WW21 2023

WOMANSWAY.IE 51 Picture This Do you have photos you’d like to share? Send them to [email protected] GET IN TOUCH Find out what Woman’s Way readers have been up to recently… Look at those locks. From: Bernie Golden I always sit on this bench while I'm having lunch. From: Alan Keogh Look at what Uncle Jody caught at the Derryounce Lakes. From: Rachel Sammon, Co Laois Ava and Wally out for a stroll at Cloonfad Scenic Walk. From: Mary Burke My cat Julie, having a quiet moment. From: Marie Harney

TIMEOUT 52 WOMANSWAY.IE REMEMBER WHEN? 1 • Liberace won £8,000 from the Daily Mirror for suggesting he was gay. • The fi rst edition of the Irish Music Charts Top 10 was printed in the Evening Herald. • John B. Keane's play Sive was premiered in Listowel by an amateur group. • The fi rst twelve female recruits were selected to join An Garda Síochána. 2 • Musicians Meat Loaf and David Bowie were born. • The wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten took place. • A young Natalie Wood starred in the fi lm Miracle on 34th Street. • American gangster Al Capone died. 1959, 1947 ANSWERS: ENTER TO WIN QUINN HAIR & BEAUTY HOW TO ENTER Please send a picture of your completed crossword grid to [email protected] No postal entries please. The closing date is October 23, 2023 This Woman's Way competition is open to anyone resident in NI and the Republic of Ireland, aged 18 and over, except employees and their families of Harmonia Publishing, its printers and anyone else connected with the competition. No purchase is necessary. We will only accept one competition entry per reader. Prizes are awarded by drawing entries after the closing date. Winners will be notifi ed by email. The editor’s decision is fi nal. One lucky reader will receive Silcare QUIN professional haircare products, including serums, shampoos and conditioners, and Quinn & Beauty hair tools to tame your locks. Visit quinnhairbeauty.com WORTH €75 No postal entries please. The closing date is October 23, 2023 An author, I was born in Nebraska in 1911. My fi ctional works include Typewriter in the Sky and Battlefi eld Earth and I developed the selfimprovement technique of Dianetics in 1950. I announced the philosophy of Scientology in 1952 and I died of a stroke in 1986. Born in 1974 in The Liberties area of Dublin, I’m a singer-songwriter and am known for my rockabilly revival musical style. My debut album was called No Turning Back and I hit the big time when I caught the attention of Jools Holland. I live in London and recently appeared in the Olympia play, Mother of all the Behans. CELEB PIXELS 1. L. Ron Hubbard; 2. Imelda May. : ANSWERS PRIZE CROSSWORD 21 ACROSS: 3. FRAGRANCE (9) 8. CASTLE (4) 9. MONETARY (9) 10. CONTAINER (6) 11. LACONIC (5) 14. PROPEL (5) 15. STIMULUS (4) 16. MUFFLER (5) 18. INTELLIGENCE (4) 20. CORRECT (5) 21. MEANING (5) 24. FLOWING (6) 25. POOR (9) 26. DEN (4) 27. IMPOTENT (9). DOWN: . FORESEEING (9) 2. AWARE (9) 4. WICKED (4) 5. DECLAIM (5) 6. SURPLUS (6) 7. TEA (4) 9. GALAS (5) 11. COMMERCE (5) 12. FLEETING (9) 13. PREYING (9) 17. EXPERIENCES (5) 19. SAFE (6) 22. SILENT (5) 23. NOUGHT (4) 24. BOTHER (4). QUICK CROSSWORD SOLUTION ISSUE 20 ACROSS: 1 TRAP; 3 ANECDOTE; 8 RAVE; 9 TRANSFER; 11 UNREASONABLE; 13 USEFUL; 14 FEEBLE; 17 UNATTRACTIVE; 20 PROBABLE; 21 FARE; 22 CLEMENCY; 23 ADIT. DOWN: 1 TORTUOUS; 2 ADVERSE; 4 NARROW; 5 CONVALESCE; 6 OFFAL; 7 EARN; 10 BALUSTRADE; 12 VEHEMENT; 15 BRIGAND; 16 FROLIC; 18 NOOSE; 19 EPIC. IMPOSSIPUZZLES 1 Philip examined the little charm. “A kalotan korbel, eh?” he said. “Thanks, but can you spare it?” “Sure, I got lots of them. They were cheap enough, 49 pence each the green, and 45 pence the gold,” replied Paul. “But there was something funny about the total. The pounds were the same as the number of gold I bought, and the pence as many as the number of greens.” How many of each did he buy? 2 “No plums left?” exclaimed Ava. “How many did you buy?” “We didn’t think you’d want one,” replied Lily. “Amy took a third of them and one third of a plum, then Erica took half of what remained and also half a plum, and that left five for me.” Well, how many plums did Lily buy? 55 GREEN KORBELS, ANSWERS: 17 PLUMS. 2 48 GOLD.

TIME OUT WOMANSWAY.IE 53 THE BIG QUIZ 1>> Who has taken over presenting Crimecall from Sharon Ní Bheoláin? A Evelyn O’Rourke B Siomhá Ni Ruairc C Carla O’Brien D Katie Hannon 2>> The vegetable known as an eggplant in the US is known as what in Ireland? A Aubergine B Turnip C Radish D Avocado 3>> Who does Ireland AM presenter Muireann O’Connell co-host a podcast with? A Zara King B Karen Koster C Emma Doran D Lottie Ryan 4>> What was the name given by Met Éireann to the fi rst storm of the 2023/2024 storm season? A Alice C Simon Coveney D Michael Ring 12>> Brian Ború’s brother avenged his death by killing Bródir at the Battle of Clontarf of 1014. Was he known as….. A Conall of the Swift Steeds B Mainchín of Limerick C Mo Lua of Killaloe D Ulf the Quarrelsome 13>> Which country was known as Burma until 1989? A Myanmar B Eswatini C Sri Lanka D Cambodia 14>> Emily in Paris star Lily Collins has a famous parent. Is it... A Jackie Collins B Joan Collins C Phil Collins D Gemma Collins B Annika C Áine D Agnes 5>> Who voiced Jessica Rabbit in the 1988 fi lm, Who's Afraid of Roger Rabbit? A Nicole Kidman B Kathleen Turner C Maggie Smith D Renée Zellweger 6>> Which US TV host served as the mayor of Cincinnati from 1977 -1978? A Dr Phil McGraw B Conan O’Brien C Maury Povich D Jerry Springer 7>> In cooking, what does en croute mean? A Baked B In pastry C Layered D Steamed 8>> Where would you fi nd the colourful Saint Basil’s Cathedral? A Moscow B Budapest C Sofi a D Damascus 9>> Which US singing duo started out under the names Caesar and Cleo? A Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell B Sonny and Cher C Peters and Lee D Richard and Linda Thompson 10>> Which country celebrates the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos)? A India B Thailand C China D Mexico 11>>Which Fine Gael TD isn’t contesting the next General Election, 36 years after fi rst being elected to Dáil Éireann? A Charlie Flanagan B Damien English 1 C, 2 A, 3 C, 4 D, 5 B, 6 D, 7 B, 8 A, 9 B, ANSWERS: 10 D, 11 A, 12 D, 13 A, 14 C. 2 14 10 3 8 14 13

54 WOMANSWAY.IE K nown as one of the hardest-working people in food, chef Michel Roux has a wellearned break on the horizon. London’s legendary French fine dining restaurant, Le Gavroche, established by Roux’s father and uncle (Albert and Michel Roux Snr) in 1967, is shutting its doors. Roux, 63, has been at the two-Michelin star restaurant since 1985, and he’s committed to his role of chef patron. “Most people who have dined at Le Gavroche will know that I’m very hands-on – if Le Gavroche is open, then I try and be there every night,” he says. “So to free up a little bit of extra time would be wonderful.” With the building’s lease coming to an end, Roux felt like it was the “appropriate time to turn the page”. Looking back at the restaurant’s legacy, Roux suggests it “massively” changed the culinary landscape in the UK. “My father and uncle – when they opened it in ’67, it was a huge leap. It was the beginning of the culinary revolution in the UK, and I never take it for granted. It was something of a momentous moment and here we are, nearly 57 years on – we’re still going very, very strong.” Roux mentions the chefs and front-of-house staff who have worked at Le Gavroche over the years – somewhat humbly refraining from naming any names. Alumni are a who’s who of the food industry, including chefs Gordon Ramsay, Marco Pierre White, Marcus Wareing and Monica Galetti. Despite the success, Roux accepts it’s “a tough industry” to be in. “It’s one where, to do it properly, you have to be 100 per cent committed,” he says – but that’s not to say Roux’s about to go on holiday. He still has three restaurants in Scotland to run, consultancy work to do, TV shows to present (Five Star Kitchen: Britain’s Next Great Chef just wrapped up on Channel 4) and cookbooks to write – like his new offering, dedicated to French home cooking. “I remember Mum cooking at home for us when we were kids and it was very similar to the stuff I’m putting in the book now and still cook,” he says. French cuisine has something of a reputation for being fancy and complicated – the preserve of fine dining restaurants like Le Gavroche. And yet Roux argues this is very different to what French people actually cook at home. “It’s genuinely wholesome, it’s not complicated, it’s not complex,” he notes. “It’s got complex flavours – definitely. But it’s not complex in the making.” He describes the type of cooking he does at home as “convivial – it’s very much sharing dishes”. This is what he describes as “true French cooking”. “By that, I mean it’s not overly fanciful and fine dining. It’s real homely food that I truly believe everyone can achieve. It also gets rid of the myth that French food is complex, heavy, rich and difficult to cook. It’s not. At its very essence, its very heart, French cuisine is quite simple, and it’s very similar to Italian cuisine.” Pasta might be synonymous with Italian food, but it was a staple for Roux growing up. “If you go to the south of France, the whole Mediterranean basin, pasta was influenced by the Italians there,” he explains. “And if you go to the north of France and the northeast, they have their own version of pasta as well – pasta is consumed immensely in France.” Pasta dishes in the book include creamy onion tagliatelle and linguine with olives, artichokes, sundried tomatoes and herbs. There’s also a big focus on seasonality in the book – something that Roux says is crucial to understanding the cuisine. “Seasons play a very big part in French cooking, like Italian cooking,” he says. “When I’m in France, I very rarely go to the supermarket, other than for washing-up liquid and stuff like that every other week… [In my village in the south of France] every day we go to the market and we buy fresh food and we’re influenced by what we see.” Roux comes from a long line of French cooks, and remembers how his father, Albert, “jumped for joy” when he said he would follow in his culinary footsteps – and his daughter, Emily, has done the same. As the iconic London restaurant Le Gavroche is to shut its doors, Michel Roux reflects on how fine dining differs from French home cooking. FRENCH LEGACY “I remember Mum cooking when we were kids and it was similar to the stuff I’m putting in the book now and still cook”

WOMANSWAY.IE 55 RECIPES By Prudence Wade, PA Continued overleaf >> TAGLIOLINI WITH SEAFOOD Serves 2 A quick pasta dish with notes of fennel. “I love seafood, and pasta and shellfi sh are always a great combination,” says Roux. “Keep this simple with mussels and clams, or if you “Emily from a very young age said she wanted to be a chef, and my wife did try and dissuade her,” Roux remembers. “She [his wife, Giselle] kept saying, ‘Look – Daddy comes home knackered, he’s grumpy and smells, and this, that and the other’. And Emily said, ‘No, I defi nitely want to be a chef’, which is great. “I’m immensely proud of her and what she’s achieved – she’s a very, very talented chef, and so is her husband Diego [Ferrari, with whom she runs the Notting Hill restaurant Caractère]. They make a great team.” Roux plans to spend more time with his “longsuffering wife”, his daughter and son-in-law, and his grandchildren in the near future. One of the things he’s most looking forward to? Being fed for once – he plans to head to Caractère to “eat their wonderful food”. want to go to town, use other shellfi sh, such as razor clams or cockles, when they’re in season. The fennel seeds and pastis bring that lovely aniseed fl avour that works so well with seafood.” Ingredients: 400g clams 500g mussels 2tbsp olive oil 1 shallot, chopped 1tsp fennel seeds 2 garlic cloves, chopped 50ml pastis 150g shelled raw prawns 4tbsp crème fraiche 300g fresh tagliolini or 180g dried tagliolini or tagliatelle Handful of herbs (parsley, chives, chervil), fi nely chopped Juice of 1 lemon Salt and black pepper Method: 1 Wash the clams and mussels well in cold water and discard any that are broken or don’t close when tapped. Remove any beards from the mussels.

