WW4 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… Loving the walks in Glendalough. From: Jean Murtagh, Co Wicklow The proof rosemary can grow in Ireland. From: Natasha Grimes, Co Cork Powerscourt Gardens in gorgeous light. From: Nina Southgate, Co Dublin My cat is a cheeky monkey. From: Jane O’Donovan, Co Offaly Piggy in the middle. From: Fiona Hartley, Co Galway 51 WW4 Picture This KOT2CCAMNOR.indd 3 05/02/2023 17:44

PUZZLES 52 WOMANSWAY.IE 1 WHO… voiced the character Ginger in the 2000 animated fi lm Chicken Run? WHAT… was a niblick? WHERE… is the tomb of the unknown soilder? WHEN… did the US jazz pianist and singer Fats Waller die? 2 WHO… was the composer of the operetta The Merry Widow? WHAT… was the actress Beatrice Stella Tanner known as? WHERE… n Europe is the city of Linz? WHEN… did New Order fi rst release the album Low-Life? JULIA SAWALHA; A GOLF CLUB; ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY; 1 ANSWER: FRANZ LEHÁR; MRS PATRICK CAMPBELL; AUSTRIA; 1985. 2 1943. THE 4 Ws I’m an actress who didn’t start out with an interest in performing arts. I fi rst wanted work behind the scenes in TV, but after I won a place at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama my career path changed. I’m probably most famous for appearing on long-running soap Coronation Street. Most recently, I fi nished playing the role of a feisty Sergeant and grandmother in a rather unhappy northern town. I’m a singer, songwriter, and actress. Despite recently turning 30 I’ve been in the business since I was nine, by following my country music singing father into the showbiz world. I was the star of a very successful Disney show, but eventually grew up and forged my own self-image. I’m known for my powerful anthems that celebrate women. I'm also very close with my very famous godmother Dolly. CELEB PIXELS SARAH LANCASHIRE, MILEY CYRUS. ANSWER: PRIZE CROSSWORD 4 ACROSS: 1. FIRE-RAISING (5); 4. BREAK UP (7); 8. ACHIEVE (4,3); 9. DIVISION (5); 10. CEREMONY (4); 11. MONOTONOUS (8); 13. REQUIRE (4); 14. STANDARD (4); 16. PROCLAIM (8); 17. BEYOND (4); 20. DECEIVER (5); 21. SUSPICION (7); 22. AZURE (3-4); 23. SQUEEZE (5). DOWN: 1. ACCESSORIES (13); 2. CLEAVE (5); 3. MIDDAY (4); 4. PROTECT (6); 5. FRIENDLY (8); 6. STUPENDOUS (7); 7. DRAWBACKS (13); 12. REFUTATION (8); 13. CONVENT (7); 15. WRITER (6); 18. ORIGINATE (5); 19. FRISK (4). QUICK CROSSWORD SOLUTION ISSUE 3 ACROSS: 3 PERFORATE; 8 EXIT; 9 PREOCCUPY; 10 RECKON; 11 STORM; 14 ROMAN; 15 DEAL; 16 DROOP; 18 STIR; 20 ABORT; 21 TERSE; 24 BREAST; 25 ALLEGEDLY; 26 CLAD; 27 DEXTERITY. DOWN: 1 TERRORISE; 2 DISCOMFIT; 4 EARN; 5 FLOUT; 6 RECORD; 7 TYPE; 9 POUND; 11 STOVE; 12 MEMORABLE; 13 PLATITUDE; 17 PARRY; 19 REJECT; 22 SHEAR; 23 GLUE; 24 BLOT. ENTER TO WIN A VALENTINE’S DAY BUNDLE HOW TO ENTER Please send a picture of your completed crossword grid to [email protected]. No postal entries please. The closing date for entries is February 27, 2023. This Woman's Way competition is open to anyone resident in NI and the Republic of Ireland, aged 18 and over, except employees and their families of Harmonia Publishing, its printers and anyone else connected with the competition. No purchase is necessary. We will only accept one competition entry per reader. Prizes are awarded by drawing entries after the closing date. Winners will be notifi ed by email. The editor’s decision is fi nal. One lucky reader will receive a Timeless Truth Radiance Mask Gift Set Sakura Limited Edition from Quinn Hair & Beauty. The bundle features a range of luxurious masks to brighten, hydrate and rejuvenate your skin. The premium sheet masks create a semi-enclosed space that infuses the skin with active ingredients in just 15 to 20 minutes. In addition, it also enhances the absorption and penetration of skincare products applied afterwards. Visit quinnhairbeauty.com WORTH €44 REMEMBER WHEN? 1 • Winston Churchill retired as Prime Minister • Stirling Moss won his fi rst Grand Prix • Disneyland opened at Anaheim, California • Cardiff became the capital of Wales 2 • Charles Manson was convicted of the Tate murders • Idi Amin seized power in Uganda • David Bowie played at Glastonbury for the fi rst time • Baby Doc succeeded Papa Doc in Haiti 1955, 1971. ANSWERS: The following events all occurred in a year in living memory. Can you guess the year? 52 WW4 Puzzles KOT3CCAM2NOR.indd 2 07/02/2023 10:52

TIME OUT WOMANSWAY.IE 53 THE BIG QUIZ 1>> Who said they’d step in to help make the staging of Katie Taylor's proposed fi ght in Croke Park happen? A Colin Farrell B Bono C Conor McGregor D Niall Horan 2>> Which Irish church holds the remains of St Valentine? A Whitefriar Street Chapel B Christchurch Cathedral C Pepper Canister Church D St Mel’s Cathedral 3>> The modern-day Six Nations began life as the Home Championship, played between Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland. What year did it start? A 1880 B 1881 C 1882 D 1883 4>> What is the name of the main character in Pride and Prejudice? A Betty Ryan B Daphne Harris C Elizabeth Bennet D Minnie Holmes 5>> How do you say cheers in Polish? A Sláinte B Dzięki C Skål D Salud A Dr Karen Lynn B Dr Kathleen Lynn C Dr Kourtney Lynn D Dr Kristen Lynn 13>> What is the name of the Irish entry for this year's Eurovision? A We are one B Just the two of us CThree is the Magic Number D Four Green Bottles 14>> Scientists recently took an image on the surface of Mars that resembled which furry animal? A Bear B Otter C Wolly mammoth D Great Dane 6>> Cheetahs have successfully been returned to India for the fi rst time after being declared extinct there. How many years has it been since they were last in the country? A 60 years B 70 years C 80 years D 90 years 7>> Australia is not putting Britain’s King Charles III's image on its new fi ve dollar note. What will feature instead? A Kangaroos and koalas B A design honouring the fi rst Australians C Sydney Opera House D Captain Cook 8>> A California zoo announced the birth of a cloned animal recently, using DNA preserved for 43 years. What kind of animal was it? A Cat B Dog C Sheep D Horse 9>> Happy Valley came to an end after four seasons on the BBC. What is the real name of the Valley where the show is fi lmed? A Cheddar Valley B Cheswick Valley C Calder Valley D Colgate Valley 10>> Steven Spielberg’s latest fi lm, The Fablemans is based on his childhood. Who plays his mother in the fi lm? A Michelle Williams B Chalize Theron C Cate Blanchett D Daisy Edgar-Jones 11>> According to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, which radio show was the most complained about last year? A Morning Ireland B Pat Kenny CLiveline D Ian Dempsey Breakfast Show 12>> There is a campaign underway to have the new children’s hospital named after an incredible Irish hero, who opened Ireland's very fi rst infants' hospital in the 1930s. What is her name? 1C, 2A, 3D, 4C, 5B, 6B, 7B, 8D, 9C, 10A, ANSWERS: 11C, 12B, 13A 14A. 1 2 5 6 9 10 12 13 14 53 WW4 Big Quiz KOT2CCAM.indd 3 08/02/2023 12:37

54 WOMANSWAY.IE By Katie Wright, PA Whether you’re looking to reduce your reliance on animal-derived food, cut down on saturated fats, decrease your carbon footprint, or all of the above – embracing plantbased cookery doesn’t mean you have to go 100 per cent vegan if you don’t want to. “It’s meant to be enjoyable – it’s not meant to be about taking stuff away,” says Annie Rigg, whose latest cookbook, Eat More Vegan, isn’t aimed solely at those who have given up meat and dairy products altogether. “It’s written from the standpoint of someone who’s not vegan as well,” says Rigg, 52, who trained at the prestigious Leith’s Cookery School and worked as a chef for eight years before becoming a freelance food writer and stylist. “I’d like to think I’m not preaching about it. It’s like: here is a really great collection of recipes, that just actually happen to be vegan.” The author of more than 20 recipe books lives in Hampshire with her husband Hugh, who was pleasantly surprised by how much he enjoyed sampling the many plant-focused dishes. “My husband – who is very long-suffering – has also embraced eating more vegan food, because I do all the cooking,” Rigg says. “He was completely overwhelmed by the jackfruit bao buns. He said, ‘You would never know they weren’t pork’.” Now, Rigg is full of fantastic advice for anyone starting out on their plant-based journey or looking to elevate their vegan cookery game. These are some of her top tips… 1. THINK VEG-FIRST If you’re used to the classic meat and two veg combo, Rigg recommends an all-inclusive approach that makes vegetables the main event. “With vegan food, the way I approach it is everything is the hero, rather than having one thing on the plate that’s the hero and everything else is sort of a support act,” she says. “It’s allinclusive cooking.” Using a mixture of veg – for example, Rigg’s rice and lentils with tahini-roasted root veg features carrots, parsnips and beetroot – creates a colourful, satisfying meal. 2. GRAINS ARE GREAT “They’re cheap and nutritious, and there are a million different things you can do with them – you open up a whole world of joy,” Rigg says of grains, such as quinoa, freekeh and spelt, which add fl avour and texture to dishes as well as making them nutritious and fi lling. Take pearl barley, for example – found in her mushroom, celeriac and pearl barley stew. “It’s just so delicious, and nutty and earthy,” says Rigg. “You can chuck grains into soups, stews and pies.” 3. SPICE UP YOUR LIFE Rigg says: “I think there are other cuisines that lend themselves naturally to vegan – there are a number of Indian or other Southeast Asian-based recipes in the book.” She recommends stocking up on a few fragrant spices, such as chaat masala (a powdered blend that includes cumin, coriander and fennel seeds), or making your own. “It’s a really easy way to brighten up something quite simple, such as fried rice. Chuck on a seasoning blend and suddenly it’s not just rice and vegetables, it’s got fl avour bombs all over it.” 4. SEASON GENEROUSLY In addition to spices, herbs are a key component in fl avourful vegan meals. “I put bay leaves in a lot of things,” says Rigg. “In the summer, I use quite a lot of basil and oregano, fl at-leaf parsley and chives. Currently, we have pots of thyme, rosemary and sage outside, and they are regularly trimmed.” 5. DON'T RELY ON MEAT SUBSTITUTES While there are plenty of convincing vegan meat alternatives on the market, Rigg prefers the plantfocused approach, although she is a big fan of tofu. “I think a lot of the people who aren’t vegan or vegetarian shy away from tofu, but if it’s cooked well and properly, it can be the most delicious thing,” she says. “Marinating it is often a good way. Frying it is Cookery writer Annie Rigg shares her advice for going plant-based. 8 PLANT BASED FOOD TIPS 54-57 WW4 Vegan KOT2CCAM.indd 2 08/02/2023 12:38

WOMANSWAY.IE 55 By Katie Wright, PA RECIPES Continued overleaf >> BUTTERNUT SQUASH NUT ROAST Serves: 4-6 This vegan savoury showstopper is baked with rice, nuts and dried fruit. Nutritious and filling, this flavoursome dish makes a great centrepiece for a vegan feast. “The butternut squash is roasted and then filled with rice, nuts and dried fruit and baked again on a bed of woody herbs,” says Annie. “The squash can be fully prepared in advance, the halves filled and chilled until ready to bake.” Ingredients: 1 butternut squash 2½tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 leek, trimmed and finely chopped 125g chestnut mushrooms, quartered 2 fat garlic cloves, crushed 100g brown basmati rice, rinsed and drained 300ml vegetable stock 75g cooked chestnuts, roughly chopped 50g walnut pieces, toasted 50g hazelnuts, toasted and roughly chopped 50g dried cranberries 1tbsp balsamic vinegar 3tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley 1 bushy sprig of thyme, leaves picked 2 bushy sprigs of bay leaves 2 bushy sprigs of rosemary 2tbsp breadcrumbs 1tbsp grated vegan Italian-style cheese Salt and freshly ground black pepper Method: 1 Preheat the oven to 170°C fan/190°C/gas mark 5. Cut the butternut squash in half lengthways and place, cut side up, in a smallish roasting tin. Scrape always a good thing, because you’re then adding a texture to the outside of it – deep-fried tofu puffs are another option.” 6. MAKE YOUR OWN MAYO Another brilliant use for tofu? Whip up tasty vegan mayonnaise and other salad dressings. “You just buy the silken tofu and blend it. It takes on the texture of mayonnaise and then you can add any other flavours to it,” Rigg explains. “You can add garlic and lemon and herbs. There’s a Caesar salad dressing I did, which is whizzed up tofu and nutritional yeast – there’s no eggs or cheese.” 7. TRY VEGAN CHEESE While experimenting with vegan cheese, Rigg found the dairy-free alternatives have come on leaps and bounds in recent years. “I found vegan feta very good, and some vegan Parmesan is amazing,” she says. “The supermarkets are obviously doing it, but there are lots of people making small-batch vegan cheese, they’re really worth looking into.” 8. ENJOY IT Rigg’s advice for anyone who thinks they’ve failed if they happen to fancy a slice of toast smothered in butter, or a milky latte? “Don’t beat yourself up,” she says. “If you start thinking about it as, ‘I’m depriving myself of something’, that’s when it will be a struggle. “I don’t think it should be something that is about deprivation. It should be about just opening up new doors for you.” 54-57 WW4 Vegan KOT2CCAM.indd 3 08/02/2023 12:38

