FAMILY, HOME & WELLNESS Lowdown €2000+ AMAZING PRIZES WALKING GEAR WORTH IT Luxe PJs MADE IN IRELAND STYLE & 58BEAUTY WINNERS SOLSTICE SPIRIT A New Start Luxe PJs THE DANCING QUEEN ON MOTHERHOOD ZAMPARELLI IT’S A THING: SCENTSCAPING THE DANCING QUEEN IRELAND €2000 @55 KYLIE’S STYLE BEAUTY WINNERS 58 WW Beauty Picks Of The Year COSY COTTAGES THE DANCING QUEEN OUR FABULOUSLY FESTIVE SPECIAL ISSUE FAMILY, HOME & WELLNESS COSY FAMILY FALLOUTS HOW TO AVOID Issue 26 December 18th 2023 €3.50 (NI stg £3)
CONTENTS ON THE COVER Online... womansway.ie Subscribe... 01 4569872 Email... [email protected] Facebook... facebook.com/womansway TikTok... @womansway1 Instagram... Womans_way WIN WIN WIN Cover image by Andres Poveda HOME & GARDEN FASHION & BEAUTY FOOD & DRINK 54 New Discoveries: Blockbuster cookbooks. 58 Immune-Boosting Foods: The vittles your body needs. 61 Sustainable Meat Eating: How to cut down without depriving yourself. 18 Beauty Heroes: The WW beauty products of the year 22 Soul-Soothing Oils: The best beauty oils. 24 Style Inspo: A year of fashion fi nds. 28 Snuggle Time: Our pick of the cosiest PJs and slippers. 30 Stylish Strides: Walking gear. 36 Money-Saving Tweaks: Small steps to big savings. 62 Not Just for Christmas: Keeping the poinsettias going. 64 Frosted Berries: The best winter berry shrubs. 14 Rimmel: You could win a €100 makeup hamper. 60 CND Nails: Bag a €100 nail care hamper. 66 The Hoc: Win a €500 beauty treatment voucher. 70 30 Seconds: Win both versions of the Irish board game. 4 Jennifer Zamparelli: The TV presenter and radio talkshow host has been dishing out honest parenting and relationship advice all year. We take stock of her achievements. 10 MoodBoard: Twixmas. 15 Season Feels: Winter solstice. 16 Seasonal Seething: Tips to manage tricky family situations. 32 Star Guests: Astrology’s pick of the best party guests. 34 Scentscaping: Seasonal smells. 67 Festive Bird Feed: Dos and don’ts. FESTIVE SPECIAL ISSUE Jennifer Zamparelli Page 4 Frosted Berries Page 64 Rimmel Page 14 New Discoveries Page 54 The best winter berry 18 Beauty Heroes:
Contact us: Subscriptions, email [email protected]; telephone hotline, 01 465 9872. Woman’s Way queries, email [email protected]; website womansway.ie. Published by Harmonia Limited, printed by Boylan Print Group, distributed by Newspread. Woman’s Way is now a fortnightly magazine. Subscription rates for the Island of Ireland are: Annual €91.00,; Six Months: €45.50; Monthly Payments: €7.58. Woman’s Way Subscriptions Dept, Units 2&3 M50 Business Park, Ballymount Avenue, D12 HP11. © 2023 Harmonia Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior permission of the publishers. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for errors in advertisements, articles, photographs or illustrations. All information is correct at time of going to press. SUBSCRIBE TO WOMAN’S WAY & DON’T MISS A SINGLE ISSUE To subscribe online log on to womansway.ie or call the Subscription Hotline on 01 465 9872 TRAVEL HEALTH & WELLBEING Carifi a xx FEATURES THE WW TEAM REGULARS 38 Desert Roadtrip: The remote northwest of Argentina. 40 Mystical Muscat: Tracing the footsteps of the Biblical Maji in Oman. 44 Cosy Cottage Escapes: Weekend getaways in the UK. 84 A design for life: Singer-songwriter Rita Ora on style. 88 Spinning Around: Kylie Minogue’s style evolution. Hello, Hurray we're fi nally here. Welcome to our Fabulously Festive Special Issue. It's time to down tools and enjoy. Call me old-fashioned but, for me, Christmas doesn't actually begin until Christmas Eve. I love that moment when the shops close, the streets empty and RTÉ News reports that Santy has safely left the North Pole. What hasn't been done 'before the Christmas' isn't going to get done now, and there's no point stressing about it. We've all done our best to prepare for the big day and deserve a round of applause (and a nice gin and tonic) for our hard work. Somehow the dinner will get made and, even if we incinerate the turkey and boil the sprouts to a mulch, we'll all eat far too much. Those precious days between Christmas and the New Year - Twixmas as it's now called - are my absolute favourite. They're made for long walks and cosy relaxed evenings. All the hurly burly of shopping and socialising is forgotten. It's time to chill. For all these lovely moments, few of us get through this time without a bit of tension arising. Someone is bound to get on our nerves or say the wrong thing at some stage. It helps to remember that it's par for the course when we get together with people we might not see that often. If you fi nd yourself silently seething over some perceived slight, check out our guide to dealing with awkward encounters (page 16). Most of all enjoy everything that this time of year has to offer. Beannachtaí na Nollaig oraibh go léir. Le grá, Publisher: Norah Casey Editor: Carissa Casey Deputy Editor: Niamh O’Reilly Contributing Editors: Astrid Madsen, Andrea Smith Art Director: Karl O’Toole Designers: Áine Duffy and Susan Conley Subscriptions: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Woman’s Way, January 1, 2024 Vol.61 Issue 26 76 Digital Overload: What to do about phone addiction. 78 Finding a Balance: The lowdown on lymphatic drainage treatment. 80 Forecasting Feelings: How mood is affected by weather. 82 Cough and Cold Tips: The best remedies. 86 New Focus: TV presenter Julia Bradbury talks healthy habits. 9 We Love: The WW team shares what they’re loving - and what they’re not. 46 The Hot List: Check out our top entertainment picks. 50 You Said It: Readers' letters and pictures. 52 Timeout: Take a break, try our quiz and Prize Crossword. 68 Knitting: Easy crochet scarf. 71 Horoscopes: What’s in the stars for you? 73 Ask Fiona: Our columnist answers reader dilemmas. 91 Lend a Hand: Ways to give back. 92 Quick Fire: Singer Linda Martin. 93 We Tried: Mosaic class. 94 Why Is This a Thing: Competition voting. Mystical Muscat Page 40 Spinning Around Page 88 Knitting Page 68
4 WOMANSWAY.IE Dancing to knock on her door as I saw she was on the phone and in a bad mood, so I hopped over the wall and ran home.” In the course of the podcast, Jen and Lottie tease out the conundrums and challenges of parenting, with great humour and honesty. They also talk about their relationships - coincidentally both have Italian husbands. Jen met her husband Lauterio, aka Lau, in Bristol, when they did a play together in 2006. He works as a stunt coordinator on films, which her children think is way cooler than her own job. When they got married, Jen decided to change her name from Maguire to Zamparelli, and got “a bit of stick” for it. “I didn't think much about it but I really wanted to have the same name as my kids,” she says. “And each to their own, as everybody does what's right for them.” important thing to me is that they’re kind and try their best at everything.” In an episode of the Jen and Lottie Do Parenting podcast earlier this month, Jen revealed that she was always in trouble as a child because of her penchant for mischief. She’s the youngest of six children, and her behaviour didn’t impress her strict garda dad. There was a lot of emphasis on studying at home, which she feels gave her an aversion to school and made her rebel. EARLY LIFE “I was a little d**k,” she confessed. “I was always looking for danger and pushing the boundaries and doing crazy things. I got expelled from school so many times. I even got suspended from primary school, because I forgot my knitting and was told to go down to the principal. I didn't want When it comes to looking back at the entertainment stars of 2023, Jennifer Zamparelli is at the very top of the tree. Which is why we at Woman’s Way felt she was the perfect person to put on the cover of our Christmas issue. As well as hosting duties on Dancing with the Stars and a three-hour radio show on 2FM each weekday, the fabulous presenter has added a parenting podcast with Lottie Ryan to her busy schedule. She’s the ideal person to share her knowledge with other parents, as she has two young children, Florence (8) and Enzo, who turns six in January. “Florence is really kind and considerate like her dad, and Enzo is a little rip, so he’s more like me,” she recently told Woman’s Way. “They're good kids and the most The Star Her honesty about parenting and relationships has won Jennifer Zamparelli many fans this year, writes Andrea Smith.
IN PERSON WOMANSWAY.IE 5 continues overleaf >> “I got expelled from school so many times. I even got suspended from primary school, because I forgot my knitting”
6 WOMANSWAY.IE Jennifer is from Baldoyle and is very close to her family. She’s the youngest of six, and has three siblings living here – Barry, Linda and Jennifer – while Cathal, Isabel and Michelle live in the US. She also has a great relationship with her parents, dad Michael and mum Myra, who are a great support with the children. Now 43, Jennifer became famous in 2008 when she appeared on the UK series of The Apprentice as a 27-year-old marketing consultant. When she returned to Ireland, she began working on the RTÉ reality television show Fáilte Towers, and her TV presenting career began with the satirical clip show Republic of Telly on RTÉ Two. FAMILY LIFE Jennifer showed her entrepreneurial side when she opened her own photography studio, Bella the Makeover Studio. It offered a photoshoot experience to regular people, complete with a makeup service, hair sessions and a stylist to offer expert advice on wardrobe choices and looks. While the studio no longer exists, Jennifer has once more gone into business. She opened a hair salon last year called HairPeople on Adelaide Road, with a pal, Bernadette Byrnes. Jennifer says that her husband Lau is very sociable and easy-going, and says that he chills her out and is “funnier than me”. Becoming a mum was very important to her, and she joked on the podcast about how she had been “trying to get knocked up since I was 18”. When she and Lau were serious about one another, she began trying for a baby, although it took her a few years to get pregnant. She is particularly appreciative of being in such a happy, healthy relationship, due to the physical abuse she endured in a past romantic relationship when she was in her twenties and lived abroad. Jennifer and Doireann Garrihy The presenter spoke on the podcast about how hard it was to seek help when the relationship with her ex became toxic, and her feelings of fear and shame when the physical abuse fi rst occurred. “I was so afraid to tell anybody because I felt so ashamed of letting it get to that stage,” she admitted. “I nearly blamed myself in a way. You get all this attention, they want to spend all this time with you, they are telling you how amazing you are. I was bombarded with this fl attery but there was nothing to it. It was a very, very toxic, frightening relationship at times." The Dubliner spoke about the shame and judgement that surrounds the issue of domestic abuse and coercive control. She recalls how she thought she could “fi x” her ex-partner and admitted that she found it hard to talk about the issue because she didn’t want to be judged. “You don’t want people to go, ‘Why didn’t you leave him?’” she said. “Even now, it’s hard to talk about because I know some people will be thinking, ‘Why didn’t you just leave if he was so bad and doing these things?’" Jennifer was a young woman at the time and now when she refl ects on that period of her life, she feels that it’s “like looking at a different person”. It was when her partner hit her in front of another person that she realised that the situation was not going to change and she phoned a friend. She ended up leaving her ex and moving in with her friend, cutting contact with the man and rebuilding her life. Jennifer spoke out because she hoped sharing her story would remind victims of abuse that there are good people out there and nobody deserves “to live in fear, to be walking on eggshells”. She feels that the experience gave her the drive to work in the challenging worlds of marketing and sales. She admits that when she subsequently met her husband Lau, “who is a dream”, she constantly tested him initially to see what would happen if she pushed him. He responded perfectly and she is grateful to now be in such a wonderful relationship, and urges any woman experiencing abuse to speak to someone or contact Women’s Aid for help (womensaid.ie). It’s a hectic life for Jen as she goes to the gym at 6.30am twice or three times per week and is in RTÉ at 8am. She fi nishes at noon, which enables her to pick up the children from school and drop them to their activities. They also come fi rst at weekends, and she says no to most work and social events at weekends. Mind you, she will have to work weekends for the next few months as “It was when her partner hit her in front of another person that she realised that the situation was not going to change”
IN PERSON WOMANSWAY.IE 7 she is co-presenting Dancing with the Stars again on RTÉ One with Doireann Garrihy. This is the women’s second year to host the show, which Jennifer did with Nicky Byrne for several years before that. It will feature former Miss World Rosanna Davison, newsreader Eileen Dunne, Wild Youth singer David Whelan, Virgin Media presenter Katja Mia, drag queen superstar Blu Hydrangea, jockey Davy Russell and TikTok sensation Miriam Mullins. While most people would find three hours of presenting live radio daunting, Jen thrives on the adrenaline. The latest round of JNLRs show that she has 136,000 listeners, but she never worries about the numbers. “I don't care,” she told Woman's Way. “You’re up and down and all over the place and you’d be dead if you kept worrying about it. I really love live radio and I'm doing my dream job. I did doorto-door sales for a long time and ran a photography studio and worked very long hours. This is sitting on my arse chatting to people and it's enjoyable, so I feel very fortunate.” WW Jennifer Zamparelli has partnered with labels-for-less retailer TK Maxx (tkmaxx.ie) this Christmas. She says: “I love TK Maxx for gifts for the children – plus all the decorations, wrapping, cards and even little gift ideas for the teachers – all under one roof.”
