WW18 2022

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LOOKING READY FOR A

AFTER TINY
BEAKS NEW SEASON

WORTH IT AGEING WELL

CONTENTS Budget Kitchen FOOD & DRINK
Upgrade
Nuala Carey Page 32 54 9 Hacks To Save Food: Simple ways to
Page 4 make your food shop last longer.
55 Signature Cocktails: Try your hand at
these lip-smacking drinks by Disaronno.
56 Classic Cantonese: Northern Ireland
chef Suzie Lee dishes up Asian treats.
62 Cancer Prevention: How to add
fermentable fibre, a.k.a. resistant starch,
to your cancer-busting diet.

ON THE COVER Classic
Cantonese
4 Nuala Carey: e weather woman chats HOME & GARDEN
to Rachel Spillane about her busy summer, Page 56
adjusting to life after Covid and looking 30 Clearing The Decks: Usher in the new
forward to autumn. TRAVEL
16 Mum of the Year Awards: Meet the season with a
latest Mum of the Year nominee. 36 Discovering Andalucía: Norah Casey
few essential Rewilding unveils the hidden treasures of Spain’s
Mum of the Page 34 southernmost region.
Year Nominee autumn chores. 40 Washington Heights: A whistlestop
32 Budget tour of one of America’s coolest cities, its
Page 16 Kitchen capital Washington DC.
Upgrade: How
WIN WIN WIN Discovering
to spruce up Andalucía
18 Ocean Sands: Bag yourself a two-night Page 36
break at e Ocean Sands Hotel in Co the heart of the
Sligo.
61 bBold: Win a faux glow hamper. home without
72 Pharmaton: Win a six-month supply of
Pharmaton and a weekend away for two in breaking the
Co Kildare.
bank.
34 Budget
Home
Rewilding:

Mother nature

works wonders

in the home with biophilic design, which

is about bringing the outside in.
64 6 Big Ideas For Small Garden Spaces:

Small is beautiful for garden designer

Chris Collins, who shares his upcycling

and growing tips.
66 Feeding Tiny Beaks: Making sure

smaller birds get their fair share of the

food you leave out.

FASHION & BEAUTY

19 Beauty Faves: 24 Trending Accessories: pattern of the season.
88 Before Botox: What
Carissa Casey shares Old-school crazes to you need to ask yourself
her bathroom cupboard elevate your look this before getting fillers.
favourites. autumn. 77 Teeth Whitening:
20 New Season Style: 26 Autumn Fragrances:
Is it worth doing
How to get the catwalk Bask in this season’s must- professionally?
look from Paris Fashion have scents.
Week. 84 Apple Cider Vinegar:
22 Beauty Watch: Fall in
love with the season’s top It could work wonders on
styles, from red lips to your hair and scalp.
glowing skin. 86 Showstopping Stripes:

How to style the hottest

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FEATURES

28 Back to School: Children are

sharpening their pencils and so are

thousands of adults across Ireland.

Be part of the movement.
45 Worth Writing: Children’s books

about single-sex parents tend to be

out-of-date. Author Jodie Lancet- MoodBoard
Page 12
Grant is on a mission to change that.
70 7 Tips For Car Selling: It’s a seller’s REGULARS

market! Find out how to cash in on 9 We Love: e WW team shares what
they’re loving right now - and what
your second-hand they’re not.
10 NoteBook: Upcoming events to book,
car. Ginger plan and visit. Hello,
74 5 Ways To at 50 12 MoodBoard: Putting on the glitz. It feels right to be taking the reins at
Welcome Page 92 46 The Hot List: Check out our top Woman’s Way, just as we head into
September: entertainment picks, e Most Hated Man the back to school season. Like a kid
on the Internet reviewed and, as always, on their first day, I’m both excited
How to our pick of the very best new books. and apprehensive. It’s a wonderful
50 You Said It: Reader’s letters and opportunity but I know there will be
embrace the Picture is - photos of what readers have challenges, there always are.
been up to. Joining this magazine more than 18
shorter days 52 Timeout: Take a break, try our quiz and months ago gave me a whole new lease
Prize Crossword. of life. When Norah asked me to come on
and longer 68 Knitting: is knitted jumper in sage is board as her deputy, I was coming to the
a perfect match for the new season. end of a long period of ill health. Countless
nights. 71 Horoscopes: What’s in the stars for you surgeries had muddled my brain and, at
90 How to in the coming weeks? the time, I wasn’t sure I could write my
be a millionaire: 73 Ask Fiona: Our columnist and trained own name, despite having worked as a
counsellor answers reader dilemmas. journalist for more than 30 years. It was
Experts explain how 94 Quick Fire: Charlene Flanagan takes daunting but I had a super supportive boss
our Quickfire Question challenge. and a great team. After a few weeks, I
reality TV star Gemma Collins got rich. began to find my feet.
92 Ginger at 50: How Ginger Spice’s HEALTH & WELLBEING I’d never really considered working on
a woman’s magazine before and, with
fashion sense changed over the decades. 76 Exercise For Sleep: Moving leads to each new issue, I discovered I loved it.
snoozin’ - and it’s easy to do with these I’d found my home. My days were spent
Age Wise expert tips. writing or reading pieces on beauty,
Page 80 78 Feel The Music: e magic of music fashion, interiors, gardening - all the
unlocks feelings like nothing else. stuff I was naturally interested in. More
THE WW TEAM 79 Keeping That Holiday Vibe: How to than that, I was writing for an audience
keep the joy of holidays in your everyday I really understood. Women in their 50s
Editor in Chief: Norah Casey life. and beyond. Women, like me, who’ve been
Editor: Carissa Casey 80 Age Wise: Discover some of the factors through their fair share of tough times and
Staff Writer: Rachel Spillane that contribute to premature ageing. come out the other side. Women who have
Copy Editor & Writer: Astrid Madsen 82 Dementia Don’ts: Ways to minimise no intention of becoming invisible and are
Website Co-ordinator: Niamh O’Reilly your risk of developing the condition. just as interested in new opportunities and
Art Director: Karl O’Toole new challenges as they always were.
Designers: Áine Duffy and Susan Conley In this first autumn issue, we’re embracing
Subscriptions: [email protected] the change a new season brings,
Email: [email protected] savouring its own particular beauty and
Woman’s Way, September 12, 2022 relishing the fact that we’re here to enjoy
Vol.60 Issue 18 it. ere will be challenges ahead, but

Cari a xwe’re more than ready

for them.

To subscribe online log on to womansway.ie or call the Subscription Hotline on 01 465 9872

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Contact us: Subscriptions, email [email protected]; telephone hotline, 01 465 9872. Woman’s Way queries, email [email protected]; website womansway.ie.
Published by Harmonia Limited, printed by Boylan Print Group, distributed by Newspread. Woman’s Way is now a fortnightly magazine. Subscription rates for the Island of Ireland are:
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recording or otherwise without prior permission of the publishers. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for errors in advertisements, articles, photographs or illustrations. All
information is correct at time of going to press.

SeasonsChanging
Broadcaster and weather woman Nuala
Carey chats to Rachel Spillane about
her busy summer, adjusting to life after
Covid and looking forward to autumn.

“It was a new adventure for Bingo and lotto draws on RTÉ, having were, Nuala would be front and centre,
me,” Nuala Carey enthuses, a co-host stand alongside her was raring to go.
talking about e Summer both new and refreshing. “When I’m
Show, a four-part series on presenting the weather or the lotto, I’m “I would be the first one out in
RTÉ which aired in July. on screen a lot on my own. But actually, I my walking boots,” she laughs. “I
“It was about the outdoors, nature and love having someone with me.” thoroughly enjoyed it, and I know the
biodiversity. Anyone who knows me, audience enjoyed it as well. I would be
knows I love walking and I’ve always “I had known Derek before,” Nuala absolutely delighted if we could give it
loved the fresh air. So I was delighted explains. “I used to contribute to his radio another go.”
when I got it because it was the perfect show years ago and I really like him.”
match.” Nuala, who previously worked on AA
Nuala was joined also by co-presenter e pair seem to get along famously. Roadwatch presenting traffic reports
Derek Mooney as they embarked on a Nuala describes Derek as “lovely, on the radio and also presented and
unique road trip around the country chatty and bright” and their on-screen produced a number of shows on Dublin
retracing the footsteps of pilgrims, and chemistry and banter is really engaging City FM, joined RTÉ in March 1999.
showcasing Ireland’s natural beauty and to audiences. “He’s also very funny. We “ is is where I’ve kind of grown up,”
heritage. Celebrities, poets and historians got on great.” she says.
joined the presenting duo with the aim
of inspiring audiences to take a trip off Nuala was sorry to see the filming of e “I really like the people who work
the beaten track and reconnect with Summer Show come to an end but claims here, which is always a huge thing in
nature. Something we should all embrace to be really thankful for the experience. a job.”
when looking ahead to the change in “It was a small team, and we would all eat
season. “It’s finished up now but you breakfast together in the hotel. ere was Another thing Nuala loves about
can still watch e Summer Show on the great camaraderie.” working for RTÉ is the varied work,
RTÉ Player,” says Nuala, before adding there’s something new each day to
jokingly, “shameless plug!” “When it was all over, I missed it,” she keep her on her toes. “It’s the weather
While Nuala is no stranger to being admits. “I got to see beautiful parts of today, Telly Bingo tomorrow. It’ll be the
on screen, presenting the weather, Telly Ireland as well. I hadn’t been to Dingle in lotto in September every Wednesday
years and it had always been on my mind and Saturday evening. And I was just
to go back.” down the country for a few days at a
time with e Summer Show,” she says.
ere is no talk of a second season of “It keeps you sharp.”
e Summer Show just yet but if there

4 WOMANSWAY.IE

INTERVIEW

continues overleaf >>
WOMANSWAY.IE 5

“I’ve always loved

being a judge - right. It’s like splitting hairs.”
it’s hard because “All of the judges who have

each woman is been involved over the years,
exceptional in her myself included, take it very
seriously,” Nuala stresses.
own right” “While one woman might win

the main accolade

[overall Mum of the Year],

they are all brilliant.”

One of the things Nuala loves most

about the awards is finally getting to meet

all of the mums she hears so much about

on the judging panel, which for the last

couple of years has been held over Zoom

because of Covid. “I remember sitting

beside a winner one year, but she didn’t

know she had won, and my mum was on

the other side of me saying ‘she’s so lovely.

I hope she wins something’ but I couldn’t

say a word!”

“Some of the women haven’t had

an easy life and I admire how they’ve

been able to pick themselves up and

support their families while looking after

themselves too.”

e Awards luncheon is not only an

exciting day out for Nuala but for her

mum, Ann, who equally enjoys it. “Mum

really enjoys the day. I wouldn’t dream of

Nuala Carey and her mother Ann not bringing her with me. And if we had
pictured at the Woman’s Way and any other plans, we’d end up cancelling
Beko Mum of the Year Award 2021 them because we enjoy the day so much.”

“ ere is something very special about

LIFE AFTER COVID [the Awards]. While all of the women

For many of us, the Covid pandemic feels well as e Ploughing Championships this have never met each other before, you see
like a lifetime ago but in reality, it’s been
a mere few months since restrictions month,” Nuala says. it in the room on the day that they get on
were lifted completely. So how is Nuala
adjusting to life after Covid? “I suppose it sends a signal to our really well. I see them exchanging stories

“I worked all through Covid and brains that, while Covid hasn’t and phone numbers by the end of it. It’s a
actually worked in RTÉ, so it wasn’t as
stark of a contrast for me as it may have completely gone away, we’re getting lovely event in so many ways.”
been for other people. You know, those
who would have gone to work five days used to living in this world. I really like CHANGING SEASONS
a week on public transport or battling seeing [it all] come back.”
traffic and then were suddenly at home,”
Nuala says. “ at’s a huge adjustment.” MUM OF THE YEAR Not everyone likes to say goodbye to
summer, but Nuala says heading into
e biggest adjustment Nuala’s had to
face is getting used to “normal things” Of all the hats Nuala wears, the judge’s autumn doesn’t bother her. “I try and
again and getting back out there - not
an easy feat when we became so used to hat is our favourite. at’s right, Nuala look at the positives with every change
limited social contact, primarily through
laptops and phones. “I was at a wedding Carey is the longest-reigning judge for in season,” she explains. “I really love
recently - the first wedding I’ve been at
since before Covid - and I appreciated it the Woman’s Way and Beko Mum of the the month of September. And the
more than ever. It was just so lovely to
be back seeing people I hadn’t seen in a Year Awards. “I’ve been told that!,” she weather can be fairly good. In fact, I find
while.”
says, delighted, before adding: “It’s ironic
“Even when I was watching the news
over summer, I saw the Dublin Horse because when I was first approached, I
Show and e Rose of Tralee were back, as
actually said ‘are you sure? I don’t have

any children’ and they said ‘no, but you

have a mother’.”

A common theme the awards celebrate

is how the true heroes of our society

are the mums who hold family and

community together, who care for their

loved ones, old and young. And it’s

because of this that Nuala takes her title

so seriously. “I’ve always loved being a

judge and it’s extremely hard because

each woman is exceptional in her own

6 WOMANSWAY.IE

I sleep better in September because the INTERVIEW
temperatures start to drop.”
WOMANSWAY.IE 7
Ireland is beautiful all year round, as
Nuala says “there’s something lovely
about each season”, but September
holds something special with sunshine
peaking through the dreariness of
autumn and parks littered with gold,
red and green leaves crunching
underneath our feet. “I love seeing
the change in parks and the colour
of the leaves,” she says.

