WW08 2024

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… Proud Irishman Ringo. From: David and Francesca, Co Sligo Peekaboo. From: Margaret O'Donnell A joy to behold. From: Helen Bailey Daisy is turning four. From: Maureen Comerford, Dublin Having a ball. From: Rachel Sammon

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 is April 22, 2024 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 Silcare QUIN professional haircare products, including serums, shampoos and conditioners, and Quinn & Beauty hair tools to tame your locks. Visit quinnhairbeauty.com WORTH €75 No postal entries please. The closing date is April 22, 2024 1 WHO… is the leader of the Labour Party? WHAT… was the profession of the entertainer Joseph Grimaldi? WHERE… was the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest held? WHEN… did the space shuttle Challenger explode 73 seconds into its fl ight? 2 WHO… is president of the High Court? WHAT… Latin phrase can be translated literally as ‘you may have the body’? WHERE… is Aland an administrative province? WHEN… did Princess Diana die? David 2 Ivana Bacik; Clown; Stockholm; 1986. 1 ANSWERS: Barniville; Habeas corpus; Finland; 1997 THE 4 Ws Born in 1960, I studied law at University College Dublin and then moved to London with my fi rst husband. I moved into TV and radio broadcasting while living there and began working in RTÉ in 1993. One of fi ve children, my brother is a leading member of the Fianna Fáil leadership team. I have been married twice and had four daughters with my fi rst husband, including having three children in eleven months. I am married to my second husband Steve Carson and we have four sons. I was born in London in 1952 and my dad was a music promoter and rock'n'roll entrepreneur. I met my husband when my dad managed his heavy metal band. I have two daughters and a son and we came to prominence when MTV created a reality series around our family. I managed acts like Motörhead and The Smashing Pumpkins and later became a judge on television talent competition shows, The X Factor and America's Got Talent. I recently appeared on Celebrity Big Brother. CELEB PIXELS Sharon Osborne 2 Miriam O’Callaghan 1 ANSWERS: PRIZE CROSSWORD 8 ACROSS: 1. BAROMETER (12) 7. VAPOUR (5) 8. COIL (5) 9. AGE (3) 10. CLEANSER (9) 11. LURE (6) 12. FORCE (6) 15. REPETITIOUS (9) 17. PLANT (3) 18. ORDAIN (5) 19. SPACIOUS (5) 21. DETENTION (12) DOWN: 1. SINCERE (5-7) 2. COLOUR (3) 3. FAR-OFF (6) 4. BOTTOM (9) 5. ROCK (5) 6. ABUSE (3-9) 7. BEGIN (5) 10. PAINTER (9) 13. HAZARDOUS (5) 14. RUBBLE (6) 16. SPELL (5) 20. POSSESS (3). QUICK CROSSWORD SOLUTION ISSUE 07 ACROSS: 4 DISTORT; 8 NEUTER; 9 OPERATE; 10 APPEAR; 11 TENURE; 12 PERVERSE; 18 PATHETIC; 20 STRATA; 21 ORATOR; 22 ARMOURY; 23 FETTLE; 24 MYSTERY. DOWN: 1 UNHAPPY; 2 SUPPORT; 3 MENACE; 5 IMPOTENT; 6 TYRANT; 7 RETIRE; 13 REPAIRER; 14 STATUTE; 15 SCARLET; 16 STURDY; 17 WAY-OUT; 19 HARDEN. IMPOSSIPUZZLES 1 “When they were younger it was more obvious that all fi ve were different ages,” Frances declared. “They were born two years apart. Gave my husband Brian and me a hard time for a while.” Brenda nodded. “I bet they did, but how old are they now?” Frances replied, “If you divide the square of the age of the oldest by a quarter of that same age, you get the total of their ages.” Well? 2 “A year ago you had three times as many boys as girls in your maths club,” said Mary. “Is it still like that?” Tom shook his head. “One girl left and two boys joined a few weeks ago,” he replied. “So now we’ve got four times as many boys as girls.” How many in the club? Ages 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 years. 1 ANSWERS: 25 members. 2

TIME OUT WOMANSWAY.IE 53 THE BIG QUIZ 1>> Who presents the BBC 1 decluttering show, Sort Out Your Life? A Kim Woodall B Gok Wan C Stacey Solomon D Marie Kondo 2>> What was Simon Harris’ ministerial portfolio prior to becoming leader of Fine Gael? A Health B Education C Justice D Foreign Affairs 3>> In Thai cooking, what term describes a curry dish? A Gaeng B Phat C Dtohm D Yahm 4>> What is the name of Cathy Kelly’s latest book? A It Ends With Us B No One Saw a Thing C The Birthday Weekend D Sisterhood 5>> Who won the recent edition of Celebrity Big Brother? A Nikita Kuzmin B David Potts B Toddy C Grog D Tipple C Louis Walsh D Fern Britton 6>> If you’re apoplectic, are you… A Excited B Curious C Raging D Impatient 7>> What is the smallest county in Ireland? A Carlow B Longford C Dublin D Louth 8>> What is the occupation of Martin King’s wife Jenny McCarthy? A Actress B Chef C Publicist D Photographer 9>> Which creatures are kept in a ranarium? A Falcons B Frogs C Ferrets D Snakes 10>> What is a common fi lling for the Greek dessert baklava? A Marzipan B Sliced banana C Chopped nuts D Raisins 11>> How soon after they met did Romeo and Juliet get married? A A week B A day C A month D A fortnight 12>> What’s the national animal of Australia? A Quokka B Koala C Kangaroo D Kookaburra 13>> What is the all-time moststreamed song on Spotify? A Someone You Loved (Lewis Capaldi) B Despacito (Luis Fonzi) C Blinding Lights (The Weeknd) D Shape of You (Ed Sheeran) 14>> What is a term for illegally distilled liquor? A Moonshine 1 C, 2 B, 3 A, 4 D, 5 B, 6 C, 7 D, 8 D, 9 B, ANSWERS: 10 C, 11 B, 12 C, 13 D, 14 A 2 5 7 8 10 11 14

54 WOMANSWAY.IE Vefi ing OUTChef Gennaro Contaldo talks about how to cook vegetables the Italian way.

WOMANSWAY.IE 55 RECIPES By Prudence Wade, PA Continued overleaf >> G ennaro Contaldo has a bone to pick with traditional Sunday roasts. The Italian chef has lived in England for over 50 years now, and he suggests the food could see one big improvement. “When you have a Sunday roast somewhere, you get three vegetables: boiled potato, boiled broccoli, boiled beans – they don’t taste of anything. Sometimes you get the beans and they’re so hard,” Contaldo says. Instead, he wants “flavour” in his veg – and it’s really not that difficult to do. “Salt it, put a bit of garlic in, season it with olive oil, or squeeze a lemon on top – hallelujah!” he says with his signature enthusiasm, often seen on TV when he appears alongside his protégé, Jamie Oliver. These are “the humble things you buy every day”, Contaldo says, so it’s about time we treat our veg properly. “Where I come from, we celebrate all the vegetables – they used to call us ‘leaves eaters’, because we used to eat a lot of vegetables,” says Contaldo, who comes from Minori on Italy’s Amalfi Coast. In the “small village” he grew up in, Contaldo says everyone had an allotment and it was the done thing to swap different types of fruit and veg with your neighbours – all of which was, of course, in season. And when you get Contaldo talking about his favourite varieties, he can barely contain his excitement. “It is all such a pleasure. Even the zucchini – you fry, you soak it, you cook it with pasta. The humble onion – onions are so beautiful! Onions, you don’t just fry them. Onions can be done in so many different ways. And the potato – it’s not just a chip.” There are “hundreds of different ways” to cook vegetables, Contaldo says, and that’s part of “Italian culture”. Despite what you might think, “Meat plays little part where I come from,” he explains. “We used to have lovely meat – but once every other week.” That’s why Contaldo has dedicated his latest cookbook to vegetables, aptly called Gennaro’s Verdure. Each chapter is dedicated to a different vegetable – from artichokes, fennel and rocket, to mushrooms, aubergines, beetroot and more. TORTA SALATA DI ASPARAGI Serves 4 Welcome spring in with this seasonal dish. “This delicious savoury tart is made for the spring, when asparagus is plentiful and at its best,” says Gennaro. Vegetables might be central to the book, but it’s not entirely vegetarian. “There is a lot mixed with meat – guanciale, pancetta, fish – combined all together, but the hero at the end is the verdure, the vegetable.” Contaldo is passionate about seasonality – that was, after all, how he grew up. “Now, you can get almost anything… In England, especially London [where Contaldo lives] you can get everything you want. But I won’t touch the stuff. Imagine – now there are cherries everywhere.” Contaldo says when cherries are in season he will “indulge himself”, but for now, he has the “pleasure of waiting” – meaning the first crop isn’t “spoiled” when it eventually comes. Right now, artichokes are in season in Italy – and that’s what everyone there is eating. “You go from north to south, artichokes, artichokes, artichokes. People say, how do you eat artichokes every day? Because you do the vegetable in so many different ways,” Contaldo explains – and some of these dishes appear in the book, like artichoke pâté and tuna-filled artichoke hearts. Now 75, Contaldo thinks back to his youth, when “there was no freezer” so “everything had to be seasonal” – so maybe it’s time we all tried some new things with our veg. Take a traditional recipe from Contaldo’s village, which marries up aubergine and chocolate – which he calls “delicious” and urges everyone to try. “You fry the aubergines in egg and as soon as it’s fried, you put it straight in cocoa powder and sugar. Then you leave it to absorb, then you melt some chocolate with liquor in and put that on top and eat.” And his love of food comes from a young age, too – he tracks it back to when his father, who was a linen dealer, made him sit in a friend’s restaurant at around 10 years old while he went off to work. “I liked it so much, every time I had the chance I used to go help,” he remembers. “My job was simple – preparing the vegetables was one of my things.” Now a septuagenarian and still going strong – constantly writing recipes, appearing on TV shows like Saturday Kitchen and updating his Instagram account for his 800k followers – Contaldo gives a lot of credit to his Mediterranean diet. “I eat a lot of vegetables – whatever is in season – I eat a lot of pasta as well,” he says. “It does help, it helped me. All the people I know where I come from, they all eat a lot of vegetables and beans.” He adds: “At my age, it’s a privilege and I wish it for everyone. With good luck and working very hard, I’m still enjoying being a cook. And do you know what cooks do? Cooks make people happy through cooking, and this is what I do.” “The humble onion – onions are so beautiful... Onions can be done in so many different ways”

56 WOMANSWAY.IE GNOCCHI DI SPINACI Serves 4 Gennaro champions spinach in this tasty dish. “This delicious potato-less gnocchi is made with the classic combination of spinach and ricotta,” he says. “Simple to prepare, just remember to squeeze out the excess liquid from the cooked spinach before mixing with the rest of the ingredients. Serve with tomato sauce for a hearty meal.” Ingredients: 250g frozen spinach 1 x 250g tub ricotta 1 egg 40g grated Parmesan, plus extra for sprinkling “If you don’t have parma ham, use cooked ham or, if you don’t eat meat, omit altogether. Serve with a potato salad.” Ingredients: 375g ready-made shortcrust pastry 200g asparagus 150g ricotta 4 eggs 30g grated Parmesan 100g Parma ham, roughly torn Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Crunchy mixed salad, to serve Method: 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C fan/200°C/gas mark 6. Grease and line a 22 centimetre (8½ inch) round tart or quiche tin and line it with baking paper. 2 Roll out the pastry and use it to line the bottom of the prepared tin. Cover the pastry with baking paper, top with baking beans and bake blind for about 15 minutes, until the sides of the pastry have cooked through and are golden. 3 Using a large spoon, remove the beans and then the baking paper from the pastry case and return the pastry to the oven for a further five to 10 minutes, until the base is a pale golden colour. 4 Remove from the oven and prepare the filling. 5 Reduce the oven temperature to 130°C fan/150°C/ gas mark 2. 6 Finely chop most of the asparagus, reserving seven or eight spears, then bring a pot of salted water to the boil and cook the asparagus for about three minutes until just tender, then drain well and leave to cool. 7 In a bowl, combine the ricotta, eggs, Parmesan, parma ham, a little salt and pepper and the chopped asparagus. Fill the pastry case with this mixture, then arrange the whole asparagus spears over the top. Bake in the lower third of the oven for about 40 minutes, until the filling has set. 8 Remove from the oven and leave to rest for five minutes before serving with a crunchy mixed salad.

