WW24 2022

OUR JAM PACKED CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN ISSUE IRMELAADNEDIN
FAMILY, HOME & WELLNESS

YOUR SPARKLE
TIME
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Issue 24
IRISH November 21st 2022

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THE DIRTBIRDS

NevenDISHTHEDIRT

PWROE-RLTOHVEITD BAGS
HIS FNOERWLRIFEECIPE

CONTENTS FOOD & DRINK

Neven Maguire 54 Neven’s Winter Warmers: Recipes
Page 4 from Neven Maguire’s latest collection.
57 Rhubarb Growing: It’s easy and thrifty
to plant your own.
58 Exploding Aubergines: e duo behind
the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen talk kitchen
disasters and home cooking.

Neven’s Winter
Warmers Page 54

ON THE COVER

4 Neven Maguire: e Irish chef talks Go Natural
about finding a new recipe for life and Page 34
and giving the gift of calm for Christmas.

WIN WIN WIN HOME & GARDEN

18 The Hardiman Galway: Escape for a 34 Go Natural: How to forage for your
two-night break and enjoy the Galway
Christmas markets. Christmas decorations. TRAVEL
32 Image Skincare: Bag yourself five 64 Titchmarsh on Rewilding: e
Christmas Collection skincare sets worth 36 Christmas Shopping in New York:
over €500. broadcaster Norah Casey does the rounds and
70 Jando: Get your hands on a €250 reports back.
voucher for Irish-made prints. talks about 40 Yoga on the Algarve: e joys of a
72 BeautiEdit: Win one of five tanning group yoga holiday in Sagres, Portugal.
hampers. letting 42 On the Radar: What's new in Irish
hospitality.
Image nature take
Skincare Christmas Shopping in
Page 32 over your New York Page 36

garden.
66 Winter
Wildlife:

Feeding

our

feathered

friends. Silk Blooms
87 Silk Page 87
Bloom: Silk

Prestige

founder

Izabela

Chudzicka chats about her unique floral

arrangements.

FASHION & BEAUTY

19 Beauty Faves: Niamh is brimming with skincare
O’Reilly shares newfound trailblazers. We have a roundup
beauty products she’ll be using of the best buys this Christmas.
on repeat. 33 Festive Favourites for Beauty
24 Pre-Loved Bags: Why you Lovers: Gifts for the die-hard
should be buying a second- beauty buff in your life.
hand bags and which ones to 93 Skin Cycling: Strategically
add to your Christmas wishlist. rotating your nighttime skincare
26 All About That Base: Irish routine is meant to work
foundation brands to gift wonders. Staff writer Rachel
yourself or others. Spillane puts the method to the
28 Irish Skincare: Ireland test.

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FEATURES MoodBoard Hello,
Page 12
16 Doing the DirtBirds: e hilarious duo It’s that time of year when we start making
behind the comedy sensation tell all. REGULARS
20 Budget Busters: e Woman’s Way arrangements for Christmas, if they
crew have a go at trimming their 9 We Love: e WW team shares what
household bills. they’re loving right now - and what haven’t been made already. For some,
32 Championing Green: Why shopping they’re not.
locally is more important than ever. 12 MoodBoard: Sparkle for less this that’s stressful. Relationships, romantic or
44 The Gi of Reading: Our pick of the Christmas.
best Irish reads. 46 The Hot List: Check out our top otherwise, might be strained, temporarily
86 Heating Hacks: How to keep the chill entertainment picks, the fifth season of
at bay this winter. or even permanently broken. at difficult
88 Cat Lady: Dawn O’Porter on her love e Crown reviewed, and, as always, our
of pets. pick of the very best new books. and demanding family member has to
90 Vicky Phelan: Norah Casey remembers 50 You Said It: Reader’s letters and
the fearless female warrier. Picture is - photos of what readers have go somewhere and, god forbid, it’s your
been up to.
Vicky Phelan 52 Timeout: Take a break, try our quiz and turn. Hardest of all, it's the first Christmas
Page 90 Prize Crossword.
68 Knitting: It just got easier and we've a without a much loved family member or
HEALTH & WELLBEING €5 discount voucher for the wool.
71 Horoscopes: What’s in the stars for you friend.
10 What Do You Want This Christmas? in the coming weeks?
Why a positive mindset is the most 73 Ask Fiona: Our columnist and trained e season of goodwill to all men is, in
generous present to give yourself. counsellor answers reader dilemmas.
74 ‘Twas the Prep Before Christmas...: 91 Lend a Hand: Some of the best ways to reality, the season of stressed out women,
How to take the pressure off the run-up to give back this Christmas.
the big holiday. 92 Quick Fire: Niamh Scally takes our trying to keep the peace and make everyone
76 Sleep On: Hibernation can help fight Quickfire Question challenge.
disease and much more besides. 94 Why Is This a Thing?: Christmas ads happy, find money for presents, never mind
78 Burnout: Tell-tale signs you’ve reached get the third degree.
breaking point and what to do about it. plan, shop for and cook a half-decent dinner
80 Exercise in Moderation: Why it could THE WW TEAM
be better for you than intensive training. on the day itself.
82 Lung Cancer Myths Busted: Clearing Editor in Chief: Norah Casey
the air on common misconceptions. Editor: Carissa Casey In preparing for Christmas, we need to
84 Spotting Psychosis: How to identify Staff Writer: Rachel Spillane
the early warning signs. Copy Editor & Writer: Astrid Madsen ask ourselves, first and foremost, what do
Website Co-ordinator: Niamh O’Reilly
Art Director: Karl O’Toole we want for ourselves? Too often we get
Designers: Áine Duffy and Susan Conley
Subscriptions: [email protected] carried away with the sentiment of it all. We
Email: [email protected]
Woman’s Way, December 5, 2022 want that picture-perfect Christmas and
Vol.60 Issue 24
forget that the search for perfection leads to

misery, not just for ourselves but our loved

ones as well.

My husband has a theory that if you plan

anything in too much detail, you’ll always

be disappointed. Something is bound to go

wrong because that’s life. His approach is to

decide a few basics and when some things

fall into place, as they always will, you’ll

be delighted. Whatever doesn’t work out,

probably wouldn’t have worked out anyway

and you’ve saved yourself a lot of hassle and

subsequent disappointment. I find myself

agreeing with him more and more.

So plan, but not too much and, above all

else, decide what you Cari a x
want for Christmas.

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

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information is correct at time of going to press.

4 WOMANSWAY.IE

recipefor life INTERVIEW

Nneewven’s

e celebrated chef tells Andrea Smith
about his family life and new cookbooks.

While the pandemic was series under his belt as well as a number of
very bad news for the cookbooks.
restaurant industry,
the enforced break it Neven has eight siblings - Kenny,
brought gave TV chef Sharon, Sonya, David, Naomi, Suzanne,
Neven Maguire time to think about the Allan and Karlous. David is his non-
way his business operates. identical twin, but their parents didn't
know there were two babies there until
As a result, he decided to restructure tiny two-pounder Neven was born. en
things, and now does one sitting per day medics realised there was another four-
instead of two at MacNean House and pound baby inside.
Restaurant in Cavan. He also doesn't
open on Sunday and is going to close for Although they are very different people,
two weeks at Christmas. David and Neven are very close and speak
two or three times per week. Probably not
“ e hours are better for the staff and about food though.
you have to look after them,” he says. “We
employ almost 60 people and I definitely “David is a very plain eater compared
feel they’re happier now and the guests are to me,” laughs Neven. “We always had
happier. ere’s a real calmness there now a little competitive edge when we were
so while Covid was difficult, in a funny younger around football and things like
way, it definitely restructured and helped that, but we get on so well. David is a
our business long-term.” woodworking and technical drawing
teacher with the Salesians in Celbridge.
Neven hails from Blacklion in Cavan, and He’s a very smart guy and I really admire
the popular restaurant was started there him as there’s something very good about
by his late parents, Joe and Vera. He is now him as a person. He supports Liverpool and
head chef and proprietor and also runs his I support Man United, but apart from that,
own cookery school, plus he has several TV he’s a gem of a twin.”

continues overleaf >>
WOMANSWAY.IE 5

FAMILY LIFE we feel very lucky. Connor is into this Christmas, and is also delighted to be
football and fishing and Lucia is doing the cooking. Sadly Amelda’s mum
On the romance front, Neven met his into baking and crafts. eir wee Eileen passed away three years ago, but
wife Amelda in Central Park nightclub in personalities are so different, just they will be joined by her dad Brian, who is
Galway in 2001. like me and my twin.” the children’s sole remaining grandparent.
“He recently turned 80 and is a fantastic
He thought she was very attractive, and Obviously the restaurant man who has been great to me over the
the following day they went to the Cliffs business suffered hugely during years,” says Neven.
of Moher on a date. Amelda, who is from the pandemic, and the company
Fermanagh, lost her footing a couple of behind McNean recorded a loss in 2020. e chef’s own father Joe was tragically
times as it was very windy, but luckily she killed 25 years ago in a road accident,
didn't hold it against him. e good news is that it returned to profit aged only 59. “It was really tough on
in 2021, which is great news for the hard- the family and very hard on my mum,”
Neven proposed to her at the Trevi working Neven. says Neven. “Unfortunately someone
Fountain in Rome, and they celebrated fell asleep and ran into him when he was
their wedding in December 2006 at the “ e pandemic was hard for everyone driving into Sligo. It was very sudden and
Nuremore hotel in Monaghan. Handily, and we had to cancel a couple of thousand he was so much part of the business. My
Amelda didn't have to change her bookings,” he says. “It was really mum was very strong and she loved the
surname, which was also Maguire. challenging for the staff too, but thankfully grandchildren and also had great faith.
it’s all good now.” She went to Medjugorje, which gave her
“Amelda is the kindest, most thoughtful support and calmness.”
person you could meet,” says Neven. “She Having more time off is also better for
has a heart of gold and has helped me in Neven’s family life, and he is conscious CHRISTMAS PLANS
so many ways throughout my career. She that his children will only be young for a
is such a good-natured lady and a smart short time. And, of course, in a few short While all of his siblings worked at the
woman too when it comes to business.” years they’ll probably prefer to hang out restaurant at one point or other, Neven was
with their pals. the one who showed a serious interest in
Neven and Amelda were thrilled when making a career from food. He took over
their twins Connor and Lucia came along What do they like to do as a family? “We running the restaurant after his father died
in 2012. As has been well-documented, go cycling or out for a walk with the dogs,” and has made a great success of it.
Amelda suffered heart failure after says Neven. “We have two adorable dogs,
she gave birth to the twins, which was Miley and Roxy, and they’re wee Bichon His mum Vera died ten years ago from
obviously a scary time. Frises. ey've brought us so much fun and lung cancer, and he attributes his career
happiness. ey’re lovely and very special choice to her. “I got my love of food from
“ ank God that’s all behind us and she - I think dogs just teach you to love. We my mum and it's thanks to her that I'm a
made a complete recovery,” says Neven. also like to go to places like Mullaghmore, chef,” he says.
“Amelda has never been better and is not where Connor loves to go crab fishing.”
on medication. She is very healthy and all e chef is close to his brothers and
is well. She’s an incredible mother to the e Maguire family enjoy travelling and sisters and is hoping that they will all
twins, and she can be left running all over Neven’s favourite place abroad is Portugal. get together this Christmas. Many of his
the place when I’m off filming for work.” He loves it so much, he recently did a
six-part series on RTÉ One called Neven’s
e Maguires were advised not to have Portuguese Food Trails.
more babies after that, but they feel very
blessed with the two children they have. “I absolutely love Portugal and love
Neven can't quite believe that his son the people,” he says. “It’s a great, diverse
and daughter are now ten years of age, country and we went to e Algarve, Faro,
and say they bring a huge amount of joy Alentejo, Porto, Lisbon and Douro Valley
into his life. for the programme and had a great time.”

“It's incredible how quickly they grow e Cavan man is looking forward to
up,” he says. “ ey’re the best fun and spending quality time with his family

6 WOMANSWAY.IE

INTERVIEW

siblings are coming home

this year, and some will “Once you have
stay with Neven while your health and
others will be with his happiness, that’s
sisters Suzanne and Sonya,

who both live locally. He is everything. Covid
especially looking forward taught us to enjoy
to seeing his youngest our time together”
brother Karlous.

“For me, it’s all about

family and being together,”

says Neven. “Karlous has

been in Australia for ten years and hasn’t

been home in five years, mainly due to the

pandemic.”

As Amelda is an only child, it must be a

different type of family occasion for her

when Neven’s large family get together?