56 WOMANSWAY.IE VEGETABLE TARTE TATIN Serves 4 An easy, yet impressive, vegetarian dinner. “Here we have a great French classic made into a vegetarian treat,” says Roux. “I’ve suggested a selection of vegetables, but you can vary them according to the season and spice them up with more chilli if you like a bit of heat. “Delicious as a main meal or as an accompaniment, this can be made in individual portions as well as a large tart. It’s fine to use shop-bought puff pastry – I do.” Ingredients: 3 small heads of red chicory 3 small heads of yellow chicory 200g slender carrots, halved lengthways 300g kohlrabi, cut into batons 100g cauliflower florets or sprouting broccoli, halved 1 large onion, cut into wedges 2tbsp olive oil 2tbsp butter 2tbsp caster sugar 1 red chilli, deseeded and sliced Leaves from 1 thyme sprig 350g puff pastry Flour, for dusting Salt and black pepper Method: 1 Preheat the oven to 220°C/Fan 200°C/Gas 7. Cut the heads of chicory in half (or if they are 2 Heat the olive oil in a large pan, add the shallot, fennel seeds and garlic and sweat until they start to colour. Add the clams, then the mussels. Pour in the pastis, cover the pan and cook for five to seven minutes until all the shells have opened. Take care not to overcook the shellfish. 3 Tip everything into a colander placed over a bowl, then pass the cooking liquid through a fine sieve or a strainer lined with muslin. Pick the flesh from the mussels and clams, leaving a few in the shell to use as a garnish. Tip the cooking liquor back into the pan, bring it to the boil and boil for five minutes. Add the prawns and crème fraiche, then, when the prawns have turned pink, add the picked mussels and clams. 4 Bring a pan of water to the boil and add two tablespoons of salt. Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain. Add the drained pasta to the pan of shellfish and stir well. Add the chopped herbs and garnish with some mussels and clams in shells. Season with lemon juice, salt and pepper, then serve at once. large, into quarters) and put them in a bowl with the other vegetables. Add the oil and toss, then season with salt and black pepper. Spread the vegetables over a baking tray and roast them in the oven for eight to 10 minutes. The vegetables should be partly cooked and have a little colour. 2 Melt the butter in a large (28cm) ovenproof frying pan, then sprinkle over the sugar. Place the cooked vegetables, sliced chilli and thyme on top, making sure to pack the vegetables tightly. 3 Roll out the pastry on a floured work surface to three millimetres thick. Place the pastry over the

RECIPES WOMANSWAY.IE 57 Michel Roux At Home by Michel Roux is published by Seven Dials, priced €32.25 Photography by Cristian Barnett. Available now. ALMOND AND RASPBERRY FRANGIPANI TART Serves 6-8 You can sub out the raspberries for whatever fruit is in season. “I adore almond puddings and this French version of a Bakewell tart is one of my favourites,” says Roux. “It’s rich and indulgent but there is some fruit in there as well. Raspberries work perfectly with almonds but cherries would also be good here.” Ingredients: For the pastry: 150g butter, softened 90g caster sugar 2 free-range eggs Pinch of salt 240g plain fl our, plus extra for dusting 75g ground almonds For the almond cream: 200g butter, softened 200g caster sugar 200g ground almonds 2tbsp plain fl our 4 free-range eggs 1tbsp dark rum or Ratafi a (fruit-based liqueur) For the jam and fruit: 60g raspberry jam 250g raspberries To serve: Icing sugar Ice cream or chantilly cream Method: 1 For the pastry, mix the softened butter with the caster sugar until combined. Mix in the eggs, then add the salt, fl our and ground almonds and bring everything together into a dough. You can do this by hand or in a food processor or stand mixer. 2 Wrap the pastry in cling fi lm and chill it in the fridge for about two hours. Dust your work surface with fl our, roll out the pastry and use it to line a tart tin or fl an ring measuring about 24 centimetres in diameter. Chill again until needed. 3 For the almond cream, whisk the butter and sugar until pale, then add the ground almonds and fl our and whisk to combine. Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, then add the rum or Ratafi a. 4 Preheat the oven to 180°C/Fan 160°C/Gas 4. Remove the tart case from the fridge and spread a thin layer of jam over the pastry. Add the almond cream and arrange the raspberries evenly on top. 5 Bake for about 45 minutes until the tart is golden and cooked through. Dust with icing sugar and serve warm with ice cream or cool with chantilly cream. Don’t put this tart in the fridge. WW vegetables, tucking it in around the edges. Make a few holes in the pastry with the point of a knife, then bake for 20 minutes. Leave to cool a little, then place a plate over the pan and carefully turn the pan over to invert the tart onto the plate. Serve warm.

58 WOMANSWAY.IE Irish-American drinks maestro Oisín Davies shares his tips for mixing up some cracking Irish cocktails. IRISH HOUR Cocktail I n the past, the Irish drinks scene was dominated by one beverage only. Guinness. While the black stuff is still heavily associated with our fair isle, there’s been an explosion in the spirit industry. From artisan producers to smallbatch creators, there’s now a wide range of diverse and interesting spirits on offer. Just wander into any bar these days and the array of Irish-made gins and whiskeys is staggering. Coupled with our native top quality produce, we’ve got all the ingredients at our fi ngertips for some worldclass cocktail creations. Oisín, who spent his fi rst decade living the IrishAmerican life in New Jersey, is on a mission to demystify cocktails. In his new book Irish Kitchen Cocktails, he uses Irish drinks and spirits along with the most commonly found kitchen items that you probably already have at home and no special bartending kit required, to make some tasty creations. Here are three to try. Berriff imo & OJ

WOMANSWAY.IE 59 DRINKS By Niamh O’Reilly BERRISSIMO & OJ Makes 1 I do love an auld brunch. Throwing a wee Sunday brunch party in your gaff is a great way to get your mates together for one fi nal hurrah before the inevitable Monday drudge. But even the most chilled-out brunch has the potential to blossom into a full-on rager that makes Monday a write-off. If you don’t want that to happen, it’s best to ensure that the beverages you’re serving aren’t too strong. The rather lovely Berrissimo is distilled near where I live by the Stillgarden crew. It’s an aperitif made with Irish blackberries and it’s quite low in alcohol, so when you mix it with some nice freshly squeezed orange juice, it’s refreshing and not overpowering in terms of its booziness. Ingredients: 2 ice cubes; 50ml Berrissimo Irish Berry Aperitif; 200ml freshly squeezed, pulp-free orange juice ; orange wedge, to garnish. Method: Grab a long glass, throw in the ice cubes and pour in the Berrissimo. Pour the OJ into a NutriBullet or blender and blitz for 20 seconds, until it gets super fl uffy. Pour about half of it into the glass and stir for a few seconds, then pour in the rest of the OJ and garnish it with an orange wedge. ELDERFLOWER COLLINS Makes 5 Once you master balancing the all-important medley of a spirit mixed with something sweet and some sharp citrus, there is no end to the amount of craic you can have with kitchen cocktails. And if you need a whole bunch of tastyas-bejaysus cocktails in a real a 1-litre jug. Drop another fi stful of ice into the jug, top it up with the sparkling water and give it a quick stir with a spoon. For each serve, fi ll a wine glass or long glass with ice and pour in the cocktail. Garnish with a lemon wheel. hurry, they don’t get much nicer and easier to make than the elderfl ower Collins. So I would strongly advise you to get to grips with this one, as it shows you how nice mixing gin with a couple of ingredients can be and it’s a serious crowd pleaser. Ingredients: 250ml Dingle Gin or Method and Madness Irish Gin (or any other premium Irish gin); 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; 2 tablespoons elderfl ower cordial (try to get the Richmount Cordial Co. brand); Ice cubes; 500ml sparkling water; Lemon wheels, to garnish. Method: Pour the gin, lemon juice, cordial and two fi stfuls of ice into a 500ml Kilner jar. Seal the lid and shake it up for 20 seconds. Open up the Kilner jar, pushing the lid down slightly to strain the cocktail into IRISH ESPRESSO MARTINI Makes 1 The legendary London bartender Dick Bradsell created the hugely popular espresso martini. His perfectly-crafted mixed drink works a charm not just as a pick-me-up, but also as a hangover helper. A little vodka combined with a sweetened espresso shot has certainly softened the edges for me on many occasions. Ingredients: Ice cubes; 100ml strongly brewed, fi ltered medium roast coffee; 60ml Istil 38 Pot Still Vanilla Vodka; 20ml sugar syrup coffee beans, to garnish. Method: You can make the cocktail in one of two ways. Option 1: Chill a martini glass with some ice. Throw the coffee, vanilla vodka and sugar syrup into a 500ml Kilner jar that’s loaded with ice. Seal it and shake the bejaysus out of it for 30 seconds. Remove the ice from the glass and open up the Kilner jar, pushing the lid down slightly to strain the liquid into the chilled glass. Garnish with a couple of coffee beans. Option 2: Chill a martini glass with ice. Pour the coffee, vanilla vodka and sugar syrup into a NutriBullet and blitz it for 10 seconds. Throw the ice from the martini glass into the blender and blitz it again for 5 seconds, then strain it back into the chilled martini glass. Garnish with a couple of coffee beans. WW Elderfi ower Coff ins Irish Kitchen Cocktails by Oisín Davis is published by Nine Bean Rows, priced €18 Irish Espreffl o Martini

COMPETITION 60 WOMANSWAY.IE A €500 TANNING HAMPER Win One lucky reader will win a tanning hamper from Bondi Sands worth €500. The goody bag includes Bondi Sands Tanning Foams, Tan Eraser, Application and Exfoliating Mitts, 1 Hour Express Face Mist and Tanning Foam, Tanning Drops, Gradual Face Tan Lotion, SPF50+ Face Mist and Lotion, Gradual Tanning Milk, Begin Again Serum, Wonder Portion Hero Oil, Daydream Whipped Moisturiser, Bondi Babe Clay Mask, Fresh'n Up Gel Cleanser, Sunny Daze SPF50 Moisturiser, Eye Spy Eye Cream, Buff N Polish Gentle Exfoliant, Serums (Fountain of Youth, Gold'n Hour Vitamin C and Thirsty Skin Hyaluronic Acid), Sweet Dreams Night Moisturiser, Melt Me Cleansing Balm, Glow Dust Gentle Exfoliating Powder, Face Glaze Cream Mask, Liquid Gold Tan Oils, Gradual Tanning Skin Illuminator Lotion and Perfecting Lotion. Australian-made Bondi Sands products offer salon-quality formulas to give you an even, naturally golden tan that hydrates and nourishes your skin, meaning you stay bronzed for longer. To enter, please answer the following question: BONDI SANDS IS AUSTRALIAN. TRUE OR FALSE? HOW TO ENTER Email your answer by October 23 to: [email protected] including your name, address and telephone number and labelling your mail ‘The Bondi Sands 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.

WOMANSWAY.IE 61 FOOD By Prudence Wade, PA Pumpkins, mushrooms and pears are among the delicious fruit and veg coming into their prime. S ometimes it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to eating seasonally. After all, supermarkets tend to be fully stocked with every type of fruit and veg all year round – so you can easily buy tropical produce in the middle of winter. But eating seasonally is well worth the effort. “Eating with the seasons is one of the most delicious and sustainable ways of making the most of local produce,” says James Golding, co-chairman of the RACA sustainability and food policy committee, and Maple from Canada chef ambassador. Chef Judy Joo, founder of Seoul Bird, advocates for the environmental benefi ts. “Eating seasonally is environmentally responsible, as it reduces the energy and resources needed for out-ofseason food production and transportation,” she says. “Seasonal eating promotes biodiversity, supports fresher and more nutritious food (not ripened by chemicals), and strengthens local economies by supporting local farmers. Ultimately, aligning our diet to nature’s rhythm is a small, but impactful way to reduce our ecological footprint while enjoying the harvest of each season.” Golding’s top tip for seasonal produce? “Shop local and support small farms wherever possible. They’re packed with the very best seasonal fi nds and it’s always good to support local.” These are some of the key fruit and vegetables in season… Mushrooms Autumn means mushrooms, which are ready to be harvested around the end of September. “I really love making wild mushroom tarts, and they are so quick and easy,” says Joo. “Buy the best quality puff pastry you can fi nd, made with real butter. Use a varied assortment of mushrooms, such as shiitake, chanterelles or enoki. Don’t be afraid of adding some herbs too – parsley and thyme add a wonderful aromatic hint.” Purple sprouting broccoli and chard “One of the ways I like to enjoy purple sprouting broccoli is with melted brown butter mixed with a dash of maple vinegar, and served with anchovies, capers and topped with shards of Lyburn Old Winchester cheese,” Goldin says. “When cooking chard, I wilt it down with brown butter and serve on a fresh chunk of toasted sourdough with a poached duck egg, hollandaise sauce and lots of salt and pepper.” Pumpkin and squash “I love making pumpkin and squash soups – silky, nutritious and completely comforting,” says Joo. “Pick a pie pumpkin (as opposed to a carving pumpkin), which are sweeter and less fi brous. Roasting the pumpkin fi rst can add a nice nutty fl avour to your soup, too.” Pears While cherry season might be coming to an end, fruit isn’t entirely off the table. Pears come into season in autumn, and as well as eating them whole as a snack, Joo says they are delicious cooked or raw in salads. “I like to toss a few in with a wilted spinach salad, with blue cheese, bacon and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette.” WW SUPERCHARGE YOUR DIET Mushroom tart Mushrooms Purple sprouting broccoli Pear salad

