WW16 2023

WOMANSWAY.IE 51 Picture This Do you have photos you’d like to share? Send them to [email protected] GET IN TOUCH Find out what Woman’s Way readers have been up to recently… This is my bin, use your own. From: Alan Keogh, Dublin Night skies shine bright. From: Gillian Sammon, Co Laois At the circus. From: Gene Rusk, Co Meath Relaxing in Costa Meloneras, Gran Canaria. From: Helen Stafford, Co Kildare Goosey goosey gander, where will I wander? From: Eileen Walsh 51 WW16 Picture This KOT2CCAMASFINAL.indd 3 25/07/2023 15:54

TIMEOUT 52 WOMANSWAY.IE ENTER TO WIN QUINN HAIR & BEAUTY HOW TO ENTER Please send a picture of your completed crossword grid to [email protected] No postal entries please. The closing date for entries is August 14, 2023 This Woman's Way competition is open to anyone resident in NI and the Republic of Ireland, aged 18 and over, except employees and their families of Harmonia Publishing, its printers and anyone else connected with the competition. No purchase is necessary. We will only accept one competition entry per reader. Prizes are awarded by drawing entries after the closing date. Winners will be notifi ed by email. The editor’s decision is fi nal. One lucky reader will receive a Pink Princess 10-piece professional makeup set complete with QUIN Body Shine Makeup, BB Makeup Cream 200ml and QUIN Glow Oil for the ultimate summer glow package. Visit quinnhairbeauty.com WORTH €70 1 WHO… released the singles Electric Feel and Kids in 2008? WHAT… is the name of the marketweighted stock index on the Bombay Stock Exchange? WHERE… do the football team Shamrock Rovers play their home games? WHEN… did Sir Richard Dearlove take over as the head of MI6? 2 WHO… was a member of Hear’Say and starred in Coronation Street until 2019? WHAT… character was played by Ricky Gervais in the comedy show Extras? WHERE… was the lateral thinker Edward de Bono born? WHEN… did Niamh Kavanagh win the Eurovision? KYM MARSH; ANDY MILLMAN; 2 MGMT; SENSEX; TALLAGHT, DUBLIN; 1999. 1 MALTA; 1993. THE 4 Ws Born in Liverpool in 1943, my real name was Priscilla Maria Veronica White. As a singer, I was championed by The Beatles. My version of Anyone Who Had a Heart was the UK's biggestselling single by a female artist in the 1960s. As a TV presenter, I presented TV shows like Blind Date and Surprise, Surprise. I died in 2015 after a fall in Spain. Born in Finglas in 1953, I am a very famous actor. I am best known for my roles in Star Trek, The Commitments and The Snapper, and I star alongside Liam Neeson in the upcoming Irish thriller, In the Land of Saints and Sinners. I married French costume designer Ines Glorian in 2007 and we live between Majorca and Los Angeles. CELEB PIXELS CILLA BL,ACK; COLM MEANE ANSWERS: PRIZE CROSSWORD 16 ACROSS: 1. DAMP (5) 4. VIGOROUS (7) 8. PLATFORM (7) 9. MIME (5) 10. DETAIL (4) 11. ENTICE (8) 13. FORAY (4) 14. CLUE (4) 16. OF THE EAGLE (8) 17. EXTINCT BIRD (4) 20. SUGAR COATING (5) 21. INFORM (7) 22. CONVENT (7) 23. MANNEQUIN (5). DOWN: 1. CHAGRIN (13) 2. EMIT (5) 3. WEARY (4) 4. REQUIRE (6) 5. CERTIFY (8) 6. IDEA (7) 7. SWEETS (13) 12. CONVERSATION (8) 13. MEETING (7) 15. NOTORIETY (6) 18. DRUG (5) 19. RUSHED (4). QUICK CROSSWORD SOLUTION ISSUE 15 ACROSS: 3 SLACKNESS; 8 CONE; 9 SATIRICAL; 10 UNUSED; 11 DEFER; 14 ANGLE; 15 SERF; 16 REALM; 18 CANT; 20 ABUSE; 21 THICK; 24 DEPART; 25 SEPARATOR; 26 ZERO; 27 RED-HANDED. DOWN: 1 OCCUPANCY; 2 INSURGENT; 4 LOAD; 5 CRIME; 6 NOISES; 7 SLAY; 9 SEVER; 11 DRANK; 12 REGULATED; 13 AFFECTION; 17 MAKER; 19 THRASH; 22 CHAIN; 23 CEDE; 24 DOZE. REMEMBER WHEN? 1 • Boris Yeltsin was elected for his second term as Russia’s president • Ella Fitzgerald died • The Coen Brothers’ fi lm Fargo was released • Crime reporter Veronica Guerin was shot dead in her car in Dublin 2 • Dusty Springfi eld died • Gay Byrne hosted his last Late Late Show after 37 years • The euro currency was born • Lindsay Davenport won the women’s title at Wimbledon 1996, 1999. ANSWERS: The following events all occurred in a year in living memory. Can you guess the year? 52 WW16 Timeout KOT2CCAMASFINAL.indd 2 25/07/2023 15:55

TIME OUT WOMANSWAY.IE 53 THE BIG QUIZ 1>> Which member of One Direction used to moon singer Mary Byrne during The X Factor? A Niall Horan B Harry Styles C Liam Payne D Louis Tomlinson 2>> Rhasidat Adeleke is running for which brand now that she has embarked on her professional career? A Nike B Adidas C Puma D Skechers 3>> Magnolias were named after which French botanist? A Peter Nolan B Pablo Mangolian C Pierre Magnol D Pedro Magnoli 4>> Which river fl ows under Dublin Castle? A The Liffey B The Poddle 13>> What is the most popular fl ower in the world? A Rose B Tulip C Lily D Peony 14>> Who is the new directorgeneral of RTÉ? A Jim Jennings B Dee Forbes C Kevin Bakhurst D Moya Doherty C The Tolka D The Dodder 5>> What is RTÉ presenter Bláthnaid Treacy’s new baby called? A Ruth B Audrey C Evelyn D Nancy 6>> Actress Reese Witherspoon’s real name is …. A Carla Jo B Jennifer Louise C Laura Jeanne D Lisa Marie 7>> What is the female part of a fl ower called? A Carpel B Stamen C Sepal D Ovary 8>> What was the Snickers chocolate bar called before it was renamed in 1990? A Dream B Snowfl ake C Delight D Marathon 9>> In The Wizard of Oz, the Wicked Witch poisoned which fl ower? A Chrysanthemum B Poppy C Dahlia D Iris 10>> Profi teroles are made from what type of pastry? A Puff B Filo C Shortcrust D Choux 11>> Who said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” A Emmeline Pankhurst B Helen Keller C Eleanor Roosevelt D Emily Dickinson 12>> Which children’s TV show did Ariana Grande star in with Jennette McCurdy? AThe Babysitters’ Club B Sam and Kat CVictorious D iCarly 1 B, 2 A, 3 C, 4 B, 5 D, 6 C, 7 A, 8 D, 9 B, ANSWERS: 10 D, 11 C, 12 B, 13 A, 14 C. 1 3 6 8 9 10 12 53 WW16 The Big Quiz KOT2CCAMASFINAL.indd 3 25/07/2023 15:56

54 WOMANSWAY.IE By Prudence Wade, PA D espite holding the record for the secondfastest-selling non-fiction book in the UK since records began, Kate and Kay Allinson – the brains behind Pinch of Nom – are relatively private people. They don’t do many interviews and you won’t see them whipping up a storm on daytime cooking shows, yet the duo seem remarkably comfortable fielding questions about their latest cookbook, Pinch Of Nom: Budget . Kate, 52, is the softer-spoken of the two – she’s a trained chef – while Kay, 37, is more outgoing and talkative. The two have been together for 18 years and married for two. Their clashing personalities might come as a surprise, but they make it work – for example, by having two freezers. “One is my freezer, one is Kate’s – there’s a big difference between the two of them,” Kay says, matter-of-factly. “I’ve got ADHD, so she has to put up with a lot. Kate’s the tidy, organised one – if I put it this way, if I’m putting the food shopping away, she’s like, ‘You’re not putting the food shopping away, I’m putting it away, because it’ll go away in some sort of order’.” Kay works with “lots of noise, lots of mess, lots of creativity, disorganisation," she admits. “And Kate is the polar opposite – everything has to be quiet, everything has to be neat and tidy. I think it works because we complement each other in different ways. “You [she says to Kate] make sure I actually get through the day without harming myself, and I give you the ideas – so it works.” The two have made an empire with their healthy cookbooks. The first Pinch Of Nom cookbook came out in 2019 and sold 210,506 copies in the first week – the only non-fiction title to outstrip that is Spare by the Duke of Sussex. Their fanbase is loyal, and they have 1.2 million followers on Instagram – but don’t call them diet books (Kay doesn’t use the d-word, saying: “I hate it”.) Now, the duo are releasing their first book specifically geared towards wallet-friendly recipes – which felt like a natural progression. “Most of the recipes we’ve ever come up with, one of the main goals – apart from it being actual food you want to eat, because that always helps when you’re making a recipe book – is they’re easy to make, but also that they don’t break the bank,” Kay says. Kate adds to that thought: “Given our audience from day one, our audience has always been very family orientated.” “And running a family is expensive enough, especially at the minute,” Kay sighs. “Food inflation is not fun for anyone at the minute – it’s ridiculous out there, it’s crazy. The amount of people that rely on food banks – food poverty is a really big issue.” While there are no price guarantees with their recipes, most dishes come to under €3 to make and many cost even less – busting the misconception that healthy eating is expensive. “Whatever it is, you can make it expensive – there’s ways and means to do things,” Kay says. “If you want to do healthy food organically, it’s not going to come cheap. If you want to go to Daylesford Organic for your food, that’s fine. But most real people that live on a day-to-day basis will shop at one of the big four supermarkets or the big two discounters. We all know who they are. And we want people to be able to buy all the recipes and the ingredients in one place and not have to traipse around everywhere. “We want to make it as easy as possible – people are time-poor. Maintaining a family and making sure everyone is fed and looked after is hard enough – the last thing you need is to traipse around the big posh supermarket trying to find weird ingredients.” This could be the couple’s secret to success – they’re refreshingly normal, and even talk about their own “bumpy journey” with healthy eating. “We said last week, we’re going to meal plan all week – what didn’t we do? We didn’t get round to Kate and Kay Allinson talk clashing personalities, food inflation and listening to their audience. BUDGETFRIENDLY BANGERS 54-57 WW16 Pinch of Nom KOT2CCAMASFINAL.indd 2 25/07/2023 16:00

WOMANSWAY.IE 55 RECIPE By Prudence Wade, PA Continued overleaf >> cooking the meals, because we’re busy doing other stuff – because that always happens,” Kay says – but all wasn’t lost, because they used their number one tip for keeping healthy and saving money: the freezer. “It’s always handy to have something in the freezer or in the fridge that on that day when you come home from work and you cannot be arsed – everyone has that day or that week. To be fair, it’s usually a couple of days,” says Kay. “Getting something out of the freezer that you know is going to taste good, you only have to heat it up – you don’t have to make it. Just having that reassurance that you can fall back on it.” Kate and Kay estimate there are around 3,000 Pinch of Nom recipes, created by themselves and their team. With such a vast number, do they ever get writer’s block? “We do get stuck for inspiration, quite often,” Kate admits – and in those scenarios, their fi rst port of call is going to the Facebook group “and look to see what people want”. Kay jumps in: “We’ll ask them what they want to see. I used to post every week in the Facebook group without fail, ‘OK, tell us what dishes you want. What do you want a Nom version of?’ “Don’t get me wrong, there were some ridiculous requests – there is no way the chocolate cake from Matilda was ever going to be Nommable, that is just not going to happen. As much as I would love to be a magician and I would love for that to be real.” Other suggestions are a bit more feasible – and they’ve seen a big rise in demand for veggie recipes. “A lot of people – we’re the same, it’s not that we don’t like meat, but we’ve made a conscious choice to eat less meat, mainly because of cost. Meat costs a fortune, and if you can get your protein from plants, then yay – it’s a good thing,” Kay says. “So we’ve had an awful lot of veggies recently, or people just wanting to cut down on meat – and I’m assuming it’s because it’s friggin’ expensive.” Another trend that will never go away? “We still get loads of fakeaway requests,” Kay says. “Fakeaways are never going to disappear, ever.” Kay adds: “We like to give people a decent amount of stuff that isn’t quite as calorifi c as it would ordinarily be, but enough so you have something to look forward to in the week. Everyone needs a bit of a treat, because it’s no fun – when people think of diets, they think of lettuce. I do, and I’m like – it’s a bit boring. Sod that.” Kate and Kay Allinson CHILLI MAC ‘N’ CHEESE Serves 6 A one-pot version of everyone’s favourite comfort food. “Borrowing the best bits from two of our favourite comfort foods, this epic chilli mac ’n’ cheese is a batch54-57 WW16 Pinch of Nom KOT2CCAMASFINAL.indd 3 25/07/2023 16:00

56 WOMANSWAY.IE game-changer,” say Kate and Kay. “Using just a few simple ingredients and one saucepan, you won’t believe how easy it is to prepare this spaghetti dish from scratch. By combining Parmesan with garlic, basil and zesty lemon juice, we’ve recreated a luscious green pesto sauce… Don’t forget to save your pasta water – it gives every twisty forkful an even silkier texture.” Ingredients: 150g dried spaghetti 170g new potatoes, sliced 100g green beans, trimmed 60g fresh basil PESTO GREEN BEAN SPAGHETTI Serves 4 An indulgent midweek dinner that won’t break the bank. “Our take on a north Italian pasta alla Genovese, this pesto and green bean spaghetti is a thrifty 4 garlic cloves, peeled 30g Parmesan cheese, finely grated Juice of 1 lemon Method: 1 Add the spaghetti and new potatoes to a large saucepan of boiling water. Cook for eight minutes until the potatoes and spaghetti are nearly done. Add the green beans and cook for another four minutes. 2 While the spaghetti is cooking, add the basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese and lemon juice to a food processor. Blitz until smooth. 3 Once the spaghetti, potatoes and green beans cook sensation,” say Kate and Kay. They call this one-pot dish “deliciously indulgent”, adding: “We’ve kept things on the milder side with a couple of teaspoons of chilli powder, but there’s nothing to stop you turning up the heat if you’re feeling brave. Don’t forget to save freezer-friendly portions for a rainy day.” Ingredients: Low-calorie cooking spray 2 onions, peeled and finely diced 2 carrots, peeled and diced 500g 5 per cent fat minced beef 4 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed 2tsp mild chilli powder 1tsp ground cumin 1tsp dried oregano 2 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes 2 peppers, any colour, deseeded and diced 2tbsp tomato puree 2tbsp Henderson’s Relish 600ml beef stock (2 beef stock cubes dissolved in 600ml boiling water) 300g dried macaroni 1 x 400g tin kidney beans, drained and rinsed 180g reduced-fat mature cheddar, grated Small handful of fresh coriander, chopped (optional) Method: 1 Spray a large saucepan with low-calorie cooking spray and place over a medium heat. Add the onions and carrots and sauté for five minutes until softened. 2 Add the mince and cook for a further five minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon to break up any lumps, until the mince is no longer pink. 3 Add the garlic, chilli powder, cumin and oregano and stir in for one minute until the spices become fragrant. Add the chopped tomatoes, peppers, tomato puree, Henderson’s Relish and stock, and bring to the boil. Turn down the heat to mediumlow, cover with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 20 minutes, until the carrots are soft. 4 Add the macaroni to the pan, stir well and replace the lid. Allow to cook for a further 10–12 minutes, until the pasta is just cooked. 5 Stir in the beans and cheese, reserving a little cheese to garnish if you wish, allowing two minutes for the beans to heat through and the cheese to melt. 6 Stir in the coriander, if using, and serve. 54-57 WW16 Pinch of Nom KOT2CCAMASFINAL.indd 4 25/07/2023 16:00