56 WOMANSWAY.IE JACKFRUIT BAO BUNS Makes: 8 These Asian-inspired fl uffy buns are fi lled with a sweet and sour jackfruit and crunchy salad. “Who doesn’t love soft, slightly chewy, pillowy bao buns?” asks Annie of this recipe – a vegan alternative to pulled pork. “Filled with sticky, soy glazed jackfruit and crisp vegetables, these are real crowd-pleasers.” Never cooked with jackfruit before? Rigg says: “Canned jackfruit is now readily available in most large supermarkets and, like tofu, it is particularly delicious stir-fried. If you prefer, swap it for caulifl ower fl orets or tofu.” Ingredients: For the buns: 250g plain fl our 2 tsp caster sugar 1 tsp easy-blend dried yeast ½tsp salt ½tsp baking powder 50ml plant milk 75ml water 1tbsp rice vinegar 2tsp sesame oil, plus extra for brushing 2tsp black sesame seeds For the fi lling: 2 x 400g cans of jackfruit 1tbsp sunfl ower oil 2 garlic cloves, fi nely chopped 4cm piece fresh ginger, fi nely chopped 1 red chilli, deseeded and fi nely chopped 6 spring onions, 4 thinly sliced 3tbsp soy sauce 2tbsp hoisin sauce 2tbsp maple syrup 1½tbsp rice vinegar 1tsp Chinese fi ve-spice 1 carrot ¼ cucumber ½ red pepper Leaves from a small bunch of coriander, to serve Method: 1 Combine the fl our, sugar, yeast, salt and baking powder in the bowl of a stand mixer fi tted with a dough hook. Heat the milk and water to lukewarm, add the rice vinegar and sesame oil and tip into the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until incorporated and then continue kneading for about four minutes until the dough is silky smooth. Shape the dough into a ball, return to the bowl, cover and leave at room temperature for about one hour or until doubled in size. 2 Cut two circles of baking parchment the same diameter as the inside of the steamer baskets. Fold each paper disc in half, and then in half again to make a triangle, then fold this triangle in half again. Snip small sections out of each folded edge so that when you open the paper it is dotted with small holes. Lay a disc in the bottom of each steamer basket. 3 Weigh the bao dough and divide it into eight even portions. Shape each portion into a neat ball with the seam on the underside. Working one at a time, roll each dough ball into an oval shape – roughly out the seeds and fi bres, score the fl esh, season, drizzle with one tablespoon of the olive oil, cover with foil and roast for about 45 minutes until the fl esh is tender all the way through when tested with the point of a knife. 2 Meanwhile, prepare the fi lling. Tip the onion and leek into a sauté pan, add one-and-a-half tablespoons of olive oil and cook over a low– medium heat, stirring often, until softened and just starting to turn golden at the edges. 3 Add the mushrooms and garlic to the pan, stir to combine and cook for a further fi ve minutes until the mushrooms are tender. Tip in the drained rice, pour in the stock and season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. 4 Cover the pan with a disc of baking paper, or halfcover with a lid, and simmer very gently for about 30 minutes until the rice is al dente and there is still a little stock remaining in the pan. Remove from the heat and tip into a large bowl. 5 Add the chestnuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, cranberries, balsamic vinegar, parsley and thyme leaves to the rice mixture. Use a spoon to scoop out the cooked fl esh from the butternut squash halves, keeping the skin intact and leaving a shell of about 1cm thick on all sides. Roughly chop the squash, add to the rice and season well. 6 Lay the bay leaves and rosemary sprigs in the roasting tin and place the butternut squash halves on top. Spoon the rice mixture to fi ll each half – any left over can be cooked alongside in another baking tin. Cover with foil and bake for 30–35 minutes until piping hot. Remove the foil, scatter with breadcrumbs, Italian-style cheese and drizzle with olive oil and return to the oven for a further 10 minutes until crisp. Cut into slices and serve. 54-57 WW4 Vegan KOT2CCAM.indd 4 08/02/2023 12:39

RECIPES WOMANSWAY.IE 57 Eat More Vegan by Annie Rigg is published by Pavilion Books. Photography by Nassima Rothacker. Available now. the size of your hand – and 5mm thick. Brush with sesame oil and fold in half. Brush the top with sesame oil and sprinkle with black sesame seeds. Place the buns in the steamer to prove, leaving space between each bun and the edge of the steamer. Stack the steamer baskets together, cover with the lid and leave for about one hour at room temperature until the buns have nearly doubled in size. 4 Meanwhile, prepare the fi lling. Drain the jackfruit and squeeze out any excess water. Heat the sunfl ower oil in a large frying pan or wok, add the jackfruit and fry over a medium heat for about 10 minutes until golden brown, breaking up the pieces slightly with a wooden spoon. 5 Add the garlic, ginger, chilli and four sliced spring onions to the pan and continue frying for another minute. In a small bowl combine the soy and hoisin sauces, maple syrup, rice vinegar and Chinese fi ve-spice with four tablespoons of water. Pour into the pan, mix to combine, reduce the heat slightly and continue to cook for a further three minutes or so until the jackfruit is caramelised and coated in sticky sauce. Remove from the heat while you prepare the remaining fi lling ingredients. 6 Using a julienne grater, cut the carrot and cucumber into fi ne strips. Finely slice the red pepper and remaining two spring onions. Cover and chill until ready to assemble the bao buns. 7 Fill a large frying pan or wok with water to a depth of about 5cm and bring to the boil over a medium heat. Place the stacked steamer over the water and cook the bao buns for 10–12 minutes until the surface of the buns is fi rm, the middle is puffy and they have doubled in size. 8 Divide the jackfruit fi lling and shredded vegetables between the buns, scatter with coriander leaves and serve. RICE AND LENTILS WITH TAHINI ROASTED ROOT VEG Serves: 6 With parsnips, carrots and beetroot, this Middle Eastern-inspired vegan dish is a brilliant winter warmer. “Don’t be put off by the long list of ingredients here: many of them are store cupboard items,” says Annie. “This recipe is inspired by, and borrows elements from, two staple dishes in which rice is cooked with lentils and caramelised onions – Egyptian koshari and Middle Eastern mujaddara” – and it’s served with piquante chermoula dressing. Feel free to switch up the fruit, she adds: “Pomegranate seeds are often used to lend a note of tart sweetness to savoury rice, but you could replace them with a tablespoon of sour barberries or dried cranberries if you prefer.” Ingredients: 2 onions, thinly sliced 4–5tbsp olive oil A good pinch of saffron stamens 100g Puy lentils 5 medium parsnips, peeled and quartered lengthways 5 carrots, peeled and quartered lengthways 5 medium beetroots, trimmed and quartered (no need to peel) 2tsp cumin seeds 2tsp coriander seeds 1tsp Aleppo chilli fl akes ½tsp garlic granules 2 garlic cloves, crushed 300g brown basmati rice, rinsed 200g cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed 500ml vegetable stock 1 bay leaf 1 cinnamon stick 2tbsp tahini 2tbsp maple syrup Seeds of ½ pomegranate Leaves from a small bunch of coriander Salt and freshly ground black pepper For the cermoula dressing: 1tsp cumin seeds ½tsp coriander seeds 1 fat garlic clove, roughly chopped 1 mild green chilli (such as fresh jalapeño), sliced 2 spring onions, trimmed and sliced 25g fl at-leaf parsley, leaves and stalks, very roughly chopped 25g coriander, leaves and stalks, very roughly chopped Juice of ½ lemon ½tsp ground sumac ½tsp cayenne pepper 6tbsp extra virgin olive oil Method: 1 Start by cooking the rice. Tip the onions into a heavy, lidded saucepan, add two tablespoons of olive oil and cook slowly over a low–medium heat for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently, until very soft and starting to caramelise at the edges. Soak the saffron in two tablespoons of freshly boiled water in a small bowl. Preheat the oven to 180°C fan/200°C/gas mark 6 and line one large or two smaller baking trays with baking paper. 2 Meanwhile, rinse the lentils and cook in a pan of boiling water for about 20 minutes until just tender but still with a little ‘bite’. Drain and set aside. 3 Combine the prepared root veg in a large bowl. Lightly crush the cumin seeds, coriander seeds and Aleppo chilli fl akes using a pestle and mortar. Add to the veggies with the garlic granules and two to three tablespoons of olive oil. Season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper and mix well to thoroughly coat the vegetables in spices. 4 Arrange in a single layer on the lined baking tray(s) and roast for about 45 minutes, turning halfway through, until tender and browning at the edges. 5 Meanwhile, add the crushed garlic to the onions and cook for a further minute. Add the rice to the pan, along with the drained lentils and chickpeas. Pour the veg stock and saffron, with its soaking water, into the pan, add the bay leaf and cinnamon stick and season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring to the boil, cover with a lid and reduce the heat to its lowest setting. Cook for about 30 minutes until the rice is tender and the stock has been absorbed. Remove from the heat and leave covered until ready to serve. 6 To prepare the chermoula dressing, toast the cumin and coriander seeds in a dry frying pan over a medium heat for one minute until starting to brown and smell aromatic. Tip into a small food processor, along with all the remaining ingredients. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and whizz until nearly smooth. 7 In a small bowl mix together the tahini and maple syrup, spoon over the roasted veggies, mix to coat and return to the oven for a further fi ve minutes until golden and sticky. 8 Spoon the rice onto a large platter, remove the bay leaf and cinnamon stick, and arrange the roasted veggies on top. Scatter with pomegranate seeds and coriander leaves and serve with the chermoula dressing for drizzling. WW 54-57 WW4 Vegan KOT2CCAM.indd 5 08/02/2023 12:39

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WOMANSWAY.IE 59 FOOD By Prudence Wade, PA Continued overleaf >> From cooking Chinese dishes to sneaking extra veg into your meals, this is how you can make healthy food feel more exciting. Chef Tips Eating Healthyfor I nstead of spending money on a takeaway, what if you could stick to your healthy goals in a colourful, vibrant and delicious way, rather than settling down with a soggy salad? If you want to keep up with a healthy diet for the rest of the year, these chef-approved tips might help… GENNARO CONTALDO For chef Gennaro Contaldo, staying healthy is all about balance – and never depriving himself completely. “I try to do a healthy diet [but] I’ve never been on a diet. Do I need to? I don’t think so. Today is big fl avour of pasta, and tomorrow is big fl avour of vegetables – I try to do balance. Today we eat a lot of meat? Tomorrow we eat a lot of fi sh. Balance,” says Contaldo, who trained Jamie Oliver in Italian cooking. Recently he baked his own bread laced with pork scratchings from a local butcher. “That beautiful bread,” he remembers. “But for the next few days, I will eat eat it, because by my age you cannot eat [a lot of] very, very sweet stuff – but I do taste everything.” Gennaro’s Cucina: Hearty Money-Saving Meals From An Italian Kitchen by Gennaro Contaldo KWOKLYN WAN For Kwoklyn Wan, cooking more Chinese meals at home could be the secret to staying healthy. “The nice thing about Chinese food is you can make it healthy very easily,” he explains. “So, instead of using your vegetable oil, your coconut oil or whatever oil, you could use spray oil, [with] stirfried chicken and vegetables. “There you go: there’s your protein, you’ve got your vegetables and your vitamins, and then even boiled rice instead of fried rice. “Or you could have noodles, or rice noodles. I’m very lucky in the sense that I was born into this amazing culture with food you can make healthy very easily, and you don’t forsake any of the fl avour.” One Wok, One Pot by Kwoklyn Wan SKYE MCALPINE Eating healthily doesn’t necessarily mean you have to miss out on your favourite meals – it just might require a few smart tweaks. “I love adding fresh vegetables to the pasta water when I’m cooking pasta with pesto: green beans, chopped fennel, chunks of zucchini, something else. I’ll have a slice of toast. “Sweet cake? Yes, whatever they put in front of me, I will eat it. But only in small portions, not because I cannot Kwoklyn Wan Gennaro Contaldo Vegetable stir fry 59 and 61 WW4 Healthy KOT2CCAMNOR.indd 3 01/02/2023 12:32

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FOOD WOMANSWAY.IE 61 broccoli fl orets, broad beans when in season… Whatever I have to hand, really,” says Skye McAlpine. “Basically, you cook the veggies in the water with the pasta and then add the pesto sauce. It’s delicious and makes for a very nutritious and complete meal.” A Table Full Of Love by Skye McAlpine SUZANNE MULHOLLAND AKA THE BATCH LADY Unsurprisingly for someone who worked as a time management expert before writing cookbooks, Suzanne Mulholland’s top tip is to make a plan. “Organise yourself in advance and prep as much as you can, so it’s all in your fridge… It’s [then] easier to stick to a routine, isn’t it?” she says. “If you’ve made a couscous salad, and you make [extra] that you can take to work, you’re less likely to nip into a café and eat a sandwich of 700 calories, because you have done that in advance and brought it with you. “So, doing anything in advance, spending time thinking about stuff and getting it down on paper or on your phone – out of your head – means you’re more likely to achieve any goals you want to set.” The Batch Lady: Cooking On A Budget by Suzanne Mulholland HEATHER THOMAS To really get excited about eating healthily – and then hopefully sticking to it – Heather Thomas is all about eating seasonally. And early in the year, it’s citrus fruit she’s most thrilled about. “I live – most of the time – in Greece, and I can walk around the streets of Athens picking [oranges and lemons] off trees – they’re everywhere,” she says. She recommends having meals that are “really refreshing, zingy and citrusy, and lighter”. WW The Veggie Christmas Cookbook by Heather Thomas Suzanne Mulholland Pasta with courgettes Get organised for healthy eating that you can take of 700 calories, because you have done that in advance Skye McAlpine Heather Thomas Lemons are in season now 59 and 61 WW4 Healthy KOT2CCAMNOR.indd 5 01/02/2023 12:33