a good pot plant. Plant combinations: This little double daffodil will look good in pots on its own or ideal for mixing with violas, which also have a low habit. In borders it can follow snowdrops, ideally at the front where its fi ne habit can be seen. Like all small bulbs, it sits well in plantings of Mediterranean plants such as lavender and thyme, and also small hebes. 2 NARCISSUS ‘MOONLIGHT SENSATION’ This clump-forming daffodil grows to 30cm high, with slightly grey-green, strap-shaped leaves. Flowers are scented, around 7cm across, opening light yellow and fading to creamy white, with up to six fl owers to each stem. I t’s time to plant spring-fl owering daffodils. But which do you choose if you want shorter varieties that will easily slot into pots among other favourites, or provide a splash of colour in a raised bed or rockery? The RHS has just announced the results of its garden trials of shorter daffodils. Here are fi ve of the best… 1 NARCISSUS ‘TÊTE BOUCLÉ’ This dwarf, double daffodil grows to 15cm, fl owering in early to mid-spring. The fl owers are a mass of petals in two shades of yellow. Trials forum comments: Superb. Fully double fl owers of good substance. Highly impactful, upright and tidy. Masses of fl owers both years of the trial. Also makes DAFFODIL Showdown 62 WOMANSWAY.IE Find out which types of daffodils offer the most fl owers, scent and resilience. Narcissus ‘More and More’ Narcissus ‘Tête Bouclé’

GARDENING By Hannah Stephenson, PA Trials forum comments: Looks great, healthy with masses of fl ower. Multistemmed bulbs. Good garden plants and a good pot subject. Strongly scented. Plant combinations: A ‘Thalia’ bulb (multi-headed trumpet daffodil), it suits larger containers, ideally on its own as the foliage will overpower other plants. A clump looks beautiful in a pot in a conspicuous place. They don’t usually naturalise very well, so this works best in borders where it has the stature to associate with roses and herbaceous perennials. Place further back where its foliage can die back gracefully. 3 NARCISSUS ‘WINTER WALTZ’ A clump-forming daffodil reaching around 30cm, with green, strap-shaped leaves. Flowers are lightly fragranced and upward facing, with slightly swept-back white petals and a long, apricot-orange cup turning paler over time, appearing from February to March. Ideal for the front of a border or in pots and containers. Trials forum comments: Has impact and stands out. Flowers held above the foliage, unusual apricot trumpets, fading over time. Lightly scented. Useful for front of border or in pots. Plant combinations: These ‘Cyclamineus’ daffodils with refl exed petals are graceful and fl ower early so are very welcome. The pale yellow of this bulb would associate very well with the veteran ‘February Gold’. It is a bulb for beds and borders planted where it can die back behind a screen of perennials, ideally towards the front though, as it has a fruity scent. It is a little on the tall side for containers in a windy garden but will do well in shelter, ideally with a pot to itself. 4 NARCISSUS ‘MORE AND MORE’ A compact bulbous perennial which grows to around 20cm tall producing two or more bright yellow and upwardfacing scented fl owers on each stem in mid-spring/ Trials forum comments: Fantastic. A late fl owerer, fl owering well. In proportion. Helps to extend the season. Very sweetly scented. Prefers alkaline soil. Planting combinations: This dainty miniature daffodil is very well suited to planting in small pots on patios or can be brought in for decoration while it fl owers. It suits rockeries and raised beds planted with other little gems, saxifrages and grape hyacinths, for example. Although too delicate for larger borders, it is suitable to mix with low growing shrubs such as lavender, small hebes and santolina. 5 NARCISSUS ‘YELLOW SAILBOAT’ A clump-forming, late-fl owering bulbous perennial to around 30cm in height, with green, strap-like foliage and refl exed bright yellow fragranced fl owers which appear late April. Trials forum comment: Superb display. Sherbet, soft lemon yellow fl owers, one to three heads per stem and some bulbs with eight stems. Sweetly scented. Planting combinations: This is a good choice for borders, where it can be appreciated up close for its scent and delicacy. Plus it’s on the late side, prolonging the daffodil season. Mix with similar narcissi, such as the established white fl owered ‘Sailboat’ or other jonquil narcissi. For containers, plant on its own and use a taller container to better appreciate its scent. The other AGM-winning shorter daffodils from the trial include ‘Angel’s Whisper’, ‘Crofty’, ‘Englander’, ‘Snipe’, ‘Chappie’, ‘Medway Gold’ and ‘Tiny Bubbles’. WW WOMANSWAY.IE 63 How to grow them 1>> Ideally, plant between mid-September to November. This allows the bulbs to put out roots well before the temperatures drop in winter. 2>> Plant them twice the depth of the bulb, or three times the amount if you have sandy soil. Some bulb species are very tiny and can be planted at a greater depth. 3>> If growing in containers, the bulbs can be packed tightly together, halfway down the pot. 4>> After planting, water them well. 5>> After fl owering, leave the leaves for six weeks. 6>> Remember they need nothing more than garden soil (unless in pots when peat-free potting compost is used), good drainage, and lots of rain when growing and fl owering. Narcissus ‘Winter Waltz’ Narcissus ‘Moonlight Sensation’ Narcissus ‘Yellow Sailboat’

64 WOMANSWAY.IE Many of us will now be thinking about putting away our garden seating and storing our cushions for winter. But should we be giving wooden furniture a treatment, and are we able to leave weather-resistant metal and rattan items outdoors without danger of them perishing in the cooler months? Specifi c types of garden furniture may require different maintenance. METAL Before storing aluminium furniture away at the end of the season, remove seat and scatter cushions and store separately. Remove general surface dirt using warm soapy water, and rinse using a hose and non-abrasive sponge, advises Tim Pennell, head of sales at luxury garden furniture brand Bramblecrest. “In coastal environments (where there is usually a high concentration of abrasive salt in the atmosphere) aluminium furniture should be washed down with fresh water and covered when not in use. “If a set has become scratched, use touch-up paint to protect the framework, allowing it to dry completely before storing away under cover.” Dobbies Garden Centres senior buyer Lynsey Abbott advises on other metal furniture: “Before you pack away your metal furniture for winter, make sure it’s completely dry. Also make sure you store your metal furniture in a dry, sheltered area such as a garage or shed to prevent any moisture seeping in and causing rust.” GARDEN FURNITURE STORAGE Do I need to treat my garden furniture before storing it for winter?

GARDENING WOMANSWAY.IE 65 By Hannah Stephenson, PA WOOD Hardwoods, such as teak, acacia and eucalyptus, are tougher than softwoods such as pine. Pennell advises gardeners with teak furniture, which is resistant to moisture and fungal rot, to remove general surface dirt using warm soapy water and a stiff brush, rinsing off with a hose. To remove stubborn stains, use fi ne sandpaper when dry. Sand with, not against, the grain. Be aware that when left untreated outdoors, the teak will gradually mellow to a light silver/grey colour and become rougher to the touch as the surface grain lifts. Small cracks can also appear as teak adjusts to its new environment, but it won’t affect its structural integrity. Good-quality teak should last for years without any intervention, Pennell says. Do not cover teak furniture or use teak oil, which can make the furniture turn black, sticky and patchy, he advises. OAK Simon Burvill, founder of oak garden furniture specialist Gaze Burvill, says: “If you are leaving your furniture outside but covering it over, either with purpose-made covers or wrapping it up in a tarpaulin, make sure it is clean and bone-dry before you cover it up. Make sure there is ventilation for air to circulate so that if moisture gets in, it can also more easily get out on a dry day. “Fortunately, oak is a very resilient material for the outdoors and doesn’t need to be treated to last over autumn and winter like other materials, such as softwoods. “Remove any dirt, moss, lichen and bird droppings as these all retain moisture which, when left over time, can cause issues such as rot. “This is especially pertinent for any pieces of furniture positioned in shady areas, which are typically cooler and more damp. When cleaning your outdoor furniture, use a stiff, but not metal, brush, warm water and a pH-neutral detergent. For more stubborn dirt, we recommend using sugar soap or a wood cleaning solution.” If the furniture is in constant contact with grass or soil, place a piece of slate or quarry tile under each foot, or move the furniture to a different surface in the garden, such as a paved terrace or balcony, he suggests. SOFTWOOD Softwood garden furniture is often made from pine, spruce or fi r and is frequently cheaper than hardwood furniture. Buy it pressure-treated, but know that you’ll still need to wash down surfaces and allow them to dry before applying a wood stain or paint containing preservative in dry weather, before covering it or storing it in a garage over the winter, according to the RHS. RATTAN Synthetic rattan furniture (natural rattan will not withstand the outdoor elements for long) is typically a very low-maintenance material, Abbott says, but give it a thorough cleaning before storing over winter. “Due to rattan’s woven nature, you might fi nd that vacuuming the seats is more effective than simply wiping them down, and you should aim to remove all dirt and mildew from the furniture before packing it away. “Ideally, store your rattan furniture indoors in a garage or shed, or if this isn’t an option and it needs to stay outdoors, make sure it’s properly covered.” Use a non-abrasive sponge and lukewarm, detergent-free soapy water when washing rattan, Pennell adds. Avoid jet-washing your furniture as this can result in damage to surface areas, he adds. Rinse with fresh water and allow to dry prior to covering or storing indoors. CUSHIONS Clean removable cushion covers and use lukewarm water to wash by hand, then dry them thoroughly. Don’t machinewash season-proof cushion covers as this may damage the water-resistant lining, and don’t leave loose cushions stored underneath a furniture cover for long periods of time, Pennell advises. WW Always store metal furniture in a dry place Store rattan indoors

66 WOMANSWAY.IE T hose of us who want to create the richest possible compost should cast aside any squeamish tendencies and think about creating our own wormery. Worms are among the most beneficial organisms in the garden, helping keep the soil structure good and bringing organic matter down into the earth. But some worms can also produce fantastic compost if you give them the right environment. WHAT IS A WORMERY? You can buy a ready-made wormery, which generally comprises a container/bin that holds stacks of trays with small holes in the bottom of each one. They allow the worms in one tier to eat composting food, such as kitchen scraps, and deposit their poop that falls and collects on the lower tier. It’s the worm casts which you’re after. Many kits come with a supply of worms, coir to provide the bedding in the tray, and worm food to get you started. Many recommend that you line your first tray with newspaper to stop the worms falling through, then add coir, compost or garden soil to the tray to get everything going, along with the worm food, then add the worms and some damp, shredded newspaper. After about two weeks, you can start to fill the tray you put the worms in with kitchen waste, such as vegetable peelings and Can of Worms Give the worms a home and they’ll reward you with rich compost. trimmings, crushed eggshells and tea bags. Once that tray is full, add another tray on top and the worms will find their way up. The worm casts are full of nutrients and end up producing a thick dark liquid, which you can access via a tap in the base of your wormery, which you feed to your plants. You can also put any compost – made out of the worm casts – at the bottom straight on to your garden. It’s perfect for enriching flower beds or adding to your vegetable garden. DO YOU NEED MUCH SPACE? No. Wormeries are ideal if you don’t have enough space for a huge compost bin or simply don’t generate enough kitchen waste to make a big heap viable. And unlike, say, horse manure, worm manure Turn kitchen waste into compost with a wormery