RECIPE WOMANSWAY.IE 57 Pinch Of Nom: Budget by Kate and Kay Allinson is published by Bluebird, priced €22.49. Photography by Ellis Parrinder. Available now. 20g milk chocolate, fi nely chopped Method: 1 Preheat the oven to 190°C (fan 170°C/gas mark 5). Spray the 12 holes of the silicone muffi n tin with a little low calorie cooking spray. 2 Place the self-raising fl our, reduced-fat spread, granulated sweetener, eggs, cocoa powder and baking powder into a large mixing bowl and mix thoroughly. It’s best to use a wooden spoon to prevent overmixing. 3 Pour the mixture into the silicone muffi n tin, dividing it evenly between the twelve holes. Add half a raspberry to the top of each brownie. Sprinkle over the biscuit and chocolate pieces. Place in the oven and bake for eight to 10 minutes until slightly risen and set. 4 Leave to cool in the tin for a few minutes and then transfer to a cooling rack. Serve. WW are cooked, drain (reserving a little of the cooking water). 4 Add the spaghetti, potato and green beans back to the pan and pour over the pesto mixture. Add one tablespoon of the reserved pasta water, stir and add a few extra tablespoons of water as needed (we added three tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to coat our pasta, but it depends on how thick your pesto is. Start with one tablespoon and go from there). The pesto should coat each spaghetti strand. Serve. RASPBERRY COOKIE BROWNIES Serves 12 Can’t decide between a cookie or a brownie for dessert? Now you don’t have to. If you need a chocolate fi x, look no further than this cookiebrownie hybrid. “As if squidgy chocolate brownie isn’t enough, we’ve sprinkled milk chocolate chunks and crumbled biscuits and raspberry pieces on top before baking them to perfection,” say Kate and Kay Allinson. Ingredients: Low-calorie cooking spray 100g self-raising fl our 50g reduced-fat spread 4tbsp white granulated sweetener 4 medium eggs 3tbsp cocoa powder 1tsp baking powder 6 raspberries, sliced in half 20g bag of mini chocolate sandwich biscuits, quartered “Psst... You want to take these out of the oven while they’re ever so slightly undercooked and let them cool briefly in the tin” 54-57 WW16 Pinch of Nom KOT2CCAMASFINAL.indd 5 25/07/2023 16:01

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WOMANSWAY.IE 59 FOOD By Sam Wylie-Harris, PA A world chocolate master spills the (cocoa) beans on where to stash your favourite squares. The Chocolate I t’s an age-old question… should you keep those boxes of chocs in the cupboard, or pop them in the fridge for later? Like the fi ner things in life, some might say it’s a matter of taste. But with the recent heatwave and those melt-in-the-mouth moments becoming, well, a little more gooey than gorgeous, chances are those soft centres are crying out for a chilling… TEMPERATURE “The ideal temperature to store chocolate is around 16 to 18 degrees centigrade; cool but not cold, in a dry place and away from direct sunlight,” says Elias Läderach, World Chocolate Master and head of innovation at luxury Swiss chocolatier, Läderach. If cupboard or room temperature is too warm for storage, he says a wine fridge is better as it’s not quite as cold as a regular fridge, “if you’re lucky enough to have one!” However, he always recommends bringing the chocolate up to 20 to 23 degrees centigrade (around room temperature) before eating. FLAVOUR Eating chocolate that’s too cold and has been stored in a fridge prevents you from being able to taste all the different notes within a chocolate bar, says Läderach, and masks the subtleties in fl avour. “Perhaps less important for more basic chocolate, but especially noticeable with highquality and dark chocolate. “You can try it yourself at home,” suggests Läderach. “Store the same bar in a cool cupboard and then in a fridge and compare them directly.” He says the refrigerated bar will seem much more one-note and bland, with less depth. Alternatively, when chocolate is stored in a temperature that’s too warm it won’t immediately affect the fl avour, but the chocolate and ingredients will age much more quickly. TEXTURE The texture of chocolate is, of course, affected by different temperatures… “Stored too warm, and the chocolate can be too soft, sticky and the complexities all merge together,” notes Läderach. If you keep your chocolate too cold, though, your favourite bar can end up being too hard on your teeth and tricky to break – especially if the chocolate or casing is thick, says Läderach. “The perfect temperature (16 to 18 degrees) should ensure there is a satisfying snap when you break and eat the chocolate – but temperate enough that it melts in your mouth easily.” VISUAL EFFECT As Läderach points out, temperature does not change the colour of chocolate much, however long exposure to brighter lights can result Debate in slight discolouration. “The real difference when it comes to how the chocolate visually looks is if it starts to bloom,” explains Läderach. “Fridge-stored chocolate risks getting condensation on the surface when you take it out – and there’s a large temperature difference.” “This triggers sugar bloom – often seen as grey, unappealing dots – which happens because of condensation pulling sugar out from the chocolate and bringing it to the surface.” He says this is made worse when the chocolate has been stored in a range of fl uctuating temperatures, and the fat crystals also come to the surface and create grey stripes. “This fat bloom affects the way the chocolate looks, ” says Läderach. “Which is a large part of the sensory experience.” WW and ingredients will age discolouration. difference when it comes to how the Elias Läderach 59 WW16 Chocolate KOT2CCAMASFINAL.indd 3 25/07/2023 16:02

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WOMANSWAY.IE 61 FOOD By Imy Brighty-Potts, PA The al fresco eating you love may come with a lot of plastic waste. Here's how can you reduce your impact this summer. As tourists and travellers, even in our own country, we may want to take picnics in beautiful spots and share a meal with those we love. But, everything seems to come with so much plastic. So with our waste in mind, is a plastic-free picnic even possible? Here are expert tips to help reduce our waste and why it's important. Take crockery or reusable alternatives Disposable plates and cutlery are not a sustainable choice. “Every year we use 1.1 billion single-use plates and 4.25 billion items of single-use cutlery,” says Thomas Panton, founder of the sustainable marketplace, Canopey. And there are lots of issues with single-use picnic options “Plastics like polyethene are derived from fossil fuels and stick around for hundreds of years, breaking down into microplastics and leaking chemicals into the environment,” says Panton. Opt for your own plates and cutlery, and wrap them up in tea towels to keep them safe when transporting them. It’ll look much nicer too. Avoid cling fi lm When we use plastics, “many don’t get recycled, and some types are impossible to process, like cling fi lm, which is not accepted by most local authorities”, explains Panton. “Cling fi lm is made from an ozone-depleting solvent and can easily be ingested by animals and sea creatures, as well as being hard to spot by clean-up efforts.” Reusing old tins and containers could be a great cling fi lm alternative “There are loads of containers and lunchboxes available in shops, including metal – which is light and hardy, glass – which is heavier but can act as its own serving dish, recycled plastics, or bioplastics, which are made from plant fi bre like sugarcane, and can be industrially composted at the end of their life. Of course, always try to use containers you already have, as this extends the life of materials already in existence,” he adds. Swap to save “Switching out single-use sandwich bags, disposable cups and napkins is a great way to start, and with many of these swaps, you’ll save money, as they can be used for many more picnics to come,” says Panton. “Get yourself reusable cups, water bottles or even a thermos if you’re bringing hot or chilled drinks. Use reusable food wraps instead of cling fi lm and sandwich bags – each of these become cheaper with every use and are usually made much better and with more thought than their singleuse alternatives.” Find out what things are actually made of Just because something looks plastic-free, doesn’t mean it is. “Some cups and cutlery may look like paper but are actually made from a mix including plastics. Composite materials like these are almost impossible to separate and process for recycling, so they’re best avoided unless they are industrially compostable,” he explains. Don’t buy pre-packaged, make from scratch “Pre-packaged foods tend to generate lots of plastic and other packaging. Making salads, sandwiches and other snacks – like hummus and other dips – at home, can really cut down on unnecessary waste, as well as adding something special to your picnic,” says Panton. Why not ask people to bring their own homemade dishes too, to spread the cost, cut down on plastic and try something new? WW or bioplastics, which are made from plant become cheaper with every use and are usually made much better and with Thomas Panton PLASTICFREE PICNICS 61 WW16 Plastic free picnic KOT2CCAMASFINAL.indd 3 25/07/2023 16:02

62 WOMANSWAY.IE By Sam Wylie-Harris, PA Bloomers Late Here’s how to up the fl ower power in your garden until early autumn. Summer fl owering plants Charles Carr 62-63 WW16 Late Blooms KOT2CCAMASFINAL.indd 2 25/07/2023 16:03

GARDENING WOMANSWAY.IE 63 By Sam Wylie-Harris, PA Whether it’s showstopping summer bloomers in window boxes or beautiful borders with pollinators buzzing around pretty petals, we all want our fl owering plants to make a lasting impression. A joy to behold, so how can you keep these colourful blooms fl ourishing when their beauty starts to fade? Here, Charles Carr, head of Hillier Wholesale Nurseries, suggests fi ve fabulous fl owering bulbs to bed now… 1 HELENIUMS “Sun-loving Heleniums add an abundance of colour, bursting from mid-summer through into autumn,” advises Carr. As he points out, there are hundreds of varieties to choose from, from hot yellows and reds to vibrant oranges. “Regular deadheading as they fi nish fl owering will encourage future growth and longer spells of colour into autumn,” suggests Carr. They can grow to be quite big, so he says taller varieties may benefi t from staking: “They are easy to grow and thrive in most soil types, preferring full sun.” 2 HELIOPSIS Heliopsis, or ‘fake sunfl owers’ are available in a range of heights from 40cm to two meters, with three-inch double or single fl owers of beautiful yellows and oranges, surrounding golden centre cones, explains Carr. “They not only make impressive, colourful features in borders and beds, attracting an array of pollinators, but can also make for lovely cut fl owers. “They grow in clumps with branching stems that give a bushy habit, and the fl owering period is between six and eight weeks.” To encourage buds to form, he says to deadhead any spent fl owers. 3 PENSTEMON “These upright, bushy plants have tubular, trumpet-shaped fl owers often fl aring at the tip, surrounded by narrowed, linear green leaves,” notes Carr. They are available in shades from deepest purple to delicate pink, as well as whites and blues, with some varieties being bi-colours combining two shades, and bring welcome colour to the garden, says Carr. “This is a perfect plant for mixed and herbaceous borders and is loved by bees. Penstemon thrives in well-drained soil and is very tolerant to drought conditions.” He recommends taking cuttings in summer and mulching annually with well-rotted manure or leaf mould – and feeding weekly in summer. 4 CROCOSMIA Crocosmia come in a range of hot summer colours from orange to yellow and red. Carr says they are a fantastic way of adding both height and colour and can be planted in conjunction with mid-height plants such as Lychnis ‘Jenny,’ Sidalcea ‘Elsie Heugh’ and peonies in front of them; then with lowgrowing plants such as geraniums, Erigeron ‘Kew Profusion’ and dianthus, at the front of the border. “Originating from South Africa, they require fertile, moist but well-drained soil,” says Carr. “They grow from corms, planted around 8cm deep like bulbs.” Japanese anemones “Japanese anemones have pink or white flowers on the top of tall stems and can spread rapidly” To avoid clumping, he says to plant them a few centimetres apart, then divide every three to fi ve years to encourage better fl owering. 5. JAPANESE ANEMONES “Japanese anemones boast cup-shaped pink or white fl owers on the top of tall stems and can spread rapidly, so can be a great means of fi lling borders,” suggests Carr. Stems can grow anything between 50 and 150cm, and they produce bountiful blooms with up to 30 fl owers per corm being possible, says Carr. “They have a blooming season of six to eight weeks, so add colour when many other perennials are beginning to die back.” 6 CARE TIPS AND PLANTING PARTNERS These plants are all easy to grow and require low maintenance, says Carr. They’ll require watering well while they establish, and occasional deadheading as required to extend the blooms. He recommends mulching in winter to aid growth the following season. “For planting partners, balance among textures, height and structure can be provided by plants such as miscanthus, calamagrostis, sedums, ferns and grasses, while also adding interest for winter when the fl owers have died back,” suggests Carr. For even more colour, he says consider planting a mixture of different varieties and shades, or planting with red antirrhinums (snapdragons), dahlias, salvias and cannas. WW Crocosmia fl owering plants Heleniums Heliopsis Penstemon 62-63 WW16 Late Blooms KOT2CCAMASFINAL.indd 3 25/07/2023 16:04