62 WOMANSWAY.IE By Hannah Stephenson, PA We get expert advice on looking after your orchids. FALLING FLOWERS When the plant has been in bloom for a while, it is common for fl owers to fall (the old ones are usually the fi rst to go). If this is not the case, it could be related to stress, perhaps due to a cold spell, the plant being left too dry for too long, or loss of roots due to overwatering. WATERING ISSUES Orchids do not like being overwatered. Sitting in water for too long can lead to decaying roots, which is bad for the plant and could kill it. Water orchids by submerging the pot, leaving the plant to soak for a few minutes before draining it completely. Orchids don’t like tap water, which can BROWN OR YELLOW STEMS It’s normal for these to occur after fl owering and once the plant enters a period of dormancy. You can cut back the stem above a node, which could lead to more fl owers, or trim the stem back to the base, which will allow the orchid to conserve energy for new growth. LOSING LEAVES A few leaves dropping, especially old ones, is quite common, but if you’re losing a lot then it could be that there is a problem. Check the media in the pot and the state of the roots, and consider repotting if they do not look good. Cold temperatures could also be the cause, so check for draughts and change location if needed. I s that elegant orchid you bought recently looking tired? It may be that the fl owers have dried up and dropped off, or the previously rich green leaves have turned yellow, while aerial roots are cascading over the top of the pot. So, what are you doing wrong? It could be a number of things, from temperature and light, to overwatering and lack of feeding, says Alberto Trinco, botanical horticulturist at Kew Gardens. Trinco says to look out for the following things: SCORCH MARKS ON THE LEAVES This is a sure sign that the plant is sitting in direct sunlight. Find a new location. The damaged leaf will be replaced with a new one in due course. Alberto Trinco Orchid Care 62-63 WW4 Orchids KOT2CCAMNOR.indd 2 01/02/2023 12:33

GARDENING WOMANSWAY.IE 63 By Hannah Stephenson, PA be hard. Rainwater is best, but distilled water with added fertiliser is a good solution, as the excess purity of distilled water can take the nutrients out of the plant. Spraying or misting the plants does not increase humidity enough in the long run, and may cause rot or diseases if there is not enough ventilation. Water requirements change with the seasons, and in relation to the type of media your plant is in, so check it regularly to give it the best care. Many orchids are now grown in a mix of coconut fi bre that retains moisture for longer. TEMPERATURE “Orchids available at garden centres are usually happy with the average temperatures at home, but it’s important to make sure they are kept away from both cold drafts and direct heating sources,” Trinco says. Keep them in a room that maintains a consistent temperature. It’s a myth that all orchids like hot temperatures. Although most of them are tropical, many can live happily at room temperature (15-20°C). LIGHT Orchids love light, but they can’t tolerate direct sunlight, as they can get sunburnt. A north-facing windowsill is ideal. If that’s not possible, any area in indirect sunlight will usually be fi ne. If the location is more exposed, use something to fi lter the direct light coming in, such as a curtain. FOOD Slow growth is SOS for more food. Orchids are happy when they are regularly fed. Treat them every other week with a specifi c orchid fertiliser or a fl owering-plant fertiliser, halving its recommended amount. CHECK THE ROOTS If they are silvery-grey or white, it means the plant needs a drink. If the roots look green, there is still moisture in the pot. If they are brown and soggy, your plant has likely been overwatered, and roots may have rotted. If you can’t see the roots, check the soil in your plant pot. If it’s dry, water it. Alternatively, feel the weight of the pot – if it’s very light, it is probably dry all the way through. REPOTTING Most common orchids are epiphytes, meaning that in nature they grow on trees rather than in soil, so don’t worry if you see aerial roots on top of the pot. These are totally normal. When the time comes to repot your plant, ready-to-use orchid mixes are available. But you can also use bark chips mixed with pumice and charcoal, to a ratio of 2:1:1. Repotting orchids is essential to refresh old media, which after a while starts decaying, and to stop the roots from becoming too crowded. It is usually done every year or two. Do it once the orchid has fi nished fl owering, snipping off any dead or decaying roots as you go. WW Water by submerging in a bowl of water Sunburnt orchid leaf Remove yellowing leaves and brown stems Alberto Trinco Fallen fl owers and yellowing leaves are normal “Orchids love light, but can’t tolerate direct sunlight. A north-facing windowsill is ideal” 62-63 WW4 Orchids KOT2CCAMNOR.indd 3 01/02/2023 12:35

64 WOMANSWAY.IE By Hannah Stephenson, PA GREEN THERAPY These are some of the best houseplants to boost your wellbeing… AIR PURIFYING “The spathiphyllum, or peace lily, is a great choice for beginner and seasoned plant parents alike, and will thrive in a bright spot out of direct sunlight. This striking plant should be watered weekly, or when its soil feels dry to the touch,” says Claire Bishop, head of houseplants at Dobbies. “If your plant isn’t fl owering, water it, feed it and move it to a brighter spot for a beautiful addition to your home that will not only brighten up your interiors but also your mood.” Mary recommends pothos, an easy-togrow bushy specimen which thrives on low light and neglect, and purifi es the air of toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene them,” says Mary. “To clean the air you can have fewer plants if they have larger foliage, as they can be more effi cient at reducing toxins.” She continues: “Studies into the wellbeing benefi ts of houseplant ownership showed that even just being in the presence of indoor plants can improve wellbeing, so not just softening aesthetics but also feeling a connection to the natural world. For those working in rooms with plants, they performed better on cognitive tasks and lower levels of physiological stress.” According to the Royal Horticultural Society indoor plants can lead to increased worker productivity. Where plants were used in hospital settings, studies showed increased pain tolerance in patients. I t’s no surprise plants can cheer us up in the winter months. New research by Dobbies Garden Centres has backed this up, fi nding 40 per cent of those surveyed believe colourful houseplants make them feel happier. But they don’t just lift your mood. The NASA Clean Air study found that many houseplants can clean the air of toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene and ammonia, says podcaster and garden expert Ellen Mary, who recently launched People Plants Wellbeing, a new nature-based wellbeing consultancy. “The more plants the merrier, as long as you have the time and space to care for Ellen Mary Check out these wellbeing boosting plants. 64-65 WW4 Plants KOT2CCAMNOR.indd 2 01/02/2023 12:37

GARDENING WOMANSWAY.IE 65 By Hannah Stephenson, PA Orchids promote calm and carbon monoxide. It also helps to eliminate odours and is said to relieve tired screen eyes, she notes. Hedera helix (English ivy) is also a good air purifi er – it grows in partial shade and is a low-care plant, and its long vines make it great for shelves and mantelpieces. GREEN SPACE “If you’re looking to give your home a boost of greenery without spending a fortune, smaller plants and ferns are a fantastic option. Adiantum (maidenhair fern), nephrolepis (sword fern) and phlebodium fern varieties are all typically low cost and will elevate any room in your home,” Bishop suggests. “The dypsis lutescens is another wonderful choice and comes in a variety of sizes, making it ideal for homes of all styles and will instantly improve any space.” WELLBEING WONDERS Bishop calls houseplants “great additions to your home offi ce, to perk up your working environment and make you more productive. “If caring for houseplants isn’t your forte but you still want to feel the benefi ts of them, consider a sansevieria (snake plant). These quirky plants can go without water for up to a month so require very little attention, making them perfect for those just starting their plant journey.” BATHROOM BOOSTERS “To promote wellness in your bathroom and give this space a zen look and feel, use houseplants to create a spa-like vibe,” says Bishop. “Ferns, with their air purifying qualities, thrive in a humid environment, making them ideal for your bathroom. “Plant your ferns in soil with good drainage and keep them moist with weekly mistings. If your fern is looking dehydrated, you can plunge it into a sink or bucket of water to bring it back to life. Simply submerge your pot into the water and then remove it, letting it drain completely before placing it back into a bright spot.” BEDROOM CALM Mary recommends orchids for the bedroom, which hold symbolism of positive energy prosperity and growth and can improve sleep, promote relaxation and enhance feelings of calmness and peace, she says. They also don’t need much watering and can fl ower for long periods and refl ower after resting. Another good choice for the bedroom is sansevieria, which thrives in low light, photosynthesises even at night and is easy to grow. POSITIVE ENERGY The money plant (Crassula ovata/Jade plant) exudes positive energy, says Mary, and is thought to bring good luck, growth, prosperity and wealth, while also releasing a lot of oxygen. WW Claire Bishop Tending a Dypsis lutescens “Ferns, with their air purifying qualities, thrive in a humid environment, so ideal for your bathroom” A money plant 64-65 WW4 Plants KOT2CCAMNOR.indd 3 01/02/2023 12:37

66 WOMANSWAY.IE By Hannah Stephenson, PA Mouldy seeds and dirty feeders can spread disease, warn experts. This affects birds by swelling their throats, making it difficult for them to swallow. They then cough up seeds, which are picked up by different birds, spreading the disease. “This has been proven to be behind the rapid declines in greenfinch and chaffinch, and is likely affecting collared dove populations,” he notes. “There is concern that it will jump across to new species, as it has done in the past. If any sick or dead birds are seen then feeders should be taken down How do I clean it? Wash it in soapy water or in a weak bleach solution (5 per cent bleach to water), making sure all stale food is removed and feeders are rinsed and fully dried before being replaced, Jaques advises. “It is good to think of feeders like plates in a restaurant. We wouldn’t want to eat from a plate used by dozens of customers, so why should the birds?” Helen Moffat from wildlife charity RSPB adds: “We advise cleaning feeders outside and having some cleaning utensils you use only for this job. The same applies to bird baths, too.” Eric Michels of CJ Wildlife, adds: “Feeders should be air-dried before refilling to ensure seed doesn’t go damp and spoil, or attract bacteria. Specialist cleaning brushes are a handy tool that makes cleaning easier, allowing you to reach inside the tube and into corners, where it is difficult to get to.” What diseases can be spread at feeders? The disease that has had the largest impact is trichomonosis, Jaques warns. Wildlife lovers fill up their feeders with seeds, nuts and other goodies to attract as many birds as they can to their gardens. But if the birds are slow to arrive, how long will your bird food keep when exposed to the elements? And what about all the sticky, decomposed debris that ends up at the bottom of the feeders? Royal Horticultural Society senior ecologist Gemma Golding warns: “If you’ve had a lot of birds feeding in one area, they poo and wee on and below the bird feeder. You’ve then got a lot of excrement and material that can spread disease.” Here’s what you need to know about keeping bird feeders shipshape… How oen should I clean my feeder? “We recommend that feeders are cleaned at least once a week, but more often is better,” says ornithologist Rob Jaques. “Some people have pairs of feeders, one is active while the other is being cleaned, though we understand that might not be practical for many people.” Mouldy debris at the bottom of a bird feeder Bird Watch Long-tailed tit 66-67 WW4 Birds KOT2CCAMNOR.indd 2 01/02/2023 12:38

WILDLIFE WOMANSWAY.IE 67 By Hannah Stephenson, PA immediately for at least three weeks,” he advises. Golding suggests if you have space, it might be worth moving feeders regularly to different parts of the garden, reducing the high concentration of birds in one space. Which types of food tend to go off more quickly? “Most food is good outside for a few days, but hot or rainy weather can cause it to spoil more quickly, especially things like fat balls,” says Moffat. “If you are putting out leftovers, such as cheese and fruit, make sure it’s eaten whilst it’s still fresh, or remove it if not.” Jaques adds: “All foods are capable of going off, because of this we recommend only a day’s worth of food is put out at a time. However, peanuts, when stored incorrectly, seem to go mouldy very quickly. These moulds produce afl atoxins, which can be very dangerous for birds, wildlife, and even people. “The weather will have an impact. Warm, wet weather is ideal for diseases and mould, whereas dry and cool food will last a while. However, diseases can be spread at any time, so the same hygiene practices should be practised throughout the year.” Should you ditch untouched bird food a er a particular time? Moffat says: “We’d advise not putting full feeders out until you’ve gauged how much appetite there is. If you have just started feeding birds, it will take a while for them to fi nd your feeders – or if you’ve changed their location, as we advise doing every few weeks. “Just put a little feed in there and dispose of this if it doesn’t get eaten each week, possibly sooner if it is hot or wet weather, which will spoil the food more quickly, especially food such as fat balls.” Jaques adds: “It is best to put out new feeders when birds will be looking for food. The busiest time is late winter and early spring when most wild food has become scarce.” Greenfi nch and siskins Cleaning a bird feeder Goldfi nches How do you know if the bird food has gone off ? “Firstly, simply check it visually. If it is clumped together, there are insects inside, or it appears to be sprouting, you should get rid of it, clean your feeder and replace with a fresh batch,” advises Michels. “Some bird seeds have a strong odour when they become unsafe to eat or overly damp, particularly those with high natural oil content. If your birdfeed smells rancid, musty or just not right, throw it out. “Finally, if it’s been a few days since you last saw a bird on your feeder, this could be a sign that it is not fresh. Try cleaning and refi lling to see if birds come back.” Are some bird feeders easier to clean? “Yes – feeders should be able to be fully taken apart, so each part can be reached and cleaned properly. There is a trend for people to buy really long feeders, but these are often diffi cult to clean, and food is more likely to spoil. So, unless your garden is particularly busy with birds, small feeders are better,” says Jaques. Could bird feeders have any eff ect on the spread of bird fl u? “Fortunately, we have had very few instances of avian infl uenza being seen in gardens, and garden species are rarely affected,” Jaques observes. “However, this could change as this particular strain of the disease can jump between species. We ask that if people see signs of any disease in their garden wildlife, then they stop feeding immediately for at least three weeks,” he advises. WW “Think of feeders like plates. We wouldn’t want to eat from a plate used by others, so why should the birds?” 66-67 WW4 Birds KOT2CCAMNOR.indd 3 01/02/2023 12:39

