WW14 2024

WOMANSWAY.IE 51 Picture This Do you have photos you’d like to share? Send them to [email protected] GET IN TOUCH Find out what Woman’s Way readers have been up to recently… Goodbye rain, hello sunshine. From: Christine Lawlor Cat scratch fever. From: Orla Nolan Late-night shopping and ice cream in Old Town Corfu. From: Dervla O’Reilly Catching some rays at the Botanical Gardens. From: Alan Keogh At the Festina Lente charity, Bray. From: Rosario Murphy, Co Dublin

52 WOMANSWAY.IE 1 SUMPH A High priest in Hindu temple B Kind of coarse grass C A foolish person 2 WETHER A Castrated ram B Part of horse’s harness C Ancient form of tax The word may sound familiar, but do you know what it means? A. 2 C 1 ANSWERS: WORD WISE ENTER TO WIN QUINN HAIR & BEAUTY HOW TO ENTER Please send a picture of your completed crossword grid to [email protected] No postal entries please. The closing date is July 15, 2024 This Woman's Way competition is open to anyone resident in NI and the Republic of Ireland, aged 18 and over, except employees and their families of Harmonia Publishing, its printers and anyone else connected with the competition. No purchase is necessary. We will only accept one competition entry per reader. Prizes are awarded by drawing entries after the closing date. Winners will be notifi ed by email. The editor’s decision is fi nal. One lucky reader will receive Silcare QUIN professional haircare products, including serums, shampoos and conditioners, and Quinn Hair & Beauty hair tools to tame your locks. Visit quinnhairbeauty.com WORTH €75 No postal entries please. The closing date is July 15, 2024 A singer, I was born in Pennsylvania in 1979. My real name is Alecia Beth Moore, and at the age of 15, I formed the short-lived girl group Choice. I married motocross racer Carey Hart in 2006 but our relationship has been on and off. We have two children - daughter Willow and son Jameson. My hit singles include Stupid Girls and Just Give Me A Reason and I played the Aviva Stadium in Dublin last month as part of my Summer Carnival 2024 tour. A comedian, I was born in Dublin in 1984. I worked as a copywriter and did my fi rst stand-up comedy gig when I was 29. I was in LOL: Last One Laughing Ireland on Prime and am currently touring the country with my stand-up show. When I was 18, I had my daughter Ella, 13 days before I sat my Leaving Cert. I have since had two boys, Tommy and Joe, with my husband Shane. I have a podcast called Keeping It Tight with Deirdre O’Kane. CELEB PIXELS Emma Doran. 2 Pink 1 ANSWERS: PRIZE CROSSWORD 14 ACROSS: 1. DOORKEEPER (5) 4. STRATEGIES (7) 8. HUBBUB (7) 9. VOLLEY (5) 10. PARADISE (4) 11. LAZY (8) 13. ABYSS (4) 14. MUDDLE (4) 16. PROSPEROUS (8) 17. FRANK (4) 20. BRAG (5) 21. CANCEL (7) 22. AGED (7) 23. SLUMBER (5) DOWN: 1. UNFORESEEABLE (13) 2. BISECT (5) 3. RANT (4) 4. CROWD (6) 5. CLIENT (8) 6. MALADY (7) 7. FAIR PLAY (13) 12. LIFT (8) 13. WREATH (7) 15. ILL FAME (6) 18. MAIN (5) 19. THROW (4). QUICK CROSSWORD SOLUTION ISSUE 13 ACROSS: 3 IGNORANCE; 8 OVAL; 9 RECONCILE; 10 SALLOW; 11 PRESS; 14 RATIO; 15 SLOE; 16 TONGS; 18 POOR; 20 HOUSE; 21 MERCY; 24 ZEPHYR; 25 VOLUNTEER; 26 ZEST; 27 STANCHION. DOWN: 1 CONSCRIPT; 2 MAELSTROM; 4 GREW; 5 ODOUR; 6 ACCESS; 7 CULT; 9 ROBOT; 11 PANSY; 12 SLAUGHTER; 13 DESECRATE; 17 SHEER; 19 RETURN; 22 CATCH; 23 BOLT; 24 ZERO. IMPOSSIPUZZLES 1 The square of Sharon’s age is 336 more than the square of Rebecca’s age, which is 336 more than the square of Joan’s age. What are the three ages? 2 I am thinking of an 8-fi gure number, the fi rst fi gure of which is a 5. If I put a 3 at each end of the number, this new 10-digit number is equal to 67 times the original number. What was the original number? The number was 52631579. 2 Ages 17, 25 and 31 years 1 ANSWERS:

TIME OUT WOMANSWAY.IE 53 THE BIG QUIZ 1>> What spooky play is Laura Whitmore starring in at Dublin’s 3Olympia Theatre? A Ghosts on Demand B 2:22: A Ghost Story C Murder with Ghosts D Edgar: A Ghost Story 2>> What is Pippa O’Connor’s makeup brand called? A Pipsypie B Kash Beauty C Luna D POCO Beauty 3>> Julie Andrews won a best actress Academy Award for which fi lm? A The Sound of Music B Mary Poppins C Victor/Victoria D Thoroughly Modern Millie 4>> In which county would you fi nd the Gallarus Oratory? A Waterford B Cork C Limerick D Kerry 14>> What career path has made Noel Fitzpatrick famous in the UK? A Chef B Vet C Actor D Doctor 5>> Which coffee contains espresso, chocolate and steamed milk? A Mocha B Macchiato C Affogato D Cappuccino 6>> The late Donald Sutherland has a famous actor son. What’s his name? A Peter B George C Kiefer D Graham 7>> With whom was William Butler Yeats famously in love? A Máire Quinn B Alice Furlong C Constance Markievicz D Maud Gonne 8>> The person chosen to ensure that the wishes expressed in a will are carried out is called the… A Administrator B Executor C Solicitor D Benefi ciary 9>> Which of these words is not an example of onomatopoeia? A Slam B Meow C Roar D Sing 10>> What breed is this dog with its distinctive corded coat? A Skye Terrier B Belgian Laekenois C Komondor D Leonberger 11>> What instrument did Louis Armstrong play? A Trumpet B Trombone C Oboe D Clarinet 12>> What is the main ingredient in the dish shakshuka? A Eggs B Beef C Salmon D Broccoli 13>> In which part of your body would you fi nd the cruciate ligament? A Arm B Knee C Pelvis D Elbow 1 B, 2 D, 3 B, 4 D, 5 A, 6 C, 7 D, 8 B, 9 D, ANSWERS: 10 C, 11 A, 12 A, 13 B, 14 B. 1 4 3 5 6 10 12

54 WOMANSWAY.IE Treats TOM’S Chef Tom Kerridge shares some delicious summer recipes.

WOMANSWAY.IE 55 RECIPES By Prudence Wade, PA Continued overleaf >> T om Kerridge is keenly aware of the “huge responsibility” he has as a chef. Not just delivering a cracking meal to diners, but paying proper respect to the people who came before him in the long process of getting food to the table. “As a chef, you’re the person that takes care of the end result. If someone has taken ages to produce and grow carrots and beetroot, or whether it’s animal husbandry, free-range chickens, cattle farming – all of that takes a huge amount of time and focus,” Kerridge muses. “When you become a chef, you realise that you become the last touch point between them and the guests – and that’s a huge responsibility. So when you go into a kitchen, the moment we recognise that, then there’s an awful lot more at stake, because we know we have a huge responsibility here.” Buckinghamshire-based Kerridge, 50, has many restaurants – one of which, The Hand and Flowers in Marlow, was the fi rst pub to win a second Michelin star. He’s now on his twelfth cookbook, Tom Kerridge Cooks Britain, a journey around the UK through produce and recipes – from Scottish strawberries down to Cornish clotted cream. It’s accompanied by a new ITV1 show of the same name, airing in July, which sees Kerridge travel the length and breadth of the UK in a 1950s food truck, meeting different suppliers along the way and cooking up dishes from their produce. “The one thing I’ve always been focused on for 32 years being a chef – I’ve always been about produce, and produce-led,” Kerridge notes. “We’ve done cookbooks before that focus on dishes and dish styles, and The Hand & Flowers Cookbook, published in 2020, was all about the restaurant's dishes, which also focus on British produce. But actually, that’s a very complex cookbook with some Michelin-star-level cookery. So this is a real opportunity to visit producers and suppliers and showcase what they do and make those ingredients the hero dishes.” Kerridge says he does occasionally get too complicated when writing recipes, but he’s reined in by Nicole Herft, an “amazing chef/home economist” he’s been working with for 15 years. She helps develop the recipes “from a consumer-led point of view, to make sure I don’t get too cheffy, to make sure people can actually cook it at home”. With age, Kerridge has actually found he’s erring towards simplicity, adding: “I’ve got much more in the habit now of calming it down and making it a lot simpler to do.” And he’s appreciative of how “food is a big part of our lifestyle”, which is “defi nitely” an improvement GRILLED GOAT’S CHEESE SALAD Serves 2 “Grilled goat’s cheese and beets make a great duo in this sophisticated salad,” says Tom. “Pecan nuts and toasted baguette slices offer contrasting textures, and the salad leaves give freshness and vibrancy. A colourful salad, packed with enormous fl avours, that works equally well as a starter or light meal.” Ingredients: 2 portions of log goat’s cheese with rind (about 100g each) 1tsp thyme leaves 1tbsp runny honey 2tbsp extra virgin olive oil 6 thick slices of baguette 30g pecan nuts Salt and freshly ground pepper to when he was growing up. “Particularly as I grew up in a single-parent family, it was very much Birds Eye Waffl es and Findus Crispy Pancakes – there is much more now in terms of a focus on real food.” But modern progress is also a double-edged sword. “It’s funny, because we’re in a world of recognising food and what we want to eat, and we understand much more about being health-conscious and aware of food – but we’re also in a world where we’re a lot busier,” Kerridge explains. Even if convenience is paramount, Kerridge still respects our collective interest in global cuisine – particularly as you can cook different dishes from around the world, but still use local ingredients. Kerridge really comes alive when talking about the British and Irish seasons. “We’re quite lucky that we have four fairly defi ned seasons,” he enthuses. “All of them have their highlights and beautiful things. I think there’s something to be wanted and loved for every season, but autumn and winter for me are always very, very special. Because it’s about braising, slow cooking root vegetables and brassicas, and I love that fl avour profi le – it’s big and punchy and really strong. “But I also can’t wait for it to end and for spring to start – it’s weird, I love the fl avours of autumn and winter, but I also can’t wait for the fi rst asparagus, and the combination of green leaves and shoots. And then moving on to summer when the fruits have ripened.” Ultimately, don’t make Kerridge choose: “I love each season as it arrives,” he says. He comes back to earth with a bump when discussing the hospitality industry, where the outlook is altogether less rosy. “It’s still very, very diffi cult – we’ve had some high-profi le closures,” Kerridge notes sombrely, particularly citing the example of celebrity chef Monica Galetti, who recently announced the closure of her London restaurant, Mere. “These are high-profi le chefs that are struggling, and if they’re struggling to work, then there’s a lot more people behind the scenes as well – like just your local restaurants. I think the issue is a mountain, it feels like everything’s getting squeezed. “It’s one of those ‘batten down the hatches’ situations and see if restaurants can get through the next couple of years. I’m sure every industry is doing the same, but hospitality feels like it’s up against it.” As the owner of multiple restaurants, Kerridge feels this pressure keenly – and he’s got plenty of other plates spinning, whether it’s presenting TV shows, writing cookbooks or starring in adverts for M&S. For Kerridge, the key to success is the team you surround yourself with. Plus, now he’s got a much healthier way to deal with stress, instead of falling back on the crutches of booze and overeating. “I go to the gym – I quite like that escape, that space to go in, do something with your headphones on and lift some weights.” “I go to the gym – I quite like that escape, that space to go in, do something with your headphones on and lift some weights”

56 WOMANSWAY.IE CHICKEN TRAYBAKE WITH GARLIC AND CHERRY TOMATOES Serves 4 Tom dubs this dish an “easy midweek meal”. “Nothing beats a chicken traybake for a quick and easy midweek meal,” he says. “I use chicken thighs here, along with plenty of garlic and tomatoes. However, it’s the sourdough (which soaks up all those glorious juices) and the delicious combination of herbs that will bring a taste of the Med to your kitchen.” For the maple and mustard dressing: 2tbsp white wine vinegar 1tsp Dijon mustard 1tsp wholegrain mustard 1tbsp maple syrup 3tbsp extra virgin olive oil For the salad: 2 cooked beetroots, cut into wedges ½ red onion, thinly sliced 2 large handfuls of mixed salad leaves A large handful of spinach leaves Method: 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C Fan/Gas 6. Line a small baking tray with baking paper. 2 Place the goat’s cheese portions on the lined tray and sprinkle with the thyme leaves and a little salt and pepper. Drizzle with the honey and one tablespoon extra virgin olive oil. 3 Brush the baguette slices with one tablespoon extra virgin olive oil and place on another baking tray with the pecans. 4 Place the goat’s cheese tray on a high shelf in the oven and place the baguette and pecan tray on a shelf just below. Bake for 10 minutes, turning the baguette slices and pecans halfway through. 5 Turn the oven grill element on and cook for an extra two minutes until the goat’s cheese slices are golden brown on top. Take out the other tray as soon as the baguette slices and pecans are well coloured. 6 Meanwhile, prepare the salad. For the dressing, put all of the ingredients into a large bowl, whisk until smooth and season with salt and pepper. Pour half of the dressing into a small serving bowl and set aside. Add the beetroot and onion to the dressing in the large bowl and leave to soak up the flavours. 7 When the baguette and goat’s cheese are ready, add the salad leaves to the dressed beetroot and toss well. Divide the salad between two serving plates and tuck in the toasted baguettes slices. Top with the baked goat’s cheese, scatter over the pecans and serve at once, with the bowl of dressing on the side. Ingredients: 8 chicken thighs, bone in and skin on (1.5kg in total) 3tbsp extra virgin olive oil 3 sprigs of oregano, leaves picked and roughly chopped 3 sprigs of rosemary, leaves picked and roughly chopped 200g olive sourdough, cut into 2.5cm cubes 1 garlic bulb, cloves separated (but not peeled) 500g mixed red and yellow cherry tomatoes on the vine 100ml chicken stock 2 handfuls of basil leaves Salt and freshly ground pepper Method: 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C Fan/Gas 6. 2 Place the chicken thighs in a shallow roasting tray. Drizzle with half of the extra virgin olive oil and season well with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with half of the chopped herbs and turn each chicken thigh over to coat well on both sides.