64 WOMANSWAY.IE By Hannah Stephenson, PA Make the most of water bu s “With climate change, we are getting much wetter winters,” says O’Neill. “You should be able to store the water over the winter in preparation for warmer weather. “Some people fi nd them ugly or don’t have enough room, so we would recommend is that you can just use a trug or a bucket. Any little bit of water is better than having to use your tap. Rainwater is benefi cial because it doesn’t have all the minerals and chemicals tap water has.” Use grey water Even if it’s too tricky to save your bath water – unless you can scoop it out into a bucket or washing up bowl – you may be able to use your washing-up water provided it has eco-friendly detergent. But don’t use it all the time because over time it may change the composition of the soil, O’Neill advises. Water in the morning Water early in the morning to give plants the water they need through the day. And don’t Try rain chains These decorative links – often seen hanging below a roof gutter – collect rain water and channel it to where it’s needed, diverting water to maybe a watering can or pot underneath. “They won’t provide loads of water but if you haven’t room for a water butt, you can put them on the guttering to collect the water. We put our watering cans underneath them to save the rainwater,” says O’Neill. As summer continues, it’s time to get waterwise with your garden. But how? Emma O’Neill, head gardener at Garden Organic, designed the charity’s Backyard Biodiversity Garden at this year’s Gardeners’ World Live show, which featured simple water-saving solutions. She suggests the following measures… Use olla pots These are clay irrigations pots that can be buried into beds and fi lled with water, allowing moisture to seep gently into the soil to direct water to the roots. “They look like an urn or a large specimen bottle with a long tube at the top and a bulbous bit at the bottom. They are made out of terracotta so they are porous, and you bury them up to the neck and fi ll them with water, and the water seeps out slowly, watering the plants,” says O’Neill. You could mix some liquid feed into the water in the olla pot, so thirsty plants will also be fed. BE How to be waterwise in WATERWISE your garden this summer. Using grey water to water plants 64-65 WW16 Waterwise KOT2CCAMASFINAL.indd 2 25/07/2023 16:05

GARDENING WOMANSWAY.IE 65 By Hannah Stephenson, PA water your lawn, which will recover during the autumn rainfall. Train plants to need less water You can encourage plants to drink less if you give them less water, encouraging them to drink more slowly. With pot plants, you could place a saucer under the pot to save the water that drains through, as some of the water will be drawn back towards the roots, although you shouldn’t leave pots standing in water for long. Explore xeriscaping Trending in the US, xeriscaping is basically landscaping with slow-growing, droughttolerant plants, using mulch to cover the ground and reduce the need for watering. It might involve replacing moisture-loving lawns with ornamental grasses, or other drought-tolerant plants such as sedum, rock roses and verbena. Plant them in freedraining soil and improve drainage, perhaps by building raised beds with retaining walls around them and adding grit to the topsoil for alpines and Mediterranean plants, so that they don’t become waterlogged in the autumn and winter. Gravel gardens are another xeriscaping option for small gardens, if you add a little compost topped with a few inches of gravel. Water plants that need it most Mediterranean plants like bedding geraniums, drought-tolerant grasses and woody plants such as lavender and rosemary don’t need a lot of water, but large-leaved plants such as bananas need much more. Water at the base of the plant to allow the roots to get the moisture they need. Mulch around plants Use a bark or gravel mulch or bulky organic matter on the soil surface to retain moisture and help minimise evaporation, O’Neill advises. Water generously less frequently If you water little and often, it will just encourages surface roots, whereas watering more thoroughly less often helps to get the down to the deeper roots. Consider an automatic irrigation system Ceri Thomas, editor of Which? Gardening, says: “Whether you’re at home or on holiday, setting up an automatic irrigation system can be a great way of making sure your plants are regularly watered – saving you a lot of time and effort in the process. If you’re in the market for an irrigation system, carefully consider what’s most important for you. Most kits need to be connected to a tap. If you want to connect your kit to a water butt or tank then you’ll need to buy a solarpowered kit,” Thomas adds. “A lot of kits are modular – so you can add to them – but it’s also worth checking how much pipe is included in the kit so you know whether it will reach from your tap to the most distant pot. If you rearrange your pots from year-to-year then it’s worth looking for a kit that allows you to plug holes or add new pipes.” O’Neill adds: “The leaky hose system is probably better because the spikes tend to water a lot of the foliage, which can then cause scorch and doesn’t get down to the roots of the plants.” Stick to drought-tolerant plants Plants with grey or silver leaves including lavender, stachys and santolina tend to withstand long periods of hot weather, O’Neill says. Sedums and other plants with waxy, succulent leaves are also droughttolerant. WW “An automatic irrigation system can be a great way of making sure your plants are regularly watered” Installing an automatic irrigation system A gravel garden with drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant geraniums An olla pot 64-65 WW16 Waterwise KOT2CCAMASFINAL.indd 3 25/07/2023 16:06

66 WOMANSWAY.IE By Imy Brighty-Potts, PA Learning to beekeep Queen Bee Beekeeping is gaining in popularity. But, how can you jump on the trend? 66-67 WW16 Beekeeping KOT2CCAMASFINAL.indd 2 25/07/2023 16:10

WILDLIFE WOMANSWAY.IE 67 By Imy Brighty-Potts, PA With urbanites setting up hives on their balconies and reports of honey being made up and down the country, this summer might just be the busiest time for starting a buzzy new hobby. “Urban beekeeping offers people a rewarding chance to connect with nature and contribute to conserving our pollinator pals in urban settings,” says Amanda John, a professional beekeeper who works closely with Rowse Honey. “This form of beekeeping has become increasingly popular, as the importance of protecting our bees becomes more prevalent.” But, how do you get started? FIND A PLACE TO PUT THEM Retiree Caroline Ingham, 61, has been beekeeping for fi ve years. “I used to be a volunteer at our local high school on gardening projects. I was offered a short course and we got bees in the school, but it didn’t work out, so I acquired a beehive. They are in my garden and three other ladies come and help me,” she explains. But, if you don’t have a garden, Ingham says you can put them on roofs and balconies, as Caroline Ingham Learning to beekeep long as you seek the right permissions and tell your neighbours. GET KITTED OUT Many may be put off by the cost and fear of getting stung. “People generally have a fear of bees, I did when I started,” says Ingham. “Looking at frames of thousands of bees was a bit frightening, but it’s something you get used to, and it becomes so inspirational and enjoyable. “You need a proper bee suit – full length with gloves and protective footwear, even wellies,” she continues. “It can be expensive, depending on what lengths you go to and the equipment you acquire. If you join an association, you can fi nd stuff relatively cheaply – and it doesn’t have to be new. “If you were to shop online from new, it would be costly. More carefully, you can make savings.” BUT, WHAT ABOUT THE ACTUAL HIVES? “Basic equipment would be a hive, and here in Ireland and the UK, we tend to go for a national type, with frames and a foundation, with a small number of tools for lifting the frames,” Ingham explains. ASSOCIATIONS MAY BE ABLE TO HELP YOU SOURCE ITEMS. The Federation of Irish Beekeepers’ Associations is Ireland’s largest beekeeping organisation, representing the interests of over 3,000 beekeepers belonging to over 40 local associations across the island of Ireland. “Looking at frames of thousands of bees was a bit frightening, but it’s something you get used to” FINDING BEES So, you have the gear, but where do you actually get the bees from? Well, associations may be able to help you fi nd someone selling a hive, or someone looking to redirect a swarm. “This year has been a big year for swarming, but you can pre-empt them (a swarm is a queen leaving the hive and taking some of the bees with her). If you witness the bees making queen cells protruding on the foundation, it will indicate they are not happy, so they are making a new one,” Ingham explains. WHAT SHOULD YOU BE WORRIED ABOUT? “Winter is a bad time to get the bees through – it depends so much on the weather. They don’t come out of the hive until it is about 13 degrees, and in the winter, you need to insulate them,” says Ingham. “You also have to do treatments for insects they can be prone to, and making sure you do regular inspections of your hives is really important.” “When getting started in urban beekeeping, it is essential to understand the safety and basic knowledge of beekeeping,” says John. “If possible, this means attending beekeeping workshops – which can be booked online – and connecting with local beekeepers to learn more about bee behaviour, hive management and safety protocols. Understanding these basics is the key to success,” she continues. While it isn’t easy, it is rewarding, for both you and the planet. WW Amanda John At work by the hive 66-67 WW16 Beekeeping KOT2CCAMASFINAL.indd 3 25/07/2023 16:10

68 WOMANSWAY.IE Yarn Vibes Maeve Tank Top MATERIALS REQUIRED Yarn Yarn Vibes Worsted Weight Yarn Single colourway option requires: 4(4,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7) x 100g Contrast edgings option requires: MC: 3 ( 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5) x 100g CC: 1 ( 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2) x 100g (Tank top pictured knitted in Cliffs of Moher, MC: Dappled Heather and CC: Sandstone) Gauge Main fabric: 18 sts x 24 rows = 10cm/ 4” x 10cm/ 4” in stockinette Edgings: 20 sts x 28 rows = 10cm/ 4” x 10cm/ 4” in Lichen Eyelet Rib, blocked fl at Needles Needle A: circular needle, 4.5mm (US 7) in diameter or as needed to meet gauge for main fabric Needle B: circular needle, 3.25mm (US 3) in diameter or as needed to meet gauge for edgings Notions • Stitch markers • Needle, • Scrap Yarn ABBREVIATIONS CC = contrast colour CO = cast on K = knit K2Tog = knit 2 stitches together M1L = make 1 left M1R= make 1 right MC = main colour P = purl PM(s) = place(ing) marker(s) RM(s) = remove(ing) marker(s) RS = right side of work SKP = slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over SLM(s) = slip(ping) marker(s) St(s) = stitch(es) WS = wrong side of work YO = yarn over MEASUREMENTS A. Chest Circumference: 85cm/ 34" (91cm/ 36.5", 100cm/ 40", 109cm/ 43.5", 118cm/ 47", 129cm/ 51.5", 138cm/ 55", 147cm/ 58.75", 154cm/ 61.25", 162cm/ 64.75”) B. Back of Neck: 14cm/ 5.5" (15cm/ 6", 16cm/ 6.5", 17cm/ 6.75", 18.5cm/ 7.5", 19.5cm/ 7.75", 20.5cm/ 8.25", 21.5cm/ 8.5", 23cm/ 9.25", 24cm/ 9.5") C. Shoulder Length (Including Edgings): 10cm/ 4” (11cm/ 4.5”, 12cm/ 4.75”, 13cm/ 5.25”, 14cm/5.5”, 14cm/5.5”, 15cm/ 6”, 16cm/ 6.5”, 17cm/ 6.75”, 18cm/ 7.25”) D. Armhole Depth: 18cm/ 7.25" (19cm/ 7.75", 20cm/ 8.25", 22cm/ 8.75", 23cm/ 9.25", 25cm/ 9.75", 26cm/ 10.25", 27cm/ 10.75", 29cm/ 11.5", 31cm/ 12.25") E. Bodice Length: 30cm/ 12" (31cm/ 12.5", 32cm/ 12.75", 33cm/ 13.25", 34cm/ 13.75", 35cm/ 14", 36cm/ 14.5", 37cm/ 14.75", 38cm/ 15.25", 39cm/ 15.75") 2 PATTERN NOTES Construction This tank is worked seamlessly, from the top down, beginning with shoulder shaping. The Front Left, Front Right, and Back Panels are then worked separately to shape the neckline and armholes, after which the Bodice is worked in the round down through the Hem. Finally, sts are picked up along the neckline and armholes, to work edgings. Selecting Garment Size Referring to the garment’s measurements, select size with desired amount of ease around the chest according to preference. For a fi gurehugging fi t, select size with less than 5cm (2”) of ease. For a standard fi t, select size with 5cm (2”) - 8cm (3”) of ease. For a relaxed fi t, select size with at least 8cm (3”) of ease. To ensure correct sizing, you must meet the gauge stated under Materials & Information. Eyelet Rib Rounds 1 - 4: *P1, K2, P1, repeat from * to end. Round 5: *P1, YO, K2tog, P1, repeat from * to end. Round 6: *P1, K2, P1, repeat from * to end. Round 7: *P1, K2tog, YO, P1, repeat from * to end. Round 8: *P1, K2, P1, repeat from * to end. Options for Edgings To work contrast edgings, use MC and CC where instructed. To work entire garment in single colourway, use same yarn throughout. To forgo the lace effect, work edgings in plain 2x2 ribbing (P1, K2, P1) instead of Lichen Eyelet Rib. Yarn Vibes is a 100 per cent organic and sustainablyproduced Irish wool, supportive of local producers and rural communities in Ireland. Its vibrant colours are inspired by the beauty of the Irish landscape. INSTRUCTIONS Shoulders With Needle A and MC, CO 40 (42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58) sts using provisional cast on method and scrap yarn. Setup Row (WS): P1, PM, K2, PM, P34 (36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52), PM, K2, PM, P1 Identify sections of work as follows: The two sts fl anked by markers at each side of work, are the Shoulder Seam sts. These sts will always be purled (P2) on RS of work, and knitted (K2) on WS of work. The large section of sts at the centre of work is the Back Panel. The single edge sts are the start of the Front Right Panel and the Front Left Panel. You will now shape the shoulders of the tank, by increasing to the ‘outside’ of the Shoulder Seam markers, on every row, as follows: Row 1 and all subsequent RS rows: K to marker, M1R, SLM, P2, SLM, M1L, K to marker, M1R, SLM, P2, SLM, M1L, K to end. Row 2 and all subsequent WS rows: P to marker, M1R, SLM, K2, SLM, M1L, P to marker, M1R, SLM, K2, SLM, M1L, P to end. Work in this manner for a total of 10 (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28) rows. Final row should be WS row. There are now 11 (13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29) sts before the fi rst marker (i.e. Front Left Panel sts), 11 (13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29) sts after the fi nal marker (i.e. Front Right Panel sts), and 54 (60, 66, 72, 78, 84, 90, 96, 102, 108) sts between the central markers (i.e. Back Panel sts). There are now 80 (90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170) sts on the needles in total, including Shoulder Seam sts. You will now shape the Neckline and Armholes by working the Front Left, Front Right, and Back Panels separately. Front Left Panel Setting all other sts aside (with markers remaining in place), work Front Left Panel sts only, back and forth in stockinette (K all RS rows; P all WS rows), until work measures 8cm/ 3.25” (9cm/ 3.5”, 10cm/ 4”, 11cm/4.5”, 12cm/4.75”, 13cm/ 5.25”, 14cm/ 5.5”, 15cm/ 6”, 16cm/ 6.5”, 17cm/ 6.75”) from cast-on edge. Final row should be WS row. Then, increase in order to shape the neckline, as follows: Row 1 and all subsequent RS rows: K2, M1L, K to end. Row 2 and all subsequent WS rows: P to end. Work in this manner for a total of 8 (8, 10, 10, 12, 12, 14, 14, 16, 16) rows. Final row should be WS row. There are now 15 (17, 20, 22, 25, 27, 30, 32, 35, 37) Front Left Panel sts. Break yarn. Front Right Panel Leaving all other sts aside, move Front Right Panel sts onto the left needle, in such a way that row begins at RS of work. Work Front Right Panel sts only, back and forth in stockinette (K all RS rows; P all WS rows), until work measures 8cm/ 3.25” (9cm/ 3.5”, 10cm/ 4”, 11cm/4.5”, 12cm/4.75”, 13cm/ 5.25”, 14cm/ 5.5”, 15cm/ 6”, 16cm/ 6.5”, 17cm/ 6.75”) from cast-on edge. Final row should be WS row. Then, increase in order to shape the neckline, as follows: Row 1 and all subsequent RS rows: K until 2 sts before end of row. M1R. K2. Row 2 and all subsequent WS rows: P to end. Work in this manner for a total of 8 (8, 10, 10, 12, 12, 14, 14, 16, 16) rows. Final row should be WS row. There are now 15 (17, 20, 22, 25, 27, 30, 32, 35, 37) Front Right Panel sts. Do Tank Top A beautiful knit for our temperamental summer weather. 68-69 WW16 Knitting KOT2CCAMASFINAL.indd 2 25/07/2023 16:35

