Woman's Way Summer Mood Boosters

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I loved reading the travel article I’ve decided I’m going to join a running HOLIDAY CRISIS
about Ibiza. I have never wanted to group in my area, and I can’t wait to get I'm in Alvor, Portugal as we speak
visit that part of Spain because I started. Wish me luck! and I'm only coming to terms with it -
thought it would be overwrought with CLARA JONES, CO WEXFORD slowly, I might add.
young ones looking to party. And
I’m sure parts of Ibiza are. But when Wedding Season It's di cult though. I have to leave
I read about the luxurious resort the light on at night and I need to
with a wellness retreat, I was sold. I Wedding season leave my glasses on too. I have to
started yoga last year because I was is well and truly physically hold books to read. The
told it would be good for my neck and underway, and darn things are big and some of them
back and I’ve become obsessed ever I have seven are really big. Then, to add insult to
since. A wellness retreat with sunset invitations sitting injury I have to turn the pages.
yoga sounds like a dream. Maybe a on my mantle to
trip to Ibiza will be in the cards for prove it. I really You see, I forgot my kindle and
2023? enjoyed the I'm struggling with the loss. Thank
CAROLL MCDONAGH, CO KERRY occasionwear God I packed my latest Womans Way
feature in the though. It's light but so heavy with
McKiernan’s running tips were fantastic, last issue. I’ve hours of entertainment. My son just
especially the conversation rule and gotten some great messaged me from home to say he
signing up for races to tailor training. So inspiration on what found my kindle tucked under my
to wear for the next pillow. Can't wait to be reunited but
couple of summer have to hesitantly admit, there's
ceremonies. I something about the feel of a book.
especially love Maybe there's a message for me in
the two-piece this somewhere.
suit ideas in fun Bernie Kirwan, Co Wexford
colours. Obviously,
I won’t be buying new rigouts for each LETTER EMAIL DETAILS
wedding but I like that I can keep up
with the trends and check my wardrobe For the moment, we are asking you to
for anything that might work. As they send us all your letters and pictures to
say: reduce, reuse, recycle. womansway@harmonia.ie. We love to
MARIA MOONEY, CO DONEGAL hear from you so please stay in touch.

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WOMANSWAY.IE 51

CODE WORD CELEB PIXELS

Fill in the blanks with the words. To help you get started three letters are
already in place.

I’m currently starring in one I’m known as the news anchor
of the biggest shows in the who isn’t afraid to ask the
galaxy, that’s set far, far big questions. I recently
away. I’m a proud Scotsman stepped down from my prime
and as well as acting, I love time current a airs TV show
travelling on my motorbike a er seven years on the air
and have even documented to spend more time with my
my adventures for TV in a family. But don’t worry you’ll
show called Long Way Round still catch me on the radio
and Long Way Down. every morning.

5 LETTER WORDS ELASTIC TRUMPET ANSWERS: SUNCREAM; PARASOL; SUN HAT; BEACH BALLREMEMBER WHEN? 2
ASPIC FRANTIC WESTERN ANSWERS: 1977, 1985.
EVENT FREEDOM ANSWERS: CLAIRE BYRNE; EWAN MCGREGOR.1 >> Gorbachev becomes Soviet
MAGIC MUSEUMS 9 LETTER WORDS leader
MAJOR NOTICED AWARENESS >> Elvis Presley Dies at the age
NECKS SATISFY CHILDHOOD of 42 >> The 57th Academy Awards
PIECE SCENERY EGYPTIANS are held in Los Angeles
SIDES SEESAWS EXPLODING >> Ireland’s first McDonald’s
STAND SQUEEZE JUDGEMENT restaurant opened on >> The Space Shuttle Atlantis
SUNBURN OVERNIGHT Gra on Street in Dublin makes its maiden flight
7 LETTER WORDS SUSPECT UNCHANGED
COURAGE TROOPER WEDNESDAY >> The 21st Dáil elected Jack >> A joint French-American
DECAPOD Lynch as Taoiseach expedition locates the
wreck of the RMS Titanic
>> Britain’s Elizabeth II visits
Northern Ireland as part of
her Silver Jubilee celebrations
under tight security.

NAME THESE FOUR SUMMER BEACH ESSENTIALS THE 4 Ws

WHO… did Britain fight against ANSWERS: 11. THE USA; NAMES; EPSOM (SALTS); 1996;
in the War of 1812? HENRY VIII; A SHARK; NÎMES; 1969.
WHAT… are Lloyd’s of London’s
syndicate members more commonly
called?
WHERE… is the Surrey town a er
which hydrated magnesium sulphate
is named?
WHEN… did Ireland last win the
Eurovision Song Contest?

WHO… was the English king who
had famously had six wives?
WHAT… type of creature is a tope?
WHERE… in France does the fabric
denim take its name from?
WHEN… did Olof Palme first become
Prime Minister of Swweden?

52 WOMANSWAY.IE

TIME OUT

WORDSEARCH: SEAFOOD PRIZE CROSSWORD 13

Find and cross out all the listed words

BASS CRAYFISH PLAICE SWORDFISH ACROSS: 7. MANY (13); 8. DEPENDABLE (8); 9. MEEK (4); 10.
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BREAM HAKE SALMON TUNA LOOSEN (4); 20. FRAGRANT (8); 22. HUMANE (13)
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CLAM LOBSTER SCALLOP WHELK 5. SPITE (6); 6. RINGLET (4); 11. ALARM (8); 13. CALMNESS (8); 15.
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COLEY MUSSEL SKATE WHITING
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FOREFATHER; 22 TAME.
DOWN: 2 RESPONSIVE; 3 DAZE; 4 CONVEY; 5 FILLIP; 6 PASTORAL;
7 DEAR; 11 ANTAGONISM; 13 UNDERFED; 16 REPEAL; 17 ALIGHT; 18
GIFT; 20 TART.

ENTER TO WIN
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Fresh o my latest stint A er six years away from programme including foot salts, scrub and foot cream, mask and anti-fungal
judging one of the biggest TV the road, I’m coming back foot cream, Anti-Ageing and Brightening Hand Mask and Timeless Truth
talent shows in the UK and to Dublin next year and I’m Luxury Moisturising Hand Mask from beautybelle.ie. It’s time to get ready for
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family. Although, I can’t help in minutes. The Irish crowd is HOW TO ENTER
keeping an eye out for who’s always one of the best. I just Please send a picture of your completed crossword grid to
got talent. hope it’s a ‘sunny day’ when I womansway@harmonia.ie. No postal entries please.
make my way on stage. The closing date for entries is July 4, 2022.

ANSWERS: AMANDA HOLDEN; BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN. This Woman’s Way competition is open to anyone resident in NI and the Republic of Ireland,
aged 18 and over, except employees and their families of Harmonia Publishing, its printers and
anyone else connected with the competition. No purchase is necessary. We will only accept
one competition entry per reader. Prizes are awarded by drawing entries a er the closing date.
Winners will be notified by email. The editor’s decision is final.

WOMANSWAY.IE 53

COMPETITION

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To enter,
please answer
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54 WOMANSWAY.IE

FOOD

You can have a delicious dinner in no time using
basic ingredients. Here are the store-cupboard
essentials for Greek Cypriot cooking.

greek cypriotCOOKING
There’s nothing worse than don’t need to pre soak them, and they “Jarred ones are much more delicious
By Prudence Wade, PA planning to cook a meal, only to actually cook quite quickly,” Hayden than tinned ones – just the way they’re
realise there’s nothing in your enthuses. preserved and cooked, they’re often
fridge – it’s a surefire way to more tender. e liquid they’re preserved
make sure you blow your food “I always have brown and green lentils in in is what makes hummus go really
budget on a takeaway instead. my cupboard – I have red as well, but that’s mousse-y.”
However, this isn’t a problem for food more for Asian food. In terms of Greek
writer Georgina Hayden, who’s a whizz Cypriot, Greek and Middle Eastern food – While you can splash out on expensive
at creating delicious recipes from store- green and brown lentils.” jarred chickpeas, Hayden is perfectly
cupboard ingredients, drawing inspiration happy with the ones you can get for 69p,
from her Greek Cypriot roots. While she One of her favourite recipes from saying: “I think they’re wicked.”
still loves vegetables and herbs, store- her new cookbook is a Lebanese dish
cupboard essentials mean you don’t always called rishta. “It’s green lentils cooked >> RICE Hayden admits this one might
have to have fresh produce on hand – and with cumin, coriander, and crushed sound “really boring”, but she can’t live
risk it going off before you get to it. up tagliatelle,” she explains. “It’s super without rice.
creamy. It says to use fresh tagliatelle, but
In fact, Hayden says her latest cookbook that’s obviously quite hard to get hold of “Rice is such a great staple – you can
Nistisima is “mostly store-cupboard if you’re not having eggs [the recipes in genuinely have a meal on the table in no
ingredients” – predominantly things you Nistisima are all vegan], but you can use time if you’ve always got a bag of rice in
can get in your local supermarket, but also dried tagliatelle and just crush it up. your cupboard.”
“a few specialist things, like syrups and
molasses”. “It’s a one-pot dish, and it’s so delicious. Some of the rice dishes in Hayden’s
And that is proper store cupboard stuff.” new book include spanakorizo – a classic
If you want to make sure you’ve got
a well-stocked pantry, these are the >> CHICKPEAS “I always have Lenten Greek dish of spinach,
essentials Hayden suggests everyone should jars of chickpeas,” says Hayden tomato and lemon rice, and
have – particularly if you want to whip up a – who goes for jars instead of dolmades – stuffed vine leaves.
Greek Cypriot dinner… the dried version, which “need WW
to be presoaked, and they take
>> LENTILS “Lentils are a bit a long time to cook – I just Nistisima: The Secret To Delicious Vegan
misunderstood. Lentils are great – you cannot be bothered, I don’t Cooking From The Mediterranean And
have the time. Beyond by Georgina Hayden (Bloomsbury),
photography by Kristin Perers. Available now.

WOMANSWAY.IE 55

VMEEXGICGAINE

e MasterChef winner and Wahaca
restaurant co-founder chats about the

biodiversity in Mexico.

Mexican cuisine might conjure synergy together.” I think about are the salsas on the tables,”
up images of tacos al pastor From plant-based versions of Mexican she says, reflecting on the early travels that
(with barbeque pork), inspired her career. “ ey’re made fresh
meat-packed enchiladas or classics, like beetroot ceviche, celeriac and every day, they’re different in every cantina
fish-topped tostadas – but chard enchiladas, chickpea rancheros and that you go to or every street food (stall),
omasina Miers says, historically, Mexican cauliflower tacos, to vegetable dishes that every single cook has their own special
fare is much more heavily focussed on fruit celebrate Mexican spices and flavourings, recipes. ey are all packed full of vitamins
and vegetables. like chipotle-tamarind baked sweet potato and minerals and goodness, they’re fresh
gratin and baked polenta with veracruzan and zingy.”
“It’s one of the most biodiverse countries sauce, her eighth cookbook (and her third
in the world and the foundations of the Mexican-focussed) is, like all of her recipes, Surprisingly, it reminded her of home.
diet are corn, beans, the courgette plant, for “people who are busy”. So although “My mother always used to make
tomatoes, chilies and wild herbs,” says some are longer, it all feels do-able for the homemade mayonnaise, barbecue sauces,
Miers, 46. Mexico has around 50,000 native time-starved generation. ketchup bases, mint sauce and horseradish
plant species (by some estimates), with
some 200 varieties of chilli alone, compared “I’m a working mum,” she says, “I’m
with Ireland’s 1,500 or so. perpetually short of time. For me, food
has got to fit into busy lives.” ere’s even
Protein often came from moles (a a place for Tex Mex, with her ‘chile non
traditional type of sauce made from beans), carne’ – a handy family favourite.
“enriched with lots of ground seeds”,
adds Miers. “ e authentic way (to make “Some people will spend two days making
it) is often very complicated, with 37 a recipe and that’s great – and I used to do
ingredients.” (But don’t worry, she has that, before kids,” Miers adds with a laugh.
recipes with just eight). “But not everyone has that time.

