STYLEWATCH | MAXMARA

As I mentioned in a previous blog, one of the biggest events on Ireland’s social calendar in the first half of 2017 was an exclusive fashion show by luxury Italian design house Max Mara, as it brought its full Spring/Summer 2017 collection from the catwalks of Milan to Belfast City Hall in support of leading learning disability charity Positive Futures. I was more than delighted to be part of the management team for this event, producing the show alongside the creative director Andreas Stavrou from BaByliss and Nina Walls, owner of the Max Mara store in Belfast, who put on the show.

Here I take a look at who wore what to this event - and there were definitely some super stylish ladies in the audience. And the best dressed wore Max Mara. Of course!

The event was hosted by kind permission of the Right Hon the Lord Mayor Alderman Brian Kingston, who supports Positive Futures and make up for the show was by Charlotte Tilbury with hair by international session stylist Richard Phillipart for BaByliss. 

All photography courtesy of Brendan Gallagher

MAKE UP FOREVER? HELL YEAH!

Towards the end of last year, multi-award-winning Irish artist Paddy McGurgan celebrated being awarded the UK franchise of iconic French make up brand MAKE UP FOREVER. I was so personally pleased for Paddy, because quite a few years ago, just before he started his Belfast make up studio and retail adventure, I travelled to Paris with him to meet with the MAKE UP FOREVER people at their amazing HQ in the centre of Paris. I was both his translator and guide as well as just a buddy on a #roadtrip and we had some nice times there.  Paddy has come a long way since – with many accolades under his belt as well as, I’m sure, volumes of stories from his make up journey. Having just worked with Paddy again last week under Charlotte Tilbury for Max Mara and again next week as Paddy’s team joins us backstage at FASHIONWEEK for KARAJA, I am delighted to be collaborating with such a talented guy.

But for now, back to the launch, where I was invited into the MAKE UP PRO store to have my make up done with a selection of the MAKE UP FOREVER products, and I finally made it in at the beginning of February, when I had my make up done for a magazine and blog shoot in my office.

Here’s the scoop:

Any good make up artist worth his or her salt will always start with a primer, and Ellen (Belfast - Head Artist at Make Up Pro Store)  gave me THREE!. She kicked off with a Smoothing Primer by MAKE UP FOREVER (£25.50) which can be applied with your fingers but she used Make up Pro Store Duo Fibre Brush No.1 (£15.00) because it optimises the product application and helps to smooth out any open pores, taking away fine lines, and giving the wearer a smooth base. Then Ellen applied Base Eclat by MAKE UP ATELIER (£22.50), which is an amazing product applied under foundation to give a kind of a glow from within; this is ideal for anyone who finds their skin dry and dull and would like to inject some dew and life back into their skin again, without the designer price tag.  Next up was the MAKE UP ATELIER HD Airbrush Blush in the shade Naked (£14.00). It is a more intense primer to what the Base Eclat is, so they are more or less the same but really brighten up certain areas such as the top of the cheekbones giving them a radiant shine. So finally, after 3 layers of primer (am I really that bad?!!) she went in with the MAKE UP FOREVER Lift Concealer in the shade Number One (£19.95)  which is amazing for brightening underneath the eyes. It lifts and brightens underneath, and is especially good for anyone who is conscious of fine lines or wrinkles under the eye , as it is a lightweight liquid product so does not sit any fine lines or porous areas.

The foundation used was natural beige MAKE UP STUDIO in Face it Light (£24.50) which gives a really full coverage, especially if you want something nice and soft. Then the MAKE UP STUDIO Contour Palette (£37.50)  gave some shape before the powders.

To set the make up underneath the eyes, Ellen used the super matte loose powder by MAKE UP FOREVER powder, (£32.50)  because even though we were going for a dewy look, we still needed to make sure that under the eyes don’t crease. This was applied by using a large powder brush and pressing the loose powder to set the foundation, then, very lightly, using the top of the brush buff the powder onto the skin in light circular motions, so to allow the skin to appear flawless.  

For the smoky eye effect  Ellen  started with a transition colour MAKE UP FOREVER Eyeshadow Refill M-720 Apricot £14.50)  just to find out where she wanted to go with my shape. The transition colour is what takes the eye from my natural skin colour into heavier, smokier lid. It’s the base colour; and the colours recommended to me for my eye colour and for the occasion (a blog shoot at my office) were warm brown or cream eyeshadow colours. Then, some dark brown or black was added to the base of the lid to give it that real smoky effect, blending upwards with medium browns, to finally the lighter colours on the lid.  It takes a lot of blending and careful wrist twisting to get the look just right – I was on the make up seat for a good hour on this occasion (she was definitely perfecting her look!!) When I asked Ellen what brushes she recommended or that she used on me, she said her go-to brushes had to be a mixture of Zoeva Eyeshadow Set £75.00 and a few Make up Pro Store No.19 brush (£11.50).   

Finally, for the nude lip, we went with a dark lip liner, MAKE UP FOREVER Aqua Lip Liner in shade 5C (£18.50) which I loved. This is a real handbag must-have as it is waterproof, lasts longer and can withstand an all day wear!  I usually wear dark brown or a dark pink (Oak OR Stone by MAC are among my faves) and follow it up with a nice light gloss. The gloss we used on this occasion was the MAKE UP FOREVER Plexi Gloss (£19.50) because it’s got really strong pigmentation which makes the nude stand out.

FROM ITALY TO IRELAND - MAX MARA BRINGS MILAN SHOW TO BELFAST

One of the biggest events on Ireland’s social calendar in the first half of 2017 was an exclusive fashion show by luxury Italian design house Max Mara, as it brought its full Spring/Summer 2017 collection from the catwalks of Milan to Belfast City Hall in support of leading learning disability charity Positive Futures. I was more than delighted to be part of the management team for this event, producing the show alongside the creative director Andreas Stavrou from BaByliss.

The event was hosted by kind permission of the Right Hon the Lord Mayor Alderman Brian Kingston, who supports Positive Futures and make up for the show was by Charlotte Tilbury with hair by international session stylist Richard Phillipart for BaByliss. 

Nina Walls, owner of the Max Mara store in Belfast, commented: “The fashion show was inspired by architect, designer and intellectual Lina Bo Bardi in a fusion of creative, radical passion. Bo Bardi was a woman with a vision years ahead of her time who embodied Latin America’s compelling take on modernism; at once rational and sensual, sleek and luxuriant, athletic and sultry, hi-tech and artisanal. For modern women with big ideas, the Max Mara Spring Summer 2017 collection proposes a new blend of voluptuous modernity: intelligent, audacious, sexy fashion with a lifespan as long as Bo Bardi’s designs.”

The collection oozed international appeal, with tropical prints and hi-tech fabrics alongside wooden clogs and visors.

Bo Bardi was connected to Tropicalia, the avant-garde cultural movement whose touchstone was the ultimate exotic icon, Carmen Miranda. The eponymous 1968 album “Tropicália: ou Panis et Circensis” by a group of artists including Bardi’s friends, Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil, and Gal Costa, was a landmark musical manifesto and makes for a soundtrack that swings to Max Mara’s chica boom beat.

Design is often said to be about pulling order out of chaos but Bo Bardi wasn’t all scared of letting chaos in. Her quasi-brutalist concrete and plate glass structures would be incomplete without the rainforest that grows around (and through them). The profuse flora and fauna that she adored inspire lush prints, sliced into patchworks that echo the precise geometry of her architecture. Torn layers of propaganda posters echo the tumult of design, culture and politics into which Bo Bardi threw herself.

Bo Bardi created some mouth-watering design classics. The ‘Bola de Latao’ chairs she installed in her home, ‘Casa de Vidro’, look as good today as they did in 1951, in wellworn tan leather, with restrained saddle stitching - which appears too on luxe suedes, double faces and the new BoBag.

Like Max Mara, Bo Bardi loved those traditional leather crafts, but she embraced new technology too. Max Mara borrows high performance jerseys and nylons from the sports arena for glamorous bodycon dresses, bodies and combinations with heat sealed construction. A structured mesh gives a hi-tech makeover to Max Mara’s own design icon, the 101801. Shiny new Lina sunglasses and Bardi-esque wooden soled techno-clogs completed the look.

All in all one of the best international collection fashion shows I’ve seen in Ireland.