WOMANSWAY.IE 69 KNITTING not break yarn. Turn work and continue as follows - Next Row (RS): K to end of row. Using provisional cast on method and scrap yarn, CO 24 (26, 26, 28, 28, 30, 30, 32, 32, 34) sts onto the right needle. Place Front Left Panel sts onto left needle. Then K across Front Left Panel sts, connecting the two pieces into a single Front Panel. There are now 54 (60, 66, 72, 78, 84, 90, 96, 102, 108) Front Panel sts. With all other sts set aside, work Front Panel sts in stockinette (K on RS rows; P on WS rows) until work measures 14cm/ 5.5” (15cm/6”, 16cm/ 6.5”, 17cm/ 6.75”, 18cm/ 7.25”, 19cm/ 7.5”, 20cm/ 8”, 21cm/ 8.5”, 23cm/ 9.25”, 25cm/ 10”) from cast-on edge. Note that for some sizes, and depending on your row gauge, you may only need to work a few rows until you reach this measurement, or possibly not at all. Final row should be WS row. Then, increase in order to shape the armholes, on every row, as follows: Row 1 and all subsequent RS rows: K2, M1L, K to 2 sts before end of row, M1R, K2. Row 2 and all subsequent WS rows: P2, M1L, P to 2 sts before end of row, M1R, P2. Work in this manner for a total of 6 (6, 8, 8, 10, 10, 12, 12, 12, 12) rows. For Sizes 1, 2, 4 & 6 Only: Work Row 1 (RS) once again. Then work the subsequent Row (WS) as follows: P to end. There are now 68 (74, 82, 90, 98, 106, 114, 120, 126, 132) Front Panel sts. Work 2 additional rows in stockinette (K on RS row, P on WS row). Final row is WS row. Break yarn. Back Panel There are 54 (60, 66, 72, 78, 84, 90, 96, 102, 108) Back Panel sts on the needles. RMs and place each set of 2 Shoulder Seam sts onto a bit of scrap yarn (where they will remain, to be later picked up for armhole edgings). Work Back Panel sts in stockinette (K on RS rows; P on WS rows) until work measures 14cm/ 5.5” (15cm/6”, 16cm/ 6.5”, 17cm/ 6.75”, 18cm/ 7.25”, 19cm/ 7.5”, 20cm/ 8”, 21cm/ 8.5”, 23cm/ 9.25”, 25cm/ 10”) from cast-on edge. Final row should be WS row. Then, increase in order to shape the armholes, on every row, as follows: Row 1 and all subsequent RS rows: K2, M1L, K to 2 sts before end of row, M1R, K2. Row 2 and all subsequent WS rows: P2, M1L, P to 2 sts before end of row, M1R, P2. Work in this manner for a total of 6 (6, 8, 8, 10, 10, 12, 12, 12, 12) rows. For Sizes 1, 2, 4 & 6 Only: Work Row 1 (RS) once again. Then work the subsequent Row (WS) as follows: P to end. There are now 68 (74, 82, 90, 98, 106, 114, 120, 126, 132) Back Panel sts. Work 2 additional rows in stockinette (K on RS row, P on WS row). Final row is WS row. Do not break yarn. Turn work and continue as follows - Next Row (RS): K to end of row. CO 8 (8, 8, 8, 8, 10, 10, 12, 12, 14) sts onto right needle using provisional cast-on method and scrap yarn. K across Front Panel sts. CO 8 (8, 8, 8, 8, 10, 10, 12, 12, 14) sts onto right needle using provisional cast-on method and scrap yarn. Close to work in the round. PM at the centre of each set of underarm sts. Bodice There are now 152 (164, 180, 196, 212, 232, 248, 264, 276, 292) sts on the needles. Setup: K to 1 st before marker, P1, SLM, P1, K to 1 st before marker, P1, SLM, P1, K to 1 st before marker, P1, SLM. Round begins here. (Note that the P sts at centre underarms will form faux seams at sides, matching up with Shoulder Seams.) Next Round and All Subsequent Rounds: P1, K to 1 st before marker, P1, SLM, P1, K to 1 st before marker, P1, SLM. Continue in this manner until work measures 22cm/ 8.75” (23cm/ 9.25”, 24cm/9.5”, 25cm/ 10”, 26cm/ 10.5”, 27cm/10.75”, 28cm/ 11.25”, 29cm/ 11.5”, 30cm/12”, 31cm/ 12.5”) from underarm, or stops 8cm/ 3.25” short of desired length. RMs. Hem Switch to Needle B and CC. Work 3 full repeats of the Eyelet Rib chart, in the initial round taking care that P sts of ribbing align with P sts at side seams. Bind off using an elastic bind off method of your choice. Neckband With Needle B and CC, and starting at the centre of (either) shoulder seam, pick up sts (including live sts from scrap yarn) evenly around the neckline so that st count is a multiple of 4. Work these picked up sts in 2x2 rib (P1, K2, P1), taking care that P sts of ribbing align with P sts at shoulder seams. Work Rounds 2-8 of Lichen Eyelet Rib chart. Bind off using an elastic bind off method of your choice. Armhole Edgings (Worked Identically) With Needle B and CC, and starting at the centre underarm, pick up sts (including live sts from scrap yarn) evenly around the armhole, so that st count is a multiple of 4. Work these picked up sts in 2x2 rib (P1, K2, P1), taking care that P sts of ribbing align with P sts at shoulder seams. Work Rounds 2-8 of the Eyelet Rib chart. Bind off using stretchy bind off method of your choice. Finishing Weave in ends. To block: Soak in lukewarm water, squeeze out excess moisture and let dry fl at. WW 68-69 WW16 Knitting KOT2CCAMASFINAL.indd 3 25/07/2023 16:35

70 WOMANSWAY.IE To enter, please answer the following question: WHAT IS THE NAME OF TRITON’S SPA-STYLE ELECTRIC SHOWER? HOW TO ENTER Email your answer by August 14 to: womansway@harmonia. ie including your name, address and telephone number and labelling your mail ‘The Triton Competition’ This Woman's Way competition is open to anyone resident in NI and the Republic of Ireland, aged 18 and over, except employees and their families of Harmonia Publishing, its printers and anyone else connected with the competition. No purchase is necessary. We will only accept one competition entry per reader. Prizes are awarded by drawing entries after the closing date. Winners will be notifi ed by email. The editor’s decision is fi nal. Two lucky readers will win a Triton spa-style Amala electric shower each, retailing at €350, perfect to update your bathroom this summer. The Amala comes in brushed brass or brushed copper, putting cutting-edge design at the heart of your bathroom, with easy-to-use illuminated soft-touch buttons, modern styling with brushed brass effect trims and temperature dials. The start/stop push button helps you select your favourite shower setting every time, and the phased shutdown fl ushes out pre-heated water after use to help reduce limescale buildup. The sleek black kit includes a 1.5m hose with easy-clean, fi ve-spray pattern shower head and a stylish slender riser rail kit for a minimalist appeal. It includes a two-year parts and labour guarantee. COMPETITION WIN AN AMALA SHOWER 70 WW16 Triton Comp SC2CCAMASFINAL.indd 2 25/07/2023 16:37

HOROSCOPES WOMANSWAY.IE 71 Find out what your horoscope has in store for you in the weeks ahead with Patrick Arundell. ARIES 21 March – 20 April Been through an indulgent and fun phase? The emphasis on your wellness zone could fi nd you switching to healthier foods and watching your diet. How long this will last is hard to say. Leisure options are still on the cards and social events could cause you to forget about your promises, especially early in the week. Still, it’s just as well to make a start and see how you do. TAURUS 21 April – 21 May If you’ve been busy on the home front, it may be time to take stock. Is there anything that needs changing or is there more you could do? With the Sun in creative Leo, this is a good time for putting the fi nishing touches to DIY projects. Yet with Mercury and Mars in Virgo, you’ll also be ready to don your party clothes and have a ball. Plus, a family get-together could be a joy. GEMINI 22 May – 21 June The coming weeks are perfect for you, as the Sun adds even more power to your communication skills and efforts. Have an internet business, website or blog? The work you put in now can bring fresh opportunities in the future. Your social media efforts can net you new friends too. The Full Moon could connect you with someone who lives far away, but is close to your heart. CANCER 22 June – 23 July Someone’s brilliant idea could get the week off to a fabulous start. But there’s more, as Mars’ potent link to Jupiter makes this a good time to network, connect with those on your wavelength and get cracking on an exciting project. Finances are important too, and this week you’ll benefi t from refl ecting on your money goals. Ready for a treat or two? Enjoy yourself! LEO 24 July – 23 August You’ll be in your element and ready to roll as the Full Moon in Aquarius angles towards Jupiter. Energy levels and confi dence will be boosted, and with fresh inspiration this is a great time to get started on any plans and projects that have been on the back burner. You may have a brilliant idea you’re itching to pursue. Don’t let anyone put doubts in your mind. VIRGO 24 August – 23 September Mars in your sign triggers a positive and fortunate aspect. An encounter this week could coincide with an offer or opportunity that is perfect for you and will open new doors. Even so, the Full Moon in your lifestyle zone suggests simplifying your schedule and taking time to reset your priorities. With Mercury opposing Saturn, avoid arguments you can’t win. LIBRA 24 September – 23 October Been busy supporting others? It’s time to turn your attention to doing something nice for yourself, Libra. With an emphasis on a secluded zone, use this opportunity to relax and recharge. Mind, your social life is now at its annual peak, so you may be busy with meetings and events. The Full Moon could coincide with a promising encounter that leaves you very upbeat. SCORPIO 24 October – 22 November Your career plans and ambitions get a boost as the Sun in a high-fl ying zone puts you in top spot. Keen to make progress on the job front? Promote your work and send out your CV, Scorpio. Flaunt your charisma and leadership skills, and you’ll stand out from the crowd. Social events can also be fun and lead to opportunities for dating, friendship and some good times ahead. SAGITTARIUS 23 November – 21 December Ready for new experiences? The Sun in Leo encourages you to explore new territory. And the Full Moon in Aquarius hints that this is the time to take on board new opportunities and challenges, especially those that require a leap of faith. Exciting times lie ahead. Need to turn heads or stand out from the crowd? Mars in Virgo can see you making quite an impression. CAPRICORN 22 December – 20 January Does a relationship need extra buzz? This week you may be in search of ways to spice up a key bond. And an emphasis on a more exciting zone hints that taking on a challenge or new project could change things for the better. Need a money makeover? The Full Moon in a fi nancial sector can make you aware of what needs to change. Have an issue to resolve? Get to it! AQUARIUS 21 January – 19 February A platonic bond could cross the line into more intimate territory, with the emphasis on an intensely emotional zone. But another fortunate lineup suggests you’ll benefi t greatly from this deeper commitment. The Sun in Leo means that cooperation and teamwork are the way ahead. With a Full Moon in your sign, you might feel overwhelmed at the support others show you. PISCES 20 February – 20 March Regarding your wellbeing, you’ll be keen to get out and about and work on your fi tness routine. Go easy around the Full Moon though, as this could coincide with opportunities to indulge your tastebuds and it might be very hard to resist. Ready to take on board a bold project? You’ll be all revved up, but don’t lose hope if things take longer than expected to build momentum. WW 71 W16 Horoscopes KOT2CCAMASFINAL.indd 3 25/07/2023 16:37

72 WOMANSWAY.IE To enter, please answer the following question: HOW MANY FAMILYFRIENDLY EVENTS IS CORK CRAFT MONTH HOSTING? HOW TO ENTER Email your answer by August 14 to: [email protected] including your name, address and telephone number and labelling your mail ‘The Cork Craft Month Competition’ This Woman's Way competition is open to anyone resident in NI and the Republic of Ireland, aged 18 and over, except employees and their families of Harmonia Publishing, its printers and anyone else connected with the competition. No purchase is necessary. We will only accept one competition entry per reader. Prizes are awarded by drawing entries after the closing date. Winners will be notifi ed by email. The editor’s decision is fi nal. To celebrate the launch of this year’s Cork Craft Month 2023, the team at Cork Craft and Design has teamed up with Woman’s Way to give away a bundle of handmade and locally-sourced goodies from featured crafters. Now in its 14th year, Cork Craft Month will take place throughout August in venues around Cork City and county, with a diverse lineup of over 79 family-friendly events for everyone to enjoy. To celebrate the launch of this year's craft fair, one lucky reader will get a €150 Cork Craft and Design voucher and a selection of goodies, including a Veronika O'Driscoll Silk Scarf, a Barbara Hubert Blank Notebook, Gaby Glass Decorations, Molly Ellis (The Wild Felter) Milk Jug, Hoozitz & Wotzitz Burner Set and Snap Bar, Ceramifi que Air Plant and Mug, Orla O Visual "She Believed She Could So She Did" Porcelain Piece, Ríona Skincare Body Oil & Hand Cream, a Charlie Mahon Heart Dish and a Bagoose Baby Blanket. Visit corkcraftanddesign.com for the full programme of events. COMPETITION WIN A CRAFT HAMPER WORTH €500 Jacob and Jonah Ludick with their mother, ceramicist Orla O’Regan, at the launch of Cork Craft Month in the Cork Craft and Design store in Douglas Wooden Mills 72 WW16 Cork Craft Comp SC2CCAMASFINAL.indd 2 27/07/2023 10:53