“A lot of the housewives in Mexico make “What I love about Mexican food is you
their own vinegars at home out of guava, can spend a weekend making your own
pineapple or apple,” she notes. flour tortillas (I love making flour tortillas
from scratch because they taste so good
e idea of packing your diet with a and they’re really easy). Equally, if it’s
rainbow of vegetables is very much the midweek, I’m just going buy some and
focus of her new book, Meat-Free Mexican. that’s fine.”
“I think we’re really beginning to think
about food as medicine much more these e mum-of-three first fell in love with
days, which I think is completely right,” she the food of Mexico while travelling there
says. Plus, “people are looking at eating less between school and university. Before that,
meat anyway, because environmentally, she’d always thought of Mexican cuisine
how much meat we’re eating is a total as American-style Tex-Mex – but eating
catastrophe.” her way around the valleys of Oaxaca, the
coast of Campeche and the rainforests of
For Miers – who won MasterChef in Veracruz, falling in love with “the colour,
2005 and is the brains behind the hugely the vibrancy, the creativity” soon opened
successful Wahaca chain of Mexican her eyes. She later returned to live in Mexico
restaurants (where 50 per cent of the menus City and opened her first Wahaca restaurant
are now vegetarian) – says: “I love that in London’s Covent Garden in 2007 – now
ancient Mexican food and the modern way there are 13.
we’re all kind of starting to eat, feel very in
“When I look back now, the first thing

56 WOMANSWAY.IE

FOOD

By Lauren Taylor, PA cream, so I felt like the Mexican way of Wahaca put an alternative Blistered Green
eating with salsas dolloped on food was guacamole on their menus Bean Tacos
actually quite like the way we eat in Britain last year – ‘wahacamole’
– we love to dollop sauces onto food. made from British fava with tomato pico
beans.
“I love layering flavour on to things. e Who says you need meat or fish for a delicious
salsas, the chilli oils, the moles – for me it’s “Avocados are lovely – taco? “Try this in the summer when both
not just levels of goodness and nutrition but as treats,” she says. the green beans and the tomatoes are at
but flavour and texture and colour. And it “Anything that grows their best: runner beans, griddled flat beans
brings all the food alive.” within 50 or 100 miles of or sugar snaps will all taste good,” says
you is a great staple to eat
Guacamole – and avocados generally because there’s less of an omasina.
– may be a staple in Mexico, but their impact. Exotic fruit is great
environmental footprint (for a fruit) has for special occasions, but (SERVES 4)
weighed heavily on Miers’ mind. It’s why having them as a mainstay
of your diet is going to be INGREDIENTS:
bad for the environment. ∂ 75g flaked almonds
∂ 500g green beans, topped
“I’m a cook,” she says. ∂ 2tbsp olive oil
“I wouldn’t be without my coriander seeds ∂ 3 garlic cloves, sliced
and my star anise and my cinnamon stick. ∂ 3tbsp capers (the bigger the better)
But yes, they come from the other side ∂ Sea salt
of the world – it’s about putting it all in
proportion.” FOR THE SMALL CORN TORTILLAS
(MAKES 12)
Impact on the environment is the main ∂ 800g masa harina flour
reason Miers is flexitarian. “I generally eat ∂ 1tsp salt
meat if I’m in control of where it comes ∂ 600ml warm water
from. Factory farmed meat is a big no-no ∂ Vegetable oil, for frying
for me, in terms of welfare and emissions. (You’ll also need a clean plastic bag torn into
two halves, two sheets of parchment paper and
“Beef, I eat probably four times a year. We a tortilla press or a rolling pin)
buy chicken from the market once every
few weeks, because we buy expensive ones FOR THE TOMATO PICO:
that are fed on grass and not grain that’s ∂ 6 very ripe plum or cherry tomatoes
been grown in the Amazon basin. ∂ Small handful of coriander
∂ 1 small red onion, very finely diced
“I think that for me is the key – is the ∂ 1–2 green chillies, preferably jalapeños, very
animal I’m eating impacting the rainforest
in Brazil? Well, if they are, I don’t want a finely chopped
piece of it, personally. ∂ 1tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
∂ Juice of 1–2 limes
For the future of our planet and for our ∂ 1tsp sea salt
kids, we have to eat less meat, she urges. ∂ 1tsp so brown sugar
“We’re still opening factory farms, and ∂ Salt and pepper
the government’s talking about reducing
carbon targets,” she sighs. Runoff from TO SERVE:
the huge amount of animal waste at ∂ Crumbled feta (optional)
factory farms often pollutes nearby rivers, ∂ Sliced avocado (optional)
according to Food Print – “so I’d rather
not have chicken if it’s from an industrial METHOD
chicken farm close to a river,” says Miers. 1 First make the pico: cut the tomatoes into

We’ve got too used to eating whatever quarters and scoop out the watery insides
we want, at whatever cost to the planet, (you can keep them and use them in a
she suggests. But we can still enjoy a lot of vinaigrette or in a soup). Dice the flesh.
food responsibly. “Cooking should be fun, 2 Roughly chop the coriander leaves and finely
it should be about feeding the people you chop the stalks and stir into the tomatoes
love, it should be about pleasure, but within with the onion, chillies, oil, half the lime
limits. It’s not about having whatever you juice, the salt and sugar. Check the flavour
want, whenever you want, but it is about
flavour and taste, and joy,” says Miers. Continued overleaf >>

“Why should we eat meat all the time at
the expense of species decline and insect
extinction and the total destruction of our
soil? For the future of mankind, apart from
anything else, it doesn’t seem to make sense
to me.”

WOMANSWAY.IE 57

and add more salt, pepper or lime juice Beetroot Ceviche ∂ 2.5tbsp olive oil
if you think the salsa needs it. Leave to ∂ 30g sunflower seeds
marinate for at least 20 minutes. with tarragon and blood orange ∂ 1 avocado
3 To make the tortillas, combine the dry ∂ 1.5tbsp lime juice
ingredients in a bowl, then gradually If you’re trying to eat less fish, why not give ∂ 2tbsp chopped coriander stalks plus small
stir in the warm water until a dough beetroot the ceviche treatment instead?
begins to form. Knead in the bowl for handful of roughly chopped coriander leaves
two to three minutes until smooth, then omasina says “‘ceviche-ing’ beautiful ∂ 3 radishes
cover with a dish towel and rest for 30 vegetables, at the peak of their season has ∂ 2 spring onions, finely chopped
minutes. You want it to feel springy and become a favourite in my Mexican feasts”. ∂ Small handful of roughly chopped tarragon
firm, similar to the texture of play-doh. Although, if you fancy giving this recipe a go
If the dough feels too wet and is sticking when blood oranges are not in season, normal leaves
to your hands, add a few tablespoons ones are fine to use. ∂ Fine sea salt
of flour. If it feels too dry, add an extra ∂ Cress or pea shoots, to garnish (optional)
tablespoon or two of warm water.
4 Divide into 30g balls and place on a (SERVES 6 as a starter or fewer as part of a FOR THE DRESSING:
plate, covered with a damp cloth to light meal) ∂ 1 Scotch bonnet chilli (or a bird’s eye)
stop them sticking. Put one half of the ∂ 1 small garlic clove, unpeeled
plastic or parchment onto the tortilla INGREDIENTS: ∂ 1/4 tsp cumin seeds
press or worktop and place your first ∂ 4 medium beetroot ∂ 1tsp caster sugar
ball in the middle. With two fingers,
gently press down on the tortilla ball
to squash it into a thickish disc. Cover
with the second sheet of plastic, to
stop the masa from tearing or sticking,
and press or roll out into a thin tortilla,
about 3mm thick.
5 Peel away the top plastic, then pick up
the sheet that the tortilla is on and flip
it face down onto the opened palm of
your hand, tortilla to skin. Peel away the
plastic top and turn out the tortilla into a
lightly oiled pan.
6 Cook on one side for 20–30 seconds,
until the tortilla starts to look cooked,
with lovely browned spots of toasting. If
you are lucky it may even pu up! Turn
and cook for another 30 seconds, then
turn once more. Remove from the pan
and keep wrapped up in a dish towel in a
warm oven.
7 Put your largest frying pan over a
medium heat and when hot, toast the
almonds, shaking the pan until they are
mostly a lighter shade of caramel. Put aside
to cool.
8 Turn the heat up under the pan and add the
beans in two batches. Sauté each batch for
four to five minutes until they are looking
a little blackened all over and starting to
blister. Season with sea salt and remove
from the pan into a warm bowl. Now pour in
the olive oil and add the garlic and drained
capers (watch for spitting if they are still a
little wet). Cook for a couple of minutes or so
until the garlic is golden and empty onto the
beans.
9 Pile the beans into the tortillas and top with
the garlic and capers, spooning over heaped
spoonfuls of the tomato salsa. Sprinkle
with the almonds and crumbled feta and
avocado, if using, then munch with gusto.

58 WOMANSWAY.IE

FOOD

∂ 2tbsp lime juice
∂ 7tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
∂ Juice of 1/2 orange (blood or

otherwise)
∂ Salt

METHOD lime-salt, while the Mexican chocolate one and agave with 300ml water and blend to
1 Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C is made with almond milk and drizzled with combine.
white chocolate and chopped almonds, she 2 Taste the mixture and add more agave if
fan/400°F/gas 6. adds. Otherwise, try condensed milk or needed, remembering to sweeten more
2 Rub the beetroot with one tablespoon double cream for a rich finish. than you think necessary, as much of the
sweetness disappears once the lollies are
of the olive oil, followed by a little fine (MAKES 10-12) frozen. Pour into lolly moulds and freeze for
sea salt, pop into a baking tin and cover at least eight hours.
with foil. Roast for one hour or until INGREDIENTS: 3 To make the chili salt, blitz the chillies with
tender when pierced with a knife. FOR THE MANGO DIPPED IN CHILI SALT the salt in a spice grinder or small food
3 Toast the sunflower seeds in a dry VERSION: processor, then stir in the sugar and lime
frying pan (skillet) until golden. ∂ 2 small ripe mangoes (220g) zest. Serve the mango paleta dipped into
Remove and set aside. Meanwhile, ∂ Zest and juice of 1 lime (40ml) the chilli-lime-salt.
to make the dressing, put the chilli ∂ 2–3tbsp light agave nectar 4 To make the Mexican chocolate paleta, add
and garlic in the dry frying pan over a the milk to a heavy-bottomed saucepan and
medium–high heat and toast on both FOR THE CHILLI-LIME SALT: warm over a low heat with the cinnamon
sides until blackened all over, about ∂ 10g piquin chillies or Urfa chilli flakes and golden syrup. Take the milk o the
five to seven minutes. Toast the cumin ∂ 10g fine sea salt heat and stir through the chocolate until
seeds for 30 seconds in the same pan. ∂ 100g caster sugar completely melted. Leave to cool and then
4 De-seed the chilli, cut into quarters ∂ Zest of 1 lime pour into lolly moulds. Freeze for at least
and peel the garlic. Pound a quarter of eight hours.
the chilli to a paste in a pestle with the garlic FOR THE MEXICAN CHOCOLATE 5 To decorate, melt the white chocolate
and several pinches of salt, the cumin and VERSION:
the sugar. Work in the lime juice and finally ∂ 400ml almond or whole milk and toast the almonds. Drizzle the
pour in the olive oil and orange juice and stir ∂ Few pinches of ground cinnamon paletas with the white chocolate and
to combine. ∂ 55g dark chocolate, chopped sprinkle with the almonds. WW
5 Blitz the avocado with the lime juice, one- ∂ 55g milk chocolate, chopped
and-a-half tablespoons of water and the ∂ 1–2tbsp golden syrup Meat-free Mexican: Vibrant Vegetarian
remaining oil. Add the coriander stalks and ∂ 90g white chocolate Recipes by Thomasina Miers is published by
two to three large pinches of salt and blitz ∂ 50g almonds (flaked/slivered) Hodder & Stoughton. Photography by Tara
again to a smooth, thick cream. Fisher. Available now.
6 When the beetroot is cooked, allow to METHOD
cool for five minutes, then pop on a pair 1 To make the mango paletas, WOMANSWAY.IE 59
of washing-up gloves and rub away the
beetroots’ skin. Slice into rounds about skin and stone the mangoes
3mm, preferably with a mandolin. Arrange and add the flesh (and as much
them in overlapping circles on a large juice as you can) into a blender.
serving plate and dress with the dressing Add the lime zest and juice
while still warm.
7 Slice the radishes to paper-thin discs (use
the mandolin if you have it). Scatter over the
spring onions, coriander and tarragon leaves
and the seeds and dot with the avocado
cream. Serve at once with the cress or pea
shoots.

Mango And
Chocolate Paletas

A great way to end a party on a hot summer’s

day. “Paletas, which are essentially Mexican

lollies made from the many tropical fruits

native to the country, are an exceptionally

pleasing way to slake one’s thirst in such a

hot climate,” says omasina. e mango

version below is delicious dipped in chilli-

MUSE COFFEE + FOOD

BRUNCHHEALTHY
One of Ireland’s best places for outdoor dining has unveiled
the perfect wellness combination of yoga and brunch and to
celebrate, here are three great recipes to try at home.

Sometimes dreams really do come
true. Sharon and Aidan Quinn
switched Dublin for Kilkenny
a few years ago (along with
their young family) to fulfill a
yearning ambition to run their own café.
Better still the location was second to
none - the magnificent Butler Gallery,
Kilkenny’s contemporary art gallery and
museum. e ‘Summer Series’ which
kicks off with the ‘Yoga + Sunday Brunch’
sessions takes place in the beautiful walled
garden of the Gallery. Guests can enjoy
some uplifting hatha flow yoga - covering
mindful movement, relaxation, clarity
and connection - with local yogi, David
Mooney. And here are a few recipes from
brunch to tempt you along.

Green Queen Juice

is green juice is cooling, hydrating and
delicious. You can adjust the sweetness by
adding more apple or pineapple as desired.
Using organic produce is always the best
option as they have less chemical load. is
recipe makes 8 fl oz - one large serving.

INGREDIENTS:
∂ 1 x whole organic cucumber, skin on
∂ 2 stalks of organic celery
∂ Quarter of a lemon, including the skin and

flesh (depending on your tastes)

Kilkenny Castle

60 WOMANSWAY.IE

FOOD

container overnight or for at least 4 hours to
absorb the liquid.
2 Top your fruity overnight oats with a spoon
of vegan yoghurt, a sprinkle of crunchy
granola and some fresh berries of your
choosing.

NOTES:

You can top your oats with lots of delicious
toppings, try:
∂ Almond butter
∂ Berry compote
∂ Lemon curd
∂ Banana and peanut butter

Avocado Toast

We serve this in our café with a vegan option
also (just leave out the egg) and we like to
add a little homemade hummus. Avo toast is
filling and nutritious.

INGREDIENTS:
∂ 2 slices of the best sourdough you can find,

we use Sourdough from Seagull Bakery,
Tramore
∂ ¼ sweet potato
∂ 3 tbsp Olive oil
∂ Salt and pepper
∂ Chilli flakes
∂ 1 so boiled egg
∂ Handful of fresh rocket
∂ 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
∂ ½ so , ripe avocado
∂ Fresh or pickled red onion
∂ Optional: Peanut Rayu

∂ 1 x whole apple, skin on and you Sharon Quinn METHOD:
∂ 4 chunks of fresh pineapple, skin on, to will be glad 1 Cut ¼ sweet potato into small bite size
you did!
taste chunks and toss in a bowl with olive oil, salt,
∂ Handful of fresh mint leaves INGREDIENTS: pepper and chilli flakes until evenly coated.
∂ ½ cup of fruity tea (made and le to go cold) Spread on a baking tray and bake in the oven
METHOD: at 180 °C for 35 mins until so and tender.
1 Using a juicer, combine all ingredients in the we like to use pineapple and coconut tea 2 Meanwhile, so boil the egg for 6.5 mins,
∂ One cup of oats remove and place immediately in cold water.
juicer. ∂ 2 tbsp chia seeds 3 Butter 2 slices of sourdough bread and toast
2 Serve over ice immediately. ∂ ½ cup milk (we like to use coconut or oat) in the oven until golden brown.
∂ Vegan yoghurt 4 In a bowl, dress the rocket leaves with a little
Fruity Overnight Oats ∂ Crunchy granola balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
∂ Your favourite fresh berries 5 Assemble the toast; spread the sweet potato
Overnight Oats take a little time and on the bread, top with dressed leaves, sliced
preparation but they are so worth it when you METHOD: avocado and pickled red onion. Top this with
can grab them and go in the morning. ese 1 Make ½ cup of fruity tea and leave it to go a so boiled egg.
overnight oats are vegan and can be made 6 If you like a little spice, this is delicious with
using gluten free oats. Soaking them in the cold. some peanut rayu drizzled over the top.
fruity tea takes the flavour to the next level 2 Add the cold tea to the oats and chia seeds, Enjoy! WW

add the milk and stir well. Store in an airtight For details of Muse Coffee + Food’s
‘Yoga + Sunday Brunch’ sessions,
visit musecoffeefood.ie.

