FAMILY, HOME & WELLNESS HAVING A MOMENT IRISH COCKTAILS Lowdown €2000 + AMAZING PRIZES THE EX FACTOR AUTUMN STAYCATIONS OUT OF THE ORDINARY WORTH IT Eat Seasonally HOT BEAUTY PICKS Mindful Moments Mary BACK ON TOUR AND FLYING HIGH BLACK MADE IN OUR MINDFULNESS IRELAND SPECIAL ISSUE THE FINAL LINE UP POWER OF SCENT CHILLED ENERGY STYLE & 48BEAUTY PICKS AUTUMN DELIGHTS Mindful Issue 21 October 9th 2023 €3.50 (NI stg £3)
CONTENTS ON THE COVER Online... womansway.ie Subscribe... 01 4569872 Email... [email protected] Facebook... facebook.com/womansway Twifi er... Womans_way Instagram... Womans_way WIN WIN WIN HOME & GARDEN FOOD & DRINK FASHION & BEAUTY MUM OF THE YEAR AWARDS Twifi er... 54 French Legacy: Home cooking in the Gallic style. 58 Irish Cocktail Hour: New recipes to try. 61 Seasonal Delights: Autumn’s best fruit and veg. 25 Beauty Faves: What the WW crew use on repeat. 28 Autumn Trends: From cola lips to pastel eyes. 30 Style Faves: Rainbow bright. 32 Autumn Accessories: Our top picks. 34 Pre-Loved Pieces: Where to fi nd vintage treasures. 36 Style it up: Design your home like a pro. 62 Daffodil Showdown: The bulbs to plant now. 64 Garden Furniture Storage: Tips to survive winter. 66 Can of Worms: How to set up a wormery. 14 Irish Book Week: Win €100 in book tokens. 22 NUXE: Two €250 skincare hampers are up for grabs. 60 Bondi Sands: Bag yourself a €500 tanning hamper. 70 Elysium: Win a €500 beauty voucher. 4 Mary Black: The Irish folk singer on living her life to the fullest and being a granny. 16 Meet the Finalists: The amazing mums who are in the running. 18 Dream Big: Mum of 12 kids Rosemary Murphy is training to be a doctor. 10 MoodBoard: How switching up décor can change your mood. 22 Demystifying Mindfulness: Living in the moment the simple way. 26 Zen-sational Skincare: The power of scent. Murphy is training to be a doctor. MINDFULNESS SPECIAL ISSUE skincare hampers are up for grabs. 60 Bondi Sands: Bag yourself a €500 tanning hamper. 70 Elysium: a €500 beauty voucher. Mary Black Page 4 Style it up Page 36 skincare hampers are Elysium Page 70 Design your home like a pro. The bulbs to plant French Legacy Page 54
Contact us: Subscriptions, email [email protected]; telephone hotline, 01 465 9872. Woman’s Way queries, email [email protected]; website womansway.ie. Published by Harmonia Limited, printed by Boylan Print Group, distributed by Newspread. Woman’s Way is now a fortnightly magazine. Subscription rates for the Island of Ireland are: Annual €91.00,; Six Months: €45.50; Monthly Payments: €7.58. Woman’s Way Subscriptions Dept, Units 2&3 M50 Business Park, Ballymount Avenue, D12 HP11. © 2023 Harmonia Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior permission of the publishers. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for errors in advertisements, articles, photographs or illustrations. All information is correct at time of going to press. SUBSCRIBE TO WOMAN’S WAY & DON’T MISS A SINGLE ISSUE To subscribe online log on to womansway.ie or call the Subscription Hotline on 01 465 9872 FEATURES TRAVEL REGULARS THE WW TEAM HEALTH & WELLBEING Carifi a xx 38 Autumn Breaks: Our pick of the best Halloween staycation spots. 40 An Island Adventure: A fab short break at Fota Island Resort in Co Cork. 42 Northern Lights Delights: As the sun approaches the peak in its 11-year cycle, aurora displays promise to be more dazzling. 44 Shoulder Season: Why now’s the time to book a bargain holiday. 84 Feeling Fearless: Style guru Trinny Woodall on why age is not an issue. 86 The Dating Dilemma: TV presenter Davina McCall talks romance. 88 Taking Flight: Wildlife presenter Hamza Yassin’s feathered friends. Hello, Welcome to our Mindfulness special issue. After a three-week holiday - my fi rst ever - I'm still feeling amazingly zen. It helps enormously that everything went so well in my absence thanks to the fabulous WW crew and, most especially, the best Deputy Editor ever, Niamh O'Reilly. Time out, away from the day-to-day grind, is so important but, most of the time, the day-to-day grind is what we have. How can we make it as stress-free as possible? More importantly, how can we make it meaningful? I believe mindfulness can help but it takes practice. And I have to admit I'm a bad weather meditator. When things are ticking along nicely, I have no inclination to spend time training my brain to let go of thoughts. But when the proverbial hits the fan, it's my go-to therapy. I still subscribe to an app I downloaded in the middle of my cancer treatment. It has lots of guided meditations of varying lengths. I rarely use it now but I like having it there. And from time to time, I have turned to it as a way to fi nd even a small piece of calm when the random stresses of life start to feel overwhelming. It's taught me to breathe slowly and deeply when anxiety gets me in its grip and to see that my own racing mind is not helping me. Thoughts are just thoughts, not facts. I hope you can fi nd some mindful wisdom in this issue and put it to work in your own life. Le grá, Publisher: Norah Casey Editor: Carissa Casey Deputy Editor: Niamh O’Reilly Contributing Editors: Astrid Madsen, Andrea Smith Art Director: Karl O’Toole Designers: Áine Duffy and Susan Conley Subscriptions: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Woman’s Way, October 23, 2023 Vol.61 Issue 21 74 The Ex Factor: Should you rekindle an old fl ame? 76 Jog on: Why now is the perfect time to start. 78 Pyjama Patrol: Washing advice. 80 Arthritis Fact or Fiction: Nine myths debunked. 82 Be Skin Savvy: Five things to know about eczema. 9 We Love: The WW team shares what they’re loving - and what they’re not. 46 The Hot List: Check out our top entertainment picks. 50 You Said It: Readers' letters and pictures. 52 Timeout: Take a break, try our quiz and Prize Crossword. 68 Knitting: Ripple sweater. 71 Horoscopes: What’s in the stars for you? 73 Ask Fiona: Our columnist answers reader dilemmas. 93 We Tried: Skipping. 91 Lend a Hand: Ways to give back. 92 Quick Fire: Musician Phil Coulter. 94 Why Is This a Thing: Drink culture. Ebook a bargain holiday. Northern Lights Delights Page 42 Arthritis Fact or Fiction Page 80 The Dating Dilemma Page 86
4 WOMANSWAY.IE
IN PERSON WOMANSWAY.IE 5 Black Back to continues overleaf >> Mary was born into a very musical family, as her mother Patty was a wonderful singer from The Liberties, Her father Kevin was a musician from Rathlin Island, just off the coast of Antrim. Mary and her siblings, Shay, Michael, Martin and Frances, are all great singers, who performed in the early days as The Black Family. EARLY YEARS While Mary's dad was quieter and preferred one-on-one conversations with people, her mum was an outgoing character who loved people. They are both gone now, with Kevin passing in 1990 and Patty’s 20-year anniversary taking place this month.“Mammy always worked very hard and it was only when she retired that she had a bit of a life,” says Mary. “She was amazing and Daddy was a great storyteller, and, as children, we lived to go up to Rathlin every summer.” Mary first met Joe as a teenager - her best friend fancied him first, she laughs - and number of hits over the years, including Katie, No Frontiers, Carolina Rua and Past the Point of Rescue. While her core fanbase has been loyally coming to her gigs for decades, younger women who were brought up on her music because their mothers were fans are also coming to her gigs “in their droves”. “It's a trip down memory lane for them,” says Mary. “I see gangs of girls in the audience singing all the songs and having the craic and a few drinks, and it's lovely.” What also makes the gigs special for Mary is being with her amazing band again, as many of them have been with her for decades - 36 years in Pat Crowley’s case. “They are brilliant and they have become my friends,” she says. “There is a loyalty there that goes way back and we have the best time on tour.” As well as being beloved at home, Mary has a devoted international fanbase, many of whom travel far and wide to see her. “Love stories have begun through the Mary Black Fan Club,” the singer explains. “There’s a few of them who became couples through that, which is brilliant.” Mary Black is embarking this month on a tour to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the release of her first solo album, which came out in 1983. She’s as popular as ever and looks fantastic, and is very grateful for the amazing career in music that has taken her all over the world. The singer has a huge fanbase in the likes of America, Australia and Japan, but she decided to step back from intensive touring a few years ago. “I wasn’t ready to stop singing, but touring abroad was very taxing at times,” admits Mary (68). “It has freed me up a lot, because we tour really once a year in Ireland now, and then there'd be a few odd gigs that I’d do elsewhere. I did a couple of festivals in England this summer because I fancied it, and if something really appeals to me, I’ll do it. It’s funny though, because the longer I do it, the more I enjoy it because the audiences are just phenomenal.” Anyone who has been to a Mary Black gig will know that her devoted audiences sing along to every word. She has had a huge As she embarks on her 40th anniversary tour, Mary Black talks with Andrea Smith about gratitude and being a grandmother.
6 WOMANSWAY.IE they started dating when she was 20. They were married in 1980, and have three children and Mary is very proud of them. Conor, who is a surveyor, has gone back to college to study engineering at night. Danny has forged a great career with his band, The Coronas, who are as popular as ever. Róisín (Róisín Ó) is just about to release a new single and will have a headline gig at The Academy in December. “Just watching the kids grow up and develop into good human beings is very special,” says Mary. She is thrilled at being grandmother to Bonnie (almost 11) and Fia (9), who are the children of Conor and his wife Jade. “Ah it’s great,” she says. “With your own kids, you’d be giving out to them at times for doing things, but when it comes to the grandchildren, that’s their parents’ job and we can spoil them a bit. They only live a fi veminute walk away, and we live to see their little faces coming through the door.” Mary and Joe try to help out by picking the girls up from school some days when they're here - they have a ‘bolthole’ in Spain that they like to escape to, plus a place in Dingle that they have been going to for years. “Danny is down there writing music at the moment,” says Mary. “All of my kids love it there.” As a youngster, Mary's remarkable voice was noticed early on at school, but she says she wasn’t academic. “I wasn’t too diligent when it came to studying,” she admits. “I played basketball and loved it, and I loved my music classes and English lessons. I fell behind in Irish though and that made me a bit self-conscious. I love it now but it's not something I was ever able to master and I suppose that's one thing that I regret. I enjoyed school because I had great fun, and I made friends that I still have now.” Mary was in the school choir, the Young Dublin Singers and Jury’s Cabaret in her teens, and she really enjoyed the experience. She then started singing with her older brothers, Shay and Michael, at folk clubs around Dublin. BUILDING A CAREER “Music was everything to me,” she says. “That was my focus in life. I worked in all sorts of places until I started making a few bob from singing in my early 20s. I didn't want to be tied down by working in the civil service or somewhere like that, in case something came along with the music.” Mary's fi rst solo album came out in 1983, when Conor was two. It was around then that she began touring with legendary folk group Dé Danann, which was a fantastic opportunity for her as a singer. She then became a headline solo artist, in demand all over the world. Being away from the children at times was heartbreaking, as being a mother has always been the most important thing to Mary. On the other hand, her children got to have great experiences through her music career and they saw the world from an early age. “I made sure I wasn't away for longer than three weeks at a time, and that would only happen maybe twice a year,” says Mary. “And then when I was home, I was there all the time. I feel we did a good job with the kids because they still like hanging out with us, which I always think is a good sign.” Mary says that her mum was great for stepping in to take care of the children if required, as was her sister- singer and now senator Frances Black. In fact, Frances stepped in when Mary had to miss one of “I feel we did a good job with the kids because they still like hanging out with us, which I always think is a good sign”
IN PERSON WOMANSWAY.IE 7 her children’s confi rmations due to a long-arranged tour abroad. She also had great help from her brilliant childminder Janice, whom the children really loved. Mary pays huge tribute to Joe, who held the fort at home when she was away and has always worked with her on the business side of things. He became her manager by default when her fame grew and demands increased. “Joe started taking over the stuff that I had diffi culty coping with, like saying no to people,” Mary explains. “I thought it was a very vulgar thing to have to talk about money or say how much I wanted for a gig, and of course Joe’s family business was in the music industry. It was so important to have a manager who had my interests at heart, rather than one who wanted to get loads of work for me because they'd be making money as well.” While Danny and Róisín are hugely talented, the music scene is very different to the one that Mary started off in as a young woman. In her case, Joe’s family owned the record company, Dolphin Records, and the Dolphin Discs shops. Joe and his brother, Paul O’Reilly, started a new label, Dara, for Mary, and went on to have many successes, including the series of A Woman's Heart albums. That was a great help but Mary’s worldclass voice was always going to bring her far in life. It initially brought her to the attention of Christy Moore, who invited her to support him in concert and things took off from there. Along the way, she has done everything from selling out the Royal Albert Hall to performing for former US president Bill Clinton. Mary still can’t quite believe that she garnered such international fame, bestselling albums and a slew of awards, as she simply loved singing. She saw the same deep passion for music in Danny and Róisín from an early age. “I wasn’t going to stand in their way when they decided to pursue careers in music, but I gave them a bit of advice,” she says. “I told them that luck was involved too and being in the right place at the right time. There are lots of really great artists who have never made it big, and being in the music industry isn’t an easy life.” Mary has always been a great supporter of women and justice, and lent her support to the Marriage Equality and Repeal campaigns. Does she think it's harder for women these days or any easier? “I don't think it’s easy being a working mother today,” she says. “I think there’s still a lot of expectations on mothers. Now don't get me wrong because we're all equal, but there's something about being a mother and having to leave your kids to go to work on a regular basis that is very tough.” Mary looks fantastic, which she attributes to walking and keeping active and doing Pilates. She also swears by caster oil for her skin and likes to keep her hair looking good. “I pay attention to how I look,” she says. “I think it’s good for your confi dence and it’s important to feel confi dent. Sometimes, I wake up and think, ‘Jesus, am I really in my late 60s?’ "I’m delighted that I’m here though, as myself and my husband Joe have lost a lot of good friends in the past few years, which makes me sad. We’re here and well and we’re able to live our lives, and looking back, I think we’ve been very lucky.” WW Mary’s 40th anniversary tour begins this month and includes Vicar Street; the Olympia, Dublin; INEC, Killarney; Royal Theatre, Castlebar; Lime Tree Theatre, Limerick; Wexford Opera House; Cork Opera House; Strule Arts Centre, Omagh; Millennium Forum, Derry and The Lark, Balbriggan. For full dates, see mary-black.net Mary on stage at Vicar Street with her grandchildren Bonnie and Fia Mary and husband Joe with Bonnie and Fia
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We Love PASSION • CRAVES • MOOD PASSION WE LOVE WOMANSWAY.IE 9 Andrea lfi es Coffee and cake. I went to a fantastic Bewleys Big Coffee Morning Social for Hospice at Buglers pub, organised by the brilliant transition years at Sancta Maria College, Ballyroan, and Ballyboden Tidy Towns. Artistic talent. Natasha Rocca Devine's 'Golden Beauty' installation at The Club at Goffs is stunning. Niamh lfi es Stamps. I’ve rediscovered the magic of letters thanks to my two little boys.These special stamps from An Post highlight the role research and care play in helping people live well, with and beyond cancer. Pumpkins. I’m a sucker for Halloween and carving pumpkins. Going to pick our own is next-level fun. So Into... Soup season. It's offi cially here. Parsnips at the ready... Pals being home from their summer jaunts. The gang's back together again. Writers’ strike deal. Hollywood has fi nally resolved the fi ve-month long strike, so all our favourite shows and fi lms can get going again. Driving in the rain. It's hard enough without the reduced visibility. Christmas stuff already in the shops. Let's all refuse to buy and maybe they'll stop with this nonsense. Concert tickets mayhem. Pre-registering, presale codes, sites crashing - it’s getting ridiculous at this stage. Bring back good old-fashioned queuing in the fl esh. WW So Over... PASSION without the reduced visibility. Cariff a lfi es Planting bulbs. I'm at full pelt in the fl ower allotment. Spring happiness in the bank. The Following Events Are Based on a Pack of Lies. Super BBC drama about a scam artist who preys on vulnerable women.
