Saving old buildings with new ideas

Thu, Jan 21, 2010

When it comes to planning applications in Galway, whether it is for a new building, or the renovation of an old building, modernisation or improvement, there are two strands of thought that can affect the decision from the local authority. I may not have all the technical jargon, but I understand that one side of the argument insists that pretty well every building that is a few generations old should be preserved. Any additional building must use the same or similar materials so that the addition appears to be a seamless add on.

Paying roads repair money by kilometre is fairest

Thu, Jan 21, 2010

Now that the ice has melted and the snows have disappeared, people are really appreciating the opportunity to get out of the house and travel in a manner that was denied them during the cold snap.

However, this now represents a new danger as the ice and cold have left our roads network in the terrible shape. Road surfaces have been ravaged by the ice and grit, and at a time when the country is in the throes of economic misery, our already inadequate network has gone backwards and needs major refurbishment immediately.

Daydream your way to better health

Thu, Jan 21, 2010

“Pay attention”. How often have you heard that command as you are firmly jolted back to reality from the world of fantasy?

How to decorate a small bedroom

Thu, Jan 21, 2010

Decorating a small bedroom can be a challenge. You want a comforting space to unwind in, yet you don’t want your bedroom to feel cramped or cluttered. Here are some easy decorating ideas for turning your small bedroom into a cozy retreat.

The perfect burger — now in Galway

Thu, Jan 21, 2010

The making of a perfect burger has been the aim of many a chef over the years and recently we have seen the arrival of gourmet burger restaurants where the whole focus is on providing you with a substantial meal in a bun. The meat has to be right, the cooking (preferably chargrilled) has to be perfect, the bun itself has to be well chosen, and then you decide which additions will make it a finished product. I am surprised how long it has taken for this type of food to catch on as 25-plus years ago I survived on a diet of such burgers in Birmingham, served in a basket with fantastic chips and salad.

Asian noodle bar opens

Thu, Jan 21, 2010

Street Wok, an exciting new concept in fast food has just opened its doors in Eyre Square promising tasty, healthy, fast food for the iPod generation. The menu is delicious with hundreds of combinations such as firecracker beef with egg noodles, or Malaysian satay with curly fries. Street Wok promises to have something tasty for all ages throughout the day or evening.

Ten reasons to lose weight in 2010

Thu, Jan 21, 2010

Have you ever been asked if you were pregnant, refused to go swimming, or avoided looking in the mirror? These are just some of the reasons why you should start your weight loss journey in 2010.

Reasons to join Salsamania

Thu, Jan 21, 2010

Salsa dancing is an excellent way to stay healthy and fit and who better to do it with than with an experienced, professional, dancer from Latin America. Vitor from Brazil and his colleague Anna have formed Salsamania Ireland (www.salsamania.ie), teaching salsa classes all over the country. He has danced with international and national companies such as Cois Ceim, and was awarded an MA in dance performance from the University of Limerick.

Style tricks to look good in the gym

Thu, Jan 21, 2010

If you look good when you are exercising, you will feel better and work out harder. Just follow these simple fashion guidelines to buy gym clothes that will make you look good, even after the most strenuous workout.

New clinic for Galway offers affordable laser hair removal

Thu, Jan 21, 2010

Just opened in fabulously appointed purpose designed premises, the new Thérapie Laser Clinic is conveniently located in Shop Street.

The clinic specialises in laser hair removal. With nearly 10 years’ experience in Dublin and more than 60,000 procedures on record, Thérapie is already recognised as a leader in laser hair removal.

Get creative with Colorways

Thu, Jan 21, 2010

Colorways is an online fabric and accessories store set up as a partnership between sisters Claire Ryan and Margaret Parish.

Start 2010 by making a positive change

Thu, Jan 21, 2010

If you have found it difficult to keep to your New Year resolutions, whether it is to quit smoking, stop eating chocolate, or to strengthen your willpower and determination to achieve your goals, you can succeed with the right support.

The Claddagh market

Thu, Jan 14, 2010

Grace Henry was born in Aberdeen in 1868. She studied art in Paris where she worked with Andre Lhote. It was there she met the Irish artist Paul Henry, and they married in 1903. They returned to Ireland to paint. In 1912 they went on holiday to Achill Island, and ended up staying there for eight years. They both painted a lot on the island, but also in other areas in the west. Her work was very influenced by Paul in those years. Eventually they moved back to Dublin and, in the late 1920s, they separated. They continued to paint and each developed a major artistic reputation. Grace died in 1953.

The Tulip of Tuam and other flowers

Thu, Jan 14, 2010

Many years ago I found the courage to ask the late Lady Molly Cusack -Smith whether she had posed nude for the famous artist Augustus John during his many sorties into Galway and the west. She looked at me very hard for some time. Then said in a very cross voice: “How dare you, HOW DARE YOU ask such a impertinent question!”

Host your very own a fashion soiree

Thu, Jan 14, 2010

With those long winter evenings still ahead of us why not spending an evening of fun while learning about style and fashion?

Communion wear fashion show at Anthony Ryan’s

Thu, Jan 14, 2010

Anthony Ryan’s annual fashion show devoted exclusively to Communion wear will take place at Anthony Ryan’s on Tuesday January 19 at 7.30pm.

What is the twelve week blow-dry?

Thu, Jan 14, 2010

The 12-week blow-dry is a keratin treatment process that transforms the hair in its entirety. Keratin is the primary protein of the skin, hair, and nails. This natural substance gives hair the ability to return to its original healthy, shiny, smooth state.

Keratin treatment straightens the hair without damaging or changing its texture. The treatment can be used in all hair types, including chemically treated hair (coloured, permed, relaxed, highlighted, and bleached).

A good news story

Thu, Jan 14, 2010

Following on from last week’s article, where I looked at some of the food businesses that have expanded during 2009, I decided to focus on one establishment that has had a phenomenal success since it opened less than two years ago. Basilico is the name and it is located in The Coach House, Main Street, Oranmore. Since the very first day it opened its doors the people have flocked there — why? To find out I asked Fabiano and Paulo to take some time out and have a chat.

Savoury sea urchins

Thu, Jan 14, 2010

We all have our favourite foods and there are plenty of foods which stir up all kinds of nostalgic feelings. Then there are the fun things to eat as well as foods to share. Then there are the challenging foods, those delicacies which are often worth getting to know but require a bit of perseverance and possibly a leap of faith. Caviar falls firmly into this category, as do snails. The sea urchin is also an unlikely species of shellfish which is both challenging and exciting as well as being abundant off our coastline.

Hot Body thaws the frozen ice

Thu, Jan 14, 2010

Having spent Christmas and New Year’s housebound and gravitating towards the warmth of our fires and stoves, it only goes to show that we all crave that natural warmth when temperatures plummet beneath freezing. That natural hibernation has been unavoidable of late — and good for us. Although the heat indoors is attractive, being inactive has been unfortunately unavoidable. We all know that we need to exercise regularly in order to remain healthy. That is why doing yoga as your choice of exercise and allowing your body increase its temperature in a preheated room, 40°C, promotes massive benefits.

Imagine your body opening up fully, strengthening, stretching, and feeling supple, at ease, and energetic again. That is what you are guaranteed on the second floor of the Briarhill Shopping Centre at Galway 40° C Yoga. Fitness level, flexibility, age, or shape does not matter , because 40°C yoga works.

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