RECIPES WOMANSWAY.IE 57 Tom Kerridge Cooks Britain by Tom Kerridge is published by Bloomsbury Absolute, priced €31.25. Photography by Cristian Barnett. Available now. RASPBERRY RIPPLE ICE CREAM Makes 1 litre If you’ve never made your own ice cream, now’s the time to start. “This make-ahead dessert will delight guests at the end of a summer BBQ,” says Tom. “A standard vanilla ice cream base is boosted with homemade raspberry purée and the attractive ripple effect is easy to achieve.” Ingredients: 250ml whole milk A pinch of salt 200g golden caster sugar 1 vanilla pod, split lengthways and seeds scraped out 500ml double cream 5 large free-range egg yolks 1tsp vanilla extract For the raspberry sauce: 200g raspberries 150g golden caster sugar To fi nish: A little whipped cream A few raspberries Method: 1 Put the milk, salt, sugar and vanilla pod and seeds into a saucepan over a medium-low heat and stir gently until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture comes up to a simmer. Remove from the heat, cover and leave to infuse for one hour. 2 For the ice cream, sit a two-litre bowl in a larger bowl containing ice and water (to form an ice bath). Pour the cream into the smaller bowl and set a sieve over the top of it. 3 In another bowl, stir the egg yolks until smooth. Re-warm the milk then gradually pour a third of it onto the yolks, whisking as you do so. Return the mixture to the pan. Cook over a low heat, “ I love the flavours of autumn and winter, but I also can’t wait for the first asparagus” 3 Rearrange the chicken so that all the thighs are skin side up. Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. 4 Meanwhile, drizzle the sourdough with the remaining extra virgin olive oil and herbs and toss well to mix. Take the tray from the oven and scatter the sourdough and garlic around the chicken. Return to the oven for 10 minutes. 5 Take out the tray again and tuck the cherry tomatoes around the chicken thighs. Pour over the stock and place back in the oven for another 20 minutes. 6 Remove the tray from the oven and scatter over the basil leaves. Let everyone help themselves to this very easy and super-tasty traybake. stirring constantly with a heat-resistant spatula until the custard thickens enough to coat the spatula. 4 Strain the custard into the cream. Stir until cool, add the vanilla extract, then refrigerate to chill, preferably overnight. 5 Pour the chilled mixture into an ice-cream machine and freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 6 Meanwhile, to make the sauce, put the raspberries, sugar and one tablespoon water into a small saucepan over a low heat to dissolve the sugar and bring to a gentle simmer. Pass through a sieve, pressing the berries to extract their juice. Return to the pan and simmer for six to eight minutes until reduced and thickened. Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate to cool. 7 Spoon half of the ice cream into a plastic container, add half of the raspberry sauce and repeat with the remaining ice cream and sauce. Now use a table knife to swirl the ice cream and ripple the raspberry sauce through lightly. Cover and place in the freezer for four hours or until frozen solid. 8 Scoop the ice cream into bowls or waffl e cones and top with a little cream and fresh raspberries to serve. WW

58 WOMANSWAY.IE R achel Khoo says it was “very intimidating being the only woman” in professional kitchens when her career was starting out. The cook, author and broadcaster – who has previously hosted her own BBC shows, and is currently a judge on The Great Australian Bake Off – notes that while some things have progressed, there’s still a long way to go. “I have in the past worked in restaurants, in professional kitchen environments – but this was a long time ago,” Rachel, 43, says. “I always found it very intimidating being the only woman. Obviously, things have slightly changed, but we’re still looking at under 20 per cent of chefs being female.” How did Sweden-based Rachel survive those often macho surroundings? “I kept my head down,” she says, simply. She thinks back to doing a freelance patisserie job in Germany for Volkswagen, heading up the company’s Christmas bakery. “I was the only woman doing the head baking, but when they gave me the budget to hire somebody, I hired a woman,” she says. “It’s about giving people those opportunities. Obviously, I hired her because she was the best qualifi ed for the job, not because she was a woman – I really want to highlight that I am not about giving people positive discrimination.” Instead, Rachel is all about “levelling the playing fi eld”, which is why she’s joined Kettle as the crisp brand’s fi rst female chef, where she is planning a mentorship scheme to help women in food. “I love the idea of being able to encourage the next generation – or not necessarily even the next generation as it can be a woman who is looking to change careers,” she says. “Being able to provide support in terms of mentoring, like me providing my experience, is so important because being a chef nowadays isn’t just about cooking. It’s also about self-confi dence, how you are in the kitchen, you might have to do social media, you might have to do PR, marketing – there are so many different elements that are part of working in the kitchen.” Rachel is well placed to give advice, considering how varied her own career has been. In fact, she didn’t initially plan to go into food as she did an arts degree – but that set her on a path. RACHEL’S RECIPES Chef Rachel Khoo discusses why it’s important for her to support women in the food industry. “We did a project where we had to create a to-scale model of a shop and do interior design, and I would make mine out of gingerbread,” she remembers with a laugh. “So I ended up using food as a way to communicate my ideas, and I think, in essence, I’ve just continued doing that.” Then, Rachel says: “I started off in the bakery/restaurant world, but I wasn’t drawn to that. “I’ve ended up doing cookbooks, then consulting, then catering and events. There’s so many different areas within the food industry.” Rachel suggests that the rise of social media and the TV cook has highlighted how there are different paths you can take. “When I did Zumbo’s Just Desserts [a Netfl ix reality baking competition show], which was really popular with kids, I’d get a lot of kids coming up saying, ‘I want to do what you’re doing’. “So they don’t necessarily want to be in a kitchen, but they want to be creative with food. There’s defi nitely a growth of people who are interested in cooking, but they don’t want to work in a professional kitchen. “They want to work in that profession of cooking – maybe that’s a pop-up restaurant, maybe it’s a social media platform where they create recipes. I started off with food styling – there are so many different dimensions where you can work within the food world, it doesn’t necessarily have to be the traditional restaurant route.” And during her career, she says the best piece of advice came from someone who wasn’t even in the world of food. “Being a chef nowadays isn’t just about cooking. It’s also about selfconfidence, how you are in the kitchen”

WOMANSWAY.IE 59 RECIPES By Prudence Wade, PA Continued overleaf >> “My mum said to me, just before my BBC TV show aired [The Little Paris Kitchen: Cooking With Rachel Khoo came out in 2012], ‘A lot of things are going to come your way, a lot of opportunities, but the most important thing is to listen to yourself, to your gut, and stay true to yourself’. “I think if you stay true to yourself, then no matter what you do, you can always look back and say, ‘Okay, that might not have worked out exactly how I wanted, but I stayed true to myself, and I can still be proud and stand by that decision’.” One thing she has had to learn along the way is how to say no. Rachel says she’s now “very good at saying no”, taking “inspiration from my toddler child”. Rachel, who has three children aged seven, five and one with husband Robert Wiktorin, says: “They’re bilingual, Swedish/English. So they learn how to say no both in Swedish, ‘nej’ and in English, ‘no’. “They have two ways of telling me: I’m not going to do that. Otherwise, if they don’t want to do it, they just lie on the floor and kick their legs. I don’t do that technique, I just want to put that out there.”

60 WOMANSWAY.IE Method: 1 Wash the ginger and oranges. Cut the ginger into thin slices (1-2mm thick) and add to a pot. Peel the oranges, trying only to remove the orange part and not the pith (white part). 2 Juice the oranges into a measuring jug. If the juice is less than 400ml, top up with water to make 400ml. 3 Add the juice, peel and sugar to the pot, stirring occasionally and bringing to the boil. Once the sugar syrup has come to a boil, HOMEMADE ORANGE AND GINGER SPRITZER Makes approx. 200ml If you’re looking for a refreshing non-alcoholic summer spritz, this homemade fizzy orange drink ticks all the boxes – without being laden with sugar. Rachel recommends serving this with Sweet Chilli & Sour Cream Kettle Chips. Ingredients: 1 large piece of ginger (approx. 100g) 2 large untreated or organic oranges 400g sugar Lots of ice Optional garnish: Sparkling water Fresh mint or basil leaves Sprigs of rosemary ZUCCHINI TZATZIKI You’ve probably had tzatziki before, but have you ever had courgette tzatziki? Rachel has whipped up her version of the Greek yoghurt dip, laden with courgettes – also known as zucchini. For a bit of extra crunch, Khoo recommends serving the dip with crushed Mature Cheddar and Red Onion Kettle Chips on top. Ingredients: 450g thick Greek yoghurt 1tsp sea salt 1 zucchini 1 small clove of garlic 1 lemon 1tsp dried mint and a pinch for garnish 1tsp dried oregano Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for the garnish Method: 1 Stir half a teaspoon of salt into the yoghurt and place into a clean tea towel or muslin cloth. Tie a knot and set it in a sieve over a bowl for the excess liquid to drip out. Leave for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge. 2 Grate the zucchini and mix in a bowl with the other half teaspoon of salt. Leave for 10 minutes before placing into a clean tea towel or muslin cloth. Squeeze out the juice. 3 Finely mince the clove of garlic. Zest the lemon and mix with the garlic, zucchini, strained yoghurt, mint, oregano and a teaspoon of lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt or add a little more lemon juice if required. Drizzle with olive oil to finish. simmer gently for about an hour or until you have reduced it by half and have a thick syrup. The ginger and orange peel should be soft and slightly translucent. Remove the peel and ginger and use them for the garnish or candy. 4 To make the candied ginger and orange peel: Remove the ginger and orange peel from the sugar syrup and place on a baking sheet on a tray. Bake at 100°C for one hour, switch off the oven, and leave in the oven for a couple of hours. The candied peel will keep in an airtight container for a month.

RECIPES WOMANSWAY.IE 61 5 To serve: Mix the syrup with sparkling water to your desired sweetness. Top with plenty of ice, orange wedges and sprigs of mint, basil or rosemary. SUMMER ANCHOVY DIP Make this in advance next time you’re having people over for drinks. Rachel isn’t afraid of injecting her dishes with a bit of fl avour. Case in point: this recipe for anchovy dip, which will convert even those who aren’t convinced about the small fi sh. She recommends serving with fresh crudités, or even Kettle Chips Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar of Modena. Ingredients: For the dip: 50g anchovies (about 15) 2 plump garlic cloves, peeled 1tbsp capers, drained or rinsed if salted 1 shallot, peeled and roughly chopped Juice of ½ lemon, to taste 80ml good-quality olive oil 1tbsp apple cider vinegar A few twists of black pepper For the crudités: 10 asparagus stalks 2 medium carrots, peeled ½ cucumber 1 red pepper 10 radishes Method: 1 Place the anchovies, garlic cloves, capers, shallot and lemon juice in a blender (I used a NutriBullet for a very smooth consistency). Add the olive oil and vinegar a little at a time. Adjust according to your taste: if you want more acidity, add more lemon juice or vinegar; if you want to make it more mellow, add a little water. 2 Place the anchovy dip in a ramekin or serving bowl. Add a few twists of black pepper and serve with crudités or crisps arranged around the sides. WW Rachel Khoo joins gourmet hand-cooked crisps brand Kettle as its fi rst female chef. Visit kettlechips.co.uk.