CREATE • CURATE • INSPIRE FEATHR Essence Passion Red & Ombre Pink Wallpaper €119 (per roll), visit feathr.com Designed using colour psychology to improve the wellbeing of your home, this red ombré wallpaper features a dramatic cherry red colour block dissolving into a soft pink. Exciting and daring. RATHBORNES Dublin Discovery Set €145, visit rathbornes1488.com Rathbornes 1488's newly-launched Dublin Discovery Set is a limitededition collection of fi ve fragrant candles, each inspired by our enchanting and historic Irish capital. DESENIO Bad Day Poster €6.29, visit desenio.com A nice reminder when you need it, that ‘Even a Bad Day Is Just 24 Hours’. Challenges are temporary and each day brings a fresh start. SWEETPEA & WILLOW Oyster Pink Mini Feather Lamp (Silver Base) €2,195.50, visit sweetpeaandwillow.com Treat yourself and your home to some miniature Hollywood glamour with this pretty retro statement piece made with ethically sourced feathers.. RATHBORNES Dublin Discovery Set Rathbornes 1488's newly-launched Dublin Discovery Set is a limitedenchanting and historic Irish capital. SWEETPEA & WILLOW Oyster Pink Mini Feather Lamp (Silver Base) €2,195.50, sweetpeaandwillow.com Treat yourself and your home to some miniature Hollywood glamour with this pretty retro statement piece made with ethically sourced feathers.. SWEETPEA & WILLOW Oyster Pink Mini Feather Lamp €2,195.50, visit sweetpeaandwillow.com Treat yourself and your home to some miniature Hollywood glamour with this pretty retro statement piece made with ethically sourced feathers.. HEAVENLY HOMES AND GARDENS Rustic Washed Terracotta Vase €34.65, visit heavenlyhomesandgardens.co.uk Rustic round vase fi nished in a washed white and sand neutral tone and perfect for dried or faux fl owers, or as a decorative piece on its own. MOODBOARD SITTING ROOM CAOSCREO Mensola Claude & Claudette Shelves (Red) €69, visit terenzisrl.it These joyful shelves of painted metal in the shape of clouds are available in many colours and perfect for kitchens, bedrooms and wherever your imagination takes you. 10 WOMANSWAY.IE MOOD ROOMS When the weather gets a bit chillier and the nights get darker, we spend more time indoors. But the good news is that the spaces we occupy can enhance our senses with some clever use of colours, textures, aromas and shapes. Just to prove how simple changes can infl uence how we feel, here is how our mum, Mags Casey, did just that by changing her bed linen. Like many others, this time of year takes its toll on her mood, so now is the time to go all in with winter-busting switchups. The Danish call it hygge, the Scottish more recently declared it as còsagach and in Ireland - the real home of roaring fi res and warming stews - we opted for the Irish word teolaí. Whatever the name, it is that comfy, cosy, cashmere and candles ambience that insulates us from the winter chill and darker days. So, a few weeks ago, Mags decided to order a warm duck feather and down duvet, two pillows and the softest mattress topper (all from Dunnes Stores). Next on the list was a teddy fl eece duvet cover and pillowcases from M&S. Now all she can talk about is how warm and snuggly her bed is. “A joy to sleep in and hard to leave,” she tells us often. Creating rooms that refl ect your mood can be as simple as that. Calming bedrooms, uplifting sitting rooms, creative kitchens and soothing bathrooms call for different colour palettes, shapes and textiles. Here are a few ideas to get you in the mood to create your own mood rooms. WW
Continued overleaf >> By Norah Casey BEDROOM MOOD GREEN LILI Stand Still Framed Abstract Canvas Art €219.45, visit greenlili.com Designed by Andrea Radice and Folco Orlandini, this piece is inspired by the wonders of nature and stone shapes formed over many years. In this increasingly fast-paced world, take a moment to be present and stand still. RIEMA BENTE Soft Organic Cotton Blanket €119, visit riema-germany.de Warm and breathable, this wonderfully cosy and warming wool blanket is made (fairly and ecologically) from 100 per cent organic cotton. BALMARK DESIGNS Kobe Belluci Decorative Cushions €168, visit balmark.de Calming oriental inspired cushions made from linen, polyester and cotton, beautiful to touch and pleasantly fi rm for tired heads. Continued overleaf >> inspired cushions made from linen, polyester and cotton, beautiful to touch and pleasantly fi rm for tired heads. BEANBAG BAZAAR Icon Fleece Cuddle Cushion (Frozen Blue) €57.74, visit beanbagbazaar.co.uk Looking to turn up the cosy factor? Snuggle up with this fl eecy cuddle cushion for days where you need hugs but not people. Filled with beans that mould to your body shape… Perfect. FRENCH BEDROOM Sourdough Velvet Quilted Bedspread €254.10, visit frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk Made from luxurious velvet in a calming oatmeal shade, this luxuriously soft and fully reversible bedspread is 100 per cent natural. GABRIELLE GOOD Monochrome Heart Leaf Rectangular Birch Tray (20 x 27cm) €26.57, visit gabriellegood.com Inspired by nature, this lovely monochrome leaf print designed tray is perfect for a gentler start to the day with a morning cuppa in bed. GREEN LILI Stand Still Framed Abstract Canvas Art €219.45, Designed by Andrea Radice and GABRIELLE GOOD Monochrome Heart Leaf Rectangular Birch Tray (20 x 27cm) €26.57, visit gabriellegood.com Inspired by nature, this lovely monochrome leaf print designed tray is perfect for a gentler start to the day with a morning cuppa in bed. THE DESIGN GIFT SHOP Light Blue Lexon Flip Premium Digital Alarm Clock €78.51, visit thedesigngiftshop.com Switch off the mobile for a blissful night’s sleep with this minimalist alarm clock, and when it wakes you in the morning, simply fl ip it over to switch it off. MOODBOARD WOMANSWAY.IE 11
12 WOMANSWAY.IE MADE BY HAND ONLINE Creative Juices Apothecary Bottle €41.77, visit madebyhandonline.com Get your creative juices fl owing with this individually etched glass apothecary bottle with ground glass stopper. Ideal for storing all manner of things… who said gin? BATHROOM MOOD DINING MOOD BØDE LIVING Naram Bath Mat Dazzling Blue & Rose €39.27, visit bode-living.com Due to the heavy weave, this mat is super absorbent, forever soft and made with 100 per cent cotton - better still, it’s nice under your feet. VILLEROY & BOCH Towels (Coordinates Stripes) €18.95, visit handtuch-welt.de These contemporary towels in a timeless striped design look wonderful, but more importantly feel lovely on your skin - you would expect nothing less from this luxury brand. TOM TAILOR Teppich Shaggy Rug (Pink) €39.99, visit otto.de Sink your toes into this pleasantly soft, deep-pile rug that comes in colours to suit your mood. STORM INTERIORS Large Frosted Vase (17 x 30 cm) €51.98, visit storminteriorslondon.com With a little chill in the air these beautiful frosted vases are the perfect addition to your home. Just add some rich purple and burgundy stems to create a little bit of luxury. SPEXTRUM Tissue-Up Girl Marie Antoinette Tissue Dispenser Box €39.23, visit thedesigngiftshop.com The ‘Tissue-Up Girl’ tissue holder is more than just a dispenser, it's a delightful, cheeky, and eye-catching centrepiece for any room. HELEN REBECCA CERAMICS Olive Oil Bottle With Landscape Painting €41.58, visit handmadeinbritain.co.uk This arty vinegar, oil or sauce bottle is fi nished with a shiny white glaze and a dreamy landscape horizon to transport you to Mediterranean summers. THE DESIGNED TABLE Pantone Collection Crisp White Napkins (4 linen/cotton napkins) €52, visit thedesignedtable.com The Pantone Collection now includes cotton linen napkins and placemats in crisp white, for an elegant and soothing fi nish to any tablescape. AUSTRALIAN WOODWORK Cape Barren Goose Serving Board €99.73, visit australianwoodwork.com.au Let those canapés fl y with this elegant platter which draws inspiration from the native Cape Barren Goose.
MOODBOARD WOMANSWAY.IE 13 VOYA Buoyancy Luxury Body Butter €43, visit voya.ie MOODBOARD VOYA Buoyancy Luxury Body Butter €43, visit voya.ie Mindful MoodEdit 10 soothing picks for blissful you-time fl air to what you wear. WOMANSWAY.IE 13 GREEN ANGEL Wellness Wonder Gift Set €59, visit greenangel.com PRIMARK Breast Cancer Awareness Jersey Pyjama Set €17 75, visit Penneys SOPHIE ALLPORT Sheep Knitted Alpaca Bed Socks €35.23, visit sophieallport.com MASTERS OF MAYFAIR Luxury Sleep Mask €75.08, visit mastersofmayfair.com ANTIPODREAM Hazy Days Waffle Robe €114.35, visit antipodream.co.uk Considered By Helen James Tumbler Candles €12 (each), visit INCREDIBLE SOCKS Playful dunnesstores.com Penguins €9.95, visit incrediblesocks.ie BAYLIS & HARDING Luxury Hand Wash Rose Poppy & Vanilla €2.60, visit baylisandharding.com HOMESENSE Wooden Oil Diffuser €22.99, visit Homesense SØSTRENE GRENE New Collection; Bowls from €4.14; Chopsticks €0.74; Chopstick Rest €1.94; Placemat €2.12; Dipping Bowl €1.94,visit sostrenegrene.com/ie Add a splash of playfulness to your table setting with these ‘East meets West’ beautiful new Japan-inspired pieces, all made with natural materials including stoneware, bamboo and cotton. SHIMU Blue and White Glazed Tea Urn €144.38, visit shimu.co.uk These large ceramic tea urns glazed in classic Chinese blue and white are hand-painted with delicate fl oral patterns and ‘double happiness’ symbols.