“ e only time of year I’m not
mad on is when the clocks go back
at the end of October and the dark
evenings. I still try and embrace the
cosiness of winter because then you
have Christmas to look forward to.”

Weather on the back-burner,
there’s one event in September that
Nuala is really looking forward
to, and that is the Ploughing
Championships in Carlow.
“It’s the return of the Ploughing
Championships as we know it,” she
says excitedly.

“For the last two years, some
competitions took place but it wasn’t open
to the public. I’m really looking forward
to it because we’re going back to the way
it’s always been.”

e social aspect of the Ploughing
Championships is not something Nuala
will take for granted this year either.
“ ere were people that I met every year,
and I would even know what county
they’re from, and they would come over
and we would have a chat. So I’m looking
forward to meeting those people again,
who I haven’t met in two years.”

For the month of September, Nuala
also presents the lotto every Wednesday
and Saturday night. “I’m also involved
in judging the National Lottery Good
Causes Awards,” she adds. e awards
celebrate and honour the inspirational
work carried out by volunteers, coaches,
caregivers and other individuals across
Ireland, and the organisations they
represent.

What begins to sound like a season of
all work and no play is quickly turned
on its head when Nuala tells Woman’s
Way she’s heading off on her holidays in
October.

“I haven’t left the country since August
2019,” she laughs. “I’ve nothing booked
but I want to go to the sun. A week or
ten days off to put my feet up and read
magazines by the pool.”

Sounds like bliss. WW

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We Love WE LOVE
PASSION · CRAVES · MOOD

Cari a loves So Into...

Poems for When You Can’t Find the Words: Changing gas and
You don’t need to be grieving to appreciate this electricity providers.
lovely book from the Irish Hospice Foundation There’s serious savings
and Poetry Ireland, but it would make a very to be made.

thoughtful gi for someone who is. The Finnish Prime
Watching kids grow: It seems like Minister Sanna
only yesterday that the hottie Marin. Go girl!
pictured le (my great-niece Casey)
was an adorable little tot. One of Autumn harvest:
the great pleasures of getting older. Punnets of berries, apples
and pears in a shop near
Niamh loves you. Time to break out the
pie dish.
As much as I’ve loved summer with
my two little dudes (pictured right), Fall fashion. Bring on the
I’m excited for the routine of back cosy knits and chunky boots.
to school… and to drink a hot cup of
co ee in peace. So Over...
Autumn is my favourite time of the
year and I’m loving that the leaves Princess Di documentaries.
are starting to turn a little bit golden Whatever happened to Rest In
already. Bring on the deep reds and Peace?
yellows.
Dublin being rebranded as Dirty
Rachel loves Old Town, with a side of anti-
social behaviour. It’s our capital
Colour Wow Dream Coat Supernatural city for heaven’s sake.
Spray: This has been a game changer
in my hair routine. I spray a generous Christmas décor in the shops. It’s
amount all over my head before blow- not even October yet.
drying (it’s heat activated) and the
result is smooth, shiny locks. Electric Scooters: You are adult
It Ends With Us by Collen Hoover: A men, please stop and go buy a
breathtakingly beautiful read about bike.
love, loss and life that will have you
feeling every emotion under the sun.

WOMANSWAY.IE 9

Note Book
PLAN · BOOK · VISIT

Wanna be on TV?

RTÉ is looking for contributors for a new sustainable interiors show called
Relove My Space. It’s a house programme with a di erence - the focus is
on re-loving what you mostly already have, a one-room budget makeover
series with a sustainability twist. Expect lots of upcycling, reusing and
repurposing what is already in your home, with the help of some charity
and free-cycle finds, to create a new dream space.

Participants will have one room redesigned and made over by our expert
team. They’ll be resourceful and cra y to give you a fab room makeover
that you’ll absolutely love.

This RTÉ Player Original series will be filmed between October and
November 2022.
To apply send an email to [email protected]

Lost Lear

Lost Lear is a new (and unashamedly loose) adaptation
of the Shakespearean classic King Lear which will debut
at the Dublin Theatre Festival. Written by Dan Colley,
it’s set in the world of Joy (Venetia Bowe), a woman
with dementia, who is being cared for through a method
where people live inside an old memory. It runs at the
Project Arts Centre September 26 to 9 October 2022,
with additional dates at Mermaid Arts Centre post-
festival.
dublintheatrefestival.ie

Happy as
a pig in….

Fancy checking out some rare breed pigs? Then head to Rock Farm
Slane which is now doing tours of its 90-acre organic farm, which
also includes rare breed cattle and a flock of chickens laying free-
range eggs. The tours run on Thursdays which is also the Farmer's
Market day at the castle. It runs from 11am to 4pm.
For more visit rockfarmslane.ie

10 WOMANSWAY.IE

NOTE BOOK

Coffee

Morning

Actor Brendan Gleeson has urged co ee
lovers to get brewing in a bid to raise
€1.5 million for “life-a rming” hospice
services across Ireland. The Hollywood
star joined hospice hosts and volunteers at
Bewley’s cafe on Dublin’s Gra on Street to
kickstart the Bewley’s Big Co ee Morning
Social for Hospice charity appeal. Asking
people across the country to organise a
co ee morning on Thursday, September
22, Gleeson said the funds raised will go
towards allowing people to have “full lives”
for as long as possible. The event, which
is marking its 30th year, has raised more
than €41.5 million for local hospices and
specialist palliative homecare services since
its inception.

For more visit hospiceco eemorning.ie

Miles of Food

Waterford’s Harvest Festival is planning a 100-mile food
market across the city’s squares and interconnecting
streets. The Festival runs from September 9 to 11 and will
include a Honey Championship as well as live music and
chef demonstrations. More than half of the food and drinks
businesses at the event will be from Co Waterford.

By Carissa Casey Night Walk

for Night Nurses

Darren Kennedy is the new face of the Boots Night Walk in aid
of the Irish Cancer Society (ICS). The main walk takes place this
year on September 9 at the Phoenix Park, Dublin but participants
can arrange to walk together locally. The event raises money for
the ICS’s night nursing service which provides end-of-life care for
people with cancer.

Visit bootsnightwalk.com

WOMANSWAY.IE 11

CREATE · CURATE · INSPIRE

MOODBOARD

1

2 3 6

PUTTING ON THE GLITZ 5

Think sequins, sparkles, silvers and gold (yes, way before Christmas) 12
and add those shimmering accessories to your home and wardrobe
for this hot new autumn trend. The glamour and glitz look is hard 15
to nail - there is a fine line between classy and tacky. However,
it looks like this trend will be here through to New Year so it is
worth investing in some key statement accessories to add that luxe
feel. There are some lovely inexpensive options from shimmering
cushions to tableware glitz that will glam-up your space, while
bed throws, rugs and wallpaper can add a more generous touch of
luxurious extravagance. Blend the shimmers and sparkles with your
style canvas rather than overwhelming it, creating a hybrid décor and
style look that can easily transition in months to come. Here’s our
pick of some smart ways to add those touches of sparkle and glitz
into your life. Shine on!

1.POOKY Conchita Chandelier €524.66, visit pooky.com 2.FRENCH BEDROOM
Sylvia Serenity Silver French Bed €2,021.12, visit frenchbedroomcompany.
co.uk 3.HOMESENSE Gold Dog €16.99, visit Homesense 4.RED CANDY G&Tea
Cocktail Set €35.77, visit redcandy.co.uk 5.SWEETPEA & WILLOW Eichholtz
Drappo Jar (Set of 3) €643.90, visit sweetpeaandwillow.com 6.MELODY MAISON
Pink Glitz Diamante Trinket Box €24.38, visit melodymaison.co.uk 7.GINGER
RAY Gold Compressed Air Star Confetti Cannon Shooter €2.47, visit gingerray.
co.uk 8.OP THE BUBBLY Gold Foil Star Shaped Curtain €9.53, visit gingerray.
co.uk 9.SHOWGIRLS WALLPAPER Metallic Teal & Cream Graduate Collection
€166.94, visit limelace.co.uk 10.MELODY MAISON Large Silver Hammered Metal
Planter €59.56, visit melodymaison.co.uk 11.THE DESIGN GIFT SHOP MoMA
Shimmerware High Glasses €37.66, visit thedesigngiftshop.com 12.ZINC TEXTILE
Snap Cushion Chartreuse & Silver €160.97 (each), visit sweetpeaandwillow.com
13.YELLOW OCTOPUS Regency Gold & White Hourglass 30 Minutes €27.43,
visit YellowOctopus.com.au 14.ORLI Gold Shimmer Massage Candles €9.93, visit
massagecandles.co.uk 15.COTTERELL & CO Rugari Enamel Malibu Finish
Glass Table Lamp with Atmosphere Solaris Cornflower Shade €236.10,
visit cotterellandco.com 16.MELODY MAISON Gold Pineapple Towel
Rail €28.56, visit melodymaison.co.uk 17.TALKING TABLES Emporium
Gold Apple Ice Bucket €47.70, visit talkingtables.co.uk 18.WALTON & CO
Baroque Napkin Ring Silver & Gold (Set of 4) €16.09, visit waltonshop.co.uk
19.ALLENDE Modern Mirror Satin Gold (68 cm) €200, visit harveynorman.ie

12 WOMANSWAY.IE

16 MOOD BOARD

10 18 17 19

4

7

11 9

8 14

13 WOMANSWAY.IE 13

15

15

8 618 12 4
20
21
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22 2

1.LIPSY Short Sleeve Sequin Midi Dress €86, visit next.ie 2.H&M Fringe-Hem 25 24
Sequined Dress €49.99, visit hm.com 3.COAST Iridescent All Over Sequin Tiered
Hem Dress €219, visit coastfashion.com 4.NADINE MERABI Sara Champagne
Co-Ord Set €470, visit nadinemerabi.com 5.ASTR THE LABEL Della Bodysuit
€105, visit revolve.com 6.H&M Rhinestone-Trimmed Satin Top €26, visit
hm.com 7.JOANNE HYNES Sequin Jacket €50, visit dunnesstores.com 8.IN
THE STYLE Black Sequin Trousers €7, visit inthestyle.ie 9.WHISTLES Sequin
Midi Skirt €75, visit whistles.com 10.BOOHOO Embellished Jumpsuit €90, visit
boohoo.com 11.EGO Chriselle Bow Detail Diamante Lace Up Clear Perspex Heel
In Blue Satin €31.99, visit eu.egoshoes.com 12.DUNE LONDON Metallic Sparkly
Hotfix High Leg Point Boots €320, visit dunelondon.com 13.KATE SPADE
Trista Sneakers €110, visit katespade.com 14.TIPPERARY CRYSTAL Silver Pear
Shaped Earrings €25, visit tipperarycrystal.ie 15.PAUL VALENTINE Sparkling
Tennis Necklace €69, visit paul-valentine.com 16.ZARA Sequined Butterfly
Earrings €12.95, visit zara.com 17.BETTY AND BIDDY Crystal Bracelet €25,
visit bettyandbiddy.com 18.PARFOIS Rhinestone Headband €29.99, visit
parfois.com 19.LITTLE MISTRESS Gold Diamante Bag €46.99, visit newlook.
com 20.KURT GEIGER LONDON Micro Kensington €55, visit kurtgeiger.
com 21.PIXI Glitter Eye Quad €18, visit marksandspencer.ie 22.NYX Metallic
Glitter - Beauty Beam €7.95, visit lookfantastic.ie 23.NAILS INC Santa
Monica Beach Nude Nail Polish €8, visit nailsinc.com 24.UOMA Beauty
Black Magic Hypnotic Impact Metallic Lipstick €26.95, visit lookfantastic.ie
25.KISS Gel Fantasy Nails Fanciful €10.99, visit boots.ie

14 WOMANSWAY.IE

11 MOOD BOARD

9 16

6 10

13 1
19
14
WOMANSWAY.IE 15
7
3

23 5

Mum of the year Nominee

Breaking

DownBarriers

Niamh O’Reilly chats Ellie Kisyombe
to Ellie Kisyombe about
living through direct
provision, making tough
choices for her children
and why keeping silent is
not in her DNA.