“We all get on very well and are very

close, and there is nothing my family

wouldn't do for Amelda,” he says. “She’s

very easygoing and relaxed, and is a very and slow cooker recipes. e previous one, where he will tour the greenways of
Ireland to highlight what’s going on with
kind and caring person. Amelda is full of Neven Maguire’s Midweek Meals, won local restaurants, chefs and producers.

goodness and is a very special lady.” ‘Cookbook of the Year’ at the Irish Book “We went all over from Kerry to
Westport and Waterford to Athlone, and
Amelda also works in the business Awards in 2020. had a really interesting time,” he says. “It’s
all about showcasing the amazing food
alongside Neven, looking after the decor “ is is the 16th book and I'm very lucky industry in these areas.”

and helping with accounts and guests’ because I have a fantastic team in the While he has books, TV shows and a
successful restaurant to his name, Neven
breakfasts. “Amelda has a fantastic restaurant and also around the books,” he doesn’t harbour any other burning
ambitions. “I am grateful for what I have,”
palate,” he says. “Whenever we put new says. “I think people will enjoy the new he says. “Once you have your health and
happiness, that’s everything, and Covid
dishes on the menu, I always like her cookbook.” taught us just to enjoy our time together
and make the most of things. I was very
to test them first as I really respect her e chef also gets to try the recipes out busy and on the road a lot before Covid but
I think I have the balance right now.” WW
opinion. She brings calmness to my busy on Connor and Lucia, who, we presume,
More Midweek Meals by Neven Maguire is
life, and she’s great for helping me to slow get to try far more dishes than the average out now (€19.99).

down if I'm taking on too much work. She child. “ ey both love their food,” says

thinks about things whereas I would say Neven. “ ey’re eating stuff that I wasn't

yes to everything.” eating at their age, which shows how much

One of the things he happily said yes to Irish palates have changed for the better.”

was the latest cookbook, More Midweek Neven has become a familiar face on

Meals, which was recently launched by TV thanks to the various series he has

Marty Whelan. It contains 100 fantastic presented centred around food. He will

family favourites for Monday to Friday have a Christmas special on RTÉ One, and

with lots of inspiration for batch cooking also has a new series starting in January,

WOMANSWAY.IE 7

Perfect Christmas Gift

MIRAEDLAENIND

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We Love
PASSION · CRAVES · MOOD

Cari a loves So Into...

Tramore. First visit Cosy nights. These dark evenings
ever recently and it’s have us running for the couch in our
a cracking place. The jam-joes. Scented candles ablaze,
views are spectacular we’re happy little hibernators.
and the nightlife is
hopping. What more could Comfort curries. So easy, so warming
you want? and so good. Exactly what we need
at the end of a long hard day.
Anna Haugh. I’m a huge fan of MasterChef and
she’s doing us proud as a judge on the latest Making time
season. The food at her pop-up restaurant in for people.
the Conrad Hotel, Dublin is sublime. November can be
a lonely month,
Rachel loves especially for
those living alone.
Dominic Paul The Culture Palette. I’ve been A phone call or a
using this eyeshadow palette religiously for co ee and chat
the last few weeks. It’s quickly becoming a can make all the
new favourite. All of the shades are really di erence.
wearable and pigmented.
Christmas
Sock boots. There’s a Woman’s Way markets. Support Irish businesses
conspiracy that I never wear heels. While I by rambling around your local
neither deny nor confirm these allegations, market. Mulled wine is a delicious
I have started wearing black sock boots plus.
again. They’re really comfortable, easy to
walk in and cost a So Over...
whopping €20 from
Penneys. Bargain. The World Cup. Wrong on so many
levels but let’s just start with the
Niamh loves lack of basic human rights in the host
country.
My pink crocs. For someone who used to consider selling
vital organs to buy designer shoes, my newfound love The state of the windows. This low
of crocs has been something of a surprise winter light shows up all the grime
to me. And yet, here I am and I’m never we’ve been happily ignoring.
going back.
Matt Hancock. Seriously? How much
Vegan sausages. I’m not a big meat eater can one man humiliate himself?
and am largely veggie most days. But
there is one thing I love and it’s a sausage. Phone and text scammers. Too late
However I tried some vegan sausages I to go back to the trusty old landline
picked up randomly in the supermarket the but those were the days.
other day and I’m converted.
WOMANSWAY.IE 9

YWOHUATWDAONT

THIS CHRISTMAS?

Give yourself the gift out of the season. packed season of parties
of a positive mindset to
make sure you get what So what can you do or you simply want to
you really want this
Christmas. about it? ensure you stick to a

They say it’s the most wonderful Firstly, decide what tight budget, make that
time of the year, but for lots of
us Christmas can be stressful you really want out of decision now. Why? It’s
and demanding. It can even be a
depressing time for some. What Christmas. Yes, you. Not the biggest mental health
was once a week or at most a fortnight of
festive fun, has now become an almost your partner, or children, present you’ll give yourself,
two-month build-up of pressures and
obligations that quite frankly suck the joy or parents, or in-laws or Leisha McGrath trust us. Setting that tone in
the Jones’ down the road. You. advance will benefit you and

Forget what others are doing. Forget you’ll have a better Christmas.

what events you’ve been asked to and ree busy women who know a thing

forget what you think is expected of you. or two about setting a positive mindset,

Simply take a moment to close your eyes, give us their top tips on how to get the

breathe in and out and think about what Christmas you want this season.

you want your Christmas to be like? LEISHA MCGRATH
Whether you see a relaxed Christmas

where you get off the crazy festive Leisha McGrath (leishamcgrath.com) is

treadmill and prioritise seeing close a Chartered Psychologist and Accredited

family and friends, or you envision a Professional Coach. Having recovered

10 WOMANSWAY.IE

FEATURE

you don’t have this, you won’t know people during
what you want or don’t want, and
you’re more likely to be swept away in lockdown.
the current.
2>> As a household or whatever family Her second
unit or system you operate in, make
overt, shared decisions about collective book aptly
and individual needs. See what feels
realistic and doable and go with that. titled e
Leave some room for flexibility.
3>> Connect with the people around Sh!te Before

you. Have gratitude. Know that Christmas,
all things will pass; the good
and the bad. takes a

humorous look

at the pressure

women are under Serena Terry

during the run up to

the big day.

“I love Christmas and I’m one of

SARAH TOBIN those people who can’t wait to get

the decorations up and I’ll have the

Sarah Tobin is a tapping Christmas music on way too early,”

or emotional freedom she admits. However, she knows how

technique (EFT) important it is to try and stick to a plan,

practitioner. In 2014, she but maybe not in the way you’d expect.

sadly lost her newborn “ e perfect Christmas doesn’t exist. I

baby daughter Alice just plan for it not to be perfect and instead

Sarah Tobin days after she was born. plan for it to be simple and fun and these
While she went on to have a
sorts of goals are much more doable.”

healthy baby boy soon after, she found SERENA’S TOP TIPS
1>> Don’t fall into the social media
she was suffering from PTSD and holding compassion trap. Forget the matching
PJ’s and the endless glittery parties.
on to her grief. She began using tapping Many are paid to show these highlight
reels and most of it is not their real life
as a way to help her heal. She now or yours. Stop comparing yourself to an
unreal standard. You do you.
teaches others how to use it to aid their 2>> Don’t be afraid to set boundaries
around gifts and budgets. Be upfront with
own mental health. family and friends and this will avoid
undue stress.
“I try not to make everything 3>> Learn how to say ‘no’. I suffer with
anxiety and if an invitation fills me with
perfect,” she says. “Yes, I try to make dread or worry, I politely decline. WW

sure everyone feels special and loved

and we all have a great time, but I take

the pressure off myself. I cut corners

and I don’t spend an absolute fortune.

I am not perfect so striving to make

Christmas perfect is unachievable and

setting myself up for failure.”

By Niamh O’Reilly from years of chronic ill health, she now SARAH’S TOP TIPS
helps people to solve problems from the 1>> Plan ahead. Start making lists now
inside out. for presents, food, decorations, and days
out.
“What is essential to minimising the 2>> Communicate clearly what needs
risk of getting swept away, is to build doing and divide responsibilities
in time for ourselves. Now. Ahead of between you and your family or with
time,” she says. “Time to connect with whomever you can.
our authentic selves. Time to replenish 3>> Take time out to manage your feelings
our energy. To make the decisions about of being overwhelmed and anxiety. Get
what is okay, and what is enough. To not out for a walk, use a guided journal,
compare ourselves, or our Christmas to meditate or use tapping. ere are
anyone else’s but instead to make our some great tips for this on my website
own decisions, based on our own inner tappingformums.com.
wisdom and needs and not on anything
to do with should.” SERENA TERRY
Comedian and writer Serena Terry is
LEISHA’S TOP TIPS probably better known as MammyBanter.
1>> Make time for authentic self- Her hilarious videos about the reality
connection and self-resourcing now. If of motherhood proved a huge hit with

WOMANSWAY.IE 11

CREATE · CURATE · INSPIRE

MOODBOARD

14 THRIFTY CHRISTMAS

The secret to a very thri y Christmas lies
in curating your existing festive decorations
and adding a few key pieces to freshen
your home and wardrobe. With many
households struggling to cover the cost of
essentials this year, families are choosing
budget buys, upcycling, pre-loved gi ing
and homemade cra s and treats. You are
not alone in being careful and clever with
Christmas spending. But being thri y does
not have to mean less style, with plenty
of low-cost baubles and gi s to add some
stylish sparkle to the festive season. Here
are some of our favourite low cost savvy
buys that won’t break the bank.

10

16
17

12

1 PRIMARK Red and Gold Leaf Christmas Cushion €5, visit Primark 2 M&CO Dog Christmas Scarf €6.88; Dog Mittens €9.18, visit mandco.com 3 VERY Merry Christmas
Ceramic Serving Plate, €19.99, visit very.ie 4 GEORGE Christmas Holly Print Fitted Sheet €8.02, visit direct.asda.com 5 MARKS & SPENCER Fa La La Christmas Sack
€17.19, visit marksandspencer.com 6 PRIMARK Large Christmas Round Dish €3.50, visit Primark 7 KILKENNY DESIGN Crystal Christmas Red Set of 4 Wine Glasses
Now €20 (Was €40), visit kilkennyshop.com 8 DESIGNIST Build Your Own Christmas Crackers €8.00, visit shop.designist.ie 9 MAX BENJAMIN White Christmas Classic
Candle €26, visit maxbenjamin.com 10 JYSK Christmas Raudung Elves €16.99, visit jysk.ie 11 PEPCO Father Christmas Napkins (25 pack) €1.15, visit poundland.co.uk
12 WaltonCo Christmas felt snowflake coaster red (set of 4) €3.44, visit waltonshop.co.uk 13 EASY LIFE Christmas Melody Porcelein Plate €11.95, visit easylife.boutique
14 NOBUNTO Angels (9cm) €5.95, visit nobunto.de 15 STORIGRAPHIC Recyclable Nutcracker and Friends Christmas Gift Tags Pack (4) €2.29, visit storigraphic.com
16 ANNABEL JAMES Partridge in a Pear Tree Caddy €11.40, visit annabeljames.co.uk 17 EXCELSA Renna Ceramic Mug €3.65, visit eprice.it 18 NICHOLAS ENGERT Red

Candle Shade with Gold Christmas Tree €12.60, visit nicholasengert.co.uk More thrifty christmas style overleaf

12 WOMANSWAY.IE

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11

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3 9 8

64 WOMANSWAY.IE 13
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20 6

1 LIPSY Long Sleeve Sequin Slash Neck Top €41, visit next.ie 2 VA VA VOOM Vaida Green Sequin Wrap Midi Skirt €45, visit vavavoom.ie 3 NEW LOOK Sparkly Dress
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14 WOMANSWAY.IE

11 MOOD BOARD

1 23 13

2

25

16

24 9

27

8 26 22

18 12 17 WOMANSWAY.IE 15
19

Carissa Casey talks to you think that I stalked her,” she says. knowing that we were giving people a
the hilarious duo behind “She did,” jokes Sue. “The gardaí were laugh.”
the comedy sensation,
DirtBirds. called... The truth is that she rang me On the home front, Sue is married
asking if I wanted to meet for coffee as to actor Phelim Drew, son of the late
The two funny women behind she was looking for someone to write folk icon, Ronnie Drew. They have four
the comedy duo, DirtBirds, with. I said yes because we’ve a similar children - Vivian, Milo, Seanie and Lily.
have been making audiences sense of humour.”
laugh around the country and Performing was in her blood as Sue’s
online for the past six years, They came up with the concept parents were both full-time classical
thanks to their hilarious mixture of of DirtBirds, which was originally musicians - her late mum Audrey Park
sketches, stand-up comedy and song. optioned as a sitcom for BBC3 but wasn’t
made in the end. The women had all
Dundalk woman Sinéad Culbert and their funny characters ready to go,
Dubliner Sue Collins first met 14 years so Sinéad’s husband, who is from The
ago when both were performing at the Netherlands, suggested they put some
same event. “Sinéad did stand-up and sketches online.
I was doing a character called Carmel,”
says Sue. “A female reviewer came in “It was all very rounded as the
and what she wrote was very flattering. characters were there so that’s how
She said the highlight of the night was it started,” says Sinéad. “We posted a
the woman at the start and the woman sketch in July 2016 that went viral and
at the end, which was us.” people started asking for live shows.
During the Covid lockdowns, we had no
Buoyed by the compliment, Sinéad choice but to keep going with sketches
subsequently approached Sue and asked as we weren’t gigging or earning
her about collaborating. “Sue would have money. A lot of frontline workers were
contacting us saying, ‘You’re getting
us through this.’ We didn’t know that
was going to happen, and it felt great