WOMANSWAY.IE 61

WELLNESS ∂ 4 spring onions or 1 small red onion, finely
COOKING diced

Ahead of her new book, cook Melissa ∂ 2tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Hemsley shares some of her favourite recipes ∂ A dash of hot sauce (optional)

inspired by her Filipino heritage. METHOD:
1 Preheat the oven to fan 220°C/gas mark 9. If

using a BBQ, get it going now.
2 Mix all the sauce ingredients together. Place

the chicken thighs in an ovenproof dish big
enough to arrange the pieces about two
centimetres apart (but not so big that you
lose all the sauce as it cooks o in the oven),
then add the sauce, coating each piece of
chicken well in the mixture and leave for a few
minutes, if you like.
3 Place the chicken thighs skin-side up in the
dish, sprinkle a little salt and pepper over
each one and roast for 25 minutes or until
well cooked and the juices run clear when
pierced with a knife.
4 Meanwhile, make the salsa. Roughly chop
the leaves of the coriander and finely chop
the stalks, then add to a serving bowl with all
the other ingredients, mix together well and
leave to sit for 20 minutes (while the chicken
is cooking).
5 Serve the chicken scattered with the spring
onions and with the salsa on the side.

Fried Halloumi And

Chickpea Rainbow Salad

Filipino Chicken With Mango-Tomato Salsa “Definitely make this! It’s also delicious
stuffed into a wrap, or served with rice or
“My mum calls this ‘any way chicken’ FOR THE FILIPINO-STYLE SAUCE: quinoa. Halloumi needs to be served straight
because you can make the chicken any way: ∂ 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped away, so make this fresh. Swap the halloumi
I like cooking it in the oven (so I can forget ∂ 4tbsp apple cider vinegar for paneer, or use extra-firm tofu, patted
about it); my mum likes to make it on the ∂ 2tbsp tamari or soy sauce dry, for a plant-based version of this dish.”
hob (to keep more of the sauce); and my ∂ 2tsp–1tbsp fish sauce or 2tsp extra tamari
boyfriend, Henry, likes grilling it on the BBQ SERVES 2
(so it’s smoky and crispy). However you do or soy sauce
it, I recommend making extra so that you ∂ 2tbsp (coconut) sugar or maple syrup INGREDIENTS:
can shred it into soups, wraps, noodles and ∂ 2 star anise ∂ 2tbsp ghee or coconut oil
salads later in the week.” ∂ ¼tsp chilli flakes (or to taste) ∂ 400g tin of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
∂ 4tsp garam masala
SERVES 4-6 FOR THE MANGO-TOMATO SALSA: ∂ 2tsp ground cumin
∂ 1 big handful of fresh coriander ∂ 225g halloumi, cut into small cubes
INGREDIENTS: ∂ 100g cherry tomatoes, quartered ∂ 2tsp maple syrup
∂ 4 large chicken thighs, skin on and bone in ∂ 100g peeled ripe mango, pineapple or stone ∂ Sea salt and pepper

(about 600g) fruit, diced FOR THE SALAD:
∂ Sea salt and black pepper ∂ 2cm fresh ginger, finely grated ∂ A little diced red onion or chopped spring
∂ 2 spring onions, finely sliced at an angle, to ∂ ½ garlic clove, finely grated
∂ 1 jalapeño or other chilli, deseeded and diced onions
serve ∂ Juice of 1½ limes ∂ 1 large carrot, scrubbed and roughly grated
∂ 1 handful of diced ripe tomatoes

FOR THE CASHEW-CORIANDER-MINT
CHUTNEY (makes double):
∂ 4tbsp cashews or other nuts

62 WOMANSWAY.IE

FOOD

the pistachios) for five minutes in a large
frying pan on a medium heat until fragrant
and just going golden. Toss them in the pan
as they cook and watch them like a hawk
a er three minutes!
2 Next, set up a bain-marie: place a heatproof
bowl on top of a small saucepan of
simmering water (making sure the base of
the bowl does not touch the water), add
the chocolate and two tablespoons of the
coconut oil and leave to melt until smooth,
stirring from time to time. Once melted, set
aside to cool slightly.
3 Add the dates, ground almonds, vanilla,
remaining coconut oil and salt to a food
processor and pulse until combined and
dough-like. Add 50 grams of the toasted
nuts (roughly a third, it doesn’t need to be
exact) and pulse again briefly until roughly
ground but still with some slightly larger

By Prudence Wade, PA ∂ 4 handfuls of fresh coriander and crispy at the edges. Straight away add bits, and then turn o the machine and stir
∂ 2 small handful of fresh mint leaves the fried chickpeas and the maple syrup, then in the pistachios or pumpkin seeds to make
∂ 2 fresh green chilli, deseeded if you prefer, toss together with the halloumi and fry for 30 a nice balance of squidgy dough and crunchy
seconds so that the chickpeas warm through nuts and seeds.
chopped, or a good pinch of chilli flakes and the maple syrup bubbles and thickens. 4 Line a rectangular tin about 25 centimetres
∂ ½tsp ground cumin 6 Scatter the chickpeas over the bowls of salad × 20 centimetres and four centimetres deep
∂ Juice of 3 limes with the halloumi on top, drizzle over half of – and transfer the mixture from the food
∂ 4tbsp olive oil the chutney and top with the remaining nuts. processor to the tin. Press down really well
with your hands to make a nice and flat,
METHOD: No-Bake Chewy Nutty Bars compact layer.
1 Prepare the salad and arrange in two bowls. 5 To finish, pour the glossy melted chocolate
2 Heat up a large frying pan and toast the “Any nuts and seeds work in these delicious mix on top to create a thick layer, using a
bars. I’ve made them with just hazelnuts spatula to get every last lovely drop out of
cashews for the chutney on a medium heat before for a lovely praline flavour. You might the bowl. Scatter with the rest of the toasted
for three to four minutes, tossing halfway like to swap the vanilla extract for a dash nuts and the chopped pistachios and pop in
through, until lightly golden, then tip half of of peppermint or orange extract, or add a the fridge for three hours, until the chocolate
them into the small bowl of a food processor bit of rum and a few raisins or some toasted layer is nice and hard, which makes it easy to
and save the rest for garnishing. coconut flakes. ese are best served straight slice and lovely to chew.
3 Put the pan back on the heat, melt one and from the fridge for the ultimate chewiness!” 6 Bring the tin out of the fridge for 10 minutes
a half tablespoons of the ghee and fry the before slicing into 16 squares. Keep stored in
chickpeas (making sure they are dried well in MAKES 16
a tea towel before so they don’t spit in the the fridge. These will last for a few
hot oil) on a medium heat for four minutes INGREDIENTS: weeks in a sealed container. WW
with half of the spices and a pinch of salt, ∂ 150g mixed whole walnuts, hazelnuts and
stirring every now and then. Tip into a bowl, Feel Good by Melissa Hemsley (Ebury Press)
scraping out the delicious bits from the almonds, roughly chopped photography by Lizzie Mayson. Available
bottom of the pan as you go. ∂ 200g dark (50 per cent -70 per cent) now
4 While the chickpeas are frying, add all
the other chutney ingredients to the food chocolate, broken into squares
processor – saving a few herbs for garnishing, ∂ 5tbsp coconut oil
if you like – along with about three ∂ 240g pitted Medjool dates
tablespoons of water, then blend together, ∂ 200g ground almonds
seasoning to taste with salt and pepper. ∂ 2tsp vanilla extract
5 Put the pan back on the heat with the rest of ∂ ½tsp sea salt
the ghee and, when melted, fry the halloumi ∂ 80g roughly chopped pistachios (or
on a medium heat for about two minutes on
the first side on (keep the pieces of halloumi pumpkin seeds), for topping
spaced out) and then turn, sprinkle over the
rest of the spices and fry for about one minute METHOD:
on the other side until lightly golden brown 1 Start by toasting the whole nuts (not

WOMANSWAY.IE 63

MGriocwroin-Mg aeadow
Small spaces
can make a big
impact. Here’s how to
make a micro-meadow
in a city garden using

just 5 plants.

Creating your own tiny patch
of meadow in an urban
area doesn’t have to be
complicated – in fact you
only need five types of plants
to do it.

So says Lucy Bellamy, author and
former editor of Gardens Illustrated
magazine, who has a small city garden
5m wide by 8m long in Bristol. She has
now written Grow 5 – a collection of
52 simple planting ‘recipes’ featuring
seasonal ideas for small outdoor spaces
using just five plants.

She says that using five types of
plants draws on repetition, a key design
principle. A combination of five allows
the plants to provide the excitement and
perform the lion’s share of design work.

“I chose five because it’s close to
nature, where it’s really rare to see a
monoculture or just one or two plants in
a sea of soil. Nature is all about knitting
a small group of plants together – and
that’s what this does.

“ ere’s been a move in the gardening
world into what is called perennial
meadows. Whereas a traditional
meadow uses annual plants, perennials
which look meadow-esque will keep
coming up year after year but are not
necessarily grown from seed every year.

ey are really easy to maintain but look
amazing.”

If you have no borders and only a
trough or other container to plant in,
you can still grow a micro-meadow, she
insists.

64 WOMANSWAY.IE

GARDENING

“ e idea of five plants works really well Allium 'Miami'
in a pot, working together as a medley but
in a really tiny space, using maybe one of
each of the five plants. It’s about thinking
about your colour palette, using different
textures and choosing plants that flower for
a really long time.”

In a small city garden, loose meadow-
like plantings feel quite unexpected and
therefore have much more impact than
they would in a wider setting, she observes.

Consider your aspect – are you in sun or
shade? ink about choosing plants with
different shapes – look at the clusters and
shape of flowers, consider grasses with fine
filigree foliage.

Stipa Gigantea

Plume Thistle

Fennel

By Hannah Stephenson, PA “ ink about contrast in shape and the Iris 'Sable' previous autumn as dormant bulbs,
element of repetition, so everything’s not buried 10-15cm deep, tucking them
the same but everything’s not completely 3> Add the cirsium and fennel, in ones between other flowers, or you can buy
different,” Bellamy advises. and twos, so that the flowers and foliage them as budding bulbs in early summer.
mingle at the tips. Bellamy adds: “ ese modern meadows
Here, she offers a recipe for a are designed to have a long season of
contemporary take on a micro-meadow, 4> Dot Iris ‘Sable’ at random among the interest – the plants will naturally change
using structural plants with strong shapes, other plants, making sure you don’t and evolve throughout the year – so the
including alliums, irises and plume thistles, place them too close together, as they fennel will, in summer, have yellow
softening them with stipa grass and wispy will be hefty plants. flowers, while the allium and cirsium will
fennel. hold their shape after their colour fades,
5> When each plant has a spot, dig a hole
“ e plants I’ve chosen will all benefit for the stipa, cirsium and foeniculum, providing decorative seedheads
from a sunny position, but they won’t need tapping each plant from its pot and which last through winter.” WW
a rich soil,” she says. “New contemporary easing out a few roots with your fingers.
meadows thrive on quite a scratchy, urban Dig a hole the depth of each Grow 5 by Lucy Bellamy (photography by
soil. To give them extra compost makes plant pot before planting them. Jason Ingram) is published by Mitchell
them less resilient, so grow them quite Beazley. Available now.
hard.” 6> Plant the irises, not too deeply,
as the top of the rhizome must WOMANSWAY.IE 65
INGREDIENTS remain above the soil. Water
The five plants you’ll need Allium thoroughly.
‘Miami’; Cirsium rivulare Atropurpureum;
Foeniculum vulgare (fennel); Iris ‘Sable’; 7> Alliums are best planted the
Stipa gigantea.

METHOD
1> Dig over the soil to a crumbly

consistency.
2> Starting with the Stipa gigantea, space

the plants out on the soil, still in their
pots, and consider how they will look in
different spots, including when you view
the scene through your window.