62 WOMANSWAY.IE Here’s how to create the most beautiful hanging baskets to brighten your outdoor space. Brilliant Blooms “Upright plants, like geraniums or fuchsias, not only provide height, but also contribute to the overall structure of the basket.” Palphramand says it’s advisable to fi ll any gaps with fi ller plants such as lobelia or verbena to achieve a lush and full look. “This combination results in a visually appealing and well-balanced hanging basket display that will wow in your garden.” Planting Remember to line the basket if necessary, and fi ll it with high-quality, multi-purpose compost. “You can add water-retaining granules to help maintain moisture, which is crucial for hanging baskets that tend to dry out quickly,” notes Palphramand. “It’s also a good idea to mix in a slow-release plant food to provide consistent nutrients to your plants over the season.” are well-suited for hanging baskets, advises Palphramand. “Some excellent choices include petunias, fuchsias, lobelia and geraniums, which are known for their ability to thrive in the sunny summer weather – and will add a delightful burst of colour to your outdoor space. “All you need is a wall, or fence to hang from,” he says. Filling When creating an eye-catching hanging basket, it’s important to consider using a mix of trailing, upright, and fi ller plants. This method is commonly referred to as the 'Thriller, Filler and Spiller' technique, explains Palphramand. “Trailing plants, such as trailing petunias or bacopa, can elegantly cascade over the edges, adding a graceful touch to the arrangement. With summer in full swing and all eyes on suntraps, chances are you’re looking to add a riot of colour to spruce up your patio, bijou balcony or front entrance. Best of all, hanging baskets are easy to maintain and won’t take up any precious fl oor space… leaving room for a wrought iron chair and table when the sun has got its hat on and it’s happy hour. Here, Julian Palphramand, head of plants at British Garden Centres shares his step-bystep guide to creating a showy hanging basket that will thrive through the summer… Choosing your plants When prepping, it’s essential to choose the right plants. Seek expert advice on selecting vibrant and colourful fl owers that

GARDENING WOMANSWAY.IE 63 By Sam Wylie-Harris “Creating a visually stunning garden involves more than just planting your favourite flowers” He continues: “Start by placing the thriller plants in the centre of the basket. Then, add fi ller plants around the central ones. Finally, position the spiller plants near the edges, so they can cascade down.” When planting, Palphramand says to make sure to fi rm the compost around the roots and water thoroughly to settle the plants in place. Designing Creating a visually stunning garden involves more than just planting your favourite fl owers. “A well-thought-out colour scheme is essential for a cohesive look,” highlights Palphramand. “You might opt for complementary colours like purple and yellow for a vibrant contrast, or soft colours such as pink, purple and blue to evoke a sense of calm.” He says texture and form are equally important. “Incorporating plants with varied leaf textures and unique fl ower shapes can add layers of visual interest. “Additionally, the arrangement of your plants can signifi cantly impact the garden’s overall feel – symmetrical designs lend a formal, structured appearance, while asymmetrical layouts offer a more natural and relaxed vibe.” Maintaining To keep your hanging basket looking beautiful all summer long, it’s important to maintain it properly. “Regular watering is crucial, especially during hot spells as containers tend to dry out quicker,” warns Palphramand. “Removing dead fl owers and any wilted or yellow leaves will help the plants to keep blooming. Also, remember to feed your plants every few weeks to ensure they have the nutrients they need for healthy growth.” Positioning Select a suitable location for your plants based on their specifi c light requirements. “It’s important to note that while most summer fl owering plants thrive in full sun, some may prefer partial shade, but your local garden centre team will be able to assist with this,” says Palphramand. “Ensure the hanging basket is securely fastened using appropriate hooks or brackets to withstand potential strong summer breezes,” he adds. WW Trailing pink fuchsia

64 WOMANSWAY.IE Daisy Payne These money-saving ways can help brighten up your patio for summer parties. If your old patio slabs are annoying you and you haven’t got the time to pressure-wash them or treat them, you can get yourself a really colourful outdoor rug and cover up the eyesores,” Daisy advises. “It lifts the space you are in, particularly if you haven’t gone mad on planting.” Create a low-cost water feature “You can do this with really small containers Upcycle old furniture and containers “Don’t be afraid to upcycle items that could be used as pots – you can get quite creative with that. Going to car boot sales or upcycling furniture, like drawers from your house, can be great. It’s so cheap and adds character to space,” Daisy suggests. Invest in an outdoor rug “Outdoor rugs are really popular and trendy. I f the weather ever perks up, and you're thinking of hosting a summer garden party, there are money-saving ways you can make your patio look prettier on the day. So says Daisy Payne, ITV’s This Morning gardening expert, whose new book Start Growing contains easy, budget-friendly gardening projects for beginners. Bag some bedding plants Daisy suggests investing in some instant colour bedding plants that come in an array of shades and can be low cost. “They instantly add a lovely feel to any space,” she says. “There are all sorts at this time of year – pansies, geraniums, and so many lovely colours to pack into pots.” If you’re short on space, consider planting some hanging baskets, which will make the most of your vertical space, and if you don’t want bedding plants, think about replacing them with herbs to create a scented space and add fl avour to your summer dishes, she adds. JAZZ UP YOUR PATIO Add instant colour with plants Upcycle items that could be used as pots

GARDENING WOMANSWAY.IE 65 By Hannah Stephenson, PA with a solar-panelled water pump. It adds a lovely feeling of relaxation to a space. It doesn’t need to be expensive. You may see one on sale at a garden centre or DIY store,” says Daisy. You’ll need a pot with no drainage holes, a smaller watertight pot that fi ts inside the larger pot and a solar-panelled water pump placed in that. Place a pot saucer with a hole in the centre that fi ts over the top of the pump (the trickle of water will come out of the hole), and stones to decorate around it. Dress your patio table “If you have a garden with fl owers and want to put a table piece together, you can cut fl owers from your own garden and add some evergreen sprigs to the display," says Daisy. “I had some cut dahlias and wildfl owers grown from seed. It brings a table together when you are hosting. And fl owers blooming now – roses and peonies – make a beautiful centrepiece, albeit peonies are very brief. “If you buy eucalyptus from your local fl orist and then dry it out, it can last for years in a dried form and makes a big impact.” Create an ambience with garden lighting Daisy recommends solar-panelled festoon lighting potentially to be placed along fence posts, to remove the diffi culty and cost of having electricity installed. “You can also get some lovely spike lights. I have some down the pathway of my garden, which show off the silhouette of the garden as dusk falls. “I love a lantern for the table top or for hanging and I have a lot of scented candles, which bring a nice feel to the garden as the evening draws in and is useful for keeping some of the bugs away.” Enjoy edible fl owers Bring some botanicals to your summer drinks with ice cubes containing fl owers, and some fl owers such as violas and nasturtiums to add colour and fl avour to your salads. “Herbs also work really well in drinks, including rosemary sprigs or mint.” “If you buy eucalyptus from your local florist and then dry it out, it can last for years in a dried form” Save money on tools You don’t need loads of tools to give your patio a fl oral boost, says Daisy. If you have a patio or even a balcony garden which is likely to consist mostly of pots you might not need any tools at all. “All you need to plant up in pots is a good peat-free compost and the willingness to get your hands dirty.” While a watering can might be useful, when you fi rst start you can always use jugs or beakers to hold water while you get to grips with things. WW Start Growing by Daisy Payne is published by Ebury, priced €21.75. Available now. A colourful outdoor rug lifts the space Flowers add colour to garden tables Create an ambience with garden lighting

66 WOMANSWAY.IE Sculptures, dramatic planting and clever use of bright fabric can create a sense of theatre. GARDEN Designer and BBC gardening broadcaster, Juliet Sargeant, is teaming up with Disney to create The Lion King Anniversary Garden at this month’s RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival to mark 25 years of the awardwinning West End musical. The show garden will be fi lled with vibrant, drought-tolerant fl owers and dusty red soil planted with grasses refl ecting Pride Lands, and hopefully spark creative ideas on how to add drama and a sense of theatre to your own outdoor space. “It’s a great opportunity to give people ideas for their own gardens, particularly people who’ve got sunny plots with sandy or freedraining soil and struggle to keep moisture in their gardens,” says Juliet. “It’s also quite a theatrical space with drama and impact.” Here, she offers some tips to add drama to your own garden. Use bright fabrics “We often think about colour as coming from the plant, but for additional impact – and at times of the year when the garden isn’t fl owering so much – use outdoor fabrics. “There are many more outdoor (weatherresistant) fabrics to choose from, with a complete range of prices. Think about adding colour and usefulness with outdoor fabrics. I see no reason why you can’t have hangings and drape things around your garden to give extra colour and impact. “I probably wouldn’t drape outdoor fabric under trees, where they are going to get mucky, but they will be fi ne in an indoor/ outdoor courtyard space.” Blend colours Consider the colour of fabric you might use – will it match the colours of your plants or newly-painted garden furniture? Are the outdoor cushions going to blend in with your container planting? “People go to the garden centre and think, ‘Oh, I like that cushion’ and ‘I like that plant’ but they don’t really think of it all as one. Consider it an ensemble and see whether the tables, chairs, fabrics and painted wall colours work together.” She also suggests choosing fabrics which incorporate dashes of colour which will work with your planting plans as the seasons change. “For example, if you are changing from daffodil yellow in the spring through to purples and pinks in the summer and oranges and reds in the autumn, choose a fabric that will work with those or has fl ecks of the different colours, which acts as a linchpin to the whole composition. “If you go with peaches or apricots, that would work well with soft yellow tones in the spring, purple in the summer and oranges later on in the season.” TheatricsTheatrics GARDEN Theatrics GARDEN Theatrics Theatrics Theatrics Theatrics Juliet Sargeant Lighting is great for adding drama

GARDENING WOMANSWAY.IE 67 By Hannah Stephenson, PA Add drama with outdoor screening “Laser cut outdoor screens have become quite fashionable,” Sargeant observes. “You can have laser cutting either into metal or into composite material, but you can get the same sort of effect by stencilling. Instead of buying an expensive laser cut panel, you can stencil patterns onto your wall. It’s having the boldness to take some of the ideas that you would use for inside, outside.” Let the music play “We are using sound in The Lion King garden, but you could have outdoor speakers hidden among the plants in your own garden. They are expensive but the price is coming down as technology progresses, and you might just have one in a small garden.” Be theatrical with statuary “The cost of statuary varies a great deal but I encourage my clients to go to local art fairs, because you can pick up a bargain by a local artist and are supporting local talent. “You get lots of metalworkers who produce relatively cheap metal sculptures and simple things with a spike that you can just stick in the ground among planting. I love the idea of having forms poking out through the planting, particularly when you have an ephemeral plant like a grass.” Exterior glass can also be a dramatic showstopper, she suggests, where glass pieces can be put among leaves and made to look like fl owers. “Lots of glass artists do that kind of thing, where you’d have a swirl of blue or red, which catches the light in a lovely way.” Make planting dramatic “The main thing with drama in planting is to be bold and to group your plants, “ she suggests. “In England, we’re a bit nervous about having too many of the same plants, but I always either have groups of three or fi ve plants, and repetition – repeating the same plants around the garden. “Where most people would put one plant, we plant three of the same variety quite close together. And when we prune them, we do it as one plant. We’d repeat that plant – or at least the same colour – through the garden.” Give your pots power “Use layers of planting. For example, if you have a shrub in a pot, plant other things around the base and have things falling over the edges, and also plant bulbs underneath which will come through, maximising your opportunity. “Think of painting the pot itself. I often buy galvanised steel planters and paint them. “Also, think tall. Have a tall grass or shrub or an obelisk with a climber in a pot. If you have a group of pots you need height, the same as you would in a fl owerbed.” Also, go for one big pot rather than four smaller ones if you want more drama, which even gives you the opportunity to plant a tree if you haven’t much space, she suggests. “The pot itself becomes a sculptural feature and gives you more opportunity to grow a big plant with a signifi cant physical presence.” Less is more with lighting “If you are strategic in the way you use lights, it’s better for wildlife and light pollution, but you can pick out the features you really think are worth emphasising. “I’m a sucker for festoon and fairy lights, which we use a lot over pergolas and arches, and are relatively easy.” WW Add music with outdoor speakers Repeat planting at the 2018 Chelsea Flower Show Use sculptures to add drama Make planting dramatic Add colour with outdoor fabrics

