actor - and rally legend Rosemary Smith. As local leading business woman and newlyelected KBN Coordinator, Elin Sorensen, puts it: “This is a call out to all women in Kerry to join us for a night of inspiration, motivation, laughter, food and drink… to take your place among the brave and the bold, the feisty and the fabulous – and congratulate yourself on making your own mark out there.” Guests on the night will be treated to the inspiring story of motor sport pioneer, Rosemary Smith – a woman who broke through the gender barrier to compete in, and win, some of the world’s most iconic rallies. In 2017, aged 79, Rosemary became the oldest person to drive a Renault Sports Formula One team car. KBN promises that “Rosemary’s defiance of gender and age stereotyping, make for a fascinating, timely and truly inspirational story.” Joining Rosemary is actor and author Pauline McLynn, who has worked with all major Irish theatre companies including the Abbey, the Gate and Rough Magic. Pauline is probably best known for her role on TV as Mrs Doyle in Father Ted, while she also appeared as Amy Huberman’s mother in Comedy Central’s Threesome. Pauline has also written 8 adult novels and two books for younger readers.

The KBN International Women’s Day Event will take place at 7pm on Friday 8 March at the Muckross Park Hotel, Killarney, and the ticket price includes a pre-dinner drinks reception, 2-course meal with wine, tea and coffee and entertainment. For tickets, go to www.kbn.ie or Eventbrite.ie Connect Kerry | March 2019 | 35

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GETTING MARRIED TAX BENEFITS BY: John Canty While getting married is all about romance, it important to be aware of the potential tax saving that can be made.

INCOME TAX Most married couples will normally benefit at some point from favourable tax treatment of married couples. This allows unused tax allowances of one spouse to be transferred to the other.

• Year of Marriage In the year of marriage spouses are treated as single persons, but can claim a tax refund for any unused tax allowances of the other spouse from the date of marriage to the end of the calendar year.

• Subsequent Years Three options are available: 1. Joint Assessment 2. Separate Assessment 3.Single Assessment

used where couples want to keep financial affairs separate.

HOW IS THIS DONE? Writing to Revenue and electing for Joint assessment, or using Revenue My Account (Online).

CAPITAL GAINS TAX Transfers between spouses are exempt from Capital Gains Tax. Annual Allowances of €1,270 is per person, so double annual exemption is only when assets are disposed in Joint Names.

NB: Transfers prior to marriage are subject to Capital Gains Tax so be careful of timing.

INHERITANCE TAX Transfers between spouses are exempt from Inheritance Tax.

Normally couples elect for Joint Assessment, as it is the most simple option.

Separate and Single Assessment are normally

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Music in the Kingdom GIG GUIDE

March is a busy month for live music in local pubs coming up to and including St.Patrick day and not just for traditional music, lots of pubs, restaurants and of course the parades themselves hire in local and upcoming acts so check in your favourite spot to see what’s coming up and go support them while having a great time, for example pre-parade in Tralee on the band stage, which will be at the end of Denny Street,music will be kicking off at 11am with Lauryn Griffin followed by Seamus Harty at 11.30 to entertain the crowds awaiting this years parade,these are two up and coming artists from Tralee and are not to be missed, so get your parade viewing spots early and be entertained while you wait!

Here are some more music gigs I would highly recommend checking out,(and some may be a great Mother’s Day gift idea) taking place about the county in March.

ON MARCH 9TH over in Mike the pies Listowel, Renovator are playing and it’s free admission! I would highly recommend heading over, they are full of life and great craic. Renovator are one of Ireland’s best party bands from Tralee Co.Kerry. The band contains the following members – Tom Leahy on lead Vocals, Colin Mac Hale on vocals / keyboards, Aidan O’Shea on guitar, Joe O’Shea on bass and Ivan O’Connor on drums / vocals. Their music always keeps the dance floor hopping by playing a mixture of modern hits as well as classic rock anthems.

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By: Lisa Curran

Also on March 9th over in the INEC acoustic club is the enigmatic Jack O Rourke joined by Cry monster Cry.

Jack O’Rourke & Cry Monster Cry 9th March 2019. Tickets: €11.75 Jack O’Rourke is one of those mercurial artists whose musical imagination and personality has made him an intriguing entity to his many fans. A songwriter who first came to prominence with his ode to misunderstood youth, ‘Silence’ which became a torch song for the Irish Marriage Equality Referendum - Jack went on to release his debut album Dreamcatcher to massive acclaim, peaking at No.5 in the Irish album charts and drawing huge critical praise. Jack’s voice - a rich baritone capable of ethereal falsetto, wraps around his tunes like a waif. Hunched around a piano, Jack is a subtle and intense performer. A natural melody writer, with chord changes unexpected yet familiar, as a lyricist, Jack manages to combine that most difficult and delicate of writing traits – the ability to convey the personal whilst making it universal. Cry Monster Cry are a dynamic Acoustic Duo. Two Brothers who share stunning harmonies and a wonderful guitar style. It is guaranteed to be a fabulous evening with some very talented performers well on the road to success.

The Songs and Tall Tales of Jerry Fish in Concert, Siamsa Tire, Friday March 15th.

One of Ireland's most enigmatic and captivating performers brings his newest show to town. He's such a legend that Ireland’s biggest music and arts festival, the Electric Picnic, have afforded him his very own stage to perform in and curate for the past five years.

An indie legend and ringmaster of exceptional renown, Jerry Fish has evolved into a showman extraordinaire, capturing the hearts and minds of audiences all over with his now legendary live shows. In 2017 Jerry triumphantly took his stranger-than-fiction life story to theatre audiences for the very first time at Dublin Fringe Festival, selling out four nights at the prestigious Project Arts Centre. Chockablock full of vaudevillian fun and games. Voyage to the artist’s ancestral self with never before-toldstories, half-truths, half-fictions and brand new songs.

Coffee House Acoustics in Yummy Cafe Tralee. March 16th 3-5pm Yummy cafe is a very well known cafe in Tralee known mainly for their delicious food and kid friendly environment and now they are branching out to support local artists in their coffee house acoustics series. The music is mellow and atmospheric so you can still have a good catch up over the St.Patricks weekend but can enjoy some live music at the same time.

Up first in the series is Owen Rua a Tralee native with a voice as smooth as the coffee you will be drinking alongside him. He studied in the Cork School of Music and has been a regular in all local events since returning home to where it all began. Owens style is a great mix of trad, folk, pop and original material you will have stuck in your head.

SNAPCHAT: lizzieraisin INSTGRAM: lizzieraisin TWITTER: lizzieraisin FACEBOOK: Lisa Curran Soprano

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