RECIPES WOMANSWAY.IE 57 Gennaro’s Verdure: Big And Bold Italian Recipes To Pack Your Plate With Veg by Gennaro Contaldo is published by Pavilion Books, priced €37.70. Photography by David Loftus. Available now. “Delicately light and healthy, this easy carrot cake would be perfect with a morning coffee or at teatime,” says Gennaro. “I like to use the Italian raising agent known as Paneangeli, with its delicate vanilla fl avour, and it should be obtainable from Italian delis and international shops. Otherwise, regular baking powder will work just fi ne.” Ingredients: 4 eggs, separated 225g caster sugar 130g plain fl our, sifted 2tsp Paneangeli baking powder, sifted (or regular baking powder) 150g ground almonds 275g carrots, grated A little icing sugar, sifted Handful of fl aked almonds Method: 1 Preheat the oven to 160°C fan/180°C/gas mark 4. Grease a 20-centimetre round springform cake tin and line it with baking paper. 2 In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar together for about 10 minutes, until nice and creamy. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff. 3 Fold the fl our, Paneangeli (or baking powder), ground almonds and grated carrots into the egg yolk mixture, then fold in the stiffened egg whites. 4 Pour the mixture into the lined cake tin and bake in the oven for 55-60 minutes, until risen and cooked through. If you insert a wooden skewer, it should come out clean. 5 Remove from the oven, then leave to cool completely before carefully removing it from the tin. Place on a plate and dust the top with icing sugar and a handful of fl aked almonds, before serving. Tip: This cake is best eaten fresh, but will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. WW Pinch of grated nutmeg Sea salt 250g ‘00’ fl our, plus extra for dusting For the tomato sauce: 2tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 garlic cloves, fi nely sliced 1 x 400g can chopped tomatoes Sea salt Method: 1 First make the tomato sauce. Heat the olive oil in a heavy based pan over a medium heat and sweat the garlic for a minute or so, then add the tomatoes with a little water (rinsed from the can) and a little salt. Cover with a lid and cook over a medium-low heat for about 25 minutes. 2 Meanwhile, make the gnocchi. Bring a pot of salted water to the boil and cook the frozen spinach for about fi ve minutes until defrosted and cooked through. Drain well, squeezing out the excess liquid with your hands, then place on a chopping board and fi nely chop. 3 Place the spinach in a large bowl with the ricotta, egg, Parmesan, nutmeg and a little salt, and gradually add in the fl our. Mix well until you obtain a smooth, soft dough. 4 On a lightly fl oured work surface, roll the dough out into a long sausage shape. Using a sharp knife, cut into two-and-a-half-centimetre lengths. Continue doing this until all the dough has been used up. 5 Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil and drop the gnocchi into the water in batches, simmering for a minute or so until they rise to the top. 6 Using a slotted spoon or a spider strainer, lift the gnocchi out of the water and transfer to a dish. Pour over the tomato sauce and gently mix. Serve immediately with a sprinkling of grated Parmesan, if you like. TORTA DI CAROTE E MANDORLE Serves 8 How to do morning tea, the Italian way.

58 WOMANSWAY.IE A fter over 30 years in the UK, there’s something Gino D’Acampo can’t get used to: the food waste. “We are used to going to the supermarket and going to places to buy our food – to touch it, to smell it,” the TV chef says of his hometown in Naples, Italy. “In the last 30 years that I’ve been here, I’ve always been thinking: why do these people buy everything in a plastic bag? Why do they buy so much stuff they don’t need?” For D’Acampo – who is a regular face on This Morning and fronts Gordon, Gino and Fred: Road Trip alongside Gordon Ramsay and Fred Sirieix – buying your fruit and vegetables wrapped up in plastic is a strange concept. “It’s crazy to think that anyone would go and buy a bag of peppers, without touching them, without smelling them – and without even thinking what they’re going to do with these backup peppers. “The majority of people need one or two peppers, but they go into the supermarket, they go into the corner shop and they pick up a bag where there are seven, eight peppers. They use three and then they throw away six. “I’m thinking: do you really know what you’re doing here? Do you know how much money you’re wasting?” D’Acampo, 47, isn’t one to hide his feelings, and his outrage about food waste is clear – which is why he’s teamed up with Love Food Hate Waste for this year’s Food Waste Action Week in the UK, encouraging people to buy loose fruit and veg. According to Love Food Hate Waste, 60 per cent of food waste comes from our homes, which results in tonnes of CO2. It suggests that the average household of four is wasting the equivalent of €1,170 per year on food that ends up in the bin. “And yet, we have people in the world who are dying of starvation… How wrong are we? Sometimes you just need someone like me to slap you in the face and go: wakey, wakey! Don’t you see what you’re doing?” D’Acampo says. “It’s insane to throw all this food away – I think it’s a crime to humans, to humanity, to do what we do.” And according to D’Acampo, the problem is getting “100 per cent worse”. “In the shops, every single thing that you buy is wrapped in plastic,” he says. “Where is the excitement, the spirit of smelling an apple or an orange?” For D’Acampo, the issue isn’t just food waste – but home cooks could benefit from paying a bit more attention to the fruit and veg they buy. “That’s another thing people don’t understand – I always tell them 50 per cent of the job when you cook is about buying, it’s not about cooking. If you buy the right ingredients, you’re 50 per cent there, and the food is going to taste much, much better.” D’Acampo’s strong opinions around food waste stem from his upbringing. “I didn’t have a family with money, I was brought up on a farm,” he says. “For me, it’s normal. In my house growing up, there was no throwing stuff in the bin. There was no buying things unless you really needed them. So in my mind, it’s always like: Okay, what do I need to do to make sure this doesn’t happen? I want my family, my children, everybody to understand the amount of food we are wasting.” So what can you do to minimise waste in the kitchen? Buying loose fruit and veg is a start, so you only have what you need. D’Acampo adds: “The best thing that anyone who is in the kitchen can do is to learn recipes that you can use leftovers in. “Let me give you an example from yesterday: we had lunch, a lot of roasted vegetables, roasted chicken… Usually, what do you do with the leftovers? You’re going to throw them in the bin, or you’re going to give it to your dogs if you have animals. “Or, you’re going to come up with something that you can use that with. There are so many recipes, like risotto or a frittata – like a big omelette. That’s what I did yesterday, I got old roast potato, vegetables, everything else, and I thought I’m going GINO’S MISSION The TV chef wants to stop home cooks from wasting so much food.

WOMANSWAY.IE 59 RECIPES By Prudence Wade, PA Continued overleaf >> to make a lovely frittata. Because the fl avours are already in the vegetables, the fl avours are already in the potato – it’s only the technique of putting the eggs together and there’ll be Parmesan cheese on top, then the job was done.” If you think you’re too busy to go to the supermarket or greengrocer to pick out individual veg, D’Acampo has an answer for that too. “Yes, yes, yes – but you do have the time to go on social media. You do have the time to mess around watching a series on Netfl ix, movies and stuff like that. You do have the time for drinking in the pub, you do have the time to do millions of other things – but yet you don’t have the time to feed yourself properly.” For D’Acampo, it speaks to a wider issue about the food ethos in this country. “It’s like driving a Ferrari and putting the s****iest petrol you can think of in your car. What’s the point? You have your beautiful car, but when it comes to putting petrol in it, you’re going to choose the cheapest petrol you can get. That doesn’t work, does it?” ZUPPA DI VERDURE Serves 6 A simple but tasty dish that can be customised with whatever veg is in your fridge. “This has to be one of my favourite soups of all time and it will keep you fi lled up for hours,” says Gino. “If you decide to make this recipe in the morning for later in the day, cook it up to the point when you are about to put in the pasta. Only add the pasta and cook for the last “Growing up, there was no throwing stuff in the bin. There was no buying things unless you really needed them”

60 WOMANSWAY.IE the heat, drain in a large colander and rinse under cold water to stop it cooking. Leave to drain in the sink while you prepare the vegetables. 2 Fill the same saucepan with water and one tablespoon of salt and again bring to the boil over a high heat. Add the broccoli and boil for one minute. Add the beans and boil for a further two minutes. Meanwhile, pour the drained pasta into a large bowl. 3 Remove the broccoli and beans from the heat and drain in the same colander you used to drain the pasta. Rinse under cold water and leave to drain in the sink. 4 Place the mayonnaise, pesto, red onion, apple, basil, chicken, ham and half a teaspoon of pepper into the bowl with the pasta. Sprinkle in one teaspoon of salt and mix well with a wooden spoon. Stir in the cooled broccoli and beans. 25 minutes when you are ready to serve, or the pasta will go soggy.” Ingredients: 3tbsp olive oil 2 onions, finely chopped 2 carrots, finely chopped 2 celery sticks, finely chopped 200g canned cannellini beans, drained 250g King Edward potatoes, chopped into 2cm chunks 200g dark green cabbage (cavolo nero), any coarse stems removed, leaves roughly chopped 400g can of chopped tomatoes 200g French beans, finely chopped 2l vegetable stock, made with stock cubes 120g dried conchigliette pasta (baby shells) 4tbsp roughly chopped flat leaf parsley leaves Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 60g finely grated pecorino cheese, to serve Method: 1 Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat and fry the onions, carrots and celery for 10 minutes, or until they are just golden. 2 Add the cannellini beans, potatoes, cabbage, tomatoes, French beans and stock, and bring to the boil. 3 Reduce the heat, half-cover the saucepan with the lid and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. 4 Remove the lid, add the pasta with the parsley and continue to cook over a medium heat for a further 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season to taste (I like to add half a teaspoon of pepper). 5 Check that all the vegetables are tender and the pasta is cooked and serve immediately in warmed bowls, with a sprinkle of pecorino cheese on top. 100g green beans, trimmed and halved 5tbsp good-quality mayonnaise 3tbsp good-quality shop-bought red pesto 1 large red onion, peeled and finely sliced 1 large red apple, cored, cut into 1cm chunks 8 basil leaves, torn in half 150g cold chicken breast, cut into 1cm chunks 150g thick slice of ham, cut into 1cm chunks 5 spring onions, trimmed and finely sliced 4tbsp extra virgin olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper Method: 1 Fill a medium saucepan with water, add one tablespoon of salt and bring to the boil over a high heat. Add the pasta and cook for two minutes less than instructed on the packet, giving you a very al dente bite, stirring occasionally. Remove from INSALATA SEMPLICE DI PASTA CON POLLO, PROSCIUTTO E PESTO ROSSO Serves 4-6 This versatile recipe is flavoured with chicken, ham and red pesto. “I love a pasta salad and this is a really tasty one,” says Gino. “I must admit, it came about just before we were off to Sardinia for the summer; the night before, I threw everything we had left over in the fridge or kitchen cupboards into it (which explains the apple and onions) and the outcome was delicious. “That’s what I love about pasta salads: anything goes and you can be as creative as you like. This is perfect for lunch on the go, it’s filling and so versatile.” Ingredients: 400g dried fusilli pasta 150g broccoli florets

RECIPES WOMANSWAY.IE 61 Gino’s Italian Family Adventure by Gino D’Acampo is published by Bloomsbury Publishing, priced €25.52. Photography by Haarala Hamilton. Available now. 5 Place the pasta salad on a large serving platter. Sprinkle over the spring onions and drizzle over the extra virgin olive oil. Serve immediately, or place in the fridge until needed. Please remember always to serve this at room temperature, to appreciate the fl avours of each ingredient. 60g fi nely grated Parmesan cheese Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Method: 1 Pour the oil into a large heavy-based saucepan, place over a medium heat and fry the onion, thyme, pepper and courgette for 10 minutes until soft, stirring with a wooden spoon. 2 Add the rice and fry for three minutes, stirring to allow the hot oil and vegetables to coat the grains. Stir in the wine and cook for a further minute, allowing the alcohol to evaporate. 3 Pour in a couple of ladles of hot stock and bring to a simmer. 4 Reduce the heat and continue to cook and stir until all the stock is absorbed. At this point, please stay with the saucepan, because you need to keep stirring the risotto. RISOTTO CREMOSO CON ZUCCHINE, PISELLI E PEPERONI Serves 4-6 With peppers and courgettes, there’s plenty of hidden veg in this deceptively decadent dish. “We have risotto on the family menu at least once a week,” says Gino. “I particularly love this quick version, and it gets lots of vegetables into the kids. My daughter Mia is not that keen on peppers, and yet, when they are in a creamy risotto, she never complains. “This is a meal in itself, but I sometimes also top it with grilled balsamic chicken or some pan-fried garlic and chilli prawns. If, like me, you love adding a little kick to your meals, my tip is to either buy or make some chilli-infused olive oil and drizzle it over the top.” Ingredients: 8tbsp olive oil 1 large red onion, fi nely chopped 1tsp roughly chopped thyme leaves 1 large yellow pepper, deseeded and chopped into 1cm cubes 1 large courgette, chopped into 1cm cubes 500g Arborio or Carnaroli rice 150ml dry white wine 1.5l hot vegetable stock, made with stock cubes 200g frozen peas, defrosted 60g salted butter 5 Stir in the peas. Pour in the rest of the stock, a little at a time, cooking until each addition is absorbed before you add the next. It will take 18–20 minutes and you may not need to add all the stock. 6 Once the rice is cooked, take the pan off the heat and add the butter, Parmesan, two teaspoons of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper. 7 Stir all together for 20 seconds, allowing the risotto to become creamy and all the ingredients to combine properly. 8 Serve on warmed plates and enjoy. WW