Five lucky readers will win a €100 National Book Token to celebrate Irish Book Week, which is running from October 14 to October 21, 2023. Bookselling Ireland, the committee of Booksellers Association members representing bookshops big and small across Ireland, is delighted to team up with Woman’s Way to give readers the chance to win one of fi ve gift cards. Now in its sixth year, Irish Book Week is a nationwide celebration of Irish bookshops, Irish books, publishers, writers, illustrators and poets. The campaign aims to encourage people from across Ireland to visit their local bookshops to discover and enjoy a range of exciting and interesting events, readings, parties, displays and much more. Over 200 bookshops are registered to participate in this year’s campaign. Irish Book Week events and activities are listed in local bookshops and on Facebook @ BooksellingIreland, Twitter @BooksellingI and Instagram @BooksellingI. Find your nearest participating retailer at nationalbooktokens.com. COMPETITION 14 WOMANSWAY.IE To enter, please answer the following question: HOW MANY YEARS HAS IRISH BOOK WEEK BEEN TAKING PLACE? 1. 1 2. 3 3. 6 HOW TO ENTER Email your answer by October 23 to: [email protected] including your name, address and telephone number and labelling your mail ‘The Irish Book Week 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 €100 in National Book Tokens
7096_HSE_BREAST_CHECK_2023_RTE_GUIDE_FP_228X297.indd 1 28/09/2023 12:03
16 WOMANSWAY.IE The Woman’s Way and Beko Mum of the Year Awards takes place on October 13. Here are the finalists. Finalists Meet DR AOIFE HARVEY A specialist in women’s pelvic health and physiotherapy, Dr Aoife Harvey is changing lives one vagina at a time. Treating everything from sexual dysfunction to bladder and bowel leaks, prolapses and painful sex, there’s no female pelvic health issue she hasn’t seen. Mum to Maisie, two, and Sonny, five, Aoife is a passionate advocate for helping women overcome problems with their pelvic health that often get dismissed as small complaints. However, they can have a huge knock on effect on a woman’s life. Aoife has helped women overcome embarrassment, shame and stigma around these issues and uses her very popular Instagram account @womenshealthdublin to help raise awareness and educate women. KAREN CLINCE Overcoming childhood trauma and facing down misogyny in the boardroom, Karen Clince, is a true trailblazer. The businesswoman became a single mum at the age of 21 and from humble beginnings built her company Tigers Childcare into a network of 19 childcare centres caring for 2,100 children and employing 310 people. Having lived with a father who had addiction and mental health issues when she was growing up, Karen was keen to provide a safe, welcoming, and stable environment for children. Karen credits her mum Mary for her fierce determination and positivity. Karen regularly speaks on improving the pay and conditions for early childcare workers and improving the sector in general. She has two children Ella Bleu, 21 and Luca, 15. CLAIRE REGAN Claire Regan never set out to break down barriers for the next generation of women. But that’s exactly what she did when she the became the first woman in Ireland to pass the rigorous professional examinations in the security industry, in less than 12 months. Actively leading the way for women in the sector, she has also mentored and encouraged the next generation of women to follow in her footsteps and take the exams. An active member of her local Naas, Newbridge and Portlaoise musical societies, she acts, directs and mentors. Her husband even proposed to her while she was on stage. Claire has three girls: Caoimhe 21, Ciara 12 and Charley, four. PATRICIA KELLY Filmmaker Patricia Kelly is proof that it’s never too late to follow your dreams. She may have recently turned 50, but she didn’t let a thing like age hold her back. She made her first feature film, Verdigris and it recently won Best Independent Film at the Galway Film Fleadh. Patricia started off as an actor and then juggled going back to college with the arrival of her two boys, Darragh and Finn. After happily spending many years balancing work and motherhood, she felt the time was right to go on and achieve her filmmaking dreams. The award-winning Verdigris covers the topics of female friendships, women in midlife taking control of their destiny and even looks at the horror of coercive control in relationships. HANNAH TYRRELL AND SORCHA TURNBULL Elite athletes and happily married couple Hannah Tyrrell and Sorcha Turnbull are turning their attention to motherhood with the recent arrival of their beautiful baby girl Aoife. Hannah is the exceptionally talented Dublin GAA Footballer who recently won the All-Ireland. She was also a member of the Irish rugby team that won the 2015 Women's Six Nations Championship, and she has an FAI medal to boot. Her equally talented wife Sorcha also won an All-Ireland medal with Dublin in 2010. Hannah tied the knot with Sorcha in 2021. The couple made headlines for their sporting achievements, but also for being so open and visible as a same-sex couple at the highest level. Hannah has also bravely spoken out about her own mental health issues as a teenager and how sport helped her to overcome and persevere. LORRAINE O’CONNOR When Coolock native Lorraine O’Connor left school at 14 years of age, she never imagined that one day she’d be responsible for helping the lives of hundreds of people. She set up the Muslim Sisters of Éire in 2010 after converting to Islam in 2005. Lorraine married a Muslim man in 1987, however her conversion to Islam was a very personal journey and not simply because of a marriage. Sadly, the marriage broke down and she was left a single mum to four young daughters and facing life as a brand-new Muslim. Feeling like a bit of an outsider in both communities, Lorraine vowed to stick it out. She went back to college, met her second husband, and set up the charity. They feed the homeless every week outside the GPO and support all women, but especially Muslim women and girls. YEMI ADENUGA Yemi Adenuga is a history maker. The bubbly and outgoing Nigerian-Irish politician, community activist and advocate for social justice initiatives, became the first elected black female public representative in Ireland when she was elected to the Meath County Council in 2019. An active member of the local Navan community, she has
MUM OF THE YEAR WOMANSWAY.IE 17 By Niamh O’Reilly worked hard to make the Adenugas part of the fabric of the town. Yemi has also founded mentoring programs for women and youth, and you might recognise her from her and her family’s turn on popular television show Gogglebox Ireland. ROSEMARY MURPHY When she was a little girl, Rosemary Murphy had two dreams. One was to become a mum and the second was to become a doctor. She fulfi lled her fi rst goal and is now a mum to 12 children ranging in ages from 20 years to 20 months. Her second dream took a little longer to come true, but with years of hard work, determination, and the self-belief to make it happen, she is now starting her medical degree. An only child from a working-class background in Dolphin's Barn, Rosemary left school at the age of 16 after completing her Junior Certifi cate. She fought hard to get her place in Royal College of Surgeons Ireland and has faced plenty of criticism along the way for her age and for her large family. Not one to be put off, Rosemary has held her head high and worked hard to get to where she is and cannot wait to get started. WW Dr Aoife Harvey Lorraine O’Connor Rosemary Murphy Karen Clince Claire Regan Patricia Kelly Yemi Adenuga Hannah Tyrrell and Sorcha Turnbull
18 WOMANSWAY.IE family with a medical background, the drive within her to study medicine was there from a very early age. “I was about six or seven years old watching Casualty on the TV. When I was around 12 or 13 I bought a medical book and my mam thought I was having pure notions,” she laughs. “You know, a girl from Dolphin’s Barn becoming a doctor.” DETERMINATION Rosemary's path to medicine wasn’t straight forward, however. She left school at 16 after her Junior Certifi cate. “I was a bit awkward. I wasn’t as socially intelligent as some of the other girls in school, I wasn’t trendy and was in a bigger body and I just felt uncomfortable,” she recalls. “I left school and said to myself I’ll come back. I always thought that would be a year or two, not 24 years.” Rosemary became a single mum at the age of 20 and while for some that might derail their plans for a big family, she focussed on staying on track and keeping her dreams alive. “I still wanted a big family, but with the right person and when the time was right. I met my husband Stephen when my fi rst daughter was nearly two and I knew he was the one. He wanted a big family too.” Over the years Rosemary has kept busy. She trained as a Montessori teacher, turned down degrees in early childhood education and law, because in the back of her mind, she knew she wanted to become a doctor. She admits being a stay-at-home mum to her growing family was a real privilege, but despite it being the closing of one chapter of her life, the time was right to pursue her second dream. But it wasn’t just as simple as fi lling in an application form. “I applied four times,” she explains. “I kept going and each time I got that bit closer, and it Woman’s Way and Beko Mum of the Year Finalist Rosemary Murphy fi lls us in on life as a mum of 12 and pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor. When Rosemary Murphy was a little girl, she had two dreams. As an only child herself, the fi rst was to have a big family. The second was to become a doctor. While most of us have childhood dreams that tend to ebb away over the years, Rosemary was adamant in sticking to hers. She fulfi lled her fi rst ambition when she became a mum at age 20 and then added to her brood over the last number of years. She and her husband Stephen now have 12 children, who range in ages from 20 years old to 20 months old. Her second dream took a little longer to achieve. Despite all the challenges and distractions along the way, Rosemary never let go of her ambition and is now embarking on a medical degree at Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI) at the age of 40. “I’ve waited my whole life for this,” says the bright and bubbly Rosemary. But with so much going on in her life how did she manage to stay so focused? “There was a time when I thought, is it ever going to happen? Is it ever going to be my turn?” she recalls. “I never thought about giving up. I never thought about walking away and doing something else. How could I say to my kids you can do whatever you want and follow your dreams if I don’t do it myself?” While Rosemary doesn’t come from a Big Dream
MUM OF THE YEAR FINALIST WOMANSWAY.IE 19 By Niamh O’Reilly Rosemary, Stephen and baby Cody gave me that push to keep going. There was nothing else I wanted to do, so this had to work.” Despite her determination, Rosemary has faced criticism from some who have questioned her place on the course. “I’ve had a few comments about my age, or that I’m taking up the place of a Leaving Cert student. Firstly, I’m not taking anyone’s space. I entered through the mature pathway, so if I hadn't got this place another mature student would have. It’s not some back door route either,” she points out. “It’s a highly competitive route into medicine and you have to prove that you are worthy. I feel like I deserve my place.” POSITIVE MINDSET The misplaced criticism is not something new, in fact Rosemary has had to bat away assumptions about having a large family too. “We are not religious,” she says. “I would class myself as an atheist. The big family is just because I love all my kids,” she explains. “The other assumption is that you somehow do it for a free house or for social welfare. Who would do that?” she laughs. “We bought our house privately; we don’t get anything. There’s no one having kids in the country for babies. It’s as simple as I love all my kids, I loved being pregnant.” Being a mum of 12 isn’t without its challenges, however. “We love to go out to eat or go on days out. We usually have to ring ahead, we can’t just turn up, we have to plan,” she explains. Her husband Stephen drives a sort of minibus. “It’s a bit of a logistical “I think it’s my determination and how long I’ve waited to do it is what will push me towards success” headache, but we always wanted a big family so it’s worth it. People think you can’t do X, Y or Z as a big family but that’s not true. We just need to plan it out.” Clearly excited about embarking on her second dream, Rosemary admits she’s a little nervous too. “We’ve planned for this for years, fi nancially and timewise, but even the best laid plans can go to hell at times,” she says. “But I think it’s my determination and how long I’ve waited to do it is what will push me towards success, especially on the tough days and there will be tough days, but I’ve fought to get there.” WW Lara's baby shower 2015 Liberties College Graduation May 2022 Maeve's fourth birthday
20 WOMANSWAY.IE This World Osteoporosis Day, the Irish Osteoporosis Society is encouraging women aged over 65 to protect their bones and be aware of the dangers of osteoporosis. Kay Haugh from Co Clare was first diagnosed with osteoporosis when she was in her 50s. Here, she looks back on her journey to getting diagnosed and explains how maintaining good bone health has helped her stay independent and healthy. GOOD Health BONE Since being diagnosed, how have you treated and managed the condition? Following my diagnosis, I was put on a treatment plan for my bone loss. My condition has greatly improved and I have gone from having severe osteoporosis to osteopenia, which is the early stages of bone loss. In fact, my bone density had improved in the last DXA scan I had. Additionally, I make sure to take vitamin D and calcium every day. What exercises have you incorporated into your routine to maintain your bone health and ensure you stay independent? I was assessed by a chartered physiotherapist who developed an individualised strength and conditioning programme for me, which I now do three times a week. Since preventing falls is crucial as you age, I also do balance exercises daily. I thought my How did you come to be diagnosed with osteoporosis? My sister had a hysterectomy and she was advised to have a bone density scan (DXA scan). After that, she suggested I have a scan so I followed her advice and discovered that I had osteoporosis despite only being in my 50s. I was shocked as I didn’t realise bone loss could affect younger age groups. But I was also very grateful as I had the opportunity to prevent breaking bones and potentially losing my independence. Many people are not aware that breaking bones can be extremely serious and can lead to a person losing their ability to wash themselves, dress themselves and even walk across a room unaided. Prior to your diagnosis, did you have any symptoms? I had no inkling whatsoever. In fact, there are no symptoms, which is why osteoporosis is known as ‘the silent disease’. Kay, tell us a little bit about yourself. Well, I am 83 years young! I live in Co Clare where I raised my family. My husband passed away almost three years ago but I have a great community all around me. I go to Lanzarote for the winter so I have no complaints. Before retirement, I had a very busy working life. My husband was an archaeologist and we worked together. Then we inherited his family farm in West Clare and I became a farmer. I was also a manager for Rent An Irish Cottage, I managed a factory in Kilkee, and I worked in Kilkee Waterworld. In 2003, my husband had a heart attack and an aneurysm and I said, “whatever time is left is for the two of us”. I have always been very active. When I lived in Dublin, I played tennis and was very involved in that. When I came to live in West Clare, there didn’t seem to be much going on but there was a squash court in Kilkee. I asked a girl if she would be interested in playing and she said, ‘But we’re married.’ God, I said, I never knew that was a barrier to doing exercise. But we played anyway and we did that for years. I took up golf when I retired from working and I play three times a week here and in Lanzarote as well. My sister says when they gave out the energy in my house, they gave it all to me. Kay Haugh