ADVICE WOMANSWAY.IE 73 Columnist and trained counsellor Fiona Caine answers another set of reader dilemmas. Dear Fiona If you have a problem you need help with, email Fiona by writing to [email protected] for advice. All letters are treated in complete confidence and, to protect this privacy, Fiona is unable to pass on your messages to other readers. Fiona regrets that she cannot enter into personal correspondence. WHY CAN’T WE MOVE ON? I am living with a man who left his wife and children about a year ago. We had been having an affair for a few years prior to that, and he’d always said he would eventually leave his wife and move in with me. When he did finally move into my flat, I was happy, but I’m now worried by the fact that he goes back to see them every week, sometimes twice or more. He assures me that his wife goes out while he is there, but I only have his word on this, because his wife won’t let me anywhere near the house and the children. I am frightened that she is trying to poison his thoughts about me and convince him to come back. I know that he has to see his children but why can’t they come here once in a while? He says that his wife simply won’t allow it, she’s worried that it will confuse and upset the children. But they’re not babies, they’re 11 and 14. I queried why he has to see them so often and got the same response – his children are upset and need to see him. But it’s been a year, surely, they’re over it by now? He says that he loves and wants to be with me, so why can’t he just tell her it’s over and let us move on with our life? K. H. FIONA SAYS: HIS CHILDREN WILL ALWAYS COME FIRST You really need to understand what it means if you’re in a relationship with a man who has children from a previous relationship. He can’t simply walk away from them, and he’s the better man for not doing so. He’s their father, he can’t just stop seeing them or loving them. It’s very likely his children will always come first, no matter how much he says he loves you and wants to be with you. Nor should you worry unduly about him seeing his children twice a week, after all, he had been spending lots of time with them every single day not so long ago. Divorce and separation are upsetting and stressful processes, so it’s very likely the children need extra support – please don’t begrudge them that. There is, of course, a possibility that he may eventually go back to his family anyway, whatever you do. That’s the risk you took when you started a relationship with a married man with children. You’ll just have to live with that uncertainty. One thing is certain, though, if you force him to make a choice between you and his children, you’ll lose. If you genuinely want this relationship to last, I suggest you stop trying to force their separation and let them work it out at their own pace. In time, if your relationship stays the distance, I am sure his children will eventually get to spend some time in your home. Be careful what you wish for though, because this will bring with it a whole different set of problems! I DON’T DESERVE THIS RUDENESS My 14-year-old son is hard work. He’s rude and uncooperative. If I ask where he’s going, he simply says ‘nowhere’ or ignores me. If I push a bit harder, he either says it’s none of my business or gets angry and stomps out of the house, slamming doors behind him. If I try to hug him or show any affection, he pushes me away. Last week, he pushed me into a wall when I tried to block and stop him from going out before he had told me what time he was going to be back (I was expecting a parcel delivery and needed to make sure that someone was going to be in to receive it). I know it wasn’t done to hurt me physically, he simply wanted to get past. However, I was upset by it, especially when he told me to p**s off and stop nagging him. My eldest son was not like this at all, he was even-tempered and a joy to have around. He left home a year ago to share a flat with his friends. I have no idea why my younger son is acting this way; we treat him exactly as we treated our other son. I am worried about him and wish I could understand what is going on. I don’t think I deserve this rudeness from him. T. W. FIONA SAYS: NEGOTIATE A WAY FORWARD It’s possible your son is acting out because he is jealous of his brother who, having left home, seems to have a lot more freedom than he does. Alternatively, he could simply be at that awkward teenage stage, where he’s desperate to be treated as an adult, even though he clearly isn’t. And while he is going through this, he’s likely to be deeply embarrassed by any attempts by his mother to hug him. Being uncommunicative is also typical behaviour for teenagers, so please don’t read too much into this. However, physical assaults are not acceptable, no matter how gentle they were. You’ll need to talk with your son, as he needs to learn there are boundaries to what is acceptable behaviour. Explain that you weren’t just trying to stop him from going out for no reason when you blocked the hall recently. Then try to negotiate a way forward that dials down the conflict. Suggest that if he lets you know where he is going, what time he’ll be back and promises to phone you if he’s going to be late, you’ll back off and stop nagging. Knowing where he is, is just a sensible precaution should something go wrong – like him being hurt, for example. Hopefully he’ll see that this makes sense. WW 73 WW16 Dear Fiona KOT2CCAMASFINAL.indd 3 26/07/2023 16:10

74 WOMANSWAY.IE Family Life MAKING BOUNDARIES WITH MOTHERS Afamous award-winning sitcom, The Golden Girls, captivated a generation in the '80s. Somehow, tuning into the ups and downs of the lives of four older ladies who shared a home in Florida, had many (almost) convinced that this was the personification of old age in all its witty, sassy, exuberant, hilarious finery. If there was ever a way to ‘do’ ageing, surely it was like this – living together, sparring off each other, and retaining an enviable vitality.   But reality beckons. And these days it’s more likely to be family members (overwhelmingly female) looking after some or most of the needs of ageing relations and parents. The most obliging family members wouldn’t trade this for the world, and it’s an opportunity to be cherished for sure. But that doesn’t mean it’s without its challenges. Or the sparring.  When it comes to women and their mothers, a whole host of complexities can arise. As your mum gets older, you are ageing too. Your tolerance levels may wax and wane. Research has found that personalities do change for the better with age, but perhaps you always had a difficult relationship. Each situation is unique.   According to Family Carers Ireland, 80 per cent of long-term care is provided informally and the role is largely a female one. This essentially means that statistically and depending on the composition of your family of origin, if you’re middle-aged and female, it will more than likely be your role rather than your brother’s, for instance. Which may be good or unfair, depending on your personal circumstances.   Boundaries can actually improve relationships, says Una Rice, particularly with our nearest and dearest.  74 75 WW16 Una Rice SC2CCAMASFINAL.indd 2 26/07/2023 16:09

RELATIONSHIPS WOMANSWAY.IE 75 there’s often nowhere to run. There are more complex issues at play and there may not be an immediate escape. As with any relationship, the idea of creating boundaries may be the fi rst – much needed – step.   BOUNDARIES  In her book Boundary Boss, global relationship and empowerment expert Terri Cole says: ‘‘Often, unhealthy boundary patterns are rooted in a confusion about what’s actually your responsibility. For example, we may think that someone else’s distress or confl ict is ours to fi x, when, in fact, their emotional experience and problems are defi nitely theirs to deal with, that’s their side of the street.’’ Amongst her boundary-making points, is the little gem: ‘‘You have the right to communicate your boundaries, limits and deal-breakers.’’  This is perhaps most important if you’re becoming mentally drained or exhausted by someone else’s behaviour. Looking after your own mental health is a priority. As the saying goes: ‘‘You cannot pour from an empty cup.’’  Cole’s book is an excellent starting point for anyone wanting to understand boundaries and implement them with loved ones. Referring to her boundary blueprint, Cole states it is to ‘‘illuminate the conscious and unconscious ways you currently relate to boundaries’’. Which are infl uenced, she says, by, ‘‘what you learned growing up, how you were raised, what you observed in your family of origin, and societal norms of your greater culture’’.  USE HUMOUR  Humour has been documented as a way to cope with stress and you would be amazed how a well-timed quip can quickly diffuse a tense moment that could otherwise escalate or wind you up. Also retaining a sense of lightness about the situation is helpful, even if you’re mildly irritated or hugely incensed.   PHONE A FRIEND  If it’s all getting too much and you’re overwhelmed perhaps with a sense that you can’t ever do enough, a one-to-one with a friend who understands can do wonders. You may feel like you’re on your own lonesome journey in tricky situations, but a friend who’s been there before can offer sage advice and help you get to your happy place again.   HAVE COMPASSION  When we look at toddlers and teenagers we can usually fi nd a link between their life stage and behaviours, and the same idea can be applied to seniors. Sometimes older people can’t or won’t articulate their fears or anxieties about where they are at in life. Could a senior in your life be secretly harbouring fears about health, reduced mobility, loneliness or being a burden? Maybe these are articulated in a different way – by being needy or moody. Mood disorders can also be linked to things like hormones, diet, depression or dementia.     And while a combination of techniques, including better boundaries, might just take the heat out of your own personal situation with a moody mother, there are also self-talk mantras. Reminding yourself, ‘‘this too will pass’’ may offer a temporary relief.  Being humorous however, is powerful. As golden girl Blanche famously quipped: ‘‘Crying is for plain women, pretty women go shopping.’’ WW  One thing that unites some women who look after older mothers is that it’s often not always easy, and they can feel a bit demoralised. They love their mums, but they feel that what they do is never good enough, or they’re emotionally drained. Perhaps a little resentful too.  So, what if it’s not all cream teas and Golden Girls humour for you and your mother? Feeling like you can’t give more than you already do, feeling unappreciated, or simply coping with someone else’s moods or nit-picking, would be enough to make you sprint away from a job. But when it’s a parent, but a friend who’s been there 74 75 WW16 Una Rice SC2CCAMASFINAL.indd 3 26/07/2023 16:10

76 WOMANSWAY.IE By Abi Jackson, PA Wellbeing THE WRIGHT MOVES The reality-TV-star-turnedradio-host and fitness influencer talks about keeping his gut – and himself – happy. Mark Wright says launching a fitness app is the “most rewarding” thing he’s ever done in his career. The former reality TV star and professional footballer, who is now also a radio host for Heart FM, launched Live Wright in 2021 with his brother Josh – after the pair started sharing their workouts on social media during lockdown. “It’s doing really well and people are loving it,” Wright, 36, says of the app, which also offers nutrition guidance and recipes. “People are telling me their lives have changed from our programme. “Out of everything I’ve ever done, it’s the most rewarding feeling. So the more I can give advice on diet, health and fitness, the better I feel. That’s why you’ll see on my Instagram, I do a lot of recipes at times.” This explains his ongoing partnership with California Almonds. The brand approached him after noticing that Wright was already talking about incorporating the nuts in his diet (he has them between meals and blends them into smoothies). Describing himself as someone “who’s got a big appetite”, his snacks are important. “I was told by a nutritionist about 15/20 years ago that one of the best things to snack on in between meals is almonds. So I’ve been doing that for years – I’ve got bags of them in the cupboard and every time I’m hungry, I’ll have a handful of almonds,” he explains. “But people don’t realise the other health benefits and how good they are, for example for gut health.” Around 73 per cent of people experience gut health symptoms at least one day a week, according to a survey by California Almonds. However, more than half (54 per cent) agree they find the topic of gut health confusing. While many (56 per cent) say they try to address the issue by making changes in their diet, two-fifths (39 per cent) admit they don’t know what foods are 76 77 WW16 Wellbeing Opener Mark Wright SC2CCAMASFINAL.indd 2 26/07/2023 17:22

DIET WOMANSWAY.IE 77 By Abi Jackson, PA good for their gut, with 43 per cent saying they’re clueless about the role fi bre plays. It’s something Wright – who recently celebrated eight years of marriage with wife, Ten Pound Poms actress Michelle Keegan – has put a lot of thought into, personally. “There are gut problems in my family, so I’ve always watched that,” he says, adding that he is “prone to having problems”, but manages to keep symptoms in check through his diet and lifestyle. EATING WELL For him, a key part of this is ensuring he gets plenty of whole foods, fi bre and a range of nutrition – including whole almonds, which are loaded with fi bre, good fats and antioxidant polyphenols. He’s also learned to recognise which foods don’t tend to agree with him. “You’re always learning, aren’t you? Working out what’s good for you, what’s not. I’ve pulled myself away from red meat quite a lot. I still eat it every now and then, but I don’t really have big steaks much anymore. I watched a show when I was living in America [Wright briefl y moved to LA in 2017 after landing TV presenting work there], about meat and stuff – it was one of those shows that scare you,” he recalls. “So I had six to seven weeks off steak – and I used to eat it once or twice a week – and when I tried to go back after [having that break], my gut, honestly! I was up in the night, the next day…” He says the same thing happened again recently, when he attempted to treat himself to a big steak. “So I’ve now learned that red meat isn’t great for me,” Wright adds – while acknowledging that what’s right for him won’t necessarily be the same for everyone. “Everyone can learn what foods work for them the best. And it’s so important, food is your fuel.” Fitness is a big part of his personal With wife Michelle Keegan; below completing the TCS London Marathon wellbeing too. Wright was a semiprofessional footballer before signing up with ITV’s TOWIE back in 2010, returning to the sport to make his professional debut more recently with a brief stint playing for Crawley Town. Live Wright remains an important part of his portfolio, and regular workouts are a must – for his mind as well as his body. “It’s everything to my mental health. I haven’t done the gym today, and I’ll be alright because I’ve done it every day this week and I’m in a bit of a rush, but I know that if I don’t squeeze in a gym session, mentally I’ll just feel a little bit less powerful for the day, a little bit less driven. “When I work out, my mind is just clear,” he says. “And when I feel healthy, and my clothes fi t well and I naturally feel like I’ve got energy, it’s just the best version of me – and I know that, I recognise that, and that’s why I try and fi t in a workout and make sure I’m eating the right foods. Because for me, my whole day, my work environment, everything is better. “I just think your health, it is so cliché, but it’s so your number one that it shouldn’t even be questioned,” he continues. “If you get that in your mind and tell yourself: health fi rst – it has to be fi rst – then I’ll work better, I’ll play better, I’ll smile more.” While routine might be front and centre when it comes to looking after himself, when it comes to his career, variety really is the spice of life. “I love the diversity I’ve had and all the different types of jobs I’ve had,” says Wright, whose latest TV series was A Wright Family Holiday with his dad and brother for BBC One – which saw the trio share banter, bonding and adventures while travelling around the UK. Wright says it was the “greatest experience of my life”. He adds: “I can’t believe it was a job, it was just absolutely unbelievable. We made memories to last a lifetime, and we’ve got them on tape to show our kids and grandkids. I can’t put into words how incredible it was.” WW “I was told by a nutritionist, one of the best things to snack on in between meals is almonds. So I’ve been doing that for years” 76 77 WW16 Wellbeing Opener Mark Wright SC2CCAMASFINAL.indd 3 26/07/2023 17:23

78 WOMANSWAY.IE By Lisa Salmon, PA I t’s been a tough year for Vanessa Feltz. But although “shattered” after the break-up of her 16-year engagement, she’s coping by keeping incredibly busy. When she’s not presenting TalkTV or appearing on This Morning, spending plenty of time with her four young grandchildren helps take the 61-year-old’s mind off her painful split with singer Ben Ofoedu earlier this year. And she’s also managing to squeeze in filming a series of Celebs Go Dating – which she’s taking part in, rather than presenting. “I’ve had a broken relationship, and it was only in the middle of January,” she says. “So it’s been a bit of a leap, really, but I’m doing my best – I’m trying to be happy. Every month that goes by I feel a bit more used to it and a bit less shocked and a bit better.” Part of the reason she’s cramming so much into her new single life is because her mum, Valerie, died of cancer at the age of 57, and Feltz is acutely aware of how precious and short life is. So she wants to make sure she spends as much time as MOVING ON TV presenter Vanessa Feltz on moving on after her break-up and how she keeps a healthy balance in her busy life. 78 79 WW16 Wellbeing Vanessa Feltz SC2CCAMASFINAL.indd 2 26/07/2023 17:30