16 WOMANSWAY.IE

FEATURE

The Nualas

Sinéad Culbert and Sue Collins

and English in Coláiste Íde, Finglas. She version of The Nolans, God love them.’”
“It was horrendous, but we stormed
left teaching to go into comedy full-time
it,” she smiles. “I could see him at the
when DirtBirds took off. back of the room and he knew he’d
made an idiot out of himself. He said
Although they feel the situation is afterwards, 'Well I got that wrong.’”

improving lately as more women enter The ideas for their sketches come to
Sue and Sinéad from their own chats and
the field, Sinéad and Sue are honest from hanging with their friends. The vast
majority of DirtBirds’ fans are women,
about the challenges but they’ve been pleasantly surprised
at having a big young following. They
facing women in comedy. love that young mothers who’ve just had
children and mothers and daughters
“We posted a “When I was doing come to their #NoFilters shows.

sketch in July 2016 stand-up, there’d be a “We never set out for that, but we
that went viral line of men all waiting to wrote about what we knew and that
go on and I was the only really resonated with women,” Sue
explains. “It’s quite fresh, it’s not
and people started woman,” Sinéad recalls. political, and we’re inspired by what
“They used to think I is sending us over the edge at the
asking for live was a customer. So you’re moment. Like our ‘What are we having
shows” kind of underestimated, for dinner?’ sketch, which is such a
bugbear for women.”
even by the audience, as
The DirtBirds’ material resonates in
was the leader of the you’d see a couple of men particular with women in their 30s,
40s and 50s. “You’d be trying to do an
National Symphony Orchestra. going, ‘Oh for f**k’s sake’ when you’d online yoga class, and there’s someone
pulling out of you and a dog licking
Sue’s natural comic timing was jump on stage. They’d be the very ones your face,” laughs Sue. “We know that
it’s tough being a parent, working, and
spotted at drama college, and she that would come up to you at the end and dealing with the pressure to lose weight.
Particularly now in this climate with the
entered the world of comedy initially say, ‘That was very funny.’ They expected pressure to be ‘fabulous.’ We’re quite
positive about being women as well. It’s
through improv. you would go down a very aggressive quite an uplifting show, because it helps
women to know that we’re all in this
“I fell in love with it, meeting route, but a lot of my material was about together.” WW

comedians, going to The Cellar, and being married to a Dutch guy and the The DirtBirds' #NoFilters show takes place
at The Venue, Ratoath, on November 25
seeing all the alternative comics,” she cultural conflict, so I wasn’t talking about and 26. Their podcast, Keeping up with the
DirtBirds, is available now. Check out their
says. “This whole scene was happening anything specifically female.” website, www.dirtbirds.net

in The International, and I went, ‘Oh my FEMALE FAN CLUB

God,’ I want to do this.”

BREAKING BARRIERS While Sue didn’t have the same
experience when she teamed up with

Sinéad is mum to Sophia and Leon and Anne Gildea and Tara Flynn to form

she always liked to make people laugh The Nualas in 1995, there were still

at school. “I got involved in a little youth challenges.

theatre in Dundalk and really loved “It wasn’t as intimidating because

that,” she says. “I thought that I wanted there were three of us,” she says. “I

to be a straight actress and then realised remember when we were doing the

I needed the laughs. I couldn’t be underground circuit at the Edinburgh

playing Lady Macbeth and start trying Fringe, and had a gig in a hall that was

to swing a joke in there. I knew comedy packed with students. We were in our

was my first love, so I started writing pink dresses with the glasses on and a

jokes and sketches and went out and did guy went on to introduce us. He was just

stand-up on my own.” so rude and took the piss completely,

Sinéad also taught communications saying, ‘Well, they look like a bad

WOMANSWAY.IE 17

COMPETITION

AWTITNHAE THWAROD-NIMIGAHNTGBARLEWAAKY

The Hardiman is giving one lucky reader The Galway Christmas Markets on Eyre To enter, please answer the
the chance to experience the Christmas Square will be in full swing from November following question
Markets in Galway and win two nights’ 11 to December 22 and The Hardiman
accommodation mid-week for two people is the perfect location to experience the Where are the Galway Christmas
sharing, with breakfast on both days and City at Christmas. The hotel’s Christmas Markets located?
dinner on one evening in The Gaslight Markets packages are very popular with
Brasserie with a bottle of wine.* those looking to enjoy a festive season HOW TO ENTER
break, get the Christmas shopping sorted Email your answer by
Treat a loved one or a friend to a cosy break or just soak up the atmosphere in Galway. December 5 to: womansway@
in Galway in the run-up to Christmas. The Visitors can expect to enjoy a wide variety harmonia.ie including your
Hardiman is the perfect haven from all the of entertainment and festive stalls including name, address and telephone
hustle and bustle associated with the festive The Big Wheel, Carousel, Santa’s Grotto and number and labelling your mail
season. Located in the heart of Eyre Square much more. Visit thehardiman.ie ‘The Hardiman Competition’
in Galway City, The Hardiman is rich in both
culture and tradition and well known for both This Woman's Way competition is open to
its friendly sta and breathtaking views anyone resident in NI and the Republic of Ireland,
overlooking the Galway Christmas Markets.
The Hardiman, celebrating 170 years in aged 18 and over, except employees and their
Galway this year, is the ideal location for families of Harmonia Publishing, its printers and
Christmas shopping and for visiting the many anyone else connected with the competition. No
well-known restaurants and pubs that the
city is renowned for. purchase is necessary. We will only accept one
competition entry per reader. Prizes are awarded by
*T&Cs: The winner must be 21 years or older This prize is valid mid-week only (Sunday to Thursday). To enjoy the Christmas drawing entries a er the closing date. Winners will
Markets experience the prize must be taken before December 22, 2022, so the winner must be able to travel before then. be notified by email. The editor’s decision is final.
Subject to availability. No cash alternative to the prize. The prize is for two people sharing a room, double or twin. Two nights’
accommodation, 2 breakfasts and one dinner for two people is included.

18 WOMANSWAY.IE

BEAUTY

Sacred Brow
I’m trying to grow out
my brows a er years of
overplucking. I’m helping
them along with The Ordinary
Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow
Serum €14. It’s a great price
and the serum dries fast so
you can pencil in your brows
soon a er application. I’m
in this one for the long haul,
as over plucked brows can
take eons to come back. I’m
already seeing some random
re-growth and want to tidy
them, but I’m trying to step
away from the tweezers.

Memory Lane What are the products Calling All Mermaids
Our amazing nostalgia issue the Woman’s Way crew I’m back braving the chilly Irish sea on a
got me thinking about perfumes use on repeat? In this regular basis. I’m loving the mental boost
and how they remind us of good issue, Niamh O’Reilly it gives me, but as wonderful as it is, I
times. So instead of going for shares a few of her new find my skin and hair need a bit of extra
something new, I went back in care. Sea swimming at this time of year
time and treated myself to a favourites that have can be a proper workout on the muscles,
bottle of Armani She Eau de found a forever place on as you contend with waves and the mind-
Parfum €50 and I swear in my numbing coldness, so I’ve started using
mind I’m a teenager again. It’s a her bathroom shelf. Nuasan’s Active Body Moisturiser €24.95
bit sweet for my grown-up nose, on my legs and arms especially a er a
but I can’t help but love a spritz dip. The 100 per cent sustainable brand
of it to make me smile. hails from Galway and the moisturiser is a
warming mix of nutty macadamia and oat.
Beauty Sleep It’s also got a blend of magnesium and
With two small dudes to look a er, my sleep is pretty arnica. It feels like a real luxury, and it’s
patchy and so is my skin. Anything I can use to help also doing my muscles good.
on both fronts is a win-win. I’m using Q+A Chamomile My hair on the other hand is more sea
Night Cream €15.95 on my stressed-out mush harpy, than little mermaid. I’ve taken
before bed and the scent is dreamy. It’s got anti- to using the Philip Kingsley Swim Cap
inflammatory ingredients and so far, my sensitive skin €23.23 treatment on my gruaig before I
is tolerating it really well. WW get in. It protects hair from the salt water,
UV rays and chlorine in a pool. It’s a bit
trickly to apply if you plan on putting a
swim hat over it, so I use it only for the
sea. I dampen my hair before I go, apply
a small amount, pop my hair up in a high
bun and hey presto my tresses get a bit
of a treatment and protection in one. Do
wash it out really well a erwards.

WOMANSWAY.IE 19

BUSTERS

We’re being bombarded straight away. But it’s oh so easy Carissa's scarf
with advice on how to in the days that follow, usually in progress
trim our household bills. after dealing with something
stressful, to open the app and but all in, for a hand knit
e Woman’s Way crew click ‘check out’. My card item, it’s a lot cheaper than
put four hot tips to the is already loaded so within buying in the shops. I’m not
test. seconds I have yet another black endlessly scrolling through
dress winging its way to my
Carissa Tries Knitting door. I deserve it, I tell myself. shopping sites, and that's a
huge saving. I’m also massively proud
I blame the lockdown for getting me This has to stop. But how to of my scarf. If I can get that jumper
hooked on online shopping. I have a ton occupy myself in the evenings finished, I’ll get going on one of our own
of apps on my phone and, of an evening, I when the telly is too boring for patterns which, you may notice, have
scroll through them, pretending to myself words? Knitting, I decide. I just gotten a lot easier. And we have
as Woman’s Way editor I need to keep mean as Woman’s Way editor I secured a €5 discount voucher on the
on top of the latest trends and where to ought to be able to try my hand wool. Another saving.
find them. Of course I load up the online at one of the knitting patterns
shopping basket and, mostly, I don’t buy we publish.

I’m no great knitter but I
can manage rib and stocking
stitches, cast on and off, and
can vaguely follow a pattern. I
kicked off with a scarf which
also has a matching jumper
in a nice chunky wool that
would knit up quickly. I
actually loved working
on the scarf. My mother
was a great knitter
(she could knock out
an aran sweater
no bother) and I
think it reminded
me of watching telly
as a kid with her clickity clacking away.
Scarf finished, I’ve started on the jumper,
sleeves first because I figure if I make a
mistake, I don’t have to unravel too much
work.

Wool doesn’t necessarily come cheap

20 WOMANSWAY.IE

MONEY SAVERS

Rachel's chicken curry
cooking up a storm

Rachel Rediscovers her Slow Cooker the grocery bill ingredients.
too. Using a slow And it only
Years ago, I jumped on the slow cooker cooker for curries, takes four hours
bandwagon. I made a whopping total casseroles and stews, on the high setting.
of two dishes, both of which were epic means I can buy The kitchen smelled divine and I had
fails. The slow cooker has been shoved cheaper cuts of meat, to stop myself from carrying out (very
to the back of my kitchen cabinet ever for a fraction of the cost, important) taste tests. Otherwise, there
since. But then I was recently hit with without compromising on would be no curry left.
a pretty interesting fact. According quality. The recipe made enough for three
to energy experts at Uswitch, a slow people. I was pretty pleased with myself
cooker will cost, on average, €0.05 So, with this in mind, I pulled out that I managed to create something
per hour to run. Much cheaper than my slow cooker, dusted her off and got so tasty with no real effort and had
an oven at €0.25 an hour. Taking into to cooking. Well, cooking is a bit of a leftovers for the next day. Next up, slow
account the relatively small purchase stretch. I dumped all the ingredients cooker cheesecake. Yup, it’s a thing.
cost, its capacity to batch cook and the for a chicken curry into the pot and
fact slow cookers use little energy, I was switched it on. It was a really simple Continued overleaf >>
keen to give it another try. recipe I found online with fuss-free
If my Mums pale face when the WOMANSWAY.IE 21
electricity bill arrives is anything
to go on - every little helps these
days. I figured it might even reduce

Niamh Washes at 30 Degrees Niamh gets help with Some stains remain at 30
the washing
We are a family of four, two adults and
two boys, aged three and five. I do a clothes are going in at 40, but these are
lot of laundry, but I’ve never really washed less often. I’m waiting until
thought much about the costs involved. I have a full load where I can, as this
I wash most things 40 degrees, put in also is more efficient. Most other items,
a colour catcher, detergent, softener, I’ve popped in at 30 and have been
laundry cleanser and if things are really fine. Occasionally some stains are not
bad, which they often are, some stain lifting, but I’m now pre-treating those,
remover. or saving them for the once a week 40
degree wash.
But with energy prices rising I cannot
simply keep washing everything
on autopilot. According to a Which?
survey, if I turn the machine down to 30
degrees, I will save 38 per cent on my
energy bill. This is because 80 per cent
of the energy the machine uses
is for heating the water, not the
length of time it’s running for.

I tried two big changes.
Reducing the amount I’m
washing and turning the
temperature down. I’m no
longer putting the boy’s uniform
straight into the laundry every
day after school. Often their
trousers and jumpers are stained,
but their blue t-shirts are fine. I
have them wear them a second time
and even a third if still clean. I now
sponge some stains out, rather than
wash the entire uniform. So far this
has worked well on things like chalk
and dried mud, but not on bigger food
stains.