GARDENING WOMANSWAY.IE 67 By Hannah Stephenson, PA is ready to use immediately as it doesn’t contain the ammonia of fresh manure, which will burn plants unless you leave it six months to rot down. WHAT TYPES OF WORMS SHOULD I USE? Tiger worms or brandling worms – smaller and redder than ordinary earthworms – are available from organic supply firms or fishing tackle and pet shops in the summer. These should be introduced to a layer of prerotted material in the bottom of the bin. You can’t use normal earthworms from your garden as they are soil-dwelling, don’t process a lot of compost and hate confinement. HOW MANY DO I NEED? That depends on how much waste you’re going to give them. They’re sold by weight rather than number, and you need a ratio of 2:1 worms to food. If you weigh your weekly scraps you can work out how many worms you’ll need in weight. COULD I MAKE MY OWN WORMERY? Yes. You could buy three stacking bins, make plenty of air holes in two of them at the bottom and sides and place bricks in the bottom one (with no holes in it) to keep the second stacking bin elevated. The bottom bin will become the one that the liquid feed drips into. Line your top container with newspaper and some compost, add the worms and more compost and a sheet of newspaper, then leave the worms for two weeks and then start to add your kitchen waste. Once the top box is full, switch it with the middle box and then carry on filling it with kitchen waste. Empty the brown liquid regularly from the bottom box and dilute it with water to feed your plants. WHAT ABOUT TEMPERATURE? Temperature is important to worms. They will only work between 15-25⁰C. They do not want to be in sun in the summer heat as that will kill them, but in winter you need to put the wormery under cover, either in a garage or greenhouse. HOW SHOULD THE WORM COMPOST BE USED? One part finished, compost from your worm bin should be mixed with three parts potting and sowing compost, and this can also be used for sprinkling down sowing drills outside. WW A wormery bin Wormeries require a specific type of worm “You can’t use normal earthworms as they are soildwelling, don’t process a lot of compost and hate confinement” The layers of a wormery bin

68 WOMANSWAY.IE Yarn Vibes Molly Ladies’ Sweater. MATERIALS REQUIRED Yarn Vibes Sport Weight Yarn Needle A: US4 (3.50mm) 80cm Circular Needle, or as needed to meet gauge Needle B: US2 (2.75mm) 80cm Circular Needle, or two sizes down from Needle A Tapestry Needle Measuring Tape Gauge: 23 stitches and 30 rows = 10cm/4” in stockinette Sizing (S, M, L, XL): Sizes refl ect garment measurements, as outlined below. Select size with desired amount of ease and refer to schematic. ABBREVIATIONS CO = knit St(s) = stitch(es) PM(s) = place marker(s) RM(s) = remove marker(s) K = knit P = purl RS = right side of work WS = wrong side of work LI = lifted increase K1fb = knit into front and back of st k2Tog = knit 2 sts together SKP = slip, knit, pass slipped st over PATTERN NOTES Garment Construction This sweater is worked seamlessly, from the top down, in the round, with circular yoke constructions. Sleeve sts are placed on hold while the bodice is worked in the round, down through the hem. Sts are then picked up, and the sleeves are likewise worked in the round, down through the cuffs. The rippled motif at the yoke and cuffs is achieved by working one colour at a time, whilst introducing a sequence of increases and decreases as described below. Colour Selection When selecting colours, aim for high contrast. A particularly effective pairing would be as follows: Choose neutral and darker colour for colour A. Choose vibrant and lighter colour for colour B. Lifted Increases (LI) K into the left ‘arm’ of previous st, one round below working round, effectively splitting the st in two. This method creates invisible increases. Short Rows When pattern indicates to W&T, stop and wrap yarn around next st to avoid gap, then turn work and begin next row. When pattern indicates to ‘pick up wrap,’ work st together with wrap. For help with short rows, please refer to Pattern Support. Rippled Motif (worked over 12 sts and 14 rounds) When pattern indicates to ‘Work Ripple,’ proceed as follows: Round 1: With colour A, K to end. Round 2: With colour A, *K2Tog twice, Kfb 4 times, K2Tog twice, repeat from * to end. Rounds 3-4: With colour B, K to end. Work Rounds 1 - 4 a total of 3 times. Then work Rounds 1 & 2 once more. Sweater Ripple This on-trend Irish sweater with ripple motif is both comfortable and beautiful. Row 1 (RS): K to next marker. W&T. Row 2 (WS): P to next marker. W&T. Row 3 (RS): K 3 sts past previous turn, picking up wrap along the way. W&T. Row 4 (WS): P 3 sts past previous turn, picking up wrap along the way. W&T. Repeat Rows 3 & 4 four more times. End on WS row. Next Round: Work in stockinette (K to end), picking up remaining wraps and removing outer markers along the way (leave in place marker indicating start of round). Yoke Next Round: Increase by 35 (38, 40, 44) sts, as follows - *K3, LI, repeat from * to end. There are now 140 (152, 160, 176) sts on the needles. Work 3 rounds in stockinette (K to end). Next Round: Increase by 28 (38, 40, 44) sts, as follows - *K5 (4, 4, 4), LI, repeat. There are now 168 Next Round: Working in stockinette (K to end), increase by 15 (19, 20, 21) sts as follows - *K6 (5, 5, 5), LI, repeat from * to end. There are now 105 (114, 120, 132) sts on the needles Work 1 round in stockinette (K to end). Neckline Shaping PMs 15 (16, 18, 20) sts from start of round, and 15 (16, 18, 20) sts from end of round. Starting at beginning of round, work short rows as follows: INSTRUCTIONS Collar With Needle B and colour A, CO 90 (95, 100, 110) sts. Close to work in the round, taking care not to twist. PM to mark start of round. Round begins at centre back. Work collar in single rib (*K1, P1, repeat from * to end), until work measures 3cm. Switch to Needle A. Yarn Vibes is a 100 per cent organic and sustainablyproduced Irish wool, supportive of local producers and rural communities in Ireland. Its vibrant colours are inspired by the beauty of the Irish landscape.

WOMANSWAY.IE 69 KNITTING follows - *K8, LI, repeat from * to end. There are now 252 (304, 360, 396) sts on the needles For Size S & XL only: Work 3 rounds in stockinette (K to end). Next Round: Increase by 14 (-, - , 22) sts, as follows: *K18, LI, repeat from * to end. There are now 266 (304, 360, 418) sts on the needles. (Now continue for all sizes.) Work in stockinette (K to end) until yoke measures 17cm [6.75”] (20cm [8”], 24cm [9.5”], 28cm [11.25”]) along front, from cast on edge. Separate Sleeves Next Round: K42 (49, 57, 65). Move the next 48 (54, 66, 78) sts onto scrap yarn. CO 12 sts onto scrap yarn using provisional cast on method. K86 (98, 114, 132). Move the next 48 (54, 66, 78) sts onto scrap yarn. CO 12 sts onto scrap yarn using provisional cast on method. K42 (49, 57, 65). Leave in place marker indicating start of round. Bodice There are now 194 (220, 252, 286) sts on the needles. Work in stockinette (K to end) until work measures 24cm [9.5”] (28cm [11.25”], 32cm [12.75”], 36cm [14.5”]) from underarms. Hem Switch to Needle B. Work in single rib (*K1, P1, repeat from * to end) for a total of 6cm (2.5”). Sleeves (worked identically) Move sleeve sts and underarm sts from scrap yarn onto working needle. There are now 58 (66, 78, 90) sts on the needles. Round begins at centre underarm. PM at start of round. Work one round in stockinette (K to end), and at the same time pick up 2 sts into each gap between sleeve sts and underarm sts, to avoid holes. There are now 62 (70, 82, 94) sts on the needles. Work in stockinette (K to end), and at the same time work a total of 7 (5, 11, 11) paired de-creases, starting with the next round and then every 5cm [2”] (8cm [3.25”], 3cm [1.25”], 3cm [1.25”]) thereafter, as follows: SKP, K until 2 sts remain, K2Tog. There are now 48 (60, 60, 72) sts on the needles. Work Ripple, as specifi ed in Pattern Notes. Work in stockinette (K to end) until sleeve measures 36cm [14.5”] (38cm [15.25”], 40cm [16”], 43cm [17.25”]) from underarm, and at the same time work 0 (2, 0, 4) additional paired decreases in the same manner as previously, evenly spaced. There are now 48 (56, 60, 64) sts on the needles. Next round: Decrease evenly by 6 (8, 6, 8) sts as follows - *K7 (7, 9, 7), K2Tog, repeat from * to end. There are now 42 (48, 54, 56) sts on the needles. Cuff Switch to Needle B. Work in single rib (*K1, P1, repeat from * to end) for a total of 4cm (1.5”). Bind off. Finishing Weave in ends. Wet-block gently and let dry over fl at surface. WW (190, 200, 220) sts on the needles. For Size S only: Work Ripple, as specifi ed in Pattern Notes. For Sizes M, L, XL only: Work 3 rounds in stockinette (K to end). Next Round: Increase by - (38, 40, 44) sts, as follows - *K5, LI, repeat from * to end. There are now 168 (228, 240, 264) sts on the needles. Work Ripple, as specifi ed in Pattern Notes. (Now continue for all sizes.) Next Round: Increase by 28 (38, 40, 44) sts, as follows - *K6, LI, repeat from * to end. There are now 196 (266, 280, 308) sts on the needles. Work 3 rounds in stockinette (K to end). Next Round: Increase by 28 (38, 40, 44) sts as follows - *K7, LI, repeat from * to end. There are now 224 (304, 320, 352) sts on the needles. For Sizes S, L, XL only: Work 3 rounds in stockinette (K to end). Next Round: Increase by 28 (-, 40, 44) sts, as (Sweater pictured knitted in Yarn Vibes 100 per cent Organic, Colour A: Midnight Sky and Colour B: Bog Cotton) S 40cm (16”) 17cm (6.75”) 40cm (16”) 27cm (10.75”) 85cm (34”) 30cm (12”) 18cm (7.25”) 3 1 M 41cm (16.5”) 20cm (8”) 42cm (16.75”) 30cm (12”) 95cm (36”) 34cm (13.5”) 20cm (8”) 3 1 L 43cm (17.25”) 24cm (9.5”) 44cm (17.5”) 36cm (14.5”) 110cm (44”) 38cm (15”) 22cm (8.75”) 4 1 XL 47cm (18.5”) 28cm (11.25”) 47cm (18.75”) 41cm (16.5”) 125cm (50”) 42cm (16.75”) 24cm (9.6”) 4 1 SIZE A. Back of Neck B. Yoke C. Sleeve (from underarm to edge of cuff) D. Bicep Circumference E. Chest Circumference F. Bodice (from underarm to edge of hem) G. Cuff Circumference (measured above ribbed edging) No. of Skeins (100g) Color A Color B

70 WOMANSWAY.IE To enter, please answer the following question: WHO FOUNDED ELYSIUM? HOW TO ENTER Email your answer by October 23 to: womansway@ harmonia.ie including your name, address and telephone number and labelling your mail ‘The Elysium 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. One lucky reader will win a €500 voucher for Elysium’s skincare and medical aesthetic clinic, which is redeemable against products from Elysium’s online store or in clinic for one of its many advanced aesthetic treatments. It’s time to refresh your skincare routine in preparation for winter as Valerie Osborne’s clinic, Elysium in County Galway, is celebrating a wonderful 20 years in business. Starting out in 2003, Elysium has developed and progressed over the past 20 years to become an industry leader in advanced skincare and medical aesthetics, offering a wide and varying range of treatments such as PRP, Profhilo, IPL, BBL, MOXI Laser Skin Resurfacing, RF Micro-needling, to name but a few. See elysium.ie COMPETITION Valerie Osborne’s clinic, Elysium in County A €500 VOUCHER FROM ELYSIUM Vanessa Osborne and team Win