68 WOMANSWAY.IE 68-69 WW4 Knitting KOT2CCAM.indd 2 08/02/2023 12:40

CROCHETING WOMANSWAY.IE 69 MEASUREMENTS 45”/114cm wide approx 65”/166cm long approx. MATERIALS REQUIRED 4mm hook, 5mm hook 11 balls – 1 of each colour except dark pink (Sherwood Forest 1922) which will need 2 balls 1 x King Cole Forest Aran Shade 1923 Wyre Forest 1 x King Cole Forest Aran Shade 1921 Epping Forest 1 x King Cole Forest Aran Shade 1920 Avondale Forest 1 x King Cole Forest Aran Shade 1919 Gisburn Forest 1 x King Cole Forest Aran Shade 1918 Grizedale Forest 1 x King Cole Forest Aran Shade 1917 Forest of Dean 1 x King Cole Forest Aran Shade 1916 Kielder Forest 1 x King Cole Forest Aran Shade 1915 Balvain Woods 1 x King Cole Forest Aran Shade 1914 Hartwood Forest 2 x King Cole Forest Aran Shade 1922 Sherwood Forest Crochet Try your hand at our ripple blanket in crochet. TENSION 3.5”/9cm = 16st pattern repeat 2 ¾ ”/7cm = 8 rows (2 full pattern repeats) (Lace Panel – 16st pattern repeat) NOTES FROM DESIGNER Tension is not vital to the success of this item. Working Row 3 correctly is essential for the ripple effect to work, so please follow the instructions exactly. Block by pinning out to size and dampening, then leave to dry naturally if you can. 1ch at the beg of a row does not count as a stitch. 2ch at the beg of a row counts as a tr. ABBREVIATIONS Approx - approximately Beg - beginning Ch - chain Cont - continue Dc - double crochet BLO - back loop only Rep - repeat Rs - right side Sl-st - slip stitch Tr - treble Tr2tog - treble 2 together Tr3tog - treble 3 together WS - wrong side COLOUR SEQUENCE Dark Pink Light Pink Brown Mustard Green Dark Blue Pale Blue Dark Grey Light Grey Cream SINGLE BED LACE BLANKET IN FOREST ARAN Starting the Ripple Using Light Pink and a 5mm hook make a ch of 210. Row 1: Dc into 2nd ch from hook, dc into every ch. Turn. 209sts Row 2: 1ch, 1dc into each dc of row below, to end. Turn. 209sts Row 3: 2ch, 1tr into next st, (counts as a tr2tog), (tr2tog) twice, 1ch, (1tr into next st, 1ch) 5 times, *(tr2tog) twice, tr3tog, (tr2tog) twice, 1ch, (1tr into next st, 1ch) 5 times, rep from * to last 6sts, (tr2tog) three times. Turn. 209sts Row 4: 1ch, 1dc into each st of row below, to end. Turn. Do not fasten off. 209sts Main Ripple pattern Change to Brown and work as follows: Main Ripple Pattern Change to Brown and work as follows: Row 1: 1ch, 1dc into BLO of each dc of row below, to end. Turn (this will form a little ridge on the right side of the work). 209sts Row 2: 1ch, 1dc into each dc of row below, to end. Turn. 209sts Row 3: 2ch, 1tr into next st, (counts as a tr2og), (tr2tog) twice, 1ch, (1tr into next st, 1ch) 5 times, *(tr2tog) twice, tr3tog, (tr2tog) twice, 1ch, (1tr into next st, 1ch) 5 times, rep to last 6sts, (tr2tog) three times. Turn. 209sts Row 4: 1ch, 1dc into each st of row below, to end. Turn. Do not fasten off. 209sts Change to Mustard Last 4 rows forms patt. Cont in patt changing colour as per the colour sequence given, until 5 complete colour sequence have been worked, ending with Cream. You will only have worked 4 stripes of the Dark Pink at this point, but 5 stripes of every other colour. Each stripe of colour should use less than 20g of the NOTES The yarn amounts stated are based on average requirements and are therefore approximate. Owing to photography and printing restrictions the colour reproduction is matched as closely as possible to the yarn. IMPORTANT To ensure accuracy only KING COLE FOREST ARAN yarn IS suitable. No responsibility will be taken for the result of using any other yarn. Blanket yarn. We recommend weighing your yarn before working the 5th full sequence to ensure you have at least 20g of each colour left. Border Change to 2nd ball of Dark Pink and 4mm hook Border Foundation Row 1ch, *1dc into BLO of next st, rep from * to last st, work 3dc into fi nal st to create a corner. Turn work 90 degrees and work down the side of the blanket as follows: Work 5 dc along every colour block (this is 1 dc into every dc row, and 2 dc into every 2ch or tr ), working 3dc into the fi nal st to create the corner. Turn work 90 degrees and work 208 dc across the bottom of the blanket, working 3dc into the fi nal st to create the corner. Turn work 90 degrees and work down the side of the blanket as follows: Work 5 dc along every colour block (this is 1 dc into every dc row, and 2 dc into every 2ch or tr), working 3dc into the fi nal st to create the fi nal corner. Sl-st to the 1ch at beg of round. Turn. Round 1 (WS): 1ch, does not count as a st, 1dc into BLO of next dc, rep to end working 3dc into BLO for each corner. Sl-st to the 1ch at beg of round. Turn. Rounds 2 – 5: Work as Round 1. TO MAKE UP Sew in all ends neatly on the reverse. WW 68-69 WW4 Knitting KOT2CCAM.indd 3 08/02/2023 12:40

COMPETITION 70 WOMANSWAY.IE To enter, please answer the following question: WHO FOUNDED HIGHER EDUCATION SKINCARE? HOW TO ENTER Email your answer by February 27, 2023 to: [email protected] including your name, address and telephone number and labelling your mail ‘The Higher Education Skincare Competition’. This Woman's Way competition is open to anyone resident in NI and the Republic of Ireland, aged 18 and over, except employees and their families of Harmonia Publishing, its printers and anyone else connected with the competition. No purchase is necessary. We will only accept one competition entry per reader. Prizes are awarded by drawing entries after the closing date. Winners will be notifi ed by email. The editor’s decision is fi nal. To celebrate its launch into Boots stores nationwide, LA-based Higher Education Skincare is giving fi ve lucky readers the chance to win a hamper full of award-winning skincare products. Clean beauty at its best, Higher Education’s range consists of products packed with effective and safe ingredients including hyaluronic acid, bentonite clay and fractionated melanin to help create healthy skin, preserve its youth, and keep it glowing. Founded in 2018, the brand was designed for Gen Z and millennials with the aim of creating a simple yet effective skincare brand of the highest quality. Deb Nash, the brand’s founder, is an industry veteran and former aesthetician who has worked with a leading dermatologist and cosmetic chemist to create a full collection of products for the younger generation using quality ingredients that are sustainable, clean, safe and healthy. With no animal testing. For more information, visit highereducationskincare.com Win ONE OF FIVE HIGHER EDUCATION SKINCARE HAMPERS WORTH €100 70 WW04 Higher Ed Skin Comp SCCCSC2AMNOR.indd 2 01/02/2023 12:48

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 A romantic Venus/ Neptune link can make this a special week if you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day. If you’ve arranged for a date night or getaway, it could be a dream. Plus, with the solar emphasis shifting into Pisces and a secluded area for four weeks, tie up loose ends Aries, and resolve issues that are hanging over you. It’s time to relax, recharge and get your bearings. TAURUS 21 April – 21 May Venus aligns with Neptune, so a developing romance could move to the next level. Ready to make new friends? Your focus shifts to exploring opportunities that will broaden your horizons. And as the Sun enters your social sector, you’ll be forging links with others and keen to make new friends. If there’s something you want badly, you may go to extremes to get it though. GEMINI 22 May – 21 June If you’re dreaming big dreams, you’ll have the imagination to make them a reality. Set your intention to make the most of an opportunity, and you could do well. You might also fi nd yourself in the limelight over the coming four weeks as the Sun moves into your sector of goals. This is a great opportunity to promote your talents if you’re ready to take a bold step forward. CANCER 22 June – 23 July With a focus on the emotional element of water and your sector of travel, you may be ready to go further afi eld. This might mean enjoying a vacation or even a mini-break with a friend or partner, or just relishing the chance to go somewhere different. Romance could be on the cards, especially around Valentine’s Day, with Venus encouraging you to break the ice, Cancer. LEO 24 July – 23 August You’ll be willing to look at issues that touch on more intimate and private matters. And daunting though it may seem at fi rst, you’ll fi nd that doing so can bring relief. Plus, with Jupiter currently in your sector of travel, this might be an opportunity to enjoy new experiences. If your love life needs extra sizzle, this could help. This weekend, an offer may be too good to resist. VIRGO 24 August – 23 September With relationships a stronger focus now, the emphasis is on teamwork and liaising with others for mutual benefi t. The coming four weeks can be an opportunity to resolve misunderstandings and to meet others halfway where possible. A Venus/Neptune link might coincide with a meeting that fi nds you entranced, Virgo. Keep your feet on the ground as no one is perfect. LIBRA 24 September – 23 October You are now entering a practical phase, and the coming weeks may be a good time to take a closer look at routines and make any necessary changes. This might mean altering your schedule or jettisoning those activities that are no longer relevant. Have important plans on the go? Create a strategy, as it can be easy to lose focus just as you are about to reap the rewards. SCORPIO 24 October – 22 November Attitude can be everything, and may be the reason why you’re either getting along so well with a certain person or failing to see eye to eye. Even so, Venus’ tie with Neptune adds a sympathetic note, enabling you to step into another’s shoes and see things from their perspective. Your creative side might crave expression, so give your imagination free rein and enjoy yourself. SAGITTARIUS 23 November – 21 December The coming weeks are an opportunity to take a step back and get a fresh perspective on various aspects of your life. It’s also a chance to indulge in some self-care. And the spirit of romance will uplift your week as the Venus/ Neptune link is perfect for that special occasion at home or going out somewhere nice. And a budding relationship can intensify this weekend. CAPRICORN 22 December – 20 January As your communication zone is in focus, opportunities for networking and socialising may be more plentiful. This can be the ideal time to reach out to others and make wonderful new connections. You might feel a tad restless though, and this could be down to a desire to explore your unique talents in a way that is satisfying to you. Feel creative? Just let it unfold, Capricorn. AQUARIUS 21 January – 19 February Want to make positive strides regarding your fi nances? The Sun’s presence in this zone from this week allows you to make informed decisions. It can shine a light on those areas that need adjustment and inspire you to take action. Mind, you may be tempted by an item that seems to call out your name. Be sure it’s worth splashing out on before you part with your money. PISCES 20 February – 20 March In your heart of hearts, you may be feeling that you can do more and be more if only you would be willing to take a leap of faith. Why not give yourself the chance? As the Sun dances into your sign this week Pisces, it enhances your vitality and encourages you to get moving on some imaginative ideas. Celebrating Valentine’s Day? It could be a very romantic occasion. WW 71 WW4 Horoscopes KOT2CCAM.indd 3 08/02/2023 14:27

72 WOMANSWAY.IE COMPETITION Natasha Rocca Devine is giving eight lucky readers a chance to win a copy of her new interior design guide The Step-By-Step Guide To Designing & Styling Your Home, and a limited edition scented candle, The Secret Garden. The interior design guide will help you discover your own design personality, and provide you tips on how to create your dream home or simple ways to fall in love with your existing home. It can also help you to sell or rent your property bringing fi nishing details into a closing deal. All the while saving you time and money and most importantly, allowing you to enjoy the design process. To enter, please answer the following question: WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE LIMITED EDITION CANDLE? HOW TO ENTER Email your answer by February 27, 2023 to: [email protected] including your name, address and telephone number and labelling your mail ‘The Natasha Rocca Devine 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. The limited edition sustainable signature scented candle titled The Secret Garden, which is a collaboration with Cork-based candlemakers La Bougie is a mood-lifting scent with top notes of Bergamot and Tea Rose to encourage relaxation. The citrus notes initiate memories of summer travel whilst the notes of Cedarwood and Vetiver, ensure when combined to bring the outdoors indoors and create your own Secret Garden. For more information, visit theinteriorsnrd.com Natasha Rocca Devine is giving eight lucky readers a chance to win a copy of her new interior design The limited edition sustainable signature scented candle titled The Secret Garden, which 72 WOMANSWAY.IE you to sell or rent your property bringing fi nishing details into a closing deal. All the while saving you time and money and most importantly, allowing you to enjoy the design process. summer travel whilst the notes of Cedarwood and Vetiver, ensure when combined to bring the outdoors indoors and create your own Secret Garden. For more information, visit theinteriorsnrd.com 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. La Bougie is a mood-lifting scent with top notes of Bergamot and Tea Rose to encourage relaxation. The citrus notes initiate memories of summer travel whilst the notes of Cedarwood and Vetiver, ensure when combined to bring the outdoors indoors and create your own Secret For more information, visit theinteriorsnrd.com COMPETITION WIN ONE OF EIGHT SETS FROM Natasha Rocca Devine 72 WW4 COMP_AD2CCAM.indd 2 08/02/2023 12:44