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We Love PASSION • CRAVES • MOOD PASSION WE LOVE WOMANSWAY.IE 9 Astrid lfi es So This is Christmas. This Irish documentary shows how fi ve people with personal struggles have navigated the holiday period. It's a lesson in empathy. Holiday movies. I haven't watched a fi lm from start to fi nish for ages. Twixmas is my chance to snuggle up on the couch with family and popcorn. Niamh lfi es Rosemary Smith. I decided to re-read the rally driving icon’s biography, Driven, after she passed away a few weeks ago. She taught me to drive when I was 16 and was a total legend. Going veggie. I went veggie a few months ago and thought this time of year would be a challenge, but I was wrong. It turns out veg is truly the main event. So Into... Phone a friend. It can be a lonely time of year for many. Make a point of making contact. Winter walks. Fresh air and (hopefully) a bit of daylight works wonders for wellbeing. Particularly important if you’ve been overdoing things. Setting alarms. Serious online shoppers know when sales start, have their shopping carts already fi lled and an alarm set so they can press ‘checkout’ the moment items are discounted. Goodwill to all. Remember charities when you’re splashing the cash about. Check out our Lend a Hand section (page 91) if you need inspo. Domestic Violence. It hits a peak at this time of year. Be aware and offer support if you can. Rudeness. Especially to stressed and tired retail workers. Try a bit of patience instead. Drunken shenanigans. Christmas is no excuse for bad behaviour. WW So Over... Phone a friend. It Cariff a lfi es Drumshanbo Gunpowder Gin. I’m loving the California Orange Citrus fl avour. A ray of bright sunlight in a glass. MacNeill’s pub at the Hardiman in Galway. Recently revamped and full of cosy nooks and corners. The perfect spot for a winter lunch on Eyre Square.
CREATE • CURATE • INSPIRE SNUGGLE UP MOODBOARD HOMESENSE Cosy Christmas Tassel Green Lamp Shade €16.99 HOLLY JOLLY Christmas Quiz Book €3.50, visit thebookshop.ie JOANNE HYNES Tiger Lady Living Room Rug €250,visit dunnesstores.ie SHAWS The Home Luxury Collection Sherpa Blanket (150x200) €12 (reduced), visit shaws.ie BØDE LIVING 70s Ceramics Groovy Soup & Noodle Bowls (Set of 4) €55.08, visit bode-living.com CARRAIG DONN HOME Cream Bouclé Upholstered Footstool €71.96 (reduced),visit carraigdonn.com FRENCH BEDROOM Sultry Romance Ivory Faux Fur Throw €160.64, visit frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk ANNABEL JAMES Swan Golden Leaves Scented Candle €15.93, visit annabeljames.co.uk FOXFORD Block Check Wool-Cashmere Throw €127.20 (was €159), visit arnotts.ie COUNTRY MOUSE Gotland Pastel Check Wool Throw €97.53, visit countrymouse.co.uk 10 WOMANSWAY.IE THE HIDDEN HOLIDAY The most wonderful time of the year is often overlooked, writes Norah Casey, but it is my favourite week over the festive season. I am referring to Twixmas of course, between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. The most decadent days of all are fi lled with nothingness, a time to pause and reset. To really appreciate those wonderful lazy days of lolling in PJs, watching movies, curling up in front of the fi re reading a great book, making the most of doing very little. Day-to-night sleepwear is totally acceptable, plan to take long bubbly baths, daytime naps for sure, wrap up in the snuggliest of comfort blankets and slow everything down. Escape to the countryside or beach in a warm jumper and hat for a bracing walk, practise a little self-care, eat chocolate for breakfast and ditch the bra. These lovely blurry days when time loses all meaning are perfect for doing a little daydreaming about holidays and catching up with old friends. Fill your days with stuff that makes you feel good, and nothingness is ok too. WW
GEORGE AT ASDA Cream Satin Revere PJ Pack €27.60 LUCY MECKLENBURGH X VERY Family Jersey PJ Set €32, visit very.ie CAROLYN DONNELLY Eclectic Ditsy Floral PJ €40; Ditsy Floral Eye Mask €8.40, visit dunnesstores.ie WHITE STUFF Nina Woven PJ Shirt Grey Multi €40.25, visit whitestuff.com M&S Rosie Satin Pyjamas €40.25, visit marksandspencer.ie F&F Cream Satin Revere PJ Pack €27.60, visit tesco.ie LOUNGE AROUND MOODBOARD PENNEYS Women's Christmas PJs €12 WRAP UP WARM HELEN STEELE X DUNNES Two Tone Beanie €10; Printed Zip Through Fleece €50; Defi ne Leggings €25, visit dunnesstores.ie RITA ORA X PRIMARK White Jumper €20, visit Penneys UGG Classic Ultra Mini Platform Ankle Boots (Chestnut) €200, visit very.ie €40.25, €20, visit Penneys SAMANTHA HOLMES Alpaca Fair Isle Socks €56.80, visit samanthaholmes.com By Norah Casey WOMANSWAY.IE 11 Continued overleaf >>
12 WOMANSWAY.IE THE QUEENS OF ARCHIVE Autumn Winter Collection Alabama PuffSleeved Printed Dress €380, visit arnotts.ie 12 WOMANSWAY.IE WHITE PAPER Star String Light Christmas Bunting €11.41, visit gingerray.co.uk GINGER RAY 2024 Gold New Year Balloon Mosaic €71.94, visit gingerray.co.uk TALKING TABLES New Year's Eve Candles €3.43, visit talkingtables.co.uk GALAXY STAR LED Decoration €79.89, visit annabeljames.co.uk TRU GLOW Cosy Traditional Christmas Window Decoration with Illuminating Stars €13.69, visit lights4fun.co.uk GINGER RAY 2024 Gold New Year Balloon Mosaic €71.94, visit gingerray.co.uk LITTLE BIG PARTY Gold Foil Star Christmas New Year Party Backdrop €11.41, visit littlebigparty.co.uk FOR AULD LANG SYNE
WOMANSWAY.IE 13 MOODBOARD 10 IRISH SELF-LOVE HEROES SOAP OUT LOUD Lavender, Cedarwood and Rosemary €32.80, visit mimiandmartha.com OXMANTOWN SKINCARE No.06 Rosehip & Neroli Regenerating Facial Oil €32.95, visit arboretum.ie JANNI BARS Irish Heather Honey Balm €10.95, visit faerly.ie VOYA Oh So Scented Reed Diffuser Lavender, Rose and Chamomile €56, visit voya.ie LIZ WALSH Lavender Eye Pillow €28, visit lizwalsh.ie DALKEY AROMATICS Irish Turf Fire Candle €14.95, visit dalkeyaromatics.ie KERRY WOOLLEN MILLS Thick Wool Socks Blossom Pink €16.50,visit kerrywoollenmills.ie FISHERMAN OUT OF IRELAND Nautical Hot Water Bottle €46, visit irishdesignshop.com BE KIND Incense Glendalough (and other scents) €9.50, visit irishdesignshop.com DUBLIN HERBALIST Enriching Hand Cream Sweet Orange & Bergamot €9.95, visit dublinherbalists. ie
COMPETITION 14 WOMANSWAY.IE A €100 Rimmel Hamper Woman’s Way has teamed up with Rimmel London to give fi ve lucky winners a hamper fi lled with Rimmel festive favourites worth €100. From glossy lips that shine like tinsel to classic red lipsticks that sleigh the game, when it comes to the festive season, achieving that pictureperfect makeup look is on everyone's wish list. Rimmel London has curated the ultimate round up of beauty bag must-haves to help you twinkle like tinsel. Create your base using Rimmel London Lasting Finish 35 Hour Foundation paired with the MultiTasker Concealer. And for the ultimate staying power, fi nish your base by sweeping Stay Matte Powder in shade translucent powder for that "just done" glow all day. Finish off with Rimmel London's Thrill Seeker Mascara, Lasting Finish Lipstick and Thrill Seeker Glassy Gloss, which contains hyaluronic acid and an antioxidant complex that's super hydrating and nourishing for healthy-looking lips. Visit rimmellondon.com To enter, please answer the following question: NAME ONE OF RIMMEL’S FESTIVE MAKEUP PRODUCTS. HOW TO ENTER Email your answer by January 1 to: [email protected] including your name, address and telephone number and labelling your mail ‘The Rimmel Competition’ This Woman's Way competition is open to anyone resident in NI and the Republic of Ireland, aged 18 and over, except employees and their families of Harmonia Publishing, its printers and anyone else connected with the competition. No purchase is necessary. We will only accept one competition entry per reader. Prizes are awarded by drawing entries after the closing date. Winners will be notifi ed by email. The editor’s decision is fi nal.
SEASON FEELS WOMANSWAY.IE 15 Solstice Spirit We’ve arrived at the shortest day of the year. It’s time to pause and celebrate the beginning of a new growth cycle, writes Carissa Casey. Okay, so it's a while yet before we start remarking on the ‘grand stretch’ but we have reached a major milestone. The winter solstice, usually celebrated around the 21st or 22nd of December, marks the moment when the sun reaches its lowest point in the sky. For about a week, there’s no real difference in the length of day or night. The sun rises shortly after 8.30am and sets soon after 4pm. There’s only a brief window of daylight. The natural world is sleeping, bleached of its vibrant autumnal colours. For the last few weeks, as the shroud of darkness crept over us, our rational minds might have understood that we were experiencing a temporary astronomical phenomenon. But for many of us, myself included, our animal nature experiences a free-floating anxiety, as if the ever-encroaching night will swallow up what’s left of the day. It’s no coincidence that many of the world’s religions have festivals marking the moment when night's dreaded march reaches its end. Here in Ireland, even our ancient pagans felt a need to celebrate this turning point, creating the extraordinary passageway at Newgrange so that it flooded with light at the winter solstice. In an agrarian society, where people lived or died according to the success or otherwise of the harvest, there was reason to rejoice at the birth of a new cycle of growth. Our modern world is designed to persuade us that these natural happenings have little or no impact on our lives. With a simple stroke on a touch screen we have meals delivered to our doors, can conjure up goods and gizmos from all over the world, listen to every possible type of music, watch movies, videos, play games, make ‘friends’, at any time of day or night. If these distractions are not enough, we have names for what might be troubling us. Seasonal affective disorder or SAD is a recognised syndrome for people who feel light and happy in the summer, sober and anxious in the winter months. For some, this can cause debilitating depressions which require professional treatment. But I believe, for many of us, it’s simply the natural order of things. The winter solstice is the moment when the world shifts towards the lighter, happier days to come. The old year has finally passed away and a new one is beginning. It’s worth taking time out to celebrate that moment, to appreciate all that we have reaped in 2023, good and bad, to begin the process of choosing the seeds we plan to sow in 2024. And at some point in the coming weeks, we will find ourselves saying, ‘sure, isn’t there a grand stretch in the evenings’. WW
16 WOMANSWAY.IE SEETHING Seasonal How to avoid, manage and improve tricky family situations over the festive holiday period.