HOROSCOPES WOMANSWAY.IE 71 Find out what your horoscope has in store for you in the weeks ahead with Patrick Arundell. ARIES 21 March – 20 April It’s an excellent time to clear the air and start afresh. Mars moves into Scorpio, encouraging you to cut out all the hot air and say it like it is. If you’re ready to negotiate a deal or reach an agreement, this infl uence can inspire an honest approach that allows everyone to cooperate more effectively. The Solar Eclipse in Libra can help you take a developing bond to a new level. TAURUS 21 April – 21 May A new opportunity may show up, and this is your chance to take the initiative if you’re ready. A potent New Moon is perfect for starting a plan, project or a new habit, and by doing so you could be an inspiration to others. In addition, as Mars moves into an intense zone and your sector of relating, you’ll have plenty to share. It’s a good time to clear the air and ring in the changes. GEMINI 22 May – 21 June Have a great idea? You’ll need to be patient, as with key planets in reverse it could take time to get the results you want. If you can wait, then go for it. Plus, you’ll have an Eclipse helping you make the most of romantic opportunities. Whether solo or spoken for, the weekend can fi nd you willing to share your feelings, while romantic infl uences suggest they may be reciprocated. CANCER 22 June – 23 July Ready for a fresh start? The New Moon inspires you to get moving. Enhanced by a key infl uence, you’ll have more energy to redecorate and get other key projects underway. Plus, feisty Mars’ move into your leisure zone could inspire you to promote your skills and talents. If you have the makings of a book or any artwork hidden away, now is the time to share it with the world. LEO 24 July – 23 August Information, ideas and opportunities may arrive in a fl ood, and you’ll need to choose wisely. The Solar Eclipse this week can fi nd you busy with offers and fresh opportunities. The smaller decisions you make over the coming days will add up, to help or hinder you. As Mars powers into Scorpio and your domestic sector, you’ll be ready for a declutter and a clean sweep. VIRGO 24 August – 23 September Matters around fi nances could fl are up, with a New Moon encouraging action. One or more issues may require attention, or you might be keen to start a new job or side-hustle. The sooner the better. And you’ll be inspired to share your ideas and opinions, and connect with others who are passionate about the same things. You could be outspoken, which might upset some. LIBRA 24 September – 23 October Ready to turn over a new leaf? The Solar Eclipse in your sign is one to take seriously. Have a big dream or desire you’re keen to realise? Take those fi rst steps from the weekend and progress could be swift. This might also be a time when you’re ready to make amends with someone, especially if you fi nd yourself missing them. Be the one to reach out and forge a reconnection. SCORPIO 24 October – 22 November This week could bring a turnaround as the Solar Eclipse inspires you to do something about a situation that seems hopeless. Perhaps someone’s words act as a catalyst, encouraging you to make a stand. You’ll feel stronger, energetic and confi dent as dynamic Mars enters your sign, Scorpio. The coming six weeks could be rich in meaningful accomplishments. SAGITTARIUS 23 November – 21 December With your social life looking busier than ever, the Eclipse in Libra can be a call to connect with like-minded others both online and off. Keen to enhance your social media presence? Now is the time. Plus, as Mars in Scorpio aligns with prudent Saturn, you’ll realise the benefi ts of constructive habits in helping you to accomplish your goals, and this can change everything. CAPRICORN 22 December – 20 January The Solar Eclipse comes at the perfect time to accomplish a major goal or launch a project. As it occurs in a highfl ying zone, you’ll get maximum exposure if you want to showcase your skills or get your name known to all the right people. But as Mars enters Scorpio and your social zone, you’ll be very eager to connect with those who have infl uence and can help you get ahead. AQUARIUS 21 January – 19 February An idea or opportunity may seem too good to be true, but in this case it isn’t, Aquarius. The Eclipse in a far-reaching zone means you’ll suddenly realise what’s on offer. Don’t take too long to decide as it could be snapped up fast. Even so, as assertive Mars enters Scorpio and the topmost sector of your chart, this is a great time for beating off the competition and getting ahead. PISCES 20 February – 20 March It’s time to get something off your chest, and this week’s potent New Moon can inspire you to do just that. It’s not a good idea to tell everyone you’re fi ne when you’re not. Get it all out in the open, and it might not seem half so bad. In fact, you could feel greatly relieved. Keen to make a success of something? Getting support from resourceful people will be easier from this week. WW

ADVICE WOMANSWAY.IE 73 Columnist and trained counsellor Fiona Caine answers another set of reader dilemmas. Dear Fiona If you have a problem you need help with, email Fiona by writing to [email protected] for advice. All letters are treated in complete confidence and, to protect this privacy, Fiona is unable to pass on your messages to other readers. Fiona regrets that she cannot enter into personal correspondence. MOTHER-IN-LAW STRESS AFFECTING OUR RELATIONSHIP I live with a man I love deeply. He is a good father to our daughter, almost one, and I’m expecting our second child next year. I have always worked hard at getting on with his mother, who can be difficult, but things changed for the worse after our daughter was born. She started visiting almost every day and became very possessive of our daughter. If she went into another room to do something, she’d take the baby with her and refuse to pass her back. She’d often carry her while trying to do things in the kitchen, which I thought was dangerous as we have stone floors. I then found out she’d been giving her chocolate behind my back, despite being told on several occasions it’s not good for her as she has digestive issues. Everything we say to this woman gets ignored and she’s always giving me unwanted parenting advice that seemed decades out of touch to me. On top of this, she wouldn’t stop telling me about her sister’s medical problems, even though she knows my mum died of the same thing and it upsets me. The stress finally got to me a while back, and I burst into tears to my partner. He talked with her the following day and I assumed they’d set some boundaries and we could move on. I suppose I expected her to then apologise. But after a week of hearing nothing, I reached out to say it wasn’t personal and we were just concerned for our daughter. I asked if we could just put this behind us, but she ignored me for three months. My partner has continued to visit her, with our daughter, and do odd jobs for her. I know this made things awkward for him, so I reached out again only to be told that she felt she’d been ‘kicked in the stomach’ and would just ‘stay away because whatever I do will be wrong’. The stress is starting to affect my relationship with my partner and I’m worried about my pregnancy. My partner says he has explained things to his mother but she won’t budge. When I explain how toxic her behaviour is, he simply says, ‘But she’s my mum’. I feel he is making excuses and downplaying her behaviour, and it hurts that he seems to be taking her side. I am feeling excluded and can’t go on like this. I wish there was some way we could just get along. E. O. FIONA SAYS: ALL YOU CAN DO IS TRY You’re stuck between a rock and a hard place here, and it’s hard to see a way out of this if your partner’s mother refuses to even engage in a conversation. If you think your partner may not have advocated your case as strongly or as accurately as you would like, I suggest you write a letter or email her and explain how you feel. Make sure you stress your wish to find a way forward that draws a line under this upset, and gets everyone back on speaking terms. At the same time though, make it clear that you won’t tolerate anything that you think is not in the best interests or safety of your child. Hopefully, she’ll be willing to join the family again. But if not, you’ll have your answer and can be reassured that you’ve done all you can to mend things with her. I am perhaps more concerned about the rift that seems to be opening between you and your partner. I sense you are not happy about him taking your daughter to see his mother and that this is making you feel excluded. Have you talked with him about this? Has he really done all he could to heal this rift? Might it be possible that he’s enabling his mother’s behaviour while you’re not there to see it? These are serious questions and, with another child on the way, you need to resolve these issues with your partner. If you’re worried about starting this process, please visit tusla.ie and find details of Family Resource Centres who might be able to help. WW

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WELLBEING WOMANSWAY.IE 75 By Imy Brighty-Potts, PA partner’s boundaries too – and even considering couple’s therapy. “You need to be able to trust your ex, and yourself, and you may need to have diffi cult conversations that involve confronting the past,” she says, “and you’ll need to make sure you’re ready for that. “But it’s also important that you make a very conscious decision to move on, start afresh and be ready to forgive.” THINK ABOUT THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU Not everyone may be on board, Myhill points out. “You may need to prove yourself or your partner may need to prove themselves. Discuss with your family and friends and ask for time, support and patience in helping you fi gure this out.” GET AWAY Much like Jama and Stormzy, a holiday might be what you need. “I recommend taking a break as a couple, going away for the weekend to remove yourself from judgement and other people’s opinions so you can work things out together and impartially,” says Myhill. ASK THE DIFFICULT QUESTIONS “It’s really important that you follow your intuition and ask yourself the hard questions. Is this right for you? Will you be happier in the relationship than out of it? Are you prepared to forgive and move on? Have they changed? Are you doing it for the right reasons?” If you can’t answer these questions “fully, honestly and positively” Myhill says it might be time to close that chapter and move on. WW L ove Island host Maya Jama and rapper Stormzy were photographed holding hands together recently on holiday in Greece – four years after their break up. Jama, 29, and Stormzy – real name Michael Omari Owuo Jr – 30, fi rst met in October 2014, before either of their careers had taken off, and started dating in January the following year. But by 2019, they had parted ways. Jama told ES Magazine at the time of the split that “everybody just sees it as entertainment”. Meanwhile Stormzy sang on his track Lessons: “You gave me the world and then I gave you disrespect. Hand on my heart, this is my biggest of regrets.” So, years on, what would a relationship expert say about getting back together if you’re in a similar situation? “Getting back with your ex shouldn’t be a decision that you make lightly,” says Gillian Myhill, dating expert and co-founder of dating app Sizzl. “If you’re looking to make it work, there are several factors that you need to consider.” EXAMINE WHAT WASN’T WORKING PREVIOUSLY You broke up for a reason so it’s important to assess the relationship, what was and wasn’t working, and why you broke up in the fi rst place, she says. “Consider how much time has passed since you decided to end the relationship. You both may have changed as people, and grown and learned some life lessons.” TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR WRONGDOING We’ve all probably done or said things we regret, so own it. “It’s also important to look at your role in the relationship and take responsibility for any wrongdoing or neglect and ask yourself honest questions about whether you can approach the relationship and your ex differently,” Myhill says. TAKE YOUR TIME It might be wise not to rush. “If you’re considering getting back with your ex, I’d recommend taking things slowly and cautiously, giving yourselves space both individually and as a couple to fi gure things out,” adds Myhill. She advises setting boundaries and expectations of what you need and make it clear what you want from the relationship, while respecting your Maya and Stormzy THE EX FACTOR Can you make it work with an ex? Wellbeing

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WELLBEING WOMANSWAY.IE 77 By Imy Brighty-Potts, PA Whether you have fallen out of love with running, or have always been curious about giving it a go, fi nding the right time to start can feel like the biggest obstacle to getting going. With the heat of summer behind us, and winter not fully on our doorstep yet, autumn could be ideal. Here, seasoned marathon runners share why right now is the best time to get into jogging… THE WEATHER IS IDEAL Instinctively, you may feel it’s not the best time to start training as the weather begins to get colder and wetter, and the days get shorter. “However, the cooler temperatures can offer a range of benefi ts,” says Tahir Shams, founder of Tooting Run Club. These include a “reduced risk of overheating and dehydration, and it supports increased endurance which is vital for longer runs”, Shams adds. Autumn training brings opportunities for different kit and environments, too. Marathoner and Human Disco Ball fundraiser, Freya Morgan, enjoys the change of weather. “I get to leave behind the sticky summer weather and busy parks and go back to fresh morning runs right as the sun rises,” explains Morgan, who recently completed a 200km run for Bail for Immigration Detainees. “In the autumn, I might still head out in a T-shirt and then as the weather gets colder, a long-sleeved layer, and then will take another long-sleeved top or jacket with me, and tie it around my waist or cram it into my hydration pack,” she adds. KIT COULD BE CHEAPER Exercise kit is at its most expensive generally in January, when everyone and their mum is trying to tackle a new fi tness goal. Getting in there a bit earlier and snapping up some end-of-season summer gear that’s on sale before the new season’s clothing and shoes come in, may help you build a running wardrobe you love. If you look good, you feel good, after all. THE RACE CALENDAR If signing up for a race will help keep you motivated to keep running, starting in autumn could put you in a good position to take on a challenge in spring. Plenty of races happen as the seasons change from the cool of winter, with the London, Tokyo and Paris marathons all taking place in spring. CREATING A MOOD-BOOSTING ROUTINE “In September, kids go back to school and the summer is over, so it is a kickstart for your health and fi tness goals,” explains Ania Gabb, an ASICS Frontrunner who has completed more than 30 marathons. “Many people may want to get into a consistent fi tness routine after the excess of summer and before the winter starts,” she notes. This can be especially important ahead of the dark days of winter, which, as Shams notes, “can often feel like a gloomy time of the year… Endorphins released during running is a good way to banish the winter blues.” THERE’S LESS PRESSURE THAN JANUARY Finally, it can be particularly helpful for beginners to start in autumn – skipping the pressure of the new year. “If you are a beginner, autumn is a really nice time of year to pick up running. You are away from the pressure of January resolutions, and the crowds of the summer, and still have some fair weather days and sunlight to get you motivated,” says Morgan. “By the time the darker bits of winter roll around, you will hopefully be in enough of a running routine to use those runs to power through the dark and soggy days. I have been running for 11 years and when my mental health dips, running has always helped.” WW JOG ON “It can be particularly helpful for beginners to start in autumn – skipping the pressure of the new year” Always fancied yourself a runner, but never known when to start? Now is the perfect time. weather and busy parks and go back to fresh morning runs right as the long-sleeved layer, and then will come in, may help you build a running wardrobe you love. If you look good, you feel good, after all. THE RACE CALENDAR If signing up for a race will help keep you motivated to keep running, starting in autumn could put you in a good position to take on a Ania Gabb