ADVICE WOMANSWAY.IE 73 Columnist and trained counsellor Fiona Caine answers another set of reader dilemmas. Dear Fiona If you have a problem you need help with, email Fiona by writing to [email protected] for advice. All letters are treated in complete confidence and, to protect this privacy, Fiona is unable to pass on your messages to other readers. Fiona regrets that she cannot enter into personal correspondence. WHY CAN’T MY PARTNER BE JUST NICE TO ME? Two years ago, I met someone new and we started going out. At first he was loving, attentive and kind, and I soon realised I loved him. It wasn’t long before I had moved into his flat. It also didn’t take long for me to realise that I might have made a mistake. We now argue all the time and he, of course, has to always get the last word. It’s always my fault, whatever we were arguing about, and it’s expected that I will be the one who always makes the apology. Everything we do is always about him, and my needs are simply set aside. I feel that he just takes me for granted. I know you will say leave him, but the problem is, despite all this, I still love him. In truth, I have actually said to him that I will leave if he doesn’t start treating me properly. But all he did was laugh, saying that I have nowhere else to go and that I’m not brave enough to be on my own anyway. Perhaps he’s right, because I am still here. It’s as though I’m trapped with no way out. I’m miserable all the time and cry at the slightest thing that upsets me, and he complains about this too. The silly thing is there are times when things are good between us, and that’s when I love him most. If he can do it then, why can’t he be this way all the time? When he’s not getting at me, he really is a nice man. A. K. FIONA SAYS: YOU DESERVE SO MUCH BETTER THAN THIS You’re miserable, and your man is a selfish, argumentative bully. On top of that, the single positive thing you can find to say about him is that he’s a nice man when he’s not getting at you. Think about that for a few moments – and ask yourself what is it that keeps you with him? What is it exactly about this arrogant and abusive man that you love? Is it the fleeting moments when he behaves like a real, caring human being? Because if so, that is not love, it’s just a sense of relief that the abuse has stopped temporarily. I’m sorry if this sounds harsh, but I think you need to see this situation for what it is, not what you would like it to be. I suspect you are hanging onto an image of this man that simply no longer exists, if it ever did. Don’t blame yourself too harshly for this – it’s very likely that he masked his true nature when you first got together, just to win you around. And while you may want him to change, I suspect that that will not happen. People like this rarely change unless they actually want to, and this man is showing no inclination to do so. So, if you continue to stay with him, all I see in this relationship is more pain and heartache. Ask yourself: would being on your own again really be any worse than how you feel now? You’ve lived alone before, so you know you can do it again. If you feel you can’t do this on your own and need help, please contact Women’s Aid on 1800 341 900 . What you are experiencing is abuse and just because it’s emotional rather than physical, it doesn’t make it any less damaging for you. DOCTOR PROBLEMS A few years back when my mother was ill, I had an argument with her GP. I felt the doctor hadn’t taken her problems seriously, even after I explained that my mother never made a fuss and that, if she felt ill, she was ill. Anyway, the argument got quite heated and I was effectively barred from the practice. I was my mother’s carer but was simply not allowed to accompany her any more. My dad then had to take over, even though he had his own health issues to worry about. A few months after this, as I suspected would happen, my mother went downhill rapidly with kidney failure. It was too late to do anything about it, and she died shortly afterwards. I have never forgiven the doctor in question and I convinced my dad to move to another GP practice shortly afterwards. My dad’s health is now declining, and I have had further issues with a doctor at the new practice. She has been rude and dismissive about my concerns. I now worry that my mum’s old doctor has put something in my dad’s medical notes, labelling me as a troublemaker, before transferring them to the new practice. H. W. FIONA SAYS: COULD YOU START AGAIN WITH THE DOCTOR? I doubt there would be anything in the formal notes labelling you as a problem. If such a practice exists, I suspect it is far more likely to be verbal or coded in such a way as to be invisible to non-medics. I think you’d help your cause more, and your father’s too, by trying to create a better working relationship with your father’s new GP. I know accessing GP appointments has become more problematic over the past few years, but please persevere. Then explain the problems you’ve had in the past. I would suggest you emphasise that, although you’ve not had the best of starts, what you want is a good relationship with the practice that will give your father the care he needs. You might also mention how stressful it is being a carer, something the previous GP might have missed. WW 73 WW4 Dear Fiona KOT2CCAMNOR.indd 3 05/02/2023 17:44

74 WOMANSWAY.IE Family Life DREAM LIVING 20-foot polytunnel full of edible greens. For others it’s an afternoon of calm baking. For someone else, it’s reading old classics by the fireside snuggled into a soft cushion. It doesn’t have to be scaling Everest, or juggling a PhD with a business to be a valid, sincere, life-enhancing dream, even if those are the types of dreams that are most often and most loudly celebrated. When one popular marketing consultant was questioned on a social media forum about why – if she had grown is ‘living the dream’ with their booming online business. With a backdrop of crystalline beaches on the Bahamas, they tell how the dream is so easy to obtain and how you could and should be doing it too. All you have to do is…sign up to their idea of living the dream. Everyone has their own dream, their own path and idea of where they want to be right now and later on. It’s that space of peace in their hearts and heads where we feel most content, secure, happy and J fulfilled. For some, that sense may lie in a ust when you thought it was safe to potter in the garden with a background symphony of chirping birds, up pops another advertisement on your phone telling you about someone who Maybe your dream life is right here, right now, says Una Rice, and not something you need to constantly strive for. 74-75 WW04 Una Rice SCKOTCCAM.indd 2 08/02/2023 14:28

LIFESTYLE WOMANSWAY.IE 75 so wealthy from her humble business creation – she wasn’t living it up in the Caribbean, retired, or laying on a beach, she explained how her dream was just as sincere, real and valid: to have a place in the countryside, where she could have her elderly mum living close by, grow her own vegetables and own some chickens. That’s the thing about dreams, however humble. It’s about doing things that bring you satisfaction, your own away. No one else can defi ne it for you. The problems start when someone else projects onto you their idea of what you should be doing. That’s when we begin to question ourselves and our inner wisdom. There is a noisy world at our fi ngertips on social media. It’s full of accomplished, busy, motivated people, who stick to strict exercise, food and lifestyle regimes. That’s fi ne. But it can also trigger in women a sense of insecurity – of not being slim enough, rich enough, travelled enough, wise enough or accomplished enough. The associated underlying feeling of not being good or worthy enough can make people consume and strive more, in the hopes that it will lead to happiness. Cultivating a sense of knowing, making and protecting your own unique dream is a strong foundation against the constant barrage of messages from outside, trying to penetrate your confi dence and spirit every day. Yet if you want something quieter and calmer, it’s seeking you too. THE WAY OF WABI SABI Wabi sabi is an ancient Japanese idea with roots in Zen Buddhism. It’s about surrender, simplicity and imperfection, being connected to and more accepting of the natural forces at play in life and therefore in ourselves. There are some beautiful teachings within the concept of wabi sabi, that can be used as a way to navigate life serenely and without accumulating too much stuff through consumption and materialism. Author, Japanologist and life coach, Beth Kempton says of wabi sabi, ‘‘It’s a bit like love – I can tell you what I think it is, and how it feels to me, but it’s only when you feel it for yourself that you really know.’’ In her book Wabi Sabi: Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life, she explains: ‘‘…this is what I’ve come to understand: the true beauty of wabi sabi lies not in things, but in the very nature of life itself. Wabi sabi is an intuitive response to beauty that refl ects the true nature of life. Wabi sabi is an acceptance and appreciation of the impermanent, imperfect and incomplete nature of everything. Wabi sabi is a recognition of the gifts of simple, slow and natural living. We can nurture it with our willingness to notice details and cultivate delight. And we experience it when we are living the most authentic, most inspired versions of our lives.’’ Living your most authentic inspired life may be a challenging thing to do at fi rst. When there’s the practical chores like the laundry to be done, the bins to be put out or the windows to be cleaned, it’s hard to feel inspired and authentic. Perhaps it’s more about tapping into that wabi sabi sense of creating calmness and order in the imperfections of a living space as a whole, rather than racing to fi x it immediately and tick it off a list. Other things that can inspire your connection to cultivating your own dream include: mindful walking, daily journaling, doing art, gardening, being in nature and refl ecting, and small rituals like taking the time to enjoy a cup of favourite tea with some freshly baked cake, or listen to a piece of music. Ultimately, savouring each moment. Defi nitely – doing your own thing, As for daring to dream? It’s possible that it’s more about the ebb and fl ow of the journey and not so much about the destination after all. WW ‘‘Wabi sabi is a recognition of the gifts of simple, slow and natural living.’’ 74-75 WW04 Una Rice SCKOTCCAM.indd 3 08/02/2023 14:28

76 WOMANSWAY.IE By Imy Brighty-Potts, PA 6 MOOD BOOSTERS Wellbeing Experts share practical advice for dealing with unpleasant moods. 76 77 WW04 Boost SCCCSC2AMNOR.indd 2 01/02/2023 12:53

HAPPY HACKS WOMANSWAY.IE 77 By Imy Brighty-Potts, PA S ometimes, when a dark cloud descends on your day you need a quick fi x to get your morale back on track. Whether it’s road rage, work stress, an argument with a loved one, nerves ahead of a scary event or a sudden bout of sadness, when your mental health takes a turn for the worse it can be tempting to abandon all hope and declare your day ruined. But it doesn’t have to be that way. According to experts, by employing practical and psychological techniques you can reframe your thinking and turn that frown upside down. Here’s how to mend your mood in 10 minutes or less… 1 FIGHT FRUSTRATION WITH GRATITUDE “Next time you feel bored or frustrated at the mundane dayto-day, turn ‘I’ve got to’ into ‘I get to’,” says psychotherapist Anna Mathur, who runs the podcast The Therapy Edit. For example, instead of thinking, ‘I’ve got to go to the gym’ into ‘I get to go to the gym because I’m physically able’ or turn ‘I’ve got to go to work’ into ‘I get to go to work, whereas not everyone does’. “This tweak not only welcomes a warm wave of joy-bringing gratitude, but draws your attention to the privileges you may often take for granted,” Mathur explains. “Gratitude brings balance to negative feelings, building resilience and boosting happiness.” 2 FIND YOUR COURAGE When nerves get the better of you, use a memory of a time you were brave to inspire you. “Every small act of courage, in any part of your life, can help develop your confi dence. When you feel scared, fi nd that courage again, and it will give you strength,” says Rosie Nice, author of The Magic Happens in the Silence, a guide to the art of refl ective coaching. “I abseiled off a building once, years ago on a team building event. It terrifi ed me, but I found courage somewhere within me. Whenever I feel nervous now, I use the courage I found then to help me face my fears.” 3 GROUND YOURSELF IN REALITY “When we spiral into anxious thinking, we’re very much in our heads, and a quick grounding exercise can help bring us back into our senses,” says Dr Elena Touroni, a consultant psychologist and co-founder of The Chelsea Psychology Clinic. “Stop what you’re doing and list fi ve things you can hear, four things you can see, three things you can touch, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.” This technique has been linked to a number of health benefi ts, she says, including “improved sleep, better immunity and a natural mood boost”. 4 GET A FOOT MASSAGE “A foot massage can be a very quick way to boost your mood if you’re feeling low,” says Dr Paul Ettlinger. You don’t have to go to a spa or rope in a volunteer to tend to your toes, however. “Grab a golf ball, tennis ball or even an orange and rub your foot over it. This will activate your nervous system and release mood-enhancing endorphins. Massaging various pressure points on your foot can help get relief from anxiety.” 5 REACH OUT TO A FRIEND We’ve all got the people we regularly turn to when we’re feeling low, but why not try reaching out to someone you might have lost touch with? Not to rant about your problems, but to enjoy the feeling of reconnecting. “We do not often deliberately lose touch with people, we just don’t always fi nd the time,” says psychologist Dr Audrey Tang. “Just scroll down your contacts and give someone a call, chances are they’ll be delighted to hear from you.” If you’re not quite ready to chat out of the blue, drop them a text instead, she adds.”If you’re a little worried about not having been in touch, it is likely they feel just as guilty, so don’t let that stop you.” 6 ENERGISE Instead of following a particular method to get your emotions under control, you might be better throwing the rulebook out of the window and indulging in a fun, energising activity for 10 minutes. “Do you love music? Turn up your home stereo and dance as hard as you can like a crazy person for nine minutes – you have to reserve a minute to fi x your wild hair,” says therapist Kendall Roach. If you’re working from home he suggests: “Knock out an eightminute cardio, reserving two minutes here because you will need to wipe your face and get a drink of water before your next Zoom call.” The choice is up to you – as long as it doesn’t involve staring at a screen. Roach adds: “This is the best way to recharge your battery in ten minutes because it will not only truly rejuvenate you and give you energy, but it will also empower you.” WW “Every small act of courage, in any part of your life, can help develop your confidence. When you feel scared, find that courage again” Foot massage can relieve tension 76 77 WW04 Boost SCCCSC2AMNOR.indd 3 01/02/2023 12:53

78 WOMANSWAY.IE By Imy Brighty-Potts, PA Keeping on top of your fitness goals when the mornings and nights are cold and dark can be really difficult, It’s easy to feel demotivated and sluggish. Taking some time out at lunchtime to get a quick 45-minute workout could help you stay full of energy for the rest of the day, while getting you some much-needed fresh air. So how can you make the most of the time? 1 GIVE HIIT A TRY “If you’re a lunchtime exerciser it’s likely you’ll be short on time, squeezing in a workout during the working day or in between running errands,” says David Wiener, training and nutrition specialist at Freeletics. HIIT stands for High-Intensity Interval Training, a training method which involves short bursts of all-out effort exercises followed by short periods of rest. “The aim is to maximise your calorie burn, raising your heart rate quickly, before recovering briefly and pushing yourself again,” says Wiener. SHORT WORKOUTS Fitness Wanting to keep up your exercise plans but the lack of light getting you down? Make the most of your lunch hour or whatever time you have. 78 79 WW04 Lunch Workouts SCCCSC2AMNOR.indd 2 01/02/2023 14:44