Changing to 30 degrees has been hit
and miss. I now separate what can be
washed at 30 and what needs more
heat. Towels, sheets and heavily stained

22 WOMANSWAY.IE

MONEY SAVERS

Cosy nights at
Astrid's ga

memories of glacial Zzzz...
sheets. So I had to

come up with a thrifty

compromise.

According to

Electric Ireland, the

cost of turning on

the electric blanket

for three and a half hours

is equivalent to the cost of turning on

the kettle for a hot water bottle. cheaper than

The lure of fully warm sheets won electricity. And we now

over the cheap-as-chips alternative. have both the heating and the blankies

But as expected, the capital cost was on every night.

nothing to sneeze at. Two double beds The way I look at it, the real saving

Astrid Turns on the Electric Blanket plus a single bed and I was looking at I made was by switching energy

More out of stinginess than pride, I the crux of €200. suppliers. There was a noticeable
never turn on the heat before October.
And because this year has been So how did it stack up? The blankets difference in my bills. Although I did
unseasonably warm I tried to stretch it
to November. do seem to be very cost efficient. lose most of those savings due to the

But we do have kids and care for Turning them on for two hours every recent price hikes.
their welfare. To be honest, I’m not
particularly fond of my own childhood night didn’t register on my energy bills. But now I’m looking forward to a

I’ve now become addicted to warm more comfortable winter. The kids

sheets. I achieved my goal and I did are snug, my toes are warm. Plus I’m

manage to delay the heating season by a paying less than I used to. Can’t ask for

month. But gas is more than three times much more than that. WW

WOMANSWAY.IE 23

BPraeg-sloved

Behind every successful
woman is a fabulous bag,
or so the saying goes.
Rachel Spillane explains
why buying pre-loved is
best, and shares second-
hand málai for your
Christmas wishlist.

24 WOMANSWAY.IE

Pre-Loved Louis Vuitton Speedy 25 Epi FASHION
Leather Bag €799, visit arnotts.ie (RRP €1,150)

Chanel Black Seasonal
CC Flap Bag 2012/13
17 Series €2,690, visit
designerexchange.ie (RRP

€4,500)

Salvatore Ferragamo
Studio Box Bag €1,190,
visit naphisa.com (RRP

€2,000)

Coach Cream Wool Striped Jacquemus Le Saint Laurent
Blanket Tote €139, visit Chiquito Mini Leather Textured Medium
Handbag €370, visit Cabas Chyc Burgundy
no8.ie (RRP €395) vestairecollective.com Tote Handbag €895,
visit tbdonline.ie (RRP
Did you know buying second- (RRP €450)
hand can save up to 90 per €1,850)
cent of the environmental Pre-Loved Dolce & Gabbana Miss
cost of a new item? Alas, it’s Sicily Patent-Leather Top-Handle Coach White Grained
true. It’s time to change our Leather Crossbody €249,
shopping habits and kick fast fashion to the Bag €360, visit selfridges.com visit siopaella.com (RRP
curb. We’ve entered a pre-loved revolution, (RRP €1,125)
and it’s going to reward our wallets as well €350)
as the planet. ere’s a preconceived idea Giuseppe Zanotti Women's Black G17 Logo Leather Tote WOMANSWAY.IE 25
that buying second-hand is a bit plain Bag €277.50, visit thri ify.ie (RRP €1,850)
Jane. But the fashion industry has been
overhauled by sustainability, making
vintage shopping a top trend for 2022
and the foreseeable. Pre-loved designer
bags have found a home for themselves in
luxury department stores, independent
Irish boutiques and online at international
auction sites for a fraction of the retail
cost. And most of the bags are in excellent
condition too. Some have never been worn
and come with the original dust bag and
box. But don’t forget to do your research.
A quick Google search will help you figure
out the original price of the bag so you can
determine how good of a bargain you’re
getting.

It’s also important to mention each
luxury item, whether it’s a bag, jewellery
or clothing is authenticated. So rest
assured, you won't be duped with a fake if
you stick with a reputable seller.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE FABULOUS
PRE-LOVED BAGS ON OFFER… WW

ALL By Rachel Spillane
ABOUT

THAT

26 WOMANSWAY.IE

Sculpted by Aimee BEAUTY
Satin Skin €30
A hydrating Inglot All Covered
Concealer €20
foundation with a A full-coverage
host of skin-loving concealer that

ingredients. works well for spot
concealing under a
Luna by Lisa Jordan Bellamianta Illuminating
Concealer €16 Bronzing Drops €25 lighter base.

Brightening and luminous, A good option for those who Kash Beauty Liquid
this concealer is great for don’t wear foundation. Mix Silk €21.95
combating dark circles.
a few drops in with your A face and body
moisturiser to add some illuminator with a
warmth to your complexion. matte finish. Ideal
for those with oily
Mrs Glam Peachy Buying Irish has never skin who want to look
Elixir Strobe Cream been more important, luminous, not shiny.
and luckily, our Emerald
€26.95 SoSu by SJ CC Me In
This four-in-one Isle is teeming with Foundation €24.95
fantastic beauty brands. This foundation has
product has a a buildable formula
light peach tint ere’s no shortage of
which corrects great quality makeup to which comes in
dark circles and see us through the festive handy for day-to-
hyperpigmentation.
season. Here are 10 night looks.
affordable base products

we really love…

BPerfect Chroma
Cover Matte

Foundation €22.95
A lightweight, full-
coverage foundation
with a matte finish.

Carter Beauty Half Measure AYU Instant Under Eye
Dewy Foundation €9.95 Concealer €18

Great for dry skin, this water- Highly pigmented, this
based foundation is a ordable concealer will sort out uneven

and has great coverage. skin tones with no fuss.

WOMANSWAY.IE 27

8

41
Irish Skincare
3
When it comes to skincare, Ireland is
brimming with industry trailblazers.

I’m sure we’ll all be making the conscious decision to
shop local and support Irish businesses this Christmas.
And if you or a loved one are in the market for new
skincare, rest assured you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Ireland is home to so many incredible skincare brands
so whether you want to focus on more sustainable products,
use natural ingredients or simply treat yourself to something
luxe, there’s something for everyone. And while it would
be impossible to include every brand we love, we wanted to
share some Woman’s Way favourites…

28 WOMANSWAY.IE

10 7 BEAUTY

We also love… 56
92
Bia Collection by Codex Beauty,
visit codexbeauty.eu
Founded by Irish herbal scientist
Tracey Ryan, the Bia collection
uses indigenous Irish botanicals
to create a clean skincare range.
Moxie Loves, visit
moxielove.com
Moxie Loves products are vegan,
cruelty-free and sustainable. The
waterless formulas are great for
travelling or on-the-go.
Ella & Jo, visit ellaandjo.ie
The brainchild of Charlene
Flanagan and Niamh Ryan, Ella
and Jo Cosmetics focuses on fun
and multi-functional skincare
products.
Bloom & Co, visit bloombb.ie
A small Irish company
committed to creating clean
and sustainable skincare using
natural ingredients.
Aliso, visit alisobeauty.com
Founded by Andrea Roche, Aliso
creates spa-level beauty tools
and products and makes them
accessible for anyone to use at
home. WW

By Rachel Spillane 1 Green Angel Day and Night Gift Set €50 2 Seabody Ebb and Flow Set €108 3 Skinician Mattify and Refresh Set €49 4 Pestle & Mortar Retinoid Night Oil €76 5 Kinvara
Precious Facial Oil €44.95 6 Skingredients Sally Cleanse 2% Salicyclic Acid Oil Control Cleanser €33 7 Holos Love Your Skin Queen Gift Set €82 8 Elave Skin Balancing

Essentials €39.95 9 Ground Talamh Peat Face Mask €26.50 10 Voya Visage Awakening Eye Mask €44

WOMANSWAY.IE 29

COMPETITION

FIMIVAEGGEISFTKISNECTASRFEROM To enter, please answer the
following question:
Image Skincare is giving one been exhausted by the pandemic.
lucky reader the chance to Image Skincare gi sets feature NAME ONE GIFT SET FROM THE
win all five of their Christmas products that keep your glow IMAGE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
Collection skincare sets, worth going day and night, so you
over €500. can spend less time worrying HOW TO ENTER
about your skin, and more time Email your answer by December
Image Christmas Collection celebrating. 5 to: [email protected]
has gi sets to suit all skin including your name, address and
types with massive savings to There are five fabulous sets to telephone number and labelling
beat. Not only is it practical, but choose from including Brighten your mail ‘The Image Skincare
it’s also the gi that keeps on Collection, Hydrate Collection,
giving and will last well into the Refine Collection, Restore Competition’
new year. And best of all, these Collection and Indulge Collection.
skincare sets will remind your Visit imageskincare.ie This Woman's Way competition is open to anyone
recipient to indulge in some resident in NI and the Republic of Ireland, aged 18 and
self-care, and we all know how over, except employees and their families of Harmonia
important those moments are. Publishing, its printers and anyone else connected with
This year the design concept
encompasses a bright and bold the competition. No purchase is necessary. We will
colour theme to bring joy and only accept one competition entry per reader. Prizes
cheer into a society that has are awarded by drawing entries a er the closing date.
Winners will be notified by email. The editor’s decision

is final.

30 WOMANSWAY.IE

Got a die-hard CHRISTMAS GIFTS – AESTHETICS
beauty bu on your
Christmas gi ing list, but
you don’t know your jade roller
from your hair roller? Don’t panic,
we’ve got you covered. We pick out
some of the best treatments, and
beauty tools to satisfy even the
most discerning of women in

your life.

Spotlight Oral Care Teeth Whitening Pen Finishing Touch Flawless Salon Nails €34.99 BTL Exilis Ultra 360 Session, from €350
Deluxe Edition €29.95 Nail lovers will no doubt love the idea of this ni y Available in salons around Ireland, the BTL Exilis

Here’s a really handy beauty tool for the gadget that cares for talons in between salon Ultra is a non-invasive form of face and body
woman whose constantly on the go. This teeth- visits. You can file, smooth, bu , polish, prep and sculpting. It uses heating and cooling energy to
whitening pen can remove stains from food and break down stubborn fat and tighten the skin,
clean up cuticles with the six included heads.
drink, including tea, co ee and red wine. giving a contoured result.

Emerald Green and Midnight Purple LanaiBLO, From top-class beauty HydraFacial MD 6 Step Facial, normally €281,
prices start at €104.99 gizmos to luxurious reduced to €250, visit fitzgeraldprivateclinic.com
treatments, we’ve got Who wouldn’t want the gi of a good facial this
If keeping their gruaig looking great is a top plenty of suggestions season? And a erwards, you can bring home their
priority, splashing out on the new Emerald Green for your Christmas OBAGI Hydrate Facial Moisturizer, Environ Pre-
or Midnight Purple LanaiBLO could be just the gifting list. Cleaning Oil and Environ Hydrating Clay Masque
thing. Personalisation is also o ered to make the
to keep skin glowing for longer.
gi even more special.

By Niamh O’Reilly and Rahel Spillane Kerry Hanaphy Sofwave Treatment, from €1,250 Oxmantown Skincare Gua Sha Facial Kit, €45 Monart Spa Voucher, minimum value €50
The Kerry Hanaphy clinic in Dublin o ers four The Gua Sha has been a facial tool for centuries, There’s nothing as relaxing as a spa day and if
Sofwave treatments for those looking to reduce you’ve got someone who’s got everything, then a
but it’s become really popular once again. It’s
fine lines and wrinkles in a non-invasive way. The beloved for helping to sculpt the jawline and gi voucher for Monart is a sure bet. WW
treatments include The Full Face & Neck, Brow cheekbones, as well as de-pu ng the face.
Li , Lower Face and Submental and Lower Face,
Neck and Submental. WOMANSWAY.IE 31

CHAGMRPEIEONNING
Supporting local businesses this festive season is more important
than ever, writes Domhnall O’Donoghue.

W aiting for a bus in a conscious effort to support Irish traders. book in electronic form for 99 cents, or
vibrant part of Dublin However, this buoyant footfall is being worse, for free?”
recently, I counted the increasingly replaced with ‘To Let’ signs
number of boarded- looming large over the doorways. After settling down with my partner
up stores in front in one of Dublin’s fast-growing suburbs,
Aside from rising rents, there I’ve developed a new appreciation
for community spirit. For all their
of me; the answer was four. As I seems to be numerous reasons advantages, cities risk being anonymous
experiences for many due to the sheer
navigated the city that day, for these closures, including number of people living there.