Ellie Kisyombe came to Ireland “Many mothers are
in 2010 as a refugee seeking
asylum, fleeing her native tough choices to protect her living in the politically-active father
country Malawi and leaving her children, not all of which one room with died in suspicious
children behind her. e single
mother was separated from her twins for were clear to her kids at the their family and circumstances. She feared
almost six years as she navigated the murky time. not allowed to repercussions for her own
and often complicated waters of Ireland’s make meals” political activism, and she
much misaligned direct provision system “ ere was a time when has had to reconcile her
for almost a decade, before getting her things were difficult, it was
residency in late 2019.
not easy for me as a single decisions with the effect
“Being separated from my children was
a very, very tough time for me. Friends mother to shape the kids, it had on her relationship
helped and I managed to get them here
eventually. But I had to grow as a mother,” but they couldn’t realise what strength and with her children.
she says. “It was trying to bridge the
relationship with the kids, when they courage it took for me to go through what I “I’ve tried as a mother to protect them
didn’t understand you or why you left them
behind.” did,” she recalls. “I embraced them, I tried and maybe there was a time when I had

Fast forward to today and the family is to cover them under my wings, because it’s to be selfish to do it in my own way, but
thriving. Her twins Tina and Maurice are in
university, with Tina getting her law degree very easy in that scenario to lose your kids, now they can wake up and realise actually
this year and her son Maurice in the second
year of his marketing course. for them to go off in another direction. It I wasn’t selfish, but I did it for their best

“We are doing well and are happy in our was a tough situation, and everyone looks interests,” she says. “Now we are trying to
home,” Ellie says. “We are just setting down
now and we take it one day at a time.” for survival in different ways.” start over living our lives. Unfortunately,

While the family are finally getting the Ellie had to flee Malawi after her we came out of direct provision and then
chance to live their normal lives, there’s
no question the system took its toll on
them all, especially Ellie who had to make

16 WOMANSWAY.IE

AWARDS

Ellie with her children
Tina and Maurice

Ellie's own brand of hot “I started volunteering with the and broken down barriers between
sauce called Ellie's Kitchen refugee council because the system communities.
was not in good shape. We had many
Covid happened, so we sort of went from rights that were taken away, so I started rough her work with Our Table, Ellie
that into lockdown, but we are taking one campaigning for the right to work or the was given a scholarship with Darina Allen
day at a time.” right to cook.” in Ballymaloe Cookery School, which
Ellie describes as “one of my life changing
“I’m looking forward to starting to live While improvements have been made moments”. She’s since gone on to launch
my full life,” she beams. to the direct provision system, due to be her own brand of hot sauce called Ellie’s
scrapped in 2024, Ellie experienced the Kitchen, and was also the first asylum
Despite all she’s been through, including tougher end of the regime. “Many mothers seeker to run for local councillor in 2019.
the threat to her life in Malawi, Ellie is were living in the one room with their While she didn’t get elected, she doesn’t
not one to stay silent. She is in fact a family and not allowed to make meals for regret a second of it.
powerhouse of positivity. While many their children. You couldn’t even make
asylum seekers could be forgiven for choices on the different cuisines you So where does her neverending fount of
simply keeping their heads down and wanted to cook. I’m from southern central hutzpah come from? “From my family,” she
focusing on their own stressful situations, Africa where our food is different, we have declares. “For me coming here has given me
Ellie decided to dive in and challenge head organic, healthy meals and food in direct a meaning for myself and an understanding
on what was clearly a broken system. provision is often mass produced and that overnight life can change. I grew up in
processed and all of that is unhealthy.” a privileged family and I would never have
thought I would find myself in my position.
ings had to change, and food was to It could happen to anyone.”
play a pivotal role in Ellie’s endeavours.
Together with Michelle Darmody she Despite her ups and downs, for Ellie,
co-founded the community-based social Ireland is home. “I love Ireland, it has given
enterprise, Our Table. “It brings together me everything that I needed.” WW
asylum seekers and the Irish community
to break bread and share a space where If you’d like to nominate someone for
asylum seekers could get work and people Mum of the Month, which is part of our
could come and listen to their stories annual Mum of the Year Awards 2022 in
instead of hearing them on the street.” partnership with Beko, please send us an
email at [email protected] or enter
e initiative has not only fed thousands, on our website womansway.ie
it’s forged long-lasting friendships

WOMANSWAY.IE 17

COMPETITION

Win A TWO-NIGHT BREAK AT THE
OCEAN SANDS HOTEL, CO SLIGO
The Ocean Sands Hotel Enniscrone
is giving one lucky reader the To enter, please answer the
chance to win a two-night midweek following question:
break for two adults, including a
delicious tasting menu dinner and WHAT BEACH DOES THE OCEAN
a salt cave spa treatment. Head SANDS HOTEL OVERLOOK?
chef Marcin Szczodrowski presents
the impressive nine-course Chef’s HOW TO ENTER
Signature Tasting Menu on Email your answer by September
Thursdays and the luxury Ocean 12 to: [email protected]
Spa o ers a range of body and including your name, address and
beauty treatments using quality telephone number and labelling your
Elemis and Ishga products. mail ‘The Ocean Sands Competition’

An award-winning wedding This Woman's Way competition is open to anyone resident
venue, The Ocean Sands Hotel has in NI and the Republic of Ireland, aged 18 and over, except
a limited number of dates available employees and their families of Harmonia Publishing, its
in 2023. Walk hand-in-hand on printers and anyone else connected with the competition.
the Enniscrone sands for a dreamy
wedding by the sea. Choose from No purchase is necessary. We will only accept one
civil, spiritual and humanist competition entry per reader. Prizes are awarded by drawing
ceremonies in one of the hotel
rooms with a sea view or even entries a er the closing date. Winners will be notified by
on the beach itself. Enjoy email. The editor’s decision is final.
the wild Atlantic welcome in
the newly-refurbished hotel
overlooking the spectacular
Enniscrone beach.

For more, visit
theoceansandshotel.ie

18 WOMANSWAY.IE

BEAUTY

Find out what’s on the Woman’s
Way crew’s bathroom shelves. is
issue Editor, Carissa Casey, shares

her current favourite products.

Bare by Vogue Face Tanning Mist (Medium) €18 Luna by Lisa Jordan Airbrush €24
While I keep my face out of the sun as much as possible A great multi-tasker. This is a
and always wear Sun Protection Factor (SPF), I’m not a primer, highlighter and tint in one.
huge fan of a deathly white face. Even in winter, a little I’m not sure I’d wear it alone (I’m
bit of glow never goes amiss. I’ve tried misting my face an unashamed makeup girl) but it’s
but ended up with eye irritation so, instead, I spray onto super under foundation. The glow is
my hands and smooth over my face. A quick hand wash pretty subtle which suits the cooler,
means I don’t end up with beautifully tanned palms. duller days ahead and it definitely
holds makeup in place. It also gives a
nice pore blurring e ect.

Avant Multi-Defense Ceramides Protecting Veil €87 Zara Limitless So Matte Foundation €15.99
I read recently that sun exposure is the main cause of I’ve been a huge fan of Zara makeup ever since it launched
skin ageing so an SPF50 is always the last thing I apply about a year ago. The packaging is super stylish and the
before I put on makeup. Some products feel gloopy and product quality excellent. The foundation is a recent addition
leave the skin feeling dull. This one is light as air and to the range and it is now my daily go-to. Having an oily
provides a whole host of additional protection. t-zone it works for me. It’s also quite dense so a little goes a
long way. The Hyrda Glow Tinted Moisturiser (€15.99) isn’t
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer €399 available yet but sounds like it might work better for dry
I’m blaming Sali Hughes, the Guardian’s skin. I’m hoping it will be a good weekend option and for ‘no
beauty writer, for shelling out a crazy makeup’ makeup days.
amount of hard-earned cash for a hair
dryer. But then I’ve never gone wrong Sunday Riley - A+ High- Frances Prescott Eye &
following her advice. Yup it’s a crazy Dose Retinoid Serum €79 Lip Contour Cream €80
price but yup I’m loving it. I’m getting as It’s been a while since I used I’m loving this cream at
close as I’ve ever gotten to a salon style retinol in my skincare routine the moment. First up,
blow dry in half the time I usually spend but, with summer drawing to it’s multi-tasking which
doing my hair. With my classic Irish a close, I felt it might be time is always a winner in my
frizzy hair, the ‘flyaway’ attachment to add it in. This one is super book, since my bathroom
leaves my locks super-smooth. strong and, despite having a shelves are o en
pretty high tolerance, I still groaning with product.
only use it about two or three It’s lightweight and
times a week and interchange absorbs easily, leaving
it with hydrating products. both the delicate under
Otherwise I find my skin eye area and the lips
dries out. feeling super hydrated.

WOMANSWAY.IE 19

FASHION 3

Maxi drama and styleseasNoenw
mohair knits were big
hits at Paris Fashion 1 12
Week earlier this year.
Rachel Spillane shares Maxi Drama
four fashion trends
you’ll want in your Floor-length styles were a hit at Paris Fashion
wardrobe for autumn… Week, a nice change from the micro-mini skirts
that usually flock the runways. Maxi gúnas, skirts
Courtesy of Toga and even lengthy trench coats were sweeping the
floor, adding a hint of drama and sophistication
2 aplenty to autumnal looks.
1 Next Satin A-Line Skirt €40
Colour 2 Joe Browns Boho Belle Dress €82, visit very.ie
Blocking
3 3 Peruzzi Pleat Dress €150, visit choiceboutique.com
There was a time when people baulked
at the sight of navy and black, or
red and fuchsia but colour clashing
is heavily on-trend right now.
Experiment with accessories. For
example, wear a green dress with
pink or blue heels and a matching
bag.
1 Olivia Rubin Imogen Polka Dot Dress €85 for
3 days rent, visit theragrevolution.com
2 Never Fully Dressed Petite Tonal Blouse
€58.95, visit zalando.ie
3 SilkFred Plunge Neck Contrast Colour Midi
Dress Dress In Pink And Orange €70

20 WOMANSWAY.IE

Keep It Knit 2

With rising heating costs at home, it’s no surprise 3
knitwear is at the forefront of autumn/winter trends
this year. Instead of chunky pieces to layer underneath Courtesy of
puffers or parkas however, designers chose soft fabrics Marques_Almeida
to accentuate the elegance of form-fitting knitwear.
Beautiful argyle patterns and brushed mohair staples Hard Shoulder
will be great additions to your wardrobe.
1 Cos Regular-Fit Mohair Jumper €135 It’s time we channelled our inner Joan Collins
2 & Other Stories Argyle Wool Knit Jumper €129 because Dynasty-inspired shoulders are back.
3 M&S Collection Recycled Blend Ribbed Relaxed Jumper €50 This trend has reemerged countless times over

Courtesy of 1 the years but it never fails to add
Ralph Lauren 3 some pzazz to your look. Opt
for a blazer dress with striking
1 shoulders or keep it classic
with a longline blazer.
1
1 Boohoo Plus Colour Pop Longline
Blazer €50
2 Frankie Shop White Suit €80 rental
for 3 days, visit happy-days.ie
3 Karen Millen Tuxedo Pencil Dress

€141, visit arnotts.ie

2

WOMANSWAY.IE 21

BEAUTY

Red lips, smokey eyes wBeauatytch
and glowing skin are
having a makeup 4
moment right now, 2
says Rachel Spillane.
Here are four beauty 1
trends to watch out for
this autumn…

Red Lips

Striking red lips were seen on fall runways this year
in a mix of satin, stained and matte finishes. And
while red lips have previously been worn with bare
faces, makeup artists paired the bold lip with an
equally bold smokey eye to elevate the look.
1 Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Matte Lipstick €21
2 Clarins Water Lip Stain Deep Red €22
3 Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipstick €12.99
4 Collection Gloss Me Up Lip Gloss Red Apple €3.99

2 1 3 Glass Skin
4
22 WOMANSWAY.IE Shimmering, clean-looking skin was a
3 universal trend at Paris Fashion Week, a
nice break from flushed cheeks and heavy
contour. This trend starts with skincare so
invest in good quality products that include
a selection of active ingredients and opt for
a lighter, sheer foundation that will blend
effortlessly into the skin.
1 The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution €9.45
2 Milk Hydro Grip Primer €35
3 Rare Beauty Liquid Touch Weightless Foundation €33
4 Kash Beauty Skin Glaze €19.95

Metallic Accents 3

From foil eyeshadow to pops of glitter, metallic makeup is
trending big this year. Paris Fashion Week is not only a place
for eclectic style, but beauty too with designers like Dior,
Vaquera and Bronx and Banco bringing Euphoria-inspired
makeup looks into the fold. If you’re not one for shimmers
and sparkles on your lid, metallic nail polish is a great intro
to this ethereal trend.
1 Stila Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow €29
2 Essie Nail Colour 613 Penny Talk Nail Polish €9.99
3 Natasha Denona Chromium Liquid Eyeshadow €29.30
4 NYX Professional Makeup Epic Wear Long Lasting Liner Stick €7.95

42

1

Smokey Eyes

Grungey lids and smoked out lash lines are back
for autumn but this time, there’s no bronzey
hues to soften the look. Instead, makeup artists
emphasised silver and black shades for added
edginess. And if you struggle with a sharp
cat-eye, like me, reverse cat-eye looks are
fool-proof. Take your favourite kohl liner, run it
along your lower lash line and blend it out with
black shadow - it’s as simple as that. WW
1 Natasha Denona Mini Xenon Eyeshadow Palette €27
2 MAC Kajal Crayon €24
3 Rosie For Inglot Copper Ambition Eye Shadow Palette €34

3 4 L'Oreal Paris Flash Winged Eyeliner Black €12.99

4
2

1 WOMANSWAY.IE 23

FASHION

Accessories make
powerful additions
to any outfit and
luckily, never go out
of style, says Rachel
Spillane. Here are four
throwback trends for

accessoriesTrendingthisautumn…
1
2

Big Bangles 13

I don’t think any of us were 4
prepared for this trend to
make a comeback, but Saint 2 Statement
Laurent, Jil Sander and Chloe Earrings
had their models sashsaying
down the runway with stacks Cascading chandelier style
of chunky bangles adorning earrings were really popular at Paris Fashion
their wrists. Experiment Week, as well as chunky studs. Unlike with stacked
with different materials and bangles, less is definitely more when it comes to pairing
colours and remember in this statement earrings with an outfit. If you’re new to this
case, less is not more. trend, wear something understated and let your ears do
1 The Kooples Two-Tone Metal Bracelet With all the talking.
Large Links €65 1 Zara Cascading Rhinestone Earrings €15.95
2 Next Multi Bright Chunky Bangle Pack €18 2 Oliver Bonas Odelia Matt Resin Triple Link Pink Drop Earrings €26.50
3 Swarovski Power Collection Bracelet €34.50
4 Simon Harrison Maia Cream Bangle €175, 4 3 Wink Atelier Wink White Flower Circle Earrings €185, visit loulerie.com
visit designyard.ie 4 Cos Knotted Pearl Earrings €35

24 WOMANSWAY.IE 3

4
21

Sky High Boots 3

Boots are reaching for the stars this season with
over the knee styles being favoured over chunky
ankle boots. Most notably, these sky high boots
are worn with midi skirts and dresses, keeping
the look sharp and sophisticated.
1 M&S Collection Wide Fit Flat Over the Knee Boots €90
2 Next Suede Knee High Slouch Boots €114
3 Steven New York Sabrina Boots €179.95, visit zalando.ie
4 Mackenzie Over the Knee Stretch Boots ExWide Fit Standard
Calf €40, visit oxendales.ie

4

1 That’s So Clutch

Small, compact bags that hold the essentials with
zero hassle? Game changer. Neon shades such
as green, yellow and pink were most popular in
clutch bags for autumn but you can never go wrong
with keeping things neutral - especially if you’re
investing in a designer piece. WW
1 Next Boxy Ruched Clutch Bag €36

2 2 Weekend Max Mara Prati Small Pasticcino Clutch €255
3 Ego Colden Asymmetric Shaped Clutch Bag In Pink Satin €18.99
4 & Other Stories Colourblock Clutch Bag €39
3

WOMANSWAY.IE 25

BEAUTY By Katie Wright, PA Fashion and Beauty Editor

Smells like fall. Here
are the perfumes you
need to know about this
season.