68 WOMANSWAY.IE SIZES: XS - S - M - L - XL - XXL YARN: • DROPS KID-SILK from Garnstudio (belongs to yarn group A) 125-125-150-150-175-200 g colour 06, blue fog NEEDLES: • DROPS CIRCULAR NEEDLE SIZE 3.5 mm: Length 40 and 80 cm. • DROPS CIRCULAR NEEDLE SIZE 2.5 mm: Length 40 and 80 cm. • DROPS DOUBLE POINTED NEEDLES SIZE 3.5 mm • DROPS DOUBLE POINTED NEEDLES SIZE 2.5 mm The technique MAGIC LOOP can be used – you then only need circular needle of 80 cm in each size. KNITTING TENSION: 21 stitches in width and 28 rows vertically with lace pattern = 10 x 10 cm. NOTE! Remember that needle size is only a suggestion. If you have too many stitches on 10 cm switch to larger needles. If you have too few stitches on 10 cm switch to smaller needles. NOTE: All measurements in charts are in cm. PATTERN: See diagrams A.1 to A.3. RAGLAN: Increase 1 stitch by making 1 yarn over. On next round knit yarn overs to make holes, then work the new stitches in pattern. DECREASE TIP-1 (evenly): Decrease 1 stitch by knitting 2 together. INCREASE TIP (evenly): Increase 1 stitch by making 1 yarn over, on next round work yarn over twisted to avoid holes. DECREASE TIP-2 (applies to mid under sleeves): Decrease 2 stitches on round by decreasing on each side of stitch with marker as follows: Work until 2 stitches remain before stitch with marker, knit 2 together, knit 1 (marker is in this stitch) slip 1 stitch knitwise, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over stitch worked (= 2 stitches decreased). Hazy Dream pattern knitted in DROPS 250-17. DROPS design: Pattern ks-222. Yarn group A. Visit garnstudio.com. A comfortable, oversized jumper with wide sleeves to knit for chilly summer evenings. on needle. If 0 is given for the chosen size, it means that you skip the information until next information. NECK EDGE Cast on 128-128-136-136-144- 144 stitches on circular needle size 2.5 mm with 2 strands DROPS Kid-Silk. Remove one strand, and work with 1 strand DROPS Kid-Silk. Work rib as follows: * Knit 1, purl 2, knit 1 *, repeat from *-* the entire round for 3-3-3-4-4-4 cm. Insert 1 marker at beginning of Jumper Oversized SHORT OVERVIEW OF THE PIECE In this pattern needles of different length have been used, begin with fi tting length for number of stitches and switch as needed. Work neck edge and yoke top down from right shoulder at the back, and work entire piece in the round on needle. When yoke is done, divide piece for body and sleeves. Work body downwards in the round on circular needle while putting the sleeves aside. After body work sleeves downwards in the round round, measure yoke from this marker. YOKE Switch to circular needle size 3.5 mm, and work next round as follows (on this round decrease stitches evenly while at the same time inserting 4 marker threads in piece): Insert 1 marker thread at the beginning of round (= right shoulder at the back), knit 1, knit 22 and decrease at the same time 5 stitches evenly over these stitches – read DECREASE TIP-1, knit 1, insert 1 marker thread before next stitch, knit 1, knit 38-38-42-42-46-46 and decrease at the same time 5-5-9- 1-5-5 stitches evenly over these stitches, knit 1, insert 1 marker thread before next stitch, knit 1, knit 22 and decrease at the same time 5 stitches evenly over these stitches, knit 1, insert 1 marker thread before next stitch, knit 1,

WOMANSWAY.IE 69 KNITTING Diagram = knit = between 2 stitches make 1 yarn over, on next round knit yarn over to make a hole = slip 1 stitch knitwise, knit 2 stitches together, pass slipped stitch over stitches worked together knit 38-38-42-42-46-46 stitches and decrease at the same time 5-5-9-1-5-5 stitches evenly over these stitches, knit 1 = 108-108- 108-124-124-124 stitches. Move the marker thread upwards when working - marker threads should be used for increase for raglan. Now work PATTERN in the round while AT THE SAME TIME increasing for RAGLAN on each side of the 4 marker threads (= on each side of 2 stitches in stocking stitch) - read explanation above, i.e. work fi rst round as follows: Knit 1, increase 1 stitch for raglan, work A.1, work A.2, work A.3 (= sleeve), increase 1 stitch for raglan, work 2 stitches in stocking stitch (marker thread is in the middle of these 2 stitches), increase 1 stitch for raglan, work A.1, work A.2 3-3-3-4-4-4 times in total, work A.3 (= front piece), increase 1 stitch for raglan, work 2 stitches in stocking stitch, increase 1 stitch for raglan, work A.1, work A.2, work A.3 (= sleeve), increase 1 stitch for raglan, work 2 stitches in stocking stitch, increase 1 stitch for raglan, work A.1, work A.2 3-3-3-4-4-4 times in total, work A.3, increase 1 stitch for raglan, knit 1 = 116-116-116-132-132-132 stitches. INFORMATION BEFORE CONTINUING Continue pattern in the round like this, i.e. work lace pattern on front piece, back piece and sleeves and 2 stitches in stocking stitch in every transition between front piece/back piece and sleeves. Every time 1 repetition is worked vertically with A.1. A.2 and A.3 there is room for 2 repetitions more of A.2 between A.1 and A.3. In addition increase for raglan as explained below. WORK AS FOLLOWS Increase for raglan every other round 28-32-36-36-36-40 times in total (including increase on fi rst round). REMEMBER THE KNITTING TENSION! After last increase for raglan, piece measures approx. 20-23-26- 26-26-29 cm from marker after neck edge. On next round, i.e. on fi rst round after last increase for raglan, divide yoke for body and sleeves. DIVIDING FOR BODY AND SLEEVES Slip the fi rst 75-83-91-91-91-99 stitches on a thread for sleeve, cast on 13-13-13-13-21-21 new stitches on needle (= in the side under sleeve), work 91-99-107- 115-115-123 stitches as before (= front piece), slip the next 75-83- 91-91-91-99 stitches on a thread for sleeve, cast on 13-13-13-13-21- 21 new stitches on needle (= in the side under sleeve), and work the last 91-99-107-115-115-123 stitches as before (= back piece). Finish body and sleeves separately. Now measure piece from here! BODY = 208-224-240-256-272-288 stitches. Continue A.2 in the round over all stitches until piece measures 23-22-20-22-23-22 cm from division (make sure that lace pattern fi ts vertically over stitches from yoke). Switch to circular needles size 2.5 mm, work rib (= knit 2/purl 2) while AT THE SAME TIME increasing 72- 72-80-84-92-96 stitches evenly on 1st round - read INCREASE TIP = 280-296-320-340-364-384 stitches. When rib measures 4-4-5-5-6-6 cm, cast off with 2 strands DROPS Kid-Silk. Jumper measures approx. 52-54-56-58- 60-62 cm from shoulder. SLEEVES Slip 75-83-91-91-91-99 sleeve stitches from one thread on to circular needle size 3.5 mm, and pick in addition up 1 stitch in each of the 13-13-13-13-21-21 stitches cast on under sleeve = 88-96-104-104-112-120 stitches. Insert 1 marker in the middle of the 13-13-13-13-21-21 new stitches under sleeve - round begins before stitch with marker. Continue A.2 in the round on needle - AT THE SAME TIME when sleeve measures 4-3-3-3-3- 2 cm from division, decrease mid under sleeve – read DECREASE TIP -2 and decrease as follows: Decrease 2 stitches every 4-3- 2½-2½-2½-2 cm 8-12-12-12-12-16 times in total (work stitches that do not fi t the lace pattern when decreasing in stocking stitch) = 72-72-80-80-88-88 stitches. Work until sleeve measures 40-38- 35-36-35-33 cm from division. Switch to double pointed needles size 2.5 mm and work rib (= knit 2/purl 2) while AT THE SAME TIME increasing 24-24-28-28-28- 28 stitches evenly on 1st round = 96-96-108-108-116-116 stitches. When rib measures 4-4-5-5-6-6 cm, cast off with 2 strands. Sleeve measures approx. 44-42-40-41- 41-39 cm from division. WW

70 WOMANSWAY.IE To enter, please answer the following question: HOW MANY PERSONALISED USER PROFILES DOES THE ENVi SHOWER OFFER? HOW TO ENTER Email your answer by July 15 to: [email protected] including your name, address and telephone number and labelling your mail ‘The Triton Competition’ This Woman's Way competition is open to anyone resident in NI and the Republic of Ireland, aged 18 and over, except employees and their families of Harmonia Publishing, its printers and anyone else connected with the competition. No purchase is necessary. We will only accept one competition entry per reader. Prizes are awarded by drawing entries after the closing date. Winners will be notifi ed by email. The editor’s decision is fi nal. One lucky reader will win an ENVi electric shower, worth €581, from Triton Showers Ireland, a leader in sustainability and energy-effi cient electric showering. A stylish, streamlined showering solution, the ENVi electric shower not only looks great but encourages users to think about their water and energy usage and habits. The fi rst shower of its kind, this sleek electric unit offers up to six personalised user profi les and provides settings to encourage sustainable showering habits. Users can adjust their own specifi c water and energy unit costs, empowering them to track costs per shower and make habitual changes to reduce usage. The control panel also includes an eco mode, enabling users to reduce shower time by a minute at the touch of a button. Visit tritonshowers.ie COMPETITION WIN! A TRITON ENVi SHOWER

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 Annoyed with someone? Sort it out early Aries, and as diplomatically as possible. You may feel like lashing out, but it’s best not to. You might need this person’s help in the future, so try a compromise. The New Moon is excellent for home-related projects, whether this applies to a move, buying or selling or giving your place a makeover. Some pampering can relax you too. TAURUS 21 April – 21 May You may be fi lled with enthusiasm, but friends could dampen your mood if you let them. Don’t entertain any downbeat vibes. And with Neptune rewinding, you might see the truth about a relationship that’s puzzled you. Now you’ll know where you stand. Plus, the New Moon is perfect for promoting your talents or starting an internet business. Keen to study? Give it a go. GEMINI 22 May – 21 June It’s a progressive week, if you can resolve an issue that may create unnecessary tension. Don’t leave it as things could get worse. Instead, try to resolve it fast. Make use of Jupiter in your sign to talk your way out of any diffi culties and create a happy outcome. Embrace the New Moon, as it heralds a fresh fi nancial start. Whether you want a new job or want to initiate a side-hustle, just do it. CANCER 22 June – 23 July You’re in your element, with the Sun and Venus in your sign giving you an advantage and encouraging you to focus on personal plans and those things that leave you feeling good. And the New Moon in Cancer makes this an auspicious time, so use it to initiate plans, projects and relationships, and to establish new habits. Feel a desire to splurge? A pause for thought can help. LEO 24 July – 23 August While you may be busy with career goals and big plans, the emphasis on a private zone suggests that you’ll gain by simplifying your schedule and fi nishing things off rather than starting anything new. The New Moon can be a call to connect with a practice such as mindfulness that will help you gain inner peace. And as there may be some intense conversations, keep your cool. VIRGO 24 August – 23 September The Mercury/ Pluto face-off suggests you’ll be tempted to force the outcome you want, but is it wise? If you do get it, the buzz may not last long and you might even fi nd that it was a mistake after all. Better to focus on ideas that don’t involve so much anxiety and where you can use your many skills to reach your intended goal. When good fortune knocks, be ready to open the door. LIBRA 24 September – 23 October The Sun is at a high point in your chart, meaning this is your time to make an impression on the world. Which is why it’s a good idea to play up to your strengths and take advantage of every opportunity rather than get side-tracked by squabbles that accomplish nothing. Make use of the New Moon to get an ambitious project off the ground. The sooner you get moving, the better. SCORPIO 24 October – 22 November Mercury glides into your career zone, encouraging you to connect with movers and shakers. Even so, you may be battling with yourself or even in confl ict with another. It’s best to sort this matter out early on. You’ll have more energy to make a bid for new opportunities. The New Moon encourages you to be adventurous, as you could discover something to your advantage. SAGITTARIUS 23 November – 21 December You can either get annoyed about the fact that you don’t have enough money, or come up with a clever plan to make more. A brilliant idea and a little help from a friend could see things improving over coming weeks. The New Moon in Cancer is the perfect time to launch a business idea, as it will quickly gain momentum. Keep believing in yourself and it will happen. CAPRICORN 22 December – 20 January Dreamy Neptune rewinds in your sector of communication, which can help clear up any misunderstandings. If you’ve sensed that something isn’t quite right, you’ll begin to understand why. The New Moon in your sector of relating is also an opportunity to take a key relationship in a new direction, or perhaps a chance to begin a project, collaboration or challenge together. AQUARIUS 21 January – 19 February Things can fl ow beautifully once you start listening to your intuition rather than fi ghting it. You likely know what you need to do, so get on with it and you’ll have a positive week. Opportunities come from sharing ideas and learning new skills. Plus, you’ll fi nd that persevering with a tentative plan yields big results. Even if you’re new to this, you can do very well. PISCES 20 February – 20 March Neptune, your personal planet, rewinds for some months, which can bring clarity on an issue that’s confused you. Once you see the right way forward, you’ll have the courage of your convictions. Romantic options blossom too, as does your creative potential, and this is helped by the New Moon inspiring you to take a relationship to the next level or showcase your skills. WW