All photographs courtesy of Stephen Potter

TRUFFLE HUNTING AT LAS PASTRAS, CADENET, (PROVENCE) FRANCE

My partner and I love fine wines and good food. And we are pretty heavy on 'stuff', so for Christmas gifts I always like to treat my better half to an experience - ideally involving some culture, food, physical activity and travel. After previous tasting trips to Champagne and cooking courses in Paris, I decided a truffle hunt was the way to go this past Christmas - and it didn't disappoint. I came across Las Pastras on TripAdvisor and booked, then rebooked and chopped & changed 3 times due to work commitments. Thankfully our hosts were accommodating and flexible (or maybe just used to people like us) and we eventually made it to Provence on the last weekend for truffle hunting towards the end of February. There was a mistral wind blowing despite some sunshine, so thankfully we were well wrapped up.

We knew we were going to someone's home and that the home was in a rural environment, so others making the trip should bear this in mind. It's not luxury, in the full five star sense, but it is truly lovely :-)  Johann met us up his lane after our Google Maps app took us exactly to his almost secret home location. We heard the stories of why it is secret - and I don't want to spoil the visit for anyone else who comes, but think Peter Mayle-like stories of local suspicion and conspiracy around such simple things as food (albeit a very expensive foodstuff in terms of the fruits of this precious 'terre'). We then met the dogs - Madeline the elder female was definitely the boss, and we followed their noses to the roots of the oaks to seek out and find the precious cargo of what was almost 1kg of truffles.

After 3 hours of walking, talking and learning about birds, bees, organic farming and the Provençal way of life, we got down to some eating and Champagne quaffing alongside truffles with cheese, truffles with bread and butter and much more! Thankfully, there are not volumes and tomes of info like a wine trip, so I don’t think we’ll forget the info like we have done after visiting wine regions, because truffle farming is a lot about skill, but even more so about a lucky set of natural circumstances. Plus, Johann really welcomed questions of all types -  and I was full of them! This trip was a pleasure - and we left owning (or adopting) an oak tree with the promise of an annual batch of our own truffles for dinner parties at home! It was a wonderful learning experience and not one we’ll forget quickly.

Later that night we ate in a delicious Michelin star restaurant but the next day we burned a good bit of it all off with a dynamic trek to the summit of Mont Sainte Victoire... This is most definitely a trip for foodies and those willing to learn.

Read about the rest of our French antics here on the blog…

SPRING INTO SPA AT HASTINGS

There’s little haste at Hastings Culloden Spa – and rightly so, it was a total den of zen for me recently as I tried out their new Spring Spa Experience which has been carefully tailored to ease the face and body out of “hibernation” and refresh and revive skin in preparation for summer.

The package, which is also available at Hastings Slieve Donard Spa in Newcastle, includes a grapefruit and cypress ESPA full body scrub using salt and oil, followed by a revitalising ESPA facial, plus an uplifting scalp massage as well as full use of the spa facilities and a light lunch served in the Zest Juice Bar. The total treatment lasts 1 hour 20 minutes and costs £105 or £135 on Saturdays and Sundays. I was super self-indulgent and upgraded my experience to include a full body massage – and boy was it worth it! I almost floated out of the spa and had the most relaxing, deep sleep that night as well as fresh skin the next morning.

Here’s my step by step:

The treatment begins with ESPA’s ‘detoxifing salt scrub’, a stimulating ritual for renewed radiance.  Its refining natural sea salt and oils gently sweeps away dull cells while invigorating grapefruit, cypress and eucalyptus stimulate circulation and help eliminate toxins.

This is the exfoliation of the ancients and it’s the least pleasant part of the treatment, truth be told, but probably the most beneficial, as it removes dead skin cells and really pumps blood to the surface of the skin, boosting circulation and overall bloodflow to give super powered skin texture and tone.

Detoxifying salt scrub- £37

Detoxifying salt scrub- £37

After a refreshing shower to wash away the salt scrub (this is a DIY bit by the way!) Ilay back down for a revitalising ESPA facial using the ESPA skincare range, and mytherapist tailored my facial to my own skin’s needs.  My therapist Nicole used the following ESPA products on my skin during my facial:

While my facemask melted into the skin and worked its magic, I had an uplifting oriental scalp massage using the award-winning ‘pink hair and scalp mud’ containing apricot kernel oil and red clay to nourish, strengthen and promote healthy, manageable hair.

Pink hair and scalp mud £33

Pink hair and scalp mud £33

Then I upgraded my treatment to include a luxurious full body massage using ESPA aromatherapy body oils to either sooth the mind and body.

ESPA aromatherapy body oil- £33

ESPA aromatherapy body oil- £33

To recap: the Spring Awakening Experience includes:

– Grapefruit and Cypress ESPA Full Body Scrub

– Revitalising ESPA Facial

– Uplifting Scalp Massage

– Plus use of robe, slippers and towels, a delicious light lunch in the Juice Bar and full use of the Spa facilities (pool, sauna, jacuzzi)

Total Treatment duration 1 hour 20 minutes

Spa at Culloden..................... £105 Monday–Friday

Spa at Slieve Donard.......... £115 Monday–Friday

Oh, Go On... Spoil Yourself!

Upgrade to include a Full Body Massage (an extra 55 minutes) for only £70 more

OR

Upgrade to include a Back Massage (an extra 25 minutes) for only £35 more

OR

Extend the luxury with an overnight stay...

B&B from £105 pps at Culloden Estate and Spa

B&B from £75 pps at Slieve Donard Resort and Spa

£30 supplement applies for Saturdays & Sundays at both Spas.

For Reservations

The Spa at Culloden on 028 9042 1135

The Spa at Slieve Donard on 028 4372 6166

hastingshotels.com

hastingshotels.com/spa

FAMILY | LITTLE PEOPLE MAKING BIG FASHION STATEMENTS

This article also featured in NI4Kids Magazine & www.NI4kids.co.uk  

The new season is here, and with it, a spring in its fashionable step.  In this week’s blog I talk prepping your littleuns’ wardrobes for some serious summer fun.

I’m sure, like me, many of you are in Whatsapp or Facebook Messenger chats with other parents who share stories as well as parenting tips and life hacks. Mine are quite often hilarious, but also offer some serious tit-bits of info and advice that I have found to be invaluable at certain times.

One thing we’re all talking about at the minute is summer schemes, Easter activities and February half term to-dos. And as it’s my first year of Valentina having a school uniform, I have all of a sudden found that her wardrobe is full of clothes which don’t get worn so much anymore and are getting a wee bit small, so I am longing for occasions to actually wear all her pretty clothes before they just don’t fit anymore. Or just sell those ones on eBay and buy more - which is my usual strategy.

So while I sat last weekend with a whole myriad of leaflets, flyers - and even spreadsheets - planning, let’s face it, a better social life for my daughter than my own, I digressed to a few online shops and created a bit of a best-buy list for SS17 for this blog.  Be it a lunch date with Nana or a week long summer camp full of activities, these top picks should help you cover all bases.

For me, there’s one children’s brand out there that nails all things fashion for kids, and that’s Boden. Season after season they score all the goals with the perfect mix of practical and pretty; and I for one have dressed Valentina in their clothes almost exclusively since she was a tot. 

I’m a big lover of colour for kids, so I’m always delighted to flick through the Boden catalogue and see vibrant colour blocking and bright prints abound alongside frills and florals for little princesses - with rockets, stars and animal appliques that are sure to make the little men in our lives stand out in the crowd too. 

Already in my online basket is the cutest Blue and Yellow Heart Pocket Jersey Dress, £20, with spots, stripes and little contrasting heart pockets, perfect for stashing treats, it’s bang-on-trend and, when paired with the yellow and white Spot Fun Leggings, (£14), it makes for an adorable ensemble.  I also couldn’t go past these canvas high-tops, £35, exactly what I was looking for for Valentina’s boyfriend’s birthday present - yes, she has a boyfriend. At age 5.  In bright white these shoes will go with every outfit in any mini man’s wardrobe and the contrast pop art hues give them a super cool edge. With run-faster stripes and shouty slogans, the kids will love them too.

Canvas High Tops £35 at Boden

Canvas High Tops £35 at Boden

Swimming lessons and beach days are sure to be in the mix come summertime, and I’ve completely fallen in love with the Rainbow Frill Swimsuit from Marks & Spencer, an absolute bargain at £10 and available for ages 0-5, perfect for my little mermaid.  And even though I’ve no boys, I am sure any boy will feel every bit the superhero with this Spiderman Sunsafe suit, £14, a purchase that’s both super cool and super practical, ideal for summer sunshine holidays.

Rainbow Frill Swimsuit £10 at M&S

Rainbow Frill Swimsuit £10 at M&S

Something a little sweeter for a day of picnics and tea parties with the grandparents is this pretty and pink disco sparkle swan dress, £36.  Crafted with a jersey bodice and a twinkly tulle skirt - so it’s not only bang-on-trend, but the embellished neckline and sparkly waistband gives her the gift of girly glitter.  All that’s missing is a tiny tiara! 