62 WOMANSWAY.IE Pretty pots Follow these tips on how to colour-match your garden pots for the best effect. The most common mistake gardeners make is picking up random plants in garden centres which they think look pretty, but they don’t have a design in mind, she observes. ”I’m very strict. I just give you the recipes and I say, ignore them at your peril. It’s like if you know what you are cooking for supper, you buy the right amount of food thousands of container plants, working out design rules for planting combinations in the process. Now, she’d shared her knowledge in a beautiful new book, A Year Full Of Pots, which covers pots for every season and palette, from bulb lasagnes to jungle joy, climbers and insect-friendly combinations. I t’s safe to say that gardener, teacher, nurserywoman and broadcaster, Sarah Raven, loves pots. She says they’re essential to the character of the one-and-a-half acre garden at her home, Perch Hill in East Sussex, which is also the base of her garden school – and over the years, she and her team have trialled

GARDENING WOMANSWAY.IE 63 By Hannah Stephenson, PA A Year Full Of Pots: Container Flowers For All Seasons by Sarah Raven is published by Bloomsbury, priced €32.99. Photography by Jonathan Buckley. Available now. Tulipa 'Orange Emperor' Nemesia 'Lady Lisa' Plant theatre pots and don’t forget anything. It’s the same with creating a pot garden when you are doing the changeover from spring to summer.” Here are some of Raven’s top tips for perfecting your pot game… COLOUR PALETTES Raven uses four colour palefi es for her pots. 1 DARK AND RICH “I use crimsons and mahogany, deep purple and bronzes.” They suck up the light and she thinks of them as the velvet colours you envelop yourself in. They might include deep red dahlias, or tulips in shades of burnt orange and almost black. “The dark and rich have to be in quite a well-lit place because otherwise they can form a bit of a black hole and be a bit on the sombre side,” she adds. “They need to be front of border or front of yard, and be quite well lit, or backlit or planted with something sharp in colour behind them, like a euphorbia, so they are highlighted.” 2 BOILED-SWEET BRILLIANT “This includes really radiant, stained glass colours,” she explains, incorporating blackcurrant, strawberry, raspberry, orange, lemon, lime and cobalt blue. It might feature everything from zingy orange gerberas to raspberry red tulips and acid green euphorbias. “I use this in one particular part of the garden that I walk through a lot and I want it to be stimulating and cheerful. Again, it needs good sunlight.” 3 SOFT AND WARM “I call these the cashmere jersey colours, so it’s pastel but in the warm palette.” Think peach, milky coffee, ivory, faded coral and apricot. “I love this palette in spring, particularly in my rose garden because the rose foliage when it fi rst emerges in spring is copper and bronze and it really is beautiful with either the dark and rich or the soft and warm colours growing through it with pots of tulips.” 4 SOFT AND COOL “These include mauves and pale blues.” Blue-pinks, primrose yellows and off-whites which get paler until you reach the pure white fl ower, could also feature. “I tend to stick with one palette. I tend to grow three ingredients in a bigger size pot together, or if they’re smaller pots, I’d have them in three neighbouring pots,” she says. “These are fantastic for shining a torch into dark areas, so we have those all the way along the north face of our barn. We use this palette out into the view, so where we have a garden that tumbles off into the distance, I would always use the soft and cool. It’s very calm.” Choosing plants Raven likens her choice of plants to wedding attendees – the bride, the bridesmaid and the gatecrasher. “I’d go for what I call my bride, which is the dominant, most sumptuous one, then I would go for the bridesmaid, which is the same colour as the bride but a little more recessive, and more background. Finally, I would use a bit of colour contrast for the gatecrasher, but often sticking to the same palette, so I might use orange and orange for the bride and bridesmaid and blue or purple for the gatecrasher. “Or if it was in a dark and rich palette, I might use crimson (bride), crimson (bridesmaid) and then a bronze as the gatecrasher. I always use two-thirds to threequarters of one colour and a third or quarter of another colour. Gatecrasher is not as dominant as the others. I think of it as a squeeze of lemon over smoked salmon.” Looking ahead to summer “With summer pots, it’s not just about colour – it’s also about how they behave and grow. Obviously you’ve got to be really careful to combine things that have similar vigour,” says Raven. “You can’t, for instance, grow something that’s quite delicate, like a fuchsia, next to something really strong-growing, like a petunia. Rather like the bride, I have a thriller in terms of form. The fi ller is like the bridesmaid, so it fi lls (the space around) the big fl owers. “So I might have Dahlia ‘Molly Raven’ as my thriller, and then a Zinnia ‘Queeny Red Lime’ as my fi ller and then go for something tall, which I call the pillar, something like a thunbergia, which is a climber. Finally, I would also grow something like a calibrachoa or a petunia to cascade down the side of bigger pot, which is what I call a spiller. So you have a thriller, fi ller, pillar and spiller – it rhymes so it’s easy to remember.” How many plants do you need for a pot? “We really cram things in, planting almost half the distance that we would in the garden. For instance, in a 30cm pot we plant 30 tulips. You have to look after them much more but you get incredible impact very quickly.” You have to water plants which are crammed into pots more and feed them more than you would if there weren’t as many plants in the containers, she agrees. It’s important to deadhead frequently, too. WW

64 WOMANSWAY.IE Here Slade offers tips to help alleviate fl ood damage to gardens and give them the best chance of recovery. Choose resilient plants that will come back “Some plants traditionally seen as pond marginals, such as marsh marigold (Caltha palustris), are often far more resilient than people realise and can cope in ephemerally wet places,” says Slade. Choosing the right cultivar can make a big difference. For example, Geum rivale likes damp shade, while Geum chiloense will take a drier and sunnier spot. It also makes sense to capitalise on it can gradually soak away. Adaptable pond and bog plants will also be included. “Our gardens are part of our homes and we are very connected to them. Preparing them to cope with anything the weather can throw at them therefore makes sense, as it is important that they remain useable and enjoyable,” says Slade. “Flood Re: The Flood Resilient Garden has been designed on a relatable domestic scale and it is packed with ideas, which can be used in visitors’ own gardens. From capturing and storing water, to managing soil so that it becomes an effective sponge for excess water, to choosing the right plants and being creative about the landscape of the garden itself, there is something here for everyone.” Given the horribly wet winter we’ve had, the Flood Resilient Garden at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show should attract a lot of interest. Designers Naomi Slade and Dr Ed Barsley are creating the garden to demonstrate how to help reduce fl ood risk and to recover quickly after periods of heavy rainfall, as well as providing useful ideas to future-proof our gardens and reduce the devastation that fl ooding brings. Their garden will feature dense planting to slow the fl ow of water, as well as capturing and storing water, and channelling rainwater into a pond, where Flooded garden? Here’s how to future-proof your garden. FIX THAT FLOOD

GARDENING WOMANSWAY.IE 65 By Hannah Stephenson, PA tricky damper spots, planting shrubs such as amelanchier, which is not a fan of really dry conditions, or turning an actively boggy area into a rain garden, she suggests. Avoid plastic grass “A popular but destructive garden fad, plastic grass is sold as an attractive, lowmaintenance option, but it doesn’t deliver in the long term, and it is certainly not fl ood-friendly,” says Slade. “When it is laid, the soil is compacted, which means that rainwater struggles to penetrate and much of it will run off the surface. The hairy fi nish provides no food or living space for wildlife, and the blanket of plastic and membrane isolates the ground beneath so little can live there. Real lawns, large borders and permeable surfaces are a far better option.” Cut down on hard landscaping While defi ned paths and dry feet are an advantage in the back yard, hard surfaces mean that heavy rain has nowhere to go. Where there is a lot of paving, or tarmacked areas are extensive, rainfall may accumulate to cause local fl ooding, so intersperse solid slabs with gravel or planted areas, or create deliberate soakaways, she advises. Store water The fl ip side of rain is drought, and water butts and storage solutions such as tanks are featured in The Flood Resilient Garden, which serve several purposes. In wet periods, they capture water, which helps reduce the burden on the sewers and downstream fl ooding. When the weather dries up, the stored water can be used to keep the garden lush, green, healthy and resilient, and it saves money on tap water, too. Water is a challenge but it is also a resource, so don’t waste it. Improve your soil Soil is made up of particles with air spaces in between, and when it rains, these fi ll up with water that can drain away gradually. Where soils are compacted by trampling and in areas of heavy clay, the air spaces are small, drainage is poor and water can accumulate on the surface. Spreading organic matter, such as leaf mould or spent potting compost, and allowing plant detritus to rot away naturally, encourages a healthy underground ecosystem. This improves the structure of the soil, and makes it easier for water to sink in. Plant abundantly “As a nation of gardeners, we love herbaceous perennials and lawns, but relying on plants that die back in winter or that lack diversity and are kept artifi cially short by mowing, means that the garden is not operating at its fl ood-resilient best. “Allowing dense growth and leaving stems long in winter will help slow the passage of surface water, while shrubs and evergreens capture a surprising amount of rain in their canopies, meaning that it doesn’t all reach the ground at once, and they add attractive structure too,” says Slade. WW “Allowing dense growth and leaving stems long in winter will help slow the passage of surface water” Flooding overfl ow Vegetable garden beds during spring fl oodwaters

66 WOMANSWAY.IE David Domoney Don’t put it off! These are the spring jobs you need to do in the garden now. How to have the perfect vegetable patch There are plenty of gardening tasks you can start this time of the year in your vegetable patch, suggests Domoney. “Now is the perfect time to plant onions, shallots and garlic sets – you can do this successionally to produce batches of this crop throughout the year.” Starting now, he says you can do this every few weeks, through to April, which will extend your cropping season. Also, you can plant your second-early and main crop potatoes at this time, after any risk of frost has passed, notes Domoney. “The second earlies, ‘new’ potatoes, will jobs you should focus on, regardless of whether it’s your fl owering beds or your vegetable patch, is weeding, says Domoney. “Making sure you are on top of perennial and annual weeds is essential to guaranteeing a healthy garden patch. “Hoeing a larger area will be ideal for dislodging small and annual garden weeds, whilst weeding by hand will help you to remove more established weeds,” he advises. “You could use a digging or border fork for this, or a more directed approach, using a hand fork to wrestle those weeds out from the root.” With a "grand stretch" in the evening now that the clocks have gone forward and springtime signalling buds coming into bloom, your patch of greenery is now a hub of activity… Making sure your garden is ‘spring ready’ is a wonderful way to get yourself outside and enjoy the early spring sunshine,” encourages David Domoney, gardener and chartered horticulturist. “I always look forward to the early spring months, as there are so many excuses to get outside – and in the garden.” Weeding One of the most important overall gardening