MINDSET WOMANSWAY.IE 17 By Niamh O’Reilly Maybe you’ve already lost the plot with your brother. Perhaps you’ve tried to ignore your aunt’s inappropriate comments on your weight. Or maybe you have felt invisible daggers thrown at you across the table by your sister and are now silently seething. Odds are you’re not alone. This time of year can be a mixed bag of feelings. There’s joy and love, but there’s also a sense that it can be a pressure cooker of emotions, fuelled by expectations, stress, old hurts and even alcohol. Thankfully there are ways to cope and overcome these feelings and ensure you have the festive holiday you want, rather than spending it feeling angry or upset. So, if you’ve picked up your copy of Woman’s Way for a bit of an escape, then grab a cuppa and whatever’s left in the Roses tin, while we chat to some experts who can help us all get through the next fortnight feeling better about things. “If you look at the happiest people in the world, they are assertive people and they have boundaries,” says relationship coach Frances Kelleher (franceskellehercoaching. com). “Being assertive is different to being aggressive. I don't believe as grownups, we should feel we have to do anything. We have a choice, and we can exercise that right,” she says. So, could it be that to get the most out of Christmas and those weird limbo-like days after it, but before new year, often referred to as Twixmas, we need to start putting ourselves fi rst? “We cannot keep everyone happy, so we should give ourselves permission to be happy,” she says. It’s true that many of us sacrifi ce our own wishes at this time of year in the belief it will make others happy, but maybe more of a balance is needed. However much we try, the reality for many of us is that we will have to spend time with those who trigger us. “No matter what age we are, most of us revert to family roles and types when we return home, especially around Christmas and Twixmas,” says Bernadette Ryan, psychotherapist and relationship therapist. So how do we ensure we cope and protect our own wellbeing? “Keep your distance from them,” Frances says simply. “58 per cent of all human communication is nonverbal. The words we say only account for seven per cent of human communication. Say less to them. The happiest people keep their time with people that they fi nd negative to a minimum." She also stresses that we shouldn’t take things personally. This is likely to be a hard pill to swallow for some. “Most things people do and say are actually about them, a refl ection of what they are living and not about you at all.” We also carry some of the responsibility too, says Bernadette. “If you make the choice to spend Christmas in their company, take responsibility for that choice and make the best you can of it for yourself and everyone else. Breathing helps, take a breath before reacting.” Our own expectations also come into play. Is it reasonable to expect that someone you don’t see much of from one end of the year to the other will magically transform into the perfect sister, brother, parent, friend around the festive period? “It really depends on the “People’s brains release dopamine when you see the good in them. They try to live up to what you have said...” FRANCES’ TOP TIPS • Let it go. Don't be someone that never gets over things. Have the self-identity that this is just a roadblock for me and I can move over it. • Forgive. Forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves, not them. Nelson Mandela said holding a grudge is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. You can forgive people and not be their best friends. You can let them go or just keep a distance. You decide what works for you. • Be happy. Make up your mind to be happy no matter what happens. Life happens for us, not to us. BERNADETTE’S TOP TIPS • Be decisive. If you decide to spend time with those who trigger you, then remember now is not the time to score points. If it’s too diffi cult and anxiety provoking, perhaps it may be better to say no. • Agree to disagree. If it is a mutual understanding that you don’t get on with someone else, maybe have an honest conversation beforehand, addressing the fact and agree to both do your best to get along over the season. • Control. Bear in mind, you cannot change the other person, but you can change your own responses, that is where your power lies. points. If it’s too diffi cult Bernadette Ryan Frances Kelleher people and the history there,” says Frances. “Most people don't change, but some do.” Managing our own expectations is key to how we will get through the encounter. But with that, we can also fl ip the script on our perceptions of the person who triggers us. “Try only to see the good in people. What you focus on grows. There is something that happens in people’s brains when you see the good in them. Their brain releases dopamine,” she explains. “They try to live up to what you have said, so they become good.” It’s a nice idea and one worth trying, but it’s not one every person will be able to do. The key to striking a balance is to make your decisions in advance, stick to them and understand that triggering moments will pass. WW
18 WOMANSWAY.IE BEST PRODUCTS OF 2023 The WW Crew's favourite beauty, skin and haircare products of the year. Carissa’s Faves Clarins Tinted Oleo-Serum €38 The makeup as skincare trend was huge this year. My favourite of all the new releases is this tinted serum by Clarins. It feels and goes on the skin exactly like a silky smooth serum but actually has a decent amount of coverage. It was my go-to foundation for most of the summer. A single drop smoothed over the face imparted a lovely healthy glow, while a drop or two more gave me better coverage. I’d highly recommend it to anyone with dry skin. I have slightly oilier skin, so powdered about the t-zone and still ended up with a dewy fi nish. Skin Theory Vitamin C Day Cream SPF 30 €49.95, Vitamin C AHA BHA Cleanser €29.95 I wasn’t the least surprised to see that this cleanser has sold out online. It’s that good, particularly for anyone with oil-prone skin. The AHAs and BHAs gently exfoliate while the vitamin C soothes. I combined it with the Vitamin C Day Cream which handily contained SPF. The duo has kept my skin in great nick all year long. Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Plumping Gloss €29 I’m a sucker for a tingle. Whether it’s a face mask or, in this case, a plumping lip gloss, I love that gentle pricking feeling on my skin. I only discovered Too Faced makeup this year and I’m a big fan. I’m coming to the end of a bronzer I bought only a few months back and the peachy blush I have is also beginning to dwindle. The colour density of both is spectacular and the products smell wonderful. By far my favourite product though is this lip gloss, which gets my lips tingling every time I put it on. It’s great before and during a night out. I’m also partial to a smear on grey mornings by way of a little pick-me-up. Color Wow Dream Coat Spray €31.45 True, this has been around for ages. I think I bought my fi rst bottle about fi ve years ago and used it religiously. And then, like the fi ckle soul I am, I ditched it in favour of some shiny new jar of I can’t remember what. Earlier this year, I was rooting around my hair supplies for something that would smooth my stressed-out tresses when I chanced upon a half full bottle of Dream Coat. I fell in love all over again. Nothing tames my hair like this product. It’s heat activated, so apply while the hair is still wet and then blow dry for silky shiny locks. Hot Tools Professional Steam Styler €175 This fabulous device has earned itself a permanent spot on my dressing table due to its amazing ability to straighten and add shine to my very Irish-y frizzy hair. It’s super easy to use and, because it uses steam, is less damaging to my coloured hair. I’ve watched endless YouTube videos on how to create waves and curls using a styler but it’s a skill I can’t quite seem to master. I have ancient, yet trusty, old-school curling tongs for that.
WOMANSWAY.IE 19 BEAUTY Niamh’s Faves Dermalogica Phyto Nature Oxygen Cream €145 The price tag on this one is enough to give me the vapours, but it’s been a really wise skincare investment. The formula is packed with oxygen optimising phytoactives. In reality, this means it leaves my skin soft and hydrated without any harsh ingredients. The formula itself is velvety, non-greasy and disappears into the skin in a fl ash. It doesn’t leave it tight or sticky and I fi nd it’s the ideal base for makeup. On the price; I’ve used it twice a day almost every day and it lasted close to eight months, so you could argue it’s value for money. Bellamianta Tribrow 3-in-1 Eyebrow Enhancer €21.99 Irish brand Bellamianta’s Tribrow has become a staple in my makeup bag since it launched this year. What I love about this very clever product is that it’s got a spoolie on one end and angled eyebrow pencil on the other so you don’t have to sharpen it. The best bit is there’s a hidden brow mascara too. It’s a real time saver. Sásta Microbiome Booster Serum €45 This year I really started to think more about my skin barrier and overall skin health. I’ve been using this serum every day as a fi rst skincare step after cleansing and I fi nd it very soothing. It helps to boost your skin's own natural microbiome, which in turn helps keep your skin healthy. I’ve used it even when I’ve had nasty hormonal breakouts and it has been really gentle and healing. The price point is great for such a highend Irish product and a little goes a long way. Aveeno Skin Relief Body Oil Spray 200ml €9.99 I’m guilty of almost never using moisturiser on my body. It’s not for a want of products, mind you. I’ve a stack of body creams, butters and lotions but I fi nd them timeconsuming, gloopy and messy. This handy spray oil has been a revelation. I pop it in my swim bag and spray some on my legs and arms after my shower. It also smells divine. It works better on just dried skin. J.Cat Beauty SkinSurance Liquid Foundation €25 J.Cat is not a brand I’d tried before, but I love this foundation. It goes on like a dream and gives plenty of coverage. Crucially it didn’t cake or feel heavy. It’s also got Tea Tree Leaf Extract and hyaluronic acid, which soothes and provides hydration for my skin.
20 WOMANSWAY.IE Clinique Almost Lipstick in Pink Honey €28.50 Ever since L’Oreal heartbreakingly discontinued my beloved Sparkling Amethyst shade, I’ve been searching forlornly for a new pink lippie. Clinique launched this beauty and I love it. It’s a tinted lip balm that makes your lips soft, and it has a formula that adjusts to suit your natural lip tone. It’s perfect for the days when I’m all in black, looking like I'm in mourning for my life, and want some colour on my lips to brighten up my face. Laura Mercier Translucent Powder €45 There is a reason why this powder remains hugely popular and has seen off many other contenders over the years. I know the young ones are into shiny skin, but I prefer to keep everything matte as I have a horror of looking sweaty and this powder does a great job of controlling shine. It's really fi nely-milled and weightless, so it looks gorgeous on the skin, lasts all day and doesn’t cake. You only need a small amount of this loose powder so it lasts ages. L'Oréal Paris True Match Foundation €8.99 I’m always looking for a magical foundation and try every new one that comes on the market. None of them have turned my head away from my OG, True Match. It gives great coverage and blends easily and best of all, it’s as cheap as chips. It’s available in 40 shades so you’re defi nitely going to fi nd the perfect shade, and as an added bonus, it contains hyaluronic acid and SPF. Alfaparf Semi Di Lino Sublime Cristalli Liquidi €21.95 My hair texture has changed with age and it drives me mad because it gets frizzy now when it used to be straight and shiny. This divine-smelling serum is the biz, because it smooths my hair down and makes it look glossy and feel softer. It also protects against heat and humidity, and best of all, my hair looks a lot less like Hagrid’s on a night out. Andrea’s Faves BPerfect x Ekin Su Radiant Glow Blush €19.95 2023 was the year I discovered the merits of cream blush - and also the year I realised that blusher has now been rechristened blush. Anyway, this one from BPerfect’s collaboration with Love Island winner Ekin-Su Cülcüloglu is gorgeous. It’s a fab peach shade and has subtle lightrefl ecting golden pigments so it gives me a lovely glow. You only have to put a couple of dots on, so it lasts for ages and it smells gorgeous.
BEAUTY WOMANSWAY.IE 21 Norah’s Faves First up, new hair. The only part of me that’s thin is my hair! So I have embraced Hairtalk Tape Extensions(hairtalk.ie) in a big way. Ambassador to the brand, Lain Ashley, has transformed my locks (the genius behind the brand is beauty entrepreneur Katie Jane Goldin and I am a big fan). I am a little addicted to having all that luxurious hair, and for winter, I have gone with a little auburn mix. During that little pause in life, I learned how to do my own nails thanks to Semilac, which has outlets all over Ireland. I began with the starter kit and now have a vast array of colours. My Saturday morning ritual is sipping tea and redoing my nails for the week, very calming and I love experimenting. Semilac 'Love Me' Gel Polish Starter Kit (€87.99,semilac.ie). I look better with a little shimmer. As your skin ages, it can look fl at and a little lacklustre. I will admit that I was drawn to this palette because of the elephant (I love elephants - real life ones - and I have hundreds dotted all over my house). But the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Elephant Palette (€56.28, brownthomas.com) is so versatile, I take it with me everywhere for a little fl ush to the cheeks and a glow around the eyes. My new favourite all-in-one face palette is from Irish makeup artist, Sarah Keary, who did my makeup for many years when I was fi lming non-stop. She’s a genius and her new Face & Eye Palette of Dreams (€39,sarahkeary.ie) just took me to six destinations over the past month. Next up… lashes. Not lots of them because as you age, it looks a little strange to have full on fl utters. Rianna Moore (another hardworking beauty entrepreneur) owns a great eyebrow and eyelash extensions salon in Terenure in Dublin (luxedublin.ie) where I go for the lightest and most natural eyelash extensions. WW And lastly, I still get a kick out of drying my hair with my own personalised LanaiBLO hairdryer (€119.99 for a personalised one, lanaiblo.com). This one is Saffron, which I love because it’s a little retro. LanaiBLO is an Irish company, the hairdryer is ace - fast drying, anti-static and perfect for hair extensions. who did my makeup for many
22 WOMANSWAY.IE Beauty oil is most defi nitely having a moment. For years, oils were considered slightly alternative, even a bit musty and hippyish. But these days there are oils for just about everything, from hair to skin cleansing and, most of all, for moisturising. Being natural, they contain lots of skin-improving ingredients such as vitamins and antioxidants. They are also less likely to irritate the skin. Smoothing all that unctuous goodness over your face and body is a beauty ritual like no other. On a dark cold evening, light a scented candle and indulge your inner goddess with our pick of the best beauty oils… WW There’s a reason why we pour oil on troubled waters. It calms, softens and, with the right perfume, smells divine.