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WELLBEING WOMANSWAY.IE 79 By Sam Wylie-Harris, PA We all have our favourite pair of PJs we come back to – time after time. Some of us may even have special pyjamas for lounging around in and feeling comfy when snuggled up with Netfl ix on the sofa. But because they’re only worn inside the house and for sleeping (well, most of the time), the rules can seem different when it comes to PJ maintenance. So, how often should we be washing them and switching to a clean pair? DO YOU NEED TO WASH YOUR PYJAMAS DAILY? “You might be surprised to know the answer is no,” says cleaning and laundry expert Laura Mountford, author of Live, Laugh, Laundry. “Like all of our clothing, many of us may be guilty of washing our pyjamas too frequently, or perhaps not enough. But in reality, pyjamas should be washed after every two or three wears. Washing them after every wear, unless they are actually stained, smelly or sweaty, is unnecessary – a waste of money, water and energy,” Mountford adds. She suggests pyjamas can be left to air between wears, and this should be suffi cient for them to freshen up ready for the next night – so putting them under your pillow probably isn’t the best idea. SHOULD YOU WASH THEM MORE IN THE SUMMER? “I wash my pyjamas more in the summer when the nights are hot,” says Mountford, “as sweat can cause bacteria growth, which will make them smell. And nobody wants to snuggle into bed in sweaty pyjamas, do they?” WHAT’S THE MOST HYGIENIC WAY TO WASH YOUR PYJAMAS? Sophie Lane, product training manager at Miele GB, says: “Wash pyjamas at the highest temperature the fabric can cope with – check the garment care label. This will deliver the most hygienic clean. Detergent is also important to achieving good results.” ARE DIFFERENT MATERIALS MORE OR LESS HYGIENIC? Natural fabrics like cotton are the most hygienic, suggests Mountford, as they are breathable, so bacteria and sweat builds up less quickly compared to manmade fabrics like polyester. Lane agrees, adding: “Cotton is also extremely durable and can withstand high temperature washes. Bamboo is another good fabric option for pyjamas. It’s very breathable whilst being effective at thermal regulating, to keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It’s also antibacterial, hypoallergenic and odour-resistant.” WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DON’T WASH PYJAMAS REGULARLY? Mountford says: “Most of us wear our pyjamas for eight hours each night, so not washing them frequently enough can cause bacteria to grow, making them smelly and unhygienic… not very cosy at all. This may reduce the quality of your sleep,” she adds – noting it could result in “skin irritation” too. DOES IT MAKE A DIFFERENCE IF YOU SHOWER BEFORE BED OR IN THE MORNING? “Showering before bed keeps your pyjamas and bedding fresher for longer, as you are jumping into bed with a clean body, having already removed the dirt, bacteria and allergens from the day,” says Mountford. “Not showering before bed will cause these particles to be transferred onto your nightwear and bedding, which will cause them to get dirty and smelly more quickly.” WW PYJAMA PATROL How often should you wash your pyjamas? this should be suffi cient for them to freshen up ready for the next care label. This will deliver the most hygienic clean. Detergent is also important to achieving good results.” ARE DIFFERENT MATERIALS MORE OR LESS HYGIENIC? Natural fabrics like cotton are Sophie Lane Use the highest temperature DO YOU NEED TO WASH YOUR perhaps not enough. But in reality, “as sweat can cause bacteria growth, which will make them smell. And nobody wants to snuggle into bed in sweaty pyjamas, do they?” WHAT’S THE MOST HYGIENIC WAY TO WASH YOUR PYJAMAS? Sophie Lane, product training manager at Miele GB, says: “Wash Laura Mountford

80 WOMANSWAY.IE Many people assume arthritis is just an ‘old person’s’ disease, and an inevitable part of getting older. Try telling that to the parents of toddlers impacted by the condition, or the 20-somethings living with it. The suggestion that it only troubles the elderly is one of many myths associated with arthritis, which affects up to 15 per cent of the Irish population. “Many people live with the pain, fatigue and disability arthritis can cause. The impact can be huge, affecting the ability to work, care for family, move free from pain and live independently,” says Deborah Alsina, chief executive at the arthritis support charity, Versus Arthritis. “There are many misconceptions when it comes to understanding arthritis, but by shining a light on the reality of living with arthritis day in, day out, we can help grow understanding and inspire people to take action.” Dr Amara Ezeonyeji, consultant rheumatologist from The Lister Hospital adds: “Arthritis is a general term that refers to a group of over 100 different types of inflammatory joint diseases that affect the musculoskeletal system. The most common symptom of arthritis is joint pain, but it can also cause stiffness, swelling and decreased joint mobility.” She says the most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis (OA), often associated with wear and tear of the joints. Other common types are rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints; psoriatic arthritis, a type of arthritis associated with the skin condition psoriasis; ankylosing spondylitis which primarily affects the spine and can lead to fusion of the vertebrae; and gout, which is caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints and often affects the big toe. “There are several myths about arthritis that are often repeated. It’s important to dispel these to promote an accurate understanding of arthritis, and to encourage those affected to seek Health ARTHRITIS FACT OR FICTION? Nine arthritis myths we all need to stop believing.

ARTHRITIS WOMANSWAY.IE 81 By Lisa Salmon, PA appropriate medical care and support from a rheumatologist,” Ezeonyeji adds. Here, Alsina and Ezeonyeji debunk nine common arthritis myths… MYTH 1 ARTHRITIS ONLY AFFECTS THE ELDERLY While it is more common in older adults, arthritis can affect people of all ages, including children and young adults. MYTH 2 CRACKING YOUR KNUCKLES CAUSES ARTHRITIS People who crack their knuckles will sometimes be wrongly warned that it’ll bring on arthritis, but Ezeonyeji explains: “There’s no scientifi c evidence linking knuckle cracking to the development of arthritis. When people crack their knuckles, they experience a release of pressure in the joints and relaxation in the surrounding muscles. It can make the joint feel more mobile and is unlikely to cause arthritis or other problems.” MYTH 3 IT’S JUST WEAR AND TEAR Alsina says one of the most damaging myths is that any form of arthritis is just ‘wear and tear’. “Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and will affect half of us by age 70. But it isn’t an inevitable part of ageing – your joints are not like car tyres destined to wear down and be replaced. They are made of complex living tissue that our bodies constantly repair and maintain, and osteoarthritis occurs when our bodies can no longer do this effectively,” she says. “Our joints get stronger the more we use them, so keeping physically active and maintaining a healthy weight can help keep osteoarthritis under control.” MYTH 4 COLD DAMP WEATHER CAUSES ARTHRITIS Although cold and damp weather can sometimes make arthritic joints feel worse, it’s defi nitely not why arthritis starts. Ezeonyeji explains: “Weather can infl uence joint discomfort, but it doesn’t cause arthritis. Arthritis is primarily a result of genetic and environmental factors.” MYTH 5 EXERCISE MAKES ARTHRITIS WORSE People with arthritis can often fi nd it hard to maintain regular physical activity, but a lack of movement can actually increase symptoms such as stiffness and pain, warns Alsina. “Building activity into your daily routine can help improve this, because using your joints builds muscle strength and improves the blood supply, all of which can ease symptoms and keep joints in better shape for longer.” She says different activities will suit different people, but adds: “Swimming and cycling are great exercises to try, as they get the body moving without putting pressure on painful joints.” It’s always a good idea to seek advice from a healthcare specialist if you are unsure what types of exercise will be suitable for you. MYTH 6 ARTHRITIS IS JUST JOINT PAIN – IT’S NOT SERIOUS Ezeonyeji says that while arthritis can be debilitating and lead to a reduced quality of life, it can get even more serious than that for some people. “Rheumatoid arthritis, for instance, is an autoimmune disease that can affect various organs and tissues in addition to joints,” she points out. MYTH 7 THERE’S NO TREATMENT FOR ARTHRITIS While there’s no cure for arthritis, Ezeonyeji says there are many effective treatments for managing the disease, including pain relief medication, physiotherapy, disease modifying agents and biological drugs for infl ammatory arthritis, plus joint surgery in some cases. “It’s also recommended that people with arthritis modify their lifestyle and try to lose weight [if they need to], follow a healthy balanced diet, exercise regularly and stop smoking,” she adds. MYTH 8 MIRACLE CURES CAN MAKE ARTHRITIS DISAPPEAR Although some people with arthritis believe copper or magnetic bracelets ease symptoms, Alsina says studies show no evidence to support this. “It’s the same with lots of supplements, and some of these are really pricey,” she observes. “Interestingly though, placebos can be very effective and continue to work even if you know it’s a placebo, so if you fi nd these helpful there’s no reason to stop.” MYTH 9 CERTAIN FOODS DEFINITELY HELP/HINDER ARTHRITIS There are claims that foods like tomatoes can cause arthritis fl ares, and other foodstuff like cider vinegar may help it. Alsina says: “Sadly there’s no good evidence that there are specifi c foods you should avoid or have more of. But if you do fi nd things that are helpful or make your symptoms worse, then listen to your body.” WW maintaining a healthy weight can from a healthcare specialist if you are unsure what types of exercise will be suitable for you. MYTH 6 JOINT PAIN SERIOUS Ezeonyeji says that while Deborah Alsina Exercise can help with arthritis arthritis can be debilitating and lead to a reduced quality of life, it can get even more serious than that for some people. “Rheumatoid arthritis, for instance, is an autoimmune disease that can affect various organs and tissues in addition to Dr Amara Ezeonyeji

82 WOMANSWAY.IE I t’s easy to dismiss eczema as just itchy dry skin. But as millions of people know, the effects of eczema go way beyond this. “Eczema is so much more than ‘just an itch’,” says Andrew Proctor, chief executive of the National Eczema Society. “This incurable, highly visible skin condition has a huge impact on every aspect of a person’s life, extending far beyond the physical symptoms of itchy, infl amed, sore, cracked and bleeding skin. “Living with eczema means constantly having to plan and prepare, as every decision you make will potentially affect your skin. It shapes your home environment, education, career, social life, hobbies, holidays and relationships, and as a result, patients often report feeling anxious, depressed, self-conscious, isolated and helpless.” Here’s what Proctor wants everyone to know… 1 IT DOESN’T JUST AFFECT CHILDREN Proctor says: “While eczema is often viewed as a childhood condition, it affects people of all ages. Some develop eczema as babies, others in childhood, but thankfully it can improve over time.” Some people will have eczema all their life however, and some only develop it in their later years. “The important thing is to seek medical advice as soon as possible to get control of the eczema and develop an effective skincare routine,” advises Proctor. 2 IT’S NOT CONTAGIOUS Proctor says that sadly, many people still think you can catch eczema. “However, atopic eczema isn’t contagious,” he stresses – pointing out it’s a complex BE SKIN SAVVY Five things everyone needs to know about eczema. Here’s what Proctor wants everyone control of the eczema and develop an effective skincare routine,” advises Proctor. 2 IT’S NOT CONTAGIOUS Proctor says that sadly, many people still think you can catch eczema. “However, atopic eczema isn’t contagious,” he stresses – pointing out it’s a complex Andrew Proctor

HEALTH WOMANSWAY.IE 83 By Lisa Salmon, PA condition involving genes, the immune system, the environment and our skin barrier. “This means skin becomes very dry and doesn’t provide suffi cient protection from irritants, allergens and infection.” To tackle this, a foundation of eczema care is to apply medical moisturisers (emollients) to trap water in the skin and help reinforce the skin barrier. “Finding the emollient that suits your skin best can involve a lot of trial and error, but it’s critical to managing eczema,” says Proctor. 3 ENVIRONMENT PLAYS A HUGE ROLE Environmental factors can trigger eczema fl are-ups or make it worse. Common culprits include stress, being too hot/ cold or experiencing a sudden change in temperature, soap, shampoo and bubble bath, laundry detergent and cleaning products, perfume, pollens and moulds, pet fur, wool and synthetic fabric, and house dust mites. “Everyone will have certain things that trigger their eczema, and these vary between people,” Proctor explains. “Try keeping a diary to help identify triggers and patterns, so you can remove likely suspects and see if it helps. Triggers can also change over time and it’s worth continuing with the diary even if you think you’ve identifi ed yours.” 4 IT’S HARD NOT TO SCRATCH Proctor explains: “One of the most maddening things you can say to someone with eczema is ‘stop scratching’. It’s not that simple! The unbearable, relentless itch is one of the defi ning features of the condition, and patients refer to it as torture. “You know you shouldn’t scratch, as it damages the skin and can cause infections, but the relief it provides is irresistible.” To help manage the itch, Proctor suggests fi nding a positive distraction or asking others to help you take your mind off it. You could also try substituting another action for scratching – press a nail on the itchy patch or tap the skin gently with your forefi nger; keep your hands occupied with a ball, toy or other object; or wrap a bag of frozen peas in a towel and apply it to the itchiest area. 5 IT’S A MENTAL AS WELL AS PHYSICAL BATTLE Living with eczema is mentally exhausting too. “It can be a rollercoaster of emotions, from excitement when you start a new treatment, to despair when it doesn’t work or you experience a bad fl are-up,” says Proctor. “There can be huge frustration too, when you do everything you’ve been asked and the eczema still refuses to give you any respite.” If this happens, as well as asking your GP or dermatologist for a review, it’s important to reach out to family and friends for support: “People who are able to open up about how their eczema truly affects them can feel a huge weight has been lifted.” Other ways to help cope include good nutrition and hydration, regular exercise, rest and relaxation. “Journaling, meditation and mindfulness can help you focus on the good things in your life and counterbalance negative feelings about eczema,” adds Proctor. “When so much time and effort goes into managing your eczema, it’s easy to forget there’s more to you than just your skin. Think about what you want to accomplish and formulate a plan. It’s about living successfully alongside eczema, not having your life defi ned by it.” WW Pets, heat and perfume can be common triggers for eczema