I noticed that at least one independents’ inability to For me, that’s one of the principal
reasons why these local businesses —
store was shuttered on compete with the hefty cafés, restaurants, hairdressers, boutiques
and bookstores — are so important. In
every street. marketing budgets of addition to their role in supporting the
economy, along with employing up to
Once, lovers of locally multinationals and online 65 per cent of Irish people, small and
medium-sized enterprises deftly unite
sourced produce and retailers. Not to mention

homegrown crafts their race to the bottom

frequented these spaces pricing approach. As one

Especially during the bookseller once said to

pandemic, when we rallied me, “How can we compete

around the flag and made a Domhnall O’Donoghue with Amazon selling the same

32 WOMANSWAY.IE

FEATURE

Marian O’Gorman

“Economists say

that for every €1

communities, offering spent in Irish retail,

us opportunities to meet they reveal that
our neighbours and form €2.50 is generated
connections. Today, in within the economy”
a world where so many

work remotely, these

social encounters are

more important than ever.

It almost goes without saying that

the more we invest in a community,

the more it thrives, allowing additional

facilities to prosper, like centres and

services for health, the arts and our

youth. One of our best-known Gaelic

proverbs is Ní neart go cur le chéile, Duncan Graham, Managing Director classes to cookery and music lessons,”
Marian says. “Keep them up, in person
there’s strength in unity. Without of Retail Excellence, echoes Champion or online and give gift vouchers for an
original experience.”
communities, I dread to imagine what Green’s drive to encourage the public to
She also suggests committing to
would lie ahead of us. shop or ‘click’ locally. manageable acts — like buying one local
Christmas gift every time you buy from an
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING “ is is now more important than international retailer online.
ever,” he insists. “We need businesses
“Check .ie domains are actually locally
Discussing the upcoming Christmas in local communities to provide jobs and owned or operated,” she advises. “Many
global companies have .ie domains to
season, which will double as a make- services and to remain vibrant for future imply an Irish connection. e business’
registered address in the ‘About’ or ‘Terms
or-break time for many traders, I generations.” & Conditions’ area will give a clue.”

receive excellent insights from retail Economists endorse these views. As a bonus, Marian adds that shopping
with Irish online retailers will ensure
stalwart Marian O’Gorman, chairperson For every €1 spent in Irish retail, they speedy deliveries and help save on
customs and import duty which are often
of Kilkenny Design and founder reveal that €2.50 is generated within the double the price.

of Champion Green, a voluntary economy. Marian concludes: “Travelling to a
supplier, I saw an advertisement outside
association supporting local businesses. RIPPLES INTO WAVES a mid-sized town reading, ‘If you want us
By purchasing locally, Marian says here next year, shop here now!’ And that’s
it in a nutshell — use it or lose it.”
we light a “spark of feelgood fire, when We often wonder how one person can
I’m sure I speak for most when I say
your purchase is more than just another effect change and positively impact this nobody wants to lose our precious
communities. WW
possession or a cupboard staple but is a big, bad world of ours, but Marian insists
For more information, visit ChampionGreen.ie
meaningful transaction that matters in that if everyone plays their part, even in a

the community.” small way, ripples can turn into waves.

She also reports that customers here is Christmas, she lists several simple

will spend about €5 billion in the month but effective approaches to take. Some

ahead of Christmas. don’t even cost a penny, like encouraging

“ at’s a massive amount of money,” word of mouth by posting reviews.

she adds. “If only we spent this money Signing up for newsletters is an easy

domestically, the direct correlation way to get information about events or

to jobs and local investment, and the promotions.

wellbeing of ordinary people, would be “We got into good habits during Covid,

powerful.” buying everything from online gym

WOMANSWAY.IE 33

NaGotural

Nature’s winter colours all your gorgeously foraged decorations Artificial wreath livened up with holly,
go with every type onto. Hazel and willow are bendy enough pine cones, dried orange and bow
of home décor. So to weave together. e wood looks great
this Christmas, why on its own and just needs a few sprigs of
not forage for thrifty holly to bring to life.
decorations? Here are
some tips. is could be more hassle than it’s worth
though, so consider buying a wire frame
STANDALONE HOLLY that you can use year after year. Avoid
Holly is the quintessential Christmas buying foam supports and other materials
decoration because it’s got everything. e that will only get a few uses and are full of
green, the red and a bit of attitude. chemicals.

at means it looks great on its own. Just Any type of foraged branch should be
scatter a few branches on your shelves and bendy enough to sit in the wire frame.
pin it around doors. It will lift the mood in But if you want your wreath or mantle
no time. And of course, a sprig of holly is looking really tidy, twine is probably the
beautiful over gift wrap with a bit of twine. safest bet. It won’t jar if some if it peeks
through.
Traditionally holly was known for
protecting homes from lightning, so they For a bespoke shape, chicken wire mesh is
were planted near dwellings. If you don’t ideal as a frame. Plastic coated wire is much
have one stashed in the back garden, easier to work with.
consider asking Santa for a holly plant. Or
two. You will need a male and female to get BOUQUETS will sit much better on your mantel piece or
berries. Pine cones stuck onto the end of a stick (use on a wreath.
a glue gun) will complement a bouquet of
WREATHS AND MANTEL PIECES holly and other textured leaves. After that, the place to harvest is in your
Plentiful and beautiful, pine cones and nuts own back garden, or a friend or neighbour’s
will add texture to your wreaths and table Branches, be it from pine, hazel or who has given you permission to do so.
decorations. Dried fruit also looks great, as dogwood, oak or birch, are stunning. ey And this is key, you must get the owner’s
do store-bought cinnamon sticks. Citrus is add architectural depth to a bouquet. Or if approval. So if you’re visiting a Coillte forest,
traditional for drying. Desiccate in the oven you go larger and more ambitious, you’ve don’t bring the pruning shears with you.
on a very low heat. got yourself a frame to hang decorations
onto. Fairy lights will add the magic.
If you have an old artificial wreath that’s
looking a bit tired, lift it with some fresh On internal or external doors, hang
holly. en rummage through your storage an upside down bouquet. Choose holly,
boxes for a small decoration that lost its mistletoe, ivy or if you can find it,
string. Or a bow or other pop of colour. Add eucalyptus. If you have rosemary, bay
fairy lights and it’ll look like new. leaves or other fragrant plants in the
garden, add them to bouquets or clump
If you don’t have a ready-made them together as part of a wreath. Fragrant
support, you will need a frame to stick edibles look great on cakes too.

WHERE TO FORAGE
If you are buying a real Christmas tree this
year, you will find branches littering the
ground. Ask to take some with you. ey

34 WOMANSWAY.IE

“ e ground rule INTERIORS
for sustainable
foraging is to take Foliage livening
what you need. up a shelf
It’s less than you

think”

in the vicinity, don’t Holly on a
wooden wreath
start gathering foliage
MAKE THEM LAST
from it. No one wants dried up foliage come
Christmas Day. To keep your evergreens
If this is your first and other foraged plants looking fresh,
give them water.
time foraging for
Crush the ends of wooden stems to
decorations, go for a maximise how much they absorb. en
place in a bucket overnight to give the
reconnaissance walk. plant a chance to soak up as much as
possible. at goes for your Christmas
And even though Take only one or two tree too.

mosses look fantastic things and see how Ivy can look stunning but won’t last
long. is means you may need to replace
in a Christmas crib they fit in the house. greenery as it dries up.

or other mantelpiece You will get a clearer Use common sense to delay drying out.
Avoid placing in direct sunlight. Or near
display, many types picture of where to open fires. WW

are protected under use it.

legislation. Rare en go back

species cannot be cut, and get what you

uprooted or damaged. actually need. Half

You cannot take seeds Bouquet of holly and pinecones the pleasure is to be
either. as a table centrepiece outside and get some
fresh air.
Download an app,

or bring a good field HOW TO CUT
guide, to identify rare species. Make sure

you know what you’re taking before you You will need a good pair of secateurs,

reach for it. gloves and in some cases a ladder. For the

TAKE AS LITTLE AS YOU NEED best and safest results, your pruning shears
need to be the correct size. Sharp, clean

e ground rule for sustainable foraging is blades are also a must.

to take what you need. It’s less than you To gather your loot, place in a bucket with

By Astrid Madsen think. some water in it.

So when making blackberry jam, don’t Cut at an angle and take branches from

pick every single fruit you see. Even holly the back of the tree where they won’t be

berries are a precious food source for birds missed. Or from an interior branch.

mid-winter. Avoid twigs or individual leaves as they

And only collect from plentiful won’t last. en store in a cool dry place in

populations. If there’s only one type of tree water until you’re ready to use them.

WOMANSWAY.IE 35

Christmas

SinhNoEpWpinYgORK

Time was, Irish women would Meatpacking District, I Over the years I
flock to New York with empty also visited two discount have shopped almost
suitcases and ready cash to take malls about an hour from everywhere in New
advantage of cheaper prices and Manhattan. The Woodbury York but there is always
a great euro dollar exchange Common Premium Outlet somewhere new to discover.
rate. Over the last year, however, many of Mall has 200 shops featuring Here are some of my favourites
my female friends have returned with the almost every label you might want or and if you’re a first-timer, a quick run-
suitcases still empty, having searched in didn’t know you wanted and the discounts down of where to go for what.
vain for the ultimate bargain or special dress were incredible (80 per cent off in some
(and the bragging rights to proclaiming it cases). I had hand bags in my sights and THE SHOPPING LIST
was bought in Manhattan). e exchange fell in love with everything Kate Spade H&M in Times Square & Herald Square:
rate is not what it used to be but there are and Michael Kors, but there are also so There is a very good reason for visiting
still plenty of bargains and lots of cool many great designer clothes. Better still the these particular H&M stores, not only
fashion haunts. You just have to know prices were discounted further on the day because they are way more contemporary
where to look. Within the five boroughs I visited so the final price was a fraction (with a daily DJ) than any of their other
of New York there is almost every global of what you will pay here. I bought Dara’s stores but also these two stores are where
designer brand, many with first in-store staple Under Armour clothes for about a the H&M trends originate and are tested.
pieces that may never hit this side of third of what I pay online and SuperDry Both are open from 9am to 11pm and with
the water. But there are also some great at around 50 per cent less. I also visited an enormous selection of clothes and
boutiques, unique retail spaces, sample The Mills at Jersey Garden (in New Jersey ranges and better still the stock, inventory
sales, fantastic outlets and flagship stores and a little closer). This is less high end and décor changes every day. Located:
testing new trends you won’t get your and has more high street outlet shops with 4 Times Square 1472 Broadway; 1328
hands on anywhere else in the world. a few reliable designer brands. It has the Broadway at Herald Square. Visit hm.com.
advantage of being smaller and indoors. Beacon’s Closet: another chainette of stores
On this trip, as well as a great day See below for tips and advice but if you are with four locations in New York selling
or two browsing Fifth Avenue, the visiting New York it is well worth making great vintage clothes and jewellery. You’ll
quintessentially New York department the trip to either mall if you really want to find the Manhattan store at Union Square
stores and the quirky, retro and one of a shop for a bargain. between 5th and 6th Avenues near 13th
kind shops of the Lower East, Soho and the

36 WOMANSWAY.IE

New York is still TRAVEL: NEW YORK

one of the greatest The Vintage Twin
shopping destinations
in the world with Beacon's Closet

everything from the
big designer labels
to great discount
outlets. Even with
the current exchange
rate there are still
bargains to be had.
Norah Casey does all
the hard work so you
don’t have to.
favourite brands

at ridiculously low

prices - Clinique,

Sephora, Chanel,

L’Oreal and much

much more. Located

15 East 37th St. Cosmetic Market
(between 5th Ave and

Madison Michael Kors at

Ave). Visit cosmeticmarketnyc. Bloomindale`s

business.site

Macy’s: The grand dame of NYC

shopping, with seven floors and
lots of daily discounts and special Macys

offers. Located 151 West 34th

Street (between Broadway & 7th

Avenue). For flash sales and daily

bargains visit macys.com.

Bloomingdale’s NYC: I love

the iconic brown shopping

bags and the array of perfume

sprayers in the beauty hall. This

H&M Store Times Square is just such a New York staple it
would be a shame not to go for a

browse. Always good quality and

Street. Check out the website for special exceptionally good sales staff. Located

pieces, visit beaconscloset.com. at 1000, 3rd Avenue (between 59th and spot for a coffee at the in-store Starbucks.