BEAUTY WOMANSWAY.IE 23 By Carissa Casey 1 Bare Minerals Hydrating Cleansing Oil €32 2 Sculpted by Aimee Hydra Glo Serum €30 3 Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Superfusion Facial Oil from €33 4 Clarins Double Serum Light €98 5 Nunaia Nourishing Radiance Serum €79 6 Kiehls Daily Reviving Concentrate €65 7 Kinvara Absolute Cleansing Facial Oil €27.49 8 Mervue Natural Skincare Superfruit Facial Oil €32.50 9 Modern Botany Multi-tasking Oil €37 10 Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Florale €37.50 11 Biona Organic Coconut Oil €6.50 12 Oxmantown Skincare Rosehip and Neroli Facial Oil €32.95 13 Origins Ginzing Serum €49.50 14 Sunday Riley CEO Glow Oil from €39 15 Trilogy Pure Plant Body Oil €23.49 1 6 11 12 13 14 15 7 8 9 10 2 3 4 5
24 WOMANSWAY.IE My Style Faves The WW crew share their style inspo and best wardrobe bits for the year that was. MY STYLE INSPO... TILDA SWINTON I recently watched The Killer and marvelled anew at how cool Tilda Swinton is. The term ‘understated elegance' seems to have been made for her. She swings from androgynous to feminine and always looks like herself. At 63, she still isn’t afraid to stand out from the crowd, to be different. When she’s not rocking the red carpet in sharp tailoring, I imagine her floating about her home in Pringle of Scotland jumpers. MY CHOICE FOR COMFORT... I finally succumbed this year to what I have always referred to as ‘nun’s sandals’. Birkenstocks were having a moment even before Barbie was seen wearing them. I went for the ones with a bit of platform to add a stylish inch. I wasn’t impressed at first. I found the footbed hard and uncomfortable and ended up with cuts and blisters from the ‘vegan leather’. I would have abandoned them had deputy editor Niamh not told me to persevere. I’m so glad I did because as the summer progressed they were rarely off my feet. MY MUST-HAVES... Most days I can rarely see beyond a vaguely clean pair of jeans and a t-shirt/jumper combo. I like to think a cool pair of sunglasses adds a bit of style to an otherwise dull-asdishwater combo. I bought these for about €80 in the Spanish shop Scalpers on a visit to Bilbao in April. I loved them from the moment I tried them on. MY CHOICE FOR FOOTWEAR... The comfortable type - was a serious priority for me this year. I just can’t do heels anymore but I’m not giving up on what I call my disco sandals. They’re actually quite comfortable but the height scares me a little. Indoors, I’m addicted to my Ugg slippers and will most likely add to the collection next year. STYLE "GO TO" This green linen kimono from Massimo Dutti was my favourite ‘fancy top’ for most of the summer. I paired it with both jeans and a green floral skirt . Now t hat I’ve mastered t he art of lacy kni t ting, I usually t hrow on one of my hand-kni t scarves as well. Understated elegance Carissa
STYLE WOMANSWAY.IE 25 Niamh put a stylish wrap on the year. MY STYLE INSPO... JENNIFER GARNER I’ve had a bit of a woman crush on Jennifer Garner since she starred in the film 13 Going on 30 (2004). She’s a woman whose sense of style and confidence has grown with her. A mum of three children, I love seeing her dash around in her mom jeans, vintage t-shirts and blazers. At 51, she can happily turn up to a film premiere in a chic and comfortable jumpsuit or a drop-dead gorgeous gown. MY CHOICE FOR COMFORT... Even in summer, I rarely leave the house without a light scarf. They are such an easy way to update a look on a budget. In winter, I get to bring out the big guns. This year I invested in this very soft and beautifully colourful scarf from Fat Face. The range of shades in the fabric means I can pair it with almost anything I already have in the wardrobe and, to be honest, I will live in it until around April. MY MUST-HAVES... A bit like my love of scarves, having a simple blazer in a versatile colour is a must for me. I picked this up in Stradivarius on a whim. I wasn’t looking for a blazer, but the soft jersey fabric and the turn up sleeves really sold me. I’ve worn it on both casual and smarter occasions. MY CHOICE FOR VINTAGE... I let out an audible shriek when I found this vintage t-shirt in Penneys Wornwell vintage clothing concession in Dundrum this summer. I’d been scouring the internet for a genuine AC/DC vintage shirt I liked for ages, but to no avail. I’d sort of given up when I stumbled upon this one. I adore it and wear it with everything from long skirts to jeans. MY STYLE "GO TO" In my humble opinion, the denim jacket is one of the most underrated, but versatile things in a wardrobe. The last time I picked up a denim jacket was pre-children and pre-marriage, so I reckoned I might be ready to splash out on a new one. What drew me to this one was that it had a bit of stretch making it comfortable to wear with just about everything. I wear t his on days when I need an extra push. What would Buffy do when she was feeling down? She’d kick ass and look good while doing i t. I pin i t on my top or denim jacket and i t always gives me a giggle. Drop-dead gorgeous Niamh Noisy May Denim Jacket €39.99 iclothing.com FatFace Pippa Check Scarf €46 What Would Buffy Do Pin €5.99 Finders Keepers finderskeepersbray.com Stradivarius Knit Blazer €35.99
26 WOMANSWAY.IE Norah had an SJP-ish style evolution of her own. MY STYLE "GO TO" My green Zara linen jacket (€39.99) that I have worn so often now, it owes me nothing. It has taken me on oodles of flights, to Davos, the Grammys, Cannes Film Festival, Chelsea Flower Show and a gazillion other everyday occasions. MY STYLE INSPO... SARAH JESSICA PARKER This year, I embraced my inner Sarah Jessica Parker, who puts together outfits and accessories with a fearlessness I admire - she knows what she likes and doesn’t give a toss what anyone else thinks. I have this pic of her (right) on my phone - a throwback to an early Sex in the City look where she pairs greens, florals, studded belt, platform heels and an Eiffel Tower bag. I want to be her. MY CHOICE FOR COLOUR... I wore black or navy for decades, never drawing attention to myself, and then the world stopped for a bit and I got sick and my life turned upside down. As well as physical symptoms, I started to feel anxious and stressed about doing things I used to do without a bother. You would imagine that would make me recede back into my dark attire to hide behind the blandness of a plain outfit Instead, I went in the opposite direction. I started buying green, always my favourite colour. Then came a little breakout of bright pink bits and pieces, and the hero of them all was this beautiful floral pink shirt from Zara. Putting it on makes me smile, and it carried me through lovely summery days and some great campaigns to support breast cancer. MY MUST-HAVES... On my first outing after all those hospital stays, my sister Carissa (the Ed) took me to a garden centre and it started to rain. She gifted me a Helen Steele rain jacket from Dunnes that she loved so much, she ended up buying two by mistake (it happens!). That pic is of the two of us that day wearing our matching jackets. MY CHOICE FOR COMFORT... Another little heroic find was these snuggly tartan PJs from Victoria’s Secret Pink Collection (€53,victoriassecret.ie). The best feeling ever is coming in from work on dark, chilly nights and putting on those PJs and curling up by the fire. MY CHOICE FOR THE PERFECT DRESS... I found the best dress on the planet and fell in love. It was in a little alley off the old town in Ibiza, and the minute I saw it, I knew it was made for me. Appropriately called the Emerald Queen dress by an Australia label Czarina (AUS$329, czarina.com), I now own two more Czarina dresses, which I ordered direct from Australia. Zara Floral Shirt €29.99 MY CHOICE FOR COMFORT... Another little heroic find was these snuggly tartan PJs from Victoria’s Secret Pink Victoria's Secret Long Pyjamas €56 Norah
WOMANSWAY.IE 27 STYLE Andrea ditched black and embraced colour in 2023. MY STYLE INSPO... TRINNY WOODALL We couldn’t be more physically dissimilar, Trinny and me. She’s tall and slender and I’m short-ish and fat, but I hang on to her every word around style. I’m obsessed with her enormous wardrobe and the way she puts things together, and have learned so many tips and tricks from her. I love her boldness and creativity and the fact that she switches effortlessly from being coolly elegant to wildly funky. She is the reason that I have stopped dressing like I'm in mourning - at least some of the time anyway. MY CHOICE FOR COLOUR... This is the dress I pull out when I need to look glam. It’s soft and really colourful. I’m always on the hunt for a glam kimono so I was thrilled to find this fab pink and red devoré one on Boohoo. It is so vibrant and colourful and it instantly dresses up a plain outfit. MY MUST-HAVES... I’m a fan of long skirts and this one from Very is very sophisticated. It makes a change from my usual plain black ones. I love rainbow colours and t his statement necklace from Christina Brampti wi t h i ts colourful cubes is so eye-catching, and everyone comments on i t when I wear i t. Best of all, i t goes wi t h everyt hing. Yours Clothing Silver Sequin Blazer €73 Monsoon Arden Velvet Maxi Dress €166 Cube Necklace €100 Michelle Keegan Stripe Maxi Skirt €52 MY STYLE "GO TO" Like Trinny, I wear sequins at any time of the year and have a penchant for silver. This jacket adds glamour to any plain outfit. Boohoo Plus Devoré Kimono (reduced to €25) MY CHOICE FOR FOOTWEAR... I don’t like wearing heels so I always go for flat boots in winter. These gorgeous boots for Dunnes Stores have sparkly silver bands around them that really jazz them up and I’m obsessed with them. Savida Rosa Sparkly Boot €40 Andrea
28 WOMANSWAY.IE Get cosy and comfy with our picks of the best snugglewear. Snuggle Time When you’re all prepped and partied out, there’s nothing more delicious than slipping into gorgeous PJs, sliding your feet into fur-lined slippers, wrapping yourself up in a fabulous new robe and fl opping on the couch. It’s time to luxuriate in the ancient art of doing absolutely nothing. Never underestimate the power of bone idleness. Our bodies, minds and spirits need rest as much as they need exercise, stimulation and inspiration. A warm fi re, soft lighting, a good book or a great new show to stream, these are wonderful blessings that ought to be enjoyed to the full. We should take as much interest in what we wear for our precious downtime as we do for a big social engagement. Clothes aren’t just for other people to admire; it’s all about how they make us feel. The right outfi t can prime us to take on the world, and a lovely pair of PJs in a soft natural fabric can help ease away the stresses of the day. A ragged old T-shirt and out-of-shape leggings just won’t cut it. Our hardworking bodies deserve the very best. WW Chelsea Peers Hooded Robe Dressing Gown €56 Cos Striped Silk Blend Pyjama Shirt €89 and Bottoms €89 Zara Printed Pyjama Shirt €39.99 and Trousers €39.99 By Carissa Casey
STYLE WOMANSWAY.IE 29 Emu Shearling Slippers €79 For the pyjama party For cosy toes Croc Stomp Line Clog €79 Jim Jams Guillamene Long Pyjamas €120 Jo Browne Luxury Bamboo Pyjamas €120 Jo Browne Luxury Bamboo Sleep Mask €19.95 Loom Irish Linen Pyjama Set in Blue €160 Marks & Spencer Lace Trim Bodysoft Pyjama Bottoms in Grey €22 Top €14 Mint Velvet Ink Jersey Pyjama Set €95 Moon + Mellow Tribal Floral Pink Robe in Cotton Voile €200 Nobody’s Child Floral Dressing Gown €75 Ralph Lauren Classic Pyjama Set €119 Ugg Coquette Slipper €135 V by Very Longline Hooded Dressing Gown €32
30 WOMANSWAY.IE Gear up for some great walks with these stepping out essentials. By Niamh O’Reilly Stylish Strides Now’s the time many of us get out and about for walks with friends and family or even think about joining a walking group. Wherever you're at, it makes sense to put the right gear on so you can put your best foot forward. Even if you’re not climbing Croagh Patrick, with the Irish climate you can be sure that rain is a high possibility. If you are doing a longer or more challenging walk, rain trousers are one of the best investments. They can be pricey but on those nights you might have to drag the dog around the block in the rain, these babies are going to pay for themselves. Look for ones with two-way zips for a quick change and lots of room around the knee. Most can roll up and pack away small so you can just throw them in your backpack if you need them. Layers in general are an inexpensive way to keep warm on a walk and the most practical. Base layers are going to be your best friend. They can be tempting to skip, but they pay off in the long run. Keep an eye out for close-fi tting long-sleeve styles that are breathable and can wick away sweat. Follow with zip-ups or half-zip tops that you can easily take on and off. Finally, pay attention to your footwear. Hard-wearing walking runners or boots paired with some comfortable socks will keep you walking well beyond your daily steps. Here are a few of our favourite walking essentials. WW Human Collective Navy Puffer Jacket €160 By Niamh O'Reilly