Disco Sparkle Swan Dress £36 at Monsoon

Disco Sparkle Swan Dress £36 at Monsoon

If your little dude is too cool for school, let him rock it out in this cute denim shirt from Zara, a bargain at only £12 and easily dressed up or down.  Button it up with a pair of chinos on bottom and some cool booties to boot, or style it out with shorts, open shirt, white tee and Converse; taking him from day to disco. 

Denim Shirt, £13 at Zara

Denim Shirt, £13 at Zara

Discos aren’t the only partying that tiny tots seem to have lined up these days; let’s not forget the utopian idea of a pyjama party - as long as it’s at someone else’s house, thanks to that mummy in your friends’ group who swoops in with the suggestion of an overnight stay.  At last, a BREAK!

Gingham is one of my favourite trends this season, it’s practical and easy to wear for all, so when I spotted these pink gingham pyjamas in Next, £13, 100% cotton and with a cute collar in tow, it was straight into the shopping basket.  A similar offering for the boys comes from Marks & Spencer this season, in a traditional grey and white print, keeping him on trend from only £14.

And on the subject of pyjamas, I think it’s time for bed for me. Goodnight!

FASHION | BODY SHAPE FEATURE

Apple, Pear, Pencil? Which body shape are you? We all come in different shapes and sizes: And, according to stylist and Belfast FASHIONWEEK director Cathy Martin, knowing your shape is the first step in finding out how to make the most of your body. Once you know how what to highlight and what to hide, you can hit the shops with confidence. And best of all, with the right clothing know-how, you’ll even be able to turn an apple into an hour glass or a petite princess into a leggy lovely.

Cathy’s first piece of advice - self love. “Take a long, hard and very honest look at yourself in the mirror. Naked if possible. These days we all have way too much self-loathing for my liking, and we will likely be drawn to things we don’t like first, but as you look over the bits you dislike - be they a wobbly tummy or a big behind - try to focus also on bits that you do like - including facial attributes like eyes and smile. And then remember that fashion can be a tool - a weapon even - in your armoury of the day to give you confidence, add height, strike off inches and much more. It takes practice to know what works for you. For me, I avoid busy prints and stick to solid colours in hues that suit my skin tone. I streamline my (apple) silhouette & add height and length where I can. I hope my tips can help others.” Read on to find out more.

 

YOU’RE A PENCIL BODY SHAPE IF:

•You have similar measurements for your boobs, waste & hips.

•Your legs are longer than your torso.

•Your legs and arms tend to be slender.

AT-A-GLANCE CLOTHING GUIDE

•Bright shift dresses highlight your slender frame. Try necklines that widen your upper half, as this will shrink your hips and bottom.

•Belts transform your pencil into an hour glass.

•Dresses that cling to every curve give great shape. A little cardigan or jacket adds oomph up top.

•Structured jackets, shirts and coats that nip in at the waste are great for you.

•Brightly coloured tops with slim black trousers give you endless legs and a curvy top half.

YOU’RE A PETITE BODY SHAPE IF:

•You’re 5ft 3in or under.

•You have short legs.

•You have a short torso.

•You have a slim waist.

•You have narrow hips

AT-A-GLANCE CLOTHING GUIDE – PETITE

•Dresses in simple shapes and bold colours make you appear taller. Pile your hair up high and get into hats.

•High-waisted flares give you the illusion of longer legs. With denim, go for a snug fit as baggy jeans can drown you.

•Heels are a must. Shoes the same colour as your legs or tights give the illusion of longer legs. Platforms when you’re in trousers or jeans are perfect.

•For a really luxurious look go for a satin blouse and pencil skirt, some heels and fishnets!

YOU’RE AN HOUR GLASS BODY SHAPE IF:

•Your boobs are the same measurement as your hips.

•Your waist is much smaller than your hips.

•You have shapely, broad shoulders.

•You have shapely legs that end with neat little ankles.

AT-A-GLANCE CLOTHING GUIDE – HOURGLASS

•Dark denim will slim your hips and bum. The darker your jeans or trousers the smaller you’ll seem. Big back pockets will make your bum look even smaller.

•A V-neck will elongate your neck, perk up your boobs and show off your cleavage.

•Fitted waistcoats or other waist-cinched tops will emphasise your waist.

•Height will always flatter your figure so heels are great for you.

•Pull your hair into a ponytail and accessorise with big dangly earrings to highlight your shoulders & draw attention upwards

•Belts with every outfit will highlight your tiny waist.

YOU’RE A TALL AND LONG BODY SHAPE IF:

•You’re more than 5ft 8in.

•You have long slender legs and a long upper body.

•Your arms are long and slim.

•Your shoulders are narrow.

AT-A-GLANCE CLOTHING GUIDE – TALL AND LONG

•A maxi dress is the ultimate style for the tall and long girl. Wear a bright colour and flaunt your sexy shoulders.

•A belted funnel-neck coat with a waist cinching belt gives gorgeous curves. A frill-edge coat adds femininity.

•Knee-length boots give shape to the calves.

YOU’RE A PEAR BODY SHAPE IF:

•You have small, pert breasts.

•You have a long waist.

•You have a flattish tummy.

•Your shoulders are narrower than your hips.

•You’re a size larger on the bottom than you are on top.

•You have largish thighs and shortish legs.

AT-A-GLANCE CLOTHING GUIDE – PEAR

•Bootcut jeans and trousers will balance out your hips and thighs.

•Straight leg, high-waisted trousers elongate your bottom half. Look for lengths that hit the floor and team with heels for a sexy, powerful shape.

•Dresses with a belt accentuate your waist. Structured shift dresses highlight your waist whilst gently skimming your hips and bum.

•Hats take attention away from your hips. A beret adds a shot of Parisian chic, whereas a funky trilby is a cheeky ‘look-at-me’ accessory.

YOU’RE AN APPLE BODY SHAPE IF:

•Your hips and bum are slightly smaller in width than your chest and tummy.

•You have a rounded tummy.

•Your arms are slim and long.

•You have well-shaped, slender legs.

•You have large boobs.

AT-A-GLANCE CLOTHING GUIDE – APPLE.

•Leggings and skinny jeans streamline your legs and, teamed with a loose fitting A-line or trapeze dress, trick the eye into thinking your entire body is long and thin.

•High-waisted pencil skirts with big wide belts hold you in and give you an hourglass waist.

•Short loose dresses or tunics show off your legs and arms while concealing your stomach.

•A-line or swing coats are a great way to look shapely and stylish in cold weather.

•Strappy high heels make your lovely legs look even leggier.

This article first appeared in the @BelTel newspaper in February 2017

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FOOD | Storrs Hall Restaurant, Bowness, Lake Windemere

After a dawn start and a cold day in walking boots and sports gear we got dressed for dinner and came down from our bedroom to a lovely dining room (not super stuffy formal, just nice with white table linen and good glassware) and loved our meal from start to finish...

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We opted out of the ten course tasting menu, but between extra amuse-bouches and other inter-course delights we weren’t far off ten courses anyway, and each one was, in its own way, just perfect with excellently paired flavours and food combinations rarely found outside a Michelin-starred restaurant.

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The Scottish Maitre d' (didn’t get his name) deserves a special mention... His service was amazing... The knowledge he imparted was fantastic and he was friendly without being too familiar... I loved how he suggested a glass of Banyuls over a Port for my cheese board (which, by the way, was a choice I will always make from hereon in) and how he talked us through each dish without patrimony nor familiarity and involved himself as much as he thought our interest allowed (we were very interested in most ingredients and cooking techniques it is fair to say!)... He didn't push the tasting menu on us like some fine dining places do - and nor did he push big wines. The food itself was excellent - really Michelin-worthy & a real gourmet treat. This is definitely a place for foodies and gourmands. 

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Aside from the restaurant,  we loved the receptionist and the fire in the hall. Our only negative point would be that the hotel needs a good lick of paint to the exterior, but that didn't affect our stay whatsoever...

FOOD | HOME FARM RESTAURANT, HARROGATE

My partner and I stopped off in Harrogate after a snowy drive from Bowness in the Lake District across the dales and through the mountains. We were en route to York and found this place via a search on Trip Advisor and although it was a teeny bit tricky to locate (it was Sunday and the shop entrance was closed so we found the small entrance beside the phone box on Oxford Street after a phone call to the venue), and it was bloomin' lovely! 