A Second Chance: A destination shop for 60th); 504 Broadway in SoHo. Visit You might be lucky enough to catch a

pre-loved luxury brands such as Prada, bloomingdales.com. book signing or one of their regular guest

Gucci and Hermes at lots of different prices Century 21 Department Store: This much lectures. Located at 555 Fifth Ave. Visit

from bargain to blow the budget If a luxury loved discount store closed down but the barnesandnoble.com.

designer bag is on your hit list, head here big news is that it is making a comeback SAMPLE SALES
first before the department stores. Both in early spring 2023 at its flagship location

retail locations are currently closed but downtown. The promise is that it will There are some incredible discounts to be

you can order online while visiting or feature a great selection of brand names had at designer sample sales but you’re

order in advance to ensure delivery. Visit at unbelievable discounts (although if up against the savvy New Yorker in

asecondchanceresale.com. the store is like before you might have terms of getting there early and bagging

The Vintage Twin: A thrift store chain to hunt for them). Century 21 regularly a bargain. Sample sales are posted across

made famous by super cool shoppers like had bargains from Tommy Hilfiger, a range of sites, some daily and some in

Gigi Hadid and Taylor Hill. You’ll find one Prada, Michael Kors, Gucci, Polo Ralph advance. I would advise checking the week

at 543 Broadway and 1132 3rd Ave. Visit Lauren and other designers you will have before you go and daily in the run up to

thevintagetwin.com. never heard of. Location: 22 Cortlandt departure and while there. Be prepared

Cosmetic Market: Enormous selection of St. (between Broadway & Church). Visit to be fighting for space at the premium,

overstock and discontinued cosmetics and c21stores.com. lust after designer sample pop-ups and get

a beauty/makeup lover's dream. Expect Barnes and Nobles: Several floors of great Continued overleaf >>
to lose a lot of time (as I did) and all your books, magazines, souvenirs and a good

WOMANSWAY.IE 37

Christmas In New York

there as early as possible. I have been at Columbus Circle: Named
lesser known brand sales virtually on my
own so it depends on who it is. Here are after the monument of
the best sites to check out for what’s on and
where, visit chicmi.com; thestylishcity.com; Christopher Columbus in
timeout.com.
the centre, the Circle is the
WHAT TO FIND WHERE
SoHo: Arty area around Broadway in perfect starting point for any
downtown Manhattan and worth a visit for
the non-high street shops and great cafés. route, and it is nice and quiet.
Not as boho as it used to be but still some
charming little one-off stores where you This busy intersection on the St Patricks at Night
will find some stylish gems at reasonable south west corner of Central
prices.
Herald Square: Busy, bustling tourist spot, Park is the meeting point of
high on energy and noise and home to
Macy’s. As well as the flagship H&M store the big five (Eighth Avenue,
there's Victoria's Secret, Zara, Mango,
Levi’s, Footlocker, Gap, and Forever 21. Broadway, Central Park South it is one of New York’s most beautiful
Lexington Avenue: Home to
Bloomingdales, the Upper East Side and a (West 59th Street), and Central Park West) buildings, but you can feel the sense of
good balance of high end and high street
stores. Lexington is a nice stroll and not and is home to an iconic shopping mall history as you stroll around the immense
as hectic as Fifth Avenue (but then again
it doesn’t have the same range of shops in the Times Warner Building. It’s a great interior. It’s a great respite from shopping
either).
Broadway: The beating heart of New York’s place to start a day’s shopping. Take a on Fifth (located just across from the
theatre and shopping scene runs across
Manhattan and for the fit and able it is a route to Union Square via Soho and Times Rockefeller Centre) and the pride of
great 20-kilometre walk. On the way you
will find all the great stores and designers Square, which is still awesome no matter the NYC Irish diaspora who opened
with plenty of imitable New York diners,
delis and people watching to keep you how often you’ve been there. I love the this incredible landmark in 1879 after
interested.
Disney Store at Times Square and the mega 21 year’s construction. More than five
MEATPACKING DISTRICT
Sex in the City made the former slaughter M&M World. As you head from Broadway million visitors flock here each year, so it’s
house district one of NYC’s most
fashionable. While a decade ago there were towards 35th you will see the unmissable busy. But it is still possible to sit in quiet
some great bargains to be had among the
eclectic boutiques and the neighbourhood flags of Macy’s. contemplation marveling at the stained-
has become more upmarket so have the
prices. Best for unique pieces you won’t glass panels (2800 of them), the 21 altars
find here or in London. Head to Chelsea
Market for lunch or take a detour to the Fifth Avenue: One of the world’s most and towering organ with 7855 pipes. There
Whitney Museum and for something
completely different take a trip on the High famous shopping streets is home to the are lots of masses said at St Patrick’s every
Line while you’re in the area!
flagship stores of the most glamorous and day, just check the website for listings. Visit

expensive designers. Strolling down Fifth saintpatrickscathedral.org.

is an absolute must even if you can only THE OUTLETS
afford to window shop. The big names

like Gucci, Prada, Cartier, Bulgari, Louis The Woodbury Common Premium Outlet

Vuitton, Calvin Klein and Gianni Versace The Essentials

are all there along with the quintessentially Where: Located in the Central Valley, about

Fifth Avenue stores of Bergdorf Goodman an hour north of Manhattan

and Saks. But there are also some great What: There are 200 shops so be prepared

high street stores. I shopped in Zara, Gap for a full day. Brands include: Kate Spade,

and H&M – all with different items on sale Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger, Lacoste,

to those back home. I lost a good hour in Banana Republic, GAP, Levi’s, Superdry,

the Mac store on Fifth which has some cult Timberland, American Eagle Outfitters,

products that you can’t get here. Even if Burberry, Chanel and Gucci.

you don’t want one the coolest store on How: Various buses leave from central

Fifth has to be The Apple Store, look for the locations in NYC (Grand Central, Port

large glass cube bearing the Apple logo. Authority, Penn Station etc). Woodbury

The biggest one is in Grand Central Station Bus (visit woodburybus.com) is a good

and is worth a detour. option with round trip prices from $40 for

LIGHT A CANDLE an adult fare. Reservations in advance.
Start: Aim to arrive early (we arrived at

After all that shopping, a visit to St 7.15, got a great parking space and enjoyed

Patrick's Cathedral to light a candle is breakfast before the rush). Stores open at

always a must for me. Not only because 7.45.

38 WOMANSWAY.IE

“After all that TRAVEL: NEW YORK

shopping, a visit

to St Patrick's Mills at Jersey gardens place I go back to again
Cathedral to light a and again is Fitzpatrick’s
candle is always a Manhattan (57th and
Lexington). Yes because
must for me” it’s Irish-owned and I
feel a sense of loyalty but

mostly because it just

works. The rooms are

spacious, the location is

great (near Central Park

and Bloomingdales!), the

price is very competitive,

facilities are just right

and the service is

exceptional. In a city not

always known for its

warmth and helpfulness,

just 20 kilometres from Manhattan. There Fitzpatrick’s is a haven. I suspect the front

is a huge selection of shops here and some of house team takes their impeccable cues

outlets have great discounts. You’ll find from the main man himself, President

everything from Manhattan and more and CEO John Fitzpatrick (he has a second

with Macy’s, JCPenney, Nordstrom, hotel at Grand Central on 44th street). In

Woodbury Common Neiman Marcus, Michael Kors, Louis 1991 he opened Fitzpatrick’s Manhattan
Premium Outlet Vuitton, Superdry, Apple, Abercrombie, and among his early hotel guests were

Converse, Gap, Hollister and lots more. the Taoiseach of the day Albert Reynolds,

Visit westfield.com. President Mary Robinson and iconic actor

Extra Discounts: Head straight to the Gregory Peck. The hotel has evolved into a

Information Counter in the main building Tanger Outlets: Riverhead New York & home from home for Ireland’s famous and

and check for a coupon booklet for that Deer Park New York not so famous visitors and has become a

day which gives you extra savings and A little bit further out on Long Island (about nucleus for the Irish community in New

study the map to plan your shopping (it 1.5 hours by bus) are the Tanger Outlets. York.

is exhausting so make sure you highlight Particularly good for sportswear and take Visit fitzpatrickhotels.com.

the ones you really want to visit). a trip to the beach while you’re there. Visit

Plan: Be prepared for queues at some of the tangeroutlet.com. GETTING THERE
premium brands so head there first, Kate
Spade was top of my list and the queue was NEED TO KNOW There are many reasons to love
really short first thing but a really long Shops are open for longer hours in New our national flag carrier, not least
wait after lunch. York, usually until 9pm, and also on of which is the ease and speed of
Stay: If you want to stay close by to do a two Sundays. Prices usually don’t include VAT flying direct to a destination. There
day shopping spree visit premiumoutlets. so be prepared for that to be added to each is nothing to beat the
com for deals on local hotels. item at checkout. The value of goods you service and welcome
Tip: You can rent a locker for $10 to store are allowed to bring back into Ireland on board an Aer
your shopping throughout the day. I ended (excluding alcohol and tobacco products) Lingus flight. It
up buying a suitcase (yes I bought a lot!) so is €430 per adult and €215 per child under feels like home
maybe bring one if you are planning a big 15 years People travelling together as a when you’re
shop. Visit premiumoutlets.com. group cannot combine their individual leaving home
allowances to buy goods. You should keep and rekindles
OTHER OUTLETS any receipts as proof that you have paid all that’s great
The Mills at Jersey Garden – located in the duty and taxes. about coming
state of New Jersey where there is no VAT home on your
I also made a day trip here during the trip. BEST PLACE TO STAY return journey. It’s
It’s 40 minutes from Manhattan and buses Before you go in search of the holy grail Ireland in the air.
111 and 115 leave from Port Authority Bus of New York’s hidden gems the most Of course, this time I
Terminal. Brands include Calvin Klein, important decision of all is where to base had every reason to love it even more
Kate Spade, Coach, Abercrombie & Fitch, yourself. I have done my fair share of New as in about seven and a half hours I
Tommy Hilfiger, Hollister and Levi’s. Even York’s varied accommodation options swapped a rainy Dublin for a balmy
with the current poor exchange rate the from apartments to boutique hotels. I've autumnal Manhattan. Aer Lingus
prices were still considerably cheaper. Visit covered new luxury hotel openings, currently has direct daily flights from
simon.com. low-rise in downtown, high-rise on Dublin to JFK and Newark airports.
the upper east side, traditional luxury, Flights in mid January at the time of
Garden State Plaza Mall: Some 400 stores contemporary 'spaces' at all price levels writing were from €154.94 each way
from Dublin to JFK. Flight times and
fares at aerlingus.com. WW

in a giant mall (the largest) in New Jersey, from budget to blow the bank. But the one

WOMANSWAY.IE 39

Yoga on the cli s overlooking
Marinha Beach

★Y★O★G★A★

Algonathreve

Cathy O’Connor The coastline around Sagres As the weather was turning in Ireland,
enjoys a yoga holiday is full of hidden caves the prospect of four indulgent days of
in Sagres, Portugal. sunshine, yoga and fun was delicious. I've
really come to appreciate the value of a
On any given day of any given group holiday. All of the pleasure and none
month, I do a remarkably of the stress. I'm talking about the pleasure
good impression of a of not having to figure out the logistics of
hamster on a wheel. Round transport, hotel or indeed, anything else
and round I go on the and the pleasure of knowing that I simply
treadmill of a busy life and a busy mind. had to get myself to the airport and they
Of course, it's not that I would wish it so, would look after everything else.
but I rarely find a compelling excuse to
stop and get off that blooming thing. Despite the early start, the gathering of
twenty women was lively when we met at
And then I did. Faro airport. We were as diverse a group as
An invite. Not just any aul invite but an you could imagine; a mother and teenage
invite from TD Active Holidays to participate daughter looking for a getaway that would
in their popular four day Yoga retreat in the suit them both, women who had been on
Algarve, Portugal all in association with an active yoga retreat in Croatia and are
Moons Yoga Loft. ese are the things my now firm friends, along with solo travellers
dreams are made of, so needless to say, I had and yoga enthusiasts. We boarded the
my yoga mat dusted down before you could bus and headed for Sagres, a small fishing
say 'hamster on a wheel'. port and surf haven about an hour and a
half from Faro. e sun was glorious and

40 WOMANSWAY.IE

TRAVEL

as we sped through the

countryside, I could feel

myself letting go of my busy

life at home.

We arrived at our

luxurious four star hotel,

the Memmo Baleeira,

which created the perfect

environment for a truly

relaxing break. We were

like a television game

show audience with our

oohs and aahs as we

explored the luxurious

interior, the expansive

pool area, the private

lounges and the beach,

directly below. e hotel Yoga on the beach

overlooks the picturesque

fishing port of Sagres and

offers an idyllic view of

the sea and nearby cliffs. view of the sea and cliffs
so it felt different from
After a delicious lunch, any other area in the
hotel. It was the perfect
it was time to relax by environment for our
sessions. Because Babs is
the pool and soak up that such an experienced yoga
teacher (and a dancer
cherished sunshine. before that), she offered
an interesting mix of
We opted to have dinner yoga styles. Babs has a
gift for creating sessions
in the hotel that evening. that suited everyone, no
matter what their level.
One of the wonderful With every session, I
could feel the benefits to
aspects of this type of my body; the developing
strength, the calming effect of tuning into
holiday is that there's a real my breath,the release of letting go and a
dramatic increase in well being .
sense of inclusivity. You're at evening we ate at ree Little Birds
restaurant, a little way up in the town.
free to join any table, the Such a great mix of people; hipsters,
surfers, families - all there for the
conversation flows and delicious food. Lots of laughter, some
cocktails and heavenly meals rounded up
there's a lovely feeling of another lovely day.
at was our happy rhythm for the next
being with kindred spirits. Ponta da Piedade few days. Early morning yoga, carefree
e food, the service, the sunny days, evening yoga and fun nights
out. It's what holidays are all about.
atmosphere all contributed One of the values of such an experience
is rejuvenation. at feeling of being
to the perfect end to a long day. It was early were buzzing as we headed down to recharged , reinvigorated and ready for
life once again. It was perfectly timed,
to bed that night as we were up at the crack breakfast. Despite our best intentions the winter was on the way and with it , a
change of gear and now I'm ready for it.
of dawn the next morning to greet the not to over eat and to get going, the buffet Priceless. (Hamster wheel not included).
WW
sunrise with a yoga session. breakfast offered so many delicious dishes

FEELING ENERGISED that we lingered over a long and leisurely
breakfast on the sunny terrace. We were

Our charming and vibrant yoga teacher free for the rest of the day, until our yoga

from Moons Yoga Loft, Babs Chaney, had session that evening at 5.30pm.

transformed our beautiful yoga room. Fairy Sagres is a compact and friendly town

lights illuminated the darkness, a scented offering plenty to do. Some opted for

candle infused the room with a rich scent, a a paddle boarding lesson, some hired

tranquil atmosphere pervaded as our sleepy bicycles and explored the area, some

bodies took to our mats. Babs was the ideal walked along the dramatic cliffs and then

teacher as, without needing to ask directly, there were those of us who sank into those

could perfectly assess the levels of each sun loungers and savoured the pleasure

individual. She guided us through a flowing of having nothing to do. e sensation of

Hatha routine to slowly wake up the body having no demands other than to lie on that

and as the sun rose in all its spectacular bed was so glorious. I could feel my mind

glory, there we were doing invigorating calming down and my body relaxing into

sun salutations. It was a magical and special an easy flow. Heaven!

experience and what a way to start the day. Our yoga room, which was on the top

e sleepiness had left us all, now we floor of the hotel, had a magnificent

WOMANSWAY.IE 41

On the Radar...