WELLBEING WOMANSWAY.IE 79 By Imy Brighty-Potts, PA “You don’t need to be doing extra complicated exercises or have fancy equipment to get a good workout.” Wiener recommends this circuit: Lunges (30 seconds alternating legs), 15-second rest, jumping jacks (30 seconds), sit-ups (30 seconds), squats (30 seconds), 15-second rest, burpees (30 seconds), 15-second rest and repeat. “Jumping jacks are an amazing aerobic exercise and will get your heart pumping – getting your heart rate up is vital to burn calories. Squats are an amazing exercise if you want to feel the burn.” While burpees are a great cardiovascular exercise using your own body weight, he says, and sit-ups are fantastic for your core muscles, hip fl exors, chest, neck and back. 2 TRY SOMETHING CALMER “Pilates, yoga or just going for a walk are all perfect,” says Ben Parker, head coach at Runna. “If the weather is less than ideal and your workplace has multiple fl oors, you can use your staircase to get your steps in too,” Time may be tight but making the most of it doesn’t have to mean maximum calorie burning – a solid stretch or a quick yoga routine is effective too, benefi ting fl exibility, posture, stress and mindfulness alongside muscle strengthening. “Even though you might likely only have 30 minutes to an hour to squeeze in a lunchtime workout, I would still stress the importance of stretching afterwards if you’ve moved with any signifi cant intensity,” says Parker. “Cooling down after exercise is key, especially when it comes to sports like running. It might be tempting to immediately fl op into your work chair, but your body won’t thank you for it later.” You can fi nd a huge array of yoga, pilates or stretching routines on YouTube or TikTok for free. 3 SEE HOW FAR YOU CAN RUN Say you only have 45 minutes for your lunch break, why not put your trainers on and see how far you can run in that time? And each time, see how much further you can go. “First things fi rst, a run doesn’t mean sprinting for an hour. A run can be anywhere from 10 minutes up to over an hour. Don’t put pressure on yourself and think about the benefi ts,” says Ania Gabb, ASICS fi tness coach and marathon runner. “Running is a great stress release. If we’re having a bad day then the best remedy is a jog around the park. It has been scientifi cally proven that exercise helps with mental health, increasing endorphins, which are your happy hormones.” Running takes very little prep. As long as you own some trainers and suitable clothes, you can run near your home or outside your offi ce. It’s an easy win for time effi ciency. WW 15-second rest, jumping jacks (30 seconds), sit-ups (30 seconds), squats (30 seconds), 15-second “Even though you might likely only have 30 minutes to an hour to squeeze in a lunchtime workout, I would still stress the importance of stretching afterwards if you’ve moved with any signifi cant intensity,” says Parker. “Cooling down after exercise and sit-ups are fantastic for your core is key, especially when it comes to sports like running. It might be tempting to immediately fl op into your work chair, but your body won’t thank you for it later.” You can fi nd a huge array of yoga, pilates or stretching routines Ben Parker Ania Gabb 78 79 WW04 Lunch Workouts SCCCSC2AMNOR.indd 3 01/02/2023 14:45

80 WOMANSWAY.IE By Abi Jackson, PA TAKING IT EASY After more than 30 years together, keeping her marriage healthy and selfcare go hand-in-hand for Lorraine Kelly. “You’ve got to have a wee bit of ‘me time’, just to breathe, just to exhale,” says the Glasgow-born TV presenter. “Me and my husband – we obviously get on well, we’ve been together for such a long time – but he needs his own space and so do I, and I think that’s absolutely vital,” adds Kelly, 63, who’s been married to cameraman Steve Smith since 1992. “He’s really sporty and goes off to football, golf, he goes for giant walks and does all of that, and I’ll sit curled up with a book.” She admits prioritising time for herself is “relatively new” though – “because I’m a bit of a workaholic”, says Kelly, who’s been fronting her eponymous ITV morning show since 2010. “But I love what I do, so I don’t consider it working. [I get to] read books before they’re out, see movies before they come out, interview interesting people. I learn something new every day, which keeps you mentally active, and that to me is a joy. “But I was very guilty in the past of just work, work, work, work, work, without taking a breath.” HEALTHY LIVING These days, she also makes time for regular online workout classes and plenty of walks with beloved border terrier Angus, near their home in Buckinghamshire (“He’s a great listener!” she notes, with a laugh). As well as being precious ‘me time’, it’s part of her commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Kelly joined WeightWatchers (WW) early last year, unhappy with her weight after gaining a stone-and-a-half during lockdown. Continuing her role as an ambassador for the brand, she’s just filmed a cook-along with chef Zena Kamgaing, which sees the duo whip up healthier versions of some of the nation’s favourite comforts foods: a hearty Sunday roast and gooey cheese toastie. A survey by WW (which quizzed 2,000 people) found four out five people want to eat healthier in the new year but don’t want to sacrifice fun and flavour. Two-thirds also admit it’s hard to resist their favourite foods – especially right now when it’s cold, dark ITV presenter Lorraine Kelly talks about taking a gentle approach to health kicks, and why it’s all about feeling good in your skin. 80 81 WW04 Lorraine SCCCSC2AMNOR.indd 2 09/02/2023 12:47

WELLBEING WOMANSWAY.IE 81 By Abi Jackson, PA and gloomy, with over half (53 per cent) saying they comfort-eat to help beat the winter blues. Kelly can relate – which is why she’s all about taking a gentle approach. “I think it’s crazy all of a sudden to say, ‘I’m going for a 10-mile run’, or going on a stupid, faddy diet, because they don’t work. We know diets don’t work – you will lose weight, but you’ll just put it all back on again because it’s not sustainable. “It’s great to have goals,” she adds, “but make it realistic. Because so many people are just like, ‘Oh forget it’, and that’s sad.” STAYING ON TRACK For her now, it’s about an ongoing “lifestyle choice” – which includes room to “cut yourself a wee bit of slack” here and there, and to enjoy life. “Like everybody over Christmas, we do indulge ourselves a bit more than any other time of the year and we hunker down and make excuses a little bit. I have continued with the plan that I’ve been on – but of course, when I’ve been totting my points up, I’ve been over it a few times, that’s just how things are.” She says she’s getting “back on track” now but it’s “not as dramatic” as when she fi rst started on her WW plan in early 2022. “This time last year, I really needed help,” says Kelly, adding she fi nds the WW app particularly helpful. “Also, for me, one of the big things has been the community. Social media gets a really bad name, but on the app and using the fact there’s so many of us embarking on this together, sharing experiences and tips and lifting each other up is really, really good. “I think that’s what it’s all about these days – supporting each other. We all just want to be as healthy and happy as we can be.” One thing she doesn’t like about social media however is the “unrealistic expectations” it can set in terms of body image, especially for teenagers. “I was lucky because my daughter [Rosie Smith] is 28 now, so she kind of missed a lot of that – Instagram fi lters, unrealistic expectations – and I’m very glad about that because I think that’s absolutely toxic for young kids, I really do. “For girls and boys – that whole thing of perfection, because there’s no such thing!” she exclaims. “And what you think is beautiful, somebody else doesn’t – it’s so subjective. But this is the one thing I think is very dangerous about social media, that whole idea of perfection.” Besides, Kelly’s job has taught her that everyone has their share of insecurities anyway, regardless of how ‘perfect’ they might appear. “I remember talking to [Nineties supermodel] Cindy Crawford, who is gorgeous – she was on the show and she’s like, ‘Ohhh I don’t like my thighs’, and you’re like, ‘What?! You’re a Goddess!’ “So even people that we think are perfect, they’re not, and we’re all different,” she refl ects. “I think it’s about accepting your body. I’ve got lumps and bumps and scars and all the rest of it – but it’s OK, it’s alright. It’s about feeling healthy. “It’s about feeling better in yourself,” adds Kelly. “There really isn’t one size and that’s what you’re supposed to be. But there is a size that you are at your best.” WW “I’ve got lumps and bumps and scars and all the rest of it – but it’s OK, it’s alright. It’s about feeling healthy” With husband Steve Smith at her conferral of CBE Cooking up a healthy roast chicken 80 81 WW04 Lorraine SCCCSC2AMNOR.indd 3 09/02/2023 12:48

82 WOMANSWAY.IE By Jane Kirby, PA Health Editor Health STAVING OFF DEMENTIA Researchers analysed data from 29,000 people to find out what works. Other areas are drinking no alcohol, exercising for more than 150 minutes a week at moderate intensity or more than 75 minutes at vigorous intensity, and never having smoked or being an ex-smoker. Social contact at least twice a week was the sixth healthy behaviour, such as visiting loved ones, attending meetings or going to parties. Researchers created a chart of six beneficial behaviours. The first being a healthy diet, defined as eating at least seven out of 12 food groups (fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, dairy, salt, oil, eggs, cereals, legumes, nuts and tea). Taking part in writing, reading, playing cards or other games at least twice a week is another area of healthy behaviour. Ahealthy diet, combined with visits to friends and family and activities such as reading or playing cards, may help cut the risk of dementia, research suggests. Experts said combining healthy habits boosts the chances of staving off conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. 82 83 WW04 Dementia SCCCSC2AMNOR.indd 2 07/02/2023 11:11

DEMENTIA WOMANSWAY.IE 83 By Jane Kirby, PA Health Editor Researchers analysed data from 29,000 adults aged at least 60 (average age 72) with normal cognitive function who were part of the China Cognition and Aging Study. At the start of the study in 2009, memory function was measured using tests and people were checked for the APOE gene – the strongest risk factor gene for Alzheimer’s disease. Follow-up assessments were then carried out over the next 10 years. The people in the study were analysed according to how many healthy behaviours they had. After accounting for a range of factors likely to affect the results, the researchers found that each individual healthy behaviour was associated with a slower-than-average decline in memory over 10 years. A healthy diet had the strongest effect on slowing memory decline, followed by cognitive activity (writing, reading, playing games) and then physical exercise. People with the APOE gene who had healthy lives on the whole also experienced a slower rate of memory decline than those with APOE who were the least healthy. Overall, people with the healthiest (four to six healthy behaviours) or even average healthy lifestyles (two to three healthy behaviours) were almost 90 per cent and almost 30 per cent less likely to develop dementia or mild cognitive impairment relative to those who were the least healthy. Writing in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), the team said more research is needed but concluded that “a healthy lifestyle is associated with slower memory decline, even in the presence of … APOE”. Dr Susan Mitchell, head of policy at the charity Alzheimer’s Research, said: “Too few of us know that there are steps we can all take to reduce our chances of dementia in later life. “This is a well-conducted study, which followed people over a long period of time, and adds to the substantial evidence that a healthy lifestyle can help to support memory and thinking skills as we age. “While the genes we inherit play an important part in our chances of dementia as we age, importantly, this research found a link between healthy lifestyle and slower cognitive decline even in people who carry a key Alzheimer’s risk gene. “So it’s not either/or – this study suggests making lifestyle changes can help all of us reduce our risk, whatever genetic cards we’re dealt… “There is no sure-fi re way to prevent dementia – nobody brings it on themselves or is ever to blame for a disease like Alzheimer’s. The best we can do is improve our chances of living longer with better cognitive health.” Alzheimer’s disease affects an estimated one in 14 people over the age of 65 and one in six people over 80. The experts included staff from the National Centre for Neurological Disorders in Beijing. WW Curlers (left) are best bought in May, and garden furniture in October said: “Too few of us know that there are steps we can all take to reduce our chances of dementia in later life. study, which followed people over a long period of time, and adds to the substantial evidence that a healthy lifestyle can help to support memory and thinking skills as we age. play an important part in our chances of dementia as we age, importantly, this research found a link between healthy lifestyle and slower cognitive decline even in people who carry a key Alzheimer’s risk gene. study suggests making lifestyle changes can help all of us reduce our risk, whatever genetic cards we’re dealt… to prevent dementia – nobody brings it on themselves or is ever to blame for a disease like Alzheimer’s. The best we can do is improve our chances of living longer with better cognitive health.” Curlers (left) are best bought in May, and garden furniture in October “Too few of us know that there are steps we can all take to reduce our chances of dementia in later life” A healthy diet is the best way to slow memory decline 82 83 WW04 Dementia SCCCSC2AMNOR.indd 3 07/02/2023 11:12

84 WOMANSWAY.IE By Abi Jackson and Imy Brighty-Potts, PA and how to manage it. But what we do already know is that type 2 diabetes itself is often preventable. WHAT IS TYPE 2 DIABETES? The condition means blood glucose levels become too high, as a result of somebody’s insulin not working properly or their body not being able to produce enough. Type 2 develops over time and is influenced by lifestyle factors (unlike type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune disease and liver cancers, while women with type 2 had an increased risk of not surviving endometrial and breast cancer. It’s already known that type 2 diabetes is associated with a range of serious complications – including heart disease, nerve damage and kidney disease. Now, researchers are calling for cancer death risk to be given “a similar level of attention”. Further research is needed to shed more light on why this increased risk occurs People with type 2 diabetes are twice as likely to die from certain cancers, a new study has found. Overall, the risk of dying from cancer is 18 per cent higher in those with type 2 compared with the general population, according to researchers at University of Leicester. Examining data from 137,804 people in the UK, people with type 2 presented a higher risk of dying from pancreatic, bowel DODGING DIABETES Type 2 diabetes is linked with a range of serious complications – so how can you lower your risk? 84 85 WW04 Diabetes SCCCSC2AMNOR.indd 2 09/02/2023 12:38