Cut peonies

PFloowweerr
Two expert florists offer your dining table,” says celebrity florist they feed on the nectar which is
their top tips and tricks Larry Walshe, founder of plastic-free abundant from peonies. Just give the
for making the most luxury online floristry service Bloom, flowers a gentle shake and they will
of your home grown- whose clients have included Rihanna, run off in another direction,” says
grown blooms. Adele and Stella McCartney. Blacklock. “Before cutting, ensure
there’s a big flush of colour that has
I f rain threatens to leave your Judith Blacklock, founder of the broken through. If you cut peonies
home-grown peonies and roses a acclaimed Judith Blacklock Floristry without the colour showing, it’s highly
soggy mess, now is the time to cut School, adds that in a mixed display, unlikely they will open.”
them and bring their beauty and gardeners should use both circular and
scent indoors. linear flowers for contrast. As for on-trend tones, Walshe adds:
Sweet peas also need cutting regularly “If you love peonies, we recommend
to promote fresh blooms and extend the “Peonies, for example, have a opting for on trend shades of coral, soft
season, so should be snipped when they dominant round shape, so mix them pink, peaches and caramels this year.”
appear and enjoyed indoors. with something that doesn’t have a
round shape, like foxgloves, which are Pair peonies with Alchemilla mollis
“Peonies, roses, and sweet peas linear, and alstroemeria which will come for a stunning combination, Blacklock
really look their best when they’re up year after year in the garden, mixes suggests.
displayed in their own individual vases with everything and will last for three
and then grouped together to create a weeks when cut,” says Blacklock. SWEET PEAS
contemporary and chic look, ideal for “Sweet peas should be displayed
displaying in your living room or on Here, Walshe and Blacklock offer some simply, without anything too elaborate.
more tips and tricks to make the most of If you are cutting from the garden,
your cut flowers… they often have short, wiggly stems.
Just using even a jam jar is perfect.
PEONIES
“If you grow peonies, you’ll always e flowers are fleeting, but they are
notice they have ants on them, because gorgeous and should be beautifully

66 WOMANSWAY.IE

Sweet peas in a jar GARDENING

Peonies in a vase always take off any leaves, which will
be below the water level,” Blacklock
scattered around on recommends.

scented freshly picked “Choose a vase sideboards and dining Walshe adds: “To get the most out of
from the garden,” says that is half the tables to add a pop of your peonies, it is best to remove the
height of your colour while only taking leaves running up the stem, so that the
seconds to arrange,” says water and nutrients travel straight to the
flower heads as opposed to travelling to
Blacklock. stems. Most people Walshe. each leaf followed by the flower heads.
“Sweet peas are linear, try to arrange “Roses work well in an
is ensures the best quality water and
so they can be mixed flowers in a vase elegant tall glass chimney nutrients go straight to the flower heads
with flowers with a round vase, which has clean as quickly as possible.

shape, but not blooms that’s too tall” lines for a classic and “To maximise the lifespan of your
that are as big as peonies. timeless appearance. blooms, snip the ends of each stem,
empty out the old water and thoroughly
You could mix them with Sweet peas look fabulous clean out the vase and replace with
fresh, cool, water and flower food every
small-flowered roses and in a smaller sized vase to two to three days.”

cosmos.” create a more impactful look.” He says water sterilising tablets
work well to keep flowers fresh,
Blacklock suggests: “Choose a vase while Blacklock adds that a dribble of
that is half the height of your stems. lemonade in the water will also help
prolong the life of your cut flowers. “For
sweet peas, I suggest refreshing them
daily as they typically only last three to
five days at best,” says Walshe. “It’s also
important to keep your flowers in a cool
environment, away from direct sunlight
and free from draughts.” WW

Peonies in stem vases

ROSES

“I wouldn’t put peonies with roses in Most people try to arrange flowers in a

By Hannah Stephenson, PA a display because there’s insufficient vase that’s too tall. And if you only have

contrast,” says Blacklock. “You would a few flowers, get some foliage, which

if there were other flowers to add from doesn’t have to be expensive. Tree ivy is

your garden as well, but peonies and one of the best, which is available to all.

roses are too similar.” e plain green shows off the beauty of

BEST TYPES OF VASES each individual bloom.”

“Stem vases are a great option for HOW TO MAKE THEM LAST?

decorating the home, as they can be “When putting flowers in a vase,

WOMANSWAY.IE 67

CrSweeaetm
Jumper
Try your hand at this
delicate cream jumper
in a flattering boat
neck style, perfect for
layering.

68 WOMANSWAY.IE

KNITTING

JUMPER Knitted long jumper NEEDLES: Alpaca Bouclé. Work 2 ridges.
SHORT OVERVIEW OF THE PIECE: in 2 strands DROPS Continue in stocking stitch until
Work piece back and forth on circular Alpaca Bouclé. Size › DROPS piece measures 20 cm, now increase
needle bottom up. Work sleeves back 1 stitch in each side by making 1
and forth on circular needle. XS – XXL. CIRCULAR yarn over inside 1 stitch in each side
NEEDLE SIZE (purl yarn over twisted on next row
BACK PIECE: DROPS design: 9 mm: Length to avoid holes). Increase every 4 cm
Cast on 50-54-58-62-66-72 stitches Pattern no AB- 60 or 80 cm 1-2-2-3-4-5 times in total = 34-36-
with 2 strands Alpaca Bouclé on 106 for edges in 38-40-44-46 stitches.
circular needle size 9 mm. Work 2 Yarn group C + C stocking stitch. Work until piece measures 47-47-
ridges in GARTER STITCH - read or E 48-47-47-47 cm from cast-on edge.
explanation above. Work in stocking › DROPS Cast off knitting from right side.
stitch with 5 stitches in garter stitch SIZE: Insert 1 marker in each side of sleeve
in each side until piece measures 8-8- XS - S - M - L - CIRCULAR approx. 3-4-7-7-8½-11 cm down
8-10-10-10 cm (= vent), then work in XL - XXL NEEDLE SIZE 8 from cast-off edge – use this marker
stocking stitch over all stitches until MATERIALS: mm: Length 40 when sewing sleeves on to front and
piece measures 40-42-43-44-44-45 cm for rib. back piece.
cm. › DROPS
Cast off 1-2-3-3-4-6 stitches on the › Needle size ASSEMBLY:
beginning of the next 2 rows = 48- ALPACA Sew shoulder seams together edge
50-52-56-58-60 stitches. Continue BOUCLÉ from is only a to edge.
to work until piece measures approx. Garnstudio suggestion! If Fasten sleeve in front and back piece
55-58-60-62-64-66 cm. (belongs to yarn you have too inside cast off for armholes. Sew
On next row from right side cast group C) many stitches sleeve together from cast-on edge
off the middle 18-18-20-20-22-22 on 10 cm switch up to marker on sleeve. Sew the last
stitches and finish each shoulder › 400-400-450- to a larger cm from marker and up to cast-
separately (15-16-16-18-18-19 stitches needle size. If off for armholes on front and back
remain for each shoulder). Work and 500-550-600 you have too piece. Sew side seam down to where
cast off 1 stitch on first row from the g colour 0100, few stitches on ridges begin in the side (= 8-8-8-10-
neck = 14-15-15-17-17-18 stitches o white 10 cm switch to 10-10 cm vent).
remain on shoulder. KNITTING a smaller needle
Cast off when piece measures 57-60- TENSION: size. NECK EDGE:
62-64-66-68 cm from cast-on edge EXPLANATION Begin at shoulder seam on one
– NB! It is important to cast off (do not › 10 stitches in FOR THE side, use circular needle size 8 mm
sew grafting/kitchener stitches), so PATTERN: and 2 strands Alpaca Bouclé. Pick
that the garment keeps its shape. width and 14 GARTER STITCH up approx. 48 to 62 stitches along
rows vertically (back and forth): the neck edge (number of stitches
FRONT PIECE: in stocking Knit all rows. must be divisible by 2). Work rib in
Cast on 50-54-58-62-66-72 stitches stitch and 2 1 ridge vertically = round with knit 1 and purl 1 until rib
with 2 strands Alpaca Bouclé on strands = 10 x knit 2 rows. measures approx. 2½ cm. Cast off.
circular needle size 9 mm. Work 2 10 cm. WW
ridges. Work in stocking stitch with
5 stitches in garter stitch in each side RIGHT SHOULDER FRONT PIECE:
until piece measures 8-8-8-10-10-10 Continue in stocking stitch, begin
cm (= vent), then work in stocking from wrong side, and cast off for neck
stitch. at the beginning of the next rows
Work until piece measures 40-42-43- from right side as follows: Cast off 2
44-44-45 cm from cast-on edge. stitches 1 time, and cast off 1 stitch 2
Cast off 1-2-3-3-4-6 stitches on the times = 14-15-15-17-17-18 stitches.
beginning of the next 2 rows = 48-
50-52-56-58-60 stitches. Continue en work in stocking stitch and cast
to work until piece measures approx. off when piece measures 57-60-62-
50-52-53-54-55-56 cm. 64-66-68 cm from cast-on edge.
On next row from right side cast off
the middle 12-12-14-14-16-16 stitches LEFT SHOULDER FRONT PIECE:
for neck and finish each shoulder Continue in stocking stitch, begin
separately (18-19-19-21-21-22 stitches from right side, and cast off for neck
remain for each shoulder). Do not cut at the beginning of the next rows
the yarn, work right shoulder from from wrong side as follows: Cast off
here. 2 stitches 1 time, and cast off 1 stitch
2 times = 14-15-15-17-17-18 stitches.

en work in stocking stitch and cast
off when piece measures 57-60-62-
64-66-68 cm from cast-on edge.

SLEEVES:
Cast on 32-32-34-34-36-36 stitches
on circular needle size 9 mm with

WOMANSWAY.IE 69

WinCOMPETITION
ONE OF TWO
HAMPERS FROM

Polished London is giving two lucky dental care products, with the aim to
readers the chance to win a hamper create and offer a new and exciting way
each that will include a Sonic XP to care for and whiten your teeth at
Toothbrush, an Aqua XP Flosser, a home or on the go.
UV-C Toothbrush Head Steriliser, and
Teeth Whitening Strips. Polished London’s new XP Range
includes the Sonic XP Toothbrush,
Celebrity favourite oral and dental which mirrors whitening only previously
care brand Polished London is taking achieved by a professional, the Aqua
the industry by storm as they continue XP Flosser, ensuring even the smallest
to innovate with the launch of the new particles of bacteria are removed, and
XP Range. Vegan, cruelty-free and the UV-C Toothbrush Head Steriliser,
PETA approved, Polished London’s which kills 99.9 per cent of the bacteria
products help to create that healthy, often found lurking within the bristles
irresistibly white smile that you’ve of our toothbrushes in just 3 minutes.
always wanted. The brand has an ever-
growing portfolio of top of the range Visit polishedlondon.com

70 WOMANSWAY.IE To enter, please answer the
following question:

NAME ONE PRODUCT INCLUDED
IN THE NEW POLISHED LONDON
XP RANGE?

HOW TO ENTER
Email your answer by July 4
to: womansway@harmonia.ie
including your name, address
and telephone number and
labelling your mail ‘The Polished
London Competition’

This Woman's Way competition is open to anyone
resident in NI and the Republic of Ireland, aged
18 and over, except employees and their families
of Harmonia Publishing, its printers and anyone
else connected with the competition. No purchase
is necessary. We will only accept one competition
entry per reader. Prizes are awarded by drawing
entries a er the closing date. Winners will be
notified by email. The editor’s decision is final.

HOROSCOPES

What’s in the stars for you in coming weeks? Patrick Arundell
has your horoscope predictions.

ARIES CANCER diplomatic Venus gives you the influence encourages plenty of
21 MARCH 22 JUNE – 23 JULY attractor factor. sharing.
– 20 APRIL You’ll come
Fired up by a into your own LIBRA CAPRICORN
brilliant idea? as the radiant 24 SEPTEMBER 22 DECEMBER
This week can see you getting Sun moves into – 23 OCTOBER – 20 JANUARY
started, even if it does involve your sign for four You’ll be in the There’ll be more
a leap of faith. This and weeks. Ready to make your spotlight as the interaction and
another money-making o er mark on the world? You’ll have Sun’s move into socialising as the Sun moves into
could be to your advantage if more presence and confidence a prominent zone encourages Cancer for its annual four-week
you seize an opportunity right to achieve great things. As you to promote your work and stay. You’ll do best when you
away. As the Sun dips into Venus moves into a private showcase your skills. This is a team up with others rather than
Cancer for a four-week stay, zone, there may be ideas or good time to send out your CV, go solo, as you’ll accomplish so
this is a good time to be kinder a relationship that you’re apply for interviews and get much more. Venus’ move into
to yourself. Eat good food, get keen to keep under wraps for yourself known in all the right your lifestyle sector can encourage
more sleep, and spend more now. Plus, your intuition is places. Mind, your appetite for you to indulge. Go for it, as
time in soothing company. invaluable to future progress, life will also increase. You’ll be pampering and self-care could be
so do listen to it! ready for adventures that put perfect for boosting your spirits.
TAURUS you in touch with new people
21 APRIL LEO and places. AQUARIUS
– 21 MAY 24 JULY 21 JANUARY
The Sun’s – 23 AUGUST SCORPIO – 19 FEBRUARY
move into Cancer From this week 24 OCTOBER You’ll benefit from
highlights communication and you’ll enter a – 22 NOVEMBER getting priorities in
boosts your ability to say just quieter phase, as A compelling order and streamlining
the right thing at the right the cosmos encourages you Venus/Pluto link your a airs. As the Sun glides
time. You also have a way to reflect and recharge. As the can strengthen your desire for into Cancer, the coming four
with words when it comes Sun moves into Cancer, use something or someone. Be sure weeks are excellent for getting
to financial matters. If you this opportunity to release it’s worth the e ort. Enjoying a back on track with your exercise
need to persuade anyone of emotional baggage and find budding romance? It may move routine and personal goals. But
anything, you’ll do it easily. closure on lingering issues. to a much deeper level this week. it’s not all about work, as other
Don’t let a powerful intuitive Mind, lovely Venus’ move into Plus, you’ll be ready to travel influences encourage you to get
nudge go to waste Taurus, as your social sector can spice and to explore new options out and have fun. Follow through
it could enhance your income up friendships and pave the and experiences. Whatever on a bold idea as it could be a
or leave you generally better way for a flirtatious romance. encourages personal growth and game-changer, Aquarius.
o. One encounter could prove moves you forward along your
delightful. individual path will feel good. PISCES
GEMINI 20 FEBRUARY
22 MAY VIRGO SAGITTARIUS – 20 MARCH
– 21 JUNE 24 AUGUST – 23 NOVEMBER Have creative skills
Money matters 23 SEPTEMBER – 21 DECEMBER and talents? The
come into focus now and Have a daring Someone may Sun’s move into Cancer
over the coming weeks as the idea? Do something about introduce you means it’s time to promote
Sun glides into your financial it, Virgo! This week’s line- to a hobby that you’ll take to them via social media and
sector. It’s time to take stock up could see you pooling immediately. If it involves some anywhere else you can. Hobbies
and consider how you can resources or starting a risk Archer, you’ll be even more and activities you enjoy may
improve your situation. You’ll business that you’ve been enthralled. Plus, the Sun’s rejuvenate you and leave you
be keen to explore new levels excited about for some time. move into your sector of change happier. You might be ready to
of fun and entertainment too, Your social life sparkles with encourages you to find closure redecorate your place too, as
as Venus enters your sign, promise as the Sun moves into on emotional issues, as it could Venus’ move into Gemini could
inspiring you to socialise. Cancer for a four-week stay. help resolve a complex issue. see you surfing the internet or
Thinking about a makeover? It You’ll also make progress with Your love life and social life get a browsing magazines for ideas for
could boost your confidence. career and business goals, as boost too, as Venus’s sparkling the perfect home. WW