GARDENING WOMANSWAY.IE 67 By Sam Wylie-Harris. Domoney’s spring gardening checklist… Create a planting calendar: So you can make sure your garden beds are fully prepared for sowing seeds, what time of the year to sow them, and when you can expect to harvest. Prep before you sow: Ensure your garden is ready to cultivate the healthiest and most productive plants by improving your soil before sowing and planting. Organic matter dug into the soil, any compost you have produced last year, or even composted leaves you have been saving from last autumn will all add wonderful nutrients to the soil. Start seeds indoors: Sow some longseason seeds indoors, which are better suited to more consistently warm soil to start them off. Some great examples include broccoli, caulifl ower, and tomatoes. Collect rainwater: Make sure you have a water butt or a similar alternative to collect rainwater. Now is the perfect time to do it, with April showers looming, as you never know when precious rainwater will be sparsely available in summer dry spells. Sharpen your tools: Make sure your garden tools are spring-ready. Give them a good clean if you haven’t already, making sure to put them away dry to avoid rusting. Sharpen secateurs and check the edges of spades and hand tools like trowels, in case they could do with some attention too. WW be ready to harvest in July and August, and the main crop potatoes can be enjoyed from August to October, perfect for warm meals in cooler temperatures.” “Additionally, early April is ideal for sowing fl owering companions for your vegetable plots, such as pot marigolds, whose fragrant foliage can deter some pests from your crops,” he adds. Consistent fl owering With fl owers starting to make their appearance, there are several ways you can ensure consistent fl owering, advises Domoney. “If you would like to produce a pollinatorfriendly wildfl ower meadow, get started early by sowing seeds in trays. Then, once any risk of frost has passed, these can be sown outside for the perfect treat for your local pollinator population.” You can also use this time to plant your roses, shrubs, and climbers, which gives them plenty of time to establish before fl owering in the coming months, highlights Domoney. He also suggests sowing sunfl owers, too. “A brilliant task to enjoy with your children. Sunfl ower seeds are large enough for small fi ngers to handle, and their quick growth gives children a wonderful reward for their efforts in no time.” Keep on top of weeds Repot plants that need more growing room Sow fl ower seeds in succession Start seeds off indoors

68 WOMANSWAY.IE EASY KNIT

WOMANSWAY.IE 69 KNITTING Yarn Vibes is a 100 per cent organic and sustainably- produced Irish wool, supportive of local producers and rural communities in Ireland. Its vibrant colours are inspired by the beauty of the Irish landscape. INSTRUCTIONS CO 30 sts. Row 1: K5, [K1, P1] 4 times, K4, [K1, P1] 4 times, K5. Work this row another 3 times. Row 5: K5, CR, CL, K4, CR, CL, K5. Rows 6-8: As row 1. Repeat rows 5-8 once more. Row 13: K5, CL, CR, K4, CL, CR, K5. Rows 14-16: As row 1. Repeat rows 13-16 once more. The 16 row sequence you have just worked (rows 5-20) form the cable pattern for the scarf. Repeat this sequence until scarf is desired length. Work Row 1 once more. Cast off in pattern as Row 1 (i.e. knitting the knits, and purling the purls). Finishing Weave in ends. Block scarf gently, if desired, using cold water and wool detergent of your choice, and ensuring not to distort the cables. WW Celtic scarf An easy knit with a striking Celtic motif. Connor Celtic Scarf Pattern. MATERIALS REQUIRED: • 3 x 100g Yarn Vibes Worsted Weight Yarn • US8 (5mm) knitting needles • Cable needle • Knitter’s sewing needle for weaving in ends SIZING: The fi nished scarf measures around 205cm / 81 inches in length, and 16cm / 6 ½ inches in width. GAUGE: 16 stitches and 34 rows = 10cm /4 inches square in garter stitch ABBREVIATIONS: K: Knit P: Purl CN: Cable Needle CO: Cast on CR: Cable Right. Slip next 2 sts to CN and hold in back, K1, P1 from working needle; K1, P1 from CN CL: Cable Left. Slip next 2 sts to CN and hold in front, K1, P1 from working needle, K1, P1 from CN sts: stitches Rep: repeat

70 WOMANSWAY.IE COMPETITION One lucky reader will win a 12-month supply of New Nordic Hair Volume worth €500. Our hair is our crowning glory and there is nothing worse than when it starts to look dull or lack volume. Perhaps it’s time to nourish from within, after all what you take on the inside can have a great impact on how your hair looks and feels from the outside. New Nordic Hair Volume is an award-winning, natural, clinically proven hair supplement formulated to nourish hair from within. It maintains normal voluminous hair growth and A €500 Hair Volumising Hamper To enter, please answer the following question: NEW NORDIC HAIR VOLUME NOURISHES HAIR FROM WITHIN. TRUE OR FALSE? HOW TO ENTER Email your answer by April 22 to: [email protected] including your name, address and telephone number and labelling your mail ‘The New Nordic 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. Win can maintain visibly thicker, more beautiful and shinier hair. Hair Volume is a blend of natural ingredients and herbal extracts, including biotin, millet, horsetail, and apple extract, rich in procyanidin B2. It also contains zinc, which contributes to the maintenance of normal, healthy looking hair, and copper, which supports normal hair pigmentation. You’ll fi nd New Nordic Hair Volume in health stores and pharmacies nationwide.

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 Brace yourself for an exciting rollercoaster ride. With a Solar Eclipse in your sign, it’s out with the old and in with bold ideas. But as Mars and Saturn join forces, be patient, as delays may cause a few hair-raising moments. Embrace new beginnings and watch as the Sun aligns with Pluto, offering you an elite pass to positive transformation that could turn your life around. TAURUS 21 April – 21 May Eager to fl ip the cosmic switch and fi nd closure on key issues? With a Solar Eclipse expect dynamic change, but also beware of annoying obstacles due to Mars and its merger with Saturn. Connect with a life coach to level up your inner game and seize fresh opportunities. The Sun/Pluto tie can bring a total shift that encourages bold decisions and perhaps a victory dance. GEMINI 22 May – 21 June Get ready to mix and mingle! The Solar Eclipse means it’s time to move in new circles and jazz up your social network. But watch out for annoying hurdles that can upset a key project. Embrace the challenge as a chance to showcase your skills. A Pluto tie hints that you should get prepared for a happening that might see you waltzing into opportunities you’ve long coveted. CANCER 22 June – 23 July Eager to rewrite your job description? The Solar Eclipse enhances your prospects, and some offers may be quite a surprise. With the Sun aligning with Pluto, get set for an event that can fi nd you ascending your career ladder faster than ever before. Also watch out for issues and technical hitches that might obstruct your best-laid plans. You’ll need great patience midweek. LEO 24 July – 23 August Prepare to make yourself heard by roaring outside of your comfort zone. The Aries Solar Eclipse means it’s time to seek out new terrain as you’ll be hot on the trail of success. Even so, there could be one or two fi nance and business delays caused by an awkward Mars tie. Yet there’s also the potential for a positive agreement that may lead to a collaboration you’re very proud of. VIRGO 24 August – 23 September It’s time to let go of what no longer sparks joy. With a Solar Eclipse in Aries, declutter your mind and heart and you’ll be free to explore fresh opportunities. Other people could get in the way of progress as any hurdles you encounter can be down to the Mars/Saturn merger. Plus, get ready for a personal makeover. You’ll soon be strutting your stuff with new-found confi dence. LIBRA 24 September – 23 October Expect a little drama in the relationship department as the Solar Eclipse ushers in new beginnings. This can be a key time for life-changing decisions, so hold onto your heart and your hat. Plus, the Sun/Pluto tieup could fi nd you redefi ning “happily ever after” in the most unexpected ways. Don’t leave deadlines too long as delays may scupper your plans. SCORPIO 24 October – 22 November This week’s Solar Eclipse is like a celestial spring cleaning. It’s out with the old and in with zestier options for work and wellbeing. And with the Sun aligned with personal guide Pluto, you’re also poised to transform your lifestyle into a masterpiece that will leave you so much happier. Yet a romance could seem strained, so go with the fl ow for the coming week or so. SAGITTARIUS 23 November – 21 December Ready to enjoy life? The Solar Eclipse can bring a fresh start concerning hobbies, sports and romance. The Sun links arms with Pluto, so you’re poised to hit the airwaves, sharing your message and turning setbacks into social media offerings worthy of viral fame. Even so, a cautious and halting tie could be a cause of frustration regarding property or household affairs. CAPRICORN 22 December – 20 January Thinking of renovating your place, Capricorn? This week’s Solar Eclipse means a fresh start is on the cards at home. A major declutter means you can replace any junk with more appealing items. A powerful Pluto aspect suggests you’re primed to get moving on a lucrative side hustle that’ll have you turning your passion into cash and making the most of golden opportunities. AQUARIUS 21 January – 19 February The Eclipse in Aries is like a turbo-charged New Moon or a software update, as new beginnings in communication and a chance to adopt a new mindset await. Financial glitches are also possible, so handle such matters with care. You’re poised to take the lead and focus on personal goals. You’ll be inspiring the charge in the revolution towards success and innovation, Aquarius. PISCES 20 February – 20 March The Solar Eclipse in Aries could inspire a fi nancial makeover as new beginnings around earnings and income can show up. Plus, a potent aspect hints that you’re ready to turn your dreams into cash, making waves in the ocean of opportunity like the savvy entrepreneur you sense you might be. You may hold yourself back though, so don’t let debilitating doubts get in the way. WW

ADVICE WOMANSWAY.IE 73 Columnist and trained counsellor Fiona Caine answers another set of reader dilemmas. DearFiona 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. HUSBAND IS AWFUL TO ME AND OUR DAUGHTER I have been married to a monster of a man for almost nine years. In that time he has terrorised me and our eight-year-old daughter, who still wets the bed almost every night. Before we got married, he was kind, gentle and funny. Then, almost to the day we got back from our honeymoon, he changed. My needs, and those of our daughter, became completely subservient to his. And now he does nothing in the house and expects me to do everything around him. I clean, cook, wash, iron and make the beds. That’s bad enough but if his food is late, he gets angry. If any of his clothes are not cleaned or ironed properly, he gets angry. If we make too much noise, he gets angry and shouts at us. If he asks me or my daughter to do something and it’s not done immediately or the way that he wants, he fl ies into a rage. My daughter is terrifi ed of him, and I hate what he’s doing to her. I wish I could do something but I am too scared to stand up to him. I have tried, I really have, to talk to him in his quieter moments, but it always ends the same way with him shouting at me. He’s never hit me, though I am sure he’s wanted to. I can’t say the same about my daughter though, as he does smack her sometimes. I can’t take any more of this but lack the courage to change it. I feel like a coward. Please help. M. O. FIONA SAYS: PLEASE SEEK SUPPORT It must have been hell having to tiptoe around this bully for nine years, and it’s clear it’s battered your self-confi dence. Over the years, I have normally recommended that people make at least one more attempt to rescue a failing relationship or marriage. However, I think you’re way beyond that stage now. Your marriage isn’t failing, it’s failed. In fact, I suggest it never was a marriage in any meaningful sense of the word. It’s been nothing more than domestic abuse and slavery, and you should get out with your daughter as soon as you can. Now I know that might seem like a scary thing to do, but can it be any worse than the nightmare you’re in now? It IS possible to move on. Each year, thousands of women and their children escape destructive relationships like this and go on to lead normal, happy lives without constant threats of abuse. To help you do this, please contact Women’s Aid (womensaid.ie). This organisation can provide safe, temporary accommodation for you and your daughter. Staff can also give you practical and emotional support, along with advice and information. If access to an internet-connected device is diffi cult please use the 24-hour Women’s Aid National Freephone Helpline on 1800 341 900. One fi nal point, it is illegal to smack children in Ireland. Get your daughter out now and let Women’s Aid talk you through your options for a future free of this bully. OVERWHELMED BY DEBTS I got married last year and moved into an apartment with my husband. We both work with good salaries, but somehow have found ourselves in big debt. We struggle to pay our bills and have maxed out our credit cards trying to do so. I really don’t understand why we are in this state, we don’t spend money on any luxuries, just what we need to get by. But still the debt mounts up. I have stopped opening letters because I know they’re only going to contain fi nal demands, and I am frightened and embarrassed by them. What can I do? K. H. FIONA SAYS: YOU CAN GET THERE Please don’t ignore letters. I know it’s worrying, but nothing will be gained by ignoring them, as you need to know what you owe and to whom. Then I suggest you contact the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), visit mabs.ie. There you will fi nd expert debt counsellors who can talk you through the process of setting up a budget for your expenses and paying down your debt. Being in debt is not something to be embarrassed about. The recent steep rise in the cost of living has meant many people are struggling to make ends meet, even those earning reasonable salaries. You CAN deal with this. WW