84 WOMANSWAY.IE Overcoming drug addiction in her 20s was a “tough life lesson” that left TV style guru and entrepreneur Trinny Woodall feeling “raw”. But ultimately, the experience enabled her to build a life where she was no longer “running on quicksand”. As Woodall – who rose to fame alongside Susannah Constantine fronting the BBC’s seminal styling series What Not To Wear in the early-Noughties – recalls: “I’ve had many life lessons that made me look at myself differently. When I realised I couldn’t use drugs and I had to stop, that was a tough life lesson. And I thought I could never stop – I was so scared I could never stop. “But I did. And the strength it took to stop brought with it a whole load more fear,” adds the 59-year-old, who had two stints in rehab in her early and mid-20s. “Because when you stop using a substance and end up in rehab, they sort of peel back the layers of an onion, and you’re left feeling that everything that’s been a band-aid that you put on that onion, has been removed. And you’re like – ‘but I have no support here’, and feel very raw and wobbly. “You then build it up with things that aren’t a band-aid. You strip yourself back, so that what you build up again feels like it’s got concrete on the bottom, and you’re not running on quicksand.” BUILDING A BUSINESS Those concrete foundations have brought her a long way. Today, six months shy of her 60th birthday, Woodall is in full fl ow. There’s her makeup and skincare brand Trinny London, which she founded in 2017, and she has just published her most personal book yet – Fearless – a guide to life, style and beauty. It weaves insights from her own sometimes rocky, often remarkable, and Trinny Woodall refl ects on her greatest life lessons and why age is not an issue. FEELING Fearlefi

IN PERSON WOMANSWAY.IE 85 By Abi Jackson, PA endlessly relatable path – spanning feeling like an insecure ‘outsider’ in her 20s, fi nding purpose in her 30s, to IVF, loss, solo parenting and the newfound freedom of her 50s, alongside snippets of self-help guidance. Topics like self-worth, confi dence and intuition are mixed in with steps on fi nding your ideal colour palette and curating outfi ts. For Woodall, these are all part of the picture of living fearlessly – and while Fearless encompasses everything she has learned along the way, she does not expect all of it to resonate. Born in London as the youngest of six siblings, Woodall attended boarding school from age six, spending much of her childhood abroad as her parents travelled. She recounts in the book feeling like she ‘didn’t fi t in’ after returning to London as a young adult – and how she ‘started taking drugs to overcome my lack of self-belief’. When she fi nally got sober, “four of my closest friends died within a year,” she adds now. “There are many reasons people don’t go back to using drugs, but that – for me – was a very big wake-up call.” She is quick to answer when asked what brings her the most joy in life today: “Seeing my daughter happy… And I can’t wait for her to feel the joy of growing up.” The book is dedicated to Lyla – “my inspiration” – the daughter Woodall shared with her ex-husband, drummer and businessman Johnny Elichaoff who died by suicide in 2014. Woodall is also stepmother to his son Zak, 30. Woodall is just back from dropping Lyla, now 19, off at university in Spain. “I put tons of sticky notes around her room and by her bed, saying, ‘Get up and get moving’. We’ve already had about nine phone calls so far,” she reveals, explaining that her daughter’s a bit anxious – “like anyone who’s going to another city would be”. She agrees there have been big shifts in how we approach emotional support in our culture, compared with previous generations. “There was never that feeling of ‘let me try and understand what you’re going through’. There was the empathy of, ‘I’m sure you’ll feel better’, but there wasn’t that, ‘let me let you go through it’. “Sometimes we have to let somebody go through something, instead of always wanting to come with a solution.” RIDING THE WAVE Fear still crops up for Woodall these days, of course. And while she admits she’s felt bouts of imposter syndrome over the years, she doesn’t like the phrase. “I think it’s derogatory, because so many people do feel it, and I don’t want people walking around thinking ‘I’m an imposter’, because Fearless by Trinny Woodall is published by HQ, HarperCollins, priced €24.99. Available now. they’re not an imposter. “They’ve highlighted something where they don’t feel their most confi dent – so what can they do to change that feeling? That’s what I feel the conversation should be about. “Turning up as CEO [for Trinny London], I’d never been a CEO before – I could easily say I suffer from imposter syndrome being a CEO to 220 people,” she continues. “But I know I have a knowledge that is unique, that is the reason I am CEO. And I know I hired people who are really much better at their job of product development, of digital marketing, of operations, much better and much more experienced than I am. But I am CEO because it’s my idea, I have unique insight, I understand our customer and who we’re selling to. “I need to remember that some days more than others. Some days I feel full of that knowledge. And other days, I wake up and think ‘I’ve got to own my CEO-ness today’.” Writing Fearless was a helpful nudge for her own self-care too, she admits. “Because I know lots of good advice for people, but we don’t always practise what we preach, do we? When I was going over the book, reediting and re-editing, it did make me really aware of, ‘oh, I do that less now, I do that a bit more – let’s get the balance back’.” She meditates daily, and credits her morning routine for keeping her grounded and on track. “On a good self-care day, I wake up, I don’t look at my phone – I don’t go straight into that rabbit hole of emails or scrolling. I go into a [meditation] app, lie in bed and do that. “That’s so small, but so helpful. Then I get up and do some form of movement – Pilates, strength training or yoga – and I do that fi ve days a week. “I can’t afford not to, for my mental and physical state, they’re both very equal,” Woodall refl ects. “Because I want to feel strong in myself.” WW With daughter Lyla; below, with Susannah Constantine

86 WOMANSWAY.IE Davina McCall talks romance and matchmaking in midlife. DILEMMA THE DATING

WOMANSWAY.IE 87 By Katie Wright, PA Fashion and Beauty Editor Davina McCall has a long history as a matchmaker – on TV and in real life – but the presenter has never gone on a blind date herself. “No one’s ever set me up. I think I’m really scary,” says McCall, who helped unsuspecting singles fi nd dates on cult TV hit Streetmate in the late Nineties, and is now hosting midlife dating show My Mum, Your Dad on ITV and Virgin Media Player. The 55-year-old has also acted as cupid for four friends in the last year, resulting in two couples who are still going strong. So why has no one ever returned the favour? “A famous woman is quite a hard dynamic for a man to take on,” says McCall, who divorced ex-husband Matthew Robertson in 2018 and has since found love with hairdresser, Michael Douglas. “I think if you’re famous and you’re single, then you either have to meet somebody else famous or somebody who’s so confi dent and knows themselves and is very, very self-assured.” Luckily, that’s exactly how she describes Douglas: “Oh my god, yeah, he’s so that person – the most confi dent person I know.” MIDLIFE DATING The fi tness guru and former Big Brother presenter has three children from her previous marriage – Tilly, 21; Holly, 19; and Chester, 16 – which is partly why she was so keen to front My Mum, Your Dad. The emotional series – with 10 episodes - sees grown-up children attempting to pair up their parents, who are aged 44 to 58. “When you’re in midlife, you don’t want to go on the apps,” says McCall, who was friends with Douglas for 20 years before they got together. “If you’re a woman on the apps, any man in your age bracket just wants to go out with somebody half their age, and then any woman who’s my age ends up getting approached by loads of men half her age. “Those are fun, don’t get me wrong, but there’s not always longevity. It’s just nice if you can meet via a mate.” Plus, there’s the “enormous amounts of baggage” that come from past relationship experiences. “By the time you get to 40… It’s normal, but you will defi nitely have had your heart broken, you will defi nitely have broken someone’s heart,” she continues. “There are lots of much deeper, more painful things that could have happened and that leaves you with some emotional scars. “What I loved about this show is we don’t just try and stick people together – we are working on their emotional scars to help guide them through it.” BREAKING TABOOS Last year, McCall co-authored the book Menopausing with Dr Naomi Potter and believes menopause can have a huge impact on women’s love lives, whether they’re in a relationship or not. “When I hit perimenopause, I just sort of imploded,” she recalls, describing how she had to “fake” her usually unshakable confi dence. “I felt like I was pretending every day. In my moments on my own, I would just think, ‘What’s happened? Where have you gone?’ So, yes, I totally had a crisis.” Credited with opening up the conversation around a previously taboo topic, McCall found a combination of HRT (hormone replacement therapy) and lifestyle changes helped get her symptoms under control. “HRT can help bring you back a bit, but there are lots of other things that can help, things like exercise, mindfulness and learning,” McCall says. “Education has been an enormous part of me building my confi dence back up again, and believing that I had the power within me to change how I felt. “I’m defi nitely much happier in myself now than I was 10 years ago.” Having got her mojo back, McCall is now focused on projects that empower others: “I ask myself ‘Is this something that will help someone?’ I’ve been very lucky because a lot of the time, as a byproduct, things that I do help me too.” In her role as ambassador for fashion retailer JD Williams, the presenter has modelled a series of outfi ts she recommends for date night dressing. What’s the midlife matchmaker’s advice for looking stylish on a fi rst date? “You want to feel really confi dent. You’ve got to put something on where you go, ‘This is it’.” And, above all, be yourself: “If you don’t normally wear makeup, don’t wear loads of makeup. If you don’t normally wear dresses, wear trousers. You want people to know who you really are.” WW IN PERSON “If you’re a woman on the apps, any man your age just wants to go out with somebody half their age” With new love Michael Douglas

88 WOMANSWAY.IE TAKING FLIGHT Wildlife presenter and Strictly champion Ranger Hamza reveals the inspirations behind his fascination with birds.

WOMANSWAY.IE 89 By Hannah Stephenson, PA IN PERSON When there’s a tap at the door of Hamza Yassin's cottage in the wilds of Scotland, he knows that the female song thrush has been visiting. “She comes and collects all the snails and slugs and uses my front doorstep as an anvil. She smacks all the snails on there,” the wildlife cameraman and presenter (aka Ranger Hamza on children's channel CBeebies) explains. “I’ll open the door because I think someone’s knocking and she’ll fl y away. But now when I open the door she sits there looking at me, going, ‘It’s just me again’.” The Countryfi le host – who recently fulfi lled Dame Judi Dench’s dream to see a golden eagle, taking her to a secret Scottish location where they spotted two in fl ight – likes to keep his garden on the Ardnamurchan peninsula on the west coast of Scotland wild. He confesses he’s not cut his grass for the last fi ve years. He lets the 10-metre square plot grow wild for much of the year, until the local crofter’s sheep are allowed in to munch away at it. “They mow it down to absolutely nothing, and once that’s done they get kicked out again and I let it grow wild.” There’s no herbicide or pesticide used but the wildfl owers, including wild orchids, are a magnet for insects – and for birds, which remain his passion. Yassin has now written a book – Be A Birder – the joy of birdwatching and how to get started, describing the many birds you may see and signs to look for. A birder is different from a twitcher, he points out. “A twitcher spends his time and money wanting to look at rare birds that come from different parts of the world. A birder is someone who’s happily walking his dog doing the same circuit for the last 50 years, then happens to see something cool on his local patch. It’s not about ticking boxes.” Yassin, 33, who lifted the Strictly glitterball last year with dance partner Jowita Przystal, says his home is full of wildlife. “There are song thrushes nesting. There are pine martens in the attic. There are starlings nesting in the eaves and I’m getting the fascia boards and gutters replaced, but have told the guys I want holes in them, because the house sparrows and starlings are nesting in there.” He may not own a big garden but the view is amazing, with vast moorland at the back of the cottage and the Atlantic Ocean 30 metres in front of it, where corn crakes and reed buntings nest in a marshy area. Yassin has been a birder since he was a child growing up in Sudan, coming to the UK at the age of eight when his parents, both doctors, were invited to work here by the Royal College of Medicine. His inspirations include David Attenborough and the late Steve Irwin. “David Attenborough and Steve Irwin made it fun for me. You have the passion of Irwin, who made something like the crocodile cool, but a thing of beauty. Then you have the calm demeanour and relaxed, informative voice of David Attenborough.” He laughs at the suggestion he could be the next Attenborough. “I appreciate the thought, and to have my name and his name in the same sentence is an absolute blessing. He’s an idol of mine, but Attenborough will never be replaced. He’s done so much for nature that no one in our era could fathom doing, at a moment when nature wasn’t cool. He lit the spark in me.” His favourite birds are the Eurasian starling, sparrowhawk and the golden eagle. “Starlings are completely underrated. They have such beautiful iridescence and little white feathers, which look like love hearts. And they have these beautiful murmurations in the autumn. Imagine having a million birds fl ying together and none of them hit each other.” WW “Starlings are underrated. They have beautiful iridescence and little white feathers, which look like love hearts” Be A Birder: The Joy Of Birdwatching And How To Get Started by Hamza Yassin is published by Gaia priced €21.25 last year with dance partner Jowita Przystal, A sparrowhawk; above, a murmuration of starlings