HEALTH WOMANSWAY.IE 85 By Abi Jackson and Imy Brighty-Potts, PA that attacks the pancreas, leaving it unable to produce insulin). Type 2 diabetes is predicted to affect fi ve-and-a-half million people in the UK by 2030, according to charity Diabetes UK – but there are ways people can reduce their risk of developing the condition. 1 MAKE MOVEMENT PART OF YOUR LIFE Having an active lifestyle is a key way to lower your risk of type 2 diabetes, alongside all the other health boosts exercise brings. Dietician Dr Carrie Ruxton, says: “A report in the World Journal of Diabetes found while vigorous exercise was best for cutting risk, even walking for at least 30 minutes per day lowered the risk by around half.” 2 MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT FOR YOU Weight is just part of the picture when it comes to our health – and some people have naturally larger frames or more muscle mass – but generally speaking, being overweight is linked with higher rates of type 2. Ruxton notes people with obesity are “up to 80 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, compared with having a body mass index under 22”. 3 EAT MORE PLANTS AND WHOLEFOODS You don’t have to go fully veggie or vegan to embrace the vast health benefi ts of consuming more wholegrains, veg, beans and legumes. A diet rich in fi bre has been found to reduce type 2 diabetes risk by around a fi fth, according to a study published in Diabetologia, while people whose diets contain a wide variety of veg, beans, wholegrains and pulses generally have lower risks of numerous long-term diseases, including type 2. “Fibre is found in wholegrain bread, pasta and rice as well as oats, beans, vegetables and fruit,” says GP Dr Gill Jenkins. “Scientists believe wholegrain cereal types are better for blood sugar control and reducing the risk of diabetes.” 4 DRINK MORE TEA Key to preventing type 2 diabetes is maintaining healthy blood sugar levels – and according to Ruxton, a recent report found your daily cuppa can help. The fi ndings related to a regular intake of black and green tea, while a study in British Medical Journal found having more than three cups of tea daily is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. 5 GET PLENTY OF SLEEP Sleep is vital for keeping well generally – and research has also found it could have a role in type 2 diabetes. A study led by University of Bristol, published in Diabetes Care last year, suggested people who often have diffi culty getting to sleep or staying asleep had higher blood sugar levels than people who usually sleep well – potentially resulting in a higher risk of type 2. WW Drinking tea and eating whole foods can prevent type 2 diabetes 84 85 WW04 Diabetes SCCCSC2AMNOR.indd 3 01/02/2023 15:04

86 WOMANSWAY.IE By Lisa Salmon, PA The research also found the best way to make a new space feel like home is ensuring all reminders of the move, such as belongings left in boxes, are out of sight and put away in the correct place. “So many people don’t unpack properly first time round, and that can be where the disorganisation within a home stems from,” observes Silverthorn. “I’ve had many clients who’ve had full boxes from a previous move at the back of a cupboard, 10 years later.” things you’ll ever do. “Moving isn’t a case of someone coming in, packing, and taking it to a new place. Some of the basic details – that can really help and make a difference – often get overlooked.” Research by home builder Redrow has found it takes movers more than three months to unpack and settle into a new home, and the key to a successful move comes down to organising the kitchen first. Moving is said to be one of the most stressful experiences you can go through – but it doesn’t have to be, insists professional organiser Vicky Silverthorn. She promises that if you’re superorganised, the stress of moving is massively reduced, explaining: “Feeling on top of your move is the key to reducing stress levels. It doesn’t have to be one of the most stressful 10 HACKS FOR HOUSE MOVES Professional organiser Vicky Silverthorn advises how to pack and unpack, in a way that helps take the stress out of moving. 86 87 WW04 Moving House SCCCSC2AMNOR.indd 2 07/02/2023 11:33

HOUSEHOLD WOMANSWAY.IE 87 By Lisa Salmon, PA Here’s what Silverthorn, says you need to do for a smooth and stress-free move… 1 CREATE A MOVING FOLDER Silverthorn strongly advises creating a moving folder containing all the information connected to the move, either digitally or on paper, as soon as you know you’re moving. “I couldn’t have moved home without my moving folder,” she admits. “There’s so much paperwork to keep on top of – you do all your research and get quotes from moving companies, emails from estate agents, important dates, and you need it all in one place, so you can put your hands on things when you need them.” 2 ASK FOR BOXES EARLY If you’re booking a removals company, ask them to deliver some boxes, packing paper and tape early, so you can start packing items you don’t think you’ll use before the move. “A lot of people want to feel like they’re getting on top of things early,” says Silverthorn. “I’d probably start doing it as soon as I knew the move was happening, but it would be useful to have a garage or somewhere you could store those items. I wouldn’t do it if it meant boxes were hanging around my house for the next two or three months.” 3 TAKE MEASUREMENTS Silverthorn advises movers take measurements, such as the size of curtains for the new house, the size of spaces for furniture and white goods, well before moving day. “Often, when you move into a new property, the layout is different, so there’s a lot to think about,” she stresses. 4 DON’T ORDER TOO MUCH BEFORE YOU MOVE Ideally, don’t order too much furniture before you move into a new property, Silverthorn advises. “People get very excited and start to order things, and items soon pile up in their old house. I believe you’ve got to settle in, before you see exactly what you need,” she says. 5 DECLUTTER WELL IN ADVANCE Declutter your old home as soon as you can, but remember, it doesn’t have to be done in one go. “You don’t have to do a whole room in a day, or a whole house in a weekend,” stresses Silverthorn. “You can chip away at it, if you have the time, rather than leaving it until the last minute and cramming it in. If you start gently, when you know you’re moving, you can get through it in a much less stressful way.” She says decluttering can be an overwhelming experience, and advises movers to perhaps work on a chest of drawers one day, and a shelf a few days later. “Do these things in small chunks of time, rather than doing everything in one day. It’s much less stressful, and enjoyable, in fact – for me, anyway!” She adds: “A lot of us have too much stuff and make excuses for keeping it, but I think the most powerful question of all is, ‘Can I live without this?’” 6 CHANGING ADDRESS Movers should start notifying friends, family, services and businesses of their new address as soon as they know they’re moving, Silverthorn recommends. You can also use An Post’s forwarding service. 7 LABEL PROPERLY Silverthorn says it’s common for removals teams to put boxes in the wrong rooms, but a simple way to avoid this is to make sure that when boxes are labelled, they correspond to the room both in the old property and the new one. “You can put Post-it notes on the doors in the new and old properties,” she suggests. “Correct labelling is a basic thing to do, and makes a lot of difference. “If there are items you might need between moving from one house and unpacking in the next, make sure you know roughly what’s in the boxes, rather than them just saying ‘kitchen’ or ‘bathroom’. The last thing you want to be doing is searching through 25 kitchen boxes for dog snacks.” In addition, she suggests double-labelling boxes, explaining: “A lot of people put labels on the top of boxes, but if they’re stacked you might have to move 10 boxes, to look at the label on the top, so also label on the side.” 8 PACK ORNAMENTS AND SMALL PICTURES TOGETHER Gather all the small photos and ornaments in the house, and pack them together, advises Silverthorn. “This is purely because something that fi ts in the lounge previously, may not work in the new property’s lounge, for example. I always unpack these items last. They’re defi nitely what makes a house a home.” 9 PRIORITISE WHICH ROOMS TO UNPACK FIRST It’s a good idea to think about which rooms you should unpack fi rst, rather than just unpacking bits here and there. Silverthorn suggests the kitchen and any children’s rooms should be fi rst. “Think about which room you’re going to unpack, rather than just diving into every room and chipping away,” she advises. “Unpacking a room properly and methodically is key.” 10 DO THINGS PROPERLY Don’t just put things in cupboards and say you’ll do it properly later, warns Silverthorn. “It’s a big job to redo everything, so do it properly the fi rst time, even if it takes longer. Have a bit of patience – you won’t regret it.” WW DON’T ORDER TOO MUCH believe you’ve got to settle in, 6 CHANGING ADDRESS Movers should start notifying friends, family, services and businesses of their new address as soon as they know they’re moving, Silverthorn recommends. You can also use An Post’s forwarding service. 7 LABEL PROPERLY Silverthorn says it’s common for Vicky Silverthorn lot of difference. need between moving from one house and unpacking in the next, make sure you know roughly what’s in the boxes, rather than them just saying ‘kitchen’ or ‘bathroom’. The last thing you want to be doing is searching through 25 kitchen boxes for dog snacks.” double-labelling boxes, explaining: “A lot of people put labels on the top of boxes, but if they’re stacked you might have to move 10 boxes, to look at the label on the top, so also label on the side.” 86 87 WW04 Moving House SCCCSC2AMNOR.indd 3 07/02/2023 11:33

88 WOMANSWAY.IE By Connie Evans, PA Entertainment Reporter Bublé on Family Performing on the Graham Norton Show Michael and wife Luisana Lopilato welcomed their fourth child last August By Charlotte McLaughlin, PA Senior Entertainment Reporter Michael Bublé has said his eldest son’s cancer diagnosis “changed me in a big way” and “changed what mattered to me”. The Canadian singer’s nine-year-old son Noah was diagnosed with cancer at the age of three in November 2016 and after receiving treatment was given the all-clear the following year. Speaking about how his son’s diagnosis affected him, Bublé said: “That, of course, changed me in a big way – it changed what mattered to me, it changed how I saw life. “For most of my life as an entertainer and, especially on stage, I’d become my alter ego. “I’d become the superhero I always wanted to be. “Then my wife and I went through this unthinkable thing, and I lost that alter ego.” Bublé has been married to his wife, actress and composer Luisana Lopilato, since 2011. The pair are also parents to Elias, Vida and Cielo. Bublé, 47, said: “More than anything, my wife and I understand that each other’s fulfi llment is important… “I’m not saying we’re perfect – nobody is – but we both have that understanding. “I won’t be touring for certain months next year because she’ll be fi lming a movie, and so I’ll be Daddy on set, and then she’ll do the same for me. “We don’t care what we do – being together is the goal.” After Noah recovered from cancer in 2017, Bublé wrote a song – called Forever Now – about his children. Despite previously admitting he did not know if he would ever make music again after his son’s cancer diagnosis, Bublé expressed his excitement at being back at work and preparing to embark on his upcoming tour in March. “I think this is the best show I’ve done in my life,” he said. “I love the recording studio, and fi lming in front of a camera, but it’s not the same as putting thousands of people in a room, who have all gone through a ton and need that connection. “What I want to be, without ever preaching, is a unifi er. It’s more than just singing songs or telling a joke. Especially given the times we’re living in, I’m really trying to unify people and lift them up.” WW The entertainer’s family is now his number one priority. 88 89 WW04 Buble Kirsty SCCCSC2AMNOR.indd 2 09/02/2023 12:37

CELEBRITIES By Connie Evans, PA Entertainment Reporter WOMANSWAY.IE 89 Property expert Kirstie Allsopp has said women have to “work harder” than men to “not fade out” as they age. The Location, Location, Location presenter, 51, added she was not “thrilled” about getting older and turning 50 but is fi tter than she has ever been. Allsopp said: “I don’t think I have a particularly healthy relationship with ageing. “When you’re younger, your metabolism is better, your skin is better and your bones are better. “You get older and you’re suddenly a lot achier. But I have to say, I’m probably fi tter now than I’ve ever been. “I haven’t personally (experienced ageism), but I think we’ve all witnessed it – it happens, of course it does. “But I think the question is: is it ageism or is it sexism? Or is it both? “Because the fact is, you’re allowed to go on for much longer as a man than you are as a woman – and women have to work a lot harder than men to not fade out. It’s not easy at all.” The daughter of businessman Charles Henry Allsopp, the sixth Baron Hindlip, also spoke about how she keeps herself mentally fi t saying it is about “exercise and tidiness”. She added: “The latter is a big issue for me – I have to have everything neat, otherwise I can’t concentrate on anything! “If I’m having a particularly busy day, I think of something our late Queen allegedly used to say: ‘This storm too shall pass’. It’s very true. There are always days ahead.” Allsopp has been dubbed “the queen of craft” after making Channel 4 programmes Kirstie’s Handmade Christmas and Kirstie’s Celebrity Craft Masters. However, she is most well known for presenting Location, Location, Location alongside Phil Spencer for more than 20 years. The pair also presented Relocation, Relocation. Allsopp said: “It’s strange because it doesn’t come naturally to me to say, ‘Oh, the thing I’m brilliant at is X.’ “But after 25 years in the business and 51 on the planet, I do now feel I have the life experience to stop people from making huge mistakes. “I know what it’s like to have stepchildren, to lose a parent, and to try to be in 101 different places at once – and I hope I’ve helped people make the right decisions as a result.” WW The TV presenter talks sexism, life experience and stopping people from making huge mistakes. Kirsty on Ageing By Charlotte McLaughlin, PA Senior Entertainment Reporter 88 89 WW04 Buble Kirsty SCCCSC2AMNOR.indd 3 09/02/2023 12:37