WOMANSWAY.IE 31 STYLE Human Collective Navy Jogger €49 Peachy Lean Super Hold Leggings Navy Blue €52.49 Human Collective Black Core Leggings €40 Sweaty Betty Therma Boost Running Half Zip €135 Jack Murphy Fiona Wax Jacket - Navy €250 Regatta Lady Holcombe IEP Mid Walking Boot Blue Red €82 very.ie Knitted Beanie & Snood Set €36.50 oxendales.ie Berghaus Deluge Pro 3.0 Waterproof Jacket €167.50 oxendales.ie Berghaus Women's Hillwalker GoreTex Pants €112 53degreesnorth.ie Clyde Hat Neon Orange €39.95 avoca.ie Mid-Grey Green Cashmere Blend Women Socks €19.95 avoca.ie 1000 Milefusion Anklet Socks Grey €14 michaelmurphysports.ie Dare 2b Women’s Context Borg Fleece (Mesa Rose) €90 Sweaty Betty Athlete Doubleweight Seamless Gym Zip Up €50 Columbia, Facet 600 Low Trainers, €160 oxendales.ie
32 WOMANSWAY.IE STAR GUESTS Astrology fanatic Domhnall O’Donoghue reveals which star signs will make the best and worst party guests this Christmas. Domhnall O’Donoghue Imagine guests like Elton John, J-Lo and Britney Spears sashaying into your house, dressed to the nines — or, indeed, as nature intended. Without asking permission, they’ll transform your sitting room into a concert venue before entertaining guests with risqué renditions of Jingle Bells and Santa Baby. While they’re certainly oodles of fun, these fi re signs dominate whatever environment they’re in. Their need for attention means you’ll probably later fi nd them atop your Christmas tree because are. So, if you’re currently creating a table plan for Christmas lunch or compiling an invitation list for your New Year’s Eve bash, you might like to consider the following… THE LOUD GUEST During winter, fi res regularly roar, warming us and illuminating the darkest spaces. The same could be said for the Zodiac’s three fi re signs — Aries, Leo and Sagittarius — who light up every room they enter with their natural charisma, adventurous streak and desire for the spotlight. I t’s the festive season when party invitations are as bountiful as the tins of Roses and jars of cranberry sauce in our supermarkets. And while most of us are full of Christmas cheer, happy to reunite with old friends or meet new ones, not everyone radiates love and light. Have you ever thrown a soirée and wondered why some guests mount tables to belt out ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town’ while others skulk in corners, arguing that the only thing coming to town is, in fact, some new disaster or other? Being a lifelong astrology enthusiast, I’ve always suspected that our star sign plays a pivotal role in what type of guest we STAR GUESTS
WOMANSWAY.IE 33 IN PERSON I Want To. Well, this song could easily be an ode to the overly emotional water signs — Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces — who almost need lifejackets to prevent them from drowning in their own tears. Cancerians like Cheryl Cole are domestic goddesses and make the best hosts, even though they’ll spend the evening bawling because the ice is too cold or the sky too dark. Coincidentally, the sky is where Pisceans like Drew Barrymore will be for most of the party, as this romantic sign likes nothing more than living in the clouds, dreaming about better days. That’s when they’re not lending a sympathetic ear to their Cancerian host. On the other hand, Sullen Scorpios will be brooding in the corner or, given their energetic libido, attempting to get the phone numbers of the pretty guests. Look at King Charles, one of the twentieth century’s biggest lotharios… THE SERIOUS GUEST Despite our best intentions, parties can be chaotic and unruly, especially if adventurous Aries brings a bottle of tequila or promiscuous Scorpios suggest everyone places their keys in a bowl. That’s when your earth-sign guests will earn their crust. No-nonsense Taureans like Cher will “we’re the brightest stars in the room!” THE SOCIAL GUEST As we all know, a crowded party can become overwhelming, especially if guests fail to avoid that duo of much-dreaded conversations: religion and politics. Thankfully, our three air signs — Gemini, Libra and, to a lesser degree, Aquarius — are at hand to inject some playfulness into proceedings. Geminis like Kylie Minogue are the epitome of social butterfl ies. They’re often called the Peter Pan of the Zodiac, fl itting around a space, discussing fun topics. Until they get bored, that is, so don’t be offended if they suddenly disappear midsentence. Librans like Kim Kardashian are fools for beauty, so they’ll be the fi rst to compliment your festive decorations or new gúna, and because of their natural diplomacy, they’ll praise your buffet even if the seafood has given everyone salmonella. Meanwhile, curious Aquarians like Oprah Winfrey always search for new perspectives, so they’ll while away the hours pursuing quirky conversations with guests. Some will relish these unconventional exchanges; others, like the more traditional earth signs, will refuse to indulge a single word of their nonsense. THE EMOTIONAL GUEST Leslie Gore once scored a number-one smash hit with It’s My Party, and I’ll Cry if “While they’re certainly oodles of fun, these fire signs dominate whatever environment they’re in” keep everyone in line (after they devour the honey-glazed ham, as is their wont). People-pleasing Virgos will spend the evening cleaning up or, if they prise the microphone from the hands of the fi resign guests, serenading guests with O Holy Night. From Beyoncé to Dolores O’Riordan, Virgos are blessed with golden tonsils — which might also explain why this sign is so ruddy talkative. Santy, scaling roofs and chimneys, often requires the help of a ladder, as do Capricorns, who spend their days climbing the ladder to success. Expect them to avoid games of charades in favour of handing out business cards or soliciting others for advice on which stocks to invest in over the coming new year. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. WW
34 WOMANSWAY.IE Jennifer Genson Scentscaping Whether it’s cinnamon, peppermint and cloves, or vanilla, sugar and gingerbread, there’s nothing more heart-warming than the scents of the festive season, notes Robin Fisher, product development manager at ARRAN Sense of Scotland. “Heavily linked to core memories, scents can evoke powerful feelings of says Jennifer Genson, R&D director of fragrance and sensory science at Newell Brands, which include WoodWick and Yankee Candle. “Memory is intrinsically linked to scent, so inviting fragrance into the home during the festive season helps to elevate the everyday,” suggests Genson. “And gives those cherished moments a more lasting impact.” Mood-enhancing and uplifting, when it comes to stirring the senses, there’s nothing like the smells of the season. And while fragrance is powerfully emotive all year round, it’s especially impactful this time of year when treasured experiences are in abundance, Filling your home with festive aromas and seasonal smells is where it’s at right now.
WOMANSWAY.IE 35 INTERIORS nostalgia – and festive aromas are no exception,” he adds. To introduce these key elements, experts share their top tips to create a scented wonderland… THE ENTRANCE HALL “Some people prefer to have a signature scent for their whole home, but others like to mix it up with different fragrances in different rooms,” suggests Fisher. “When it comes to festive scents, having something warm and welcoming in the hallway will make guests feel special the moment they come in.” Comforting, nostalgic scents like cinnamon and nutmeg instantly are ideal says Fisher, and set the tone for guests. Genson agrees: “Welcoming guests into a candlelit home with the nostalgic, warming scents of the season is the perfect way to set the scene.” For a cabincore aesthetic, Genson suggests sweet and woody incense-like aromas composed of mahogany, lemon and golden amber notes, to give the home an extra layer of indulgence. THE KITCHEN Since the kitchen is always a key space for social gatherings, creating a pleasant, scented environment is a lovely idea, says Fisher. “However, room fragrance doesn’t always need to come from scented products. Creating festive feels with cooking scents like gingerbread, vanilla or herbs like eucalyptus can work a treat.” THE LIVING SPACE “As we all know, the dining table is the focal point of the main event and candles are the perfect way to set a festive stage,” says Genson. Ideally, you don’t want anything too tall, or that’s going to be too overpowering when you’re entertaining and bringing out the fi zz and canapés. “Subtle choices are best here,” she says. “You want the candle’s design and scent to blend into your tablescape and evoke a luxurious ambience.” This is where incense and myrrh is a great choice for any seasonal tablescape, says Genson, and instantly creates an effortlessly beautiful atmosphere. THE GUEST BATHROOM “When it comes to the bathroom, fresher, sharper scents are more suited,” says Fisher. “So perhaps a peppermint or eucalyptusbased fragrance would work better, but still give a distinct festive feel.” WHAT PRODUCTS TO CHOOSE? Different home fragrance products like candles, reed diffusers and room sprays can have varied impact on areas of the home, Robin Fisher highlights Fisher, depending on your desired strength of scent – and size of room. For an all-day scent, Fisher suggests reed diffusers. “A great way to subtly scent an area 24/7. Aesthetically they can also really add to the look and feel of room décor.” He continues: “Diffusers are great in smaller spaces such as bathrooms and hallways, bringing a burst of fragrance.” “Place high up and in an open space to take advantage of the air fl ow, and keep out of direct sunlight and heat to avoid oils evaporating.” For maximum impact and a continuous scent, he says to turn the reeds every few days. FOR A QUICK FRAGRANCE FIX “Room sprays are a great way to scent up areas of the home before guests arrive,” says Fisher. “And a great way to fi ll a space with your chosen scent for a shorter period of time.” Especially if you prefer a milder aroma, this is a great way to add a subtle hint of festive fragrance, he adds. HAND SOAP “Don’t forget hand soap,” emphasises Fisher. “While this might not strictly be a room fragrance product, it’s an important detail for your guests, and can create delightful festive vibes. “Use a similar scent as your candle or reed diffuser and create memories for your guests as soon as they get a hint of that smell.” WW By Sam Wylie-Harris, PA Gavin Glynn Charity Candle €29.99 from Avoca Homesense Sand and Fog Pink Candle €11.99 Rathbornes 1488 Dublin Christmas Scented Luxury Candle €50 from Brown Thomas Só mas Driftwood Seasalt Candle €33 La Bougie Mission Fig €140 from Brown Thomas
36 WOMANSWAY.IE “So what I’m going to be doing in the kitchen, basically, I will do a plan,” says Lewis. “Do I have to rush out and grab some bits and pieces fi rst thing in the morning? Or are there certain things I need to prep?” Lewis has made a name for herself thanks to her organisational and decluttering tips, reuse hacks and home advice. “I kind of do it like a timeline, but this piece of paper is so helpful because when you’re cooking, or listening to music, we get With everyone busying up on the home front and the festive season in full swing, it’s only natural to feel a little overwhelmed – especially if you’re juggling socialising with cost-saving measures. “When it comes to entertaining around the festive period, what I do to alleviate any kind of stress, when you’re preparing to have family, in-laws or friends over – I write a plan of the day,” says professional organiser Nicola Lewis, founder of This Girl Can Organise (@ thisgirlcanorganise). interrupted all the time. “It’s not like the Eighties or Nineties, where you just happily had a cookbook and sang along to the radio – there are loads of interactions these days.” Fun and chatty, Lewis says this method can be applied to dinner parties over the festive period and pretty much any sort of entertaining. Here, the organising expert who says she’s “fully charged for Christmas”, shares her top tips, with money-saving ideas along the way… How trimming back on energy use and prepping for the holidays can make a difference. interrupted all the time. interactions these days.” Nicola Lewis method can be applied to dinner MONEY-SAVING Tweaks Kitchen counter with festive LED lighting