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The staff members were super friendly and welcoming... The décor simple and farmhouse-y (which was the overall theme, in fact there was a lovely back story on the table mats - although I would love to know what became of the owner's mum) and the food, well, it was just awesome. 

I had the roasted whole poussin & my other half, the roast beef with Yorkshire puddings and all the trimmings. We weren't disappointed. The roasted root veg were great, almost honey-like in their sweetness, you could taste the purity in flavour and the provenance was obviously local and organic too. The Yorkshire puddings were massive and perfectly puffed. The wines were all organic and really flavoursome. 

All in all I would give an 8/10; and the 2 points off are only because I like a softer seat when I am eating - so I am being super fussy and maybe unkind as I wasn't uncomfortable at all. And the theme was, as I said, farmhouse kitchen - and most farmhouse kitchen chairs are wooden and hard of course... 

In short - our overall rating was... 

Food = 10/10, staff 10/10, atmosphere the same :-) 

Well done team. A lovely simple and wholesome meal.

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KEY TRENDS AT SS17 FASHIONWEEK

This week I am taking a quick peek at the hottest trends due to hit Ireland’s busiest catwalk this March.  

Back for its twenty-third season, my super stylish event Belfast FASHIONWEEK, kicks off from 23-26 March with a busy four day schedule, including nightly catwalk shows, the return of popular fashion & food fusion events like Sushi Saturday and Style Sunday, as well as the welcome addition of the Lavazza Style Saturday brunch.

As always, the full FASHIONWEEK schedule is available online at www.belfastfashionweek.com. Tickets for the main shows and the Lavazza brunch are priced at £20 (FROW is now SOLD-OUT) while Sushi Saturday (£35) and Style Sunday(£45) bookings – which include 3 courses of delicious food as well as fashion - are all available by calling 028 9042 1509.

Sassy in Stripes

Whether beetle-juice or bumble-bee, stripes are one of the hottest trends for the season.  Rock them super-sized or super-skinny; they’ll be sure to keep your look sassy this season.

Splash of Colour

Bold and bright colours are a staple for any fashionista out there this season.  Stun in full colour-drenching (head to toe in one colour - including tights and shoes!), or use contrasting fabrics to stand out amongst the fash-pack.

Summer Accessories

If you don’t want to block it; POP it!  (Colour, that is, of course). And what better way to add colour to your wardrobe, than with the ultimate SS17 accessory.

FOOD | RATATOUILLE - PROVENCE IN A POT

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a true Francophone-Francophile and, having studied, lived and worked there in the past, I could easily up sticks and move there again anytime if finances and circumstance ever allowed it. Aside from the great art, weather, landscapes and architecture, (oh, and handsome men!), one of my true loves is the country’s food.

The recent UK shortage of courgettes and aubergines has made me realise just how often I use these trusty Provençal vegetable staples, and I missed my regular ratatouille for a while there.

I have made ratatouille for many friends and family over the years - and I am astounded at how people assume it is difficult or complicated to make, when nothing could be further from the truth! It’s a big old peasant pot of wonder - and so full of goodness, as well as being 100% vegan and fantastically paleo, (until you add my extra ingredient of a chunk of cheese) without having to try. Men in my past (and present!) have initially turned their carnivorous noses up at it when I offer it as a dish in its entirety, served with cheese and baguette or just with some Puy lentils; but once tasted, you learn that this dish can be the bride and not always the bridesmaid, on the dinner plate. (It is also, however, exceedingly good with fish or meat it must be said).

I learnt my recipe from the half-Italian grandma of an Aixoise friend when I studied Sciences-Po at the Institut d’Etudes Politiques in Aix-en-Provence and I have decided to share it here once and for all, to counter any future typing up and emailing off the details to friends after they’ve been for supper, or I’ve brought it along to a BBQ or party.

NB - please note, if you’re a baker and work on exact portion sizes for cooking, this recipe is not for you. I cook with my eyes, nose and mouth - as well as my hands, so the ingredients and the proportions are all about what feels, smells, looks and tastes right to me.

The ingredients required are more or less as follows:
2 x large aubergines
2 x large courgettes
1 x red, 1 x yellow and 1 x green pepper (or orange, whatever colour is fresh and on sale)
2 x large onions
3-4 cloves of garlic
A punnet or two of fresh and quite ripe tomatoes - or 2 x tins of as good a tin of tomatoes as you can find.
A teaspoon (or more) of dried Herbes de Provence if you don’t have fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano
*Nonna’s extra ingredient is to add any parmesan cheese rinds or leftover bits of cheddar/Manchego or whatever tasty cheese you have lying in the larder.  And believe me, it does make a delightful difference, albeit a sway away from the purists’ recipes.

Basically, the key here is to chop and drop. You chop the vegetables (I would suggest that you do them in the above order) and put them into a large pot with a good dose of olive oil and about half of that of water. As aubergines are more or less like sponges, it may surprise you just how much oil you need, but I would say maybe 20ml at least and add as you stir to avoid any sticking to the pot, especially the sides of the pot. But don’t add too much though, as the excess oil will sit on the top (it’s lovely mopped up with fresh bread if you do make that mistake, however.)

Another mistake that people make is to add mushrooms. These are definitely not on the shopping list of any good Provençal maman that I know.  The texture doesn’t complement the other vegetables at all in my opinion…

Please note that you don’t have to chop everything all together  and then pop them in, because the time it takes to chop the courgettes will be enough time needed to let the aubergines enjoy the pot on their own for a bit, and so on. When it comes to the peppers, I tend to pop the stalk inside the fruit then pull them open with my hands, removing the white flesh and the seeds and just tearing them into rough pieces as opposed to measured chopping. Remember this is a peasant dish and isn’t supposed to be perfect, even if I have tasted and seen some pretty amazing Michelin-star versions of the dish which look like masterpieces.

Keep the pot on a low-ish heat once everything is in there and simmer for about an hour, adding the dried herbs before the hour long simmer, or if you’re using fresh herbs, then add these towards the end of the simmer.  

Add the cheese, if you wish, around now too, once the main cooking is done, then turn everything off and put the pot lid on - the vegetables will continue to stew beautifully and the aubergine will have all but disappeared to give a great texture to the soupy casserole.

If it’s cool enough, leave the pot out and enjoy this dish much later on, when the flavours have merged further.

Personally I prefer to make this a day before as it is a great ‘second day’ dish (like some mums’ lasagne, or other mums’ stews). It can be eaten cold, but I prefer it warm and with Puy lentils for a super-filling, healthy dish. Be warned though, between the lentils and the 100% veg content, you may bloat a little afterwards, but believe me, you should have the flattest tummy everthe next morning as this is wonderful stuff for the metabolism and gut health in general.

If you have kids who claim to not like vegetables or who don’t/won’t eat their veg, then pureeing some of this up and serving with pasta and grated cheese is a good way to get some vegetables and vitamins into them. My daughter absolutely loves it with pasta and also gorges on it with Puy lentils too. The pureed version also makes a great soup too, if you’re cooking for someone who prefers a bit less obvious roughage.

Bon appetit!

FACE | Biotulin versus Botox

I had Botox in 2009 and then again in 2012 after having Valentina (one of my friends gifted it to me as a baby shower present, can you believe that!?) but when that wore off I took a break for a while (because I got an age-defying/wrinkle-hiding fringe cut into my hair) until late last year when I decided I needed a little help to hide the fine wrinkles I had developed on my forehead… Not that there were many to be fair, I am so very thankfully blessed with my mum’s good skin genes, but my age was starting to show a wee bit having recently joined the fab forties; and I wholeheartedly admit that I wanted to keep the battered leather handbag effect at bay until at least 80.

That little blast of Botox has worn off now, (typically the effects last for 3-4 months), so I am pondering going again, but I am afraid of becoming reliant on it or liking it so much I can’t do without it. Is that wrong? Or is that silly? Of course the opposite of the aforementioned old leather handbag face effect is the Bride of Lichtenstein effect - and no one wants to look that overdone. I mean, what did she NOT have for crying out loud?!  So my theory is that when making Botox your  stop clock (or face freezer) of choice, make sure to choose an honest, well qualified practitioner who will not allow you to get overdone and who will responsibly look after your needs.

I highly recommend two practitioners who both come from a medical background - namely Martina Collins on the Lisburn Road in Belfast & the Rejuvenate mobile clinic by Dr McNally who works out of several clinics across NI. Martina has been featured on this blog before with all of her amazing superfacials and wünder treatments that I have trialled and reviewed, (you can find her via www.martinacollins.com) and as a dentist, she knows and understands the anatomy of the face inside out. Literally. When it comes to Botox and fillers, she is known for conservative and careful changes which don’t veer too dramatically from the natural ‘you’. Dr McNally’s website is at www.rejuvenateni.com and has loads of relevant information on all available products and treatments as well as a list of all host clinics across NI. New clients can also call 07701062597 if they prefer to book by phone.