ADVICE WOMANSWAY.IE 73 Columnist and trained counsellor Fiona Caine answers another set of reader dilemmas. DearFiona If you have a problem you need help with, email Fiona by writing to [email protected] for advice. All letters are treated in complete confidence and, to protect this privacy, Fiona is unable to pass on your messages to other readers. Fiona regrets that she cannot enter into personal correspondence. I CAN’T STOP THINKING ABOUT THE BABY I PUT UP FOR ADOPTION When I was 17, I got pregnant – I was a ‘diffi cult’ teenager and gave my parents plenty of sleepless nights. In the end my son was given up for adoption and, in hindsight, this was probably for the best as there was no way I could have been a good parent then. I am now 38 and married, I also have a baby daughter who is three years old. I am lucky that I now have a loving family but sometimes I get really sad when I think about the baby I gave up. I haven’t told anyone else about it, not even my husband and sometimes it feels like I am carrying the burden all on my own. Part of me would love to be able to make contact with my son, if only to know that he is happy, but I know that’s got to be his choice. I wish there was someone I could talk to about this. R. D. FIONA SAYS: COUNSELLING MIGHT HELP Giving up a child for adoption will always be distressing, even in cases where it is clearly in the child’s best interest and this distress can persist for many years, as you’ve found. Counselling would certainly help, and you can access this privately or through your GP (though there could be a lengthy wait as services are very stretched). Alternatively, you could approach the Adoption Authority of Ireland (aai.gov.ie) or Tusla Child and Family Agency (tusla.ie), which both offer guidance to adopted adults or birth relatives who request contact and or/ sharing of information. These agencies will give you advice and support around making contact with your son. If you go ahead, you should be aware of the possibility that your son does not want contact. This is likely to hurt but you will need to respect his wishes. I do think you should also consider telling your husband – this is a secret between you that, were it to come to light, could come as a big shock to him so it’s probably best to prepare him now. I’M STRUGGLING WITH BEING SINGLE My partner left me last year after we had lived together for almost seven years. It really hurt and it’s taken me a long time to get over it and I haven’t been able to fi nd anyone else. For the past six months, I have tried online dating apps, local speed dating events and even a few blind dates with friends but I still haven’t found a partner. All my friends are paired off and I increasingly feel like a fi fth wheel whenever we meet up. It’s starting to feel really uncomfortable. It seems that once you turn 35 you might as well give up on everything, but surely there must be more to life than this? F. G. FIONA SAYS: FOCUS ON THINGS OTHER THAN ROMANCE You are certainly not too old at 35 but I wonder if perhaps you’re trying too hard. Instead of putting all your efforts into fi nding a partner, which may come across as desperate, concentrate instead on fi nding friends and developing new interests. Life is NOT just about an endless search for a partner, nor is it something to give up on just because you don’t have one. Your life can be fulfi lling in many ways so get out there and try new things. It doesn’t matter what you do as long as it gets you away from the online app interface and into situations where you can really meet new people. This could be a club, a sport, local classes or volunteering at a charity; you choose. The more new friends you make, the more chances you give yourself to fi nd a genuine romance. MY DAUGHTER WON’T PULL HER WEIGHT AROUND THE HOUSE My 16-year-old daughter moans constantly, about everything. If I ask her to help around the house, I get a torrent of whining arguments about how unfair her life is. Well, I am fed up with it and I am losing patience. Is there anything I can do to get her to pull her weight or is that too much to ask of teenagers these days? I love her to bits but am fi nding it hard to like her just now. N. J. FIONA SAYS: TREAT HER LIKE AN ADULT Don’t give up on her, she’s not that much different to other teenagers, and things do get better. She’s at a diffi cult age. Her body is changing rapidly along with her emotions, just at the time when concerns about school, career prospects and relationships are coming into sharp focus. Rebellion and protest are a way of establishing her own identity as a person on the cusp of adulthood, so treat her like an adult and involve her in the planning process. Call a family meeting, create a list of the jobs that need doing and negotiate a fair distribution of the chores. Hopefully this will give her a greater understanding of what it takes to run a family home. I would cut her some slack if she’s in the middle of exams though and perhaps limit her input to just keeping her room tidy. WW

74 WOMANSWAY.IE While everybody’s needs and health concerns can be very individual, Sarah has some basic pointers to remember when shopping for supplements. ARE YOU BUYING FROM A REPUTABLE BRAND? Is it well established in the industry, and does it carry out third-party testing on both the individual ingredients and fi nal products? Have a look at the website and ask the health store or pharmacy staff about CHOOSING A SUPPLEMENT We ask an expert for top tips on choosing a nutritional supplement. Wellbeing Sarah Brereton own research and know that the most expensive is not always the best quality (for you)." Sarah warns people against solely relying on the information on social media about supplements. “Ask for advice at your local health store or pharmacy and read the ingredients and nutritional table to learn more about the product,” she says. T here is such a wide choice of supplements available, especially in the last number of years. And almost as much confusion around which ones are the best quality and value. “I get asked every day about which supplements clients should take or avoid,” says nutritional therapist Sarah Brereton. "We need to do our

HEALTH WOMANSWAY.IE 75 their brand. Maybe some of the products have won awards, which is an added seal of quality and approval within the health supplements industry. DO THEY SOURCE AND USE PURE INGREDIENTS WITH NO FILLERS OR BINDERS? This one is particularly important to me as a trained nutritional scientist for 20 years. Capsules, liquids, sprays and powders are generally the best options to choose, as they are less likely to contain excipients, bulking agents and fi llers (such as talc) than tablets that can be undesirable for your health and may cause digestive discomfort. weight and as per cent of RDIs. This is the minimum level of the nutrient needed to prevent a defi ciency disease. For example, the RDI for vitamin D for adults is 600 IU (15 µg) for men and women. If you are defi cient you may need to take more. The therapeutic level of a nutrient is the dosage range that will allow suffi cient levels of the nutrient in question to increase blood levels and subsequently have a positive effect on the body. This is the area I am most interested in to help correct defi ciency and aid overall health when diets are so lacking in key nutrients nowadays. LOOK AT THE LEVELS OF INGREDIENTS IN THE PRODUCT Does it meet the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) levels? Or therapeutic levels of nutrients? And what’s the difference between these two? Get into the habit of reading the nutrient panels on the side of supplements where the key nutrients are listed by “Get into the habit of reading the nutrient panels on the side of supplements where the key nutrients are listed” Vitamin D3+K2 contributes to the maintenance of healthy bones WHAT ABOUT MAGNESIUM? There are different forms we see in stores. Some examples of forms of magnesium supplements include magnesium citrate, magnesium bisglycinate, magnesium hydroxide and magnesium malate. A highly-sought-after form is magnesium glycinate or bisglycinate (the chemical name), the name given to magnesium bound to two molecules of glycine. Magnesium bisglycinate has been shown to be one of the most bioavailable and gentlest forms on our digestive tract, with no laxative effect and great for those people with sensitive digestive systems. Glycine helps calm the nervous system and work synergistically with magnesium. This seems to be the best form to aid sleep and help maintain the normal functioning of the nervous system. RECOMMENDATIONS One Nutrition Pure Magnesium Bisglycinate comes in handy capsules that have pure fi ll assurance to certify there are no excipients, fi llers or additives. The One Nutrition brand only contains pure magnesium bisglycinate. Start with two capsules a day and, if needed, you can increase the dosage. Another key combination is vitamin D3+K2. These two vitamins contribute to the maintenance of healthy bones and calcium absorption. One Nutrition D3 + K2 Oral Spray contains vegetarian vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) and vitamin K2 (MK-7 K2VITAL) in a highly absorbable form that goes under the tongue so it goes directly into the bloodstream. WW Sarah has over 20 years’ experience in nutrition; for the past 13 of these, she has worked as nutritional therapist at Naturalife Health. Sarah gives talks, runs workshops and leads training days for both the public and professionals. She's currently studying herbal medicine. Follow Sarah @sarah_b_nutrition

76 WOMANSWAY.IE deteriorating hearing. “I believe I was born with some kind of hearing loss, which got progressively worse over time to the point where I would really struggle in social situations where there was a lot of background noise,” he says. “But it’s taken me two years to actually have it done [get hearing aids] because, like everybody else, I’ve been connecting hearing aids with ageing, and maybe a handicap as well and stuff like that. But that’s really, really stupid – it’s ridiculous.” HEAR WE GO Former footballer Peter Schmeichel discusses overcoming the stigma of wearing hearing aids. “When you lose your hearing, whatever you’ve lost, you will never gain that again – there’s absolutely nothing that can be done to get more hearing. It’s just going to be gradually worse and worse, and a hearing aid will protect it. “If you don’t do something about it, who’s to say how much you can hear in 10 years?” But despite the warning, Schmeichel – who’d always been unable to hear high frequency sounds, but says it didn’t really bother him – still did nothing about his Manchester United goalkeeping legend Peter Schmeichel has just been fitted with his first hearing aids, and he wants everyone to hear about it. The 60-year-old Dane had a hearing test two years ago after seeing an ENT specialist about a separate problem, and reveals: “He did a hearing test and told me I was on my way towards hearing aids. That was a little bit of a shock for me.

WELLBEING WOMANSWAY.IE 77 By Lisa Salmon, PA “It’s a little bit annoying in the beginning, because there’s a lot of things to get used to – some of the noises you’re not used to hearing are amplifi ed in a way you’re not comfortable with,” he admits. “But what it does is if I turned my back to you, for instance, and you were in the same room and you spoke to me I would be able to hear you. Before, I wouldn’t.” And to really test his new devices out, Schmeichel went to the same concert two nights running, wearing his hearing aids to one gig, but not the other. “What I was trying to fi nd out was fi rst of all, how was I The former goalie, who won fi ve Premier League titles with Manchester United, and captained the team when it won the Champions League fi nal in 1999 and secured the English treble, fi nally decided it was time to take action about his hearing when he struggled to hear fellow footballer, Freddie Ljungberg, when the pair were on stage together at an event. “We were on stage in front of 700 people, and I was really, really struggling to hear what was being said, and I’m thinking, ‘I’ve got to do something about this now’,” he recalls. Although it took Schmeichel two years to fi nally get hearing aids after he realised his hearing had deteriorated, he points out: “Like most people, I’d been thinking about it – it took me a long time to say, okay, I’m going to go and do this. I was only two years in making that decision, but the average thinking time is 10 years – do you know how much hearing you can lose in 10 years?” Research by Boots Hearingcare has found a third (33 per cent) of hearing aid users say they didn’t take action initially as they felt embarrassed about the idea of wearing a hearing aid, and 43 per cent admit they put off booking a hearing test because they were ‘living in denial’. And some of that denial may stem from the unfavourable perception about hearing aids only being for the frail and elderly – three-quarters (74 per cent) of the people surveyed agreed that hearing loss and the use of hearing aids still comes with a stigma attached. Schmeichel has teamed up with Boots Hearingcare to challenge that stigma and encourage people who think their hearing is deteriorating to visit their GP or an audiologist to get it checked out. Speaking on Zoom from Los Angeles, where he’s preparing to be a UEFA Euro 24 pundit for an American TV channel, Peter admits initially the hearing aids made his ears feel “scratchy”, although he’s had them adjusted a few times and they’re much better now. hearing the music?” he explains. “But secondly, and actually more importantly, was how was the interaction on the little table we were at? And it was really, really good when I was wearing them, and more diffi cult when I wasn’t. So it’s defi nitely a big improvement for me.” So has his wife, model Laura Von Lindholm, noticed the difference in her husband’s hearing? “Not really,” he admits, although he stresses he’s been away most of the fi ve weeks or so that he’s been wearing them. He points out that before he left for LA he was driving with his wife in his home town of Copenhagen, and when she spoke to him, he didn’t have to ask her to repeat what she said over the traffi c noise because he was wearing the hearing aids. “She might not have noticed the difference, but I did,” he happily declares. Now that he’s fi nally taken the plunge and saved his hearing, Schmeichel wants to make sure other people with untreated hearing loss take action too. “I just want to put one message out there – don’t hold back, don’t think it’s embarrassing to wear a hearing aid. Have a test, and if you’re suffering hearing loss, think you’ll never be better, you’ll only get worse, but with hearing aids, you will protect your hearing. “It keeps you at social gatherings, it improves your life. So there are no excuses not to have a hearing test and not to see where you’re at. No excuses whatsoever.” WW Peter Schmeichel has teamed up with Boots Hearingcare to challenge the stigma that still exists around wearing hearing aids. Peter having a hearing aid fi tted