By Sam Wylie-Harris, PA HOME WOMANSWAY.IE 37 Use an air fryer “So, within the kitchen, for me, saving money is paramount this year,” says Lewis, who’s excited about the air-fryer mode in her oven. With no need to preheat, you can put your food directly into a cold oven and start cooking. A great way to save money and energy, but if you don’t have that option, then a countertop air fryer will work just as well. And with so many things to prep, Lewis says one of the things she likes to do in advance are the roast potatoes. “So I parboil them, drain them, soak them in cold water with ice, and then I freeze them.” So then all you have to do is defrost them, throw them in the air fryer with a little spray of oil or goose fat, and that’s it, says Lewis. “It’s one job you don’t have to worry about because potatoes are a pain in the bum, aren’t they!” Do a stocktake “Every Sunday I prep, I do like a bit of an inventory inside my cupboards and the fridge-freezer – I think this is something that’s so important,” she stresses. A lot of people really don’t pay enough attention to that, says Lewis, who hates food waste. “So spend some time just having a little look, checking the expiry dates and prioritising, giving this area the respect it deserves,” she says. “You’ve spent, invested the money, so make sure you incorporate them in your planning and food menu over the next few days. Or see if there’s something you can pull out, chop, blitz and freeze for later down the line,” she adds. Don't feel pressured to fi ll the trolley “This is another thing around this time of year, the supermarkets are so enticing, aren’t they? You go in there, it’s delicacies and really rich, gorgeous, yummy foods we haven’t really seen until this time of year,” highlights Lewis. “And a lot of them are quite expensive. So part of me says ‘could you consider trying to make them yourself’, instead of spending money on all those canapés.” She suggests keeping it simple, choosing two favourites such as smoked salmon blinis and puff pastry and making them yourself, rather than spending a fortune on loads of different starters, heating them and complicating things. Invest in a large fl ask To help save energy with the kettle, Lewis says to get a big fl ask, boil the water and pour it in. “Basically that’s piping hot water all day. “So you can use that without having to keep turning your kettle on, because we all know a kettle is the biggest energy sucker.” Turn off sockets at night Apart from the fridge-freezer, Lewis turns the sockets off in the kitchen. “It’s like putting everything to bed – it’s energy we don’t need.” Use LEDs Let’s face it, LED lighting uses less power than traditional bulbs and as Lewis puts it: “We do love a kitchen disco.” So at the weekend, she says it’s something to look forward to. “The LEDs lift the mood, make you want to dance, and I always have music on during the day when I’m cooking,” she adds. Draw the curtains when darkness falls Lewis advises to draw the curtains as soon as it gets dark: “It gives me permission to stop. I pull the blinds down, the curtains across, and that conserves loads of heat in the home.” “That’s the fi rst thing I do, and then I put some twinkly LED candles on to set the scene. “Also on Netfl ix, they have a Fireplace mode, and there’s one on YouTube,” she continues. “You type in ‘fi replace’ and it gives off that feeling of warmth, cosiness and just looking forward to the evening.” WW Make your own starters Roast chicken in an air fryer Use LEDs to create a feeling of warmth “Every Sunday I prep, I do like a bit of an inventory inside my cupboards and the fridgefreezer”
38 WOMANSWAY.IE ever seen before – at least on this planet. “NASA have been here to do studies,” claims my guide, Lautaro, as we climb over rocks so deceptively hollow, they chime like a bell when struck. “It’s the closest conditions to those you’d fi nd on Mars.” Ranging from minus-22 degrees Celsius in winter to plus-35 degrees in summer, with winds of up to 140km per hour, it’s as inhospitable as the red planet. Yet only a few metres away, in the Carachi Pampa basin, dainty-legged fl amingos perform a series of balletic poses in a lagoon framed by twisted black lava fi elds. The site is a key stop on a tour of the Puna, a high-altitude plateau in the Catamarca Province, characterised by never-ending salt fl ats, garishly-hued lagoons and ever-shifting sands. Drifting into the more famous Atacama Ahead of me, waves crest and trough in a frothing frenzy, whipped into peaks stiffer than a freshly baked meringue. Stretching across a horizon blurred by heat haze, the ocean of crisp white forms is diffi cult to comprehend – especially as I’m hundreds of kilometres from the water, at an altitude of 3,500 metres above the sea. A curious creation of nature, the Campo de Piedra Pómez Nature Reserve in northwest Argentina is a sprawl of pumice stone sculptures, where shapes and patterns constantly shift in a landscape slowly crafted over millions of years. Formed when a pyroclastic cloud spewed by a volcano hit cooler temperatures, solidifi ed and fell to the ground, the space-age scenery is like nothing Desert in neighbouring Chile, it shares similar – and arguably even more dramatic – scenery. Recent investment in improved roads has made the area easier to access, although it’s still better to travel in a 4×4 vehicle with a knowledgeable guide. Adventure specialists Socompa are one of the few operators to organise road trips through the region. I’d joined them a few days earlier in Salta city, a two-hour fl ight from Argentina’s capital Buenos Aires. Driving south through lush, drizzly green valleys, the landscape slowly changed; rocks reddened, the sky brightened, and cordon cacti begin to sprout from crevices in cliffs. DESERT ROADTRIP The remote northwest of Argentina makes for an other-worldly adventure. Driving in the Puna Quebrada de las Conchas
TRAVEL WOMANSWAY.IE 39 By Sarah Marshall, PA How to plan your trip • Jacada Travel (jacadatravel.com) offers a 10-night private off road expedition through the Puna Desert with Socompa, staying at Finca Valentina and Hosteria El Peñon on an all-inclusive basis. Flights extra. At Quebrada de las Conchas, a gorge fi lled with fossils of seashells and fi sh, we stopped to explore a natural amphitheatre, where a guitarist strummed echoing melodies and craftsmen sold ocarina mouthpiece fl utes. Our journey continued to Piattelli, a new luxury winery hotel writing a new chapter in Salta’s wine-making story. Around three per cent of Argentina’s wine production comes from Salta, Lautaro had informed me. Dry conditions and strong sun form the intense, full-bodied character of wines, including those based on internationally acclaimed grape variety Torrontes. Watching the sunset from the roof of our new, neatly attired villa, I gazed across the vines watching hummingbirds fl it between fl owers. Getting plenty of rest is vital for tackling the giddy high altitudes of the Puna, where elevation averages 4,500 metres. Continuing our long 150km drive the following day, we climbed slowly uphill into the Catamarca Province. What appeared to be streaks of snow in mountain crevices soon materialised as sand, heralding the start of our desert adventure. Along the roadside, apachetas (a type of cairn) gave thanks to Pachamama (Mother Earth) and red fl ags paid tribute to Gauchito Gil – a folkloric Robin Hood who stole from the rich and gave to the poor. Towering cordon cacti wore glowing halos in the late afternoon sun and the shadows of vicuñas (a South American camelid prized for its fi ne wool) stretched across soaring dunes. Hidden within an oasis of Alamo trees, planted to provide protection from the wind, El Peñón became our wilderness base for several nights. Refurbished and managed by Socompa, the Hostería de Altura El Peñón is a cosy retreat, with fi ne food fuelled by solar-powered energy and welcoming smiles. Access to 24-hour electricity has been available for less than a year and salamander stoves are still used for heating in winter. From here, we made our dawn journey to the Campo de Piedra Pómez Nature Reserve. But that’s not the only mind-bending sight in the area. Covering the base of Cerro Galán, one of the largest exposed calderas in the world, the Laguna Diamante is a toxic lagoon where logically no life should exist. Too large to be appreciated from ground level, it was only properly identifi ed with the help of satellite imagery. We arrive to fi nd fl ocks of fl amingos gliding across its glassy surface, proof even in the harshest of locations, resourceful wildlife will fi nd a way to exist. Leaving behind the Puna, we head towards Cachi in Salta Province, the fi nal stop on our journey. Along the way, we stop at the Bodega Colomé in the Calchaqui Valley, established in 1831 and founded by the last governor of Salta to be appointed by the King of Spain, and thought to be the oldest continually active winery in Argentina. Now run by a Swiss family, it’s also home to a gallery of works by visionary artists James Turrell, know for his work with light and space. In many ways, his abstract installations are a fl ashback to shapes and colours decorating the Puna. I’m brought back down to earth with the homely scents and fl avours of Finca Santana, a small guesthouse run by Adriana, a photographer and textile designer who shunned the fast pace of city living in Buenos Aires for a gentler, slower existence. Fresh walnuts dry on the patio along with verbena leaves used for tea. Inside the adobe brick house, blankets and tapestries woven by local expert weavers drape furnishings below a ceiling of antique, pockmarked cordon cacti wood which Adriana collected more than 20 years ago. Although far removed from the fi erce environs of the Puna, it’s a fi tting end point for a journey immersed in nature, where life thrives in unexpected places and waves – of sorts – deliver you to surprising shores. WW Piattelli Wine Resort Finca Santana Hostería de Altura El Peñón Campo de Piedra Pómez Nature Reserve, Catamarca
40 WOMANSWAY.IE MUSCAT Mystical Tracing the footsteps of the Biblical Maji, Aine Fox goes on the trail of the renowned resin in Muscat. A nighttime view of the cliff-edge resort, Shangri-La Al Husn
TRAVEL WOMANSWAY.IE 41 Continued overleaf >> By Aine Fox, PA T he intoxicating smell of incense is one I’ve always associated with church. Typically, I’d be inhaling the scent while wrapped in a thick coat and huddled into a church pew. But today, I’m wearing the lightest linen outfit I could find, as I bathe in the desert heat of the Shangri-La Al Husn’s private frankincense garden. From spa to bar, the country’s famed resin – proclaimed to be the world’s finest – runs right through this stunning cliff-edge resort in Muscat. Oman’s capital is probably lesser known among Irish and British holidaymakers than its Middle Eastern neighbour of Dubai, which is around a four-and-a-half hour drive across the OmanUnited Arab Emirates border. Oman, with a population of around 4.5 million, is one of the lesser populated countries in the Middle East. Shangri-La Al Husn – with its dramatic coastal setting and private beach looking out to the Gulf of Oman – aims to offer a wide variety of activities and experiences for guests, so my trip is a mix of relaxation and exploration. At the heart of the traditional Omani welcome to any household – and to this luxury hotel – is the waft of frankincense, accompanied by tasty sweet dates and Arabic coffee. It’s a ritual we enjoy in the frankincense garden, welcomed by the resort’s very own expert. Khalid Al Amri, the first accredited frankincense sommelier in the country, tells us: “If you come to visit my home, we burn the frankincense to welcome you and when you are about to leave, we burn it again.” He refers to the almost two dozen frankincense trees around us as “babies”. Planted back in 2019, they will need another four to six years from now to mature and produce the aromatic resin which has been known over the years as the “sweat of the Gods”. Khalid explains how a knife – known as a manqaf – is used to cut the tree bark, releasing the resin which eventually hardens into frankincense. While it is clearly commonplace in Oman, frankincense is highly revered. I had no idea this gift – which most people will know from its Biblical namecheck, having been presented along with gold and myrrh to the baby Jesus by the Three Wise Men – had so many uses beyond its enchanting scent. “If you go to the market, you can buy frankincense to burn, to put in water, to use it for the perfume for your clothes,” Khalid adds. “Traditionally if a pregnant woman is about to give birth, we burn frankincense to protect her and the baby. And after she gives birth, we burn it for 30 days, a kind of blessing for a new soul coming to life.”