COMPETITION 90 WOMANSWAY.IE *Clinical results with 30 volunteers on reduction in appearance of wrinkles, pores, dark spots, and uneven texture in two-week test. To enter, please answer the following question: WHAT IS THE NAME OF DERMALOGICA’S LATEST LAUNCH? HOW TO ENTER Email your answer by February 27, 2023 to: [email protected] including your name, address and telephone number and labelling your mail ‘The Dermalogica Competition’. This Woman's Way competition is open to anyone resident in NI and the Republic of Ireland, aged 18 and over, except employees and their families of Harmonia Publishing, its printers and anyone else connected with the competition. No purchase is necessary. We will only accept one competition entry per reader. Prizes are awarded by drawing entries after the closing date. Winners will be notifi ed by email. The editor’s decision is fi nal. To celebrate the launch of its new Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum, Dermalogica is offering one lucky reader the chance to win a €500 skincare hamper including the latest launch. Dyanmic Skin Retinol Serum easily reduces the four signs of skin ageing within two weeks*. It is a high-dose, fast-acting 3.5 per cent retinoid complex with an advanced retinoid blend and booster technology to help transform the appearance of skin without compromising skin health. Dermalogica’s multi-retinoid serum works to address four signs of skin ageing – helping to reverse the appearance of wrinkles, retexturize skin and minimise the appearance of pores, and even skin tone. A complex of granactive retinoid, retinol, time-released encapsulated retinol, and a retinol booster support a continual release of skin-smoothing actives that help the serum work faster than a leading competitor. While concentrated squalane and soothing, oat-derived beta-glucan work together to help support skin’s recovery and improve resilience. For more information, visit dermalogica.ie WIN A €500 SKINCARE HAMPER FROM DERMALOGICA 90 WW04 Dermalogica Comp SCCCSC2AM.indd 2 08/02/2023 12:49

CHARITIES WOMANSWAY.IE 91 By Astrid Madsen 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 The Busk Record The Busk Record is a documentary about street musicians honing their craft on Dublin’s Grafton Street. And now you can buy the vinyl for €27.95 with all proceeds going to the Dublin Simon Community, the charity that fi ghts homelessness. The record and documentary feature performances and collaborations between some of the country's most talented musicians including Bono, Glen Hansard, Lisa O'Neill and Damien Rice. Each of the 10 tracks was recorded live in the iconic St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin. The record is a double-sided 140g vinyl made from zero waste ecomix recycled PVC, with a gloss fi nish 505 micron PEFC-certifi ed board sleeve. Visit thebuskrecord.com and dubsimon.ie and services, including the National Helpline, Day Care, Day Care at Home, Home Care and Family Carer Training. Visit alzheimer.ie Denim Day to fi ght Dementia On Friday March 3, slap on some jeans, overalls or any other denims you have in the wardrobe for the Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) Denim Day. The annual fundraiser aims to raise €30,000 for vital dementia supports and services this year. Model and entrepreneur Joanna Cooper is backing the campaign following her mum Terri’s dementia diagnosis in 2021, aged just 62. Terri is one of 64,000 people living with dementia in Ireland today. The ASI says it needs to raise €3.2 million a year to maintain much-needed supports Go Red Ball After three long years away, the Go Red Ball for Croí is back with a bang on March 24, 2023 at the Galmont Hotel, Galway. Croí is the charity that aims to prevent and fi ght heart disease and stroke, with a particular focus on the west of Ireland. The ball will kick off with a cocktail and drinks reception, then dinner followed by a night’s entertainment with MC/comedian Deirdre O’Kane and 1990s tribute band Smash Hits. The disco will stay open for those Run for Pieta If you haven’t signed up for a charity run yet, there’s one you can do at your own pace this February. Jog 28 Miles for Pieta is easy to register for online, and you’ll get a free t-shirt. Go on. Jog, walk or run the distance in your local area, with your club, friends or on your own. All funds will go to Pieta, the charity that provides free counselling to those with suicidal ideation, those engaging in self-harm, and those bereaved by suicide. Staff are fully qualifi ed and provide a professional one-to-one therapeutic service. Visit pieta.ie LOCKS OF LOVE Take part in a hair donation fundraiser in aid of LauraLynn, the charity that helps children with life-limiting conditions. Sign up on lauarlynn.ie, fundraise on iDonate.ie and post your wig to one of two foundations: the UK-based The Little Princess Trust or the Co Wexford-based Rapunzel Foundation. They both provide free real-hair wigs to children and adults who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment or other conditions. The Rapunzel Foundation accepts hair donations 14 inches long, preferably one length (no layers) while The Little Princess Trust, which helps children in both Ireland and the UK, accepts 12 inches or more. Full guidelines on the respective websites. Visit lauralynn.ie, rapunzelfoundation. com and littleprincesses.org.uk who want to make it a long night. Tickets are €150 per person. Visit croi.ie 91 WW4 Lend a Hand KOT2CCAMNOR.indd 3 07/02/2023 11:35

QUICK FIRE 92 WOMANSWAY.IE By Niamh O’Reilly Gears Describe yourself in a hashtag. #alwayshustling What’s your morning routine? Every second weekday morning, I get up at 6.20am and make my way to do a HIIT training. Going to the gym early helps me get ahead of the morning traffic and it's just around the corner from our production facility. If I'm not gymming it, then I'm getting the kids ready and doing the school drop off. For breakfast, it's fruit with porridge or fruit with Weetabix and a coffee. Who would be your ideal dinner guests, living or dead? Jennifer Coolidge is a class act. Joaquin Phoneix, as he's passionate about veganism. Jane Fonda, as I find her life fascinating, especially when it comes to activism. David Bowie and Aretha Franklin as they could provide some musical entertainment throughout the night. What’s playing on your music playlist right now? Yune Pinku, Litany, St Vincent, Bon Iver and Lizzo. If you could raid one woman’s wardrobe whose would it be? Aubrey Plaza is effortlessly chic. What’s one thing people don’t know about you? I spent 10 years working on the shows at New York Fashion Week. It was a crazy experience, really eye-opening, and I was lucky enough to work alongside some of the biggest names in fashion. Would you ever live anywhere besides where you currently live? I've lived in New York, London and Kuala Lumpur. I'd be totally open to moving somewhere else, preferably sunny and the city would have to have a creative edge. But it's always nice to come home to Ireland, as it's the people who make this a great place to live. What makes you laugh no ma
er what? My kids' jokes. What’s the priciest thing you’ve ever splurged on? Our wedding last October. We got married near Cádiz in Spain and it was a vegan wedding. My dad was dreading the food but after the meal, he went into the kitchen and shook the hand of the chef as it was so good. That was a big relief. Best piece of advice you ever received? Put one foot in front of the other and keep moving, no matter how hard it gets. What do you first notice about someone when you meet them? Their openness and willingness to engage. What’s your favourite board game? Hungry Hungry Hippos. When are you most inspired? I'm inspired by travel and by visiting markets and seeing what's out there. I'm also inspired by packaging trends. When I'm in an airport you can find me browsing the wines and spirits section to see the latest designs. Ideal way to spend a Saturday night? We have kids so most Saturday nights are spent at home with a bottle of wine. Otherwise, I'd love to be out with a cocktail. Never leave the house without? Kissing the kids and my husband goodbye. What do you do to relax? We are lucky enough to live near some great walks like the Hellfire Club and Massey's Estate. As a family, we love going up there with the kids and Twix. WW Aisling Cullen is the founder of Thanks Plants, the vegan food company. Previously she directed the inhouse videos for designers during New York Fashion Week. She lives in Dublin with her husband, two childen and their cockapoo Twix. Changing 92 WW4 Quick Fire KOT2CCAM.indd 2 08/02/2023 12:50

LIFESTYLE WOMANSWAY.IE 93 WE TRIED... forehead. Then as the treatment went on, she’d be able to feel which other areas might need unblocking and balancing. We began with a clearing of my chakras. Mariga then touched areas on my forehead, around my jawline and pressed certain points along the way. MIDWAY THROUGH It felt very relaxing, but even more specialised than a spa facial. However, things soon became more intense. She identifi ed areas around the bridge of my nose which relate to the spinal area of my body and found these to be very congested. It was never painful, but it did require fi rm pressure and the use of special rollers. I could feel these knots essentially melt away. She also worked around my jawline and chin to rebalance my hormonal system. END RESULT I felt very relaxed by the end of it. Her movements, massage and manipulation of the nerves and pressure points on my face felt as though it was just what my body had needed. Sometimes that was fi rm, other times it was light. It was like I was mentally taking a tour of my own body through my face. It was thoroughly fascinating to understand the connection between the different systems of the body, how energy fl ows and how much emotion we hold in our faces. It was also like having a facial. It gave a great boost to my lymphatic drainage. Afterwards my skin was glowing, and my whole energy felt more in sync. WW For more visit facialrefl exology.ie WHAT IS IT? I truly believe the body is a complicated collection of systems and to ignore the potential added benefi ts from holistic or complementary treatments, is to miss out on an opportunity. Neuro-Facial Refl exology was devised by Lorne Sorensen and acts on the blood, lymph, bio-electric, nerve and energy systems. What I like about this method is that it's a blend of science and holistic treatments. It also uses refl exology practices from around the world, so you get the benefi t of more than one approach. WHY? I’m not a foot person. I just don’t like them and I’m not good with people touching my feet. Some might fi nd that odd, but I don't think I'm alone. Naturally, Facial Refl exology appealed to me because it seemed like a way to channel all of that potential healing energy, minus the foot action. Mariga Sheedy, the owner of the clinic is also an expert in non-invasive skincare treatments, so I’d be getting the benefi ts of a facial too. For me it was a win-win. STARTING OFF I’d fi lled in a thorough consultation form ahead of time. This type of treatment can assist conditions like IBS, perimenopause, anxiety, emotional trauma, back pain, to name but a few. I’d highlighted mid-back, shoulder and muscle pain, as well as a few other things, such as fatigue and anxiety. This led Mariga to start to focus on my liver meridian on my We’re all about self-care at Woman’s Way. In this issue, Niamh O’Reilly tries out Neuro-Facial Refl exology. Neuro-Facial Refl exology 93 WW04 We Tried SCCCSC2AMNOR.indd 3 01/02/2023 15:06

OPINION 94 WOMANSWAY.IE By Grumpy Old Woman WHY is this a thing? TALKING AT CONCERTS I often wonder why people bother forking out for expensive concert tickets when they’re planning on spending the entire gig chatting to their mates? There is nothing worse than spending months looking forward to seeing one of your favourite artists, only to have the experience ruined by inconsiderate people yakking around you. You see it in particular in venues that serve alcohol, where the volume behind you gets increasingly turned up as concert-goers traipse in and out to the bar. I have a really low tolerance for people talking because I used to be a cinema manager. I spent my days patrolling the aisles and shining my torch on noisy people and telling them to shush. Despite this, I’d regularly have to deal with disgruntled customers miffed because somebody around them was more interested in the plot of their friend’s love life than what was going on in the fi lm. Maybe due to my cinema days, I have no hesitation in telling people to be quiet. I have perfected the death stare in these situations and will deploy it the second the person behind me starts to chat during a song. If it continues, I turn around and say ‘‘Please stop talking”, but experience has taught me that the chatter will start up again within a couple of minutes. Groups of women are the worst offenders, unfortunately. They go out before the gig and arrive to the concert full of cocktails and goodwill. It usually starts off fi ne as they sing along to the songs and cheer the artist loudly, but they start to lose interest by about the fi fth song. What usually triggers it is the singer telling a story. So she’ll say that she wrote the next song to get back at her ex when she found out he was cheating, and a woman behind you will yell down the row to her friend, ‘‘Maggie, that’s like the time you keyed Paddy’s car when he went off with your woman from his job.” Cue raucous laughter and the gig is lost. You know they’re going to spend the rest of the gig shrieking and slagging each other while horsing the gin and tonics into them. Meanwhile, I’m fuming because I can't hear the singer and the whole evening gets spoiled. It’s not just women, but the gigs I go to tend to attract middle-aged women like myself so that’s the cohort that ruins my concert experiences. My friend tells me that it’s the same story at the gigs and rugby matches he goes to, where young (and old) fellas lash into booze and then never shut up. The sad part is that we are pretty powerless when it comes to being able to do anything about annoying chatterboxes. If you complain to an usher, you risk bringing the wrath of the culprit down on your head. And you know they’ll start up again as soon as the usher has turned their back. The experience puts me off going to concerts and fi lms to be honest. The whole thing leaves me singing the blues. WW 94 WW03 Why Is This A Thing SCKOTCCAM.indd 2 08/02/2023 14:29

HITTING THE NEWS STANDS ON FEBRUARY 27 WOMANSWAY.IE 95 THE KINDNESS ISSUE IN OUR NEXT BUMPER ISSUE There's far too much harshness in the world so, in our next issue, we celebrate all things gentle and caring. How can we bring more kindness into our lives, not just for other people, but for ourselves? How can we fi nd ways to work with the harsh inner critic so many of us have? How can we share kindness in meaningful ways with out communities? How can we be kinder to the planet? Don't miss it! MENOPAUSE SKIN We ask whether we need to change our beauty regime when menopause strikes. SERIOUSLY SAFFRON If dull grey days are getting you down, check out our saffron style special for outfi t inspo. RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS The WWcrew practise random acts of kindness for a week. Find out how they got on and whether anyone cared. SOWING SPUDS Fancy growing your own potatoes? Check out our how to guide. RHINE VALLEY Cruise down the Rhine in the company of Norah Casey. PLUS... Knittng, interiors, book and movie reviews, recipes, wellbeing tips and lots, lots more. 95 WW4 Next Issue KOT2CC2AM NOR.indd 3 09/02/2023 11:01

Inspired by Nature, powered by light. ™ HarvestFresh™ unique crisper drawer technology developed for Beko fridge freezers uses innovative 3 colours light technology, which cleverly mimics the 24 hours sun cycle and natural sunlight, ensuring essential vitamins in fruit and vegetables are preserved for longer. All of this so you and your family can enjoy nutritious meals and a healthier lifestyle. 12077 Beko 2020 HarvestFresh advert 207x280mm.indd 1 25/09/2020 10:49