The science behind Botox is that it is a natural, purified protein which reduces the activity of the muscles which cause lines to form over time.  It works by temporarily reducing the contractions of these muscles which cause permanent lines, thereby creating a smoother, rejuvenated appearance. Anti-wrinkle injections are mainly used for the face; most commonly in the forehead, the "11” lines between the eyebrows and the crows’ feet around the eyes. Botox is also offered for treating Hyperhidrosis (excess sweatingof the underarms.) 

Prices for Botox vary depending on practitioners, but small areas can be treated from as little as £120. Some points to note regarding pricing (at most clinics):

  • Both sides of eyes are counted as one area.

  • Forehead is one area

  • Between eye brows is 1 area

And you can have as many or as few areas as you like treated in one session.

For both Martina and Dr McNally, the treatments are carried out in a clinical environment with pre-testing and full consultations plus consent as pre-requisite.

In summary, I would say to go for it if you feel you need a lift. I personally don’t know of any horror stories, but I know there are some out there, and that’s why choosing an expert is key. It is pretty non-invasive as a treatment and the results are anything from good to great - but I think it is important to take a good look at your own face before your consultation and understand what you (think you) want. A good facial doctor will advise and suggest the correct bespoke treatment for you.

If you’re scared on needles, don’t stop reading(!) - this week I started trialling Biotulin - a fantastic bio-organic alternative to injectable Botox  - and the results have been great. It’s no wonder that often-photographed faces including Kate Middleton (I can’t get used to calling her Princess Catherine!) and Michelle Obama are fans. In fact, according to one Hollywood story, it was Kate Middleton who introduced the outgoing FLOTUS to the handy alternative to Botox.

In an interview with Celebrities Style Magazine, Carl Ray, make-up artist to Michelle Obama, revealed that she uses a bio Botox gel to combat wrinkles saying: “….On the recommendation of Kate Middleton, the First Lady uses this bio Botox gel on a regular basis. The effect is unbelievable. One of the constituents of this gel is Spilanthol, a biological local anesthetic extracted from the plant Acmella Oleracea (paracress). Biotulin, as this gel is called, smooths out wrinkles within just one hour.”  

So what exactly is Biotulin? Biotulin is a transparent gel. It smooths out wrinkles – the first results can be seen within just one hour. The result produced by the active ingredient Biotulin® is comparable to that achieved using Botox, yet it is much easier to use as it is applied directly onto the skin instead of being injected. It is available to buy online and costs €49.99 without the special roller and €59.99 with it…  I found this was great for a quick fix, but the effects don’t last more than an eight hour day or an evening out, you have to reapply to get the results each time. And that’s no bad thing, in fact it’s the perfect pre-going-out pick me up ever!

FACE | CLARINS CALLING

This month French beauty house Clarins brings out its limited edition Contouring Perfection Palette (£36) which comes with a specially shaped curve brush to give the ultimate contour to faces, whatever their shape.  This first contouring palette for the beauty giants will help to create flattering angles which will enhance features for a complexion that is luminous with defined contours and sculpted cheekbones.

The sleekly designed gold box contains three shades perfectly tailored to suit all skin tones. The formula is enriched with plant extracts to nourish the skin, whilst Clarins exclusive Anti-Pollution Complex protects from external aggressors.

Demo’s and trials are available on-counter at Clarins counters nationwide, but, in short, the way to achieve contouring perfection in three easy steps is, I’m told,  by using the matte beige to highlight and illuminate, bronze to add depth and contour and rose to add a pop of colour. And not a Kardashian face in sight.  Simple!

The full downlow is that the highlighting shade creates volume, brightens areas to be highlighted and illuminates the face. This shade should be applied to the arch of the eyebrow, under the eyes, and as a light touch on the upper and lower lip. The contouring shade allows you to hollow, sculpt and reshape your face through an optical effect. It is applied evenly to the forehead, moving down over the temples, beneath the cheekbones, the jawline, along the bridge of the nose and on the chin. The blush shade adds a healthy glow as a finishing touch to the apples of the cheeks. The palette includes a beautifully curved make-up brush which will hug facial contours - and allow for easy application too. Boom!

Also new from Clarins is the Instant Eye Reviver, Multi-Active Eye (15ml, £35 - available from February 2017). This fab new eye care product is inspired by the latest technological advances in plant power, and is aimed at  counteracting the effects of a stressful lifestyle. Late nights, trouble sleeping, hectic days… You know the drill. The ‘science bit’ of it can be explained by understanding that a hectic lifestyle and lack of sleep can lead to an overproduction of free radicals which attack and wear down the fibroblast, the cell responsible for a youthful eye contour, as well as damaging blood capillaries. When a fibroblast becomes worn out, it no longer plays its part in maintaining the skin’s youthfulness, leading to fine lines and a loss of radiance whilst damage to the blood capillaries can make them become more porous, leading to excessive leakage of blood pigments, causing visible damage to the eye contour (that’s when we say hola! to dark circles and puffiness).

The eye contour area is 3-5 times finer than the rest of the face, meaning that it is usually the first to show visible signs of ageing.  Clarins research has shown that the main concern of women in their 30’s & 40s, when it comes to their face, is the eye area, so the refreshing cream-gel texture infused with illuminating pigments, will even out and optically blur the look of fine lines to give an immediate smoothing effect. The cryo-metal tip instantly lightens and brightens the eye area, but users are advised to utilise the pads of the fingers first, applying the cream-gel, pressing lightly for a draining effect from the inner to the outer corner of the eye. Then the cryo-metal tip should be applied in the same way to provide a cooling, de-puffing effect, pressing lightly from the inner to the outer corner of the eye.

At the heart of this product lies teasel extract which is used in two innovative ways. Beneath its prickly exterior, teasel extract helps to revitalise and protect tired, stressed skin by encouraging the production of the energising molecule Adenosine Tri-Phosphate (ATP) that helps fight free radicals. And then there’s the encapsulated teasel extract. It’s complex to explain, but Clarins laboratories have used cutting edge technology to develop the Cell Targeting System in which teasel extract is encapsulated for the first time. Once protected from the harmful effects of a stressful lifestyle, the fibroblast is able to stay at full capacity to promote a youthful looking eye area. The encapsulation of the teasel means it directly targets and penetrates the fibroblast where it will release revitalizing teasel, making it 40% more effective in targeting and repairing the fibroblast than if it was not encapsulated.

The fatigue-fighting properties of teasel extract also limit the porosity of blood capillaries helping to fight dark circles and puffiness.

Can I order for life please?!

And just because I spent my late teens and most of my twenties using only Clarins, I thought a little recap from the ‘Multi-Active’ family was timely.

Multi-Active Range Multi-Active Day Cream for All Skin Types

Clarins’ age-defying plant extracts go beyond prevention, helping to visibly correct the appearance of early lines and wrinkles. A perfect formula for neutralising the harmful effects of fatigue, stress, pollution and UV damage — so your skin stays smooth and protected. 50ml jar...£42.00

Multi-Active Day Cream for Dry Skin A rich, moisturising texture, the Multi-Active Day Cream for Dry Skin will nourish and soothe skin whilst fighting the effects of fatigue and stress on the skin. 50ml jar...£42.00

Multi-Active Day Cream SPF20 A silky-smooth cream that will lock in moisture and help to fight the first signs of ageing. Containing SPF 20 skin will stay nourished and protected throughout the day. 50ml jar...£42.00

Multi-Active Lotion SPF15 A light weight lotion to help prevent new wrinkles from forming with SPF 15 protection. A perfect formula for neutralising the harmful effects of fatigue and stress—so your skin stays smooth and protected. 50ml pump bottle...£42.00

Multi-Active Night Cream for Normal to Combination Skin Think of this as eight hours of sleep in a jar. Clarins’ moisture-rich, anti-stress treatment works the nightshift, when skin is most receptive to renewal. Enriched with California Poppy, a flower that closes its petals at night and regenerates itself, you will wake feeling refreshed and revived. 50ml jar...£44.00

Multi-Active Night Cream for Normal to Dry Skin A rich textured cream that works the nightshift, when skin is most receptive to renewal. Enriched with California Poppy, a flower that closes its petals at night and regenerates itself, you will wake feeling refreshed and revived. 50ml jar...£44.00

FACE | INGLOT | Glisten & Gleam

The magic and sparkle of Christmas is most definitely done and dusted, but for many who work during December, their Christmas parties and annual celebrations are just happening now, in January. So it is with those poor souls in mind that I write this week’s Glisten & Gleam blog. (Mind you, I like to think of these guys as lucky souls - I mean, they grab restaurant reservations without waiting lists, get into clubs without queues, and avoid ten-deep masses at the bar for a cocktail…)

Anyway, I digress…. This week I am reviewing the INGLOT ‘The Star in You’ collection, which will send anyone with a Glitter addiction into overdrive. From gilded golds to stunning silvers, this collection is the perfect topping to your party season Glam, even if it is in January. And let’s face it, who wants to give upthe glam anyway, January is just so DULL?!