42 WOMANSWAY.IE We hear of its believed healing and restorative properties, with the high-grade Al Hojari frankincense boiled in water and sipped if someone is feeling unwell. The resort’s Luban spa offers treatments and massages using frankincense oil. It is said by some to have possible antiinfl ammatory as well as immunity-boosting benefi ts. My experience is certainly relaxing, and I hope to have absorbed some of these supposed healing benefi ts. The cherished resin is even used in cocktails, and while the jury is out on whether it makes my drink any healthier, it defi nitely enhances the taste and look. Frankincense-infused gin is a key ingredient in the signature Shangri La Spritz cocktail. Sitting in the evening heat by the resort’s Al Muheet outdoor bar, I am mesmerised as I watch blue butterfl y pea (dried fl owers) turn my drink a dazzling purple when it mixes with the gin, lavender syrup, pink grapefruit, pineapple and a touch of sparkling wine. Tourists and visitors can have alcohol in licensed venues in Oman, such as the resort, and the legal drinking age is 21. This particular cocktail, as with many others offered at the resort, comes both with and without alcohol, and to be honest I can’t tell the difference between them. Private cocktail-making sessions are available for guests on request. A complimentary cocktail hour also takes place for guests every evening at sunset in the courtyard. Venturing outside the resort – and continuing my frankincense journey, I enjoy lunch at the Bait al Luban restaurant. The unassuming exterior belies a mouthwatering experience inside at an eatery, which has a name meaning House of Frankincense. Shoes off and seated cross-legged on brightly coloured cushions at our wooden table, we are fi rst served frankincense water, followed by red-coloured hibiscus juice, both of which are said to be purifi ers. Our journey through traditional Omani food includes harees – barley and chicken mashed together with a date and chickpea sauce – and a marinated lamb dish called shuwa, served with rice. Traditional Middle Eastern doughballs known as luqaimat are served for dessert, not forgetting of course yet more sweet dates (by which point in the journey I’m fairly certain I’ve become addicted). Keen to embrace some more Omani culture beyond the resort, we venture to the nearby Mutrah Souq – the perfect place to walk off lunch. The market, a 20-minute drive from the hotel, is fi lled with various treats from the usual tourist offerings to gold jewellery, and of “Frankincenseinfused gin is a key ingredient in the signature Shangri La Spritz cocktail” The Shangri-La Al Husn Bait al Luban restaurant is named in honour of frankincense
TRAVEL WOMANSWAY.IE 43 How to plan your trip • For accommodation visit shangri-la.com and for fl ights, visit omanair.com. course frankincense in various forms as well as brightlycoloured incense burners. I enjoy a cup of sweet karak tea, I wander. The Muslim call to prayer soon sounds and some people begin heading for the mosque. Oman is a mainly Islamic country, and out of respect for its traditions, it’s advised to wear modest clothing while outside the resort, with shoulders covered and long skirts or trousers. For a visit to the Sultan Qaboos Mosque – the country’s largest – women must also don a headscarf. Full of chandeliers and ornate designs on the ceilings and walls, this 20,000 capacity building is truly a sight to behold. The sprawling sandstone site, which opened at the turn of the century, is impressive from every angle, with its series of outdoor archways forming photogenic shadows in the sunlight. Its shade provides cool relief from the stifl ing heat and a calm descends as we enter and admire the 21-tonne Persian carpet which covers 4,200 square metres of the prayer hall fl oor. Visitors can take a look around between 8.30am and 11am six days a week, excluding Fridays. It’s around 40 degrees during our May trip, but it can drop to the mid-20s in December and January, so timing for your visit is everything. The hotel offers boat trips for snorkelling, diving and dolphin-spotting from the resort’s marina – all great ways to escape the heat. The quiet cove we stop off at feels like I’m in a scene from David Attenborough’s Blue Planet, as our snorkel excursion features no less than three large turtles swimming around us. Later, further out at sea, we’re lucky enough to spot dozens of wild dolphins jumping in unison for us. If you time it just right – generally between February and September – you can also witness a turtle-hatching back at the resort. We stand behind a roped-off area on the beach while the on-site turtle ranger gently lifts the tiny baby turtles out of their nests, dug deep in the sand, so they can crawl instinctively towards the water. We can only hope they make it out to sea; some have to try multiple times as the tide washes them back onto the sand. Perhaps years from now another lucky visitor will snorkel beside them in a quiet cove nearby. WW Guests can try their hand at cocktail-making at the resort Visitors can tour the mosque six days a week in the mornings Khalid Al Amri welcomes guests to the resort's frankincense garden
44 WOMANSWAY.IE getaway, immersed in 8,000 acres of rugged scenery close to both Inverness and Loch Ness and with traditional designs that are crafted entirely by hand – down to their chunky treetrunk frames. Cabins sleep two to six guests, making them as great for couples’ retreats as they are for family holidays or mates’ S nuggling up in front of a fi re is the ideal way to spend a winter weekend – especially after days spent hiking over craggy cliffs or through thick forests. Ireland certainly has plenty of these in spades. However, if you’re looking for a slightly different take on the cosy cottage vibe, but don’t want to travel too far at this time of year, then the UK is well worth considering. Photographer Holly Farrier has scoured the Cornish coast, Scottish Highlands and Welsh countryside to fi nd the best and most beautiful huts, holiday homes and cottages for switching off in the UK. Taken from her new book, British Cabins and Hideaways, these words and images are guaranteed to spark a warm glow. Classic log cabins in a theatrical Highland setting EAGLE BRAE, STRUY, SCOTLAND Contemplating a Highland fl ing? This handsome collection of ten rustic log cabins is perfectly placed for an authentic Scottish escapes, but the capacious Loxia, Aquila and Buteo cabins are particularly suited to groups (boasting mezzanine log beds ideal for kids), as well as a peaceful pond-side location. In addition to daily visits from the resident deer, guests can expect surround-sound birdsong and cinematic scenery, with bountiful on-site outdoor pursuits to choose from. The real McCoy of Highland holidays – kilt optional. How: Visit eaglebrae.co.uk Storybook sanctuary on the Welsh border WATERFALL CABIN, CAMBRIAN MOUNTAINS, WALES If it’s full-on fairytale magic you’re after, head to this enchanting off-grid hideaway, whose setting is so idyllic you half expect a community of anthropomorphic mice to emerge from tiny doors in the trees. Positioned within the 1,000-acre Hafod Estate, this fi lmic stilted cabin offers everything you could possibly need for a romantic getaway, with a wood-fi red outdoor hot tub, inviting hayloft bed and a suspended stargazing net where you can make like the Welsh and cwtch (that’s cuddle) under a twinkling sky. All stays last for three or four nights, giving you ample COSY COTTAGE Escapes Eagle Brae cabins Ready to snuggle up in front of the fi re and escape the cold? Waterfall Cabin
TRAVEL WOMANSWAY.IE 45 By Sarah Marshall, PA time to sample the local pottery’s throwing lessons, the nearby pubs and spectacular hikes around the estate, though if you’d prefer to spend the duration enjoying a lack of obligations, phone signal and other humans…well, it’s perfect for that too. How: Visit kiphideaways.com Unique treetop camping pods KUDHVA, TINTAGEL, CORNWALL Perched peculiarly above the trees like the abandoned spaceships of some technologically advanced alien race, this quartet of two-person cabins is unique to say the least. Part of Kudhva’s self-labelled ‘landscape hotel’, the treehouse-like structures offer a dramatically different way to camp in the wild. Providing the feeling of sleeping in a tent while being infi nitely more interesting (and lofty), their huge windows look out across a lush woodland canopy or the beautiful Cornish coast. As you’d expect of a regular campsite, the shower and cooking facilities are communal and located a short walk away, but that’s all part of the Kudhva experience, which feels like something everyone should try at least once in their lifetime. Great if you’re looking for somewhere a little (or a lot) different. How: Visit kudhva.com Understated cabins with natural connection TREES AT TUGHALL, NORTHUMBERLAND With their wooden construction, ancient woodland location, and powerful connection with the ever-changing surroundings thanks to their huge view-framing windows, it’s not hard to see why the owners of this handsome trio of cabins named them after trees. All identical – though with diverse views – and all following Tughall’s guiding principle of distraction-free luxury, these two-person retreats offer everything you could need from a country escape and absolutely nothing you don’t, being gloriously free from clutter both inside and out. Magnifi cently remote, located on a working farm an hour north of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and on the edge of the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the cabins Ash, Hawthorn and Willow all offer a superb base from which to explore England’s northernmost county with its dramatic coastlines and magnifi cent fortresses. How: Visit treesattughall.com Tiny cabin with impressive eco-credentials ARCHITECT’S HUT, DORSET This striking cabin’s contemporary façade and trend-lend Scandi interior somehow perfectly complements its ancient, unspoilt surroundings, as befi ts its eco-friendly design, which aims to make sure that the beautiful countryside remains unspoilt. Ideal for weekend sequestration, this retreat comes surprisingly well-equipped for its size, with built-in furniture to maximise space and a focus on minimising the carbon footprint as much as the physical one. A super-king-size bed, top-of-the-range waterless toilet and restaurant-grade pizza oven (with ingredients provided by a local pizzeria) elevate the experience to the point that you could happily stay on site for your entire trip, though the proximity to novelist Thomas Hardy’s house and the nearby vineyard’s tours and tastings might be enough to tempt you from hiding. WW How: Visit kiphideaways.com Architect's Hut Kudhva cabins Trees at Tughall British Cabins and Hideaways by Holly Farrier is published by Hoxton Mini Press, priced €32.13.