74 WOMANSWAY.IE “It’s not for any extreme speeds or rewards now, it’s all intrinsic. That’s where I get to think for myself and be free.” Shakes-Drayton, who took part in Channel 4’s Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins last year (“it was brutal”), is still “goal-driven”, however. “I really do think that is how I work best,” she says. “It’s not about pressure, I think it’s just me kind of holding accountability. I have a reason why I’m doing it, you know?” She took part in the London Marathon last year and will soon be tackling the London Landmarks Half Marathon – once again running for pregnancy charity Tommy’s, RUNNING SMART Former Olympian Perri Shakes-Drayton shares top training tips for new runners. Perri and her brother Joshua after Wellbeing finishing the London Marathon announced her retirement in February 2020, quickly realised that training is her “happy place” – even if it did now look a bit different. The London-born 35-year-old – who has a three-year-old son, Matthew, with her husband, former high jumper Mike Edwards – continues: “Then when I was pregnant with my son, I would go for runs, but things became more low-impact and everything slowed down. I was like – oh, this is not the training I’m used to, I’m used to being in pain, you know? But I learned that just movement is important… When Perri ShakesDrayton retired from athletics, she thought her training days were over. “I thought that was it – I’m not interested in more running, that’s me done, don’t talk to me about no gym,” recalls the former Team GB Olympian, who competed in 400m sprints, relays and hurdles, and won three world medals during her career. “Lies!” she adds, laughing. Because although the adjustment “was a bit wonky at times”, Shakes-Drayton, who

RUNNING TIPS WOMANSWAY.IE 75 By Abi Jackson, PA runs – but you never really go the full distance. “Last time I ran the marathon, I had a coach and followed his programme. This year, doing the half, I followed the Nike Run Club training app and it’s been amazing. You’ve got guided runs on there, you’ve got a professional coach kind of talking you through the run. It’s the moments when you’re feeling like ‘I can’t do any more’ – they’re in your head saying, ‘You’ve got this’.” BUILD IN SOME CROSS-TRAINING “I do a lot of strength training. I aim to go three times a week, as well as do my runs. I’m working on the arms, the legs, the calves – because especially for long distances, you need to make sure those parts of your body are strong. It prevents injury. I’ve had a history of knee injury, and I’ve surprised which supports people who’ve lost babies and funds research to help prevent baby loss from happening. It’s a cause close to her heart, after experiencing an ectopic pregnancy – which happens when a fertilised egg gets implanted outside of the womb, leading to pregnancy loss and potentially life-threatening complications. “I didn’t really know what ectopic pregnancy was at the time,” ShakesDrayton recalls. “And then from sharing my story, a lot of people came forward saying, ‘Yes, it’s happened to me too’. So I thought, why not continue to spread awareness? “Obviously, I’ve not tried for a baby since, I’m enjoying my life with my one son,” she adds. “But who knows what the future holds.” Becoming a parent has made her “see joy in life” differently, she says. “I feel like my childlike side has come out a little bit more now. We go on what I call adventures, me and my son, we’re always out and about – the theatre, the museum, play dates. “I like to see and explore the world, and I feel like having my son, I get to share it with him, so life is different in that sense,” Shakes-Drayton smiles. “It’s still active, but in a slowed down version.” PERRI-SHAKES DRAYTON’S TOP TRAINING TIPS FOR NEW RUNNERS Entering your fi rst race this spring or summer? Whether it’s 5k or a marathon, doing some prep will stand you in good stead. HAVE A TRAINING PLAN “Defi nitely set a training plan. Don’t go out there thinking, ‘Right, I’m going to aim to just run this distance’, whether it’s 10k, a half marathon or a marathon. A training plan gives you breakdowns of how you’re going to get there – and that may be shorter runs, interval runs, speed runs and longer myself that I’m able to go and do these distances and not have knee issues – and that’s because I continue to do the strength programme. There’s also times when I ride my bicycle instead of running – that’s another form of cardio.” REMEMBER EVERYONE HAS OFF DAYS “I know all about that… There’s been times where I’m like, ‘I just can’t, I don’t know if I’ve got the motivation or strength’. And actually, I listen to my body – a couple of days off is fi ne. What I’ve realised is, when I go back into the training, I’ve got this burst of energy, you’re excited to be going on a run. And you don’t lose your fi tness in that time, you really don’t. So do not beat yourself up for taking a few days off. What is more damaging is not listening to your body, going ahead and doing it, and then you end up injuring yourself.” TEST OUT YOUR FUELLING STRATEGY IN ADVANCE “When I do my long runs, the only thing I’ll be implementing [in terms of extra fuel] is gels – but what people really shouldn’t do is try new things on the day. You have to practise these things – try different brands beforehand, do you like the fl avour, is it agreeing with you? Electrolytes, the same, that’s another thing I like to do because we lose a lot of salts when we’re running – but don’t be trying these things out for the fi rst time on the day. “In terms of eating, I always make sure I have my three meals a day, get that protein in, get the carbohydrates in, a balanced diet. But generally, it’s all about eating. You do so many miles, it’s not about you saying, ‘Oh I’m not gonna eat that’. Eat the food!” EMBRACE THE ATMOSPHERE “I train a lot with music, but when it came to me running a full marathon, I was like, I don’t need this – I want to take in the atmosphere and the surroundings and everyone cheering me on. I think that’s what got me going. When you’ve got people running next to you, you kind of feed off one another, and it’s so nice hearing your name being cheered [so have your name on your top!], strangers saying ‘You’ve got this, you can do this’. It really makes a world of difference.” WW Competing in the 2016 British Championships With husband Mike Edwards

76 WOMANSWAY.IE with symptoms including breathlessness, fainting, fatigue and swollen legs and ankles, as well as mobility diffi culties as symptoms worsen. There’s no cure but lifestyle measures and medical treatments can help manage symptoms and slow progression. “Heart failure usually occurs as the end result of a number of potential underlying causes. The most common of which are high blood pressure and coronary artery disease (atherosclerotic plaques in the heart arteries leading to HAVE A HEART Many heart failure risk factors are preventable so here’s how to reduce the risk. progression. “Heart failure usually occurs as the end result of a number of potential underlying causes. The most common of which (atherosclerotic plaques in the heart arteries leading to Dr Shireen Kassam heart failure was used. The researchers hope a blood test for NPY could be used in clinics within fi ve years. So, what exactly is heart failure, and how can you reduce your risk? WHAT IS HEART FAILURE? Heart failure means the heart is no longer able to pump blood around the body properly, usually as a result of becoming weak or stiff (for example, after a heart attack or due to high blood pressure). It can come on suddenly or gradually, Over 10,000 people are diagnosed annually with heart failure in Ireland – but now a simple new blood test could help identify those who are at greater risk of dying from the condition. A study funded by the British Heart Foundation and published in the European Journal of Heart Failure, found patients with the highest levels of a protein called neuropeptide Y (NPY) were 50 per cent more likely to die from a heart complication, compared to those with lower levels. Data from over 800 people at various stages of

Á WELLBEING WOMANSWAY.IE 77 By Yolanthe Fawehinmi, PA recommended to reduce salt intake, preferably by reducing the use of table salt and relying on the naturally occurring sodium in foods for adequate sodium intake.” Keep an eye on processed foods that also have a lot of ‘hidden’ salt too, such as bread, sauces, ready-meals and processed meats. EATING A DIET RICH IN HEALTHY PLANT FOODS “This means that you are focusing your diet on foods that are low in calories yet high in healthy nutrients,” says Kassam. “These health-promoting nutrients include narrowing and subsequent heart attacks),” says Dr Shireen Kassam, consultant haematologist, certifi ed lifestyle medicine physician and founder of Plant-Based Health Professionals. “Other causes include diseases of the heart muscle itself (cardiomyopathy), heart valve diseases, abnormal heart rhythms and congenital causes.” HOW CAN YOU PREVENT HEART FAILURE? Start by avoiding tobacco and nicotine use. “Studies show that the nicotine in smoking products can contribute to the release of adrenaline, which can cause higher blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart failure,” says Carolina Goncalves, superintendent pharmacist at Pharmica. “There is also research to suggest tobacco smoke can damage the walls of the arteries, forcing the heart to beat harder to pump blood around the body (higher blood pressure), which in turn can cause heart failure. “It is clear that avoiding tobacco and nicotine, either by reducing or eliminating the use of cigarettes and vapes, can reduce the probability of heart failure.” REDUCE SALT INTAKE Excessive salt consumption is also linked with high blood pressure and higher risk of various heart problems. “There is also research to suggest that high salt intake can contribute to left ventricle hypertrophy, which refers to the thickening of the walls of the left ventricle. This forces the heart to pump harder than normal, increasing the risk of failure,” adds Goncalves. While some salt is essential, we generally get what we need without having to add more. Goncalves says: “It is therefore “Chronic stress is associated with higher levels of inflammation in the body, and stress can cause excessive levels of adrenaline” Carolina Goncalves fi bre, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and antiinfl ammatory compounds. In contrast, you avoid or minimise harmful nutrients found in animalsourced foods and ultraprocessed foods, such as saturated fat, haem iron, additives and preservatives. “As a consequence, plant-based diets have been shown to reduce infl ammation, reduce insulin resistance, help to maintain a healthy weight, support better health of the gut microbiome and favourably alter gene expression. Together this signifi cantly reduces the risk of chronic conditions, including heart failure.” MANAGE STRESS LEVELS While it’s not always clear exactly how stress affects our health, it is linked with a lot of things that may contribute to heart problems. For example, chronic stress is associated with higher levels of infl ammation in the body, and Goncalves notes that stress can cause excessive levels of adrenaline – a hormone that makes the heart beat faster and causes vasoconstriction (constriction of the blood vessels). “This results in higher blood pressure,” she adds. “Consider meditating and engaging in deep breathing exercises to stay calm and prevent the frequent release of adrenaline into the bloodstream,” suggests Goncalves. “If an individual experiences chronic stress, it may be worth speaking with close ones or a counsellor to talk through and fi nd solutions to what might be causing the stress.” BE MINDFUL OF ALCOHOL INTAKE “Alcohol consumption is more likely than not to harm health,” says Kassam. “It is a key risk factor for developing high blood pressure and heart failure. It can also cause abnormal heart rhythms and adversely affect the heart muscle.” ENGAGE IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY Regular physical activity – current recommendations suggest 150 minutes of moderately vigorous activity, alongside two to three episodes of muscle strengthening exercise per week – is also key. “This helps to maintain healthy blood pressure, reduce infl ammation and insulin resistance, can help support healthy body weight, keep hormone levels stable, lower blood lipid levels, and favourably affect the gut microbiome,” says Kassam. “Regular physical activity is key for supporting heart health and preventing heart failure.” WW

78 WOMANSWAY.IE “We need to start talking more about sex and the very real impact cancer can have on people’s sexual wellbeing and relationships. We know that many people fi nd it hard to raise these issues with their partner or people close to them, and that’s where we can come in.” The data showed that only 39 per cent of people who actually want support around sex, intimacy and fertility concerns have actually been supported, which leaves thousands trying to navigate these issues on their own. So, how can cancer affect intimacy and sexual wellness, and why is it important to get support? Experts explain how a cancer diagnosis can affect intimacy and romantic relationships. SEXUAL HEALING sex, intimacy and fertility concerns have actually been supported, which leaves thousands trying to navigate these issues on their own. and why is it important to get support? Dr Hannah Tharmalingam Furthermore, 28 per cent of people living with cancer who are in relationships and have serious sex or fertility concerns, fear it could make them grow distant from their partner. With many people “suffering in silence” about these issues, the charity wants to help break the taboo and encourage more open conversation. “We know that for many, sex and intimacy following a diagnosis is a huge concern and thousands of people with cancer are suffering in silence, causing a huge amount of stress and anxiety,” said Tracey Palmer, Macmillan information and support manager at Whittington Health NHS Trust. Cancer can impact a person’s life in many ways, including sexual function and confi dence. Almost 23 per cent of people living with cancer are concerned about their sex lives or romantic relationships, a charity suggests. According to Macmillan Cancer Support, who released the research as part of a new partnership with sexual wellness brand Lovehoney, 62 per cent are struggling with the physical effects of treatment on their ability to be intimate, 34 per cent feel their confi dence has been affected, and 29 per cent feel insecure about their appearance or desirability due to cancer.