Autumn

Fragrances

Are you on the hunt for a new
signature scent? The perfect
perfume to match your
autumn/winter wardrobe?
This is the time of year when
a wave of fine fragrances waft onto beauty
counters, potent perfume blends to suit
the change of seasons. There are some real
standouts to choose from right now.

Which is the one for you? Here, we
run down a selection of the most-hyped
women’s designer and luxury scents of
2022…
1. Givenchy Interdit Rouge Eau de Parfum €70 for 35ml
This spicy spin-off of the Givenchy
bestseller sees piquant pimento leaf and
ginger added to the original tuberose
and jasmine-based juice. The lipstick red
bottle is a thing of beauty, too.

26 WOMANSWAY.IE

2. Estée Lauder Sensuous Stars Eau de
Parfum €84 for 40ml
Part of a luxury collection created
in collaboration with eight different
perfumers, Sensuous Stars is the work of
Amandine Clerc-Marie, who was inspired
by the idea of a moonlight stroll through
a plum tree grove. Notes of Chinese plum,
creamy orris flower and lavender make
for a warming fruity blend.
3. Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia Eau de Parfum
Spray €100 for 50ml
Putting the titular blossom front and
centre, the revamped Gorgeous Gardenia
is richer than the original eau de toilette,
with jasmine, patchouli, pear and a dash
of brown sugar giving it added oomph.
4. Moncler Pour Femme Eau de Parfum LED
Digital Screen €173 for 150ml
The first-ever women’s fragrance
(there’s a men’s edition too) from the
über-cool outerwear brand is housed in
an equally covetable bottle. Hooked up to
an app, you can programme the scrolling
LED display to whatever message you
wish. Inside, you’ll find a musky, snow-
inspired scent with crisp notes of jasmine
and cedarwood.
5. Carolina Herrera Good Girl Superstars
Eau De Parfum €92 for 80ml
The latest addition to the Good Girl
family, this sparkly stiletto collector’s
edition – which contains the much-loved
jasmine, tuberose and tonka bean juice –
is made for party season.
6. Marc Jacobs Perfect Intense Eau de Parfum
Spray €64.80 for 30ml
The follow-up to pale pink Perfect takes
the ode to self-acceptance (inspired by
Marc Jacob’s I am perfect as I am tattoo)
in a bold new direction, adding jasmine,
roasted almond and sandalwood notes to
the warm, comforting mix.
7. Frederic Malle Editions de Parfums Synthetic
Jungle €162 for 50ml
Are you looking for a truly distinctive
scent? Look no further than Synthetic
Jungle, the gorgeously-green 1970s
inspired juice in which basil is bolstered
with woody and leather notes, plus a
bouquet of white florals.
8. Cochine Vanille & Tabac Noir Eau De Parfum
€131 for 50ml
Inspired by tropical summer evenings
but ideal for winter wear, this beautifully
balanced scent combines the sweetness
of vanilla with smoky tobacco flower,
cardamom and patchouli. WW

WOMANSWAY.IE 27

BACK TO SCHOOL

ousands of adults are returning to education and
transforming their lives, writes Domhnall O’Donoghue.

When we think of adults to enhance their literacy skills as literacy and numeracy mean score in the
September, images of some of her most rewarding work. country.
young pupils excitedly
returning to school come “It’s heartening to see people embracing e reasons for these findings vary.
to mind. However, it’s opportunities to learn later in life,” she tells According to Ireland’s National Adult
me. “Initially, some feel they’re beyond Literacy Agency (NALA), some may have
left school early, while others may not have
not only youngsters who will be sharpening the age of improvement or have negative found learning relevant to their needs.
In other cases, they didn’t connect with
their pencils this autumn — but adults, too. memories of school. Others have previously teaching methods, or being part of large
classes meant their specific needs were
Across Ireland, over 40,000 men and concealed their difficulties from others, overlooked.

women with unmet literacy needs are feeling there was a stigma attached. Elsewhere, others left school with
competent skills, but constant changes in
making the life-changing decision to “Anxieties soon give way to excitement, the workplace and everyday life made their
abilities inadequate. As such, they may
return to education. rough their and with encouragement, they start struggle with understanding official forms
or navigating technology.
local Education and Training blossoming in self-confidence.”
NALA argues that unmet literacy needs
Board (ETB, formerly VEC), THE STATISTICS can negatively affect communities,
adults are working one-to- preventing people from fully participating
in society.
one with tutors, in small An OECD Adult Skills Survey

groups, online or over revealed that one in six Irish

the phone. Best of all, the adults face challenges with

courses are free. reading and writing. With

My mother, Máire, is a numeracy, the figure is one

retired schoolteacher but in four. Adults between the

cites her years supporting Domhnall O’Donoghue ages of 55 and 65 have the lowest

28 WOMANSWAY.IE

FEATURE

Domhnall and his mother,
Máire O'Donoghue

ey add: “People with unmet literacy Sally Ni Dhroighneáin CASE STUDY:
needs are more likely to report poor health,
to believe that they have little impact on WORLD LITERACY DAY Chris Carty, Sligo,
political processes, and not to participate in September 9 marks the UNESCO-supported speaking on Today FM
volunteer activities. ey are also less likely International Literacy Day, which “I came from a family of 15. Years ago,
to trust others.” recognises the importance of reading, children from big families were taken
writing and numeracy skills. e theme is out of school to work. It was easy to get
THE WORLD’S THEIR OYSTER Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces, cleaning jobs, but I couldn’t accept work
an acknowledgement of the shift in how like waitressing [because I couldn’t read
My mother explains that adult learning and where education is taught, ensuring or write].
differs from the traditional school it’s available to everyone, no matter their
experience and focuses on teaching circumstances — no matter their age. “I was 46, working as a housekeeper.
everyday life skills — like reading Health & Safety [regulations were
instructions and signs or equipping them When it comes to education, one thing is introduced], so everything had to be
with tools to help their children with certain: there is no Best Before date. WW written down. I didn’t know what was
homework. on the forms – things like mixtures of
For more information, call the National Adult bleach. I was terrified.
From the hundreds of students she has Literacy Agency support line — 1800 20 20
taught, she vividly remembers a man 65, free text LEARN to 50050 or contact your “My tutor would make it fun. A er a
determined to improve his writing skills. local ETB Adult Education Centre. year, I moved to the ‘big school’ with
other adults, studying computers. Eight
“He later published his autobiography years ago, I couldn’t even spell my
— an incredible achievement that inspired grandson’s name. Now, I’ve read every
many others,” my mother proudly reveals. book by Maeve Binchy! Learning has
opened up a new whole world for me.”
ere was also an elderly accountant who
lacked confidence in his writing ability.
After completing his literacy course,
he continued his studies at third level,
receiving a B.A. in History from Maynooth
University — all at the tender age of 80.

“Everybody’s goals are different and
personal,” my mother says, “but for some,
once they tap into their potential, there’s no
stopping them!”

Sally Ní Dhroighneáin, a lecturer at
Maynooth University, regularly works with
mature students with limited academic
experience.

“ e stakes are often higher for older
students — they genuinely want to be there,
appreciate the opportunity, and soak up
everything they can,” Sally says.

“ ey’ve been out of the academic loop
for so long and can be nervous — but there’s
so much additional support available.
Because their attitude is so positive, the rest
comes easily.”

WOMANSWAY.IE 29

Get your home ready for
the winter season with
these cleaning jobs.

The onset of autumn is a good
time to tackle some cleaning
jobs around the home. You
might want to make a start on
some tasks now, especially if
we’re going to be hunkering down inside
in the months to come.

“Throw open the windows and let
the fresh summer air circulate through
your home!” says Howard Moss, CEO of
Astonish cleaning brand.

“Now is the perfect time to give your
house a deep clean before wintry weather
and shorter days make it tougher to keep
up with your cleaning routine.”
HERE’S HOW TO GIVE
YOURSELF A HEAD START…
30 WOMANSWAY.IE

31 FEATURE

6

1>> Declutter your wardrobe "Remember to wash
By now you’ll know which summer
clothes you’ve lived in, and those all those hard to
that haven’t seen the light of day.
Separate favourite T’s, cottons, clean – and hard to
linens and shorts from those left
languishing on the shelves, to make dry – items such as that could be in your
room for transitional pieces as we head blankets, throws radiators, preventing
into autumn. them from moving into
and bedding” your boiler or heat pump.
“Consider looking through your
wardrobe and removing any clothes “It won’t take long to
you haven’t worn for more than two
years,” suggests Moss. “This is a good bleed all the radiators
rule to stick to, because if you haven’t
worn it over the past few years, it’s likely in a home, just 20 minutes, and you only
you won’t wear it again.”
need a bleed key, cloth and towel to place
2>> Clean your mattress
Often forgotten about, Moss says 5 underneath – you might need a bowl if
mattresses need cleaning as much as there’s lots of excess coming out – in case of
the next household item, and should spillage,” advises Steele.
be washed every six months – ideally
between summer and autumn. 4>> Clean the oven “Not bleeding them could cause internal
corrosion and damage parts linked to
“More dead skin from sunburn will
accumulate on a mattress over the Moss says ovens should be given a deep the boiler. Once this has been done, the
summer, as well as added dirt and residue
from moisturisers, sun creams and sweat,” clean every six months. “After a summer of pressure gauge on the boiler may have
notes Moss.
BBQs and alfresco dining, ovens are often dropped, so if that’s the case top it back up.
“It’s important to remove any unwanted
dirt and dangerous bacteria that’s gathered neglected and stubborn grease will have “It should be between 1 to 1.5 when the
over the last six months. After initially
using a vacuum to pull away unwanted formed,” he warns. heating is turned off, and 1.5 to 2 when
debris, finish the clean with a scented
linen or mattress spray.” “It’s important to give a deep clean before in use.”

3>> Size up your bedding using again in the autumn. I suggest using 7>> Get the boiler serviced
Lightweight summer bedding is crucial to an intense cleaning spray or a multi-use
a good night’s sleep.
paste to lift stubborn dirt.” For peace of mind, Steele says a boiler
Now’s the time to take stock of your
bedding, asking yourself: does your winter 5>> Clean your windows should be regularly serviced to ensure it’s
duvet need cleaning or replacing? working safely and efficiently.

“While we have the nice warm weather, Whether it’s spots from continually “In fact, the majority of boiler warranties
remember to wash all those hard to clean
– and hard to dry – items such as blankets, spritzing your window box, pollen on the require you to have it serviced annually for
throws and bedding,” suggests Moss.
sills or debris from deadheading flowers in this to be valid,” she notes. “An engineer
Choose a laundry cleanser that can
clean hygienically at lower temperatures. hanging baskets, now’s the time to tackle will inspect the boiler to make sure
According to Moss, “Not only is it better for
the environment, but it can reduce your stains and grime on your windows. An old everything’s in order, look for potential
energy bills by around 40 per cent a year.”
toothbrush will help lift any dirt from the gas leaks and corrosion, and ensure the gas

sills, and a simple solution of warm soapy pressure is at an appropriate level.

water should clean windows well – or “The whole process only takes around

vinegar and water for stubborn marks. Dry 20 minutes, and having this service now

with paper towel or soft cloth. will make sure a boiler will be in prime

Don’t clean them in direct sunlight, as condition for the winter months.”