WOMANSWAY.IE 71

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ADVICE

FioDenara Columnistandtrained
counsellor Fiona Caine answers
another set of reader dilemmas.
prepared to put up with long-term pain or else to blame me for her leaving.
HUSBAND WON’T SEEK HELP FOR instead. Men can tend to be more likely I was only trying to help my grandson,
HIS BAD BACK to avoid resolving health issues like this,
and there are probably several reasons but it’s been two months now and she
My husband has had back problems for for this. Perhaps they don’t like to appear won’t even let me see him.
years. Most of the time, it’s a background weak, or maybe they can’t accept the N. K.
pain that he manages to work through. reality that they can get sick. Or it might
be the treatment they fear, especially if it FIONA SAYS: THEY NEED TO
ere are times, though, when he has is a serious or long-term condition. In your COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER
crippling pain and is unable to move for husband’s case, though, it’s hard to see how How very sad that, rather than trying to
days, leaving me to pick up the slack of his this could possibly be worse that the pain sort out the problems in their marriage,
business and look after him at the same he is struggling with now. your son and daughter-in-law seem to
time. Over the past year, the number of be shifting the blame onto you. Trying to
times this has happened has increased If he remains reluctant to seek help for his remain neutral in situations like this is
significantly – yet he will still not see a own sake, could you persuade him to do it always difficult, and sometimes – as you’ve
doctor. for you? It’s possible he is so wrapped up in found – it backfires.
his own pain that he is unaware of the effect
I have tried so many times to get him to this is having on you. Try not to get angry e couple was obviously in trouble
seek help, but he just shrugs it off saying or confrontational and concentrate instead and naturally, that was upsetting their
there’s nothing they can do, it’s just on the issue of improving the quality of son. What you said is what any caring
something tall men must live with. I have your life together. grandmother would have said in the same
tried to convince him he can’t possibly situation, so it sounds as if the couple have
know this unless he actually asks, but he Alternatively, if it is doctors that he is both over-reacted. ey are clearly both
won’t hear it. I am, therefore, finding it averse to, might he see a physiotherapist or very upset about the way things have
increasingly hard to be sympathetic and do osteopath? He won’t need a GP referral and turned out for their marriage, which may
the things he needs me to do. I struggle to his private health insurance might cover it. possibly indicate that they both still care.
move him around when he has a bad bout, If that’s the case, then maybe counselling
and this is taking its toll on my back too. MY SON’S BLAMING ME FOR could help them and possibly see them
It’s also affecting our marriage, as we are MARRIAGE PROBLEMS reconciled.
both scratchy and angry most of the time.
Last month, we had to cancel our holiday My son and daughter-in-law, with whom How they are going to reconcile things
because he couldn’t drive, and this caused I’ve always been really close, got into with you, though, may be rather more
a particularly nasty row. terrible problems with their marriage. difficult. It does sound as if they’ve acted
rather immaturely. Could you write to
We patched things up, but I am at my Neither of them could talk to one another them both explaining that all you wanted
wit's end and do not know how much properly but they would both talk to me. was your grandson to be protected from
longer I can cope with this. Why won’t he At various times, they would come and the difficulties they were facing? Tell them
get help? see me separately and talk for hours – and both how unhappy you are about things
P. N. sometimes even stay over, rather than go and how much you hope to be able to see
home. I would try to encourage them to them again.
FIONA SAYS: HELP IS OUT THERE talk to one another, but it seems they were
never able to. Having seen how they reacted before, I
I suspect he’s afraid of finding out that would suggest you avoid trying to broker
something is seriously wrong, and is e tension between them was awful any kind of agreement between the two of
and I could see it was having an effect on them. Leave that to the professionals, like
my grandson. So, thinking I was doing the Accord (accord.ie) who could help them
right thing, I said they really ought to come to discuss, rationally, what they want to
to a decision about the future, for his sake. achieve. Hopefully, they will both soon see
sense and realise that keeping you from
I don’t quite understand why but that your grandson is unfair. WW
seemed to precipitate a terrible row. Rather
than clearing the air, my daughter-in- Contact Fiona at womansway@harmonia.ie
law moved out, taking my grandson with
her and I haven’t seen them since. My son
blames me and although I have seen him, it
has only been for him to either be miserable

WOMANSWAY.IE 73

Health

ENDOMETRIOSIS
UNCOVERED
Catherine Lough – one of many women affected by the condition –
explains why it’s a rare relief to see the condition depicted on screen.

Conversations With Friends – Lane) for being patronising. suffers from a severe lack of awareness in
the new Sally Rooney BBC
adaptation – has certainly got But one thing we can thank her for? general.
people talking.
It’s fair to say central Frances has endometriosis – and And for me – as I gear up for
character Frances, brilliantly played
by Alison Oliver, is a little irritating. A depictions of the condition in endometriosis surgery next
navel-gazing 21-year-old trying to make
her way as a writer, navigate complex literary fiction and TV dramas month – Conversation With
relationships and support her alcoholic
dad – we see her bully a poor Tinder date are rare. Friends’ honest portrait of
for admiring Yeats, and get called out by
her ex, Bobbi (played by a luminous Sasha In fact, despite being how difficult the condition

74 WOMANSWAY.IE relatively common, can be, could not have

affecting around 10-15 come at a better time.

per cent of women of AWARENESS IS VITAL
reproductive age and

30-50 per cent of women Many women wait years

in general, endometriosis to get a diagnosis and help

Catherine Lough

LIFESTYLE

for endometriosis, with symptoms often important to show the process of getting Friends, not only do we see Frances in
dismissed as ‘just bad periods’. It causes
tissue similar to the lining of the womb to a diagnosis” – so not only is awareness of pain, we also see how the condition affects
develop outside the uterus, which grows
and bleeds with each menstrual cycle – the condition raised, but viewers can see her mood and sense of self.
leading to scarring, adhesions, ‘chocolate’
blood-filled cysts, and symptoms that help and treatment is available. Chloe Smith, a 25-year-old SEO
including pelvic pain, heavy periods, pain
during sex, infertility, plus bowel and Bajekal says there are some situations manager from Reading, who also has
urinary problems.
where people get diagnosed more quickly endometriosis, says seeing Frances grapple
While severity can vary, it can have
a debilitating impact. – sometimes because they are aware of with the condition is “empowering,
Surgery to remove
endometriosis tissue their risk through their family history because symptoms like that are ones we
can help, as well as pain
relief and hormonal (endometriosis can tend to run in families), often hide, even from people we are closest
treatments, but there’s
no cure. or because “they see a doctor who asks the with.

In Conversations With right questions and offers the right tests”. “Seeing Frances on the floor in the
Friends, the producers
have opted to show bathroom in episode
Frances’ experiences
with a notable lack of one, even before
squeamishness – we see
her crouch on the floor endometriosis is
with painkillers, faint in
the street, be rushed to mentioned, resonated
hospital with a suspected
miscarriage, and struggle with me, because I’ve
with how endometriosis
could impact her long- been in that situation
term fertility – which
even leads her to end a so many times,” Smith
relationship she values.
adds. “It made me feel
Some viewers have questioned how
quickly Frances is diagnosed. Typically, seen in a way a lot of
according to the charity Endometriosis
UK, it takes around seven years. But in shows don’t.”
revealing what it is really like to live with
a condition that – whilst not fatal, is She’s also grateful
certainly ‘complicated’, as Frances’ doctor
tells her – Conservations With Friends has for how the series
broken the mould.
explores Frances’
A REALISTIC DEPICTION
reactions to learning
e pain Frances experiences is etched
onto her face; we see her discomfort when she might not be able
her partner, Nick, tells her how much he
wants a child, and her panic as she calls to to have children. “It’s
her mother whilst bleeding and vomiting
in the bathroom. None of it is minimised. a really tough topic

As with many gynaecological health to approach,” says
issues, it can feel difficult to openly discuss
how endometriosis affects you – which is Smith. “Fertility is
why depictions like this are so important.
And as senior consultant gynaecologist Sasha Lane (L) and Alison Oliver something that’s often
Dr Nitu Bajekal, co-author of Living PCOS thrust right in the
Free, says: “In a TV programme, it is
centre of discussions

However, she adds that symptoms “do around endometriosis, because of where

get overlooked very often, leaving women it’s typically located in the body.

suffering from debilitating chronic pelvic “I’ve lost count of the number of

pain” for years before a diagnosis is times I’ve been asked when I’m having

considered. kids, when I might not actually be able

Often, endometriosis is only picked up to. It’s important [that this aspect of

when women are struggling to conceive, endometriosis is highlighted] because it’s

and keyhole surgery – a laparoscopy – is something we’ve all thought about.”

currently the only means of a definitive While she believes Frances’ diagnosis

diagnosis. Dr Bajekal suggests to “be is “too quick to be realistic”, and that it

aware of your own body and note any would have been helpful to have some

changes” – particularly if over-the- of the frustrations of getting diagnosed

counter pain medication is not helping reflected, Smith agrees it’s important to

with period pain – and says women speak out about the condition and “not

should seek medical advice if they shut up about it”.

suspect they have endometriosis. She also As with so many women’s health

believes it’s helpful to avoid smoking and conditions, speaking up can sometimes

By Catherine Lough, PA alcohol, and to try and eat a whole-food, feel like oversharing, or even shameful.

predominantly plant-based diet, which Having these conversations may be

may be beneficial. uncomfortable, but they also help to

HIDDEN STRUGGLES destigmatise the condition, and ultimately
show that help is out there. WW

It’s gratifying to see some of the more Conversations With Friends is on
hidden difficulties endometriosis causes RTÉ Player now
reflected on screen. In Conversations With

WOMANSWAY.IE 75

LIFESTYLE

TRIM YOUR WAIST
With new guidance saying our waist measurement shouldn’t be
more than half our height, we ask the experts how we can tone
your midriff and make you feel super strong.

New guidance has us are some exercises you can do – without >> HIIT HIIT, or high-intensity By Imy Brighty-Potts, PA
thinking about our having to do hundreds of sit-ups… interval training, can burn
waistlines. fat and muscle – while always
The National >> PLANKS – AND THEIR MANY keeping workouts interesting.
Institute for Health VARIATIONS Ben Scarles, trainer and
and Care Excellence (Nice) says studio manager at F45 Soho explains a “To get stronger, HIIT works
adults with a body mass index “plank is one of the most famous and really well,” says Scarles.
under 35 should ensure their easiest exercises you can do to improve Most gyms offer HIIT classes,
waist measurement is less than your core strength”. and there are plenty that are
half their height. For example, if accessible online if you want to
you are 5ft 5in, you might want If you’re bored of the regular version, try them out at home.
your waist to be 32.5 inches he says: “Try a three-point plank (where
or less. This isn’t necessarily a you hold a plank, alternating between It can be quite tricky to target
one-size-fits-all approach as we raising one leg off the ground, then the specific areas in your body, with
all carry weight differently, but other), or a high-low plank (where you Scarles suggesting you cannot
it could be a good starting point. move between a plank on your hands and “control where you lose weight
on your elbows, trying to keep your body from” – so why not adopt the
People who have more weight steady).” attitude of working out your
in their middle can be more whole body, and trying to feel
likely to struggle with high Scarles also recommends trying a stronger everywhere?
blood pressure, type 2 diabetes side plank – certain to get your tummy
and heart disease. trembling. >> HOLLOW BODY HOLD
According to Scarles, a hollow
A slim waist alone is not body hold is basically a plank
necessarily enough to ensure flipped around. Lying on your
you are fit and healthy, but back, raise your head, shoulders,
putting more effort into arms and legs into the air using
exercise and a healthy diet is your abs – while keeping your
no bad thing. If you have any lower back glued to the floor.
concerns about your health
and fitness, speak to your The further you stretch those
doctor. arms and legs and the longer
you hold it for, the tougher the workout.
Stomach exercises could help trim your Scarles also recommends adding a
waistline, with fitness coach Georgie rock back and forth, to really hit your
Spurling saying: “Having a strong core obliques.
makes you feel incredibly strong all
round. In day-to-day things like sitting at >> SQUATS AND DEADLIFTS When
your desk, walking up stairs and more, it we think about getting slimmer, we may
makes a huge difference to how you carry sometimes avoid heavy weight training
yourself.” for fear of getting ‘bulky’, but actually,
lifting weights might make it easier to
While “you cannot spot reduce fat”, tone and reduce inches in the long run.
she says: “We can target certain areas
with strengthening moves to appear Scarles says squats and deadlifts are
more defined. Body fat percentage “exercises that work the whole body”
plays a role in this. If you are lean, – and you’ll keep coming back to them,
your muscles will appear more visible. “Because you get those little wins when
Nutrition is key.” you manage to lift a bit more than you
have before”.
By having a healthy, balanced
diet and focusing on waist-training Lifting weights requires you to engage
exercises, you might be able to trim your core, to carry the load and stop
your midriff and feel stronger. These yourself from getting injured. WW

76 WOMANSWAY.IE

BEAUTY

WE TRIED...

Cold Showers
We’re all about
self-care at

Woman’s Way.
In this issue,
Carissa Casey
tries cold
showers to see

if they really are
as good for mind
and body as the

experts claim.