This collection of treasures boasts 6 brand new shades of AMC Pure Pigment Eyeshadow, 5 brand new shades of Body Sparkles and 4 brand new Nail Enamels.

AMC Pure Pigment Eyeshadow €15

Each Eyeshadow is Dazzlingly Sparkly with super pigmentation and staying power! Use dry to create a subtle wash of sparkle or pair with Inglot’s Duraline €12 for an intense effect.

Body Sparkles €15

Accentuate your eyes with these diamond like sparkles to add the finishing touch to any Glam party look. The Uber sparkly Body Sparkles will be your best friend this dull winter season as you dazzle right through until spring!

Nail Enamel €10

This collection has 4 chrome effect Nail Enamels to complete your look. My fave = the silver one but the pink is super cute too.

Available in INGLOT CastleCourt and Online at www.inglot.ie

FACE | Urban Escape at Belfast Met

New Year, New You? But what if you’ve spent all your money on the Christmas you? And now you’ve nothing left to invest in all the resolutions you made to get your summer body kick started this cold winter?

Well, one thing you can do is cut down on hair and beauty charges by heading along to Urban Escape at Belfast Met – a fully functioning hair and beauty salon which is run by experts and manned by stylists and therapists in training.

It is open every Friday for appointments from 9am-12 midday and the range of treatments serves most beauty purposes – everything from dry flotation tank therapy to massages, waxes, manicures, pedicures and facial treatments as well as a full range of hair treatments and services.

I popped along last month for a fab Dermalogica facial, plus a full body massage AND a blow dry (which turned into a trim) and I loved the treatments and the prices.

I also met some lovely people too – from the older 80-something gentleman who chatted charmingly with me before we both went in for our massages, to my therapists Emma and Georgia plus my hairdresser Michael Keogh who came to Belfast from Dublin a decade ago and hasn’t looked back.

The only downside, if you’re funny like that, is that the beauty therapists work in one large room, with the beauty beds separated by curtains, but this didn’t put me off whatsoever and in fact I heard my older pal chatting away about his joints on another bed nearby – and that brought me a wee smile. The therapists may still be in training but the service I received from Georgia and Emma was amazing – they took direction well when I asked about pressure during massage and later when I (probably very annoyingly) asked Emma what each product was as she worked through the steps of the facial. It’s important to note that most of the staff working on clients here are already out in the beauty industry and not complete rookies going crazy on your skin and hair!

My hairdresser Michael, who works in George salon in Church Lane,  complimented my hair (it is almost as long as Rapunzel’s) but we agreed to chop a bit off to take a few dead ends away. Looking at his photo now I wish he’d actually taken more off – but again, I was very pleased with his work.

All in all I loved the treatments and felt revived and refreshed afterwards. I definitely recommend a trip down – your purse will thank you for it! As will your feet – there is ample car parking underneath the building too.

For further details or to book an appointment contact Sandra on 028 9026 5000 ext. 3299 or email sjohnston@belfastmet.ac.uk 

My product of the week this week is the Skinician Hand Cream:  It’s so important to ensure you protect your hands from the winter elements this season using local product Skinician Luxe Hand Lotion (£15.00 from Skinician.com). The skin on our hands is much thinner than on the rest of our body and therefore much more prone to drying out quickly – particularly when they are regularly exposed at this time of year.  Your hands are also a tell-tale sign of age so be sure to keep yours looking, and feeling, soft and youthful this winter using Skinician’s nourishing combination of soothing Aloe Vera and deeply hydrating Cocoa butter, Shea butter and the ever-reliable Vitamin E.

IS CHEATING EVER OK?

A Sex Therapist Explains

I’ve been cheated on by a partner I adored - and whom I thought adored me. It absolutely shattered my heart and the core of my very being; and it took a long while to heal from because it was the worst kind of cheating - the serial and continued type, and with women he paid for. I am still healing and learning to accept and move on from it, so when I came across this article on Mind Body Green by therapist Robert Weiss, I devoured it - it resonated so much with me, so I felt I had to share it here again; because although my self-esteem, my self-confidence, my trust - and even my will to live - lay on the floor for months, I can tell you that there is life after infidelity, if you work your way through acceptance and accept loved ones’ honesty when the mistrust and lies dissipate.  It’s not easy, and it’s not a path that works for everyone (myself included), but it is possible.

And for anyone who wants to know, Robert’s right, number 3 IS the worst part. For me, the worst part wasn’t the sexual act with someone else, it was the lies and the deceit - and then the gaslighting when he was found out.

MBG//Robert Weiss:

In my book, I define infidelity as the breaking of trust that occurs when you keep intimate, meaningful secrets from your primary romantic partner.

I use this definition for three very important reasons:

  1. It encompasses both online and real-world sexual activity. Thus, it is effective in the digital era.

  2. It encompasses sexual activities other than actual penis-in-vagina intercourse.

  3. It focuses on the loss of relationship trust rather than on specific sexual and/or romantic acts.

Based on both research and clinical experience, I can tell you that the third item on that list—the loss of relationship trust—is by far the most important facet of infidelity. Put simply, for a cheated-on partner it's not any specific sexual or romantic act that causes the most pain; instead, it's the lying, the secrets, and the newfound inability to believe anything the cheater says or does.

So is there ever a good reason to engage in infidelity? In my opinion, there is not.

This does not, however, mean that every relationship must be monogamous. In fact, many couples that I know, both personally and professionally, have perfectly happy relationships that are, in one way or another, nonmonogamous. That said, having a relationship that is not monogamous in the traditional "till death do us part" sense is not something one partner should ever force onto or keep secret from his or her significant other.

Instead, open relationships should be approached with integrity, with both partners having an equal say and mutually agreeing, without coercion of any kind, that certain activities are (or are not) acceptable within the bounds of their relationship.

There are many reasons for a couple to have some form of an open relationship, including but by no means limited to the following:

  • Both partners are tech-savvy and enjoy using things like digital pornography, webcam sex, sexting, and hookup apps, and neither wants to give these things up just because they're in a committed romantic relationship.

  • One partner has a much greater sex drive than the other, and they can mutually agree that satisfying this drive, within certain limits, is acceptable.

  • One partner consistently refuses to have sex or is reviled by the experience of sex and doesn't mind if the other partner seeks sex elsewhere.

  • A couple is separated for long periods of time thanks to career, family, or other commitments, and both still want to have an active in-person (rather than purely digital) sex life.

Any and all of the above are perfectly good reasons for having a nonmonogamous relationship. However, there is no excuse for doing this in secret. If two people truly love each other, and they are psychologically capable of having an honest, open-minded discussion about their sexual desires, that is the approach they should take.

Consider the case of Sam and Mary. In 2005, Mary was paralyzed from the neck down in a diving accident. Afterward, she was unable to perform sexually. Plus, she lost all interest in sex. For Sam, this was a problem. Because they loved each other very much and had no interest in ending their marriage, they were able to mutually agree on certain sexual boundaries. For instance, Sam could watch and masturbate to porn, and if he truly felt the need for physical sexual contact he could hire an escort. He did not need to tell Mary about his use of porn or escorts, but he did need to be honest afterward if she asked him where he'd been or what he'd been doing. Twelve years later, they are still happily married.

My point here is that monogamy and traditional visions of marriage and fidelity are not absolutes in today's world. Many couples happily engage in all sorts of sextracurricular activity with the knowledge and consent of their primary partner. Sometimes these relationships are open from the start; other times life creates circumstances where sex outside a previously monogamous relationship makes sense.

As long as secrets aren't kept and lies aren't being told, such behavior does not qualify as cheating. As such, as stated above, it is my belief that there is never a good reason to betray a partner by engaging in infidelity.

This material is based on the book, Out of the Doghouse: A Step-by-Step Relationship Saving Guide for Men Caught Cheating, by Robert Weiss.