78 WOMANSWAY.IE rediscover that summertime energy during the recurring showers that are dominating the weather. SO HOW DOES THE WEATHER AFFECT OUR MOOD? Psychologist Antonio Kalentzis explains that the weather significantly impacts our mood RAINY DAY BLUES Experts say the weather significantly impacts our mental health but why does our mood change with the weather? layering essential and people’s moods often tend to mirror the grey, gloomy skies. Many theories have been put forward about how the weather impacts our mood, energy and mental functioning. Mental health experts have unpacked the biology behind the ‘rainy day blues’, offering helpful advice about how we can J une usually marks the start of al fresco dining, pub garden and picnic season but umbrellas have been the accessory of choice for many people across Ireland over the last few drizzly weeks. The constantly changing weather we have experienced so far this summer has made

WELLBEING WOMANSWAY.IE 79 By Camilla Foster, PA By Yolanthe Fawehinmi, PA condition which can be triggered by periods of bad weather. According to Nuffi eld Health, symptoms of SAD include low mood, anxiety, stress and increased levels of fatigue. In more serious cases, SAD can lead to increased levels of aggression, insomnia, headaches, reduced appetite and brain fog. Furthermore, Kalentzis says that a rise in temperatures can also trigger mood episodes, especially in individuals with specifi c mental health conditions like bipolar disorder. and mental health through several biological mechanisms such as serotonin production and our sleep/wake cycle. Kalentzis says: “Sunshine boosts serotonin levels, which improves our mood and promotes feelings of wellbeing. “Conversely, cloudy or rainy days can lead to reduced serotonin production, causing feelings of sadness or lethargy. “Additionally, exposure to natural light regulates our circadian rhythms, infl uences our sleep patterns and our overall mental health.” Meanwhile, psychologist Barbara Santini expresses the importance of vitamin D on our mood and brain functioning. Santini says: “The role of vitamin D, synthesised in the skin through sunlight exposure, also cannot be understated. It supports brain health and function, and defi ciencies can be linked to depressive symptoms. “During rainy seasons when exposure to sunlight is minimised, vitamin D production can drop, which may exacerbate feelings of depression or fatigue.” In addition, Dr Laura Geige, medical doctor and psychologist, says that the tumultuous, dark ragged clouds also impact the hormone that regulates sleep, so can lead to fatigue. She says: “On darker days, the body produces more melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. Elevated melatonin levels during the day can cause drowsiness and fatigue.” WHAT NEGATIVE IMPACT CAN THIS HAVE ON OUR EVERYDAY LIVES? Santini explains that, from a psychological perspective, weather can infl uence people’s willingness to engage in activities that can impact their mental health. For example, grey sombre skies often force people to stay confi ned indoors, meanwhile bright sunshine usually increases enthusiasm for outdoor activities, which have a positive impact on our energy and serotonin levels. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – defi ned as a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern – is a notable Regular physical exercise can boost energy levels and improve mood “Elevated temperatures can induce manic episodes due to physiological stress and sleep disturbances caused by heat. “High temperatures can also lead to dehydration, increased irritability, and anxiety, exacerbating existing mental health issues,” explains Kalentzis. WHAT CAN WE DO TO MITIGATE THESE NEGATIVE IMPACTS? We may not be able to halt the upcoming downpours and summon bright blue skies, but mental health experts have put forward a range of lifestyle changes and hacks that we can easily implement into our daily lives to ward off the rainy day blues. “Stay connected and engage in social activities, even if they are indoors or virtual, to combat feelings of isolation” All of the experts we spoke to recommended regular physical exercise to boost energy levels and improve mood. They were also unanimous on encouraging people to get out and about to get as much sun exposure as possible, even on cloudy days or to opt for light exposure therapy. Geige says: “Using light therapy lamps simulates sunlight exposure, which can help regulate serotonin and melatonin levels. “Also regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep are vital for maintaining energy and mood. Stay connected and engage in social activities, even if they are indoors or virtual, to combat feelings of isolation.” Kalentzis also urged anyone experiencing persistent symptoms of SAD to contact their local GP. He says: “If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask. Seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals is a sign of strength. “Stay positive, be mindful of your needs, and prioritise your mental wellbeing regardless of the weather outside.” WW

80 WOMANSWAY.IE

WOMANSWAY.IE 81 HEALTH By Camilla Foster, PA A merican singer-songwriter Halsey has opened up about their recent health struggles to their 31.4 million Instagram followers this week. While announcing their fi fth studio album and releasing its lead single, The End, Halsey, 29, said: “Long story short, I’m lucky to be alive. Short story long, I wrote an album.” It goes on to show emotional images and videos of the Without Me pop star in hospital, receiving treatment and saying their health makes them “feel like an old lady”, alongside tags to the Lupus Research Alliance and the Leukaemia & Lymphoma Society. This post provoked thousands of heartfelt comments and well-wishes from fans and fellow celebrities, including Katy Perry who said: “Love you sweet girl”. Commenting on the US singer’s recent announcement, Albert T. Roy, CEO of the Lupus Research Alliance, said: “The Lupus Research Alliance commends Halsey’s courage in using their platform to raise awareness and support for much-needed research to fi nd new treatments and diagnostics for a disease that affects each person differently. “Their candour elevates the conversation to shine a spotlight on a serious autoimmune disease that is often overlooked and misdiagnosed. This is an extremely hopeful time in lupus, with many potential therapies in development.” WHAT IS LUPUS? Lupus is a disease in which cells and antibodies that are in the blood to defend the body against infection begin to attack it instead and cause infl ammation, according to Arthritis Ireland (arthritisireland.ie/lupus). Lupus is a systemic disease – that is, it can affect many different parts of the body and it is caused by the immune system reacting against body tissues, leading to infl ammation in various parts of your body. Because of this, it can affect sufferers’ joints and skin, as well as kidneys and lungs. The condition can be mild or severe, and it is most common in women aged between 15 and 55. There are different types of lupus but the most common is systemic lupus erythematosus. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? Joint and muscle pain, extreme tiredness and rashes – often over the nose and cheeks – can be early tell-tale signs of the condition. However, Dr Sarah Brewer, an independent medical nutritionist (drsarahbrewer.com) echoed the fact that symptoms can differ between patients. “People with lupus can have many different symptoms,” explained Brewer. “A characteristic rash may appear across the nose and cheeks, resembling a butterfl y in shape. Rashes can also appear on the ears, arms, shoulders, chest and the palms of the hands. “Chest pain, hair loss, dry mouth and eyes, mouth ulcers and a rash after exposure Health to sunlight are some of the less obvious symptoms of lupus,” she added. “Be aware of swollen glands, diffi culty swallowing, headaches, dizziness and kidney problems, too. Raynaud’s phenomenon, in which fi ngers turn white, blue and then red on exposure to cold temperatures, is also common.” HOW IS IT TREATED? People who experience persistent symptoms of lupus are advised to contact their local GP, as the condition is managed better if it’s found and treated early. Getting diagnosed will usually involve a combination of blood tests and a referral to a specialist, who will look at both test results and the symptom patterns. The common treatment for lupus includes anti-infl ammatory medicines like ibuprofen, hydroxychloroquine for fatigue and skin and joint problems, and/ or steroid tablets, injections and creams for kidney infl ammation and rashes. Immunosuppressant drugs or biological medicines are also sometimes used to treat severe lupus, as they can help to calm or control the sufferer’s immune system. Lifestyle changes can also play a big part of managing the condition too, such as eating well, keeping stress levels in check and getting plenty of rest. WW UNDERSTANDING LUPUS Here's everything you need to know about this autoimmune condition.

82 WOMANSWAY.IE account commented: “So sorry to hear about your BCC, Kevin. Thank you for raising awareness. Early detection is key. Wishing you the best on your recovery journey.” Skin cancer can be a scary topic to approach, so we have spoken to some skin experts to get their advice on what signs to look out for… WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO GET YOUR MOLES CHECKED? Moles are defined as “small, coloured spots MIND YOUR MOLES It's important to check moles regularly for signs of skin cancer. Referencing the mole, he said: “That is an actual little skin cancer guy that just started to grow, and now I have to get surgery to remove it. So, here we go.” Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a type of non-melanoma skin cancer that starts in the top layer of skin and can often be easily treated, according to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) website. This post provoked thousands of heartfelt comments and well-wishes from fans on social media. The Skin Cancer Foundation’s official J onas Brothers star Kevin Jonas has urged his fans to get their moles checked after he had a cancerous mole removed from his face this week. The 36-year-old, who is one third of the pop band alongside his brothers Nick and Joe, posted a video of himself after the surgery to his almost five million followers on Instagram. “So today I am getting a basal cell carcinoma removed from my head,” he said in the video.

HEALTH WOMANSWAY.IE 83 By Camilla Foster, PA Dr Naveen Puri, medical director at Bupa UK Insurance, added: “There are a few other important things to look out for like itching, bleeding or crusting. “If a mole starts to bleed and you haven’t injured it then you should get it checked by your doctor as soon as you can.” Dr Ross Perry, founder of Cosmedics Skin Clinics, urged the public to check their whole bodies for suspicious moles every two to three months. He said: “A general rule is to look for the ‘Ugly Duckling Sign’. “Normal moles usually look fairly similar to each other, while dangerous ones look on the skin” and it is normal for babies to be born with moles, for new moles to appear, for moles to fade or disappear as you get older, or to get slightly darker during pregnancy. However, guidance from the NHS encourages people to visit their local GP or a dermatologist if a mole changes in size, shape or colour because it could be a sign of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Dr Sajjad Rajpar, consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson, stressed the importance of regular mole checks. He said: “Regular checks of moles are crucial because early detection of skin cancer signifi cantly improves the chances of successful treatment. “A professional can identify moles that might be problematic before they develop into more severe conditions. “Early detection is especially important for melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer that can spread to other parts of the body if not caught early. “Skin cancer can affect individuals at any age, making it important for everyone, including young people, to be vigilant.” WHAT WARNING SIGNS SHOULD YOU LOOK OUT FOR? Many of the experts we spoke to encouraged the public to employ the following ABCDE checklist when checking their moles. There are various treatments for moles “Early detection is especially important for melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer that can spread to other parts of the body if not caught early” noticeably different. “If there is a mole that just doesn’t look or behave the same as the others, then that could be a cause for concern and it’s worth getting it checked out. “A malignant melanoma will appear dark black often fl at and irregular edge, these are very dangerous with a high risk of spreading, whereas squamous cell carcinoma tends to be a reddish lump on the skin that can bleed and ulcerate. “Basal cell carcinoma is either a fl at red patch of skin that bleeds or is painful but also a reddish lump.” WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR MOLES? If the GP thinks a mole is likely to be melanoma, you’ll be referred to a specialist in hospital and should get an appointment within two weeks, according to the NHS website. Dr Puri said that the main treatment for moles is surgery, but other methods can also be used. “Treatments vary depending on the type of skin cancer you have, its location and your overall health. “Non-melanoma skin cancer is typically treated with surgery, but radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted medicines, immunotherapy and photodynamic therapy may also be used. “If you develop skin cancer, a health professional will discuss your treatment options, depending on your cancer to decide your next steps,” explained Dr Puri. HOW DO YOU PREVENT CANCEROUS MOLES? The general consensus from the experts we spoke to was to take extra care of your skin in the sun by covering up and applying sun cream to exposed areas. Dr Puri said that getting the right sun cream – which has a sun protection factor of 30 or above, a UVA label, a star rating of four or fi ve and has water-resistant properties – is very important. He added: “Make sure your sun cream is still in date, apply it half an hour before going outside and don’t forget to reapply it every two hours. “Remember that this doesn’t just apply when you’re on holiday, but when you’re at home and out in the sun too.” Guidance issued by the NHS states that everyone should try to stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm during the summer, when sunlight is strongest. Smoking can also increase the risk of developing various types of cancer, says Dr Rajpar, so should be avoided. Dr Perry also advised people to avoid tanning beds salons as they use UV light. WW A asymmetry one half of the mole looks different to the other B border irregularity the edges are uneven or jagged C colour variability the mole is a mixture of different colours D diameter the mole is bigger than 6mm across E evolution the mole has changed in size, shape or colour