The science behind only means turning the intentions, I kept ‘forgetting’ into what he thought would
cold water temperature to cold for to turn the dial to cold until be a lovely warm shower
immersion is the last five seconds of the I was out of the shower and discovered someone
indisputable. It’s shower. The aim is to shock and snuggly wrapped in a had turned it to cold.) A big
not only good for the body, not induce a bout towel. The first morning motivator for me was the
us but hard-wired. It’s only of hypothermia. I remembered, I was a immediate benefit for my
since the advent of electricity complete chicken and bailed hair. The final cold water
that we humans have lived in WHY? before the water had gotten rinse really did leave it much
near constant warmth. Cold water immersion has just lukewarm. Then I found smoother and softer.
numerous benefits, including my big girl (waterproof)
That said, I’m not someone the release of Noradrenaline pants and went for it. There END RESULT:
who likes the cold. A few - a hormone that boosts brain was a moment of ‘aghhh’ Yup, I’ll be adding this to
years back, I had a brief and body cell performance, and I lasted I’d say three my routine from here on.
encounter with the Irish as well as regulating heart seconds. Finally I got there There really is something
sea which resulted in a rate, blood pressure and - for a slow count of five. very invigorating about
screaming fit I’m surprised the release of energy. First impressions? I was wide cold water in the morning,
didn’t make the headlines Noradrenaline decreases with awake and ready to get on especially since I’m not
on the Six One News. I have age so extra stimulation helps with the day. much of a morning person. I
heard reports that a last cold stave off the ageing process. feel brighter, more energised
rinse works wonders after Cold water immersion also MIDWAY THROUGH: and, somehow, healthier.
washing hair but I’ve never improves immune response, I surprised myself by And I’m hoping the long
been tempted to try. burns calories and can treat actually getting used to term effects will keep my
depression. turning the dial to cold at mind and body from aging
But age is a curious thing, the end of my shower and more than they already are.
prompting us to shell out STARTING OFF: revelling in my ability to Who knows, I might even
serious money for creams I have to admit that for stay put. (The husband not venture into the Irish sea
that promise to keep us several days, despite my best so much when he jumped again. WW
young. What if the simple act
of turning the shower to cold
could stave off the ageing
process?

WHAT?

A week of cold showering,
which according to aging
expert Professor Rose
Anne Kenny (see page 16)

WOMANSWAY.IE 77

Fitness

HIRT KNOW HOW
High-intensity resistance training is the latest exercise
trend and here's all you need to know to get started.

If you feel like you’re in a bit of an routine. Enter: HIRT – high-intensity “ e ‘resistance’ comes via the use of
exercise rut, you’re not alone. resistance training – the latest craze to weights, which can include dumbbells,
After the huge explosion in fitness help you feel fit and strong. kettlebells, or any piece of strength
at the beginning of the pandemic –
when logging onto live classes and Here’s everything you need to know… training equipment.”
jumping around our living rooms was the Collins says there’s a big
norm – returning to the gym was a bit of >> WHAT IS HIRT? difference between the two
a novelty at first. “HIRT matches the types of high-intensity
principles of HIIT training, workouts, saying HIIT has
But now, it might not feel as shiny and by alternating short bursts exercises that “tend to be
new as it once did. Plus, sometimes it’s of high-intensity training more explosive, whereas
just easier to go home and watch Netflix with shorter rest periods,” with HIRT the intensity
on the sofa. explains Shane Collins, focuses on lifting heavier
founder of Circuit Society weights to achieve the
If this sounds like you, a new type (circuitsociety.fit). desired high-intensity
of exercise might help kickstart your
Shane Collins
78 WOMANSWAY.IE

LIFESTYLE

Collins. “ ere doesn’t have to be any all abilities can take part in the same
ballistic movements – the body doesn’t workout, at the same time if they wish –
need to enter flight mode and brace itself the only difference is likely to be the level
for landing again. is can be really helpful of resistance or weight they perform the
for people with joint or back problems – exercises with.”
they can achieve the same training effect
without the impact. In that sense, it can >>ANYTHING TO BE CAREFUL OF?
certainly help to reduce impact injuries.” “HIRT isn’t entirely risk-free. Yes, it is
low impact and the exercises are carried
You might also reap the benefits long out with more control, but every time you
after your workout is over. Collins says: increase the weight you use, you increase
“Compared to cardio training – where the the risk of injury,” says Collins. “ ere’s
calorie burn really starts to reduce within nothing to worry about, as long as you
90 minutes of completing the session have a well-structured plan and you focus
– with HIRT and strength training in on your form and technique, it’s a very
general, the after-burn can last up to 48 low-risk way to train at high intensity.”
hours. at means your body continues to
burn more calories at a higher rate, even Consult your GP if you have any
after you’ve finished your session.” questions about a new workout and
always be sure to take things easy, while
>> HOW ACCESSIBLE IS IT? also dedicating time to warming up your
While you need a base level of movement body before a session and cooling down
to be able to lift weights and HIRT afterwards.
won’t be for everyone, Collins suggests
Collins’ advice is to “master a small
number of exercises to begin with” and
“get good advice on form from your
favourite trainer” if you can. WW

By Prudence Wade, PA training effect”. is often means that it’s a good starting point to get into WHAT MIGHT A
“exercises are carried out at a slower training, “As all you really need is a set of CLASSIC HIRT
pace, with much more control and less dumbbells, a good programme to follow WORKOUT LOOK LIKE?
impact on the body”. and you can get going”.
“There are lots of ways to train and still
>> WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL He continues: “ e key to starting stay honest to HIRT principles,” says
BENEFITS? any new fitness regime is to keep things Collins. This is a classic HIRT workout
“Firstly, it’s a great way to train and avoid simple. One of the benefits of HIRT is he’s put together, using a circuit training
unnecessary impact on your joints,” says the simpler you keep things, the more format that will have you sweating for
effective it’s likely to be. People of around 30 to 40 minutes:
>> Choose a medium to heavy set of

dumbbells.
>> 40 seconds of high-intensity work at

each station.
>> 20 seconds rest as you move

between each station.
>> 60 seconds rest once you have

completed all six stations.
>> Repeat for two six laps of the

circuit, depending on your training
experience and fitness level.
EXERCISES
>> Station 1: Dumbbell squats.
>> Station 2: Dumbbell bent over row.
>> Station 3: Dumbbell overhead
alternating lunge.
>> Station 4: Dumbbell shoulder press.
>> Station 5: Dumbbell swings.
>> Station 6: Push-up to renegade row.

WOMANSWAY.IE 79

COMPETITION

One of two hampers from
BIODERMA

To celebrate the launch of the
Photoderm range, BIODERMA is giving
two lucky readers the chance to win a
hamper each, worth €250, filled with
BIODERMA Photoderm products.

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WHICH LOGO DOES BIODERMA’S
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HOW TO ENTER
Email your answer by July 4 to: womansway@harmonia.
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and labelling your mail ‘The BIODERMA Competition’

This Woman's Way competition is open to anyone resident in NI and the Republic
of Ireland, aged 18 and over, except employees and their families of Harmonia
Publishing, its printers and anyone else connected with the competition. No
purchase is necessary. We will only accept one competition entry per reader. Prizes
are awarded by drawing entries a er the closing date. Winners will be notified by
email. The editor’s decision is final.

80 WOMANSWAY.IE

EOXUETRDCOISOINRGS WELLBEING

Because working out in a stuffy gym
doesn’t sound much fun when it’s
sunny outside.

By Imy Brighty-Potts, PA T emperatures are rising and fitness classes are a great way to keep active used to perform many different exercises.
it’s tempting to be outside as and make connections with like-minded Like the benches you find in the gym, you
much as possible – so maybe individuals, who will all share your passion can perform tricep dips, incline or decline
you don’t fancy being for a specific workout style or routine” press-ups, squats, box jumps, and Bulgarian
cooped up in the gym and – and there are plenty to be found across split squats,” he suggests.
would rather exercise outdoors during the country, whether that’s HIIT, yoga or
the warmer months. bootcamp classes. 5>> TAKE A HIKE
Hughes is also a hiking fan – a pretty amazing
“ ere has been plenty of research 3>> GET SWIMMING OUTSIDE way to get out in the countryside and get the
on exercise outdoors, and studies have Swimming has become a popular fitness blood pumping. “Hiking sessions are ideal
shown that outdoor training lowers choice, particularly during the pandemic for those who have a little more time on their
a person’s blood pressure and heart when we have all been more desperate to hands and would prefer a more scenic daily
rate,” says personal trainer Luke get outdoors (in fact, there was reportedly workout,” he says.
Hughes, co-founder of OriGym. “ is, a 323 per cent rise in people ‘wild
therefore, makes exercise outdoors feel swimming’). And it has great health benefits. “When
less strenuous than perhaps the equivalent walking on a flat surface, only 20 per cent
indoor exercise may feel, meaning you are Grant says “swimming is great, as you of your leg’s muscle tissue is used, but one
able to push yourself harder, and therefore can improve cardiovascular health and of the benefits of walking on uneven terrain
potentially achieve more.” the exercise is low-impact. Swimming is is that it engages far more muscle groups
good if you are recovering from an injury throughout the lower body,” explains
But, what’s the best way to go about and exercise like running hurts your back Hughes. “When walking on an incline, the
it? We asked fitness pros what they or knees,” he adds. “You can improve calories burned is significantly greater than
recommend, so you can get the most out of your general fitness levels by swimming the average expectancy for walking on flat
both your workout and warmer climes… regularly.” ground.”

1>> CHECK OUT YOUR 4>> USE WHAT’S ALREADY THERE 6>> JOIN A RUNNING CLUB
LOCAL PARKRUN According to Hughes, you can “make the Find running intimidating on your own?
You can jump in on the parkrun fun in over most of nature’s apparatus or utilise the Joining a running club could give that extra
100 locations – and it’s free (parkrun.ie). equipment at your local park to create motivation boost, and clubs are bound to be
unique and interesting outdoor workouts. busier in summer as the weather improves.
Over two million people have completed
parkruns and with all experience levels is will not only save you some money, “Motivating yourself to head out for a
welcome, it’s a great way to work on but it can also mix up your training and can run can be hard at the best of times but
your fitness and get outdoors – while also make it fun and challenging in different as part of a group, everyone, regardless of
challenging yourself and being part of a ways.” their individual abilities, can get involved
friendly community. with something new in a fun and relaxed
e simplest of equipment could be atmosphere,” says Flo Seabright, founder of
“Parkrun is a great way to add consistency beneficial. “ e humble park bench can be Fit by Flo.
to your routine, having a set time each
week, plus the community can be a great Take a look at local community pages to
way to have a sustainable bout of exercise,” find a running club near you. WW
says personal trainer Tirrel Grant. “ e
events are gamified, which adds extra
motivation to want to improve your time or
even beat others.”

And as Grant explains: “Cardio is
beneficial for cardiovascular health. is can
also have a positive impact on stress, sleep,
blood pressure and other health markers.”

2>> CHECK OUT LOCAL
OUTDOOR CLASSES
Hughes says “outdoor bootcamps and

WOMANSWAY.IE 81

Kerrie Christie is CELEBRATING YOUNG IRISH WOMEN
living the dream in
LA as a boxing coach OYTHOENSUEEDNASYGS
to the stars. e secret
to her success is a mix
of hard work and a
sprinkling of fate.

The start of Kerrie’s dream
career can be traced back to
one tragic event in 2009. When
an innocent bystander, Wayne
Doherty, was killed. e young
father-of-two was one of her mum’s best

friends.

“He was a boxer, so his friends put on a

Charity Boxing Fight Night in his honour,”

says Kerrie, a straight-talking Lucan

native. “Friends and family volunteered to

fight, so I signed up too.

“I got paired to fight Steve Collins'

(former double world champ) niece Sinead

Collins. And she battered me,” she laughs.

“But. It changed my life.

“I met Paschal Collins, a trainer to pro

fighters, through

that event. I would

go to his gym just

to train ‘cause

I loved the vibe

there. I had also

just made the

decision to quit my

job (sports shop

manager) and go

find something

more purposeful to

do with my life.”

Kerrie, or Kez as Meeting her future partners

she’s known to the

stars, played soccer from the tender age of

five and even did a spell at Crystal Palace

when she was 10. She then wore the jersey

for Peamount United for a decade. Fighting
At this stage she applied and got a spot

on a Football Association of Ireland (FAI)
course, which landed her a Fitness &
Leisure Diploma. “When the time came
to do 'work experience' I needed to find a
gym to do it in. I asked Paschal.”

CELTIC WARRIOR BOXING GYM Spirit

Getting a job at the Celtic Warrior Boxing
Gym was what put her on the path to
becoming first a competitive boxer, then
a coach. At 21, she donned the punching
gloves for good.