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CHARITIES WOMANSWAY.IE 91 By Andrea Smith At Woman’s Way, we’re all about the positive power of giving back. Here’s our round up of the best ways to pay it forward this fortnight. LEND A HAND Grow a moustache or run/walk 60km over the month of November in aid of the men’s health organisation, Movember. If you choose to run or walk, you can cover the distance in one go or complete the distance over the month. The event is being organised by Movember, now in its 20th year, which works to prevent men from dying too young. Its funds go towards three of the biggest health issues affecting men globally: mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Register on ie.movember.com ISPCA’s National Emergency Appeal Support the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ National Emergency Appeal, which aims to provide shelter and care to animals facing dire circumstances. An alarming rise in cases of abandonment and cruelty has overwhelmed existing resources, necessitating the rental of external shelters to accommodate the growing number of animals seeking refuge. Donate to give hope to animals who deserve a chance at a better life, such as corgi Cáilín, rescued from an illegal puppy farm and now happily adopted by Kaydi O'Neill. Donate to the ISPCA on ispca.ie/donate FÉILEACÁIN BUTTERFLY RUN Take part in a 5km fun run on Saturday October 14th at 12pm to support families on World Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. The Féileacáin Butterfl y Run will take place in Seán Moore Park, Sandymount, Dublin 4, and tickets cost €10 for an adult and €20 for a family. Funds raised will support Féileacáin’s work with families who have lost a baby during pregnancy or after birth. Visit feileacain.ie Marriage Renewal Fundraiser Donate to Bríd and Vincent Kelly’s fundraiser for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s Curlew Road Day Care Centre. Bríd (84) has Alzheimer’s disease and Vincent (87) is her primary carer, and they held a very special vow renewal ceremony at the day centre recently to celebrate 60 years of marriage. Bríd attends there two days per week, and the centre has supported herself and Vincent throughout their journey with dementia. There are 16 people with various forms of dementia receiving day care each day at the Curlew centre, and its nine staff members aim to give them a real sense of community and belonging. Contribute on justgiving.com/page/ bridandvincent Cycle4Des Cycle 130km in a round trip from Quin in Clare to Athenry, Co Galway, on October 28 to help raise €10,000 for the Oesophageal Cancer Fund (OCF). Clare hurling legend Fergal Lynch has organised the Cycle4Des event in memory of his father Des, who sadly lost his life to this illness in 2021. Participants in Cycle4Des can choose to complete a smaller portion of the cycle or join for the full 130km. OCF aims to increase awareness of symptoms to promote early diagnosis, support research and meet the ongoing needs of anyone living with this diffi cult cancer. Learn more at idonate.ie/fundraiser/cycle4des Donate to the ISPCA on ispca.ie/donate of his father Des, who sadly lost his life to this illness in 2021. Participants in Cycle4Des Grow a Mo for Movember

QUICK FIRE 92 WOMANSWAY.IE By Andrea Smith Currently on tour, Phil Coulter has composed huge international hits including The Town I Loved So Well, our rugby anthem Ireland’s Call, Eurovision winner Puppet On a String for Sandie Shaw and Congratulations for Cliff Richard. Phil Coulter - What makes you laugh? Watching vintage videos of Billy Connolly. I was his record producer during his early years, and the first time I saw him in action, I thought he was the funniest man in the world. All these years later, I haven’t changed my mind. What is the best thing to have happened to you this month? Our youngest daughter Georgina, who lives in LA, got married in Nerja. Our six kids are now settled all over the world from New Zealand to Cincinnati, so it was a rare and wonderful family reunion. The best fashion advice you’ve ever received? Give some thought to what you’re going to wear. I take a bit of care with my clothes and enjoy dressing appropriately - a smart suit, shirt and tie going out to dinner, cool linens in the summer and a snappy tuxedo going on stage. How do you start your day? By doing exercises for my back. At my age (81), my bones are getting a bit creaky. When I complain, my doctor tells me I should be grateful that all I have to worry about is a touch of arthritis. What is something you can’t do? Geometry, algebra and trigonometry were a mystery to me at school and continue to be. I’m still not great with figures, percentages, calculations and numbers. I know how many beats in a bar though. What would you never leave home without? Change for the parking meter. If I’m travelling abroad, I need TripAdvisor to help me find the right restaurant, preferably ethnic, and Gaviscon to combat the after-effects of over-indulgence. What’s an important life lesson? Don’t congratulate yourself on your talent - that was a gift from God or something you inherited from your parents. Talent only gets you in the game. It’s hard work and perseverance that keeps you in there. You’re going for brunch. What are you having? I’m a traditionalist, so poached eggs, crispy bacon, pork sausages, McCambridge’s wholewheat soda bread and an industrial-sized pot of tea. What are your favourite song lyrics? “The road is long, with many a winding turn. That leads us to who knows where, who knows when. But I’m strong, strong enough to carry him. He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother.” Now there’s a song I wish I had written. Name one thing you’ve learned the hard way? It’s a lot easier to lose money than make it. Some years back, I lost a substantial amount when the pension fund holding my savings for the future turned out to be crooked. A lot of smart people lost a lot of money. Nobody is immune. When did you have your first kiss? The time was 1958, the place was Ranafast in the Donegal Gaeltacht, and I was 16 and at Irish college. At summer’s end, when I returned to Derry and she to Carlanstown in Meath, I was crushed. I thought I’d just lost the love of my life. What is your biggest strength? Resilience. My greatest achievement in the music industry is to still be in it after 58 years. And weakness? I hate confrontation and I’ve probably walked away from situations where I should have stood my ground, fought my corner and called my lawyers. I’ve had enough experience of litigation to appreciate the fact that there’s a big difference between justice and the law. WW Phil Coulter’s 23-date Four Score and Then… tour includes UCH, Limerick, on November 25 and Bord Gáis Energy Theatre on December 1. See other dates on philcoulter.com my Song Hear

LIFESTYLE WOMANSWAY.IE 93 WE TRIED... and I was terrifi ed of hurting them, but they soon learned to give me a wide berth. MIDWAY THROUGH Acquiring the sports bra made things a lot more comfortable. I tried to do 100 skips in batches of 10 during the fi rst few days, and although they nearly killed me at fi rst, it was amazing how quickly I got better at it. I also bought a new rope - one with a fancy digital counter in the handle as I got bored of counting skips. Once I could do about 30 skips without stopping, I started going out into the garden when the weather permitted. It was much easier out there as the rope wasn’t catching on things - I smashed a lightbulb and a cup when I got too enthusiastic indoors. END RESULT Look, I don’t imagine I will ever be at the level Hilary Young achieved, but I can now do a couple of hundred skips without stopping. During the fi rst few days, I thought I was going to have a heart attack with the exertion of it all, but now I can skip for a few minutes straight without killing myself. Putting together a lively music playlist to accompany my routine has been a great help and I defi nitely feel that my fi tness level has improved. I’d recommend skipping to anyone who is a couch potato like me - it’s defi nitely a low-maintenance and fuss-free way to up your exercise levels. WW WHAT? Looking for something that was easy and uncomplicated, I decided to try skipping as a form of daily exercise. I was infl uenced by the great results achieved by Hilary Young, who shared her experience of starting from scratch to doing 5,000 skips a day on Instagram (@hilarydoes). So I bought a basic skipping rope, some shock-absorbing trainers and athleisure gear and decided to give it a whirl - or should that be a twirl? WHY? I can’t stand the gym but wanted to do some cardio exercise as we have a history of heart disease in our family. I also liked the idea that skipping is simple and uncomplicated. You can pick it up and do a couple of minutes here and there, rather than having to set aside a block of time or leave your house. STARTING OUT I thought I was great because I looked the part, but I quickly realised that I needed to buy a sports bra as my boobs were fl ying everywhere. Then I had the conundrum of where to skip? The back garden was ideal, but there was no way I was going to go outdoors straight away. I was too selfconscious at the thought of my gym bunny neighbours seeing me huffi ng and puffi ng my way through my fl edgling routine. You need quite a bit of clear space to skip or the rope catches on things, so I started off in the middle of the kitchen. It was fairly disastrous at fi rst. I managed ten slow skips before collapsing on the sofa. The dogs kept straying into my path initially We’re all about self-care at Woman’s Way. In this issue, Andrea Smith tries skipping. Skipping

OPINION 94 WOMANSWAY.IE By Grumpy Old Woman WHY is this a thing? DRINK CULTURE I was at a business lunch recently where the free wine fl owed and everyone was having a great time. As a non-drinker, I was left drinking water, apart from when I went to the bar myself and forked out for a soft drink. It’s a situation that I’m all too familiar with, unfortunately. At a Christmas party in a hotel last year, there was a mulled wine reception at the beginning. There was nothing, not even water, provided for nondrinkers, even though we had all paid the same rate. Given the fact that we’re encouraged as a nation to keep our alcohol consumption below certain levels, you’d imagine that we would be rewarded, and not penalised, for choosing not to drink. Or not to drink and drive. After all, there has been a huge rise in the production of alcohol-free drinks in recent years, but these are rarely offered as an alternative at social events. It mortifi es me that such a big deal is made internationally around Ireland’s relationship with alcohol. We only have ourselves to blame as every time a highprofi le person visits the country, we drag them off to a pub and make them pull a pint. When the late Queen Elizabeth came over in 2011, she and Prince Philip were brought to the Guinness Storehouse and the knack of pouring the perfect pint was explained to them. I was embarrassed for us when the royal couple declined to sample the drink, and felt that we could have come up with better ways to occupy their time during such a rare, historic visit. With so much of the Irish social scene centred around alcohol, you’re defi nitely considered slightly weird if you’re a nondrinker. I fi nd that some people view me suspiciously, as if there’s something judgemental and no-craic about someone who doesn’t drink. Yet I don’t mind in the slightest if other people drink, and I enjoy the craic and the atmosphere that ensues on a night out. No matter where you go here, the reality is that alcohol is a huge feature of the social scene. I used to drink and actually it was a very important part of socialising in my late teens and early 20s. I never liked the feeling of being out of control and any awkward situations, so I stopped in my 30s as I got older and gained confi dence to go against the crowd. While we don’t seem to have a more recent survey, the National Alcohol Diary Survey of 2014 states that 75 per cent of all alcohol consumed in Ireland in 2013 was drunk as part of a bingedrinking session. It found that 54 per cent of those between 18 and 75 were classifi ed as ‘harmful drinkers'. That same year, Barack Obama, then US president, sampled a pint of Guinness when he visited Moneygall in Offaly. As the pics fl ew around the globe, I again wished we could have done better when the eyes of the world were on us. There is a lot of work still to be done to encourage Irish people to socialise without drinking. Until then, I will clutch my glass of water at events and grit my teeth as the free prosecco fl ows around me. WW

WOMANSWAY.IE 95 GETTING COSY IN OUR NEXT BUMPER ISSUE The clocks are going back and it’s time to face the darkness. Instead of letting it get us down, however, we’re leaning into that comfortable vibe and celebrating the offi cial start of cosying up season. In the next issue, we’ve lots of ideas to get you ready to embrace a bit of comfort. From big scarfs to supersoft fabrics, we’re taking a walk on the luxe side of style, minus the price tag. There are lots of mouth-watering recipes to try out, as well as travel inspiration to keep you going, plus so much more. You won’t want to miss it. WINNER ALRIGHT Yay! It's the awards event of the year, when we crown our Mum of the Year. And this being Ireland we have more than one. We bring you all the backstage action, the amazing guests and even take a peek inside the goody bags. But most important of all, we reveal our amazing winners. MOHAIR MOMENTS Carissa Casey has fallen hard for mohair, the supersoft silky yarn that's bang on trend this season. SPICE THINGS UP Queen of baking Nadiya Hussain takes a walk on the spicy side of life with her eighth cookery book, Nadiya’s Simple Spices. We bring you some of her brand new recipes to try out at home. THE KINGDOM OF CASTILE From Salamanca, the ‘golden city’, to historic Leon to the Portugese border, we take you through the ancient heart of Spain. CLUTTER BE GONE Experts give us their top tips on how to make sure you don’t get overwhelmed by clutter this season, and make the most of your indoor space. PLUS The latest movie and book reviews, knitting, wellbeing features, celebrity interviews, amazing competitions and so much more… HITTING THE NEWS STANDS ON OCTOBER 23