By Sam Wylie-Harris, PA you might end up with streaks from the She continues: “It’s important these

glass being too warm and the solution checks are made as if small issues aren’t

drying quickly. corrected quickly, they can become much

6>> Bleed the radiators larger problems further down the line
– and general boiler wear and tear can

Jessica Steele of BestHeating says now is eventually cause gas leaks to occur, which

the best time to bleed radiators, as they can be incredibly dangerous.

aren’t needed. “Don’t forget, a more efficient boiler will

She says this gets rid of pockets of air also cost less to run.” WW

WOMANSWAY.IE 31

BKUIUPTDDCGAHTEETEN

You don’t have to spend a you can often re-paint it to the colour of Leave the sink, change the taps
fortune to refurbish your your choice,” notes Grossman.
kitchen in these cost- It is possible to change your kitchen sink,
conscious times. Here are Along with e Used Kitchen Company, but it’s not the cheapest option. “You’ll
our expert tips on savvy who manage the whole process including need to plumb it back in, you’ll need to
ways to spruce up the viewing, dismantling and delivery, she reseal it, and of course, there’s the risk of
heart of the home. says you can also check out buy-and- chipping your worktops in the process,”
sell websites like DoneDeal, Facebook or says Grossman.
It’s the heart of the home and epicenter Gumtree. But you’ll be doing the legwork.
for dining and entertaining. But what Instead, there are amazing cleaning
if your kitchen needs a refurb and “You’ll need to pay a carpenter or products on the market that can bring a
money is incredibly tight? professional to take out the kitchen you’re sparkle back to even the dullest stainless
Looeeze Grossman, founder and buying – please don’t trust the seller to do steel sink. For instance, baking soda and
manager of e Used Kitchen Company, this themselves,” she warns, “or you could white wine vinegar should successfully
shares expert tips on ways to work wonders end up with only half the worktop you were revive a dull sink.
in the busiest room in the house, amid promised, and overall, it will prove to be a
rising prices of everything… false economy.” Consider too that, while changing the
sink could be costly, she says changing
Buy a used kitchen Sell your existing kitchen your taps doesn’t have to be. “ is can be
“While that brand new kitchen you’ve seen a great way to modernise your sink and
in your local showroom may look amazing, You can also sell your existing kitchen, bring it bang up to date,” she adds.
it’s without question going to set you back which could go some way towards
several thousand pounds – and that’s before purchasing your next one, says Get creative with your flooring
worktops, appliances or labour costs are Grossman, especially if buying used or
included,” observes Grossman. ex-display. While replacing your kitchen flooring will
undoubtedly be expensive, there are ways
But did you know you can buy a used or “You can sell your used kitchen [online] you can update it for a lot less.
ex-display kitchen at 50 to 70 per cent off but for a seamless experience – especially
the Regular Retail Price? Starting at as little if it’s your first time selling – I’d always “Stencilling a pattern on plain tiles can
as €1,500, she says you could find your recommend talking to a company that make a bold impact that, once sealed, will
dream kitchen well within your budget. specialises in selling used kitchens,” not only look impactful, but will also last,”
suggests Grossman. says Grossman.
“And remember, if you love the worktops
and appliances but the colour isn’t right, “ ey’ll be able to give you a full She continues: “ ere are great stencils
valuation of your kitchen and arrange the available online, and so many great paints
fitters to dismantle and deliver it to a new and colours which will work on tiles. Just
home,” she adds. make sure you go for a paint that’s suitable
for your flooring (tiles or wood) and be
If you do opt to sell your kitchen sure to use a sealant on top to protect your
[yourself], she suggests you specify that work, once you’re happy with the finished
the buyer dismantle it, as you wouldn’t result.”
want the responsibility of damaging the
units or worktops. “We always suggest If you’re a nervous decorator, Grossman
using a professional company who have says there are stick-on tiles available, which
their own team of trusted fitters to do this you can use on top of your existing flooring.
for you,” notes Grossman.

32 WOMANSWAY.IE

INTERIORS

“ e biggest local boot sale for old butcher’s hooks,”
mistakes are made suggests Grossman.

on impulsive Indeed, there are lots of videos on YouTube
buys – plan wisely showing a whole host of ways to do this. Not
and take it one step only will this add impact, she says, but it’s
also practical and will help to free up lots of
at a time” space.

By Sam Wylie-Harris, PA But in a kitchen – where there are often simply change it – even changing your “You can even upcycle your existing
changes in temperature, and exposure to standard chrome handles to chic matt black storage. If you’ve sprayed your handles matt
moisture and grease – they can lift quickly, can create a real impact.” black, why stop there? Updating your bread
so be cautious. bin, coffee storage pots and utensil holder
If you’re not sure where to start, she says with the same spray will make them look
“If you want to replace your floor, but there are many specialist paint brands to like new and only costs a couple of pounds.”
budget is tight, consider visiting your choose from at your local DIY shop.
local flooring shop to see what offcuts Add a feature wall or backsplash
are available,” says Grossman. “Lino has e key is to double-check the
come a long way and can be a reasonable manufacturer’s instructions on the paint If you decide replacing your kitchen is way
alternative to tiles or wood flooring.” you’re using works on the type of material out of your budget, Grossman says creating
you’re wanting to cover. a feature wall, or even a feature backsplash,
Change your handles can add some wow factor to a tired kitchen.
Simply updating your kitchen handles can Storage
make a huge difference to the room, and She says adding storage to your kitchen will “Backsplashes are no longer dowdy tiles,
they don’t have to cost a fortune. “Check not only make it tidier, but can also make it but come in all sorts of materials, including
out [buy-and-sell websites], visit boot sales look completely different. stone and granite to match your worktops,
or charity shops and see what’s on offer, ” or coloured or vintage glass.
suggests Grossman. “Adding under-cupboard storage baskets,
or creating a hanging pot stand or utensil “If replacing your splashback is out of
“And don’t worry about the colour. ere holder can update your kitchen and doesn’t budget, you can easily update your own
are so many great paints and sprays on the cost the earth.” by re-painting tiles,” notes Grossman.
market now, if you don’t like the colour, “You can even add transfers to your tiles,
“Plus, it’s cheap – you can buy under- creating a totally different look for just a
cupboard storage from most pound shops. few pounds.”
If you’re planning to install a hanging
pot stand, check out your local DIY store As ever, when making these changes,
for hooks in various sizes, or even your she says to check you’re still able to keep
them clean.

Essentially, Grossman says there are two
fundamental keys to updating your kitchen
for less. “ e first is great preparation. If
the goal is to have newly painted cabinets,
failing to thoroughly prep them first will
mean you’ll end up with a sloppy finish
that you won’t be happy with – resulting in
having to spend more money to rectify that
bumpy coat or chip you can still see.

“ e second is, don’t rush. e biggest
mistakes are made on impulsive buys
– plan wisely and take it one step at a
time,” she advises. “You’ll often find you
can make further savings along the way,
which can be used for the next stage of the
restoration.” WW

WOMANSWAY.IE 33

Budget Home

Rewilding

Bringing the outside in as the seasons change doesn’t have to cost
the earth. Using natural colours and materials can help you feel closer

to nature, even when you’re indoors. Here are our expert cheap
and easy ways to rewild your home.

Nature can lift our spirits, “Rewilding your home simply means
and spending time outside living in tune with the seasons, noticing the
is undeniably good for our small changes outside your window and
wellbeing. But why does all bringing elements of this into your home.
that have to end when we
come inside? is can be done easily and inexpensively
with a few small décor updates – from
It doesn’t, insists stylist and interiors decorating with natural colours and
expert Victoria Harrison, who says it’s materials, to bringing in seasonal fragrances
easy to draw design inspiration from the and boosting natural light, there are a host
natural world, through what’s known as of ways to rewild your living space and
biophilic design – weaving nature into the invite nature in.”
home environment by increasing natural
light, maximising outside views, and using Harrison shares six quick ideas to help
natural colours, textures and patterns in create a wilder home…
interior spaces.
1>> USE A NATURAL COLOUR PALETTE
Harrison, who’s written the book Rewild
Your Home to explain how to introduce “ e natural world has the best colour
nature into your house, says: “Living in combinations and, using nature-inspired
connection with nature can help make colours can help you feel the benefits of a
us happier and healthier. Spending time wild landscape, even when you’re indoors.
outdoors has been proven to improve our Choose colours that reflect the landscape
wellbeing and these benefits can also be directly outside your window for the
brought indoors. biggest impact. In a coastal area, this might
mean cool greys, whites, silvers and blues.

34 WOMANSWAY.IE

INTERIORS

By Lisa Salmon, PA While in a woodland or cinnamon, ginger and star 4>> REFLECT THE SUN
inland area, you could anise for a comforting layer Drawing more natural light
use warm neutrals, deep of scent.” into your home is another
greens and soft creams, way to bring the outside in.
to reflect the colours 3>> GREEN UP YOUR Positioning furniture close
outside.” VIEW Studies have shown to windows and keeping
that even a view of nature windowsills clear can
Try using the same can have a powerful effect maximise any available light
colour palette throughout on how we’re feeling. source. You can also reflect
your home for a cohesive Consider the windows in light by using light paint
effect, notes Harrison, your home as picture frames, and think colours near windows and
but vary the percentages about what they’re framing as you walk light sources.
of each colour in each around the room.
room for variety. “For “If your windows overlook a garden, Placing mirrors or mirrored
example, with a coastal bring plant pots and greenery right up to furniture opposite windows
colour palette of blues the outside of the window where possible,” can also bounce more natural
and whites with accents of silver and sand, she says, “and try to consider your garden light into a room, while
you could use more of the lighter tones in as an extension of your home, rather than reflective mobiles near a light
the rooms you use in the mornings, adding two separate spaces. source will catch natural
the darker shades as accents. en you can “If you don’t have a garden, add window light and sprinkle it around a
flip the balance in the rooms you use in the boxes to the outside of your window room. Try a string of faceted
evening, with a higher percentage of the frames and fill them with pollinator- glass droplets or a mobile of
darker tones, just bringing in small accents friendly plants, to bring colour and wildlife brass discs near a window,
of the paler shades.” closer to you. You can also frame your to catch and refract the sun,
view by placing indoor plants next to and cast playful reflections
2>> MAKE A NATURAL ROOM windows or doors, to create a cloak and patterns.
FRAGRANCE Scent is an often-overlooked of greenery around your window.
element of home décor, but home fragrance is will help to blur the boundary 5>> CELEBRATE WILD SHAPES
can have a big effect on the way your home between indoors and out.” “ ere are no straight lines in nature; from
makes you feel. Harrison suggests a quick Some houseplants can also remove the arc of a tree branch to the meandering
and fun way to bring seasonal scent into toxins from the air, helping to reduce course of a river, nature has a way of
your home is to make a stovetop potpourri. indoor air pollution and keep your softening and curving any hard edges,” says
“To do this, simply chop some seasonal home healthy, so layer them up for a Harrison.
fruits, herbs and spices, add them to a pan fresh burst of greenery.
of water and gently bring it to the boil. “Bringing these organic curves and soft
Keep it simmering to release the fragrance. shapes into your home is a quick and easy
In spring and summer, use refreshing way to forge a link to the outside. Choose
scents like lemon, mint and rosemary furniture with curved edges, add circular
for an uplifting burst of fragrance. In the mirrors or round rugs and cushions. Look
cooler months, choose warming herbs like for furniture with a wobbly or ‘live’ edge
(this means an edge that has been left as it
was found naturally, and not planed and
straightened) and celebrate the handmade.”

6>> CHOOSE NATURAL MATERIALS
Using natural fibres and materials can create
a healthy home environment. “Studies have
shown that some natural materials, such
as wood, can improve human health and
wellbeing by lowering blood pressure and
stress levels, so bring in a piece of wooden
furniture, or wooden décor items for a
happy and healthy home,” Harrison adds.

“As well as wood, other natural
materials such as rattan, wicker
or bamboo will also help connect
your home with the natural
world outside.” WW

Rewild Your Home by Victoria Harrison,
published by Quadrille and available now.

WOMANSWAY.IE 35

Marbella, Spain

DISCOVERING

Andalucía

Proud, passionate and an Irish accent and alone a small town
mysterious, Spain’s I babble on about in the south of
beautiful Andalucía how we might Spain. She soon put
has given the world the be connected. me right. Marbs,
thrill of the flamenco Sometimes this as she called it,
dance, the swirl of the can take some time was a home from
matador’s cape, the as I go through home for Ireland’s
finest sherries and a second cousins wealthiest families
legion of World UNESCO twice removed, and was awash
Heritage sites. Norah where he or she went with the famous and
Casey follows the trail of to school, grew up, infamous from our tiny
Christopher Columbus worked and finally a tiny island. Her magazine, iStyle,
and peeks beneath the thread will emerge. Something aimed exclusively at the Irish
skirts of Life on Marbs. like his sister knew my sister’s best elite in Marbs did really well back in the
friend. ‘Ahh now I have you’ - I declare boomier times.
Irish people have a habit of with relief. But here’s the oddest thing, This tendency among us Irish to
gravitating towards their own when while I am gleeful over finding one fellow swarm a sunny outpost holds no
away from home. Even when I countryman or woman, I am allergic attraction for me. So we gave Marbella
have been in the furthest reaches of to going anywhere that hordes of Irish a miss and headed to more obscure
civilisation I get excited when I hear holidaymakers populate in the summer destinations. Over the years I have
months. When I came back to Ireland in planned and cancelled many travel
2002, I was approached by well-known, review trips because of various Covid
and sadly since departed, columnist concerns across Europe and with only
Angela Phelan with a view to combining a week to go to the end of the holidays I
forces on a magazine aimed at the Irish reluctantly settled on Marbella as a base
in Marbella. I was skeptical. It’s hard for exploring Andalucía. It’s only a few
enough to sustain magazines for the 4.5 hours away by plane with Ryanair and
million people who live in Ireland, let Aer Lingus options, I found a great hotel