PARTNER CONTENT WOMANSWAY.IE 21 Irish Osteoporosis Society Ambassador Mary Kennedy is urging women over 65 to protect their bone health this World Osteoporosis Day. She shares the most important things she does to look after her bone health, which you can easily incorporate into your own daily routine. 1>> I ensure I get my recommended daily intake of calcium and vitamin D, which is really simple. There are some delicious recipes on the Irish Osteoporosis Society website www.irishosteoporosis.ie 2>> I also try to get my fi ve a day when it comes to fruit and vegetables so as to ensure I am eating a balanced diet for healthy bones. 3>> Regular exercise is part of my daily routine. I like to get out for a walk almost every day. 4>> And most importantly I go for regular health checks. I speak to my GP and regularly consult the Irish Osteoporosis Society to make sure I’m following the recommendations for good bone health. balance would be great, but I was surprised to learn that I had to work on it. The more you do, the easier it gets. Outside of that, I play golf three times a week. I also belong to a community walking group and I do a 10-kilometer walk once a week. I’m very conscious of keeping fi t because I live alone and my nearest family is 80 miles away so I can’t afford to not be fi t and healthy. I have a great group of friends and my neighbours are fantastic so all that helps. Finally, what advice would you give to women concerned about their bone health? All women need to make their bone health their number one priority. More women are affected by osteoporosis than by stroke or breast cancer (1). If you are aged over 65, ask your GP to refer you for a DXA scan and visit the Irish Osteoporosis Society website for more information about osteoporosis. As they say, prevention is the best remedy. I am a perfect example of how important it is to be proactive about your bone health. Had I not been diagnosed and put on a treatment plan, I may not be here today. Instead, I am 83 years old, playing golf every week and in the best shape of my life - proof that you can improve your bone health at any age. WW For more information call the Irish Osteoporosis Society on 01 637 5050, visit www.irishosteoporosis.ie or speak to your GP. References (1) Irish Osteoporosis Society Guidelines 2 Available at: http://surl.li/kxonv ORGANISED BY Job Number - IRL-NP-0623-80009. Date of Preparation: September 2023 Charity Reg No 20034191 CHY11987 “My condition has greatly improved and I have gone from having severe osteoporosis to osteopenia, which is the early stages of bone loss” Mary Kennedy IN ASSOCIATION WITH
22 WOMANSWAY.IE I have to confess I get in a bit of a muddle over mindfulness. I believe it has very real benefi ts. I see how well it can work with my children. I’ve drawn on its principles when my three-year-old throws a tantrum because I won’t let him go to bed with the garlic crusher, for example. We pause. We breathe. We try to focus on just us in the present moment and not the reasons why a kitchen implement is not a good bedfellow. And it works. Most of the time. However, I admit I fi nd it hard to draw on these techniques myself when I get overwhelmed during my day-to-day life. I feel as though mindfulness is great in theory, but I often can’t get it to work for me when I need it to or just don’t think of it when the chips are down. And I don’t think I’m alone in feeling that way. Mindfulness can often strike people as some kind of airy-fairy nonsense or something that’s diffi cult, time-consuming or hard to get into. These feelings can keep people from even trying it or if they do try and don’t see results, they give up. It’s understandable. However, part of the problem could lie in the fact that mindfulness often gets over complicated, over commercialised and mixed up with a host of other things. The truth is, that mindfulness is a very simple concept. It’s free, it’s within everyone’s capacity and is available to each DEMYSTIFYING of us all the time. In the most basic of terms, mindfulness is awareness. It’s focusing on the present moment and being conscious of how you are feeling, without any judgement. For me, I try to think of it as disengaging my autopilot. This has turned out to be harder than I thought, however, because I seem to run my life on autopilot. Many of us go about our daily lives making unconscious decisions. How many times have you driven home, but have no real memory of the journey itself? Or when challenges arise, we often react with the same ingrained responses. That’s where mindfulness comes into play. In bringing yourself back to the present moment, it can be a real game-changer in terms of how you manage stress, anxiety, or challenges in life. Of course, no matter how simple mindfulness is, it’s a skill and like any skill it takes practice. This is especially true, if like me, you live your life on a fast-moving hamster treadmill where constantly thinking ahead is needed to survive. My problem is that I don’t use mindfulness on a consistent enough basis. I dip in and out occasionally when I can override my automatic responses. On the times when I do deploy some mindfulness, I fi nd it helps. It sort of brings me back to the light, so to speak, but it’s often a bit of a clunky process. I can’t help feeling that if I could stick with it, the effects would be much more tangible. “Mindfulness is a very simple concept. It’s free and it’s within everyone’s capacity” DEMYSTIFYING Mindfulnefi Looking to get more mindful moments into her life, Niamh O’Reilly goes in search of some simple ways to connect with the present.
MINDSET WOMANSWAY.IE 23 The truth is, we’re creatures of habit and it’s hard to change those habits and attitudes, especially when you are timepoor and have a lot going on. Which, let's face it, is pretty much all of us these days. So if like me, you’re looking for some simple ways to get some small aspect of mindfulness into your life on a more regular, or hopefully daily basis, here are some relatively hassle-free ideas to get started. WW : . . 5 EASY WAYS TO BE MORE MINDFUL • Intentions: Start as you mean to go on and set one intention for the day. It can be anything once it’s something positive and doable. Don’t set an intention to run a marathon if you can’t go around the block. Instead, intend to go for a short jog. • Car: Most of us spend more time in the car than we’d like. If you’re stuck in traffi c, it’s the perfect time to do some breathing techniques. Breathing is a great way to help you get in the mindful headspace. I like box breathing. Breathe in for a four count. Hold for four. Breathe out for four. And repeat. • Walking: Mindful walking might sound a bit 'pie in the sky', but again it’s simple. If you’ve got a daily walk to work, why not take out the air pods for just fi ve minutes to look at the world around you. Pay attention to the sounds, the smells and if you walk past nature, really take time to observe it. It doesn’t have to be a park either, it can be a bird or a tree. If you walk the same route each day, try and notice the changes. • Apps: Switching off is something we all strive for, but there’s no reason not to embrace technology when it serves you. There are lots of helpful mindfulness and breathing apps, which as well as helping you to form a routine or set reminders, can also help you tap into the techniques on the go. • Journal: I feel like this one takes a bit more effort, but if nothing else, it’s a nice way to wind down after your day. While you’re sitting in bed before you go to sleep, take fi ve minutes to write down a few things you were grateful for that day. Don’t force it. It can feel a bit odd at the start but build up slowly and you should soon fi nd yourself in a more positive mindset.
COMPETITION 24 WOMANSWAY.IE To enter, please answer the following question: HOW MANY YEARS OF EXPERTISE DOES NUXE HAVE? HOW TO ENTER Email your answer by October 23 to: [email protected] including your name, address and telephone number and labelling your mail ‘The NUXE 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. A €250 NUXE HAMPER Two lucky readers will win a skincare hamper full of NUXE products worth €250 each, to celebrate the Super Serum [10] range. NUXE has drawn on over 30 years of expertise in both oils and anti-ageing to create Super Serum [10], the number one face serum in French pharmacies. This exceptional skincare product is now available in a special innovative version for the eye contour area, Super Serum [10] Eye Contour, with a formula enriched in anti-dark circle and anti-puffi ness active ingredients. Its formula base contains hyaluronic acid and botanical caffeine, combined with thousands of fractionated botanical oil micro-beads – a truly unique and innovative texture. A universal anti-ageing concentrate of effectiveness for 360° eye correction: wrinkles, dark circles, puffi ness, signs of fatigue. SUPER SERUM [10], powered by the ultimate blend of anti-ageing ingredients and botanical oils, harnesses the goodness of nature to bring you revitalised, radiant skin with regular use. After just one drop you’ll notice a more luminous, plumped and smoothed surface, while after a few weeks the appearance of fi ne lines and wrinkles begins to fade.
BEAUTY Coverage For me, makeup is more hassle than it’s worth. But for special occasions, I like to make an effort. Mostly because it’s an energising prelude to going out, and it gives me that extra bit of confi dence. I recently decided to go for a liquid foundation as recommended in the beauty pages of Woman’s Way. The fi rst booth I came across at the chemist was for Elizabeth Arden and the helpful lady there found my matching tint. The Flawless Finish Skincaring Foundation 30ml €42 is loaded with lovely ingredients, including hyaluronic acid and vitamins C and E. It’s a joy to apply and it’s even nicer than the fancy Clarins powder compact I had before. Expensive but will last me ages. Eco Deo I’m not sure if I’m the only one, but my armpits react strongly when they’re messed with. And by messed with I mean lathering on conventional deodorants. Don’t get me wrong, the sprays and rollons work well but if I don’t put the stuff on every single day, my pits start to exude an aroma that would be vulgar to describe. To be honest, waterproofi ng my sweat glands has never been that high on my list of priorities. But I do have standards so I had to fi nd a way to get my body’s chemical balance right. And the solution for me is twofold. Keep my underarms waxed, as opposed to shaved, and use a gentler deodorant. I came across the Alaffi a Coconut Reishi Deodorant Lavender & Charcoal at my local TK Maxx and love the fragrance. It’s not as long-lasting or potent as the real stuff but it does the job. And I think, overall, being able to take a break at the weekend and not have the entire family knocked out by the fumes is the best odour management strategy for my household. The go-to In my household, winter is a byword for dry skin. And after much trial and error, I’ve come to realise most of us only tolerate skincare products that are thicker than custard. Creams, no matter what they claim, always sting. Which is why the miracle product I swear by is more grease than water. L’Occitane Shea Butter 150ml €39 works on hands, elbows (mine are like elephant skin without it), chapped lips and legs. It’s an investment but the soothing effect of the balm is more than worth it. What are the products the Woman’s Way crew use on repeat? In this issue Astrid Madsen shares a few of her favourites. WOMANSWAY.IE 25 HotPicks Volumising shampoo I think you’re either born with good hair or you’ve got genes like mine. Ones that endow you with thin, limp locks. One of my children is a budding hairdresser who inherited a gruaig that doesn’t grow all that much. So I found myself embarking on a mission to unearth a haircare product that’s both kid-safe and volumising. Harder than it sounds. Pricey conditioners and sprays off the shelf sold miracle solutions, and while they delivered chemicalladen silkiness, I didn’t notice any real effects. Guided by my sister’s recommendation, I ended up buying the René Furterer Forticea Fortifying Ritual Shampoo 250ml €15. Pricey but a little goes a long way. And while it’s not a game-changer, I can see a difference. WW In this issue Astrid Madsen shares a few of her favourites.
By Niamh O’Reilly 26 WOMANSWAY.IE Scent holds the ability to trigger memories and emotions, so shouldn’t we be more intentional when it comes to our skincare choices? Zen-sational Skincare
BEAUTY Whether it’s freshlycut grass bringing back the freedom of childhood or a whiff of your mum’s favourite perfume to take you back to happy times, smells are powerful. But apart from taking us on a trip down memory lane, scent can also play a big part in the present and our current state of mind. So, could simply being more intentional and mindful in our skincare and beauty choices have a much greater impact on us than we think? The simple answer is yes. Ingredients such as essential and natural oils, as well as fruit and herb extracts, use the power of nature’s botanical larder to infl uence our mood. According to natural oil expert Benoit Nicol of The Nature of Things, “everything we smell connects directly to the limbic system – the region of the brain responsible for both memories and WOMANSWAY.IE 27 emotions. So yes, scents do affect how we feel and there is a growing science around that,” he explains. “We have been using these studies to create essential oil blends that target stress and anxiety, confi dence, calm and sleep, as well as focus and alertness. Diffusing these kinds of natural scents at home or at the offi ce can help balance or boost these emotions.” The idea behind mindfulness is all about bringing ourselves into the present and being more intentional. It can be very helpful when our emotions get the best of us, or we feel out of control. It can be done simply by slowing down and paying attention to the world around us to experience what is happening in the present moment. Scent is a great way to help us do this. By actively thinking about what scents we use in the oils, sprays or creams for our face and body and how they make us feel – be it calm, or triggering a good memory, we’re making a more mindful choice. By stopping to notice how it’s making us feel right now, we’re checking in on our emotional state, our mood. There are many skincare products that are bursting with powerful natural scents that not only boost our mood, but can often be more calming and soothing to our skin than those packed with more artifi cial ingredients. The key to making more mindful choices in the scents we use, is to know how they make you feel, rather than how the label says it will make you feel. Don’t be afraid to experiment and enjoy the power of scent on your skin. WW 12 to try 1 Annutri Glow It Facial Oil €40 2 The Nature of Things Harmony Essential Oil Blend €15 3 Aveeno Skin Relief Body Oil Spray €9.99 4 COA Grapefruit Infusion €24.99 5 VOYA Angelicus Serratus Nourishing Body Oil €49.99 6 Aldi Lacura Honey Bath €6.49 7 Mindful Beauty Lavender Pillow & Linen Mist €19.99 8 BeautiEdit Be Nourished Daily Glow Nourishing Elixir €45 9 Ground Sleep Body Oil €33 10 L’Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil €44 11 Huile Prodigieuse Riche Multipurpose Nourishing Oil €44 12 Holos This is More Multi-use Plant Oil €40 WOMANSWAY.IE 27 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 “By stopping to notice how it’s making us feel right now, we’re checking in on our emotional state, our mood”