84 WOMANSWAY.IE CAREFUL COVER It’s important to make sure you’re adequately covered should the worst happen on holidays. vary from provider to provider. Checking your policy documents will only take a few minutes, but could save you thousands of euro in the event you need to make a claim and your policy doesn’t cover your destination country.” 3 NOT DISCLOSING MEDICAL CONDITIONS Holidaymakers should also tell their insurer about their medical history – and any health changes that occur between them purchasing cover and travelling, says Whittington. She explains: “This allows the insurer to appropriately assess the medical risks each customer poses, along with any other risks, in order to provide cover at a fair price.” Finding affordable cover can be tougher for people with a history of signifi cant medical conditions – but there is support available. Charity Macmillan Cancer Support has information to help people with cancer when they are considering travel insurance. Recent research by Macmillan and YouGov indicated that one in four (24 per cent) people with a cancer diagnosis had serious concerns about travel insurance. Brokers Ireland (brokersireland.ie) has a directory of specialist providers on its website for people who need travel insurance and have a serious medical condition. 4 NOT SHOPPING AROUND In addition to Whittington’s tips, make sure you compare quotes from a selection of providers, to fi nd the best deal to suit your needs. WW Kelly Whittington T he prospect of things going wrong on holiday isn’t something many of us want to contemplate. But when you’re booking a summer getaway it’s important to make sure you’re adequately covered, should the worst happen. After all, a holiday is often among the biggest one-off expenses of the year. Kelly Whittington, travel claims director at Aviva, says travel insurance can give people “valuable peace of mind”. She explains that the range of potential travel insurance claims “could involve an accident or an illness while abroad that requires medical assistance, theft of personal possessions while overseas, or an incident before the break which means a holidaymaker needs to cancel their trip, such as an injury or a bereavement”. Here are some tips from Whittington on the travel insurance pitfalls to avoid when considering travel cover: 1 LEAVING IT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO TAKE OUT COVER “Crucially, people should buy travel cover as soon as they book their holiday,” says Whittington. “This means that if they need to cancel their holiday because of an unforeseen event, such as an illness or injury, their insurer should cover any costs that can’t be recovered elsewhere. “If someone plans to buy their insurance at the airport, they won’t be covered if an emergency happens two weeks before their departure date.” 2 NOT CHECKING THE SMALL PRINT TO MAKE SURE A POLICY FITS YOUR OWN NEEDS Whittington says that, for example, holidaymakers planning to go scuba diving or engage in other sports should check that Finance they would be covered under their policy. She adds: “Similarly, people should check that their cover is valid for their destination country. Most insurers will offer either worldwide or European travel insurance, which provides cover in certain parts of the globe. “Worldwide policies can include USA, Canada and the Caribbean, although most will stipulate the countries it covers. “The same goes for European insurance policies, which can Checking your policy documents could save you thousands of euro

FINANCE WOMANSWAY.IE 85 By Camilla Foster, PA

86 WOMANSWAY.IE campaign with specialist cancer care provider GenesisCare. It encourages men to be proactive in seeking early diagnosis even though there may be no symptoms, and prompts people to fi nd out more about their family's medical history. Research commissioned by the cancer care provider shows that three in four men are not aware that a family history of prostate cancer or breast cancer increases their chance of getting the disease, while 84 per cent of men aren’t aware if their parents have ever experienced either of these diseases. MONYE’S Mifi ion Monye, 82, had returned to Nigeria after separating from his wife years before, and had had various health issues, but his son was disappointed to discover a week after his father died that prostate cancer had taken him. “It’s an illustration of just not knowing what he was dealing with and how us men often leave things until it’s quite simply too late," he says. "It’s frustrating, because prostate cancer is one of the most treatable cancers if caught early.” Monye, 41, is now fronting Know Your Roots, a prostate cancer awareness T V and radio sports presenter and former England rugby union player, Ugo Monye, was just about to start Strictly Come Dancing in 2021 when he lost his father to prostate cancer. “I had no idea until then that black men are more than twice as likely to get the disease than other men. That’s a pretty scary statistic,” recalls the sports pundit, who retired from professional rugby in 2015 and now covers rugby for TNT Sports and co-hosts the Rugby Union Weekly podcast for the BBC. It was a late diagnosis. Theophilus Former rugby player and TV broadcaster, Ugo Monye, is fronting a new campaign following his father’s death from prostate cancer.

IN PERSON WOMANSWAY.IE 87 By Hannah Stephenson, PA go to the gym, get a six-pack, build muscle, get fi t. We commit our time and energy to it entirely. But we are far more blasé with our internal health and I don’t know why.” STIGMA He understands that some men might feel uncomfortable about visiting the GP about their prostate. “It’s an intimate area, isn’t it? There’s a stigma around checking yourself. But the whole process is really simple and easy. My call to action for anyone is that if you’re black and over 40, ring your GP, go on to GenesisCare’s website, and if you have any questions you can have them answered. “There are 10,000 men a year with no symptoms who get diagnosed. No one should be complacent about their health.” He does as much as he can to take care of his wellbeing, exercising in the gym almost every day. “In my fi rst career the reason was very different. I needed to stay fi t. Now, I just want to be functionally fi t for my kids. I’m not here to smash world records and set PBs [Personal Bests]. I just train to be healthy.” The work continues. The revamped A Question Of Sport, in which he was a team captain, was shelved last year, but in July he’ll be covering the Rugby Sevens for the fi rst time at the Olympics, which he says he’s excited about. Beyond his working life, it’s clear that Monye still misses his father. “I see a lot of my personality in my dad, to the point where I’m a massive Arsenal fan for a number of reasons: I was born in Islington, secondly I really like Ian Wright, and thirdly because my dad supported Tottenham. “I was close to my dad and later in life, as close as I could be without seeing him.” WW For further information on prostate cancer visit the Irish Cancer Society’s website, cancer.ie. Yet, after his father’s death, Monye didn’t visit his GP for a prostate check-up for months, he admits. “After my dad passed away, I was scared to get checked. It was the fear of the unknown. I was also worried about hearing bad news, which is the total opposite of what you should do, because if there is something that needs to be dealt with, you need to know about it early.” It had been a traumatic time for the genial broadcaster, who separated from his wife Lucy, with whom he has two daughters, Phoenix, seven, and four-yearold Ruby, the same year as his father died. How did he cope? “Thankfully, I was really busy. Everyone uses different methods, whether consciously or subconsciously, to distract themselves from how they are truly feeling. “It was covid times, I watched my dad’s funeral online on Zoom three hours before the fi rst live Strictly show, which is not normal under any circumstances. “I wanted to keep myself busy. I felt like if I was that hamster on the wheel, when I just had things occupying me and my mind, that was good. I don’t know how I would have felt or what I would have done had I just been on my own with nothing to do. It was a really challenging year.” Monye investigated his family tree to see if there had been a history of prostate cancer – there wasn’t. When he fi nally went to his GP for a check-up, everything was fi ne, but he’s aware that he needs to do it every few years. This isn’t the fi rst time Monye has supported a cancer awareness initiative. He recalls taking part in ITV’s The Real Full Monty with the late Tom Parker from The Wanted in 2018 to raise cancer awareness in men and learned a lot from that, he recalls. “Tom died a couple of years after that from terminal cancer (he had a brain tumour) but I learned loads on that show about prostate cancer and how black men are more susceptible to getting it, especially after the age of 45.” Men, he says, tend to be far more in tune with how they look externally rather than spending time on their internal health. “Aesthetically, we’re way more in tune, we “I watched my dad’s funeral online on Zoom three hours before the first live Strictly show, which is not normal” Broadcasting with TNT

88 WOMANSWAY.IE “It’s an uncomfortable truth, but people think people-pleasing is this selfl ess thing. But if we people-please all the time, we actually become – and it’s awful to say it, because it’s not the motivation – we become liars and let-downs. Because we’re spreading ourselves too thin, and we’re not being our true selves. “We’re giving this shiny, polished version of ourselves, but it doesn’t match what we feel internally, so we end up feeling disconnected from everybody.” GRIEF Holly has always been interested in mindset and what makes us tick as people. Just 11 when she joined the cast of Nineties BBC teen drama Byker Grove – where she’d give speeches to pals in the greenroom about how “life is not a dress rehearsal and we need to get our s*** together” . She also pursued singing, “To be honest – and it doesn’t have to be a gendered thing, but I work predominantly with women – most women have a nurturer inside of them that will show up even if we put all the boundaries in the world in place for them, they’ll still be really decent people.” What it does mean, however, is that you’ll have a greater chance of creating a life you love. One where you’re making decisions based on what you really want, rather than acting out of a sense of obligation all the time and then not feeling great about it. “You can people-please, or you can create a life that you really love – you can’t have both in reality,” says Holly, 39. “And I think when you can get enough of what you like about life, you’ve got more room to do the nice stuff, without it feeling like you’re not showing up for yourself or you’re letting yourself down, and that you’re not doing it with resentment. Actress-turned-selfdevelopment coach Holly Matthews wants to make something clear. Letting go of people-pleasing does not mean you have to stop being kind. “It’s getting that balance,” says the mum-oftwo and former Byker Grove star, who later had roles in Waterloo Road and Casualty. “And I will often say to my clients – I’m not saying don’t be a nice person or don’t be kind, because you will still be those things. HAPPY PROJECT Hofi y's Grief, parenthood and an ADHD diagnosis have all had a role in former actress Holly Matthews’ path to selfacceptance.

IN PERSON WOMANSWAY.IE 89 By Abi Jackson, PA modelling and presenting, eventually starting a coaching business after becoming a mum to daughters Brooke, now 13, and Texas, now 11. In 2014, life took a major turn for the family when her husband, Ross Blair, was diagnosed with a brain tumour. He died in 2017, leaving Holly a widow at 33. She launched The Happy Me Project just months later, growing her self-development platform and offerings as she navigated grief and single parenthood. Her fi rst book (The Happy Me Project: The No-Nonsense Guide To Self-Development) was published in 2022. One of her key goals is to “simplify” self-development, empowering people – particularly women – to fi nd their confi dence, without over-complicating things. “My focus is on supporting people, especially people who really don’t understand this stuff. I like to simplify things. I want to make things low-hanging fruit, especially when people are going through diffi cult times. Because what we don’t need is being talked down to or given some big, long-winded ideas of how to fi x ourselves,” she says. “We don’t need to fi x ourselves anyway. And I think the more we can simplify stuff and give people tools, the happier people will be, and the more compassion we can give ourselves.” Healing is also a key theme for Holly, and “helping people to recognise that they’re not broken”. There can often be an expectation when we start out with any sort of therapy, coaching or self-development efforts, that we’ll reach a point of being ‘sorted’. But as Holly highlights, there is no “certifi cate” at the end of it where they can say: “‘That’s me done, I’m a fully functioning adult now with no issues.’ That would be nice, but I think we’re always evolving,” she adds. “And we’ll get to a point where maybe we’ve done a lot of work around [a certain thing], and we’ll think – Okay, I’ve got this sussed a bit now, and then something else will happen and we will shift and change. “I’ve had that continuously, and I think “The more we can simplify stuff and give people tools, the happier people will be, and the more compassion we can give ourselves” one of the important things to remember is that what helped you at one point in your life, whatever strategy you used, isn’t going to work forever. You will shift and change, and acknowledging that we need to shift is important.” ADHD In terms of her own big shifts, Holly says: “When I was the kid on the TV and being an actor, I needed a level of armour, bravado and fake confi dence, I guess, to support me with that stuff. When my husband was going through brain cancer, I needed to be hardy, there was a level that I needed to keep going, and that served me. “But in this new stage of my life, I really recognised, certainly after Ross died, that having that armour up wasn’t serving me at all, because it made me feel like I was always in a fi ght, and my nervous system wasn’t feeling good about that. I had to do a lot of work on stripping back some of that stuff and recognising that in this new stage, it’s okay and it’s safe to be vulnerable, it’s safe to let go, it’s safe to not be perfect, whatever that looks like. It’s safe to be messy and imperfect, and actually, that will serve you better.” Being diagnosed with Attention Defi cit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) around fi ve years ago also helped her understand herself better. “Something I would say to anybody, neurotypical or neurodivergent, is learn about your brain – learn what makes you tick, learn what triggers you, learn the things that support you. Play around with those things, get ideas, whether it’s from therapy, a coach or books, get ideas and experiment and be the detective of your own brain, and then work out some ideas that work for you, instead of being in your fi ght in your own brain.” Previously, Holly said she would try and “hide all of the traits of ADHD and neurodivergence, and when I did that, everything was harder. Now I don’t do that, it’s much easier”. WW For more information, visit iamhollymatthews.com

Live Every Day of ‘A really enjoyable page-turner that doesn’t lecture anyone’ RTÉ ‘Norah shares her journey and the lessons she has learned in Spark! Drawing on a mix of personal insight and the wisdom of twenty years as a top business woman’ Barbara Scully, writing.ie ‘Spark! was different... it’s a call to action – a call to live, really – and it’s a message that’s worth spreading. We only have one life, why waste it?’ Marie O’Neill, anoverfl owingbookcase.ie DISCOVER YOUR INNER Spark! The perfect gift ONLY €14.95 at harmonia.ie Live Every Day of Your Life