36 WOMANSWAY.IE

TRAVEL

and it was an easy drive to places like This page clockwise from above: Marina of Puerto
Seville, Granada and Cádiz. Banús; traditional Andalusian Flamenco dancer; Old
Town Marbella.
And anyway how bad could it be?
unashamedly a playground for the
MARBELLA OLD TOWN über wealthy and those who want to
gawk at them. That said, we really
So let me be upfront. I went with zero enjoyed strolling around taking in
the Lamborghinis, Ferraris and Rolls
expectations of liking Marbella, my plan Royces as well as the mega yachts and
their occupants. The architect who built
was to put up with it as a convenient Beverly Hills, Noldi Schreck, was the
mastermind behind the marina and
location for travelling around the region tourism complexes. When it opened in
May 1970, Playboy’s Hugh Hefnernan
and writing about the beauty of Seville rubbed shoulders with the Aga Khan,
Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of
and the stunning scenery Monaco and heart transplant pioneer
Dr Christiaan Barnard. It’s that kind of
in the mountains around “Locals will on Twitter and we place! You are as likely to see the cast
Ronda and Granada. But regularly and gamefully tried out most of TOWIE and Life on Marbs as Michelle
I fell in love with it. The wistfully recall of them. What I love about Obama, the King of Saudi Arabia and Eva
locals say it’s not a shadow meeting George Marbella is how easy it Longoria. It’s definitely lost a lot of the
of its glitzy glamourous Clooney who was glitz and glamour since Audrey Hepburn
heyday, the parties are less hunting for a house” and Cary Grant holidayed back in the
brash and it’s no longer a day. Now, instead of presidents, princes
magnet for the A-listers. and acting royalty, the wealthy residents
But I liked it all the more and super-yacht owners are more likely
to be ‘new money’ from indeterminate
because of that. is to walk everywhere. sources. And there are a few of our own
in-situ along with British, Russian and
Easter was unusually We walked miles every Middle Eastern residents of the more
opulent villas.
quiet, it was sunny and pleasant in the day, exploring the laneways of the old Locals will regularly and wistfully
recall meeting George Clooney who was
old town and we lost hours strolling town and venturing through the cool on the hunt for a house, or the excitement
of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt (back in
around the cobbled streets and stopping leafy subtropical Parque de la Alameda the day) paying a visit, not to mention
Posh and Becks, Lady Gaga and Hugh
for tapas and the odd glass of wine during to linger on the ornately-tiled benches Grant.
Puerto Banús is an odd milieu of opulent
long lazy days. Plaza de los Naranjos on the way to the seafront. The surreal villas, mega-yachts, designer shops, sex
clubs and lots and lots of plastic surgery
(Orange Square) is the heart of the old Salvador Dalí sculptures of the Avenida clinics. It’s also a favourite haunt of Irish

town, it’s buzzy and touristy and the food del Mar look like they have been honed Continued overleaf >>

in the many restaurants is overpriced but by the wind and sea itself as you ramble

we still went there for sundown every onwards towards the Paseo Marítimo

evening to sip a glass of wine and soak where the seafront restaurants spill onto

up the atmosphere. Off the beaten track the promenade. Some afternoons Dara

we found some gems, Cortes Café on and I lost an hour or so sipping coffee

Calle Peral (cortescafe.com) doing a great at The Boardwalk (wonderful place for

tapas selection for €10, a brilliant Italian, breakfast, lunch or dinner with stunning

Stuzzikini (stuzzikini.com), where we sea views) making up stories about the

waited for the kitchen to cope with the strollers (Maeve Binchy told me once it

demand of the small space. The vitello was good practice for creative writing!).

tonnato made it well worth the wait. PUERTO BANÚS
On our first night we stumbled upon

Arco’s Tapas bar where the staff took So you might wonder why this lovely

matters into their own hands and sent historic idyll has earned a reputation for

out scrumptious fried aubergine with brassiness and brashness. Fortunately

sugarcane honey, fine jamón ibérico and or unfortunately it shares spaces on

artisan sheep cheese. Fellow foodies kept this coastline with what regulars call

up a constant stream of recommendations the ‘Port of Abuse’. Puerto Banús is

WOMANSWAY.IE 37

“Seville is full
of architectural
wonders - Baroque,
Islamic and Gothic
façades blend
magnificently”

These pages clockwise from above: Manzanilla
Sherry wine bottle of Bodegas La Cigarrera; Sherry
bodega in Jerez de la Frontera, Andalucía; Church tower
and orange tree in Seville; The Real Alcázar of Seville;
Cádiz Costa coastline; Setenil de las Bodegas, Cádiz,
Spain; Bolonia Beach Tarifa.

leaving cert students who descend in Puente Nuevo. Regardless of how you TARIFA
their droves come the end of June. There feel about bullfighting (I’m not a fan)
is nothing elegant or sophisticated - it’s the old bullring at Ronda is worth a Where the Mediterranean and the
full on bling. But it’s fun all the same and visit. This is the birthplace of Spanish Atlantic meet lies the town of Tarifa
the shopping is amazing. bullfighting and every September it is in Cádiz famous for tuna fishing, kite
host to the Corrida Goyesca where the surfing and all manner of wind sports.
EXCURSIONS & DAY TRIPS fighters pay homage to Goya’s work. It’s also the most southern point of
mainland Europe with strong Arabic
I was a regular visitor to Nerja for a few THE SHERRY TRIANGLE influences. The African continent is just
years (north of Málaga) and did some 14 kilometers away with a regular ferry
rambling day trips to wonderful historic The best advice I can give you is to book service to Tangier. We stopped off for a
landmarks and pretty Peublos Blancos, a driver for a day and take in some of few hours to see the remains of its ancient
Berber whitewashed villages dotted the great bodegas (wine cellars) north medieval walls and Guzmán castle. The
around the hillsides of La Alpujarra. In of Cádiz for a tasting tour with some beaches of Los Lances, Valdevaqueros or
Andalucía and neighbouring Málaga you of the region’s best sherry and brandy Punta Paloma are spectacular. There’s a
can spend the morning skiing on the producers. Jerez de la Frontera (the origin bit of a hipster vibe about Tarifa, pretty
snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada and of the English word Sherry) is not only low key on the touristy spectrum with
the afternoon on the sunny beaches of home to great sherry producers but is nice well-priced hotels and hostels. It’s
the Costa del Sol. On this trip there was the birthplace of Flamenco dance and charming and real – a rare combination.
only time to do the more spectacular the magnificent dancing Andalusian Don’t expect fancy high-end restaurants,
gems of the region. We started early horses. It forms one of the three points of the cafés are full of locals and serve great
from Marbella and revisited the best of the Sherry Triangle, the other two being seafood (especially Bluefin tuna).
the best on a memorable day trip that Sanlúcar de Barrameda and El Puerto de
included some incredible UNESCO World Santa María to the south. The sherry from THE ROCK OF GIBRALTAR
Heritage sites. The unmissable palace each area has its own distinctive flavours
of Alhambra at Granada, the Islamic and characteristics and a good guide will Missable, especially the queues. You
temple of Mezquita at Córdoba and the help with the tastings. While you may still need a passport to enter the British
Moorish fortress of Alcazaba which not be a connoisseur at the end of the day Overseas Territory of Gibraltar which is in
stands guard over the port of Almería. you will have enjoyed lots of this magical the EU but outside the Customs Union so
If you have the time it’s really worth golden elixir from the very dry to the you can still buy duty free there – hence
driving on to Ronda, a city layered with succulently sweet. Try to book tickets to the long custom check queues to get back
history from the Romans (Julius Caesar an equestrian performance at the Real into Spain. The Rock is pretty dramatic
first declared it a city) to the Moors. Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre, but otherwise head on once you’ve taken
Marvel at the view over the Serranía de usually Thursday but you can visit the the pics and marveled at this Colonial
Ronda mountains from the 18th Century stables outside of the performance time. Outcrop. We got delayed for an hour as I
tried to recount Death on the Rock to the

38 WOMANSWAY.IE

TRAVEL

Murals of Tarifa

As we drove into Tarifa I spotted these
stunning murals shining like beacons
in an otherwise gray landscape of
apartments. The famous Granada-
based street artist Raúl Ruiz, who goes
by the name of El Niño de las Pinturas
painted the vivid blue composition
of bird and man for a project called
Neighbours and Street in Tarifa. Artist
Axel Void pained the other gable end of
the woman dissected with blue.

teenager and the aftermath of the Special beautiful city steeped in character and We stopped for lunch at the bustling
Air Service (SAS) shooting three members full of architectural wonders where bodega Dos de Mayo (bodegadosdemayo.
of the Irish Republican Army (IRA). Baroque, Islamic and Gothic façades com), where we jostled to get a table
blend magnificently. The Plaza de Toros and to be heard above the chatter at the
CÁDIZ (bullfighting ring) is one of the oldest in bar. This is traditional Andalusian tapas
If you plan on visiting Cádiz, set aside Spain and even outside of the bullfighting where you shout your order at the bar and
a half day, it’s a bit off the beaten track. season is open to visitors. It took over be ready to pick up when the waiter calls
Cádiz is the oldest city in Spain and 100 years to build the enormous gothic it out. Flavours were divine and I loved
pretty ancient by Western European Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See, a the hustle and bustle with the locals.
standards. But that said it hides its UNESCO site and the world’s third largest Order aubergine with honey sauce, cod
treasures well. Unlike the more church. The royal palace complex of on spinach (very different), grilled goat’s
spectacular vistas of Seville, Córdoba Alcázar combines Mudéjar and Gothic cheese and octopus – all wonderful.
and Granada, Cádiz is quieter and less architecture. For something completely
grand. But if you take the time you will different head to the Plaza de la CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS
love the less commercial aspect of its Encarnación to wonder at the ‘mushroom We headed west from Seville towards
ancient streets and laid-back locals. of the incarnation’ the world’s largest the Gulf of Cádiz to visit Huelva where
wooden structure. You can take an nearby Christopher Columbus set sail
SEVILLE elevator to the top of the Metropol Parasol for the new world. There are three main
According to myth, the Greek God to look out over the city. If you have time sites on the Columbus trail, La Rábida,
Hercules founded this glorious place then take in the Museo del Baile Flamenco Palos de la Frontera and Moguer. We
some 3,000 years ago. Seville is a where daily flamenco shows take place at made it to Palos de la Frontera where a
the centre of the museum which houses museum featuring replicas of the Niña,
flamboyant costumes and an education the Pinta, and the Santa María from his
in the history of the music and dance that first voyage of the Americas was a hit
travelled the world. with the teenager. WW

WOMANSWAY.IE 39

WASHINGTON The United States Capitol
and reflecting pool
Heights

Norah Casey strolls I Have a Dream speech movie set feeling when
through the corridors
of e White House, and sat dwarfed by Abe strolling around the
meditates with a
Buddhist monk and Lincoln as he gazed in Norah with Matthieu Ricard city, so it’s only once
dons stilettos for the perpetual reflection you pull back the
annual drag queen
high heel race in the at the Washington star-spangled façade
USA’s capital of cool.
memorial. It only took 24 hours to come to that you see why Washington has gained
It’s day one in Washington and I
am starting the morning with a the conclusion that Washington DC is cool. the well-deserved reputation for being
meditation session at 7am with
the Dalai Lama’s right-hand man, And it’s not just me who thinks so the king of cool. And I’m conscious that
Matthieu Ricard, French author and
Buddhist monk whose claim to fame is because Forbes listed the nation’s capital labelling a city as ‘cool’ might well by
that he is the happiest man in the world.
It was quite something to contemplate the as America’s coolest city. It came as a default mean it’s not – so I had to think a lot
meaning of life in his presence.
bit of a surprise to many who harbour about just why it is.
At the other end of the day I found myself
in a swirl of beautiful, bejewelled men, also easily-acquired misconceptions about I love cities that have a strong rhythm.
very happy – the theatrical drag queens
who compete in the annual high heel race one of the world’s most familiar on- Some like Shanghai have the ability to
at Dupont. In between I strolled the rooms
of the White House, stood in the spot where screen cities. Your Washington might change your momentum. When I land
Martin Luther King made his famous 1963
well be the testosterone-fuelled political there I feel like I’ve been catapulted at

corridors where Frank Underwood plots warp-speed into a futuristic urban hive

Michaevellian-like revenge on opponents of adrenaline-fuelled hyperactivity. On

or a White House where Jed Bartlet saves the other hand, most Italian cities make

the free world in every episode of The me consciously take a step back from the

West Wing or maybe it’s a Washington frenzy. Time takes on less significance

immortalised in Hollywood movies such and wandering aimlessly in beautiful

as All the President’s Men or Patriot Games. streets and lingering for hours over a

I too had my perceptions, most built up lovely Chianti seems the thing to do.

over years of watching those all-too- Washington has a unique tempo. It is

recognisable Washington façades whether the culturally-significant stately home

it’s the front steps of The White House, of national treasures, not to mention the

the dome of the United States Capitol or President, Congress, the Supreme Court,

the home of espionage, the FBI’s J. Edgar the Smithsonian museums, the iconic

Hoover Building on Pennsylvania Avenue. statues of the National Mall, Arlington

It’s impossible to escape that surreal Cemetery and many more must-see sights.