82 WOMANSWAY.IE

The LA boxing gym owned by Kerrie IN PERSON

She ran the Box-Fit classes WOMEN IN SPORT
for the local community,
and Paschal took her under Kerrie says she witnessed
his wing. “He taught me
everything I know about more discrimination in
training fighters, gave me
a massive foundation of the world of soccer than
knowledge, and I’ve built on
that since,” she says. boxing. And it mostly had

Kerrie always loved training to do with patronising
and, even though she admits
she hates running, she’d get comments and attitudes.
up to jog at 6am under dark
wet Irish skies. Her experience in

“Back in my training for the ring, and with her
competition days, it was just a means to
the goal,” she says. “It was discipline. Part coaches, was gender
of my routine. It was a non-negotiable.
It was always a mental and physical neutral. It was only
challenge before the sun is even up!
when she travelled to do
“Training really changed for me when I
no longer had a football game to train for, sparring match ups that
or a fight to train for. So with no end goal,
I changed my focus to just feeling fitter she might come across the
and stronger each year while enjoying
how I train.” odd trainer say his male

Comfort, she says, is a slow death. fighter (there weren’t many women to
Motivation is always hard to find, but
truly challenging yourself – to the point spar with) would “go easy” on her.
of discomfort – breeds a healthy body and
mind. “ en I hear about Katie Taylor’s story,

“I’m sure you're not motivated to take about having to pretend to be a boy to be
the rubbish out, but you do because it’s
what needs to be done to keep the house allowed in a boxing gym. And the amount
clean,” she says. “Treat your health and
fitness the same way.” of petitioning she did to have women's

BOX N BURN boxing allowed in the Olympics. Mad to

e Box N Burn story started with her FAI think that was only 2012.
course back in 2012, through which she
applied and landed the opportunity to go “Since Katie opened the doors for us,
to Los Angeles.
we've been cleaning up with females
“When I was in LA, I was still boxing,
so I was looking for gyms to stay busy picking up medals in the amateurs. Kelly
training in, and I had stumbled across
Box N Burn while traveling through Santa Harrington obviously was a massive
Monica,” she says. Olympic medallist
Tony Jeffries and fitness guru Kevan Kerrie with a client success and now we have Lisa O'Rourke,
Watson founded the gym.
Amy Broadhurst...
“I forced Tony (now my business
partner) to be my pen pal,” she jokes. “I “I think in the professional world of
spent that year just saving up, and getting
any certification I could, fought as much visa application processed – with a boxing, women’s bouts will get more
as I could, and trained as much as I could.”
recommendation from now world-famous airtime and more respect.” A first step
Kerrie recently became a co-owner of
the gym, in March 2022. “When I went out MMA fighter Conor McGregor who used to would be to increase the bouts to three
there in 2013, I stopped by, trained there
for about two weeks, and then asked for a train at Paschal’s gym. minute rounds, she says.
job. e rest is history.”
In 2014 she got her Quickfire Round e world of soccer
But it took 18 months to get her professional coaching WITH KERRIE is slowly changing too
license, the first woman although when she

to do so in Ireland. >>BIGGEST INFLUENCE? was playing, referees
Kerrie doesn’t miss When I was boxing and still would often comment
fighting, obviously Katie Taylor. that “women can’t play
home, but does wish These days I look up more to football”.
she could pop in to her fitness professionals I respect.
mam’s or sister’s for a Paschal Collins. Tony Je ries. At the club, they
cuppa. “I miss the good Outside sport, Travis Barker. weren’t allowed to
craic and the quick wit train in the full facilities
of Irish people,” she and were given hand-

adds. “Although, since >>WOMEN YOU ADMIRE? me-downs from the
Tony and Sarah are from All of them. I honestly don’t men's teams. Despite
Sunderland, they have know how Mothers do it to be the women performing
that same humour. honest. Run the household, better in competitions.
raise the kids, keep their careers
“I can’t explain it going. Rarely put their own “I think like anything,
at all, but it’s hard to needs anywhere near the front. the more people speak
imagine not having Honestly though, anyone trying up and stand up, the
these people in my life. to better themselves. more these things get
Let alone having the noticed and action gets
business and career we taken,” she says. WW

all have.” She describes >>WHAT NEXT FOR WOMEN? Follow Kerrie on Twitter
herself as “an underdog I think more women are rising up @kez_bnb and visit
who chased a wild across all industries and sending kerriechristie.com
dream and somehow is the li back down for the next
smashing life now”. girl behind them. Inspiring and WOMANSWAY.IE 83
helping future generations.

Sporty, varsity styles are taking over the runways
and the streets. Prudence Wade finds out how to get the look.

2 ew style icons are as enduring as 3
celebs such as Reese Witherspoon 4
STATEMENT COLLARS or Julia Roberts, whose off-duty
Collars are a big part of the preppy fashion was all about elegant
trend, but they definitely don’t preppiness.
have to be stuffy. Instead, you
can get the collared look with It’s the perfect look for a spring
rainbow colours – think pale refresh – which is probably why
pinks or lavenders – or combine these stylish celebrities pop up on so many
with another big varsity trend: mood boards during this time of year – when
knitwear. we start digging out our shirts and letterman
Collared styles are incredibly jackets to get in on the varsity trend.
versatile – they can be dressed Preppy trends have been around for a while
up or down, and either be hidden – traditionally, they’re seen as quite elitist,
underneath jumpers with just the as many of the trends originated in exclusive
collar on show, or worn as the schools and colleges in America. However,
main event. varsity fashion has had a 2022 update – it’s now
1.Oliver Bonas Floral Collar Button much more inclusive, proving it’s for all body
Ivory Knitted Cardigan €66, visit types, gender identities and races.
oliverbonas.com Whether you’ve already got preppy
2.& Other Stories Collared Pu pieces in your closet and want to know
Sleeve Blouse €59, visit stories.com how to wear them, or are looking
to invest in the classics – these are
84 WOMANSWAY.IE the best ways to get the sporty,
varsity look this season…

LETTERMAN
JACKETS

e pinnacle of preppiness, a varsity jacket is a classic addition to
any wardrobe. It’s the perfect weight for spring, ready to be slung
on when warm days turn into cooler nights.

Once the hallmark of American youth, letterman jackets now
have a more widespread appeal. ey’re best worn to top off a full
preppy outfit of fashion classics – light-washed jeans with a shirt
tucked in, and comfortable trainers or brogues. Our advice is to
size up in whatever jacket you buy, to really give off a relaxed vibe.

Like many aspects of the preppy look, varsity jackets are unisex
and can be worn by anyone. Recently A$AP Rocky attended a
Fenty Beauty event wearing a purple Louis Vuitton letterman
jacket and distressed jeans.
3 PrettyLittleThing Blue Faux Leather Raglan Sleeve Cropped Varsity
Bomber Jacket €68, visit prettylittlething.ie
9 4.New Look O White Stripe Varsity Bomber Jacket €33.99, visit
newlook.com

SPORTY JUMPERS FASHION
Princess Diana’s gym looks have become the stuff
11
of fashion legend, with her bike shorts and
oversized jumpers constantly copied.
Slogans and logos are key to nailing preppy
jumpers – anything with a vaguely collegiate
air (regardless of whether you actually
went to Harvard or not). Take a leaf out of
Diana’s book and pair with miniature bike
shorts, long socks and trainers, or dress
up with straight-cut jeans and a crisp shirt
peeping out from underneath.
5.George Orange Kindness Slogan Print
Sweatshirt €20, visit global.direct.asda.com
6.Cos Relaxed Fit Terry Sweatshirt €49, visit

cosstores.com

5
8

1

PLEATED SKIRTS 10 12

Gear up for Wimbledon with Instagram’s warm 6
NATTY KNITWEAR
weather obsession: pleated skirts. ese are best
Grandpa fashion is having a
worn in whites and neutral tones, and don’t moment, bringing with it a
new obsession with knitted
worry – they’re not just for the tennis court. vests. e louder and ‘uglier’
the patterns on these, the
Kicky pleated skirts bring a bit of luxe better – it all adds to the fun
of it.
athleisure to any outfit. Pair with a shirt or
Wear with a plain shirt
knitted jumper tucked in, and the or polo neck underneath,
to really let your statement
obligatory long white socks to top vest shine.
10.Zara Check Crochet Top
off the look. €25.99, visit zara.com
11.New Look Pink Crochet
e runways have proved Sleeveless Vest €49.99,
visit newlook.com
ultra miniskirts are well and 12.H&M Rib-Knit
Sweater Vest €19.99,
truly back – while you don’t visit hm.com

have to wear a dangerously 7

short hemline if you don’t

want to, tennis-inspired skirts

are a great way to get in on the

trend.
7.French Connection Blue Ella
Pleated Chi on Skirt €95, visit
next.ie
8.Karen Millen Buckle Detail
Pleated Mini Skirt in Cream €165,
visit karenmillen.com
9.Premium Pleat Front Mini Skirt
€80, visit oasisfashion.com

WOMANSWAY.IE 85

SUITING UP Fatface Seahorse Tankini From metallics to
Top €46; Seahorse Bikini belted suits, here are
5 swimwear trends
Bottoms €25.50, to get you in a holiday
visit fatface.com
Iframe of mind.t’s the moment you’ve
Studio Tropical been waiting for: your
Garden Green Belted summer holiday. Whether
Swimsuit €18.70, you’re going abroad or
having a staycation, you’ll
visit studio.co.uk no doubt be thinking about
what bikini or one-piece
you want to wear this year.
If you’ve sorted your flip flops,
hat and sunscreen, all that’s left to
do is figure out your swimwear.
Here are the top trends making a
splash this summer…
1SHIMMERING METALLICS
“Summer 2022 is all about
high shine, sparkle and
shimmer – anything to make
you glisten in the sunlight,”
says Danni Gisbourne, founder
of Summer Club e Label
(summerclubthelabel.com).
Gisbourne recommends
looking out for fabrics woven
with metallic thread, as
these are shaping up to be
the standout material of the
long-awaited summer.
Pair with on-trend
chunky gold chains and
stacked necklaces, which
sparkle perfectly when
teamed with metallics.
2 BELTED SUITS
Whether you’ve got
an athletic, straight or
curvy figure, belted suits
look good on all body
types.

Oysho Ru e
Swimsuit €45.99,

visit zalando.ie

86 WOMANSWAY.IE

FASHION

Either buy a swimsuit with a SLO Active Beach Babe Bright Pink One
belt built-in, or accessorise a Tankini – High Shoulder Swimsuit €39.99,
plain costume you’ve already Neck Crop Bikini
got with a fashionable scarf or Top €135, visit visit newlook.com
belt (although this is probably sloactive.com
more for sunbathing than
swimming). Universally Studio Jungle Tropic Summer Club
flattering, it’s a great look when Orange Cut Out The LabeL The Triangle
you’re heading for a tropical Swimsuit €18.70,
sundowner. visit studio.co.uk Top – Shimmer Pink
€134; The Brazilian
3CAPTIVATING CUT-OUTS Next White Bottom – Shimme
Cut-outs can transform a Floral Ru e Pink €91.50, visit
timeless silhouette – maybe Swimsuit €53, summerclubthelabel.com
it’s by plunging necklines with visit next.ie
tasteful tie fronts, or material WOMANSWAY.IE 87
constructed to reveal triangles
of skin.

ese styles can be worn
in all kinds of colours and
patterns, from zigzag prints to
bubblegum tones.

4 NOUGHTIES-INSPIRED
TANKINIS “ e tankini is
a fun, Y2K-inspired style
that brings with it so much
nostalgia – and is so wearable
in many settings,” says Janaya
Wilkins, CEO and designer at
SLO Active (sloactive.com)

“Not only can you wear your
tankini as swimwear, but it’s
also a comfy option to wear
during a yoga session. You can
even get away with wearing
it as a regular top, and style it
with shorts or a skirt.”

5ROMANTIC RUFFLES
Toeing the line between
sexy and romantic, ruffles
add a charming touch to one-
piece swimsuits.

From fancy florals to gorgeous
gingham checks, bold frills can
be worn as is, or styled with a
floor-length skirt billowing in
the breeze. WW

By Sam Wylie-Harris, PA Next Chelsea Peers Lands’ End Women’s Draper
Plunge Neck Eco Swimsuit James x Lands’ End Light Control
Chlorine Resistant Wrap Swimsuit in
€37, visit next.ie Pale Green Shadow Floral €111,

visit landsend.co.uk

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FEATURE

WEDDING ETIQUETTE

With wedding season in full swing, chances are,
you’ve marked the date and cannot wait for the happy couple

to tie the knot. But just in case you’ve forgotten,
here are 11 don’ts at a wedding.

Whether
it’s the
‘unwritten’
dress
code, an
impromptu comment or
a well-meant (but not
received) gesture, here’s how
to breeze through a wedding
without unintentionally
offending anyone.

1>> OFFER YOUR BEST
WISHES TO THE HAPPY
COUPLE It’s traditional
etiquette to congratulate
the groom and wish the
bride good luck. We suggest
staying consistent and equal
with your words – it seems
odd otherwise, and someone
might take offence.

By Sam Wylie-Harris, PA 2>> DON’T WEAR WHITE making a speech, it’s only nothing more annoying happy onlooker. Chances
We know, white is super natural to try to calm your than someone getting in the are, you’ll thank yourself
trendy in the style stakes this nerves with a drink or two, way of a well-rehearsed or – and so will the couple’s
summer, but save your suave but pace yourself. Even if you impromptu photo opp, so in-laws.
trouser suit or lacy midi think you’re OK, no wine is politely keep your distance.
dress for a hot date – white ever worth the shame. 10>> HUSH YOUR
at weddings is a no-no, and 8>> DON’T DO A COMPLAINTS If this was
you don’t want to upstage the 6>> ALWAYS SHOP FROM PHOTOBOMB Whether your wedding, you may well
bride. THE GIFT LIST There’s a you’re part of the bridal have done things differently,
reason why couples curate party or guest line-up, don’t but it’s not. Keep your
3>> DON’T ROCK UP LATE a wedding gift list. They’d think it’s clever to pull a silly thoughts to yourself. And
It’s rude. like something they need or face, make a gesture or do if something goes seriously
wouldn’t necessarily splash something out of the blue wrong, lend your support.
4>> DON’T MENTION THE out on themselves – not your – it’s not funny and it’ll get
EX We’ve all lost friends random offering. If you can’t you noticed for all the wrong 11>> NEVER ASK TO
when relationships failed, afford anything on it, ask reasons. CHANGE SEATS OR
but if they’re not a part of some other friends to club TABLES We’ve all been
the wedding, former flames together so you can. 9>> DON’T BE there. Why oh why would
should not be mentioned. TOO SHOWY AND anyone think you’d want to
And if they have been 7>> STAY AWAY FROM FLAMBOYANT It’s not your be on that table? Grin and
invited, move on – don’t talk THE PHOTOGRAPHER party, so don’t try to call the bear it. Seating plans are a
about the brilliant times you Much as you want those shots. The spotlight should complete nightmare and
had when they were together close-up candid shots on always be on the newlyweds. there will be a reason you’re
– it’s massively offensive to your camera or mobile, Even if you’re used to being on that table. There’s plenty
any new partners. so does the professional the life and soul of a party, more fun to be had on the
photographer. There’s take a step back and be a dance floor later. WW
5>> NEVER MAKE A
DRUNKEN SPEECH If you’re