WOMANSWAY.IE 79 By Yolanthe Fawehinmi, PA WELLBEING depending on the type of cancer and treatment they have.“Hormonal changes are particularly common for people who experience breast cancer, prostate cancer and gynaecological cancers. Side-effects can include being put into medical menopause, which can lead to changes in sexual function, including vaginal dryness,” Tharmalingam added. “Surgical treatment can signifi cantly impact your sex life. This can include surgery to the vagina, anus or head and neck, mastectomies, stomas and nerve damage, and radiotherapy to the pelvic area can affect the tissue in the sexual organs. “If you are having treatment for gynaecological, bowel, or bladder cancers, you may have late effects. These are side-effects that sometimes occur years/ decades after treatment – so much so that people don’t realise the sexual issues they have can be related to their previous cancer.” BODY IMAGE CAN PLAY A BIG PART Tharmalingam says cancer can also affect appearance for some people, from body parts being surgically removed to hair loss and skin changes, all of which can impact how someone feels about intimacy. “Cancer often puts a huge amount of stress on the person diagnosed and those around them. It can impact mental health and fundamentally change relationship dynamics,” she explained. CANCER CAN HAVE A HUGE IMPACT According to Dr Hannah Tharmalingam, national clinical adviser at Macmillan, cancer and cancer treatment can have a huge impact on sexual wellbeing. “It can affect confi dence and body image, cause changes to how the body works or looks, and have a knock-on effect on fertility and personal relationships,” said Tharmalingam. “Many changes caused by cancer treatment are temporary, and some people will fi nd their sex life goes back to the way it was before they were diagnosed. For others, these issues can last a long time after they are treated, or perhaps even be permanent.” TREATMENT SIDE-EFFECTS CAN VARY The impact on individuals may also vary Seek medical support if necessary BREAKING THE SILENCE Raising awareness and opening up the conversation and avenues to support are key. Tharmalingam said: “We know that issues around sex, relationships and cancer are major concerns for many people with cancer and their partners, with many struggling with issues like hugely reduced self-confi dence and serious worries about romantic relationships – but these issues aren’t being spoken about enough, or people aren’t being offered enough support. “Through this campaign, we want to encourage more people to get talking about these issues to break down the taboos, so more people with cancer feel empowered to open up about concerns they have and access the support they need. “We also want cancer professionals to feel well-equipped and confi dent to answer questions and broach the topic of sex and relationships with their patients, as we know this can sometimes be overlooked when focusing on other parts of a patient’s diagnosis and treatment.” ASKING FOR SUPPORT Tharmalingam understands it can be diffi cult for some people to start a conversation about sex with their healthcare team. “People may feel uncomfortable talking about something so personal. But it is important to get the right information when you need it. You can ask your healthcare team about anything before, during or after cancer treatment,” Tharmalingam said. “If your sexual wellbeing has been affected by your cancer diagnosis or treatment, talk to your GP, cancer doctor or specialist nurse, or your local sexual health service.” WW Need to talk? The Irish Cancer Society Support Line Freephone is 1800 200 700 and is available from Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm.

80 WOMANSWAY.IE enable those with ADHD to start their day on a positive note, leaving them with greater energy and focus for the rest of the day so they can go out and let their talent shine,” Lloyd said. Thompson, also a former Made in Chelsea star, added: “My ADHD can make it difficult for me to leave the house as I can get easily distracted and overwhelmed with my thoughts running a million miles an hour. “Setting up an Alexa routine has been transformative for my mornings, and I think so many others with ADHD would benefit from using this guide.” But if you have ADHD, how can you build PAYING ATTENTION TO ADHD There are ways to help those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Health new short film – to publish an online guide. People who own the smart speaker can ask, “Alexa, I have ADHD, can you help me get organised?”, and they will receive a list of suggested features that can support them, including reminders, calendar markers, setting focus time and other organisational tasks to help them each day. Neurodivergent people process, learn and behave differently to the average “neurotypical” person. But according to Dr Tony Lloyd, chief executive of the ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity, one in 20 people live with ADHD. “Support from Alexa in the morning will People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) tend to struggle with their attention span, hyperactivity and impulsivity. A new Amazon campaign has been launched to highlight the functions its Alexa virtual assistant has that can support people who suffer from ADHD. In celebration of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, the technology company has collaborated with the ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! winner, Sam Thompson – who has opened up about living with ADHD in a

HEALTH WOMANSWAY.IE 81 By Yolanthe Fawehinmi, PA your environment to limit distractions.” EXERCISE IN THE MORNING Apart from setting a consistent time to wake up, McIntosh encourages people with ADHD to also consider some morning exercise to help regulate the body’s internal clock. “Engaging in physical activity helps to boost dopamine levels, which can help with focus and mood regulation. Likewise, spending a few minutes practising mindfulness or meditation to calm the mind and improve focus can be of great benefi t and set you on the right path for the day ahead,” she said. “In terms of breakfast, it is important to eat a nutritious breakfast to fuel your body and brain.” a better morning routine that sets you up for a great day? Health experts explain everything you need to know… WHAT IS ADHD? According to Dr Seb Thompson, consultant clinical psychologist at Cygnet Health Care, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts someone’s attention and their levels of hyperactivity and impulsivity. “Typically, when someone has ADHD they tend to struggle with their attention span, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, although it is possible to just struggle with symptoms from one specifi c domain (e.g. just symptoms of inattentiveness). “ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, which means that there needs to be evidence of the presence of these traits before the age of 12. Usually, these traits are present much earlier in childhood, although a typical ADHD assessment would tend not to occur before the age of seven years old.” HAVE A VISUAL OR WRITTEN CHECKLIST For educational psychologist Dr Patricia Britto, establishing a consistent, non-negotiable routine is vital as it helps individuals with ADHD regulate the brain’s circadian rhythm. “This can have a positive ripple effect on their sleep patterns and promotes overall wellbeing. Having a routine also enhances time-management skills, as it provides predictability when engaging in a sequence of activities, such as getting dressed in the morning and being on time,” said Britto. “A visual or written checklist of tasks to achieve in the morning is highly critical. It is essential to tick off the visual or written checklist as one progresses through a morning routine.” Charlene McIntosh, lead psychologist at Cygnet Health Care, is in agreement and added: “Task prioritisation is really important. Make a list of tasks for the day and prioritise them based on importance and urgency. Utilise visual cues, such as sticky notes or a whiteboard, to remind yourself of important tasks or appointments. “You can also break larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed and look around and urgency. Utilise visual cues, Dr Patricia Britto “Establishing a consistent, non-negotiable routine helps individuals with ADHD regulate the brain” USE A TIMER OR ALARM Individuals with ADHD should use a timer or alarm to help them monitor their ability to stick to a plan and a routine. “At the end of each morning, individuals with ADHD should refl ect and evaluate how well they are sticking to a routine, and do more of what works. Individuals need to refl ect, get to know themselves, and stick to what works,” said Britto. “Equally, individuals with ADHD should identify one aspect of their morning routine that does not work and focus on changing that area.” IDENTIFY WHAT MOTIVATES YOU For Britto, individuals with ADHD need to identify what motivates them to follow a routine. “For example, some may fi nd listening to music helpful in sticking to a task, while others may fi nd it distracting. Finding internal motivation, such as reaching a personal goal or feeling accomplished, is vital,” she said. “There is no right or wrong answer; however, searching for the most effective motivator is critical, and the likelihood of a successful morning routine will increase.” KEEP THINGS SIMPLE Another tip from psychotherapist and co-host of the Insight Podcast, Helen Villiers, is to keep things as simple as possible. “To minimise transitions, reduce your choices, which will minimise overwhelm and analysis paralysis, and use punishments, not rewards for not completing a task,” said Villiers. “The ADHD brain unfortunately responds a lot better to punishment than reward, so telling yourself ‘I can’t have X if I don’t do Y’ will be much more effective than the other way round. This isn’t an opportunity for you to be mean to yourself though.” WW

82 WOMANSWAY.IE type 2 diabetes for an off-label purpose, and warns: “Medical experts caution against the casual use of such medications without a proper understanding of their effects and potential risks. While Ozempic has shown effectiveness in weight loss, primarily due to its appetite-suppressing properties, it also carries risks including, but not limited to, potential gastrointestinal side-effects. “It’s crucial to approach Ozempic with a comprehensive understanding of its potential side-effects and THE SKINNY ON WEIGHT-LOSS JABS What are appetite-suppressing injections and who can use them? weight loss, primarily due to its appetite-suppressing properties, it also carries risks including, but not limited to, potential gastrointestinal side-effects. approach Ozempic with a comprehensive understanding of its potential side-effects and Dr Babk Ashrafi Excellence (NICE). Ozempic, however, can only be prescribed for patients with type 2 diabetes, and isn’t licensed as a weight-loss drug in Ireland, the UK or the US, although the UK government acknowledges: “It is not authorised for weight loss, but it is used offlabel for that purpose.” Dr Alexis Missick from the online pharmacy, UK Meds, says there are ongoing discussions about the appropriateness and safety of using a drug intended for Appetite-suppressing drugs are increasingly becoming a hot topic of conversation. Ozempic is the most famous, and weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Saxenda are available in the UK on the NHS, while Saxenda is also available on prescription in Ireland. If they are prescribed alongside a reduced-calorie diet, increased physical activity and behavioural support, people taking them can lose more than 10 per cent of their body weight after a year, according to the National Institute for Health and Care

HEALTH WOMANSWAY.IE 83 By Lisa Salmon, PA to use it under strict medical supervision and guidance.” SO HOW DO WEIGHT-LOSS INJECTIONS WORK? Dr Babak Ashrafi from Superdrug Online Doctor explains that a hormone called GLP-1 is released by the guts when we eat, and weight-loss injections are what’s called ‘GLP-1 analogues’, which mimic the hormone. “GLP-1 is a hormone produced in the small and large intestines, and it plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas,” he says. “Additionally, GLP-1 slows down gastric emptying and signals satiety to the brain, which contributes to a feeling of fullness and satisfaction after eating. “Synthetic analogues of GLP-1 replicate the effects of the natural hormone telling your brain you are full and satisfi ed.” WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM WEIGHTLOSS INJECTIONS? NICE has issued guidance for semaglutide injections like Wegovy recommending them for adults with at least one weightrelated condition and a body mass index (BMI) of at least 35. In some cases, those with a BMI of 30 may be able to access the injections. “They are typically recommended for people who have not achieved suffi cient weight loss through diet and exercise alone, with the aim of improving their overall health and quality of life,” says Ashrafi . HOW LONG DO YOU TAKE THE INJECTIONS FOR? This varies from person to person, but the NICE guidelines say semaglutide should be used for a maximum of two years. “It is typical to start seeing signifi cant changes in your weight within the fi rst six months,” says Ashrafi .”If you haven’t achieved a weight loss of fi ve to 10 per cent by that time – a goal that most patients in the studies have reached – then this medication might not be suitable for you. It’s advisable to discontinue it and explore alternative treatment options.” According to NICE, people on the weekly injections saw their weight drop by 12 per cent on average after 68 weeks. “It’s crucial to approach Ozempic with a comprehensive understanding of its potential side-effects” WHAT ARE THE SIDE-EFFECTS? Because the drug acts on the gut, sideeffects can include nausea, heartburn and constipation, although Ashrafi says these do tend to get better with time and hydration. “It is common for people to unintentionally reduce their daily fl uid intake as a result of having a reduced appetite. This can result inexperiencing bloating, irregular bowel movements and stomach irritation,” he explains. In addition, there may be brain-related side effects like headaches and fatigue, and Ashrafi warns: “This is due to their impact on central nervous system receptors. Fluctuations in blood sugar levels resulting from changes to insulin and glucagon levels may also contribute to these symptoms. “Eating small nutritious meals regularly instead of larger meals three times a day is a great way to combat this.” ANYTHING ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW? When it was announced that semaglutide, also known as Wegovy, was to be made available on prescription through the NHS in the UK, the news prompted reaction from academics and charities. Dr Stephen Lawrence, associate clinical professor at the University of Warwick, warned previously that the medication is “not a quick fi x or a replacement for following a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular physical activity and healthy eating”. Eating disorder charity Beat also raised concerns about Wegovy. However, Alex Miras, professor of endocrinology at Ulster University, hailed the decision by NICE as “a pivotal moment for the treatment of people living with obesity”. WW

84 WOMANSWAY.IE ‘Oh no, you’re the contestant from Blind Date, not interested’. “Eventually, I earned the reputation of being a presenter – but I was then only known for the programme I’d just done. I went on to do documentaries and consumer shows for ITV, then tried to move into travel and light-hearted things, and they went, ‘Oh, you’re a bit serious for this’. Eventually they gave me a shot, and as a TV presenter after appearing as a contestant on Blind Date as an 18-year-old student, eventually working on shows including GMTV and This Morning before shifting to radio (she currently hosts Smooth Radio’s breakfast show). She recalls: “When I started, I was doing an action-adrenaline sports show on BBC Scotland, and it was brilliant, but I had come from Blind Date and people were like, J enni Falconer does not believe we should ever put ourselves in a box. “If you have an opportunity, then go for it,” says the Scottish presenter and podcaster. “Because you never know how many opportunities you’re going to have.” Being pigeon-holed is something she’s quite familiar with from years of working in TV. Falconer, now 48, began working RUNNING TOWARDS SUCCESS RUNNING TOWARDS Scottish presenter Jenni Falconer has written a book about the joy of running.