Credit: The original article is here:  

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-29017/is-cheating-ever-ok-a-sex-therapist-explains.html

FACE | LUSH CHRISTMAS GIFTS

Christmas Gifts That Go Down A BOMB!

What is a bath without a bomb?  This week I took a trip into LUSH in Belfast city centre and was BLOWN AWAY by these fantastic bath bombs which make perfect sticking fillers for guys and girls of any age. I mean, how could you not love a LUSH bath bomb?!

Check out these new releases available now…

Never mind the ballistics…  Watch the sunset has you relax in the tub with this red and yellow coloured bath bomb which meshes together to form a beautiful sunset orange colour.  The cocao butter will soften your skin give it that wonderfulsun-kissed glow.

Mistletoes!  You’ll feel like your skin has been kissed when this bath bomb melts in the water - it will give you a truly sensual experience, with its romantic fragrances and deep purple colour. Oh-er!

Father Christmas Bath Bomb Feel ho-ho-wholly relaxed when you drop this Christmas spirited bath bomb in to the tub.  With the red and green colours fizzing in the tub you’ll get a warm, fuzzy Christmas feeling instantly.

Luxury Pud  Lavish yourself with this Christmas dessert treat has you drift away to the rich smell of lavender and comfortingfoam.

These pretty white star bombs will look just as cool on your bathside as they will whizzing around the tub working their magic! Feel ultimate relaxation as this star bath bomb melts into dust, the gorgeous scent of vanilla and rose wood, before the citrus kicks in and awakens your mind and body giving you a boost of energy. You will leave the tub glowing like a star.

Shoot for the Night Stars Soak in a pool of midnight blue as the shimmering coca butter and olive oil stars dissolve into your skin, and enjoy the sweet orange and bergamot oils aroma … you will feel like you are floating amongst the stars.

Northern Lights Watch in amazement as your bathtub magically explodes with colour and popping candy creating a night sky covered in an array of dazzling stars, you will feel as though you are floating with the stars as you breathe in the scents of floral jasmine and ylang ylang.

Butterbear Brrrrr.. its cold outside and this is the perfect bath bomb to beat the winter blues, warm and relaxing coca butter and sweet vanilla and yang you will feel cosy in the tub and your skin will feelgorgeously soft and hydrated.

Ruby red slippers Step into Christmas with this gorgeous ruby red glittering bubble bar with spiced clove oil and floral carnations.

Snowie ‘Bowie’ bubble bar This alternative bubble bar is inspired by David Bowie with the coloured flashes and eyes. The scents of grapefruit, uplifting neroli and floral rose will hit you as you lye in the tub.

Santasaurus Bubble Bar  

This Christmas themed Santa-saurus bubble bar is perfect for young children and will bring some excitement to bath time.  Ivy green with comforting honey, refreshing orange and fruity bergamot will create a wonderful scent in the bath your child will be roaring to get into.

Cinnamon Stick…. Enjoy the festive feeling with a wave of this cinnamon stick watch as bubbles appear as if by magic   with cinnamon leaf and Fair Trade organic clove refreshes your skin and gives you that ready for Christmas feeling.

Princess Wand Fabulously pretty and pink this wand will create a cotton candy like pool of bubbles you will be enchanted by as the sweet vanilla scent sends you into a drifting daydream.

Christmas Penguin Let it snow with this small cute blue penguin will bring a white winter feeling to the bathtub with a beautifulblend of lemon oils, floral and citrus aromas refreshing you as you lie in the winter wonderland.

Snow Angel: Relax in a warm blanket of snow with mounds of white foam; the shimmering gold will leave you with an angelic glow. The Sweet marzipan scent and cocoa butter softening your skin you will feel as though you have been touched by an angel.

This creamy Snow Castle soap will make you feel like the queen of the castle as you treat yourself with the luxurious coconut oil and almond – which leaves you with silky smooth skin.

Santa’s post box – love this cute soap! You won’t be disappointed with this delivery with the citrus fragrance and sweet orange flower with bergamot oils.

Reindeer Rock It would be RUDE-OLPH not to try this cool reindeer pebble soap with a rich aroma of roses and lingonberries you skin will feel beautifully comforted and cleansed.

Papa Noel Shower Jelly… Lather and massage gently over the skin to cleanse and gently exfoliate. The citrus blends will leave your skin feeling rejuvenated with the refreshing trio of lemon, lime and tangerine.

Santa’s Belly Shower Jelly This jolly, jelly belly gel soap is back for 2016 with a new and improved shape. Red wine, star anise, and refreshing apple fragrance this belly of jelly is ready to burst with an infusion of fragrances.

Snowman Shower Jelly This is one snowman you’ll not worry about melting this winter as the citrus infusion of Sicilian lemon and bergamot oils melts onto your skin and your skin is left nourished and hydratedfrom the carrageenan powder.

So there you have it… Stocking fillers? Sorted!

Merry Christmas everyone!

FACE | COSMEDIX AT THE MERCHANT

So all this Christmas gift-giving and drinks quaffing got me thinking about a nice gift-to-self… Between parties and social occasions, I was craving some me-time, just getting away from it all and cleansing my skin between indulgent dinners and drinks. So where better than the calm sanctuary of the spa at The Merchant Hotel for my treat? And what better range of products than the newly arrived Cosmedix range for a clinical clean with all the luxury of a 5 star spa?!  

On arrival my therapist Eithne greeted me and reminded me that she had treated me previously in another spa a few years ago. It was lovely of her to remember – and even lovelier of her to be so gracious when I didn’t remember at first! We got straight down to business and kick started with not just one, but THREE cleansing steps! We began with a deep cleanse using the Purity Solution Oil Cleanser to remove any make up and surface debris. It turns out I had quite a bit! This was followed by the Benefit Cleanser to clean and condition the skin and lastly, the Purity Clean to deep clean and gently exfoliate the skin. In this treatment the thorough cleanse will ensure the active ingredients in the later exfoliator and Blueberry Smoothie treatment can easily penetrate the skin for best results.  After the three stage cleansing, we took a deep look at my skin with a 7-point skin analysis using the Woods UV lamp which shows up any sun damage, dehydration, oiliness, sensitivity/broken capillaries, scarring and congestion. The results of this analysis often determine the next steps in the treatment, but luckily my sun damage and dehydration wasn’t too bad, so I was able to have the lovely Blueberry infusion. (Which really does smell of blueberries!)

Purity Clean 150ml - £39.95

The exfoliator came in the form of the Pure Enzymes Exfoliating Mask. This product contains cranberry fruit enzymes and L-lactic acid to gently eat away at the inter-cellular bonds gluing  dead skin to the face. As Eithne told me this I was imagining those tiny little fish used in some pedicure places who eat away at dead skin. Thankfully though, no fish were used in this facial!

Rescue +Hydrating Balm & Mask - £54.70

Following on from the mask, the Blueberry Smoothie Infusion was applied. This treatment infusion is a gentle but deep exfoliating treatment using blueberry, blue corn meal and again L-lactic acid which softens and smooths the skin revealing a more even, glowing complex.

Right about here, Eithne gave me a really fantastic head, scalp and neck massage which immediately opened up my sinuses and allowed me to breathe clearly for the first time in days. And with the deeper breathing came a sense of sleepiness, and I always sleep better at night after facials, they just seem to relax the soul and relax the mind – so it’s no surprise that I was in bed by 9pm that night!

We finished with some Affirm Serum which is an antioxidant serum used to fight free radical damage. Eithne mixed this with some Rescue + Balm to protect and deeply hydrate my skin after such a deep cleansing treatment. On my eyes she added some Opti Crystals Eye Cream and some Reflect SPF 30 right across the face to protect my skin from UV damage.

On the whole I would say this treatment is a perfect winter pick-me-up, or indeed something to book for new year when all the Christmas parties are done and dusted and you’re in the mood for renewing and rejuvenation. It costs: £85 and lasts 60 minutes.

FACE | SCENTS OF CHRISTMAS

Christmas quite often means a new perfume or aftershave for many. This week I look at some of the fab new scents on the market which would make ideal gifts for the ones you love this festive season…

DKNY Be tempted

Give in to temptation and indulge yourself with the new shinier, redder apple of DKNY. This perfume will reel you in with the gorgeous scents of Black Currant Bud, Devil Liquorice Accord, Red Fruit Accord, and Lemon. The sweet scent of Rose Oil Essential, Violet, and Orange Flower will keep you enticed and Patchouli Oil Indonesia, Vanilla, Myhrr giving that warm homely scent.  The deep red forbidden fruit style, snake embellishment packaging will catch your eye and the feminity, passion and mysterious scent will entice and seduce you into purchasing the perfume.  Truly Tempting!