WOMANSWAY.IE 89

School of ROCK
School of Rock e Musical is coming to the Bord who decides to make some extra cash by
Gáis Energy eatre, Dublin, June 21 to July 2. posing as a substitute teacher at a famous
Rachel Spillane chats to some of the cast as they prep school. ere, he transforms a group
prepare to cross the Irish Sea. of straight-A kids into a bass-slapping,
mind-blowing rock band - which, by the
Iwasn't sure what I found to be more “Sometimes I don’t know how I manage way, is performed live every performance
amazing as the curtains closed. e to do it,” Jake laughs. On top of getting an by the production's kid actors. Along the
musical itself, or the fact that Jake incredible amount of sleep, Jake says he way, Dewey falls for the school's beautiful
Sharp, who plays the rambunctious listens to a very specific music playlist to and uptight headmistress, Rosalie Mullins,
but endearing Dewey Finn, appeared get him hyped up. “It’s quite an unusual and while teaching these pint-sized
to have barely worked up a sweat. mix,” he muses, before letting another prodigies what it means to truly rock, he
pre-show ritual slip: “And lots and lots of helps Ms Mullins rediscover her inner wild
School of Rock e Musical was full of pasta.” child.
energy and passion from beginning to end.
I was out of breath simply looking at the Based on the iconic film starring Jack FEELING LIKE A ROCK STAR
cast, who were jumping, kicking, rockin’ Black, School of Rock e Musical follows One of Jake’s favourite parts about
and rollin’ about the stage. Dewey Finn, a failed wannabe rockstar playing Dewey is performing the hit
song Teacher’s Pet at the end of the

90 WOMANSWAY.IE

INTERVIEW

have no pressure on them. ey have no scenes too,” Rebecca admits with a laugh.
fear. ey’re just so positive and full of “At one point, Jake broke a chair when he
energy.” was climbing over the back of it. I just lost
it. e audience lost it. It was one of those
REDISCOVERING JOY moments in theatre where you go ‘this is
Rosalie Mullins has a brilliant journey absolutely magical’.”
throughout the show, and is a truly
dynamic character. “She starts as a FAMILY REUNION
neurotic, uptight headmistress of a very
posh school. And then she meets Dewey, Lisburn actress Joanna O’Hare, who plays
who causes chaos and disruption in the Mrs Turner / Gordon in the show, says she
school,” Rebecca Lock explains. But whilst is really looking forward to performing
Dewey makes magic with music and on Irish soil. “I love going home,” Joanna
the children, Rosalie slowly rediscovers gushes. “Anywhere in Ireland to perform
herself and remembers the joy she used to is great. Everybody always says that, but
get from rock as well. Rebecca describes it’s true. Irish audiences are the bee's
Rosalie’s character as “fastidious, posh knees.”
and joyful” and even shares her love of
Stevie Nicks. “I love her too!” She laughs. Joanna began performing at the tender
age of nine, and loves everything about
Dewey rockin' out theatre. She started out singing and then

show. Fans of the movie will be Dewey and Rosalie worked her way into musical
familiar with one of the final theatre through amateur drama
scenes in which the students of Horace “I love Dreams. And I’m a sucker for groups. “Being able to do
Green compete in the Battle of the rock music too. My son is really into it. something you love so much as
Bands. “It’s one of the things I feel like When he’s playing his albums in his room your job is very special. I think
pinching myself over, and we’ve been upstairs, I have a little mini rock out.” the reason that I love it is that
lucky enough to perform it at different everyone in the cast and the
events too. We played at the Manchester Like Jake, Rebecca’s favourite scene company joins together to create
Arena in front of 13,000 people. It in the show is when Rosalie and Dewey something that is different every
makes me feel like a rockstar.” go on an impromptu date at a dive bar. time you do it.”
“It’s really fun because Jake and I can be
His favourite scene, however, is with quite silly and play around. Anything can Joanna’s particularly looking
co-star Rebecca Lock who plays Ms happen. forward to performing in Dublin
Mullins. “We play off one another well - having been on tour for almost
and we’re big fans of each other. We “Lots of things can go wrong in those a year - and getting to see some
make each other laugh but we have to family members. “My dad’s
fight that,” Jake admits with a laugh. coming down for the whole
“And then I get to sit back and watch her weekend and we’re going to
perform [her] song, which is so beautiful.” spend some time together,” she
says with a smile. “And then he’s bringing
e children of Horace Green played my grandad, who is 90, for the second
by such talented young actors are, of week of the show.
course, a key element of the musical “It’s not really his type of thing but
as well. “ e kids are amazing. It’s, when he saw it in Belfast, he absolutely
like, borderline annoying,” Jake jokes. loved it.”
“ ey just get better all the time. And is is one of the reasons why Joanna
what inspires me the most is that they believes the show to be so inclusive, a show
that everybody can enjoy. “ ere are older
people who love it. Parents who relate to it.
ere are kids that see themselves and then
see what they want to become.”
On the surface, School of Rock e
Musical is a cheerful production full of
catchy tunes, an unlikely love story and
guitar-shredding kids. However, on a
deeper level it follows the narrative of
never giving up on your dreams and why
you should always reach for the stars. WW

School of Rock The Musical will arrive to the
Bord Gáis Energy Theatre on June 21 and run
until July 2. Visit bordgaisenergytheatre.ie

WOMANSWAY.IE 91

Minnie Driver, award- Driving
winning actress, mother, ON
singer, podcaster
and now author, is e Good Will Hunting actress talks
contemplating the fear about finding resilience through hurt,
she still harbours about securing the heartbreak and the acting profession
next job.

While Driver – who rose to fame
in Nineties movies Circle Of Friends
and Good Will Hunting – has lived in
California for 26 years, dividing her time
between her luxurious trailer home in
Malibu overlooking the Pacific Ocean
and a pad in London, she still fosters
those classic insecurities.

“But then I stood on the beach a couple
of weeks ago, with a guy who’s got two
Oscars who was saying, ‘I don’t know
what I’m going to do if I take time off,
I’m worried I’m not going to get a job’.
So I know this is endemic to actors,” she
says. “You think you’re never going to
work again. And you have to hustle –
well, I do, anyway.”

London-born Driver, 52, has found
other strings to her bow. She has a
podcast, Minnie Questions, interviewing
famous names including Jeremy
Clarkson and Tony Blair, and has now
written her first book, Managing
Expectations – a cracking memoir
written as a collection of essays, full of
laugh-out-loud happenings, acerbic
observations and one heart-breaking
story at the end.

Her career has not always been on an
upward trajectory, the actress muses
from her London home, where she
is dressed down in a white T-shirt,
minimal make-up and serious glasses.

After her first successful movie in
1995, Circle Of Friends, for instance,
she hoped it would lead to a string of
film roles, only to find herself having
to do ads for dog food and deodorant
to keep the wolf from the door. Faking
an orgasm in a chocolate ad audition
was not a high point in her career, she
recalls. (And she didn’t get the job.)

She acknowledges there were times
when she was considered difficult,
saying no to doing something (doing a
retake of the fake orgasm, for example).

“You speak up – they won’t hire you.
You don’t speak up – you actually feel
the good part of you begin to erode,” she
writes.

Her resilience, though, is likely
to have been strengthened by her
unconventional childhood. She and her

92 WOMANSWAY.IE

IN PERSON

By Hannah Stephenson, PA sister Kate were the product of an affair From top: With partner Addison and son Henry; with the cold, the damp and the humour,
between her mother, fabric designer Matt Damon in Good Will Hunting she explains. Hence her frequency in
and couture model Gaynor Churchward London.
and her father, businessman Ronnie being unfair.
Driver, who was already married to Her relationship with Good Will Hunting But she looks back on that fame
another woman with whom he had spotlight and reflects: “I don’t think I’m
another child. star Matt Damon became tabloid fodder very good at being famous.
– particularly when Damon infamously
“ ey ran it differently in the old days announced on Oprah that he was single, “But being an actor and being able
of mistresses, wives and other families,” before Driver knew things were over. to go and make films or TV shows that
Driver recalls. “Looking at it now, it She notes that her Oscar nomination was I love, fame has settled down to this
feels pretty unbelievable but when robbed of its joy because of her co-star, manageable place. I’m well known but
you’re a child, it’s just your story. You who arrived at the event with his new not to the level that I can’t go to Waitrose
don’t know any different.” girlfriend. and do my shopping.”

After 16 years in the relationship, Today, she holds no hard feelings and Her mother felt one should never
Driver’s mother, Gaynor, left – at the says she would love to interview Damon wallow when things don’t work out,
time a judge decreed that to retain on her podcast. “I love him. He was a huge and shake off any hardship before
custody of her girls she needed to be inflection point in my life, that film was a getting up and back into life – which
married, so she found a man and did huge inflection point in my life and full of makes the final chapter of the book
just that. Moving to a tiny cottage in so much more than the drama of the way so heart-wrenching, as news of her
Hampshire, Minnie, then six, was it ended. mother’s diagnosis of terminal cancer
hostile to her stepfather, who she left Driver literally on her knees in front
blamed for the upheaval. “Now, when I run into Matt, I’m of her supermarket shopping trolley.
always very happy to see him. We
“I have vivid memories from two-years shared a moment in time.” “Mum died in the middle of writing
old to six, when my parents split, then the book,” Driver recalls, tears not far from
post that it was very difficult to move from Her 13-year-old son, Henry, from the surface. “It really derailed the book.
London and Barbados (where her father a previous brief relationship, remains When she died, all I could write about
had a house) to this tiny cottage in the her number one priority. He wanted was her dying, which wasn’t fit for public
middle of nowhere, with a stranger who to go to school in England and loves consumption. But I wrote my way out of it
walked into the landscape, my mother’s until I felt I’d got the story out.
new husband. We must have been reeling
for a long time but as a child you don’t “My lovely partner (American
question it. You just got on with it.” documentary filmmaker Addison O’Dea)
said, ‘Why don’t you write something fun
In one essay, she recalls being so vile to and wonderful, a palette cleanser, because
her father’s new girlfriend at his house that’s what Gaynor would have told you to
in Barbados that he sent the 11-year-old do’.
Minnie home early, with a stopover in
Miami, where she wandered aimlessly “It’s utterly bewildering to be in the
around a swanky hotel alone, adults world without your mum,” she continues,
wondering what she was doing there minus “and I wonder if I will ever get used to it,
parents, before catching the connecting because I’m not the same person since she
flight. died.

ese experiences probably made Driver “I do not look at life the same way. I feel
more resilient, she agrees. different about living, having watched her
die in an incredibly galvanising way. My
“I look at the trajectory of my life and heart will always be broken but she always
there might have been some emotional said a broken heart lets in more light, so
moments of being a bit unbalanced but I you have to use it.”
didn’t end up with serious mental health
issues, with an eating disorder, having While Driver and O’Dea have no plans
to take any prolonged medication. I right now to tie the knot, she says: “He’s
definitely was made stronger by all of the more of a husband than any man I’ve ever
experiences. been with. He’s such a wonderful person,
clever and kind, an amazing stepfather
“I managed to build a life 7,000 miles figure for my son, a really interesting, good
away from a family that I actually really like person.”
on my own. It turned me into a pioneer of
my own life.” She feels a connection with
the ocean, to nature and to
It is this feisty, determined side of Driver being outside. “It’s the place
which resonates in the book in so many where I feel peace.” WW
of her stories, any sense of self-pity soon
swiped away by her stoic, positive mother Managing Expectations by Minnie Driver is
who wouldn’t tolerate complaints about life published by Manilla Press. Available now.

WOMANSWAY.IE 93

QUICK FIRE

Grace

under Fire

Grace Reed is a founder and managing
director of Kare Cosmetics and trndbty.
com. Her company has brought several
beauty brands to Ireland including LA
Girl and the latest offering Hello Sunday.

What’s the best thing that What is something How do you manage stress? By Rachel Spillane
happened to you in the last month? you will not be doing in Switching o , walking, sea swimming,
I secured Brown Thomas and Arnotts to ten years? meditation and if all else fails - wine!
take on a new brand we launched - Hello Wiping bums (my kids will be
Sunday SPF. older then, lol). Favourite fashion trend of all time?
Tracksuits being able to be worn in the
When are you most inspired? What is an important o ce.
It's the worst, but late at night. life lesson for someone to learn?
That things don’t always go the way Best fashion advice you’ve
If you could teach one subject you planned and that is actually a ever received?
in school what would it be? positive thing. Buy the size that fits you, not the
Business, even though I never did size you want to be.
it in school. It’s brunch! What do you eat?
Avocado toast everyday. Trend you would like
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever to see disappear forever?
received? What is something you’re tired of? Low rise jeans - stop it!
That I look like a mix of Kourtney Social media.
Kardashian and Dua Lipa. Shoes or Bags?
What do you do on a rainy day? Trainers.
What is something you can’t do? Movies on the couch with my kids.
I can't be patient, it is not an attribute I Name one thing you’ve
possess. What’s your favourite exercise? learned the hard way?
Walking, so good for clearing the head. Just because you treat people one
What makes you laugh way, does not mean you will get it back.
no matter what? What do you usually eat for breakfast?
My two boys and husband (but don't tell Coconut yogurt and granola. If you could make a documentary
him that). about anything, what would it be?
What is something you Exposing how unglamorous business
What does creativity mean to you? wish you could be good at? actually is. WW
Freedom. Slowing down.

Never leave the house without? What colour was your debs dress?
Phone. Which one? I went to four debs.

94 WOMANSWAY.IE

HITTING THE NEWS SHUEMROMPERROFDUUNC&TS
STANDS ON JULY 4

And we're o ...between
race days and weddings
and barbecues, never mind
weekend trips and travel to
far-flung places, this is going
to a busy summer as we catch
up on all that we missed
over the last few years. And
Woman's Way is here to make
sure you are looking your
best no matter how hectic
things get. We've got the hero
products & style inspo you
need right now. Don't miss it!

SPA-THROOM RENTING OUTFITS
Is it a spa? Is it a bathroom? Actually it's both, It's the latest trend in sustainable fashion and
in the latest trend bringing self-care to a home gives us all a chance to wear haute couture.
and wardrobe near you! We look at what's available in Ireland.
HERO PRODUCTS RIVER COTTAGE
So what are the go-to products to keep you Check out the latest recipes from the iconic
looking cool and sophisticated regardless of café turned foodie paradise
the temperature (or humidity!). PLUS...
KEY WEST, FLORIDA Teen travel (not easy!), race day fashion, summer
It's the bottom tip of the sunshine state and bright style, cholesterol explained, cold water
once home to Ernest Hemmingway. Find out swimming and much more...
why Key West is more than worth a visit and
not just for the sun-downers.

WOMANSWAY.IE 95

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