IN PERSON WOMANSWAY.IE 85 Runner’s High: How To Squeeze The Joy From Every Step by Jenni Falconer is published by Orion Spring, priced €24.65. By Abi Taylor, PA Available now. then I got known for doing travel. “Honestly – you’re only known for your last show. That happened for years and years,” adds Falconer, who also has a daughter, Ella, 12, with her husband, former Coronation Street actor James Midgley. “I have no problem being known for doing something, but everyone’s capable of doing so much more.” It’s something she’s discovered fi rsthand in recent years. In 2019, Falconer launched RunPod, her running podcast in which she chats with guests who share her love of running (she’s been a keen runner since her late teens), and the following year launched collagen supplement brand, Kollo Health. Both have been a success – but that’s not to say Falconer doesn’t fi nd trying new things scary. “My husband is actually very good, because he encourages me to try new things. I’m quite terrifi ed of change,” she admits. “I’m like – ohhh I don’t know, what if it doesn’t work? What if I make this change and it’s a massive disaster? “I launched the supplement brand with my husband, actually we did that four years ago and it’s now a huge part of our lives. “But if you’d asked me 10 years ago if I’d be running a business, turning over a lot of money and that we’d have like, eight staff, I would never have believed you. And if you told me I’d have a podcast, and I’d have a book, I would never have believed you. So, I think sometimes you just have to try things.” The book – Falconer’s fi rst, called Runner’s High – brings together everything she’s learned from her own experiences as a lifelong devotee, and from speaking with various podcast guests over the years (recent famous names on the series have included sports presenter Gabby Logan, The Traitors contestant Diane Carson, and TV personality and DJ Gok Wan, who just recently started jogging). Part-guide, part-running memoir, it also weaves in stories from other runners – covering training, kit essentials, the devastation and learning curves of injuries and everything in-between, and ultimately the reward that comes from pulling on your trainers and getting out there, whether it’s a gentle pavement plod once a week or chasing PBs (personal bests) in a marathon. “The minute I tell anyone I’ve done a book, they’re like, ‘Is it about running?’ I’m like, ‘Oh, how did you know?’,” laughs Falconer, who’ll be doing her ninth London Marathon in April. It’s no surprise she gets this reaction, though. “I can’t really pinpoint a precise moment, but I started running and then within a year, everyone just knew I ran, that became a thing. My family knew, my work colleagues knew,” she recalls. “I think it’s because wherever you go, you take your running kit and you fi nd a window, you just see running opportunities everywhere. “I’ve always tried to run my commute home, whether it was from GMTV or This Morning, or now the radio.” She wanted the book to feel inclusive and appeal to all runners – regardless of how fast/slow someone is or the distances they’ve completed. “That really was key to me. When I fi rst had meetings with the publishers, I said, ‘You’ve got to realise that I’ve created a podcast that is wholly inclusive’. I want to chat to people who are Olympians who’ve won gold medals for running, but I also want to chat to people who hate running – who have just started, aren’t enjoying it, but some for some reason they keep coming back. “Because running is so benefi cial to so many people, and there are so many joys to it, and there are also moments when everyone hates it,” Falconer adds. “But it doesn’t matter whether you are a newbie, whether you’re a rubbish runner but you give it your best shot, or whether you’re at the top of your game, there is something in it for everyone.” She gets that “there is a lot of fear of failure”, which can often hold us back from doing things, in case they’re not ‘good’ at them. “So, I wanted to do a book that reminded people it doesn’t really matter, because the only person you’re competing against is yourself. Don’t worry about how your mate’s doing, because they’ve got a different journey to you.” Although running’s always been a big part of her life, its overlap with Falconer’s career wasn’t something she’d previously envisioned. “I think that’s what’s a total joy about it,” she says. “People always say, if you can turn your passion into your work, you’re winning – and I never once thought that running could be something I’d do in a work capacity, it’s just something I’ve always done.” She’s a “different person” after a run. “A lot of people go to the gym and they feel good, or go for a swim, some people go for a walk. Some people write journals, some people meditate,” says Falconer. “My meditation is running.” WW At the Plaza Suite gala performance in January 2024 At the London Landmarks Half Marathon 2023

86 WOMANSWAY.IE Trinny a lifelong passion to fi gure out what works for her. She launched her brand, which is targeted at women over 35, with makeup in 2017, followed by skincare in 2022. She posts her routines almost daily for her 1.2 million Instagram followers, and has racked up an army of loyal fans. BEING HONEST Refreshingly, she doesn’t use the phrase ‘anti-ageing’ (“I’ve got eye wrinkles now and they don’t bother me one bit”) it’s about what suits our skin as we get older. But she’s very open about the fact that she does Botox twice a year, alongside a comprehensive skincare routine. “I’ve actually never gone to bed without TIPS Trinny’ s Fashion and beauty queen Trinny Woodall says that her 60s are a freeing decade. of presenting duo Trinny and Susannah (Constantine) on the Noughties makeover show, What Not To Wear, and founded beauty empire Trinny London in her 50s, says she’s “more confi dent” as she enters this new decade – in her skin and herself. “I feel that I really know who I am. The benefi t of age is you really discover who you are. And you don’t worry what people think. In my 20s, I defi nitely didn’t have that selfbelief. “I found 50 to be quite a freeing decade, and I fi nd this to be an even more freeing decade.” Although she didn’t feel skin confi dent until the age of 30, after years of suffering from acne, which was “very debilitating – I tried every single thing for my skin”, it gave Trinny Woodall may have just turned 60, but there’s no way she’s going grey. “Everyone’s entitled to how they want to age – some people might say, ‘Trinny, why do you keep dyeing your hair? You should go grey naturally’. Not in a million years! I have s***** coloured grey hair, I’m not going to do that. I don’t love grey hair on me.” Woodall, who rose to fame as one half

IN PERSON WOMANSWAY.IE 87 By Lavuren Taylor, PA But the sheer amount of different active ingredients on the market these days can feel overwhelming, so what’s key for her? “Having a very good mixture of exfoliating acids is crucial. I don’t particularly love glycolic acid because I fi nd it’s a very abrasive acid. I love other AHAs [alpha hydroxy acids] like mandelic and malic. Many women come and say, ‘Oh my skin is dry’ and I feel their face and I think, no, you’ve got too many dead skin cells on your skin, there’s a difference.” But don’t believe any claims that topical collagen works, she says. “The biggest con in history is putting collagen on your face, because it’s such a big molecule size, it won’t go in and when you see collagen creams, please don’t get them, because they won’t do anything. “I’m quite into lymphatic drainage of the body so I do this tapping on my clavicle, on my ear, in my thigh, under my armpit, I rub and I tap 10 times,” something she does as part of her morning routine. After a cleanser, “I put on a layer of skincare, clear my lymph [with tapping], then put on a PHA [polyhydroxy acids], a vitamin C, a peptide, then an SPF” – leaving two to three minutes between each – “I want those ingredients to go in”. In the evenings, Woodall tends to complete her skincare routine over a period of time. “I get home and do the fi rst bits [of a routine] and then I go and do stuff in the house. You want to take the day off, you know. It’s quite a nice, ritualistic thing to switch between work mode, energetic mode, and ‘I’m back home’ mode. “I’ll do my fi rst acid, then I’ll really let that sink in before I put on a peptide, I’ll brush my teeth, take my supplements, do a couple of emails… I do microneedling every four nights, very gently.” It’s a long way from the “dirty old sponge” she used to put on her face in the Nineties, “bacteria washing around my face, and I would have a bath and there would be that ring of fake tan around the bath – it was indelible”. One of the key things she’s done for her skin, and health in general, is cut down on sugar. “I just think it’s worse than smoking,” Woodall says. “Things do change when you’re 60, you know what’s going to cause infl ammation in your body and you need to avoid it because infl ammation leads to many things that are not that pleasant. So the more I can keep my body in an alkaline state, the better. “Although, this weekend I actually relapsed on sugar, I went to the mountains and there was a patisserie and I just went insane.” WW Trinny Woodall is running an ‘Elevator Pitch’ series on Instagram to give budding female entrepreneurs the chance to pitch their business in 60 seconds, providing tailored feedback in return. Visit @trinnylondon. taking my makeup off. From my 20s, I’ve always had a routine that is sort of three or four steps,” Woodall says, although the active ingredients available now go far beyond the threestep Clinique routine she used in 1979. “As much as I do Botox, you know, I’ve had CO2 laser for my acne scarring, the consistency of my skin is down to ingredients I continually put on my face every day. “I have one or two friends in the acting profession and I know they don’t have a good skincare routine and they do Botox and whatever. And on screen they look great, but I look at their skin close-up and I see congested skin. I don’t see a clear, vibrant, energetic skin,” she says, while adding that we have to look after it, as “it’s our biggest living organ”. “The benefit of age is you really discover who you are. And you don’t worry what people think”

88 WOMANSWAY.IE Celebrities including Florence Pugh, Cate Blanchett and Margot Robbie have worn Dries Van Noten’s designs. Sadly, after 38 years, Belgian designer Dries Van Noten is stepping down as creative director of his namesake fashion brand. “In the early ’80s, as a young guy in Antwerp, my dream was to have a voice in fashion. Through a journey that brought me to London, Paris and beyond, and with the help of countless supportive people, that dream has come true. Now, I want to shift my focus to all the things I never had the time for,” Van Noten, 65, wrote in a letter posted to his Instagram. He will step down at the end of June. His last offi cial collection will be the next menswear spring/summer 2025 collection, set to show in Paris in June, and Van Noten added: “The women’s spring/summer 2025 collection will be made by my studio team with whom I have been working very closely during all these years. I have full confi dence that they will do a great job.” FRESH START This doesn’t mark the end of the Dries Van Noten fashion brand. Instead, a new creative director will be announced in due course, and Van Noten said he will “stay involved in the House that I treasure so much”. Van Noten graduated from the fashion design course at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Belgium in 1981 and debuted his fi rst collection fi ve years later. He opened his fl agship store in Antwerp in 1989, and became part of ‘The Antwerp Six’ – a collective of Belgian creatives who were changing the face of fashion, including Walter Van Beirendonck, Ann Demeulemeester, Dirk Van Saene, Dirk Bikkembergs and Marina Yee. He made his debut at Paris Fashion Week in 1991 with a menswear collection, following DARING DRIESMargot Robbie, Birds of Prey premiere, 2020 As the Belgian fashion designer steps down, here are some of Dries Van Noten’s most memorable looks.