40 WOMANSWAY.IE

TRAVEL

A strong magnet for a city break for those This page clockwise from top le : White House Eating out
reasons alone. But what sets it apart from interior, Norah outside the White House, The White
being a worthy, if a little dull, school tour House, White House Red Room, Abraham Lincoln BARCELONA WINE BAR A great
destination is that this seemingly-solemn Memorial at sunrise area for great restaurant life is around
statesmanlike city is also home to the polar 14th Street, and Barcelona is a lively
opposite. It harbours a young, vibrant, is verging on the experimental. Previously tapas restaurant right in the heart
culturally-diverse underbelly where new no-go areas are emerging as hip new of the action. It is the kind of place
talent in music, the arts and gastronomy neighbourhoods with a raw energy and where you automatically feel like
edgy vibe that I have experienced in only you’re that ‘It’ person if only for the
a few cities (Berlin feels close). As one evening. We loved the buzz and the
resident said – the only riots some of these Hanger Steak with tru e vinaigrette,
streets see now are the ones to get into the the Jamón Serrano was sublime and
hottest new restaurant. we made light work of the Patatas
Bravas and spiced meatballs.
So it was that my first day – mixing barcelonawinebar.com
ancient meditation with a stroll through LE DIPLOMATE This amazing
the White House and finishing with a drag French bistro is part of a chain, but
queen race on six-inch stilettos turned out an extremely well done one. From
to be not so unusual for Washington. the impeccable service to the casual
fare, this location on 14th Street is
THE WHITE HOUSE
The highlight of my four day visit to Continued overleaf >>
Washington was definitely the chance
to visit the White House. It’s not that
easy to get inside and I was grateful for
this once-in-a-lifetime glimpse at the
spectacular rooms and corridors – well
me and the secret service men dotted
everywhere. I joked to a friend afterwards
that it was so big they had to colour code

WOMANSWAY.IE 41

Smithsonian Museum
of Natural History

a definitive destination! If you can Norah at the
get in for brunch, you’ve got to Drag Race
try the paté. It truly is to die for.
lediplomatedc.com POV-at-W-
DENSON This is my ‘o the beaten Washington,-D.C
path’ place to go. Denson is a
modern speakeasy with a cool Great the rooms. There’s a stunning Blue Room amongst the gilded silver of the Vermeil
Gatsby vibe to it. The décor is Art with furniture dating back to 1814 where Room. Much of the White House exterior
Deco from the leather booths to Thomas Jefferson presides, the room is and interior remains as it was when it was
the fixtures. The drinks on o er are also home to the annual White House first designed by Irishman James Hoban
predominantly Prohibition-era with Christmas Tree. The Green Room is now in the 1790s. Since then it has been home
a contemporary twist. It’s dark, sexy used as a parlour and the walls are draped to many who proudly proclaim their Irish
and very secluded. Well worth the with silk with a beautiful white marble ancestry – 22 presidents in total and chief
trip. densondc.com mantle. The First Lady’s favourite and among them our own John F Kennedy.
MAKETTO Our first night in also mine is the Red Room, now used as a But others who claim Irish roots include
Washington was at the eclectic small reception room. It was remarkably Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon, Bill
Maketto, one of the new hip eateries informal once we went through the Clinton, Barack Obama and the current
reenergising the previously no-go security hurdles, the atmosphere is relaxed President, Joe Biden.
H Street area. It’s a bit of a strange (even with all that weaponry in evidence)
mix of Asian fusion restaurant, and we browsed from room to room taking There are some things you know you
bar, café and clothing store. The pictures (you are only allowed enter with will probably never get a chance to do
interior blends from bar to patio to a phone and passport). The corridors are again and this was one of them. It was
open kitchen with dinner seating adorned with artwork and photographs of pretty cool.
throughout. Food is Cambodian and past Presidents, First Ladies and visiting
Taiwanese served on small or large dignitaries and rooms like the State Dining Irish citizens must go though the Irish
plates – all served family style. Room are set out as though ready to use Embassy in Washington (dfa.ie/irish-
Take the plunge and order some at a moment’s notice. You can imagine embassy/usa/). Visit whitehouse.gov
adventurous Khmer sausage, braised the current and former inhabitants of
beef tongue, pig’s trotters or stay this grand home sitting by the fire in the THE BEST SIGHTS
safe with pork-filled steamed buns. Library or greeting guests for cocktails The best thing about Washington is
maketto1351.com. that almost all of its attractions are
AGORA Our hotel The Dupont Circle concentrated in an area known as the
(doylecollection.com) was perfectly
located for some great bars and
restaurants within a short walking
distance. I ventured out to meet a
friend who lived a few blocks from
the hotel and she took me to a great
neighbourhood favourite, a Turkish/
Greek tapas restaurant and bar
called Agora. Great small plates and
mezzes including tasty fresh olive
oil from the family farm in Turkey,
taramasalata, falafel, various fish
and meat, dolma and borek. Lovely
fun atmosphere – you’ll want to stay
for a while. agoradc.net
POV, W HOTEL The best view has
to be from the POV lounge on the
W Hotel roo op, where you can see
the top floors of The White House.
We had been told you could spot
the snipers on the roof and while
it seemed all clear the day we were
there, the waiter diplomatically told
us the President had just le by
helicopter. The Washington Memorial
and the city stretched out on either
side. POV serves food, cocktails
and the best view of the city.
wwashingtondc.com

42 WOMANSWAY.IE

TRAVEL

US National Capitol
in Washington

A giant panda at a Dream speech), the Korean Veterans like Dorothy’s ruby slippers from the
the Smithsonian Memorial, The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wizard of Oz and sporting memorabilia
and the Jefferson Memorial. Make a trip at including Muhammad Ali’s boxing gloves.
National Zoo night too to see a totally different ethereal Inventions like Alexander Bell’s big box
beauty to these illuminated icons. We telephone features along with the first
National Mall that runs from the Potomac walked from the Washington Memorial to steam engine, a gallery of dresses worn by
River to Capitol Hill. At the western end of the United States Capitol which will give the First Ladies, Abraham Lincoln’s top
the Mall is the United States Capitol (with you a great feel for the city, including some hat and a recreation of Chef Julia Child’s
the Library of Congress and the Supreme cool people-watching especially around famous kitchen. It’s a heady miscellany
Court tucked in behind it). At the mid- the Library of Congress and the Supreme with something to suit all tastes and the
way point is the towering Washington Court (both of which you can visit). Stars and Stripes café on the lower level
Memorial seen from almost every point is a good stop off for lunch (try the cheese
in the city – just north of it is The White MUSEUMS curds!).
House. From the Washington Memorial to
the Eastern point runs the majestically- One of Washington’s great treasures is The We also visited The Smithsonian
long reflecting pool leading to the awesome Smithsonian (si.edu), the world’s largest National Air and Space Museum also on
sight of the Lincoln Memorial. Continuing collection of museums (19 at present), the the National Mall – an amazing collection
eastwards from Lincoln you will cross the National Zoological Park and nine research of aviation and space exhibits from the
Potomac River to visit Arlington Cemetery facilities. It is government-owned and free first successful aircraft, the 1903 Wright
and the changing of the guards and nearby to all. The Mall is overwhelming to the Flyer, through to some 3,500 artefacts from
the familiar outline of the Pentagon. first-time visitor so plan ahead or better the Apollo 11 mission when astronauts Neil
The city was designed by a Frenchman still take a guide if you want a bespoke tour Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin made history
Pierre Charles L’Enfant and the grand that maximises your time and maintains by taking those first steps on the moon on
avenues, thousands of elm trees and cherry your interest despite tired feet. Believe me July 20, 1969. You can see Command Module
blossoms add to the streetscape beauty. after wandering through the cavernous Columbia from that mission - it’s where
rooms and spaces of the first couple of the three astronauts lived, the third being
MONUMENTS & ICONIC BUILDINGS museums you will be tempted to give up on Michael Collins, and orbited the moon.
We did a drive through of the Mall to day one – despite the wonders within. We You can even touch a real lunar rock. This
get our bearings on the first day and see chose Fiat Luxe Tours (fiatluxetours.com) as is every aviation nerd and space geek’s
the sights from a distance and Dara and recommended by Destination Washington dream place. Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of
I went back to spend longer wandering DC. We had the knowledgeable founder St Louis, a host of drones, satellites, various
through the more spectacular monuments Andrew Rawls on hand to handpick our lunar modules are all on show. You can
including the Lincoln Memorial (and experiences and keep us entertained with take simulated flights, surf the solar system
the scene of Martin Luther King’s I Have lots of insights, facts and anecdotes along in the planetarium and catch Journey To
the way. He was fantastic at engaging the Space 3D at the IMAX Theatre.
young adult’s brain with an infectious We also visited The Spy Museum
enthusiasm and just the right amount of (spymuseum.org), not part of The
stops in each location. Smithsonian and one of the few with
an admission ($21 each, equivalent to
The National Museum of American €21). Think James Bond and espionage-
History was a fantastic experience. Our inspired exhibits. Dara and I weren’t that
guide Andrew came into his own as he taken with it and after the first few rooms
picked out exhibits that had an interesting we raced through to escape but maybe
backstory. The history of the star-spangled younger children might find it more
banner and the original flag that inspired appealing.
it shares space with cinematic artefacts One crisp cold morning we headed to
The National Zoo on Connecticut Avenue
(also free and part of The Smithsonian)
and spent a blissful few hours walking
through this lovely tree-filled park
catching those animals brave enough to
venture out into the chilly Washington
air. One of the highlights of the zoo is the
four giant pandas, adults Tian Tian and
Mei Xiang who gave birth to a female Bao
Bao a few years ago and twins after that –
one sadly died but the other, baby boy Bei
Bei is thriving. He was not out on show at
that time - we’ll have to wait until he’s a
bit older. You can see the progress of mum
and baby on a cool Panda Cam on the
zoo’s website (nationalzoo.si.edu). WW

WOMANSWAY.IE 43

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WORTH BOOKS

WRITING Photo of Jodie (le ) and her wife
Sam and their twin daughters

When Jodie Lancet- “I was after some
Grant couldn’t find a
book with two mothers fun, colourful,
in it for her kids to read,
she wrote one herself. was there was so little out interesting stories important these books
there.” with a family are – maybe even more
Identifying with a character in a of two mums, important – for kids with
book can really help children enjoy e books she did find, like or two dads” straight parents, because
a story. But when most children’s Heather Has Two Mummies, we want to teach our kids
family-centred books include a were written many years
mum and dad, it can mean children
from LGBTQ+ families are left out. ago and were “quite about love and acceptance.

Author Jodie Lancet-Grant is hoping to old-fashioned”, she says. “Because we learn our
help change that, through her children’s
picture books which feature two mums or “ ere wasn’t anything that really showed values young, it’s such a good time to be
two dads. Her debut book e Pirate Mums
was the first-ever story to feature a family the vibrant, fun, colourful children’s able to get these messages to children, but
with two mums to be read on CBeebies
Bedtime Stories, and now her new book publishing that we see today. ere were a all wrapped up in a story – the story always

e Marvellous Doctors for Magical couple of books about how all families are has to come first.”
Creatures, which includes a family with
two dads, has been published. different, and I think there’s a real case for “I really set out to make the two mums or

Lancet-Grant, who has twin daughters those books, but what I was really after was two dads a bit more incidental – there are
with her wife Samantha, explains that she
wrote the books: “To show children with just some fun, colourful, interesting stories lots of books that show families come in all
two mums or two dads that families like
theirs are worth writing about, show kids where the family happened to be one with shapes and sizes, and there’s something
who might grow up queer that they can
have their own family if they want one, two mums, or two dads. But there was ‘othering’ about those books – by the very
and show everyone that families come in
all shapes and sizes.” nothing like that. dint of your family being in one of them, it

Lancet-Grant’s day job is in book “I felt really sad about it, because I felt, as shows you’re different from the norm.”
publishing, and she explains she started
writing after unsuccessfully searching a parent, that I’d been excluded from this She admits that in e Pirate Mums the
for books to read to her children about
families just like their own. world of children’s stories.” two mums part isn’t completely incidental,

“A few years ago our daughters, who are Her wife suggested she remedy the as the book starts with the line: Billy’s
now seven, started to realise our family,
which has got two mums, was a little bit situation by writing a book herself – and family is not what you’d call ordinary.
different to other people’s families. I’m a
massive books person, so the first thing I that’s just what she did. A few years later, “ e book is playing with the adult
thought was I’d seek out some stories that
show families like ours. But what I found, e Pirate Mums was published. reader, be that a parent or a teacher,
to my real surprise and disappointment,
“My daughters love the books – they because an adult will probably

don’t know it’s an unusual thing to have automatically think that the reason Billy’s

a mum that writes books, so they’re quite family isn’t ordinary is because he’s got

blasé, but they’re proud of it,” she says two mums. But as the story unfolds, we

happily. “Because we’ve actively sought see that actually it’s because his parents

out the books that do exist that have are pirates, and that’s the

By Lisa Salmon, PA two mums or two dads in them, thing that’s unusual about

they don’t see how my book is quite them.” WW

unusual.”

“I did initially write the books for The Marvellous Doctors for Magical
my children and children like them, Creatures is published by Oxford
but what’s become super-clear to University Press. Available now.

me over the last year is just how

WOMANSWAY.IE 45

Check out our HoetList
review of a new READ · WATCH · LISTEN
Netflix documentary,
the latest movies and
podcasts and, as
always, our pick of the
best new books.