Carissa Casey rounds up the best new places to
see and be seen, as well as luxury escapes for less.

Christmas at
the K Club

The new South Bar and
Restaurant at the K Club

Oh, K! Which is why it makes perfect sense What women?
that its latest offering has an air of
Chic bottomless brunch for less than Instagram cool that departs from the Remember the days when hotel
€40? Yes please. The K Club’s South stately grandeur of the main property rooms featured hair dryers that only
Bar and Restaurant has opened just and takes a more lively, modern worked when you held a button down
in time for Christmas get-togethers direction. Think rich velvets with constantly? Presumably this was
and New Year fun. With a party- brass accents and an altogether more because women were not to be trusted
ready cocktail list, vibrant interior relaxed, open plan airiness. The all to turn a hair dryer off after they’ve
and a sweeping outdoor terrace day menu features mouth-watering used it. Even today most hotel hair
overlooking the Palmer South golf options from the open crayfish tail dryers are useless. It’s like hoteliers still
course, it’s remarkably affordable. sandwich through to a hearty rib-eye think their most important clients are
The jewel in Kildare’s crown when beef or fish and chips. A great kids male.
it comes to luxury stays and great menu helps to make it an all-family
golf, the K Club, nestled in the quaint affair. What caught our attention Oh how we love the beautifully
town of Straffan, is rich in heritage however was the Bottomless Brunch - refurbished Killashee Hotel in Naas,
and exudes a heady aroma of wealth. pair your weekend avo toast (€13.95) Co Kildare, which features Dyson hair
It also boasts 6km of walking trails with a bottomless pitcher of Gin dryers in its rooms. If you’ve never used
along the River Liffey within its Bramble or Margarita in the salubrious one, it's worth staying just to try it. But
grounds. In recent years, it has also surrounds of South for a mere €25 there are lots of other reasons too.
become home to the glitz and glam per person. Instagram envy and
of some of Ireland’s trendiest celebs, celeb spotting of a Sunday morning? Situated on 55 acres of beautiful
from Pippa O’Connor and hubby Priceless. woodlands and gardens, it’s a four star
Brian Ormond to new dad Brian Visit kclub.ie property with lots of five star perks
Dowling and Arthur Gourounlian. in the rooms, like a Nespresso coffee
maker, a giant TV and Elemis toiletries.
The lobby and ground floor of the

42 WOMANSWAY.IE

IN THE KNOW

Christmas in the courtyard at the
Royal Kilmainham Hospital will look

Killashee Hotel The Larkspur Lounge the spa treatments which use the
at Killashee Hotel gorgeous-smelling Espa products.

original building, which dates back Chill time The Soothe and Stay package is
to 1861, is old-school elegance at its Another great option if you’re looking available from €194.50 per person
best. The first floor has had a complete to escape the pre-Christmas mayhem and includes bed and breakfast, an
makeover to become the Larkspur is Farnham Estate in Cavan. With 1,300 evening meal and either a facial or a
Lounge, with lots of plush couches from acres to explore of forest, meadows and foot treatment.
which to sample a morning coffee or lakeland, it boasts 11 km of walking Visit farnhamestate.ie
afternoon tea. trails. Just outside Cavan town, it’s a
real nature retreat. Send himself off to Glass houses
There are two restaurants. The more the 18 hole Jeff Howes golf course and The courtyard of the Royal Hospital
formal Pippin Tree overlooks the check out the outdoor heated pool and Kilmainham in Dublin is beautiful
gardens and has a contemporary feel but imagine sitting in a glass mansion
with tub chairs and soft delicate hues The heated outdoor at its centre and enjoying a six-
of rose. The casual dining option is now pool at Farnham Estate course dinner by the fabulous Danni
called the Oak & Anvil, and features Barry with wine pairings. Check out
banquette seating and a cocktail bar. Practice yoga at Christmas in the Courtyard which
Lough Eske Castle has tickets on sale now starting at
FBD has ploughed €3 million into the €65 per person. It’s set to be a festive
hotel since it bought the property in experience like no other.
April of this year. Another €2 million is Visit christmasinthecourtyard.ie
budgeted for further upgrade. So far, it’s
certainly money well spent. Think Ahead
Tara O’Rourke is an amazing yoga
The service is impeccable with 100 teacher and in January and February
full-time and 250 part-time staff. she’s hosting a retreat at Lough Eske
Castle in Donegal. For two nights bed
Prices are reasonable too. A two and breakfast, with evening meals
night bed and breakfast break with a on both nights as well as access to the
spa treatment and dinner on one of the leisure facilities, prices start at €315
nights starts at €445. per person sharing.
Visit killasheehotel.com Visit lougheskehotel.com

WOMANSWAY.IE 43

Give Children

the gift of Reading
Niamh O’Reilly goes on the hunt for some top Irish books
for the small people in your life this festive season.

B ooks are one of the best are some super Irish books for children read that right, because he does in fact
Christmas gifts a child can make tails. Animals come from all over
get. Plastic and electronic available this Christmas. to have their tails made by him. But his
toys are fleeting, but the utter son Rory soon gets bored of making the
magic of books endure well Fox & Son same old tails and has his own ideas.
beyond childhood. ey are a window Tailers A story about embracing creativity and
to another world where anything is how people can surprise you, it’s visually
possible, and they capture a child’s by Paddy inventive and utterly charming.
imagination like nothing else. Donnelly is
published by The Sleep Scan
Gone are the days of simply reading O’Brien Press,
fairy tales steeped in stereotypes and priced €14.99 by Niall Breslin is published by Gill, priced
outdated tropes. Today’s children’s A beautiful book €17.99
authors are to talking to children, not at for younger The latest from Niall Breslin comes with
them. Ireland has always been known readers, Paddy another positive mental health message
for its powerful storytelling and there Donnelly’s story young children can relate to. This one
is about a fox who is a ‘tailer’. Yes you
44 WOMANSWAY.IE

BOOKS FOR KIDS

sees Freddy Sarah Webb’s books features people of Tara to the
wake up like Flossie Donnelly on her quest to save Giant’s Causeway
grumpy a er the oceans and Adam King changing the is explored. His
a bad night’s world one hug at a time. Readers can eye-catching
sleep. He’s late hit the track with star athlete Rhasidat illustrations are
for school and Adeleke, and swim to victory with the ideal way to
his whole day Paralympian Róisín Ní Ríain. get young eyes
goes wrong. interested in these
Later when We Are All mystical Irish
his beloved Flowers locations.
nana tries to help, he snaps at her. But
she’s got a trick to help him in the form by Orlaith Johnny Magory
of a pre-sleep meditation. It’s a very O’Sullivan is Oiche Nollag
relevant story for young children who published by Adventure book
o en find themselves out of sorts a er a Parallax Press,
bad night’s sleep. The techniques are of priced €18 by Emma-Jane
genuine use for the Poet and Leeson, priced
whole family. mindfulness €9.99
educator Emma-Jane
Wild and Orlaith Leeson’s popular
Wonderful O’Sullivan’s Johnny Magory
Around the beautifully illustrated picture book, books are ideal for
World with attempts to get across the practice of young readers. In this festive adventure
Éanna ‘flower watering’ or the art of recognising when poor Donner catches the flu,
all the good things in our lives, to Johnny and co. head to Dublin’s Phoenix
by Éanna Ní small children. Aimed at the four to Park in search of Lord Stag to help Santy
Lamhna is eight age range, the story is also about deliver presents to the children of
published by appreciating the good in ourselves and Ireland.
O’Brien Press, others. A terrific mindset to promote,
priced €16.99 especially to this age group who may Meanwhile Back
Young nature still be finding things tough a er the on Earth
lovers will adore this really wild book pandemic.
from the well-known broadcaster. Éanna by Oliver Je ers
goes on safari in Tanzania, explores the I Believe in is published by
cloud forests of Costa Rica, goes rat- You Penguin Random
hunting in Canada and whale watching House, priced
in New Zealand. She draws on her by from €23.80
experience as a diver to tell of face- Deborah Oliver Je ers'
to-face encounters with fascinating Somorin is unique illustrations
fan worms, elusive sea hares and a published by and sharp wit have proved a huge hit
murderous crab, all the while keeping the Gill, priced with children. In his newest adventure, a
message of environmentalism front and €16.99 father takes his two children into space.
centre. Deborah Of course, this being Oliver Je ers,
Somorin’s there’s much more going on than meets
Be Inspired! powerful the eye. The father asks his kids to look
Young Irish memoir Believing in Me is about her life back at earth and the conflicts that have
People growing up in care. This picture book is a taken place since the beginning of time.
Changing the companion of sorts for small children. It Part brief history of the world, part guide
World too shares a powerful message. to the universe, it’s a great book.

by Sarah Webb Little Debbie, she can’t find her shoes, The Great Big Irish
Illustrated then she forgets her pencils. Later that Annual 2023
by Graham day, she just can’t get her spellings right.
Corcoran, Throughout the day, Debbie encounters is published by Gill,
published by people who stop and help her. She priced €12.99
O’Brien Press, realises how much she’s worth believing It’s not Christmas
priced €16.99 in and that she can make a di erence too. without an annual.
A truly This one focuses
inspirational book Mythical Irish Places on all things Irish
featuring a host of young Irish people making it a great
who are quite simply changing the world by Mark Joyce is published by Curragh gi for children.
with their bravery, their talent, and their Books, priced €22.99 It’s full of history,
determination, through powerful action Mark Joyce’s unique take on mythical sports, jokes,
and compassionate support. Ireland returns with his encyclopaedia quizzes and riddles and will keep them
of Ireland’s most magical and wondrous entertained for ages. WW
locations. Everywhere from the Hill

WOMANSWAY.IE 45

Check out our HoetList
review of series READ · WATCH · LISTEN
five of e Crown, the
latest movies, shows
and podcasts and, as
always, our pick of the
best new books.