28 WOMANSWAY.IE AUTUMN TRENDS From cherry cola lips to pastel eyes, here are the fi ve beauty trends taking over autumn.
By Prudence Wade, PA T he start of a new season is the perfect time to switch up your beauty look and try something different. Nowadays, trends tend to come from two main places: the catwalks or social media. So no matter where you’re taking your autumn/winter beauty look inspiration from, there are plenty of new trends popping up to give a go. These are some of the biggest makeup and nail looks set to sweep autumn… 1 Cherry cola lips “Drawing inspiration from the rich red colour of a cherry, the cherry cola lips trend combines shades of reds and browns paired with a gloss to create a multidimensional lip look,” explains Sarah Amelia Fogg, celebrity makeup artist and founder of Brows by Sarah. “While previous years were all about matte and suede lips, this trend is all about creating a natural-looking high-shine. It’s basically a newer, shinier version of the classic red Christmas lip. “It’s the perfect trend for autumn/winter as it embraces the deeper, darker shades that we start to see during these seasons, and it’s extremely versatile so can be created by anyone.” Fogg recommends playing around with this look as the trend “isn’t an exact science, you can choose which tones work for you”. The best thing about this look is that “red is a very universal colour”, Fogg says, meaning it can suit anyone. 2 Earth tones “Earth-toned makeup is defi nitely making a comeback this year and is set to stand tall as one of the top makeup trends this autumn/winter,” Fogg predicts. “The clue is in the name – it’s all about choosing earthy tones such as browns, oranges and neutrals.” She sees it as an evolution of the latte makeup trend, but using darker shades instead. “One of the most important things to remember when recreating this look is to keep the colours consistent,” Fogg WOMANSWAY.IE 29 recommends. “Try to choose similar tones for the eyes and the lips as this will tie the whole look together and keep it natural.” Grown-ish actor Yara Shahidi’s Met Gala makeup this year is a perfect example of earth-toned makeup. The look channelled the aesthetic of Nineties supermodels, which feels particularly appropriate ahead of the release of The Super Models on September 20, a docuseries tracking the rise of original ‘supers’ Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington. 3 Sofi goth “The obsession with Wednesday Addams this year has had many of us recreating a more grungy, gothic-inspired look. While a little daunting to some, ‘soft goth’ makeup can be more wearable than you think – and it’s looking to be big this winter,” says Aimee Connolly, makeup artist and founder of Sculpted by Aimee. You don’t need a steady hand for this look – it’s all about smudges of black around your eye. Connolly recommends lining your eyes with a creamy black pencil, and blending it “upwards and outwards using a blending brush”. She adds: “Finish with lashings of black mascara to defi ne the lashes and complete the eye look.” 4 Laff e nails While lattemakeup might have had its time in the sun, it’s spawned another trend: latte nails. “The latte and caramel girl aesthetic sees a rise in rich, warm hues of brown, tan and beige adorning fi ngertips everywhere,” says Sara Waterman, senior aesthetician at Young LDN. How you choose to style the trend is up to you, with Waterman suggesting a solid colour, ombré gradient or intricate design. To be bang on trend, opt for an ultra-glossy fi nish – combining it with the ‘glazed doughnut’ trend for high shine, which doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. 5 Pastel eyes Pastels for autumn might seem unusual, but the look stormed the autumn/winter catwalks. Models at Richard Quinn had soft lilacs and pale blues dusted around their eyes, which Aimee Connolly calls “the perfect break from the everyday neutral, bronzey eye”. She says: “Experimenting with colour doesn’t have to be daunting. Adding a pastel pop such as a Y2K baby pink will playfully brighten and open up your eyes. Even better, you should have a blush that will do the trick already in your makeup bag.” Connolly’s top tip is to prime your eyes with a concealer, set with a translucent pressed powder “to make pastel shadows really pop” and “fi nish with a brightening liner in the waterline”. WW BEAUTY
30 WOMANSWAY.IE Tired of looking like she’s permanently in mourning for her life, contributing editor Andrea Smith is striving to inject colour and sparkle into her mainly black wardrobe. Rainbow Bright Kimonos Kimonos form a huge part of my wardrobe and I wear them over everything. They run from sheer ones to full-on glitter numbers, and my favourite is actually a black beach wrap with long Morticia Addams-type sleeves (see pic above). When you have a nice colourful kimono, you can just wear a plain outfi t underneath, so I either go for a casual black dress or a top and leggings and I'm good to go. As I’m in the plus-size category, or ‘curve’ as the brands like to call us to seduce us hefty gals, my go-tos are Yours Clothing, Very and Oxendales. I was thrilled to fi nd this fab pink devoré kimono (right) reduced to €30 on Boohoo recently, which will get plenty of wear this winter. Kimonos form a huge part of my wardrobe and I wear them over everything. They run from sheer ones to full-on glitter numbers, and my favourite is actually a black beach sleeves (see pic above). When you have a nice colourful kimono, you can just wear a a casual black dress or a top and leggings and I'm good to go. As I’m in the plus-size category, or ‘curve’ as the brands like to call Yours Clothing, Very and Oxendales. I was thrilled to fi nd this fab pink devoré kimono tly, Boohoo Plus Devoré Kimono €30 City Chic Navy Floral Waterfall Kimono €71.40, yoursclothing.ie Joe Brown Embroidered Kimono €110, very.ie Monsoon Kiara Green Velvet Kimono €200 Pic: Brian McEvoy
WOMANSWAY.IE 31 STYLE FAVES New hues I adore black and if I could, I would wear it every single day. It’s not all gloom though as I have colourful extensions in my hair, which jazz up my look a bit. Having said that, I’m aware that my fondness for black can be boring, so I’ve been trying to inject a bit of colour into my wardrobe over the past year. I can’t stand muted colours like brown, navy and mustard, so it’s bright jewel colours like purple, pink and teal all the way for me. When I’m looking for something for a special occasion, I go for Irish designer Róisín Linnane’s colourful creations - I’m a huge fan. Costume jewellery One of the occupational hazards of being a bitter old spinster is that there is nobody to buy you nice jewellery. I know I could buy it for myself but, sure look, I have seven hungry dogs to feed. Happily, I love costume jewellery and colourful stones, and think that throwing on a statement necklace is a great way to add interest to a look. My favourites are large silver neckpieces from Newbridge Silverware - I have a collection of them. I’m not one for small, dainty pieces when it comes to jewellery, and wearing dramatic necklaces makes me happy. As an added bonus, when the dogs chew them up, they’re inexpensive to replace. WW Glifi er and shine As I always say, a sparkly top is not just for Christmas. I will happily wear glitter all year round, so I’m always thrilled when glitzy items start appearing in stores for the festive season. I love metallics too and think they really jazz up any look. Mind you, I once wore a metallic mauve dress and ended up looking like the purple Quality Street chocolate. If you’re apprehensive about fullon glitter, a little bit of muted shimmer can be a winner, like this Roman plisse dress (below) that I got from Debenhams. And if you’re really reluctant to go all out, a pair of sparkly earrings or a shiny bracelet will bring a touch of light to the dark, gloomy evenings ahead of us. New hues I adore black and if I could, I would wear it every single day. It’s not all gloom though as I have colourful extensions in my hair, which jazz up my look a bit. Having said that, I’m aware that my fondness for black can be boring, so I’ve been trying to inject a bit of colour into my wardrobe over the past year. I can’t stand muted colours like brown, navy and mustard, so it’s bright jewel colours like purple, pink and teal all the way for me. When I’m looking for something for a special occasion, I go for Irish designer Róisín Linnane’s colourful creations - I’m a huge fan. Glifi er and shine As I always say, a sparkly top is not just for Christmas. I will happily wear glitter all year round, so I’m always thrilled when glitzy items start appearing in stores for the festive season. I love metallics too and think they really jazz up any look. Mind you, I once wore a metallic mauve dress and ended up looking like the purple Quality Street chocolate. If you’re apprehensive about fullon glitter, a little bit of muted shimmer can be a winner, like this Roman plisse dress (below) that I got from Debenhams. And if you’re really reluctant to go colours like brown, navy and mustard, so it’s bright jewel colours like purple, pink and teal all the way for me. When I’m looking for something for a special occasion, I go for Irish designer Róisín Linnane’s colourful creations - I’m New Look Pink Sequin Midi Wrap Dress €40 Róisín Linnane Alba Dress €580, roisinlinnane.com Róisín Linnane Remy top €359, roisinlinnane.com Monsoon Jenny Embroidered Tea Dress €140, very.ie WOMANSWAY.IE 31 all out, a pair of sparkly earrings or a shiny bracelet will bring a touch of light to the dark, gloomy evenings ahead of us. that I got from Debenhams. And if you’re really reluctant to go hungry dogs to feed. Happily, I love costume jewellery and colourful stones, and think that throwing on a statement necklace is a great way to add interest WOMANSWAY.IE to a look. My favourites are large silver neckpieces from Newbridge Silverware - I have a collection of them. I’m not one for small, dainty pieces when it comes to jewellery, and wearing dramatic necklaces makes me happy. As an added bonus, when the dogs chew them up, they’re inexpensive to replace. WW and think that throwing on a statement necklace is a great way to add interest to a look. My favourites are large silver neckpieces from Newbridge Silverware - I have a collection of them. I’m not one for small, dainty pieces when it comes to jewellery, and wearing dramatic necklaces makes me happy. As an added One of the occupational hazards of being a bitter old spinster is that myself but, sure look, I have seven bonus, when the dogs chew them up, they’re inexpensive to replace. Monsoon Jewel Treasure Bracelets 5 Pack €9 Majestic Collection Rainbow Necklace €133.45, etsy.com Accessorize Mixed Gem Earrings € 14.90 Newbridge Silverware Lir Necklace €100 VLR Pink Silver Eda Ring €62.50, etsy.com Sequin Ruffle Detail Smock Dress €48, boohoo.com M&S Tailored Sequin Single Breasted Blazer €110, marksandspencer.ie Rita Ora Diamond Earcuff €5.50, Penneys Roman Curve Metallic Plisse Frill Hem Dress €60, debenhams.com Yours Luxe Curve Black Sequin Cami Top €58, yoursclothing.ie
32 WOMANSWAY.IE By Niamh O’Reilly It’s time to let these supporting characters play the lead in your autumn wardrobe. Accessories often get relegated to playing second fi ddle in our wardrobes. However, though they are small, they are mighty, and these seemingly insignifi cant additions can completely transform the look and feel of an outfi t in a few simple steps. Adding statement earrings, or a colourful scarf or bold hat will turn a look from day to night or smart to casual or vice versa. As versatile as they are, it is very easy to get stuck in a rut with accessories. Many of us reach for the same handbags each day or go with the same jewellery or scarves, often more out of habit than anything else. However, at this time of year changing up your accessories is a great way to add a new fl avour to your wardrobe without having to make too much of an investment. Here are some of our favourites on the shelves right now. WW Accessories By Niamh O’Reilly 32 WOMANSWAY.IE your wardrobe without having to make too much of an investment. Here are some of our favourites on the shelves right now. WW AUTUMN SCARVES Carraig Donn Hat €32 Scarf €15 Earrings €18 Slipover €40 Magee1866 Scarf €45 Ronda Scarf €35, visit divine.ie Tommy Hilfiger Signature Scarf €120, visit oxendales.ie Avoca Barbour Isla Boucle Serape €74.99 Carraig Donn Hat €15 Scarf €22
WOMANSWAY.IE 33 STYLE Paula Rowan Rebecca - Silk Lined Leather Gloves €130 JEWELLERY Margaret O’Connor Chancer Necklace Small €55 Duilleog Five Leather Leaf Necklace €59.99, visit designireland.ie Gold Gild Earrings €135, visit crystalsandco.com Megadrop Earrings in Sage and Duck Egg Blue €58, visit shockofgrey.com Chunky Melted Hoops €18, visit bettyandbiddy.com HATS & Other Stories Wool Beret €29 TK MAXX Hat €34.99 Faux Leather Cap €15.99, visit stradivarius.com Carraig Donn Hat €32 Scarf €15 Gloves €15 Earrings €16 Basic Rib Beanie €8, visit boohoo.com BAGS GLOVES ROMIE Bag Smooth Rosewood €350, visit sezane.com Florence Suede Hobo Bag €120, visit somasstudio.com Kate Spade Sam Icon Modern Leopard Mini Hobo Bag €395 & Other Stories Classic Leather Tote €99 Paula Rowan Rebecca - Silk Lined Leather Gloves Lauren Wool Cashmere Gloves €89, visit arnotts.ie Womenswear Herringbone Gloves €23.95, visit heritagetraditions.com Avoca Rains Alta Puffer Mittens Candy €55 Lai Suede Gloves Cadmium Green €45, visit divine.ie
34 WOMANSWAY.IE From where to shop, to what to look out for, experts give their top tips for purchasing pre-loved furniture. Pre-Loved Pieces
By Sam Wylie-Harris, PA INTERIORS WOMANSWAY.IE 35 WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BONES… When you’re looking at a piece of furniture like a vintage sofa, it’s very easy to cast aside something that doesn’t look too pretty based on the fabric pattern or colour alone, notes Dawson. “But the key here is to make sure you’re looking at the structure – or the bones – of the piece to focus on what the frame is like, and whether it has potential to be reinvigorated with a new fabric or a lick of paint. “While I was looking for a new sofa for my own home I found a design with a very grubby looking fabric,” reveals Dawson. “But the bamboo framework itself was absolutely beautiful.” So she purchased the sofa “at a very good price as obviously a lot of customers were put off by the fabric”, and then invested her money on having the cushions reupholstered in a fabric that ties in with the rest of her interiors scheme. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX Pringle says to be open-minded and don’t be put off by minor imperfections – focus on the overall construction and craftsmanship of an item… “Any small blemishes, scuff marks or chipped paint can easily be fi xed… keep in mind that sometimes all a piece needs is a little love,” says Pringle. “A fresh lick of paint, a revarnish, new drawer handles or even dyeing material can completely transform an item. The great thing about upcycling is you create a piece that perfectly matches your style.” Who doesn’t love a cheerful mix of old and new? From hand-me-downs to fl ea market fi nds and car boot sales, a good old rummage can certainly reap its rewards… and chime with present-day pieces. But how about taking your purchasing prowess to the next level – and styling up your space with planetfriendly fi nds en masse? “We’re all trying to buy less and buy better,” says Lisa Dawson, home stylist, interiors blogger and author of Resourceful Living. So when you’re planning your interior scheme, she says you want to make sure to include a sustainable mix of furniture. “Sourcing vintage and second-hand furnishings is a great responsible way to do that, instead of buying everything new.” Harriet Pringle, founder of Narchie, a homeware marketplace app, also applauds shopping second hand. “Not only is it the most sustainable way to shop for your home, it helps give new life to something that would otherwise be chucked away. “But you can also get cheaper, better quality, and unique designs at a fraction of the price. It’s also the quickest and most effi cient way of purchasing for your home, as you don’t have to wait for long lead times.” SO WHERE SHOULD YOU GO, AND WHAT SHOULD YOU BE LOOKING OUT FOR? WHERE TO SHOP “For me, the number one place to source vintage from – that everyone can access easily – is eBay,” says Dawson. She advises: “Now eBay is a massive platform and can seem daunting with thousands of sellers – so it’s really important that you do some due diligence while you’re shopping there.” Make sure to spend time looking at the customer ratings the seller has received – before you start bidding – to check how reliable they are to be buying from, warns Dawson. “You really don’t want to be bidding on products, for them then not to be what you expect – or arrive in poor condition.” She says you can also fi lter your shopping search by distance, so you can see which furniture items are closest for you to collect, or to organise a courier service for. Pringle says platforms like Narchie have more than 2,800 sellers, selling everything from vintage tableware, textiles, furniture and art, so there is a huge selection to suit every budget and style. “You can search for specifi c items or categories, and you can fi lter by resale, new, price and more,” she highlights. “So it’s easier to fi nd specifi c pieces you’re looking for, as well as discovering items you may not have otherwise come across.” She says the algorithm also creates a ‘For You’ section in the app that recommends pieces you may like. TOP TIPS “I’m always searching for vintage furniture on eBay due to the sheer volume of products available,” says Dawson. “A top tip for me when you’re searching for a term – such as ‘vintage sofa’ for example – is once you’ve searched, you click on ‘fi lter’ and make sure to select the ‘auction’ category. “You don’t want to be on ‘all listings’ as this includes items that defi nitely aren’t vintage,” advises Dawson. “You’ll see this fi lter then refi nes your search and only includes purely vintage designs.” You can then save this search for the future and if new sellers start adding additional vintage pieces, you’ll be alerted immediately, notes Dawson. “It’s a great service that can unearth some real hidden gems.” DO YOUR RESEARCH If you’re new to shopping second-hand online, Pringle says it’s worth making a list of the specifi c homeware or furniture items you need. “This will help you stay focused and avoid impulse purchases.” From a practical standpoint, she says it’s worth researching and getting familiar with styles, materials, brands and design names you love, e.g. Ercol or Pieff. You can then set alerts and discover good deals more easily. And don’t be afraid to negotiate the price, adds Pringle. Most sites have a feature that allows users to negotiate prices and fi nd amazing deals on high-quality secondhand items. “Know when to be impulsive and when to be realistic,” says Pringle. “For bigger furniture pieces, it’s worth waiting and making sure it’s exactly what you want, as they are often an investment.” WW furniture. “Sourcing vintage and “I’m always searching for vintage furniture on volume of products available,” says Dawson. once you’ve searched, you click on ‘fi lter’ and make sure to select the ‘auction’ category. Harriet Pringle Lisa Dawson