WELLBEING WOMANSWAY.IE 79 By Lisa Salmon, PA possible with her grandchildren – Zeke, aged nine, Neroli, seven, AJ, four, and Cecily, 10 months. “It’s absolutely the best thing on earth being a grandmother – there’s nothing like it. It’s an absolute pleasure and privilege,” she declares. “My mum died at the age of 57 and I’m now 61, so every single day that I’m around to be with my grandchildren and experience them is absolute bliss for me, and a complete privilege because I’m so aware of life being short and time going fast. I already knew that, so it’s an absolute joy for me and I love them with all my heart.” Feltz is adamant that despite being a 61-year-old granny, she’s defi nitely not slowing down. Quite the opposite, in fact. “You could say I’m working harder than I’ve ever worked in my life. Slowing down? Defi nitely not!” she says with a laugh. “No, I’m speeding up.” And she’s not just on the work fast-track either – Feltz is also doing plenty of socialising. And to illustrate the point, she explains how she “goes everywhere” on the back of a motorbike – not driving it herself, but as a passenger on a limo bike. “You hop on the bike and the driver delivers you wherever you want go,” she says. “I’m always bombing off on this motorbike.” But despite living life in the fast lane, the glamorous granny is keen to stress that it’s important both she and others take time for regular breaks. She’s teamed up with the plant-based food brand Gosh! to encourage workers to take a break and love lunchtimes again, after research found a third of workers never venture outside their home or workplace during their working day, and 58 per cent completely skip their lunchtime meal at least once a week. “It’s all about having a healthy lunch break, because academic studies show it’s really good for you mentally and physically to have about 15 minutes a day minimum,” explains Feltz. She insists that despite her “gruelling” fi lming schedule, she always fi nds time for a breather outside, explaining: “I really do try and take a break – I fi nd one of my greatest solaces on earth is gardening, which I really love. So I do try and spend some time in the garden every day and get outside if I possibly can. “Take a break, go outside, and eat some food – if you do, it will enormously enhance your energy levels and creativity and wake you up and put you in a better mood. I need all those things when I do TV fi ve days a week.” Feltz’s now got Celebs Go Dating to add to her TV commitments. But the show, where matchmakers pair single celebrities with non-celebrity partners in a bid to fi nd true love, is fun, not work, she cheerily insists. “I love it, it’s a right laugh,” she explains. “It’s very, very fun, it’s full of adventure, and you really don’t know who you’re going to meet or who they’re going to put you with – you don’t know why they choose whoever they choose. Some of the choices are like, ‘Oh my God, you really think I’m going to get on with that person?’.” Feltz says the show is defi nitely “a learning curve and quite an interesting one”, and adds: “I’m very, very pleased indeed that I signed up for it. It was an unlikely thing for me to do, and I think even the people at the programme were amazed I agreed to do it. They didn’t think for a minute that I’d go there. But I did.” The show airs in mid-August – and perhaps its only downside, Feltz observes, is that she’ll be fi lming it so much over the summer. She won’t be able to get away as much as she’d like to her second home on the Atlantic Ocean in East Cork, Ireland, to meet up with her family, and in particular, her grandchildren. She says: “We all spend a great deal of time there – we love it more than anywhere else on earth. We spend Christmas there, and we spend the summers there if any of us can get away. And one thing I love about it is that we actually live together, so it’s not visiting them, it’s actually living with them. “But this year I’m doing Celebs Go Dating until mid-August, so I won’t be able to get away much, so I’m going for a few weekends to see my beloved East Cork and my beloved grandchildren – a great combination. I’m there for all the bath times and breakfasts and whatever arguments go on during the day, and it’s just the proper way of really sharing life with them, which I absolutely love. “That house is one of the few really good things I’ve ever done in life. I’ve made lots and lots of mistakes, but that beautiful house in Ireland isn’t one of them.” WW “You could say I’m working harder than I’ve ever worked in my life. Slowing down? Definitely not!” Left: with her grandson Zeke at the Elemental premiere; here. as part of the campaign for Gosh! 78 79 WW16 Wellbeing Vanessa Feltz SC2CCAMASFINAL.indd 3 26/07/2023 17:30

80 WOMANSWAY.IE By Abi Jackson, PA Tommy Jessop is no stranger to firsts. He was the first actor with Down syndrome to lead in a prime-time BBC drama (2007’s Coming Down The Mountain, starring alongside Nicholas Hoult), to play Hamlet in a professional theatre production and to be selected as a voting member of BAFTA. Many other acting roles, including in the popular police drama series, Line Of Duty, have made him a household name. Now, he is celebrating another first with the publication of his debut memoir – A Life Worth Living: Acting, Activism and Everything Else. “My main reason for writing my memoir is for other people to understand us a bit better,” Jessop, 38, says over Zoom from the home he shares with his parents near Winchester in Hampshire. “To see how we think and feel, and to see we are no different from other people.” People with Down syndrome are born with an extra chromosome and will have some level of learning disability. But Jessop is “a man on a mission” to show that this often doesn’t mean what people might assume. “Let us surprise you,” he writes in the book. “A doctor once said I would never learn to read, but I ended up playing Hamlet – and now I’m writing a book.” He has long been a fan of other people’s memoirs – “I am currently halfway through reading Rafa’s autobiography,” he reveals (Rafael Nadal is his favourite tennis player) – saying he has always been “intrigued by other people’s lives”. Writing his own is another step in his “mission” to debunk myths around learning disabilities and show that everyone has the right to follow their talents and passions. He spent around six months working on it, often typing on his laptop for a few hours first thing in the morning, fitting it in around other work commitments – which include filming, campaigning and public speaking. How did he feel looking back on his own journey so far? “I’m proud and honoured, looking back on my career,” he says, citing “doing my own stunt work” for various filming projects as one of many highlights. He’s also grateful for the opportunity to “get my feelings out into the open” and reflect on his campaigning work: “It all makes LEADING MAN Line Of Duty star Tommy Jessop talks about his new memoir and focusing on the good things in life. 80 81 WW16 Wellbeing Tommy Jessop SC2CCAMASFINAL.indd 2 27/07/2023 10:58

WELLBEING WOMANSWAY.IE 81 A Life Worth Living by Tommy Jessop is published by Wildfire, priced €24.99. By Abi Jackson, PA me even more alive and free.” In 2021, Jessop – who is also an ambassador for the charity Mencap and patron of the National Down Syndrome Policy Group – helped campaign for the passing of the new Down Syndrome Bill, which saw him speak outside Parliament, among other things. He describes it in the book as the “most important campaign” he’s been part of, writing: “Because for too long people ignored our gifts and hid us away. We didn’t learn anything and did not have jobs or get married. The Down Syndrome Act is to make sure everyone with Down syndrome gets a proper education, with teachers understanding how we learn, better healthcare and real employment opportunities.” Campaigning for healthcare equality for people with learning disabilities is a key part of Jessop’s mission. The book delves into what this means and the tragic consequences some families have experienced. He fi lmed a BBC Panorama programme on the topic in 2022, called Will The NHS Care For Me?, investigating why people with a learning disability are “more than twice as likely to die from avoidable causes than the rest of the population”. Luckily, Jessop says he enjoys keeping busy and seems to have a natural knack for embracing joy. The book is also peppered with humour, snapshots of fun family life, laughter and glitzy showbiz moments. “I do tend to not look on the bad side of life,” he agrees. “I try to focus on the good things that might be happening.” He acknowledges that his curiosity and “being intrigued by knowing other people’s emotions and feelings” are a skill, feeding into his acting, his motivation as a campaigner, and simply making life richer. His family – Jessop also has a brother and sister – plus friends, fans and professional connections are very important to him. “My connections are about seeing the good in people, and the goodness I bring to their life as well,” he says. “It’s about bringing more goodness into the world, being a peacemaker, and being a man on a mission to dig out the skills and talents that others have and bring that out into the world.” ACTING SKILLS Jessop’s love of performing started early – by his teenage years, it was clear this was something he wanted to pursue. Only a couple of theatre companies in the country were available for actors with Down syndrome at the time, but they were too far away for Jessop – so eventually, in 2005, his mum founded Winchester’s Blue Apple Theatre. Acting remains his “greatest passion in life” and he has big goals (some of which are “top secret” for now). “I’ve always been intrigued by how the process of theatre works and going behind the scenes. I’m also intrigued by how the camera works, as much as I enjoy being in front of the camera as well,” he says. Recalling one of his early theatre performances, he adds: “It was a huge feeling to make the audience laugh and cry and shout and swear, and all for the love of it.” How does he switch off when he’s not working? “I enjoy research time on my iPad and phone. And listening to music, I also go to my singing group and enjoy dancing and watching TV.” A keen Newcastle United supporter, he says he loves “the drama” of watching sports. Working on his own fi tness was a resolution this year. “Myself and my dad participate in a fi tness regime. Two days a week, we do warm-ups and weights, working on core strength and cardio. I enjoy walking as well. My New Year’s resolution is going strong,” he shares. “I’ve got a health app on my phone, which I’ve found useful.” Does he ever get nervous before doing public speaking? “Not really. It’s quite rare that I do get nervous. The adrenaline rush will be pumping.” The secret to confi dent public speaking, he says, “is just to say what really is on your mind. And to explore and try to express your feelings a bit more.” At 38, what advice would he give his younger self? “Enjoy your life, live your life to the full. And don’t worry, be happy, is the main message.” It’s a message he extends to everyone, including all young people with learning disabilities. “Believe in yourself and be kind,” says Jessop. “Find your own gifts and talents and use them in the world, and live your life to the full.” WW Speaking at Parliament while campaigning for the new Down Syndrome Act; below, dressed in cotume as a child 80 81 WW16 Wellbeing Tommy Jessop SC2CCAMASFINAL.indd 3 27/07/2023 10:59

82 WOMANSWAY.IE By Abi Jackson, PA S o you’ve been counting down to your holiday – when you’ll fi nally have the chance to step off the hamster wheel and relax. Except, no sooner have you checked in at your hotel than you fi nd yourself reaching for the headache pills or tissues, as a niggling cold or migraine takes hold. Sound familiar? If it feels like you suddenly get unwell when you fi nally hit the pause button, you’re not imagining it – there’s even a medical term for it. THE ‘LET-DOWN EFFECT’ “This is known as the ‘let-down effect’,” says Dr Suhail Hussain, a personal physician and home-visiting GP. “When the body is used to functioning on high levels of [stress hormones] cortisol and adrenaline and they suddenly decrease, our immune system is exposed and then we’re prone to minor infections and excessive tiredness. “Pain and muscle aches also increase – adrenaline increases muscle tension, so imagine a rubber band always pulled tight, what happens when you let go? “There may also be a spike in Health HOLIDAY ILLNESS A doctor explains the reasons behind the ‘let-down effect’ and shares steps you can take to manage stress in your daily life. “This is known as the ‘let-down effect’,” says Dr Suhail Hussain, we’re prone to minor infections and excessive tiredness. “Pain and muscle aches also increase – adrenaline increases muscle tension, so imagine a rubber band always pulled tight, what happens when you let go? “There may also be a spike in Dr Suhail Hussain 82 83 WW16 Health Open Holiday illness SC2CCAMASFINAL.indd 2 27/07/2023 11:04

STRESS WOMANSWAY.IE 83 By Abi Jackson, PA mental health problems, such as acute anxiety and panic attacks. Flare-ups in pre-existing chronic conditions is also a common phenomenon, for example migraine and asthma attacks,” he adds. The ‘let-down effect’ can strike after a brief period of intense stress, such as after exams or completing a project, and after positive high-stress events, like planning a wedding. And for many people, it hits when you fi nally get to put down your todo list and go on holiday. WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH STRESS HORMONES? Stress hormones serve an important purpose and we need them to function, so they’re not always bad news. “Basically, we are programmed to respond to danger – ‘fi ght or fl ight’ – so in stressful situations, there is an increase in levels of stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol,” Dr Hussain explains. “Together, these two hormones control mood, motivation and fear. In periods of stress or heightened anxiety, adrenaline levels rise – causing an overdrive of the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in racing pulse, high blood pressure, sweating, etc.” Stress hormones also play a role in regulating infl ammation, metabolising nutrients, and aiding immune function, sleep and energy. But ideally, they wouldn’t stay at raised levels for too long. “If these hormones are always ‘on’, then infl ammatory processes are accelerated and your immune system is impaired,” says Dr Hussain. “Consistently high levels of cortisol in your blood can lead to infl ammation and a weakened immune system.” CAN YOU AVOID THE ‘LET-DOWN EFFECT’? Dr Hussain says: “You can try to lessen the impact of the ‘let-down effect’ by destressing slowly. Instead of crashing and burning, try to maintain a bit of activity on the holiday or some degree of exercise, such that there’s not a massive decrease in stress hormone levels, meaning you can allow the body to acclimatise slowly.” But not getting sick on holiday may not be the only concern here. If your body is giving you warning signs that chronic stress is taking a toll, it’s important to listen. “Constantly running on high levels of stress is very bad for you. It leads to the problems mentioned above but also longer-term consequences, such as plaque formation in arteries, leading to coronary events and strokes, depression and anxiety, and even addiction. Levels of obesity are also increased,” explains Dr Hussain. He says indications to look out for could include: “Recurrent illnesses, feeling tired, lack of energy. Poor response to glucose, leading to type 2 diabetes, elevated blood pressure and disruption of the sleepwake cycle.” If you have any concerns, check in with your GP. And Dr Hussain suggests fi nding ways to make managing stress in everyday life. “Build in regular relaxation to your daily schedule. Get out to walk, spend time in the sun, observe nature. Listen to relaxing music. Make a regular sleep schedule, read, spend time with family and loved ones,” he says. “Don’t just work and work and work for the expectation of a big holiday at the end of it.” WW Constant stress can lead to sickness on holiday “The ‘let-down effect’ can strike after intense stress, such as exams or completing a project, and after positive events, like planning a wedding” 82 83 WW16 Health Open Holiday illness SC2CCAMASFINAL.indd 3 27/07/2023 11:05