5 NEW BOOKS TO READ THIS WEEK

Fiction the revelations becomes increasingly life again, one adventure at a time. It’s
Demon Copperhead di cult. Breaking up with her fiancé predictable, but it’s a winter guilty pleasure
Connor at a point when she desperately to enjoy with a big mug of tea.
by Barbara Kingsolver needs support, she falls deeper into an
is published in hardback obsession with finding the truth, knowing Non-fiction
by Faber & Faber, priced that her investigations threaten to shatter Beyond The Wand
€24.99 the lives of everyone she loves.
In this angry, funny, by Tom Felton is
completely engrossing This Year’s For Me published by Ebury
novel, Barbara Kingsolver and You Spotlight, priced
transplants the David €24.99
Copperfield story to 1990s Appalachia. by Emily Bell is Most of us know him
It’s a perfect analogue here too, the published by Penguin, best for portraying
poor and disadvantaged struggle daily priced €11.99 Draco Malfoy in the
for survival, in a world where the odds Light, romantic and Harry Potter films and
are stacked against them and dangerous funny, Emily Bell’s in this coming-of-age
temptations are legion. Demon - he follow up to last memoir, actor Tom Felton li s the cloak
goes by his nickname - like everyone year's hit Baby It’s on what it was like growing up in the
else in Lee County, is born into poverty Cold Outside, is cut spotlight. It’s filled with funny, fascinating
to a loving but damaged mother. From from the same festive cloth. Hannah and stories from Tom’s time making the film
day one, his life is a rollercoaster ride Celeste have been best friends since they franchise; from sharing cigarettes with
where he has to use every ounce of wit, were eighteen, when they made a pact Dumbledore, to misbehaving magical
charm and inner strength to survive not to spend every New Year's Eve together. creatures, accidentally stepping on Alan
only neglect and privation, but an opioid From Dublin to London, the two are Rickman’s cloak, and the real-life divide
crisis that’s devastating his beleaguered inseparable, until, you probably guessed in the early days between Slytherins and
community, people scorned as rednecks it, tragedy strikes. ‘Gry ndorks.’
and hillbillies. Bursting with life and a When Celeste discovers a list of Hannah's As well as an insight into the world of the
fascinating array of characters, and told in New Year's Resolutions, she is determined Harry Potter films, he also speaks with
Demon’s irresistible voice, this book is an to complete them. Little does she know honesty about his experiences of life in
education, as well as a tale to savour. that doing so will reunite her with someone the spotlight from such a young age, the
from her past. Through Hannah's last highs and lows of fame and the challenges
Let Them Lie wishes Celeste begins to fall in love with of adjusting to life once filming ended.

by Florence Gillan is CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE WEEK By Prudence Wade, PA
published by Crimson
Poolbeg, priced €14.99 The Ministry of Unladylike Activity
This pacy, domestic
debut thriller from by Robin Stevens is published by Pu n, priced €12.99
Florence Gillan is full Think Agatha Christie meets Enid Blyton and you’ve got the tone of
of secrets, which this delightful book for the 8-12 age range. It’s 1940. Britain is at
threaten to shatter the war, and a secret arm of the British government called the Ministry
illusion of the perfect family. Aoife of Unladylike Activity is training up spies. Schoolgirl detectives
O’Driscoll travels home to Sligo for a Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong are on the case as they uncover the
family gathering to mark the twentieth puzzling murders that seem to follow them wherever they go, from their beloved Deepdean
anniversary of her father’s death. While School for Girls to their travels to London, Cambridge, Hong Kong and Egypt. The series
there, the discovery of a long-buried box features a diverse cast and sensitively covers themes of racism, class and LGBTQ+
and its disturbing contents sends her relationships. WW
on an unwelcome journey through her
family’s past.
Trying to hold her life together amidst

46 WOMANSWAY.IE

HOT LIST

aetWWaarles'

Elizabeth Debicki

e Crown is back for a fifth season and at last we’re Imelda Staunton as the Queen
in the 90s. But can the show bring anything new to the
Queen’s annus horribilis? Niamh O’Reilly finds out. all covered; the disastrous second
honeymoon, the Andrew Morton book,
Elizabeth Debicki and Dominic West easy and turned out to be painful for all the cringe-worthy “tampongate”
concerned and fatal for the disruptor and the controversial Martin Bashir
It’s taken six years, but some might say herself. But much has been written and interview on the BBC which has two
Peter Morgan’s The Crown has finally filmed about this time period before. episodes devoted to it.
arrived at the ‘good stuff.’ That is the Peter Morgan's 2006 film, The Queen,
years 1992-1997, when Britain’s Prince treads much of the ground of The But some of the more interesting
Charles and Princess Diana were in the Crown’s sixth and final season. Does episodes focus on the lesser-known
midst of their very bitter, very public war series five bring anything new to the details of this royal soap opera. We get
and divorce. ‘Good’ is probably the wrong table? an entire episode about Mohammed
word, but for many this was the era when Al-Fayed and his desperate attempts to
Britain’s Royal family crossed over into Sort of. We’ve got a brand-new get in the Queen's good graces and climb
the world of celebrity, for all the wrong cast for starters, and it takes a bit of the social ladder. His friendship with
reasons. getting used to. Imelda Staunton is the Sidney Johnson, the valet to former King
Queen and while she looks less like Edward VIII after he abdicated, was a
For centuries it stood as a constant the late monarch than the previous fascinating story, but sadly not given
and largely unchanged institution, until two actresses who played her, she does enough exploration.
Diana came along and tried to rock the bring the very embodiment of the stiff
system. As we all know, change is rarely upper lip to the role. Jonathan Pryce is The relationship between Prince Philip
Prince Philip and again, the physical and his 'spiritual companion' Penny
similarities are just not there, yet he Romsey (Natasha McElhone) is explored
manages to inhabit the gruff feel of and we see more of the deep hurt
the man to a tee. Dominic West and still felt by Princess Margaret (Lesley
Elizabeth Debicki, take on the roles of Manville) over her not being allowed to
Charles and Diana. While West does his marry the man she loved.
best with his hand stiffly in his pocket,
he just feels wrong. Debicki on the other Despite its flaws and love of walloping
hand is uncannily like the late Princess audiences over the head with overly
and at times veers into mimicry, rather obvious metaphors, such as the
than pure performance. ailing Royal Yacht Britannia being a
crumbling, outdated relic from another
The big well-known points are era, series five is a gripping watch. WW

WOMANSWAY.IE 47

Hot Right Now…
From fantastical films with an Irish connection, to some darkly
comedic and dramatic binge-watches, Niamh O’Reilly’s got your
entertainment sorted for the fortnight ahead.

Amy Adams and Maya
Rudolf in Disenchanted

MOVIE PICKS to plan and Giselle accidentally turns the My Fathers Dragon
DISENCHANTED town into a real-life fairy tale, cursing
You may remember that the small herself in the process and all sorts of all ages can enjoy. Even better is that it
village of Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow was magical hi-jinks ensue. comes from the talented, five-time Oscar
transformed into a magical Disney film nominated Irish animation studio Cartoon
set last summer, as the cast and crew of Despite some reshoots being required Saloon.
Disenchanted arrived en-masse. The film on the film, viewers will be pleased to see
is a sequel to 2007’s Enchanted and both that Ireland still features and the village Featuring their trademark animation
Amy Adams and Patrick Dempsey return of Enniskerry can be spotted prominently style, the film is inspired by the book from
as Giselle and Robert. in the trailer, as well as Powerscourt author Ruth Stiles Gannett. Struggling
waterfall and house. to cope a er a move to the city with his
Since the first film, the pair have gotten Streaming on Disney+ mother, Elmer (Jacob Tremblay) runs
married and moved their growing family
from the city to the suburbs, in the hopes MY FATHER’S DRAGON
of getting back to their fairy tale roots There’s nothing better than getting the
and away from the hustle and bustle whole family together for a snuggly movie
of commuter life. Of course, this being night at this time of year and My Father’s
Disney, you can expect things don’t go Dragon is another terrific production

48 WOMANSWAY.IE

HOT LIST

James Corden and Amandine played by Sally Hawkins. At times darkly story of mother and baby homes, and
Buckingham in Mammals funny and at times verging on the fantasy, how the State continues to deny survivors
it’s a genuinely intriguing series that access to information, proper redress and
away in search of Wild Island and a young scratches beneath the surface of modern ownership of their true identities.
dragon (Gaten Matarazzo) who waits to be relationships
rescued. Elmer's adventures introduce him Presented by Órla Ryan, it will no doubt
to ferocious beasts, a mysterious island, It's worth noting that each episode is prove to be a tough, but very important
and the friendship of a lifetime. Featuring in and around the half hour mark, which listen to those who were voiceless for so
an all-star voice cast including Chris makes for easily digestible nuggets of long.
O’Dowd, Whoopi Goldberg, Dianne Wiest, Corden. Available wherever you get your
Rita Moreno and lots more, it’s already podcasts.
generating awards buzz. THE ENGLISH
It’s in selected Irish cinemas now, and is If you like your tales of revenge served CLASSIC FILM
also available to stream on Netflix up in the style of the Old West and with KNIVES OUT (2019)
a strong female lead in the frame, then With the sequel, Glass Onion: A Knives
TV PICKS saddle up for this superb six-parter. Out Mystery almost upon us, why not
MAMMALS It’s from director Hugo Blick, the man go back and enjoy the first instalment
James Corden is a bit like marmite, behind The Honourable Woman and while from 2019? If you haven’t seen it, you’re
but don’t let his name turn you o the a totally di erent story, there are plenty in for a major treat and it’s arguably the
new TV show Mammals. In fact, he’s of parallels to be seen with themes of film that has kickstarted the revival in
actually quite good in it and I say that as revenge, identity, and race amongst whodunits. Starring Daniel Craig as the
confirmed marmite-hater. The show is a others. smooth-talking sleuth Benoit Blanc, it
dark comedy and opens with Corden as features a terrific ensemble cast including
Michelin starred chef Jamie, who we see It’s 1890 and Blunt plays an aristocratic Jamie Lee Curtis, Toni Collette, Don
heading o for a romantic break with this Englishwoman, Lady Cornelia Locke who Johnson, Ana de Armas and Chris Evans.
stunningly beautiful and pregnant French is seeking revenge. She ropes in the help
wife, Amandine (Melia Kreilling). of Pawnee warrior and ex-cavalry scout, When crime-writer Harlan Thrombey,
Eli Whipp (Chaske Spencer). Together the played by Christopher Plummer, dies
It all seems too perfect, until it’s pair unite to cross a violent landscape on his 85th birthday, Blanc is on the
revealed that she has been unfaithful and built on dreams and blood. Unaware they scene to investigate Harlan’s large family
his whole world starts to implode. On have a shared past, their journey across who had gathered to wish him well, or
the hunt for answers Jamie ropes in the the wilderness will test them in every way maybe not? Very much an homage to
help of his brother-in-law Je played by imaginable. Featuring superb support by the likes of Agatha Christie, it’s a highly
Colin Morgan. It turns out he’s also having Stephen Rea and Martha Myers, it’s a entertaining and self-aware take on the
marriage trouble of his own with his wife proper gripping, wild west drama that will classic genre that will have you guessing
have you hooked from the first episode. but also laughing along at the characters
Emily Blunt and Eli BBC Two, Thursdays 9pm and plot. WW
Whipp in The English

PODCAST Toni Colette in
Redacted Lives is a new six-part Knives Out
documentary podcast series from The
Journal that tells the real story of mother
and baby homes in Ireland. The series
aims to give those women and their
children who were silenced for decades.
It gives them the chance to tell the real

WOMANSWAY.IE 49

LETTERS I wanted to send my letter of gratitude
to you all in Woman's Way. I have
Izzy Wheels inside, it was a fantastic read. A complete always loved reading your magazine.
breath of fresh air. I don’t think I’ve seen So grateful to have the latest copy
I loved your interview with Ailbhe an issue like that before. Would love to with me going to see the dentist. Time
and Izzy. It gave me hope that, see more of this kind of thing. Myself is passing quickly, as I'm waiting here.
despite all the doom and gloom, the and my sister loved the mood board in I love the horoscopes and the article
world is becoming more inclusive. particular, it was brilliant with all the about Mary Kennedy, feeling fabulous.
And a better place. Wheelchairs old pictures from times gone by, even Fingers crossed for a speedy recovery.
and medical aids are grey and our childhood favourites Angel Delight Looking forward to feeling fabulous
uninspiring, designed for very and Smash got a mention. It really got again soon and checking out the
practical use. What a delight to me thinking about my own childhood Budget Busting Brunch Tips.
finally see young and talented people and how everything seemed better back Mel Kelly, Co Kilkenny
doing something about it, making then, even though it probably wasn’t. But
it become mainstream. Life is full isn’t that just why we love memories? exfoliating scrub and the protein hair
of colour and the tools we use every Your memories from childhood were gas, mask.
day should be too. It got me thinking they really made me smile. BERNIE KEHOE, CO GALWAY
that beyond wheelchairs, there are FINOLA MALONEY, CO CAVAN
other types of walking aids and Cost-friendly Christmas
other forms of equipment that really Homemade Beauty
could use some of Ailbhe and Izzy’s I’m sure I’m
magic. Take bathroom paraphernalia I really liked your homemade beauty not alone
like shower seats and handrails. In feature. I didn’t realise how much money when I say
any case, regardless of what they I was spending on skincare, especially we’re trying
do next, I’m sure they will keep up in lockdown. I have more cleansers and to make every
the good work and I hope they keep face masks than I know what to do with penny count
painting the town red. so I’ve put myself on a buying ban. I’m this Christmas.
Harriet Mccloskey, Co Kerry looking forward to trying the coffee We’ve
swapped our
Nostalgia big Christmas
eve lunch for
Wow. I cannot say enough good things a family walk
about your special nostalgia issue. From around the
the colourful cover to all the retro images city to see the
Christmas
STAR LETTER PRIZE lights, followed
by Christmas
Our lucky Star Letter writer will receive a bottle of He-Shi eve boxes and
Hydra Luxe Lotion, a tanning lotion with maximum hydration a movie at
so your glow will last longer and fade better over seven days. home. I got
Hydra Luxe Lotion combines exceptional skincare ingredients some really nice
that work to keep skin looking youthful, protecting against pyjamas in Dunnes for the kids and my
further damage, and strengthening the skin’s natural husband has been making reindeer feed
defences. Visit he-shi.eu packages with porridge oats. It’s actually
been really nice to put their boxes
together and we’ve managed to save at
least €150 by changing up our routine. I
think we’ll all benefit from a bit of family
time after a busy year.
LISA CORCORAN, CO WEXFORD

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