36 WOMANSWAY.IE Style it up How to style your home like a professional.
By Sam Wylie-Harris, PA WOMANSWAY.IE 37 When it comes to creating your own personal style, there are a few principles that come in super handy when you’re about to embark on a new project… and take your fi rst foray into the world of interior design. “It’s not rocket science that if you wake up in a home or room you love, which makes you feel happy and calm and brings a smile to your face, then you will start your day with a more positive mindset,” Lucy Gough writes in her new book, The Home Style Handbook. “And it doesn’t have to cost the earth either. Paint, wallpaper, upcycling, second-hand furniture, along with a new cushion or two, can go a long way in transforming your home,” she suggests. Currently living in Sydney, Australia, and head stylist at Home Beautiful magazine, Gough says she feels it’s important as a stylist and freelance creative director to be able to turn your hand to any aesthetic a client asks of you. “We stylists need to be truly versatile,” enthuses Gough. Here, she shares her insider tips on how to style your home like it is second nature, which is sure to put you in a positive frame of mind… MAKE A MOOD BOARD “All wonderful interiors schemes are pulled together in the beginning stages using a mood board,” says Gough. “Not only are they important in helping pull together all your creative thoughts and ideas,” she continues. “But they are fun to make and a great mindful task for you to play around with at the beginning of the project, to make sure you get it right fi rst time.” CREATE CONTINUITY OF COLOUR “If you can decide on your colour and texture palette before you embark on picking up a paintbrush, your home will feel cohesive,” notes Gough. “And might trick people into thinking a professional has helped you.” A thread of colour throughout your home is so important for it to feel like you have considered your ideas before implementing them, she adds. TELL A STORY Not only should you consider your palette but also think about a theme, says Gough. “Now, I’m not talking about a Disney theme here. I mean a thread forming around your love of antiques, family treasures, a dark palette or coastal look for example. “Something that makes your heart sing when you walk in your home.” Then add colours you love and bring these together with surface samples and foliage, she writes in The Home Style Handbook. If you decide to go with two or more bold colours, Gough says to add some soft tones in between to give them space to breathe. STYLE YOUR SPACE IN SECTIONS “I suggest approaching your room as a series of vignettes,” encourages Gough. “Sometimes, if you’re not a professional, it can be overwhelming to think about styling a whole room at a time. Instead, think of each room as a series of smaller spaces. “Look through your phone screen and break it down into smaller photographable corners and sections,” advises Gough. “For example, style the sofa area fi rst then the TV unit area second, and the corner with the armchair and mirror third.” And when it comes to the fi nishing touches, such as styling your succulents, she writes: “Notice how the objects and plants on the cabinet (pictured) are higher in the top left and then go down at an angle to the bottom right.” VISUALISE A TRIANGLE FORMATION “When I am styling bookshelves, I like to style using a visual triangle formation,” says Gough. “I never style with symmetry – although there is nothing wrong with doing so.” She continues: “I prefer the more relaxed look and fi nd creating triangular shapes between items helps aesthetically. “And don’t pack things in too tightly,” says Gough. “You should give things room to breathe.” WW Lucy Gough INTERIORS The Home Style Handbook by Lucy Gough, published by Mitchell Beazley, priced €37.50. Photography by Simon Bevan. Available now. By Sam Wylie-Harris, PA A thread of colour throughout your home is so important for it to feel like you have considered your ideas before implementing them, she adds. “I prefer the more relaxed look and find creating triangular shapes between items helps aesthetically."
38 WOMANSWAY.IE way to enjoy October. Offering the comfort and warmth of a hotel, but giving the best of the outdoors too, the pods can sleep up to four people and have wifi and a coffee dock. Certain sites even boast a hot tub. Locations include Thornfi eld Farm, Co Antrim, which is close to the Dark Hedges, made famous as the setting for Kingsroad in Game of Thrones. Visit further.space FITZ OF INCH, STRADBALLY, CO LAOIS Who says a short staycation can’t include the whole gang? True, it can be tricky to fi nd a location that caters for large numbers of your friends and family, but it’s not impossible. This luxurious 18th Century property doesn’t come cheap, but you can book the entire place for your own special break. With antique furnishings, plush beds and lots of added extras like a cinema experience, table tennis, a hot tub, fi re pit and use of the onsite barns, it’s got lots to entertain a large group. Do note, while it’s dog-friendly, it is now an adult-only destination. Visit fi tzofi nch.ie Cosying up by a crackling fi re is hard to beat, but there’s lots more to do on a staycation at this time of year. The beauty of October is that the weather gods can be relatively kind. You can still expect a mixed bag, but generally speaking, it’s not cold enough to stop you getting out and about. More than the summer, autumn is a great time of year to try something a little bit out of the ordinary ,and with the evenings drawing in, there’s often got to be an added dimension to make the trip worth it. From glamping with the family, to a romantic night in a luxe log cabin to one or two spooky stays, here are some of the slightly different autumn and Halloween breaks on our radar right now. FURTHER SPACE GLAMPING, MULTIPLE LOCATIONS With the promise of darker skies, brighter stars and dreamy fi re pits, these Further Space Glamping pods sound like the ideal CASTLE LESLIE ESTATE, CO MONAGHAN This restored house on the historic Leslie estate is rumoured to be haunted. The Leslie family has lived on the estate since 1665. According to legend, Norman Leslie was seen by Lady Marjorie Leslie beside the chest of drawers in 1914, a few weeks after he had been killed on the battlefi elds of France. His ghost is not the only one to have been seen either. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, it’s an atmospheric place to stay at Autumn Breaks From spooky staycations, to sleeping under the stars, we look at some of the more unusual breaks on offer this season. Campfi re at Fitz of Inch Further Space
TRAVEL WOMANSWAY.IE 39 By Niamh O’Reilly this time of year. The beauty of the estate is that there are a range of accommodation options from the luxury of the main house, to the more accessible stable mews. Thrill-seekers can get in the saddle at the adjacent equestrian centre, and there are lots of other activities too, like clay pigeon shooting, owl encounters and walks. Visit castleleslie.com CAHERNANE HOUSE HOTEL, CO KERRY Another historic house, Cahernane was built in 1877. It’s right on the doorstep to Killarney and is a great base for enjoying some autumnal walks of the national park. For something a bit spooky, this Halloween the hotel will welcome storyteller, seanchaí Eddie Lenihan, to regale guests with some ghost stories in front of the roaring fi re. Apparently his stories are not for the faint-hearted, but, then, good yarns never are. There will also be a haunted history tour of Cahernane House itself. Visit cahernane.com SPRINGFORT HALL COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL, CO CORK Glamping can be attractive, but for those who just can’t let go of the luxury of a hotel, then something like the log cabins at Springfort Hall could be the solution. The nine luxury log cabins have their own private balconies so you can enjoy the autumn nights in privacy. Equipped with showers, TVs, wifi and cosy bedding, they can accommodate up to six guests. The added bonus is that you can also enjoy all the facilities of the hotel, including the restaurant and the 17-acre estate. You can bring your four-legged friends along too. Visit springfort-hall.com DROMOLAND CASTLE, CO CLARE If you want to push the boat out you could stay in a real castle at Halloween. Luxurious hotspot Dromoland is getting into the spirit of the season with pumpkin carving, Halloween treasure hunts in its walled garden and even a chance to come face-toface with its Wizard’s Owl, Pickles, and his feathered friends. There’s also a bonfi re on Halloween night with hot chocolate and Castle Leslie Fitz of Inch Barn Cahernane House Hotel The Drawing Room at Cahernane Dromoland Castle Hotel marshmallows. Away from the spooky stuff, there’s a spa for the grownups to escape to, and other activities like go karts and an indoor swimming pool for a change of scenery. WW Visit dromoland.ie Cahernane House Hotel signature bedroom in the manor house Springfort Hall
40 WOMANSWAY.IE Fota island are pure meaningless notions that will never be adhered to. But for us and many other families, the holy grail in terms of a successful staycation often hinges on one thing. Finding a hotel that also offers the option of self-catering accommodation. It gives families the best of both worlds – the luxury of the hotel amenities and the space to be a family. Any parent who has ever had to sleep in the bath while trying to share a family room with very young children will understand. Fota Island Resort and Spa (fotaisland.ie) in Cork ticked all the boxes. Being located on A its own island was a selling point in itself for s a parent travelling with two children under the age of seven, I’ve learnt many things. Never travel without an emergency supply of Calpol, and understand that bedtimes two imaginative little boys who found the idea a complete hoot. The resort has over 500 acres of sprawling green landscaped grounds, where the large fi ve-star hotel sits. There are playgrounds, fairy trails, several restaurants and even a spa and a golf course for the grownups. Its trump card was that it also offers self-catering accommodation. The lodges are located a short walk from the main hotel and were recently awarded fi ve-star status by Fáilte Ireland. You can get a complimentary car from the hotel if required. We stayed in a three-bedroom house and it was really modern and well fi nished. Each of the bedrooms were large. ADVENTURE An island Looking for a bit of grownup luxury with a side of selfcatering, Niamh O’Reilly checks out what Fota Island Resort has to offer on a short break.