CHARITIES WOMANSWAY.IE 91 By Andrea Smith At Woman’s Way, we’re all about the positive power of giving back. Here’s our round up of the best ways to pay it forward this fortnight. LEND A HAND Join Nora Owen, Teena Gates and Martin King on The Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s Memory Walk, which will take place in 35 locations around Ireland on Sunday September 22. The walk is vital to the ongoing provision of essential dementia-specifi c services across Ireland. Adult registration costs €20 and a child’s pack is €5 and you will receive a t-shirt and Forget Me Not fl ower seeds to sow at home to help create an annual memory each time the fl owers bloom. Register on memorywalk.ie. WW Join Síle Seoige at the Breast Cancer Ball at the County Arms in Birr on October 19. There will be a cocktail and canapé reception, a fi ve-course meal, an inspiring talk by Síle and entertainment by Diarmuid Guinan, showband Ebony and DJ Anto. Tickets cost €100 and funds go to Breast Cancer Awareness Ireland. Tickets from eventbrite.ie, search ‘County Arms Birr’. HELP GILLIAN COME HOME Donate to a GoFundMe to help with the signifi cant costs involved in making Gillian O’Reilly’s home wheelchair accessible. Having been diagnosed with aggressive tumours six months ago, Gillian lost the ability to use her legs. She dreams of the day she can return home to her loving husband and son, but her house needs to be adapted to accommodate her new needs so she can live comfortably at home as she continues her journey of recovery. Support on gofund.me/a24ea211. Return for Children Support ‘Return for Children,’ a new charity fundraising initiative supporting six national children’s charities - Barnardos, Barretstown, Make-A-Wish Ireland, Jack & Jill Foundation, LauraLynn Children’s Hospice, and Childline by ISPCC. Launched in conjunction with Re-turn, operators of Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme, attendees at largescale events such as festivals, concerts, and sporting matches can return their bottles and cans at designated Re-turn bins for charity. Visit re-turn.ie. Irish Hospice Foundation Camino Walk the Camino in aid of the Irish Hospice Foundation, which has launched its new route - Estella to the beautiful Burgos in the Rioja region of Northern Spain. It’s a less well-trodden path and the charity, along with local guides, will be taking in the spectacular scenery, food and atmosphere of this pilgrim route of old. The event takes place from September 27 – October 4. Info from Emma on 01 679 3188, visit hospicefoundation.ie. Return for Children Support ‘Return for Children,’ a new supporting six national children’s Ireland, Jack & Jill Foundation, Return Scheme, attendees at largescale events such as festivals, concerts, Breast Cancer Ball ASI Memory Walk

QUICK FIRE 92 WOMANSWAY.IE By Andrea Smith, photo by Frances Marshall Irish tenor Gavan Ring is executive producer and star of a forthcoming production of Puccini’s La bohème in Kerry, with a cast drawn largely from the Cara O’Sullivan Associate Artist Programme. If you could choose somewhere else to live, where would it be? Somewhere I could wear flip-flops all day long. When you were 12, what did you want to be when you grew up? A naval architect - turns out I'm crap at maths though so the boat building industry dodged a torpedo there. Who is your favourite solo artist? It has to be Bruce Springsteen - his song Thunder Road has been my favourite song since I was 13. What book are you planning to read next? No Middle Path by Dr Owen O'Shea - it's a book about the Irish civil war. What do you never leave home without? My headphones. I love listening to long-form podcasts on my travels. Who was your first celebrity crush? I didn't really have any crushes but I did have an enormous poster of the Tomb Raider character Lara Croft on my wall when I was 11. What is your favourite movie? The Lord of the Rings trilogy. My wife and I regularly do a The Hobbit/LOTR marathon - it's such epic escapism. What’s the most important advice you’d give a teenager? That hard work trumps talent every time. What is something you can’t do? Bullsh*t. I have a very low tolerance for it! If you could teach one subject, what would it be? History. I'm passionate about it - especially Irish history. Which trend would you like to see disappear forever? People listening to and watching their bloody phones on loud in public places and transport. What was your worst subject at school? Maths - I was woeful at it. How do you start your day? Coffee. One of my favourite composers JS Bach said that without coffee in the morning he would turn into a shrivelled up piece of old goat and I can definitely relate. WW Gavan Ring in association with Cahersiveen Music and Arts Festival presents the Cork Opera House semi-staged production of La bohème on Sunday August 4 at the Daniel O’Connell Memorial Church in Cahersiveen, Co Kerry. It will star soprano Rachel Croash as Mimì and Gavan as Rodolfo. Tickets €32 from corkoperahouse.ie. note… On that If you could raid one man’s wardrobe, whose would it be? Jürgen Klopp. I love Klopping around in nice comfortable tracksuits, hoodies and baseball caps. You’re going out for brunch. What are you having? Eggs royale or a smashing club sandwich - and, of course, a cheeky Negroni. What age did you have your first kiss and where? A gentleman never kisses and tells - (14 years old... The Harp Nightclub Cahersiveen U-18s disco. Oh the glamour). What makes you laugh? My fellow south Kerryman and comedian Bernard Casey's Instagram. I am regularly in absolute stitches scrolling through his stuff. How do you manage stress? Perspective. Life is a gift and generally speaking, nothing is ever as bad as you might think it is. What’s the best thing to have happened to you this month? My wonderful wife Nicola and I welcomed our second son (and fourth baby) Ethan into the world just a few days ago. Who is the most famous person in your phone contacts? It's a toss up between economist David McWilliams and CNN reporter Donie O'Sullivan.

LIFESTYLE WOMANSWAY.IE 93 HACKS By Sam Wylie-Harris, PA keep the temperature regulated, it’s a great idea to keep exterior windows, curtains and blinds closed – as this is where most of the home’s heat is drawn from.” Additionally, she says keeping your interior doors open will help keep a fl ow of cool air circulating – keeping warm air out, and cool air inside.” 2 KEEPING BUGS OUT Although some insects have good intentions, most of us would prefer to keep them at bay, but there are simple and easy changes you can make to ensure they aren’t drawn indoors. “For example, leaving pet food uncovered on the fl oor, or crumbs on your kitchen counters can act as a magnet to attract bugs inside – ensure food in any form is kept covered and stored carefully,” says MacLean. Another great tip is to invest in bug deterrents, such as window screens or citronella candles, suggests MacLean. “Screens are a cost-effective, easy-to-install method that will guarantee bugs stay out of your home.” And citronella candles have been proven to deter fl ying insects. “Place them near exterior openings and let them work their magic,” she adds. 3 PROTECTING OUTDOOR FURNITURE “You may think using furniture covers helps protect your furniture,” says Andrew White, outdoor expert at Harbour Lifestyle. “However, furniture covers can actually do more harm than good if the outdoor temperature is particularly high. “Heat can get trapped under your furniture covers, damaging the cushion fabric and fi lling. So, when the balmy weather arrives, always be sure to remove your cover and store it away for the next rainy day. “Hot weather and direct strong sunlight can sometimes cause natural cracks and discolouration. So, if you’re looking to protect your hardwood outdoor furniture, I recommend treating it with a product.” Simply use a cleaning solution to prep your wood, advises White, and then apply your wood protector product as instructed by the manufacturer. “This will ensure your wood retains its colour, reduces cracks and becomes water resistant.” WW I t’s easy to forget it only takes a mini-heatwave to fi nd yourself completely caught out on the home front, but these top tips can help. 1 COOLING THE HOME “Firstly, for a great night’s sleep, consider your bed linen,” says Sam Greig, senior designer at Swoon. “Heavy synthetic materials are almost guaranteed to create a clammy atmosphere when the temperature begins to rise; so switch your summer sheets to a cotton alternative.” As he points out, cotton is great at wicking moisture and will therefore help you stay cooler during the night. “Opt for the highest threadcount fabric you can, as the higher the count, the smoother the experience.” Your duvet and mattress also have a massive impact on your temperature whilst sleeping, highlights Greig. “During warmer months, opt for a lower tog duvet, meaning it will be lighter on your body and will allow more airfl ow.” When it comes to sleeping soundly, Greig also suggests choosing a mattress topper that is adequate for the weather. “A cooling gel topper is a great option for a full night’s rest.” Additionally, Alison MacLean, who designs show homes at St. Modwen Homes, says: “Most newer build homes are extremely energy effi cient, meaning they’re well insulated and keep the heat in during the winter. “During the summer, to As temperatures rise, experts share their top summer home tips. Keep It Cool Keep the curtains drawn Keep food covered Citronella candles deter bugs

OPINION 94 WOMANSWAY.IE By Grumpy Old Woman WHY is this a thing? HOSPITAL CLAMPING Being clamped is infuriating, but being clamped in or beside a hospital is unforgivable. It’s fair enough to penalise the owners of cars blocking clearways or causing a nuisance on regular streets, but imposing stiff fi nancial penalties on people being treated at a busy hospital or dealing with a very ill family member is appalling. There is something vulturelike about clampers circling car parks waiting to pounce on people who are already likely to be suffering, worried or grieving. They may have had to travel a long distance, and could be unfamiliar with the parking rules if they're not from the area. They may not have an app payment system that works in that particular area, or the area may not fall under the jurisdiction of an app and accepts cash/cards only. Most of us will empathise with the late, courageous Vicky Phelan, who was famously clamped six minutes after her ticket expired while she had her bloods taken at a Dublin hospital as part of her treatment for advanced cervical cancer. Having travelled from Limerick to Dublin, Vicky had to resort to parking in the church car park across the road as the hospital car park was full. It only allowed parking of an hour’s duration, and her car was clamped after an hour and six minutes, four minutes before she made it back. Despite pleading her case with the enforcement offi cer, who was still there clamping other people, Vicky had to pay €125 before her car was freed. Imagine being able to sleep at night knowing that you lurked across the road from a busy hospital knowing that there would be easy pickings to be had there. A former clamper confi rmed to me that he and his colleagues had favourite places where motorists were regularly caught out. Places where the rules were unclear, for example, or signage wasn’t obvious, and they hid around corners to clamp these people. Hospitals deal with life-or-death situations, and they don’t all neatly fall into three-hour or one-hour time frames. A neighbour’s husband almost missed the birth of their child because he had to rush out to feed the meter in a notorious clamping blackspot, and a friend’s colleague came out after her child died in hospital to fi nd her car clamped in its car park. There was no exception made in that case either, which seems particularly heartless. In their defence, clampers and the companies they work for have to reach targets. The Irish Times once published a report describing penalties for clampers who don’t reach their targets and, in some cases, fi nancial rewards and time off for those who do. Working under those conditions, you wouldn’t expect clampers to be willing to do you a favour if you were a few minutes late. There is something inherently unfair about the way the system operates. In some countries, you can pay in retrospect up to a certain length of time at a higher rate. A bit like you do when your car tax is in arrears and you pay more for it than if you’d paid in advance. It certainly seems far more humane than literally shackling someone’s car and making them cough up a wad of money when they’re already under pressure dealing with a sad or diffi cult situation. WW

WOMANSWAY.IE 95 FLOWER POWER SPECIAL ISSUE IN OUR NEXT BUMPER ISSUE We’re hitting peak summer and there’s no better time to channel a little more fl ower power into our lives and the world. Florals are everywhere these days; in our wardrobes, our skincare, our pantries and, of course, our gins! Where would we be without them? From delicate petals to blousy blooms, fl owers bring us so much joy, all the more so because they’re ephemeral and, let’s be honest, not necessarily always useful in any practical sense. So get on board the fl oral train and don’t miss our next bumper issue. You won’t want to miss it. HOT WEATHER HEALTH Is there anything more annoying than feeling sick when the sun is splitting the heavens? Check out our guide to dealing with hot weather bugs. SUMMER FLATS Most of us said goodbye to heels during the lockdown and fl ats are as fashion-friendly as it gets these days. We have the lowdown on comfortable summer feet. PLASTIC-FREE GARDENING A beautiful garden isn’t worth clogging our oceans with plastics. We ask the experts how to go plastic-free in our growing spaces. PIMP UP YOUR PICNIC We show you how to transform a fl ask and a few sandwiches into a moveable feast for the eyes. CRUISING ON THE SEINE Carissa Casey sails from Paris through Normandy via Giverny and the fabulous garden created by impressionist painter Monet. PLUS… Fabulous recipes, streaming picks, book reviews, beauty tips, the latest in health and wellbeing advice and much more… HITTING THE NEWS STANDS ON JULY 15 FLOWER POWER SPECIAL ISSUE

door durability test opened & closed times 20,000 door durability test opened & closed times 300,000 We stress test our appliances for whatever life throws at you lower basket durability test tested over cycles 100,000 To find out more visit beko.ie