-Eau de Parfum, 30ml: £33.30 (Boots) / £37.00 (House of Fraser).
-Eau de Parfum, 50ml: £50.00 (The Perfume Shop).


The girl

The girl of the moment Gigi Hadid is the global brand ambassador of Tommy Hilfiger and the inspiration for ‘The Girl’ this scent channels her optimistic, confidence and effortlessly cool personality. The girl is crisp and fresh to reflect how free- spirited and magnetic she is. Your senses will be awoken with a burst of green pear, green fig and violet leaf followed by the soft feminine scent of jasmine petals and silky mugue and Cedarwood and cashmerman brings a strong scent which channels confidence and individuality.

-EDT, 30ml: £25.00 (Tommy Hilfiger) / £18.00 (Boots) / £18.00 (Superdrug).
-EDT, 100ml: £35.00 (The Perfume Shop).

Michael Kors Wanderlust

You’ll be lusting after this new Michael Kors with the fragrance of adventure, romance and discovery. The model Lily Aldridge is the face of the campaign for this captivating, romantic scent.  Blossoms and spices almond milk and woods this fragrance is wonderfully enchanting. The bottle is curved with a glam gold top relating to the romantic, feminine scent that lye’s inside.

Eau de Parfum, 30ml: £38.70, 50ml: £55.80, 100ml: £67.50

Michael Kors Amber
This luxurious, metallic gold gift set with a warm amber set looks glamourous and will warm your heart this winter. The set includes Michael Kors Sexy Amber Eau de Parfum Spray 100 ml, Ultimate Body Lotion 150ml Sexy Amber Eau de Parfum & Lip Luster Dual-ended Rollerball 5 ml and a fabulous Michael Kors Cosmetic Bag which brilliantly compacts into the drawer of the Michael Kors box.

Eau de Parfum, 100ml gift set (as pictured): £87.50 (The Fragrance Shop) / £88.00 (Debenhams).

Michael Kors Jasmine

MK Jasmin box and contents contains a feminine floral fragrance with a glam rose gold packaging. This glamourous set includes Michael Kors Sexy Amber Eau de Parfum Spray, Ultimate Body Lotion,  Sexy Amber Eau de Parfum & Lip Lustre Dual-ended Rollerball l and Michael Kors Cosmetic Bag to keep all your fabulous cosmetics in.

Eau de Parfum, 50ml gift set: £60.00 (Harrods) / £60.00 (House of Fraser).

 

AND FOR THE BOYS...

 

Aramis aftershave

Only the best for your man this Christmas with this suave, sleek brief case design and selection of aftershave, anti persprient , lotion and fragrance these warm, hearty scents is a heart-warming gift    to give to your loved one this Christmas.

-EDT, 100ml: £62.00 + engraving option (The Perfume Shop) / EDT, 110ml: £21.95 SPECIAL OFFER (allbeauty.com).

-EDT, 7ml mini gift set: £25.00 (Boots).

Lab series gifts

Max LS

Max LS products Deluxe set includes amazing age defying productsDaily Renewing Cleanser , MAX LS Instant Eye Lift,  MAX LS Age-Less Power V Lifting Cream 1.7, MAX LS Power V Lifting Serum Deluxe Sample.

MAX LS Skincare gift set (as pictured): £79.00 (Lab Series) / £79.00 (House of Fraser).

Red
Two power products All-In-One Face Treatment 100ml and a freeMulti Action Face Wash 100ml the only two products your man needs for daily cleansing.

Red High Performance Duo Skincare Giftset (as pictured), 100ml x 2: £34.00 (Lab Series) / £34.00 (House of Fraser).

Blue

4 of lab series most wanted in one package it’s a perfect way to introduce your man to the Lab series brand this Christmas.  The starter series includes Multi Action Face Wash, Maximum Comfort Shave Cream, Age Rescue and Face Lotion and Pro LS All-In-One Shower Gel and everyday skincare is made easy.

Starter Series (as pictured): £15.00 (House of Fraser).

FASHION | 24 HOURS IN MAXMARA

As Ireland’s Ambassador for the UN-supported Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, I had a busy schedule on November 18th - which is the annual date for International Women’s Entrepreneurship Day. To kick start proceedings, I was hosting a breakfast in Dublin supported by Ulster Bank’s #BusinessWomenCan initiative, which saw speakers including TD Kate O’Connell and mentors like Fiona Gratzer from Unislim as well as super lawyer Majella Creenan take to the stage to share stories and insights into the world of business, politics and academia.

For this event, and indeed for the six events I had to attend throughout the whole day, I partnered with MaxMara, who agreed to dress me for the occasion. Or rather, occasions! This blog and vlog tell my Max Mara story.

To breakfast, I wore a beautiful Italian woven wool jumpsuit in grey with a black fleck embroidery and paired it with a thin black poloneck underneath. Polonecks are huge this season and adding one under this jumpsuit gave winter warmth as well as adding a dimension of demure and discretion - keeping my speech and the work done by women in Ireland to the fore. The fit was perfect, with a nipped in waist and a panel across the front which could be worn open or closed - I chose half open to take emphasis away from my bust and draw the eyeline down towards the waist line. The leg was wide, and super chic, allowing me to wear flats underneath for the dawn walk from my hotel, but equally complementing my Louboutins which were slipped on as I entered the building.

After breakfast, I drove to Belfast where I attended the Prince’s Trust ‘Lunch With an Old Bag’ charity luncheon event at the Harbour Master’s Office (a beautiful historic building in the heart of the city’s docklands). This charity, which is the foundation of HRH Prince Charles, does wonderful things for less privileged kids to get them integrated into society and the world of work. The lunch was fun and, with author, comedienne and sometime activist Helen Lederer (Absolutely Fabulous) speaking after lunch, it was a really inspiring couple of hours. The look I wore for this event was my favourite of the day, another jumpsuit, but this one was light pink brushed wool on the (flared) leg with a green sequin top and monochrome stripe pockets - not a look for a shrinking violet! It drew much admiration and, I think, a few buyers from the store, although it was very much limited edition.

Mid afternoon, I moved on to the Northern Irish Women’s Entrepreneurship Day event, where I spoke about the uncertainty of a new Trump Presidency in the US, and the effects of Brexit on north-south business relationships. Here I wore a coffee caramel coloured dress with leather and tweed panels as well as some more monochrome inserts. Again, a dream to wear with the shape and fabric totally flattering on my non-model-like figure. (For the record I am a UK 10 and 5’5” tall).  I had topped this off with a truly beautiful and iconic MaxMara coat for bracing the November weather outside. If you’ve never tried a Max Mara coat, please make it your mission to visit a store and put one on - for the experience if nothing else. It is the dreamiest of mantels - with wool so soft you could sink into a slumber, should you decide to rest your head on it. It’s no surprise that iconic women the world over choose Max Mara when they are looking for a stylish staple to last season after season - and in some cases, generation after generation!

Just after this, I hosted a fashion show wearing what I would call the party version of the previous dress. The staples were the same - more of that beautiful coffee caramel coloured wool, but with monochrome patchwork pockets, similar to the pockets on my lunchtime jumpsuit, and, like the lunchtime jumpsuit, the top half of the dress was sequin, a coppery gold coloured sequin, which was perfect for the time of year and the pre-Christmas-season that was the occasion.

I also popped in quickly to a press briefing on SS17 wearing the most beautiful silk blouse and cream silk pants - I was so very lucky to have pre-season access, and I am glad I did because the ‘all white everything’ look really stood out inthe wintery crowd.

Lastly, I attended some industry cocktails wearing a casual but VERY cool striped sequin jumper with black silk pants. The jumper screamed cool in the most unassuming way possible - and after wearing it to this, the last of so many events that day followed by a late supper in the former butchery which is the much-accoladed Bull & Ram restaurant in Ballynahinch, the final stripes had me hooked, I purchased the top the very next day.

In short, I had the most wonderful day playing my own kind of grown-up dress-up, wearing clothes made from the finest of fabrics and fibres. The staff at the Belfast Lisburn Road store couldn’t have been more helpful and accommodating, especially with sizes as they listened to my personal whims and woes about shape (or misshape!) from outside the changing room curtains.

I always say it is better to save for investment pieces rather than fast fashion which isn’t always about quality nor about attention to detail in the design. With the house of Max Mara you can feel the craftmanship ooze out of each piece of Max Mara clothing like design is in the very vein of the garment. Que bello!