84 WOMANSWAY.IE By Imy Brighty-Potts, PA 84 85 WW16 Health Sober SC2CCAMASFINAL.indd 2 27/07/2023 11:13

HEALTH WOMANSWAY.IE 85 By Imy Brighty-Potts, PA SOLO SOBRIETY J ennifer Lopez has come under fi re for launching and promoting her new alcohol brand, due to her husband Ben Affl eck’s problems with alcoholism. The 53-year-old Let’s Get Loud singer, who had previously told InStyle that she abstains from caffeine and alcohol, took to Instagram following the announcement of her new liquor brand Delola, saying she enjoyed the “occasional cocktail” but did not drink to excess. Fans had been quick to criticise Lopez, posting comments like, “Why not respect your husband’s sobriety?” Her husband Ben Affl eck, 50, has been candid about his struggles with alcoholism. In a 2020 New York Times interview, he shared: “It took me a long time to fundamentally, deeply, without a hint of doubt, admit to myself that I am an alcoholic… The next drink will not be different.” Affl eck is sober, but seemingly, Lopez is not. “Going sober can be really diffi cult, especially if your partner drinks. There may be aspects of your drinking which they enjoy, so it’s quite common for people close to you, to say things which make it harder to go sober,” says Dr David McLaughlan, a visiting consultant psychiatrist for the Priory. So, how can you do it if your partner isn’t so keen? CONSIDER WHAT YOU WILL GAIN “Going sober might mean less drunken fallouts or arguments about incidents which occurred under the infl uence of alcohol. Avoiding hangovers also gives you back a lot more quality time together and more free cash to spend on things that matter to you,” says McLaughlan. If more sex and higher fertility are important to you, quitting the booze may help, perhaps helping to garner support from your partner too. “You might also notice increased libido and erectile function when you quit drinking. Even small amounts of alcohol reduce your fertility, so giving up will also increase your chances of falling pregnant together,” he explains. FIND THE RIGHT TIME TO DISCUSS IT It may be a sensitive topic to dive into. “It is important when you go sober, that you fi nd a time when your partner is calm, collected and willing to discuss a big change in your relationship,” says Phil Jackman, an addiction therapist at private rehab clinic, Delamere. “Attempting to speak to them when they are stressed or busy may lead to unnecessary confl ict. “Once you’ve found the right time, be honest with your partner and let them know the reasons you are giving up alcohol, and how this might impact your relationship. Hopefully, they will be supportive of your decision, but there might need to be a few things you need to work through fi rst. “If you are with a partner that still likes a drink, try asking them if they can remove any alcohol from the house, or from a place you have access to it, so you aren’t tempted to give up on your sobriety,” he says. DON’T MAKE UNFAIR DEMANDS OF THEM “Though it is fair to ask your partner to stop drinking and support you in sobriety, it is important that this is not a strict expectation of them. Assuming someone will automatically change their lifestyle just to suit yours may cause unnecessary confl ict,” Jackman says. “Instead, when you make the decision to go sober, it’s important that you sit and talk through the reasons why you want to give up drinking, so they fully understand your decision. You may fi nd they want to improve their own personal relationship with alcohol. However, it’s important to note, not everyone will be willing to do so.” As J.Lo launches a new liquor brand in spite of husband Ben Affl eck’s sobriety, how easy is it to go sober if your partner still drinks? SEEK OUT AUTHENTICITY One of you quitting drinking could break a dangerous cycle. “If you and your partner regularly drink, more than just socialising with friends or during an occasion, your relationship could develop with a co-dependency to alcohol, where you are drinking to maintain the relationship,” says Dr Stefan Walters, Caba’s addiction specialist. “As humans, we can be highly infl uenced by peer pressure and the people around us. So, if we are socialising with those who drink heavily, we may feel a judgement for being sober, or that we are not joining in on the fun,” he explains. Pushing past that dependency will help you be authentic with your partner. “When you are sober, your personality is authentic, and you will feel emotionally present throughout conversations and experiences with your partner,” Walters adds. FIND NEW THINGS TO DO TOGETHER If one of you does not drink, you may have to think outside the box about things you can do together. “If you are still feeling this way about the activities or hobbies after some time, I’d recommend speaking openly with your partner about adjusting or changing them,” says Walters. “Generally, you may feel that you’d rather take up healthier hobbies, like physical pursuits or mentally-stimulating activities, instead of those centred around drinking, like quizzes or socialising at the pub. “So, it’s not necessarily about how to enjoy the same things, but working out how to spend time together through new activities that you both enjoy and receive emotional fulfi lment from,” he explains. Going sober could help you fi nd something new you love to do together. WW alcohol from the house, or from a place you have access to it, so you aren’t Pushing past that dependency will help you be authentic with your partner. your personality is throughout conversations and experiences with your partner,” Walters adds. perhaps helping to garner support from “You might also notice increased drinking, so they fully understand your decision. You may fi nd they want to improve their own personal relationship with alcohol. However, it’s will be willing to do so.” Phil Jackman Dr David McLaughlan 84 85 WW16 Health Sober SC2CCAMASFINAL.indd 3 27/07/2023 11:13

By Lauren Taylor BLAZING A TRAIL 86 WOMANSWAY.IE 86 87 WW16 Anita Rani SC2CCAMASFINAL.indd 2 27/07/2023 11:17

WOMANSWAY.IE 87 By Lauren Taylor BBC presenter Anita Rani on letting go of people-pleasing and the pressure women face to settle down. Anita Rani was acutely aware of others trying to put her “in a box” when she began her TV career. “Nobody really saw me for me, people just saw ‘brown woman’,” says the 45-year-old. “I’ve always been aware that I have to work really hard to change people’s perceptions. “I want them to see me for me, but I also want them to see that Asian women can be something more than just smart and trustworthy and clever and square.” Now a presenter and broadcaster for BBC’s Countryfi le, The One Show and BBC Radio Four’s Women’s Hour, Rani’s fi rst foot in the industry was Top of The Pops. Born in Bradford to Indian parents, the presenter says: “I remember specifi cally being very aware that people wanted to put me in a box. You know, the jobs you get offered and the work people thought that you wanted to do, being told that my placement should be at the Asian programmes unit – I got my placement at the BBC music department.” Her debut novel, Baby Does a Runner, although fi ction, nods to some of her experiences as a British-Asian woman growing up in the north of England. Her protagonist, Baby, is 36, single, overworked and underappreciated. “I think most people who have some kind of other background, whether it’s working-class or a person of colour, and don’t fi t the landscape of your work environment, will recognise that maybe you have to jump up and down a little bit more than the person next to you,” says Rani. “I also know that if you’ve worked hard enough to get into a place where no one looks like you, you’ve really kicked the door in to get there. You’re not scared of hard work, and that kind of gives you the edge.” Following on from her memoir, The Right Sort of Girl, published in 2021, Rani continues to explore issues of patriarchy and culture – but her fi ction writing has a lightness and humour too. “It’s not easy when you’re fi rst-generation born in this country moving between different worlds. And lots of it isn’t very funny, but I think you have to fi nd space to laugh.” She’s never been scared to lift the lid and question elements of her own culture. “I have to write truthfully about the experience. And if I am scared to talk about it, they’ve done their job, haven’t they? They’ve put me in a box and they’ve made me fear.” Perceived shame surrounding being single in your 30s, or even 20s, isn’t just a South Asian thing though, she notes: “It’s a woman thing, isn’t it?” The message that success equals marriage and children is pretty ingrained. “We are equated to those two things. It’s everywhere, it’s all around us.” Thankfully, she says, questions about whether or not she wants children herself have stopped now. “How many of us are making choices based on what we actually want to do?” Rani asks, “and how many of us are doing it because it’s what’s expected of us? And those are the things that I’m personally grappling with.” Rani met her own husband, tech company exec Bhupinder Rehal, at the age of 30, but felt pressure to settle down her whole life. “It’s just drip-fed to you. As women, we’re all told it. ‘Have you met anyone yet? We just don’t want you to be lonely’. I think it really ramped up from about [age] 25, but when you hit 30 it’s like, bloody hell, what’s going on?” Amid the pressure from extended family to settle down, the novel sees Baby do the opposite. A discovery of letters uncovering a secret that her beloved grandfather had a wife and family before her grandmother, leads to her taking a soul-searching, truth-seeking trip to Punjab, India. Rani herself explored her history when she appeared on BBC’s Who Do You Think You Are? back in 2018, in which she discovered what had happened to her grandfather’s fi rst family during the Partition. And although her own opportunities are a million miles away from previous generations’ (Rani’s parents had an arranged marriage, after meeting for the fi rst time at Heathrow Airport) in the past she’s “defi nitely” been a peoplepleaser. It resulted in “second-guessing what people wanted, always wanting to make sure that other people feel alright… and that comes from watching the women in my world facilitate everybody else before themselves”. But her forties have been “very transitional”, she says. “[I feel] very empowered, and comfortable, confi dent, defi nitely. Don’t give a f*** as much. “I think at some point, you wake up and realise it’s time to make myself happy, because I think women do look after everybody, whether that’s because that’s what society expects, or whether it’s your parents or your husband or your children. “You realise that it’s a bit of a waste of time trying to please other people. And once you fi nd who you are, and you walk into a room authentically, valuing who you are – that’s a sensational feeling. “I’m talking a big game,” she laughs, “Yeah, let’s say all the things, then I’ll have a crisis.” Rani is refreshingly downto-earth. She hopes there’s more books to come. Her process is to write in the morning: “I do like getting up a little bit earlier, 5am, it’s bloody early, I’m a morning person, I quite like the quietness. I like being awake when no one else is and you can get it down.” Rani swears by plain hot water fi rst thing. “Every day – it’s become a ritual. Just a hot water, then a cup of tea, Yorkshire Tea, but because I’ve moved to London and I’m a bit fancy now, sometimes Fortnum & Mason’s loose leaf tea,” she says, with a warm laugh. “Yeah, Bradford? What Bradford?” WW CELEBRITY Baby Does a Runner by Anita Rani €18.75 is available now. On the red carpet BLAZING A TRAIL 86 87 WW16 Anita Rani SC2CCAMASFINAL.indd 3 27/07/2023 11:19

By Yolanthe Fawehinmi, PA 88 WOMANSWAY.IE Davina McCall on why female friendships are important in midlife. On a night out, TV presenter Davina McCall has such a good time in the chaos of the women’s bathroom, that on some occasions, she even forgets to use it. “When I go out, if I go to the loo and it’s a ladies’ loo, I have the best time ever. It’s epic,” she says. “Everyone is showing their underwear, speaking about their boyfriends, somebody’s chundering and we’re all holding ponytails. Everybody’s helping each other. I f*****g love that. I’m sure men don’t get that experience in their toilets – there’s a sisterhood that cannot be denied.” McCall – who co-authored the book Menopausing with Dr Naomi Potter – suggests this camaraderie stems from everything women go through in life: “Periods, fi broids, PCOS — that’s polycystic ovaries — endometriosis, all the problems that come with bleeding, fertility, IVF, pregnancy, menopause and postmenopause. It’s a lot. Thank God we’ve got each other. There’s support.” The 55-year-old, who lives in Kent, believes you either have one best friend and a lot of great friends, or you have a very tight group of six or seven friends that you see all the time. McCall falls into the fi rst camp and her best friend is Sarah, whom she met when she was 19. “We have known each other forever,” she says. “We met at a party and I thought she was hilarious and we stayed in touch. “[Sarah] has been pivotal in every big occasion in my life and has supported me. We’ve argued sometimes, but arguing with her feels so safe. I know we will always be friends. We’ll talk about it, then come back and go, ‘Should we just forget about that?’ That’s such a comfortable place to be with someone, isn’t it?” But what about confl icts that can’t be resolved, or when friends naturally grow apart – what happens then? “That’s such an interesting question, because this is sometimes why relationships split up. Friendships breaking up are so painful. If you ‘divorce’ a best friend, it’s a terrible loss because they are probably the only person you could be 100 per cent honest with,” McCall says. “My best friend and I are very different people, but our values are aligned. Values are really important. If you change your core values, it’s a bit diffi cult, but then I think you would grow apart and not speak to each other as much. So you don’t have to ‘divorce’ your friend. But I do think it would be sad to lose a best friend you’ve had for years and years.” McCall was once close to Australian singer Kylie Minogue – appearing in her 1991 music video for Word Is Out – and says she misses their friendship. “We both just drifted apart,” McCall admits. “Nothing happened between us. I was a numpty and still using back then. I was just a fl ibbertigibbet. When I think back, she was working so hard, but we had a brilliant time together. I really, really, really loved Kylie, and sort of miss her a bit. “I’ve messaged her a couple of times [on Instagram] but she doesn’t follow me back, POWER OF FRIENDSHIP 88 89 WW16 Davina McCall SC2CCAMASFINAL.indd 2 27/07/2023 11:31

WOMANSWAY.IE 89 By Yolanthe Fawehinmi, PA CELEBRITY so she is never going to see it. I’ve got the utmost respect for Kylie because she is absolutely smashing it in midlife, showing us all that it’s going to be OK – she just keeps being reborn. She’s so fl ipping cool. Like a goddess. Kylie is amazing.” McCall has partnered with hotel brand TUI Blue, which has revealed in a new study the importance of friendship in midlife. According to 37 per cent of the adults between the ages of 40 and 65 surveyed, their best friend knows them better than their partner, while 63 per cent claimed their friendship group has helped them through the most diffi cult times. When asked, 75 per cent admitted their friendships have a positive impact on their mental wellbeing. McCall says it’s important to invest in your friendships at this stage in life, “especially the ones with your girlfriends”. “I think women keep us sane, and our really good girlfriends can be honest with us in a way that no one else can,” McCall suggests. “It’s easy for people to say they love you, you’re great or you’re so much fun – but you don’t need people to blow smoke up your arse. When you need some home truths or [you’re] at your weakest, it’s your girlfriends you really need to keep you grounded. When other people would just walk away, they are there to pick you up and carry you.” McCall suggests having children and going through menopause changed her in an enormous way. She says she was anxious about being a good mum and asked a lot of friends for advice. And she loved the fact that when she was going through menopause, she could talk to her female friends about “the most unbelievably graphic and personal experience without any kind of embarrassment”, she says. “I think women have become very good at talking about menopause, it’s why it’s also important to go online and talk about every aspect of it.” It’s obvious the former Big Brother presenter’s schedule is busy and priorities have changed, including the type of holidays she chooses to go on. McCall prefers to go on holiday with another family now — something she is doing this summer with her best friend. “What’s brilliant is our partners both really like each other, so we get on like a house on fi re. Our kids have grown up together too and love each other. So that’s amazing.” WW FRIENDSHIP With pal Kylie Minogue 88 89 WW16 Davina McCall SC2CCAMASFINAL.indd 3 27/07/2023 11:31