FASHION WOMANSWAY.IE 89 By Prudence Wade, PA two years later with womenswear, fast becoming a mainstay on the schedule. Fashion fi rm Puig acquired a majority share in the brand in 2018. Over the years, Van Noten has built up a reputation as a quietly experimental fashion designer. He blends the old with the new in his designs and plays around with silhouettes – particularly seen in the ballooning, oversized shapes of coats and sleeves at his recent Paris Fashion Week show in February. Florals are a recurring theme in his clothes, with Van Noten saying he was often inspired by the fl owers in his own garden. While Van Noten’s work isn’t a red carpet mainstay like some of the other major brands on the Paris Fashion Week calendar, when celebrities do choose to wear his designs, they certainly make an impact. Florence Pugh was nominated for a BAFTA for her role as Amy March in Little Women back in 2020, and she brought a welcome splash of colour to the red carpet in her pink and black Van Noten creation. A fuchsia dress-meets-cape was worn over a black mini dress, with the voluminous sleeves and bow detailing giving a subtle nod to Amy March’s fashion. Pink and black was evidently central to Van Noten’s work in 2020, as Margot Robbie also wore that colour combination to the London premiere of Birds Of Prey the same year. Her full black skirt was paired with a feathered bralette – tapping into the trend for underwear as outerwear – and worn with hot pink opera gloves. Cate Blanchett chose to wear Dries Van Noten to the Oscars in 2008, when she was pregnant with her third child, Ignatius. The midnight blue satin-look gown had an empire line to fi t her bump and gold accents – particularly in the form of sequinned fl owers on the skirt. In a more recent red carpet example of Van Noten fl orals, Kirsten Dunst wore an elegant gown with purple fl owers and green leaves to the Baby2Baby Gala in November 2023. In May 2022, Noomi Rapace wore one of the less understated Van Noten creations to the Cannes Film Festival: a navy and white fl oral print dress with dramatic oversized sleeves and statement red gloves. WW S DEPARTS Florence Pugh at the BAFTAs, 2020 Kirstin Dunst, Baby2Baby Gala, 2023 Cate Blanchett at the 2008 Oscars Noomi Rapace, Cannes Film Festiva , 2022

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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 Cycle a marshalled 80km cycle route around Clare on April 20 to raise funds for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association. Starting from McMahons Bar in Ardnacrusha, the route will cover 80k in total, going outbound to Mountshannon via Broadford with the return leg via Killaloe. Sandwiches and refreshments will be served in Mountshannon and the event will culminate with a barbecue at McMahons. Participation costs €45 and you will be helping 400 families across Ireland living with this terminal condition. See eventbrite.ie/e/oneill-industrial-charitycycle-2024-tickets-846966849647 WW Support Maria Kidney and Brighter Communities Worldwide team in raising funds for a much-needed trauma resuscitation room in Kenya. The need for a centre was highlighted following a horror crash in Londiani last year in which 50 people were WALKING THE WALK Take part in a two-day Walking the Walk charity walk from Mullingar to Maynooth on April 20 - 21 in aid of the As Darragh Did charity. The charity was set up by Andrew McGinley whose children Darragh, Conor and Carla died tragically in January 2020. It aims to fund community clubs and groups across the country to help get people involved in them. The 60km walk will take participants from Mullingar to Longwood and then onto Maynooth. Register on asdarraghdid.ie Our Shoes Donate pre-loved children’s sneakers to Cape Town in South Africa for wear by children in deprived townships. The Sligobased charity, Our Shoes, delivered 20,000 pairs of sports shoes donated by children from all over Ireland last year and has now embarked on its 2024 campaign. Children or parents can bring the shoes to registered schools nationwide, and they will be collected and donated to those in need in the townships. See ourshoes.ie Lord Mayor's Black Tie Charity Ball 2024 Scrub up nicely for the Lord Mayor's Black Tie Charity Ball, which will take place on April 12 at the Rochestown Park Hotel. Tickets are €120 each or €1,200 for a table of 10, and include a drinks reception, four-course dinner and post-dinner entertainment. Proceeds raised will go to the Mercy University Hospital Foundation, The Rainbow Club and Cork Mental Health Foundation. Further info from corkcity.ie killed and hundreds injured. The ‘Little by Little’ Global Giving Campaign runs until April 12 and hopes to raise funds for a dedicated trauma/ resuscitation room where patients can be assessed and managed appropriately. Donate via globalgiving.org/projects/traumaresuscitation-room-for-hospital-in-kenya/ Support Maria Kidney and Brighter Communities Worldwide team in raising funds for a much-needed trauma resuscitation room in Kenya. The need for a centre was highlighted following a horror crash in Londiani last year in which 50 people were based charity, Our Shoes, of sports shoes donated by children from all over Ireland last year and has now embarked on its Brighter Communities Worldwide O'Neill Industrial Charity Cycle 2024

QUICK FIRE 92 WOMANSWAY.IE By Andrea Smith Flo McSweeney has been in the entertainment business for over 40 years as a singer, TV presenter and actress. She will perform with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra in Dublin later this month. Name something you can’t do. That's a long list. Here are just a few. Paint, play golf, water ski, walk in a straight line after wine… What’s the best thing to have happened to you this month? I saw an outdoor mirror in an interiors shop for €250 but I would never spend that much on one. A week later, I went back for something else and there it was in the window for €50 so I bought it. Yes, my life is that exciting. Who was your celebrity crush growing up? My best friend and I were madly in love with Donny Osmond when we were 12. We even fell out over him. Her father used to send her a Valentine’s card from ‘Donny’ and when I told her the truth, she threw all my school books out the window. What have you learned the hard way? I tend to be very trusting of people and have learned that people do not always have your back or want the best for you. Sometimes, it's actually the opposite. When you were 12, what did you want to be when you grew up? A singer. I never wavered. I was a very ordinary child and very shy, but when I sang I felt different - on top of the world, alive. What's your favourite dessert Lemon meringue pie from my sisterin-law Sandra's restaurant, The Anvil in Saggart. Sandra, if you’re reading this, I expect free pie for life. What book are you planning to read next? Barbra Streisand's autobiography. I’m a huge fan and have been since I saw her in the movie Funny Girl. I will need to clear the decks for a few weeks to read this - it's huuuuuge. Who is your favourite solo artist? For the past few years, I have been a staunch admirer of Lady Gaga. She is so gifted and, as a singer, she transcends all genres. What makes you laugh? I love silliness of any kind. My husband makes me laugh as he is possibly the funniest man I know. With words, yes, but it's his physical stuff - mainly mad dancing - that gets me every time. What would you never leave home without? Lipstick, powder compact and brush. I get very shiny and not in a good way. If you could choose somewhere else to live, where would it be? Back in the day I would have said New York, and I would have liked to have been part of the music scene there in the ‘40s and ‘50s. Difficult, as I was born in the ‘60s. Nowadays I would settle for a modern single-storey glass house overlooking the sea, somewhere quiet but not too remote. What age did you have your first kiss and where? I was in a school uniform with knee-high socks, red jumper and navy skirt so that was definitely a senior school uniform. I'm guessing I was around 13. It involved the back of a bicycle shed ... and nettles. Which trend would you like to see disappear forever? Man buns, beards and mullets, and just trends in general. They are usually never a good thing. What’s the most important advice you’d give a teenager? Don't follow trends. Find your own path and sense of self. If you have a sense of self, you’re equipped for anything. WW Flo McSweeney will perform as a special guest of the Nelson Riddle Orchestra at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre on April 28. The concert will feature original Nelson Riddle arrangements for Frank Sinatra, Linda Ronstadt and Nat King Cole, with Tom Cole Junior as MC. Tickets from ticketmaster.ie Flo In Full

LIFESTYLE WOMANSWAY.IE 93 WE TRIED... got messy very fast as the tiles slid off the ones underneath and fell off so I had to quickly rethink my strategy. I cut them into smaller strips, and after I applied each piece, I held on until it began to stick. Then I applied the grout in between the tiles. I sponged over the tiles to clean them off but as they had a rough surface, the grout got stuck in the crevices, which was a pain. MIDWAY THROUGH I decided that I didn’t like the look of the white grout so I got a paint dye from the local DIY shop and dyed the grout lilac. It looked way better than the white so I was pleased. Tiling around the edges and the WHY? I’ve always hated the plain white kitchen splashback tiles that came with my house, which was a new build when I bought it. After over 20 years of being bored by their blandness, the time had come to fi nally give the kitchen the makeover it deserved. I decided to tackle it myself as I love DIY, and as an avid TV home makeover show enthusiast, I garnered a few tips before I got going. HOW? I didn’t want to remove the old tiles from the wall as I reckoned I’d end up pulling the plaster off with it. So I decided to tile over them, hoping that the large white tiles would work in my favour by providing a smooth canvas to work on. I decided to go with small iridescent purple mosaic tiles with a rough surface. That sounds garish but they were really pretty with a pinky-blueygreen shimmer. They came on a mesh backing in square sheets that were 18 inches wide and long, so they could be cut to size. STARTING OUT Armed with tiles, grout, a tile nipper and a grout spreader, I began to apply the grout to the back of the mesh. It plug sockets was tricky, and I had to use the tile nibbler to make things fi t. That was challenging too and I almost took my eye out a couple of times as bits pinged off. There were defi nitely times when I wished I hadn't started or had got a professional in to do the job. END RESULT It took me a fortnight to fi nish the tiling as I was doing it in my spare time. I was delighted with the completed job though. If you look too closely, you’ll see that it hasn't been done by an expert, but from a distance, it looks grand. When the sun shines in on the tiles in the morning, they shimmer beautifully and I love them so much. I was picking grout out of my hair for weeks afterwards but it was defi nitely worth it. WW We’re all about self-improvement at Woman’s Way. In this issue, Andrea Smith tackles her kitchen splashback. DIY Tiling I applied the grout in between the tiles. I sponged over the tiles to clean them I didn’t want to remove the old tiles from the wall smooth canvas to work on. I decided to go with small iridescent purple mosaic tiles with a rough garish but they were really

OPINION 94 WOMANSWAY.IE By Grumpy Old Woman WHY is this a thing? JUDGING WITHOUT FACTS Most of us love a bit of gossip and a dramatic piece of news often adds a touch of colour to a dull day, but we have become far too careless with people’s reputations and feelings. Indeed, we have evolved into a very unfair society that rushes to judge people and situations without being in possession of the facts. Obviously the recent debacle around Kate Middleton’s health is the most obvious example of the cruel ‘sport’ of coming up with salacious and speculative scenarios that have no basis in fact. When she was not seen in public after surgery and issued a Mother’s Day picture that had been tweaked, the British princess and her husband William were subjected to rampant speculation from newspapers, websites, podcasts and social media. Eating disorders, affairs, marriage break-ups - you name it, it was thrown into the mix. When what Kate was actually dealing with was a cancer diagnosis and a perfectly reasonable wish to protect her young children from public discourse around their mum being ill. While Kate was forced to speak out, at least she was in a position to be able to clear up the situation swiftly enough. examples of how being presumed guilty until proven innocent can have a catastrophic effect on people’s lives, unnecessary speculation happens on a daily basis and it drives me mad. Spreading gossip, half-truths and conjecture has become a competitive sport. You see people rush to offer all kinds of half-baked theories about things that intrigue them without a thought for the very real people at the heart of all the gossip. I blame this hounding of people on the constant pressure for online likes and clicks. Every time a suggestive headline appears, people immediately rush to read the piece. For example, if a presenter of Ireland AM is on a day off, the online news sites rush in to query where they are and ask why they have been ‘replaced’. It’s maddening because there is always a perfectly reasonable explanation as to why the person is absent - usually they’re just on holidays - but it gets ratcheted up into a manufactured online drama. The thing is that the more clicks each story generates, the more the site is attractive to advertisers so there is no imperative for the organisations involved to stop publishing nonsensical speculation. Even if real people with feelings end up getting badly damaged by it. WW There are others who live under the cloud of suspicion and allegations for years, and lose jobs and livelihoods because of the speculation and innuendo that engulfs them. It used to be that people were entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, but that has gone by the wayside these days. You only have to look at comedians Al Porter and Sil Fox to see the terrible consequences that arise when people are falsely accused of doing something wrong. They were both accused of sexual assault and judged before the facts were proven, although the men were fortunate in one way - if you could call it that - as CCTV footage ultimately cleared them. It took several years for this to happen though and the damage done to their careers, reputations and mental health in the meantime was appalling. While these cases were very high-profi le

WOMANSWAY.IE 95 OUR GET DATING SPECIAL ISSUE IN OUR NEXT BUMPER ISSUE Spring has fi nally sprung; the birds and the bees are at it again. So here at Woman’s Way Towers we’re getting all lurved up. We fi rmly believe that dating isn’t just for the young ones, or even happy singles. Whether or not you’re in a relationship, getting all dressed up and ‘walking out’ with someone special is something to be treasured (even if that someone special is your own fabulous self). It’s time, ladies, to put on the glad rags and remind yourself that romance is there for us all. Let our next bumper issue inspire you. Don’t miss it! MID-LIFE DATING UNCOVERED Think the young ones have all the fun? Check out our no-holds-barred exposé of how respectable middle-aged ladies play the dating game. FIRST DATE DRESS CODE Naw, we’re not into codes here at WW. We say wear whatever makes you feel good. But if you’re looking for some inspo, we have you covered. MAKEUP MOODS Too much? Too little? Feeling confused about whether to go full on siren or barely there au naturale? We have the lowdown on how to makeup for a hot date. EMPTY NESTING Gwyneth Paltrow caused a stir when she admitted she was dreading the idea of her kids going to college. We ask the experts about how to deal with empty nest syndrome. POET PAM AYRES Yup she’s still going strong. Find out what the people’s poet is up to these days. PLUS Amazing recipes, gardening tips, the latest in interiors, movies, books and much, much more… HITTING THE NEWS STANDS ON APRIL 22