46 WOMANSWAY.IE Check out our review of new documentary David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived, the latest TV shows, movies and events and, as always, our pick of the best new books. Hot List The 5 NEW BOOKS TO READ THIS WEEK READ • WATCH • LISTEN By Prudence Wade, PA FICTION The Future by Naomi Alderman is published in hardback by Fourth Estate, priced €24.99 It’s the not-too-distant future and the end of the world is looming. Technology is god and civilisation is now at the mercy of three corporations who control consumerism, social media and even the weather. The rich are ready and have bunkers waiting – the rest who have seen what’s coming are planning how to survive. In The Future, Naomi Alderman has made a terrifying cataclysmic event seem horrifyingly palpable. The idea that a single corporation can control all spending doesn’t seem like too far of a stretch from our current climate. What makes it an incredible page-turner though, is being witness to a group of women in the tech industry, and a survival expert, stand up against the billionaires of the world and essentially bite the hand that has kept them safe for so long. From former cult members to disillusioned youth, there is a glimmer of hope in this book, that will have you racing towards the end. Resurrection Walk by Michael Connelly is published in hardback by Orion, priced €27.50 The Lincoln Lawyer and Harry Bosch have joined forces again to work on yet another seemingly non-winnable case. This time, retired LAPD homicide detective Bosch is tasked with helping his half-brother Mickey Haller to secure the freedom of a young mother locked up for the fatal shooting of her husband, a sheriff’s deputy. The case is fraught with danger and there is more than a whiff of corruption in the Californian air. As ever, with former newspaper reporter Connelly’s long-running series, there is an uneasy feeling that life is constantly teetering on the edge of catastrophe – and no one, not even Bosch, is safe. It may be a slightly formulaic genre, but this is nevertheless yet another slick blockbuster of a legal-detective thriller from a master of his craft. The Fake Wife by Sharon Bolton is published in hardback by Orion, priced €24.99 The Fake Wife by Sharon Bolton is an edge-of-yourseat psychological suspense novel that draws you in and constantly surprises you. We’re introduced to Olive, who is dining alone at a restaurant, and a stranger, who sits down at Olive’s table and pretends to be her wife. The game turns dangerous, with secrets and lies unfolding. The more we learn about Olive’s life and marriage to MP Michael Anderson, the more the façade of her happily married life slips, and the tangled web start to unravel. Kidnapping, murder, lies, stolen jewels and retribution weave through the novel linking storylines and timespans. Although the novel starts slow, and some of the decisions Olive makes are baffl ing, her fl awed character is one you can connect and empathise with. A good read with great characters, that will shock and keep you turning the pages. NON-FICTION Taking Back My Power by Georgia Harrison is published in hardback by Renegade Books, priced €23.75 In her debut book, former Love Island and The Only Way Is Essex star Georgia Harrison speaks to the younger generation, inspiring hope for change and earnestly warning of the dangers of social media. The 28-yearold does not shy away from her struggles after reporting Stephen Bear for sharing intimate footage of her online, or the impact of navigating a legal system that currently requires a proof of intent to cause distress in revenge porn cases. Bear, a winner of Channel 5’s Celebrity Big Brother, was jailed earlier this year and Harrison’s journey does not end there. Her eloquence during the court case, which she details, propelled her into campaigning on sexual violence and work with MPs on the Online Safety Act. She also brought to the attention of an audience, raised on reality TV, the dangers of the current internet environment where everything can be shared instantly. CHILDREN’S BOOK OF THE WEEK The Incredible Adventures of Gaston Le Dog by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Viviane Schwarz, is published in hardback by Walker Books, priced €16.25 Former Children’s Laureate, Michael Rosen, has struck gold again with this charming short novel – perfect for young readers aged seven to nine. Gaston Le Dog is determined to head back to the wonderful beach he remembers from long ago, though he has doubts about leaving his friends behind. As he embarks on an adventure, he fi nds himself helped along the way by new friends, including a hedgehog called Hérisson. But the journey isn’t always easy and the array of animals get into all manner of scrapes. So, will they make it to the beach? And what will they learn about themselves and the world along the way? Rosen, who pledged to fi nish this tale during his long recovery from covid, has based the story on characters he used to describe to his young son. It’s true to say it’s been worth the wait. WW By Prudence Wade, PA Fourth Estate, priced €24.99 It’s the not-too-distant future even Bosch, is safe. It may be a slightly formulaic genre, but this is nevertheless yet another slick blockbuster of a legal-detective thriller from a master of his craft. The Fake Wife by Sharon Bolton is published in hardback by Orion, priced €24.99 The Fake Wife seat psychological suspense Taking Back My Power
WOMANSWAY.IE 47 HOT LIST By Niamh O’Reilly Many of us will sit down together and watch movies like Harry Potter at this time of year. Family epics that entertain all generations, with amazing stories that transport us off to another time and place. Rarely do we think of much beyond that. We almost never think about the stunt people who do the jaw-dropping set pieces that help make a fi lm the spectacle it is. This moving and insightful documentary aims to change that. The title is a reference to the phrase given to Harry Potter after he survives an encounter with the villain Voldemort who killed his parents. Harry is then known as the ‘boy who lived’ - special, powerful, and unique. David Holmes, the subject of this documentary, is a person who is also all those things. Holmes was cast as the stuntman for Daniel Radcliffe in the Harry Potter movies. Over the course of a decade the two worked together until the fi lming of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, when a stunt David was performing on set went tragically wrong and left him paralysed with a devastating spinal injury. As a young boy, David was a gifted gymnast who had a passion for everything fast-paced. He always wanted to be a stunt man. We see him literally throwing himself into the world of action at every available opportunity. The Harry Potter stunt role was his big break. We see him side-byside with Radcliffe performing incredible stunts and then Radcliffe doing a safer version. Over the fi lms, the boys strike up a close bond. One that was tested to its limit. The screen fades to black before the accident, and the fallout is devastating to watch. The young David in a hospital bed, Radcliffe wracked with guilt and worry. Seeing David go from a vivacious, active young man to someone who is paralysed and bed-bound is about as sad as you can imagine. The effect it had on the crew and his friends and family is equally impactful. The guilt and the ongoing concern are very real, as we see the prospect of David’s condition deteriorating. However, what shines through is David’s positive spirit. He is often the one who is giving emotional comfort to those around him. His determination not to let the accident defi ne him is admirable. He talks very much about trying to be present, to be in the moment, to show up and make his life count, and through his actions and his enduring friendship with Radcliffe and many of his other fi lm and crew friends, it’s an undeniable story of hopefulness and inner strength. WW David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived is available on Sky Documentaries and Now TV Friendship, strength and courage are put to the test in this moving documentary about Harry Potter's stunt double. Boy David Holmes and Daniel Radcliffe in David Holmes: The Boy Who Lived The Who Lived Stuntman David Holmes
48 WOMANSWAY.IE CINEMA TRIP Wonka Willy Wonka is a fi ctional character that holds a lot of mystery for most people. Paul King’s new origin fi lm tries to get to the bottom of what made Wonka into such an unusual personality. Timothée Chalamet stars as the young man himself, who against all odds, is determined to become a famous inventor of the world’s best chocolate. His mum is played by the brilliant Sally Hawkins, and the rest of the cast includes big names like Olivia Coleman, Rowan Atkinson and Hugh Grant, rather oddly as an oompa-loompa. It’s got lots of big musical set pieces and eye-catching effects. While it may never reach the heights of the Gene Wilder 1971 classic fi lm Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, it’s worth remembering that it’s not trying to steal its thunder and is good enough to stand on its own two feet. In cinemas now Next Goal Wins Who doesn’t love a sporting underdog story? This one stars our own Michael Fassbender, playing very much against type, as heavy drinking, embattled football coach Thomas Rongen. Down on his luck, he is sent off to coach football's whipping boy, American Samoa. The team’s abysmal record saw them lose 31-0 to It’s the busiest time of the year for the box and the big screen, and Niamh O’Reilly’s got lots to entertain you over the next fortnight. Michael Fassbender in Next Goal Wins Timothé e Chalamet in Wonka Australia. Loosely based on a true story, Next Goal Wins is co-written and directed by the zany Taika Waititi. As such, the fi lm comes with his oddball signature stylings and is not your
WOMANSWAY.IE 49 HOT LIST Jessie Buckley and Riz Amid in Fingernails _Photo_0103.jpg typical underdog story. The humour might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it is a slice of lighthearted fun for a festive cinema trip. In cinemas December 26 STREAMING PICKS Leave the World Behind There's a very timely feeling about this endof-days style fi lm. In the past it was asteroids or aliens that were the subject of our fear. These days it’s AI and cyberattacks that fi ll us with dread. Amanda (Julia Roberts) and her husband Clay (Ethan Hawke) are on a weekend away in a snazzy house in the woods with their two children, Rose (Farrah Mackenzie) and Archie (Charlie Evans). All is going fairly well, bar a few odd incidents, until the man who owns the rented house, G.H. (Mahershala Ali) and his daughter Ruth (Myha’la Herrold) arrive at the front door with news of a cyberattack. Amanda and Clay have never met the owners of the house, so with the wi-fi gone, they are unable to verify his identity. Then the power goes and they are suddenly all out of communications. With strange things like wild deer coming to the back door in their droves and the realisation that civilisation might just be crumbling around them, the tension rapidly rises. It’s a really enjoyable thriller that will leave you full of what ifs. Streaming now on Netfl ix Jessie Buckley and Riz Ahmed in Fingernails Fingernails Starring brilliant Irish actress Jessie Buckley, Fingernails is a quirky comedy movie with a sci-fi edge. Set in a slightly alternative world, couples can extract a fi ngernail and have it analysed in an institute to determine whether or not they are in love. The idea is that it takes the risk out of romance. It gives couples an absolute answer and will eradicate things like heartbreak or divorce. Buckley plays Hannah who is in a long-term relationship with Ryan (Jeremy Allen White). They tick along fi ne, but it’s not exactly fi reworks. Hannah begins working at the testing institute and fi nds herself drawn to colleague Amir, played by Riz Ahmed. Things get complicated and we start to wonder can love ever really fully be decided upon by a machine no matter how sophisticated it is? Streaming on AppleTV+ PODCAST How To Gael If you’ve ever wanted to try and speak a bit more Irish then this new bilingual podcast could be for you. Hosted by TV presenters Doireann Ní Ghlacáin, Louise Cantillon and Síomha Ní Ruairc, it brings the idea of the cúpla focal to life in a very relaxed way. There is no talk of the dreaded modh coinníollach, instead it’s the warm, everyday sort of chats you’d have with your own friends. Great for car listening or when you’re out on a walk. Available wherever you get your podcasts CLASSIC FILM The Family Stone (2005) Those of us who have had to spend the festive holidays with the in-laws will fi nd a lot to relate to in The Family Stone. Sarah Jessica Parker stars as Meredith, a rather tightly wound New Yorker who goes home with boyfriend Everett for the Christmas holidays. Everett’s family are the opposite to the reserved Meredith. Both loud and overwhelming, she fi nds it hard to settle in and make a good impression. Predictably, things take a turn for the comedic. There are some very funny and cringe moments and there’s brilliant casting too, with Diane Keaton as Everett’s mum and Luke Wilson as his brother. If nothing else, it will make you feel a little better about your own family's festive quirks. WW Mahershala Ali, Myha’la Herrold, Julia Roberts and Ethan Hawke in Leave the World Behind
LETTERS 50 WOMANSWAY.IE Online... womansway.ie Subscribe... 01 240 5363 Email... [email protected] Facebook... facebook.com/womansway Twitter... twitter.com/Womans_way LETTER EMAIL DETAILS For the moment, we are asking you to send us all your letters and pictures to [email protected]. We love to hear from you so please stay in touch. STAR LETTERPRIZE One lucky star letter winner will win the Wella Deluxe Care & Shine Giftset worth €27 and the Wella Deluxe Styling Giftset worth €28. Give your hair a spa day with the Wella Deluxe Care & Shine Giftset, containing the ultimate routine for caring and nourishing your hair. The set contains two leave-in conditioning treatments and an oil-infused cream gel that gives extra strong hold and defi nition without stickiness. With the Wella Deluxe Styling Giftset you can have ultimate styling and protection. The set contains a pre-styling serum to help repair your hair from within, and a strong hold mousse and hairspray with KERASHIELD 5. Available in Dunnes Stores and pharmacies nationwide. Kinda annoying I listen to the radio a lot and can't help noticing this phrase 'kind of' 'kinda' having crept in to our everyday language. I hear the most articulate grammatically correct people using this phrase, sometimes three times in one sentence. I shudder in horror when I hear myself unconsciously using 'kinda' as I refuse to allow my speech to be permeated. My Dad, who was a stickler for the correct usage of the English/Irish language, would correct me. As would my Aunt. Elaine Elliott, Co Meath which in and of itself is probably an excuse because when I do get fresh air I have to admit I get a boost. So I was interested to read your article about lung health. As someone who smoked for much of my youth, I was under the impression that once the tissue was damaged there was nothing you could do. I suppose the body has a great way of adapting and evolving and it’s never too late to look after yourself, at pretty much every level. Thanks for the pick-me-up Woman’s Way. Paula Pearse, Dublin Give the Gifi of Books Really enjoyed the book round up you did, I got some great gift ideas from the Coffee Table section for that special someone who’s nearly impossible to buy for. I have to say my ideal present would be a gift card to use in one of the independent bookshops in a town I have yet to visit. I can’t think of a better way to do some sightseeing than amble towards the local bookshop. I remember the old Murder Ink on Dawson Street where I used to fi nd all of my thrillers and spy novels. I could spend hours browsing before picking up a copy to buy. They say not to judge a book by its cover, but that’s always my fi rst criteria. Then I read the back to see what it’s about, and the fi rst few paragraphs. If those three stars align, I’ve found my novel. Although, sadly, not all of the fi ction books end as strongly as they start. The silver Breathe Deep Over the years, I’ve started to fi nd the cold weather makes it hard for me to breathe and these days I’m less likely to go outdoors. Not just for that reason but for fear of slipping and hurting myself, Loved your interview with Una, she sounds like she’s doing so well juggling her career and her home life. It’s funny how celebrities seem to inhabit their own realm but they’re just like us in many ways. I found Una came across as really down to earth, a normal person living in Thurles going through her own trials and tribulations. She sounds like a great mum and I wish her the best of luck. Mary Donnelly lining? The thrill of the chase to fi nd the perfect script. Martha Payton, Co Kildare Festive Air Fryer Feast Thanks for the air fryer recipes, super simple and easy, and healthy... I always fi nd it hard to avoid processed foods, especially around the holidays as there is such a high demand for nibbles. But the air fryer is brilliant for quick and easy recipes that include just a few ingredients. Which means this year I managed to avoid buying frozen party food. So keep the air fryer recipes coming, I liked all the ones I tried so far. Aine Cullen nourishing your hair. The set contains two leave-in conditioning Available in Dunnes Stores and pharmacies nationwide. Kinda annoying I listen to the radio a lot and can't help noticing this phrase 'kind of' 'kinda' having crept in to our everyday language. I hear the most articulate grammatically correct people using this phrase, sometimes three times