TRAVEL WOMANSWAY.IE 41 One was ensuite and the other rooms had twin beds and a single bed respectively. The kitchen had everything you’d need if you fancied cooking. The house looked out onto a courtyard at the front and a large football pitch at the back and lots of green space to walk around. There was a cosy fi re in the lounge and there was even a drying room downstairs, which was handy after a day spent out and about in the autumn weather. The fairy trails were a big hit and wound all around the lush woodland providing some cover even on a rainy day. We ate in the Amber Restaurant at the hotel. It was very family-friendly, but with a bit of a luxury edge. The staff were very welcoming, and colouring pencils and paper were provided for the kids as they chatted to the staff like they were old friends. We took a trip into Cobh on our fi rst day. The weather was blowing a gale, but we decided to try the Titanic Experience (titanicexperiencecobh.ie). Much smaller than the Belfast equivalent, what makes this a bit special was that it’s housed in the historic White Star Line Building, where Titanic’s last passengers departed all those years ago. It felt like a much more authentic experience. Each visitor is given a ticket bearing the identity of a real passenger. You fi nd out at the end if you survived or were lost to the sea. On our second day, there was only one place to go. Fota Wildlife Park (fotawildlife. ie). Situated next door to the resort, it sits on 100 acres. Amazingly the park is 40 years old this year and it has gone from strength to strength and has a very different feel to Dublin Zoo. For one thing, there are several species of animals that are allowed to roam freerange style around the park. You will likely see lots of wallabies, kangaroos, and lemurs sauntering around without a care in the world. We found King Julien himself sunbathing in the large pot of a palm tree, while spider monkeys crossed over the path using the series of netted tunnels above. It was such a thrill for the kids. We opted for a family tour and our guide and former head keeper Willie gave us lots of information on each of the animals, as well as the history of Fota. From its humble beginnings in the '80s where animals only had wooden sheds as their indoor retreat, to the more updated animal houses that now exist on the site. Fota is also involved in a number of conservation efforts and has helped with the reintroduction of certain species into the wild. There are several events on each day, such as the impressive cheetah run at midday. The super speedy large cats chase meat on a fast-moving wire, which aids their movement and mental stimulation, as well as being a terrifi c spectacle to watch. What shone through was the unobtrusive nature of the place. Only a small fence separates the giraffes, zebras and bison from the visitors and everything has a very safari feel to it. We were lucky enough to get behind the scenes and feed the giraffes, which was a major highlight. Families can book this guided tour experience before arrival, and I would highly recommend it. The extra information and personal touch made it a day to remember, and being brought around in the electric buggy was a lifesaver for little legs. There is a train, however, that will bring you around the park for a small charge. After a day in the wild, all that was left to do was go for a dip in the pool. Slots must be booked in advance, and we were lucky to have the place to ourselves. Next door the calming smells of the spa wafted through and while I didn’t venture in, there are many treatments available to try, as well as the thermal spa areas too. WW Cobh Amber Bar and Lounge Lodges Giraffe Crossing Titanic Experience Hotel Pool
42 WOMANSWAY.IE McAlinden from specialist operator Best Served Scandinavia, who lists warmer weather and less crowds as two key advantages to travelling at this time of year. Of course, every season has its charm and winter breaks also have their appeal, offering a chance to husky or reindeer ride through landscapes blanketed in white. Whenever you choose to travel, here are a few good options to consider… Now the days are shrinking and darkness has descended in the northern hemisphere, chances of seeing the aurora borealis are increasing – and shows look set to be some of the best in a while. Every 11 years, the sun’s poles reverse, causing bursts of solar activity resulting in northern lights. Scientists predict the next solar maximum will occur at the end of 2024, meaning the next few years will be a time for the lights to shine. Already, the aurora has been seen as far south as Scotland, and early season autumn trips to Scandinavia and the Nordics are growing in popularity. “We have seen in excess of a 10 per cent increase post-pandemic, where people have specifi cally enquired about an autumn aurora break and are booking,” says Sue A TREAT FOR TWO Few things can be more romantic than snuggling up with a loved one on a cold night. Despite being in Rovaniemi – the undisputed home of Santa – the adults-only Beana Laponia hotel is a gift for couples. Bathe in a hot tub surrounded by a snowy landscape or sizzle in a sauna before cooling down by rolling in the snow. The hotel also has its own husky farm where it’s possible to play with the excitable sled dogs. Shift to the Golden Crown glass igloos, a 1.5-hour drive north in Kittila, to search for the northern lights without having to go outside. A motorised bed can be shifted into different positions to maximise viewing opportunities. During the day, snowshoe through the wilderness where snow clinging to trees creates a menagerie of frozen monsters. How: Visit scottdunn.com Northern Lights DELIGHTS As the sun approaches the peak in its 11-year cycle, aurora displays promise to be most dazzling. The Treehotel in Sweden A Sami reindeer herder in Norway
TRAVEL WOMANSWAY.IE 43 By Sarah Marshall, PA AN OTHER-WORLDLY EXPERIENCE Iceland can be a notoriously expensive destination to visit, but there are ways to keep costs down – especially if you go early in the season. “The autumn months are a great time to hunt for the northern lights for a multitude of reasons,” says Liz Cairns, head of product and partnerships at Flight Centre. “Not only is travel more affordable during these months, the region is also less crowded than in the summer and less chilly than in the winter. “For more scientifi c reasons, blanket cloud cover is reduced during the autumn, which means visibility is improved, and increased geomagnetic activity at this time of year means a more likely chance of seeing spectacular auroral displays.” Longer daylight hours also leave more time to explore steaming hot springs and volcanic black sands. How: Visit fl ightcentre.co.uk SPACE AGE DELIGHTS Used by Meta as a base for its Facebook servers, the Lulea archipelago in northern Sweden has also become a hub for northern lights tourism. Secluded by birch trees overlooking a peaceful bay, Brandon Lodge is a playpark for wilderness fanatics. Spend half a day in the forest learning essential skills for surviving in the Arctic, kayak through a maze of 800 islands, or come back later in winter when ice fi shing and skating are possible. Every night, there’s always a chance to see lights in the sky without having to move too far. Realise more childhood fantasies a short drive away in Harads at the Treehotel, where rooms suspended between branches have been designed by some of the world’s top architects. Stay in a UFO, a Mirror Cube or a Biosphere covered in bird boxes. How: Visit best-served.co.uk ALL ROUND SUCCESS Seasons change quickly in northern Norway and daylight hours disappear rapidly with every day that passes, meaning more time to see the northern lights. Glorious at any time of the year, Sorrisniva Arctic Wilderness Lodge sits alongside the Alta River and is backed by forested hills. It claims to have the northernmost igloo in the world, built every year with 250 tonnes of ice and 7,000 cubic meters of snow, and open from December 20 to April 7. At other times of year, it’s possible to stay in a comfortable lodge with lakeside views. In the autumn, take a riverboat tour, hike, electric bike or horse ride through the wilderness. In the winter, snowshoe, take reindeer sled rides, or harness up a “The autumn months are a great time to hunt for the northern lights for a multitude of reasons” team of huskies for a race across the pristine landscape. Throughout the year, you can fi sh for king crab, a prized Norwegian delicacy. Sitting underneath the aurora oval, far from light pollution, it’s an excellent place to spot northern lights. How: Visit sunvil.co.uk MISSION POSSIBLE Turn a northern lights hunt into a true adventure by combining planes, trains and cruise ships on a tour. After spending a few days in Oslo, take advantage of Scandinavia’s scenic train network with a journey through the heart of Norway on the Dovre Railway. Nicknamed the ‘trail of the troll’, the route winds through lakes and valleys where musk oxen graze on the tundra. A brief stay in Viking capital Trondheim is followed by a four-day cruise trip with Havila across the Arctic Circle to the Lofoten Islands, passing through narrow fjords and traditional red rorbuer fi sherman huts tucked beneath spikey mountains. If the lights fail to show up, there’s a chance to catch them in Tromso, The North Cape and Kirkenes. WW How: Visit greatrail.com A geyser in Iceland’s Golden Circle Brandon Lodge in Sweden Northern lights above the Lofoten Islands in Norway
44 WOMANSWAY.IE T he onset of autumn and new school terms suggests a shift in mood, but that doesn’t mean the holiday season is over. Now crowds have disappeared and prices have dropped, there are compelling reasons to travel in the shoulder season – the periods between traditional peak and low seasons. “Shoulder season consistently presents opportunities to seize late summer bargains, and this year proves no different,” says Chris Webber, head of holidays and deals at TravelSupermarket. “According to TravelSupermarket’s data, tourists who opt for September holidays to sought-after destinations such as Antalya, Menorca, and Costa Brava can anticipate signifi cant price reductions of more than 25 per cent compared to August – with many other locations seeing a reduction in price in September and October compared to the peak holiday months of July and August. “When you combine these cost savings with the consistently splendid weather that much of southern Europe enjoys throughout September, it becomes clear why shoulder season is recognised as an opportune time to travel.” COOLER CLIMATES ARE A TREND Crediting a combination of heatwaves across Europe, the cost of living on the rise, a post-covid desire to avoid crowds – or a combination of all three, Original Travel says shoulder season is on the up. September 2023 was a bigger month for Experts explain why now is the time to book a great value holiday. Shoulder Season departures than August by 14 per cent, and the trend looks set to continue for next year, says the operator. In response, it has launched several new shoulder season itineraries to destinations traditionally popular in the summer, including Sardinia and Corsica. Coinciding with lower, more comfortable temperatures, walking specialist HF Holidays says May, June, September and October are their most popular months. “As a walking specialist, shoulder seasons are actually peak seasons for us,” says Andrew Turner, head of commercial and business development. “Walking in Ireland, the UK and Europe is ideal in spring and autumn – with comfortable temperatures, a decent amount of daylight hours and nature at its best.”
TRAVEL WOMANSWAY.IE 45 By Sarah Marshall, PA Escorted tour operator G Adventures also has a portfolio of active European trips designed specifi cally for the shoulder season, including hiking in Madeira, the Azores and the Canary Islands. “Europe has always been great from mid-September to late-November when there are good fl ight options and less crowds, making for a more relaxed travel experience,” says Brian Young, managing director EMEA. CROSSING TIME ZONES CAN BE AN ADVANTAGE Shoulder season in some destinations actually coincides with peak season in Ireland, so with some clever planning it’s possible to get the best of both worlds. “In Barbados, the low season falls between Easter and mid-December, which means when it’s expensive in Europe, the bargain option is Barbados. In addition, there are exciting festivals taking place during this period, such as The Crop Over Carnival,” says George Hammerton, director of Hammerton Barbados, an operator that has 250 villas and apartments for rent across the west coast of the island. “May to July are particularly special times to visit the island as these are the only months of the year when every species of sea turtle on the island is in hatching season,” he adds. “Beyond the likelihood of reduced fares and smaller crowds, you will see your destination at its most authentic and enjoy a more personalised experience on tours, with operators, guides and local businesses being less run off their feet and having more time to invest in individual travellers. “Another benefi t to travelling during shoulder season is that you’ll be able to secure better tables in the best restaurants at shorter notice and fl ight upgrades can be acquired using fewer air miles on airlines such as Virgin Atlantic, offering a much easier and stress-free travel experience.” WILDLIFE DOESN’T ALWAYS KEEP TO A CALENDAR “Operators draw a line in the sand to set high and shoulder season prices but it’s not as if the conditions change overnight, or the animals look at the calendar and decide to disappear,” says Mike Kelly co-founder of Coral Tree, which specialises in luxury family safaris. “Early shoulder season and late high season are essentially the same thing from a weather point of view.” He points out that most seasonal price boundaries – where there can be a difference of as much as 30 per cent to 40 per cent – are largely determined by rainfall patterns, which are becoming increasingly unpredictable. “Even if it does come on time, the impact is not really felt at the back end of the rainy period, as grass gets high and it’s harder to spot animals. At the beginning of the rains, the grass will still be short, it will just be green and more beautiful in the photos. Lions and cheetahs look more beautiful against green grass than they do against brown.” WW “Beyond the likelihood of reduced fares and smaller crowds, you will see your destination at its most authentic and enjoy a more personalised experience on tours, with operators, guides and local businesses being less run off their feet and having more time to invest in individual travellers." “Tourists who opt for September holidays can anticipate significant price reductions of more than 25 per cent"