5 NEW BOOKS TO READ THIS WEEK

Fiction community – that the novel is strongest, to Non-fiction
Dark Music the extent that wider consequences of the Forgiveness: An
changes, the conspiracy theories and the Exploration
by David Lagercrantz is riots, almost fade from view. The personal
published in hardback by experience of di erence and assimilation, a by Marina Cantacuzino is
MacLehose Press, priced familiar theme from Hamid’s other work, is published in hardback by Simon
€14.99 movingly evoked, and gives this novelistic & Schuster UK, priced €18.75
A crime thriller inspired by fable its emotional root. What does it really mean
Sherlock Holmes, written by the author who to forgive? Is it an act of
successfully continued writing Stieg Larsson’s Girlcrush kindness, selfishness, or something
Millennium Trilogy sounds like a dream. But else entirely? That’s what Cantacuzino’s
it’s happened, and Stockholm-based David by Florence Given is ongoing Forgiveness Project sets out
Lagercrantz has penned a classic murder published in hardback by to discover. As such, Forgiveness is less
mystery bringing together two unlikely allies, Brazen, priced €18.75 a self-help book than an in-depth case
needing each other’s expertise to uncover an When artist Eartha finally study of what exactly it means to forgive.
international conspiracy. Local community dumps her unfaithful and Bringing together a series of personal
police o cer Micaela Vargas opens the story fairly useless boyfriend, stories and expert insights to present and
a er being dra ed into a murder inquiry, she is excited to be her challenge various definitions of forgiveness
because she knew the suspect. She teams true self and try dating from across the world, applying science,
up with Professor Hans Rekke, a specialist women as well as men. religion and spirituality to refine the
in interrogation techniques, who is brought She soon finds relationships can be concept, it o ers readers a more objective
in to help obtain a confession. Bringing tricky, regardless of who they are with, and understanding of how forgiveness can
together a well-educated man from the upper life gets even more complicated when her help us overcome trauma and live free
classes with a young local police o cer from drunken coming out video makes her a social from resentment. A tentative warning:
Stockholm’s suburbs is an ingenious idea, media celebrity. Given’s enjoyable first novel the personal stories Cantacuzino has
and you’ll love the massive contrast in styles looks at how people interact with each other chosen are o en extreme and sometimes
of the two main characters, as they cope in person and online, and considers how real harrowing, and can o en make the
with the ups and downs of a complicated life di ers from the constructed social media sentiment of forgiveness di cult to engage
investigation – one Holmes himself would images people create. The easy-to-read story with as an average reader. Approach with
have loved to solve. also provides an interesting perspective on care and do not necessarily expect to feel
the price influencers are sometimes expected more forgiving when you turn the final
The Last White Man to pay to make a living. page.

by Mohsin Hamid is published CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE WEEK By Prudence Wade, PA
in hardback by Hamish
Hamilton, priced €16.25 The A-Z of Minding Me
This latest novel by Mohsin
Hamid is a parable-like By Tracey Flynn and Niamh Gogan. Illustrated by Kerry O’Callaghan
account of a town whose and published by Gill Books, priced €16.99. Available 8 September
inhabitants abruptly begin This charming children’s book, written for youngsters aged three
to change skin tone from white to brown. to five, aims to empower children to embrace and celebrate their
Hamid relates in a detached, rolling manner unique talents while encouraging small acts of self-care and
the tensions, conflicts and near societal kindness and promoting wellness of the body and mind. Through powerful positive
breakdown that result, with a particular a rmations, children learn to connect with themselves and others, manage big feelings
focus on the impact on the lives of yoga and practise positive thinking and reflection.
instructor Oona and gym trainer Anders, A good one to consider for children making the transition to school, the book can bring
some of the first to change. It is in recounting comfort during di cult times and focus on all the things children CAN do, as opposed to
the relationship between Oona and Anders, what they can’t do. WW
their thoughts and feelings, their struggles
with loss – of family members, identity and

46 WOMANSWAY.IE

HOT LIST

e Most Hunter Moore

Hated

Man on the
Internet

Netflix delves into the murky world of revenge porn with Charlotte Laws
this jaw-dropping documentary that left Niamh O’Reilly
almost lost for words… Almost.

Destiny Benedict predominantly, without their consent of mischievous rockstar, rather than
for users to ridicule and comment on. “professional life-ruiner”.
Netflix’s new docuseries The Most Hated The worst part, if it could get any worse,
Man on The Internet could not be timelier. was that their social media accounts and Needless to say, this was pre #MeToo
It deals with the phenomenon of revenge contact details were linked to the posts, and it shows.
porn and follows one mother’s dogged so that the humiliation and devastation
determination to seek justice not only for became total. People lost jobs, access to The Harassment, Harmful
her daughter, but for the countless other their children, one woman even tried to Communications and Related Offences
women whose lives were ruined by one take her own life. The site soon exploded Act 2020, also known as Coco’s Law in
man’s disgusting website. and became the go-to for ex-lovers to post memory of Nicole Fox, who tragically
images of partners in revenge. took her own life after online harassment,
The site in question was called deals specifically with revenge porn in
IsAnyoneUp.com. The man, and I use the The show focuses on one victim in Ireland. Sadly, no such laws existed at the
term lightly as no self-respecting man particular, Kayla Laws, who took topless time to protect Moore’s victims. In fact,
would act the way in which he did, is images of herself in her bedroom and it was deemed that Moore’s actions were
Hunter Moore. There are many other words saved them to her email address with no not illegal, as he was merely providing a
that would more accurately describe him, intention of ever sending them to anyone. platform for others to publish.
but they aren’t fit for print. She had the pictures hacked from her email
account and posted on the site. Moore It’s a gripping and terrifying watch,
The documentary tells the story of the however, did not count on Kayla’s mother especially to those of us who are raising
rise and the fall of the website, which Charlotte, who swore to stop at nothing to children in this strange era of the internet.
effectively served as a platform for others bring him down. Still as shocking as it is, one can’t help but
to upload intimate pictures of women, think that the documentary gives far too
Strangely, for as much he was despised, much attention to Moore himself, who is
Moore was also raised up to messianic no doubt delighted to have the moniker
levels by his ‘family’ of followers, who of Most Hated Man On The Internet.
would do anything for him. Stranger Instead, focussing in on the victims, their
still, looking back on this piece of recent stories and the devastating repercussions
history, is the way in which Moore was would have been a better use of the
held up as a sort of cool antihero by society. resources. WW
He was interviewed by mainstream
media publications, such as Rolling Stone The Most Hated Man on the Internet is
in 2012, and heaped into the category streaming on Netflix

WOMANSWAY.IE 47

Hot Right Now…
Expect a cracking mix of highly-entertaining Irish talent across
TV and Film, says Niamh O’Reilly, as she rounds up your
must-watch list for the fortnight ahead.

Sam Rockwell and Saoirse
Ronan in See How They Run

CINEMA TRIP navigate the sordid theatre underground Sharon Horgan, Eve Hewson, Eva Birthistle
SEE HOW THEY RUN and try to get to the bottom of it. and Sarah Greene in Bad Sisters
Lovers of a good old whodunnit with a
modern twist, look to be in for a real treat Adrian Brody, Ruth Wilson and David
with See How They Run, which channels Oyelowo round out the ensemble cast and
the likes of Knives Out and Clue? for a the film is already drawing early Oscar
slightly madcap mystery fiesta. buzz.
In cinemas September 9
The story is set in London’s glitzy West
End in the 1950s, where a desperate STREAMING PICKS have always promised to look out for each
director is keen to adapt a movie version BAD SISTERS other, no matter what.
of a smash hit play, but production is This Sharon Horgan produced dark
halted a er he is suspiciously murdered. comedy, murder mystery is a must for The bond is put to the test when
When jaded Inspector Stoppard (Sam your watchlist. The 10-part show follows their brother-in-law John Paul (Claes
Rockwell) and enthusiastic rookie the lives of the close-knit Garvey sisters Bang), husband of Anne-Marie Du ’s
Constable Stalker (Saoirse Ronan) take on - Sharon Horgan, Anne-Marie Du , Eva Grace, winds up dead. Things get more
the case, the two find themselves thrown Birthistle, Sarah Greene and Eve Hewson, complicated when the life insurance
into the head scratching mystery, as they who a er losing their parents prematurely company starts to delve into why he might
have died, focusing their investigation

48 WOMANSWAY.IE

Amber Midthunder in Prey HOT LIST

motive to snu him out.
Through a series of flashbacks, we learn

that John Paul was not all that nice and
perhaps no one should be mourning his
passing that much. But did the sisters
have a hand in it?

With huge doses of dark wit and
crackling chemistry between the Garvey
sisters, this is the ultimate antidote to the
summer ending.
Streaming weekly on AppleTV+

PREY harrowing rescue of the twelve boys and The Tommy, Hector
If, like me, you’re old enough to their coach. Everyone from the world of and Laurita Podcast
remember the outrageously macho diving, technology and innovation o ered
Arnold Schwarzenegger Predator film of ideas and resources on how to get the two powerhouses of acting, Judi Dench
the 1980s that went on to become a cult team out. and Cate Blanchett. The film is a powerful
classic, you might be interested in this and highly absorbing two-hander from
modern take on the franchise. With a palpable sense of claustrophobia both women who were nominated for
and peril, the film gets across just how Oscars for Best Actress and Supporting
Set in the Comanche Nation 300 years much was at stake and just how di cult Actress respectively.
ago, Prey takes the Predator formula of the entire operation was.
nasty aliens stalking humans for sport The film follows Blanchet’s character,
and turns it on its head. The film is set Featuring our own Colin Farrell, as well new teacher Sheba Hart, who begins an
before humans have access to modern as Viggo Mortensen, Joel Edgerton, Tom a air with an underage pupil at the school
weaponry or technology and centres on a Bateman, and Paul Gleeson, it’s a proper where world-weary Barbara Covett is a
fierce young warrior woman, Naru (Amber popcorn flick that will restore your faith in teacher and has nothing but contempt for
Midthunder) who while highly skilled, humanity. the school, the pupils, and her colleagues.
has been overlooked by the other male Streaming on Prime Video That is until Sheba enters her life and
warriors and crucially even the predictor things get interesting. An exploration of
itself, who initially discounts her because PODCAST desire, envy, and human nature, its twists
she is female. THE TOMMY, HECTOR AND and turns will keep you gripped until the
LAURITA PODCAST last moments. WW
Let’s just say that was a big mistake. With some of the most recognisable
Midthunder is a sensation, and it’s nice voices in Ireland, Tommy Tiernan
to see a cast composed almost entirely of and school pal Hector O'hEeochagain
Native American talent. The action is as are joined by Mayo woman and radio
frenetic and gritty as you’d expect. The presenter Laurita Blewitt for this slice of
only drawback is that this film would have podcast fun.
been perfect for the big screen and lacks a
little impact on the small screen. The three amigos have a relaxed,
Streaming on Disney+ settled-in vibe to their conversation flow
that’s recorded in a shed in the west
THIRTEEN LIVES of Ireland (apparently). They have the
The true-life story of the junior Thai chats about anything and everything
football team that got stuck in the in that typical way that friends do. It’s
Tham Luang cave during an unexpected light, unpredictable, funny, carefree and
rainstorm in 2018, is given the movie- sometimes even a bit poignant.
magic treatment thanks to director Ron
Howard. The film is a dramatic retelling Episodes range from the 30-minute
of the rescue which gripped the world and mark up to the 50-minute mark so are
saw over 10,000 volunteers attempt a ideal for a cuppa or walk.
Available wherever you get your podcasts,
such as Apple or Spotify.

Thira ‘Aum’ Chutikul, Popetorn ‘Two’ CLASSIC FILM Cate Blanchett and Judi
Soonthornyanaku, Joel Edgerton, Colin Farrell NOTES ON A SCANDAL (2008) Dench in Notes on a Scandal
If you fancy sitting down to a superb
and Viggo Mortenson in Thirteen Lives physiological drama, then Notes on a
Scandal is the ideal choice. Based on Zoë
Heller's Booker-shortlisted novel, it stars

WOMANSWAY.IE 49

LETTERS Motherhood by Joaquin Miller, an WHERE TO
American poet. NEXT?
Remember the
It got me thinking about women and days when
their role in Irish society over the years. we went
on a sun
We have come a long way since women holiday and
were supposed to be seen and not heard. when we
Since they were banished to institutions stepped o
or made to marry for material gain, not the plane
love. Since the ban on women working and the heat
after marriage was in place. But despite hit us? We told
all this, women have never been wanting everyone about
in their fight for independence. Not only it when we went
have women's lifestyles improved but back home, and we'd be
they have taken their place in doing some the envy of the parish. Now we have
of the most important tasks in our land. it at home so that's the end of that
little moment. And then if we were
ank you Woman's Way for being one of the lucky ones to go on a ski
with women through it all, and all that is holiday, we would spend ages talking
yet to come. about being knee-deep in snow and
MARIAN DALTON, CO CARLOW we'd talk about the endless whiteness
of everything. Now we have that at
Reading about Jane Fonda’s life from Simple Delights home too.
her early years reminded me why I’ve
always been a big fan of hers. Her I can finally say this at last, after two So now I don't know where to go
candour is a breath of fresh air in years of the pandemic and personal for a bit of excitement. Should I go
a world that seems curated by spin trauma. My sanctuary and happiness is or should I stay? I'll have to wait and
doctors. Fair play to her for living her something so simple but very fulfilling - see.
life to the fullest, warts and all, and your wonderful magazine and a cuppa. Bernie Kirwan, Co Wexford
I wish her many more years of active Please keep up the good work. I also won
life. As one of her sponsors would say a wonderful prize from you and had fun so entertained,
- because she’s worth it. As we all are. spending it with my daughter. and the meals
Rock on Jane! SHEILA MONAGHAN, CO KILDARE she made
Mary Lo us, Co Laois always looked
Disco Dining delicious. I
Pen Pals bought her
Sophie Ellis-Bextor was fantastic on new cookbook
I found Jean Murphy's letter in your Instagram throughout lockdown. Her last week and
magazine to be very interesting. I still kitchen discos kept my family and me I’ve already
write letters and I have three pen pals. made four
I write them letters regularly. Nothing recipes so
beats getting a letter in the post that far - my kids
is not a bill. Letter writing is not old- loved the cod
fashioned in my opinion. and chorizo
NICOLE PHILLIPSON, CO DUBLIN stew and
the tiramisu.
Wonderful Women Next up to try is the mac and
cheese, which I’m sure will be another
I happened to come across the poem crowd pleaser.
DAIRE LYNCH, CO MEATH
STAR LETTER PRIZE W€O7R0TH
LETTER EMAIL DETAILS
Our lucky Star Letter writer will receive both Remescar
Eye Bags & Dark Circles, an instant and e ective eye For the moment, we are asking you to
cream which helps to diminish bags under your eyes, send us all your letters and pictures to
and Remescar Instant Wrinkle Corrector, a facial cream [email protected]. We love to
specially designed to target the wrinkles around the hear from you so please stay in touch.
eyes, eyebrows, or around the nose and mouth.
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50 WOMANSWAY.IE