90 WOMANSWAY.IE To enter, please answer the following question: MY NAMETAGS LABELS OFFER HOW MANY YEARS WASHING GUARANTEE? A. 2 YEARS B. 5 YEARS C. 10 YEARS HOW TO ENTER Email your answer by August 14 to: [email protected] including your name, address and telephone number and labelling your mail ‘The My Nametags Competition’ This Woman's Way competition is open to anyone resident in NI and the Republic of Ireland, aged 18 and over, except employees and their families of Harmonia Publishing, its printers and anyone else connected with the competition. No purchase is necessary. We will only accept one competition entry per reader. Prizes are awarded by drawing entries after the closing date. Winners will be notifi ed by email. The editor’s decision is fi nal. 10 lucky readers will each win a set of personalised name label packs (three sets) from My Nametags. The summer months are fl ying by and before we know it, Back to School season will be upon us again. Here to help us get organised and avoid the last-minute panic is My Nametags personalised name labels – Ireland’s only antibacterial labels. Now available in over 130 countries, My Nametags has a 10-year machine washing guarantee with all labels being independently tested in Ireland. Children will love designing and creating their very own set of personalised name labels. There are hundreds of design options to choose from, with everything from Mr Men and sports themes to princesses and cute animals. Priced at just €16.95 per set, My Nametags labels can be used on all of the back-toschool essentials, from school jumpers, tracksuits and shirts to stationery, books and sports equipment. This makes it so easy to ensure that all your child’s belongings are easily identifi able. and avoids mix-ups with other children. To design your own set of personalised labels ahead of the new school year, and avoid the last-minute panic, just visit My Nametags’ website, mynametags.ie. COMPETITION Win A SET OF MY NAMETAGS LABELS Nametags has a 10-year creating their very own your child’s belongings are easily identifi able. and avoids mix-ups with other children. To design your own set of personalised labels ahead of the 90 WW16 My Nametags Comp SC2CCAMASFINAL.indd 2 27/07/2023 11:35

CHARITIES WOMANSWAY.IE 91 By Andrea Smith At Woman’s Way, we’re all about the positive power of giving back. Here’s our round up of the best ways to pay it forward this fortnight. LEND A HAND Head2Head for Cystic Fibrosis The 21-km or 42-km Head2Head Walk takes place on Sunday, September 10. It’s in aid of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, which helps people with the inherited chronic disease that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. You can walk from Sandymount to Bray or Howth Head to Sandymount (both 21km), or from Howth Head to Bray (42km). Early bird registration is €15. You will receive your registration pack, including a Head2Head Walk shirt, and you get a medal when you complete the walk. Register on cfi reland.ie Alzheimer's Memory Walk A host of Irish celebrities are supporting this year's family-friendly Alzheimer's Memory Walk, taking place at 30 locations across Ireland on Sunday, September 24. Suitable for all ages and walking abilities, registration costs €5 for kids and €18 for adults, and includes a participation pack with a Memory Walk t-shirt. Celebrities supporting the cause include our cover star, Pamela Laird, comedian Neil Delamere and TV personality Martin King. The walk aims to raise funds for vital services that support people living with dementia and those who care for them. Register on memorywalk.ie Donegal Camino Offering one-, three- and seven-day walking options, the Donegal Camino raises funds for Cancer Care West services across the county. The 2023 event takes place from September 3-9 and features a new seven-day itinerary, which takes in walking routes from Inishowen’s Malin Head to Europe’s highest sea cliffs, Sliabh Liag. Each registered walker is asked to raise a potential €100 for each day walked or a sum that’s comfortable to you. There will be professional guides on each walk and a support network of vehicles and fi rst aiders to ensure the safety of all walkers. Register on donegalcamino.ie RMHC ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC Ronald McDonald House Charities Ireland (RMHC) is holding its Golf Classic 2023 on Friday September 1 at Dun Laoghaire Golf Club. The mission of RMHC is to support families whose children are seriously ill in hospital by providing a Ronald McDonald House for them to stay in. The classic will be a 4-Ball Scramble this year, and teams cost €1,000. This includes play entry for four people, goody bags, breakfast or lunch depending on start time and post-play BBQ & complimentary drink. Register on rmhc.ie The 2023 Woodie’s Heroes campaign in support of four charities is now live in Woodie’s stores across Ireland - running until August 12. Simply donate at the till during your in-store visit, scan the iDonate QR code available online or text to donate. Voted on by Woodie’s colleagues, the charities that will receive much-needed fi nancial support this year are ISPCC Childline, Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland, Down Syndrome Ireland and Make-A-Wish Ireland. Visit woodies.ie Deirdre McGlone, Noel Cunningham and Peggy Stringer Head2Head The 21-km or 42-km Head2Head Walk takes place on Sunday, September 10. It’s in aid of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, which helps people with the inherited chronic disease that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. (both 21km), or from Howth Head to Bray (42km). Early bird registration is €15. You will receive your registration pack, including a Head2Head Walk shirt, and you get a medal when you complete the walk. Register on donegalcamino.ie be a 4-Ball Scramble this year, and teams cost €1,000. This includes play entry for four people, goody 91 WW16 Lend a Hand SC2CCAMASFINAL.indd 3 27/07/2023 11:36

QUICK FIRE 92 WOMANSWAY.IE By Andrea Smith Jenny McCarthy is a well-known wedding and baby photographer. She has compiled her knowledge and experience in her book, The Wedding, as a helpful resource for couples planning their big day. Jenny McCarthy Tell us something you can’t do? One of my sons is a mechanic, and he laughs out loud when we talk about my inability to change a tyre. What is one thing you still have from your childhood? A Jack-in-the-box. I got it from Santa when I was three. It used to drive everyone mad but I still love it to this day. Mind you, our kids think it looks like the scariest toy ever. What book are you planning to read? Think like a Monk. I just love Jay Shetty’s attitude towards life in general. He is such a positive source and I love listening to his podcasts. What’s the best thing to have happened to you this month? My book, The Wedding, was released and everyone is loving it. It has been in my mind for years and I feel such satisfaction now that it is finally here. Heels or flats? Oh, flats all the way. Comfort is everything. I can only walk in heels if I am going from the car to the restaurant. How do you start your day? I go downstairs, sit on my couch and listen to seven minutes of meditation by Jay Shetty, which is such a positive way to start each day. Then I have a cup of tea. If you could raid one woman’s wardrobe, whose would it be? Celia Holman Lee - she never gets it wrong. Celia always looks incredible, no matter what she wears. She is some force of nature and I adore her style. When you were 12, what did you want to be when you grew up? A photographer. I was always using my dad’s little camera and wasting all of the film. I did think that one day I could take photographs and make it a career. How right I was! Who is your favourite solo artist? Lewis Capaldi. He is such an incredible artist. A lovely, funny guy who undoubtedly brings a smile to lots of faces when he sings. If you could choose somewhere else to live, where would it be? Adeje, Tenerife, is such a great place to be. It is so chilled out, the weather is always beautiful and I feel totally relaxed while I’m there. Is there anything you wish y ou were really good at, but aren’t? I never learned how to swim. I’m so envious watching people jump into the sea. One day I will join them. What would you never leave home without? My phone is definitely becoming part of me. I would be lost without it. Who is your celebrity crush? My husband, of course! He has always been my crush and always will be. (Jenny’s husband is Ireland AM presenter, Martin King.) What do you think is the best first date idea? Definitely not eating or a movie. Go for cocktails. You need to talk to each other without feeling uncomfortable. I could think of nothing worse than going on a first date and eating. What was your worst subject at school? History - I used to fall asleep in class. My test results were never that great as a result. What is your favourite movie? I absolutely adore The Sound of Music. Martin surprised me for our 10th wedding anniversary and brought me to Salzburg, where the movie was made. He booked us into the actual house and it was the best present ever. You're going out for brunch. What are you having? Chicken Caesar salad. I often order it as a main course with extra chicken. Easy on the anchovies though. Who or what makes you laugh? My children. We have four boys and one girl and they all have their own wicked sense of humour, which I think they get from Martin. Which trend would you like to see disappear forever? Instagram filters. They are the bane of wedding suppliers' lives. What’s the most important advice you’d give a teenager? Don’t smoke! I have never even tried a cigarette. I think because my dad passed away from lung cancer, my fear of cigarettes has never gone away. I really don’t like the smell of them either. WW The Wedding by Jenny McCarthy (€60) is available from byjennymccarthy.ie Throughthelens 92 WW16 Quick Fire - Jenny McCarthy KOT2CCAMASFINAL.indd 2 27/07/2023 11:38

LIFESTYLE WOMANSWAY.IE 93 WE TRIED... red setting in the hopes it might help my ever-increasing big forehead wrinkle. The device felt really nice in the hand and because it wasn’t a full-face mask, I didn’t feel like Hannibal Lecter sitting on the couch. I massaged it slowly upwards from my jaw and up to my forehead, using circular motions, as it heated up to a very pleasant 43 degrees. A nice touch was that it automatically turned off after six minutes, signalling the end of the treatment. MIDWAY THROUGH I used the device for a week, every evening in bed before I went to sleep. It became something I looked forward to and it was sort of like a mini facial. I also used the blue light setting on my acneprone areas like my jawline and neck. END RESULT At the end of the week, I didn’t see a magic disappearance of my huge forehead wrinkle. I wasn’t really expecting to. However, I did fi nd my skin felt softer and a little smoother. I feel as though it enhanced the effectiveness of the serums I was using, and it ensured I didn’t skip my nighttime skincare, which I often do. In terms of acne, I did fi nd a couple of my larger blemishes didn’t come to a head either, which was a big win. I really enjoyed it and it’s going to be a permanent fi xture for my skin. WW WHAT? Light therapy masks and devices are the latest at-home skincare tech. I was testing out the HAUMEA Light Therapy Mask Device retailing at €149.99. What sets this apart from many of the others, is that it is not a full face mask. Instead, this is much neater and fi ts in the palm of your hand. It offers three different LED light settings. These light waves penetrate deep into the skin's layers to trigger natural intracellular reactions. It also uses heat and sonic pulsations. WHY? Light therapy is non-invasive and is often a very effective way to treat skin issues. Because it’s not UV rays, the light is not harmful to the skin and is in fact benefi cial. The red LED light increases collagen production, the blue light targets bacteria, and the yellow helps with hydration. Salon visits for light therapy can soon rack up, so being able to use this technology at home and on the couch in my PJs was a very attractive prospect. Plus, as someone who now has the great dishonour of suffering with adult acne and wrinkles, I’ll take all the help I can get. STARTING OUT It’s recommended you use the device on a freshly-cleaned face and that you put on either a sheet mask or your favourite serum. I started out using the We’re all about self-care at Woman’s Way. In this issue, Niamh O’Reilly tries a Light Therapy Device. Light Therapy What sets this apart from many 93 WW16 We Tried SCCCAMASFINAL.indd 3 27/07/2023 11:41

OPINION 94 WOMANSWAY.IE By Grumpy Old Woman WHY is this a thing? POINTLESS PET TREATMENTS As a multiple pet-owner, I have learned the hard way that some vets will push treatments that are not in the animal’s best interests. Most devoted owners will pay whatever it takes to cure their beloved furry friend when it becomes ill, and I think some vets take advantage. When my diabetic dog started limping, the vet told me that she needed a €1,700 operation to fi x her cruciate ligament. I readily agreed and the procedure was scheduled for the following week, but had to be deferred because the dog’s blood sugars were unstable. It took a few weeks to sort that out, and, guess what, her limp magically fi xed itself during that time. I had been on the verge of handing over all that money for a painful procedure she obviously hadn’t needed. Two years ago, my eight-year-old dog started vomiting and tests showed his liver was failing. The vet recommended admitting him for a week and putting him on an intensive medication regime. I asked if this would fi x the problem, and he said it would hopefully give him a further three to six months. I thought of my poor little dog being lonely and confused in a cage for a week, all for a few extra months in which his health would decline anyway. I put aside my own desire to keep him with me for longer and asked the vet to put him to sleep instead. He died gently in my arms ten minutes later. I have never regretted putting a pet to sleep early on in a terminal or chronic illness, but am still haunted by the memory of two occasions when vets persuaded me to put pets through treatment that ultimately didn’t work. I won’t do it again. When her 10-year-old dog developed cancer, my distraught friend's vet suggested chemotherapy. She paid €5,000 for it but her dog was lethargic and sad the whole time. He died within the year and my friend now wishes she hadn’t put him through the treatment. With her next dog, she took pet insurance out, and now wonders if her vet takes advantage of it. He seems to take ages to get to the bottom of any minor problem her dog has, necessitating multiple x-rays, scans and procedures. All of which add up for her insurance company. My friend is not the only one who suspects her pet may have been subjected to 'over-treatment'. According to the Daily Mail, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons revealed in 2021 that 51 per cent of UK veterinary practices in the UK are owned by six companies, three of which are private equityowned. Dr Polly Taylor, a senior vet and member of EthicsFirst, an international group that campaigns against excessive medical treatments, revealed that some of the corporate fi rms are insisting that vets have to reach monthly revenue targets. She believes that, in many cases, the animal's best interests are being forgotten. They are so stoic, our pets, and can’t tell us when they are in pain or feeling ill. I think if they were asked, they would prefer to be spared painful tests and procedures that won’t cure them. This means we have to be their advocates and do the right thing by them, even if that means standing up to vets who have their profi t margins, rather than our pets’ best interests, at heart. WW 94 WW16 Why Is This A Thing SC2CCAMASFINAL.indd 2 27/07/2023 11:42

WOMANSWAY.IE 95 GOLDEN GLOW IN OUR NEXT BUMPER ISSUE It’s that dreamy time of year before we all get back to a routine, and in the next issue we’re leaning into the golden glow of late summer, whether the weather plays ball or not. If there’s one thing unpredictable summers like this have taught us, it’s that dealing with unexpected challenges and curveballs is not just a part of life, it’s a life skill. We fi nd out how to be resilient and fi nd the silver linings. Plus, we channel those lush late-summer vibes across fashion, beauty, food and much more. You won’t want to miss it. SEASON FEELS Nature unquestionably has an infl uence on how we feel. From blue moons to the changing light, in this issue we kick off a brand-new feature where we look at what’s happening in the natural world each season. DEALING WITH THE UNEXPECTED The summer may not have panned out the way were expecting, from up and down weather at home to unbearable heatwaves abroad. The WW crew delve into how they’ve dealt with the unexpected challenges of the season and what we’ve learned. BRONZERS From body to face, we check out the best bronzers to give your skin that late-summer golden glow all over. REWILDING TIPS Giving part of our gardens back to the bees and their many-legged friends is all the rage right now, but we hear from the gardening experts on how to do it sustainably. KEEN AS MUSTARD We’re diving into the wardrobe for shades of mustard, earthy khaki and the muted tones of late summertime, and fi nd that it’s a surprisingly wearable and fl attering colour for most skin tones. PLUS The latest movie and book reviews, knitting, mouthwatering recipes, amazing competitions and so much more… HITTING THE NEWS STANDS ON AUGUST 14 GLOW GOLDEN 95 WW16 Next Issue KOT2CCAMASFINAL.indd 3 27/07/2023 11:43

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