46 WOMANSWAY.IE Check out our review of TG4 documentary Misneach: May agus Séamus McGee, the latest TV shows, fi lms and events and, as always, our pick of the best new books. Hot List The 5 NEW BOOKS TO READ THIS WEEK READ • WATCH • LISTEN By Niamh O’Reilly and By Prudence Wade, PA FICTION The Wake-Up Call by Beth O’Leary is published in hardback by Quercus, priced €21.25 Beth O’Leary, the queen of complicated relationships, is back. The backdrop of this two-handed tale is a formerly popular hotel, failing in the wake of lockdown. Artistic Izzy, grasping at straws to save the hotel and her job, sets herself the mission to return a lost wedding ring and in the process receives a large reward. Stoic Lucas is more methodical, but fi nds himself in competition with Izzy to return the remaining rings in the lost property box, hoping that another monetary reward will save the hotel from closing. Izzy and Lucas are loyal to the hotel yet somehow rub each other the wrong way. O’Leary keeps the enemies-turned-lovers story fresh by exploring events from both sides, and the short chapters keep the story moving like a rom-com fi lm. Edge Of Here: Stories From Near To Now by Kelechi Okafor is published in hardback by Trapeze, priced €23.75 The clues are found in your imagination when it comes to Kelechi Okafor’s debut short story collection. Merging the worlds of Yoruba cosmology and science-fi ction, Okafor poses a series of questions to readers about the way we choose to live our lives. Using eight stories – all with thoughtfully written non-prescriptive endings – the book fl ips contemporary black womanhood on its head through ancient and ultramodern tales that explore the themes of love, mental health, race, grief, and spirituality. Okafor has fun foreseeing the innovation of technology and allows herself to be surprised by the boldness of her imagination, and it shows. This is the perfect book for those who aren’t afraid to be challenged by fi ction. Tales of the Otherworld by Anne Doyle is published by Gill Books, priced €23.99 Most of us will associate Anne Doyle with the world of news. Having spent years at the helm of RTÉ news reading, she retired in 2011 and is now getting to indulge other passions. One of them most of us weren’t aware of is her love of the ghoulish, the unexplainable and the supernatural. In Tales of the Otherworld, Anne has put together a delightfully macabre anthology of the best Irish ghost stories, from such literary heavyweights as W.B. Yeats and Bram Stoker, as well as work from contemporary writers like Deirdre Sullivan and Roisín O’Donnell. Each scary story has a short introduction from Anne and gives us more insight into why she’s drawn to the darker side of life. The book is a great way to get reacquainted with some classics or discover some new stories with a twist in their tale. NON-FICTION Caution to the Wind by Terry Prone is published by Red Stripe Press, priced €19.99 While she’s better known for helping to shape the news and advising political bigwigs like the Taoisigh and TDs, now Terry Prone is telling her own story. The title of the memoir is taken from a major moment in her life – when she fell in love with Tom Savage, who just happened to be a Catholic priest. The pair defi ed convention at the time and eventually married. The relationship forms a huge part of the memoir, but Caution to the Wind also covers Terry’s life before meeting Tom. An outspoken teenager she loved debating and was a regular on the Late Late Show. At fi fteen, she lied about her age to get into the Abbey Theatre School of Acting, and became an actor and starred in a West End production. She eventually went on to work with the great Gay Byrne and the book charts her move into the world of communications. It’s a fascinating deep dive into a woman who held so much power in a time when women in Ireland were still largely living under the veil of the patriarchy. CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE WEEK Liff le Wolf by Peter Donnelly is published by Hachette Children’s Group priced €16.24 Peter Donnelly may be more associated with his successful 'President’s' books, but this tale of a very special Little Wolf is even more charming. All the young wolves in the valley are getting ready for the big Howling Ceremony, where they fi nd their voice and perform a loud howl to join the pack. Little Wolf however is afraid to use his voice. Anytime he tries, only a whisper comes out. Sad and feeling alone, he feels like an outsider. That is until he fi nds his own special howl, that while different is just as lovely as his siblings'. It’s a beautifullyillustrated book about courage and acceptance and is ideal for the smallies in your life. WW by Terry Prone is published by Red Stripe now Terry Prone is telling her Stories From Near
WOMANSWAY.IE 47 REVIEW By Niamh O’Reilly Misneach is the Irish word for courage and this fascinating TG4 documentary series, which takes a look at individuals displaying this trait in spades, is back. One of the standout episodes of the new series is about the landmark case taken by May and Séamus McGee against the Attorney General in 1972. The case was a fi ght for May's personal rights, but it went on to spark a national change and an eventual mindset shift in Ireland. So what was at the topic of the McGees' legal case, you might be wondering? The right to contraception. Those were the days when it was illegal to sell contraception in Ireland. Some women could obtain the pill through their own GP, but this was dependent on the doctor and often where the woman lived. Contraception was also prohibited by the Catholic Church, which held an iron grip over the morals of society. People rarely defi ed it. In effect, this meant there was a double ban. Change was in the air, however. In 1971 members of the Irish Women's Liberation Movement (IWLM), in protest against the stifl ing laws, travelled to Belfast to purchase contraceptives. In the background to all of this, just trying to live their normal lives were married couple May and Séamus McGee. After suffering severe medical complications during her fi rst three pregnancies, May’s doctor warned that another pregnancy could prove to be fatal. May was advised that spermicidal jelly would be the contraception best suited to her needs. The couple tried to import it, but the package was seized, and the young mother was threatened with jail. May knew what was happening to her was utterly wrong. This was required to potentially save her life and she was still denied it. With the support of her husband, the pair decided to challenge the law. Overnight they became reluctant public fi gures. They didn’t want this attention, but May was not going to back down. The High Court ruled against them. The couple recall the sort of demeaning questions they were asked; was Séamus happy for his wife to use contraception? Could they not just live as sister and brother for the rest of their lives instead of a normal married couple? A year later, in 1973, the McGees won their case on appeal at the Supreme Court, and six years later contraception was legalised. Away from the larger implications, the McGees faced a backlash closer to home. The Sunday after the ruling, they went to mass with their four children and were berated from the pulpit by the priest. Unfazed, they moved on with their lives and are still happily walking hand-in-hand to this day. With contributions from family members, as well as Rosita Sweetman, Nuala Egan and Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, it’s a beautiful portrait of this unassuming, but incredibly brave couple from Skerries. WW Misneach is on TG4 and available on the TG4 Player. Misneach: May agus Séamus McGee explores how one couple's bid to lift the contraceptive ban in 1972 had a profound effect on Irish society. Stand Taking a The McGee Family May and Séamus McGee over the morals of society. People rarely defi ed it. In effect, this meant reluctant public fi gures. They didn’t want this attention, but May was not going to back down. The High Court ruled against them. The couple recall the sort of demeaning couple's bid to lift the contraceptive ban in 1972 had a
48 WOMANSWAY.IE Hot Right Now… CINEMA TRIP BlackBerry If like me, you're old enough to remember when the BlackBerry fi rst landed in the palms of businesspeople, then this fi lm might make you feel even older. It was the mid-90s and a group of tech whizzes capitalised on the idea to put the ability to email in the hands of every person. And so the smartphone was born. The fact that most of us do not own a BlackBerry and most young people have never even heard of one, means that you know the story doesn’t end well. The fi lm follows Mike Lazaridis (Jay Baruchel) and Doug Fregin (Matt Johnson), the two best friends behind the invention, which they start out calling PocketLink. They seek the help of ruthless businessman Jim Balsillie (Glenn Howerton), who changes the name to BlackBerry and aggressively pushes the product and a wedge between the friends. While it’s a story that we’ve seen before in the likes of The Social Network (2010), it still underpins how creative people can often get sidelined in the cut-throat world of business. With an almost documentarystyle feel and a cracking satirical script, BlackBerry is great fun. In cinemas now TV PICKS Boiling Point If you have not seen the excellent 2021 fi lm Boiling Point, then please stop what you’re doing and go watch it, as there will be spoilers ahead. The fi lm There's an abundance of autumn entertainment to enjoy this fortnight, as Niamh O’Reilly rounds up the best big and small screen crackers, plus some terrifi c seasonal events for all the family. Emerald Park's Tricky Trail was one of the most accurate representations of the claustrophobic pressure cooker that is the world of professional kitchens. This fourpart BBC drama is a follow-up to the shocking Jay Baruchel in BlackBerry
WOMANSWAY.IE 49 HOT LIST Vinette Robinson as Carly in Boiling Point conclusion of the film, where head chef Andy Jones, played by the terrific Stephen Graham, ended up collapsed on the floor, after a night from hell. The show picks up some time later and we see that Andy has lost everything and is bitter about life. Not least because we see many of his original kitchen brigade in a new swanky London restaurant called Point North, under the lead of Andy’s former sous chef Carly, played by the superb Vinette Robinson. New tensions meet old, as we get to see more of what makes these talented people tick under immense pressure. It’s not the most relaxing of viewing. You’ll likely find yourself on the edge of your seat or feeling visibly anxious, but it is some of the best TV drama out there. Sundays, 9pm BBC One Beckham Love him or loathe him there’s no denying the impact footballer David Beckham has had on the world. Since his explosion onto the scene in the early ‘90s, he soon became a global celebrity and icon for many. From his humble workingclass beginnings in east London, his drive and determination to win, and the battle to find balance between ambition, love and family, the documentary leaves almost no stone unturned. They talk to family and friends and those he worked with, including Alex Ferguson and our own Roy Keane for their honest takes on the man they knew. Almost everything is covered, from 2003’s ‘Bootgate’, to meeting Victoria, to that sending off from the 1998 World Cup and the vitriol he faced, to his reinvention and life after football, plus more. Streaming on Netflix EVENTS The Friends Experience Could we be any more excited? Fans of the longrunning show Friends, which still seems to be on at least one channel any time you turn the TV on, will be delighted that this global experience is finally coming to Dublin. Essentially, it gives visitors the chance to step inside the set and get a look at the making of the show, the costumes, the Beckham Nightmare Realm Betty Bedlam props and lots of selfie opportunities. Sets include Monica’s kitchen, the famous fountain and you can recreate scenes, such as peeking around Rachel and Monica’s purple door, relaxing in Chandler and Joey’s recliners or helping Ross with the infamous sofa pivot. The event takes place in Theatre Of Light, The Point Square, Dublin from 24 October and runs until January. Visit friendstheexperience.com/dublin The Nightmare Realm If you’re one of those people who just loves the adrenaline rush of a proper good scare, then get down to the Nightmare Realm in Dublin’s City Market. Be warned, this is a fully immersive experience with performers who are ready to scare the actual bejesus out of you. Honestly, bring a spare pair of pants because this is a highly-produced event with some genuinely scary moments. This year there are five new scare mazes, interactive secret rooms, an expanded The Friends Experience museum of horrors, plus even more stage dancers and circus performers. There’s also a Halloween village with lots of spooky treats to eat and drink, if you’re able after all the scares... The Nightmare Realm runs until November 3, visit thenightmarerealm.ie Emerald Park After Dark For something a tad less scary, and more family friendly, Emerald Park is doing two special Halloween events. The first is its Tricky Trail, which takes place in the daytime and offers a family style, slightly spooky treasure hunt, suitable for the smaller people in your life. There's a Ghoulish Graveyard, a Freaky Forest and Haybale Maze, as well as Scarecrow’s games in the Barn and lots of fun activities to check out. Emerald Park is also opening on selected nights in October to give you the best of its thrill rides after dark. WW Visit emeraldpark.ie
LETTERS 50 WOMANSWAY.IE Online... womansway.ie Subscribe... 01 240 5363 Email... [email protected] Facebook... facebook.com/womansway Twitter... twitter.com/Womans_way LETTER EMAIL DETAILS For the moment, we are asking you to send us all your letters and pictures to [email protected]. We love to hear from you so please stay in touch. STAR LETTERPRIZE One lucky star letter will win a hamper of Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Polishes, offering you the closest experience to a professional salon gel manicure from the comfort of your own home. This revolutionary polish has patented technology, ensuring a fl awless wear for up to 14 days, all without the need of a UV lamp. Simply apply your preferred colour and fi nish with a matte or shiny topcoat to achieve a salon-worthy manicure that's both stunning and long-lasting. Sally Hansen products are available from Boots and pharmacies nationwide. Space for Nature Summer has passed and autumn is with us again. For many of us (and this is great for me) gardens are not orderly anymore. We are encouraged now to let places go a bit wild so as to encourage nature. There are and always have been many spaces for nature around our farmyard. And now I don't have to feel a little guilty about not having everything laid out nice and neat. Mother Nature has a way of making colours work. We see her handiwork in many things and most times it's better let her have her way. And of course then we have wildlife following on from all that. At the moment this creeper is like an Indian Princess across the old walls. So it will go but next year it will do it all again. And I just have to let it happen. Marian Dalton, Co Carlow Space for Nature gardens are not orderly bit wild so as to encourage nature. A memorable moment, on a glorious day. He stole my heart away. This tiny bird produced such a sweet performance. I wished I could have rewarded him. I relished every second of his presence. Gone: But not forgotten. Ever – by me. Long life to him. God’s lovely creation. Theresa, Co Laois Season Feels I have just been reading your magazine and I am really impressed with the Season Feels article on letting go. It expresses so eloquently everything I feel. It summarises the feelings of many of our age group not only at this time of year but also our stage of life. May McConnell, Co Sligo Dare to Dream This October 8, 2023 marked my Amelia’s tenth birthday and another diffi cult milestone for me. To mark her birthday in a positive way, I helped organise a four-day event called Amelia's Flight of HOPE. My Amelia shares her name with that of Amelia Earhart, a pioneering woman. For kids, Amelia's fl ight of HOPE was about educating them about this amazing woman, who saw no boundaries, had no fears, and excelled in many aspects from being an aviator, to an engineer, to name just two accolades to her name. For older people, i.e., adults of any age, it's about showing them too that it’s never too late to chase that dream. If you want to change your job, career path, personal path, it’s possible. As we get older, we become more fearful about taking risks and we hesitate about making a change, or Thank you for your article about Sweet Louise, she’s a real inspiration and I’m delighted to see her on your cover. I found it particularly heart-warming to read about how Louise grew up and how strong her mum was. I was glad to read that dyslexia is more understood now than when I was raising my children. I agree that there was embarrassment around the topic and we didn’t really know what to do about it apart from sending children to remedial classes. Just as Louise experienced, those classes didn’t help from a confi dence point of view. I’m sad to hear the waiting lists to get assessed are still so long. I heard people talking about it on the radio too and I hope we will see signifi cant funds put towards hiring more educational psychologists. Elaine Finnegan, Co Monaghan trying something new. We're afraid of the possibility of it not working out, so the idea with Amelia's fl ight of HOPE for any age group, is to inspire you that it is possible to take that chance, to make a change. It’s never too late. Had things been different I would have been telling my little lady to chase her dreams, that anything was possible and to always believe. To mark her tenth birthday, this project is helping me get through an unbelievably diffi cult time. I'm humbled and honoured by everyone's support and generosity in getting this project to fruition. Geraldine Mullan, who survived a tragic road accident that killed her husband and two children on August 20, 2020. In memory of John, Tomás and Amelia Mullan. My Tiny Talented Robin High up my solo songster: – thrilled me with his melodies.