Select the perfect hat

Thu, Apr 23, 2009

Award winning milliner Suzie Mahony has successfully launched a selection of her unique headpiece designs into Select Boutique in Augustine Street, Galway.

Allotments, the bargain of the recession

Thu, Apr 23, 2009

There was a time when allotments were a common feature in towns and cities, especially in the UK where it formed a strategic part of Britain’s recovery after World War II. If you take the train through the countryside in the UK you will still see some extremely well tended plots that have been there for many years. Home gardening and allotments were also an extremely important factor in the USA where, in 1945, 20 million members of the public produced 45 per cent of the nation’s vegetable requirements. Recently Michelle Obama put on her wellies and, along with a group of children, opened an organic plot in the grounds of the White House.

How stretching can explode muscle growth

Thu, Apr 23, 2009

When you think about gaining weight, stretching is probably not the first thing that pops into your head. But stretching plays a critical role in building muscle, and developing muscle tone.

Every muscle in your body is enclosed in a bag of tough connective tissue known as fascia. Fascia is important for holding your muscles in their proper place in your body.

Fish pie

Thu, Apr 23, 2009

There are few better ways to enjoy fresh seafood than a well made fish pie. A creamy wine sauce flavoured with leek and parsley mixed with whatever fish is available and best. Rich mashed potato finished with real butter and cream and topped with local Galway cheese baked till golden fish pie is really one of the great Irish foods.

Great food, great value at The Living Room

Thu, Apr 23, 2009

The whole country may be reeling from cost savings and cutbacks but there is no need to tighten your belt at the Living Room Bar and Restaurant, where prices have been slashed so lunch can now be enjoyed for less than €10.

The menu saver options include The Living Room’s famous brunch which costs just €8.95 and includes free tea/coffee and toast. This new value for money range has no compromise on the quality or service. The extensive range of delicious main courses will ensure you always get change back out of a tenner.

The colours of living — part two

Thu, Apr 23, 2009

Colours affect our minds, our physiologies, and our social interactions. The colours you choose when decorating a room can have an effect on any occasion that you hold there. The dining room is a place of delicate social situations. By considering the psychological effects of colours, you can make your dining room a more relaxing place to eat and gather.

A natural approach to chronic fatigue

Thu, Apr 23, 2009

Imagine waking up each day feeling extremely fatigued. Not the kind of tiredness that goes away after you rest but an exhaustion which takes over your life and limits your ability to do even the most ordinary activities.

Sean Broderick and the Black and Tans

Thu, Apr 16, 2009

During the Black and Tan era, it was difficult for the IRA to be overtly active in Galway City because it was so heavily garrisoned. Renmore Barracks which was the headquarters of the Connaught Rangers, was occupied by the Sherwood Foresters, more of whom were based in Oranmore: There was a large detachment of the 17th lancers at Earl’s Island: The Auxiliaries had a Company in Lenaboy Castle: And, between the barracks in Eglinton St., two more barracks in Dominick St and many private houses which had been commandeered, there were some 500 men. In addition there were, at varying times, a number of troops camped near Galway.

The power of colours

Thu, Apr 16, 2009

Colour is all around us and different colours have affect on our moods, emotions, and appearance in different ways. Your eyes, hair, and complexion are your body harmony colours. You should wear colours that complement these natural colours. Wearing the right colours enhances your image and makes you look refreshed, younger, and thinner. Wearing the wrong colours will make you look tired and will emphasise dark under eye circles, wrinkles, and imperfections.

The power of colours

Thu, Apr 16, 2009

Colour is all around us and different colours have affect on our moods, emotions, and appearance in different ways. Your eyes, hair, and complexion are your body harmony colours. You should wear colours that complement these natural colours. Wearing the right colours enhances your image and makes you look refreshed, younger, and thinner. Wearing the wrong colours will make you look tired and will emphasise dark under eye circles, wrinkles, and imperfections.

Elysium brings prestigious salon title to west

Thu, Apr 16, 2009

Elysium Day Spa and Laser Clinic, Moycullen has just been awarded the prestigious IBPA Award for overall 'Best Salon in Ireland and Northern Ireland 2009'. Elysium is the only salon in Galway to have ever won the title and was the only beauty salon in the West of Ireland to have reached the final five.

The award was presented at a gala dinner in the Burlington Hotel in Dublin and was hosted by Off the Rails presenter Brendan Courtney.

Top bridal designers coming to Galway

Thu, Apr 16, 2009

Belladonna Bridal, Galway’s leading designer bridal shop, will host a very special designer weekend on April 17 and 18. For the first time in Ireland Marta Raich and Maria Teresa Raich from Novia D’Art of Barcelona will be present in Belladonna Bridal to show their fabulous bridal collection and also to give a preview of their 2010 collection.

A chat with Kevin Dunne, head chef at The White Gables restaurant, Moycullen

Thu, Apr 16, 2009

This week is the first in a series of interviews with several head chefs of Galway’s restaurants. There are very few well known chefs in Ireland, but very often the person responsible for all the creativity in the kitchen is a behind the scenes person. So to find out a little more, Kevin and I chatted for a couple of hours over a coffee.

Chicken leg with pistachio and apricot

Thu, Apr 16, 2009

The chicken is probably the most intensively reared animal in modern agriculture. Chicken produces a highly versatile meat which up until the early 20th century was considered a luxury food.

Heneghans opens new premises at The Bridge Mills

Thu, Apr 16, 2009

Twenty years ago, in April 1989, Frank and Ellen Heneghan opened their first cafe in The Bridge Mills. They painstakingly restored the derelict corn mill that had functioned until the 1970s.

The colours of living — part one

Thu, Apr 16, 2009

Blue Monday, green with envy, in the pink -— colours are often associated with moods and emotions. Colours affect us psychologically, a fact that should be considered when decorating.

LolaRose helps the renewed interest in knitting

Thu, Apr 16, 2009

One Galway shop is benefiting from the renewed interest in creative past-times of yesteryear.

One positive effect of the recent downturn is the renewed interest in such fulfilling hobbies.

Managing your career

Thu, Apr 16, 2009

If you are reeling from being made redundant, having had your working hours cut or failing to land your first real job despite countless efforts you may be finding it increasingly difficult to stay positive and interested in your future.

Joe Togher, a Galway volunteer

Thu, Apr 09, 2009

Joe Togher was born in Headford on September 8, 1898. His father was a shopkeeper and his mother was from Carlow, and they had three more sons and a daughter. His father died when he was very young, so in 1910 his mother moved the family into Francis Street in Galway where she opened a small hotel (see photograph) to support them. She was very busy with the business so it was Joe’s sister Nell who looked after him. He went to ‘The Mon’ where a nationalistic Brother Leo was a major influence. Joe was a good oarsman, a champion sculler.

At home With La Maison Chic

Thu, Apr 09, 2009

Hardwood floors
Hardwood floors are a classic choice for many homes, and they work with most kinds of décor. However they are sensitive to climate changes and may expand and contract throughout the year. They are also susceptible to water damage and need constant maintenance, however if you opt for an oiled floor, especially oiled oak floors, they can be resistant to water for up to a week. Remember that oak floors have been used throughout Europe for the past 500 years in castles and period homes and are still in the same houses nowadays. Finally, like all in interior design, some very light or dark woods can be very fashionable for a few years but become suddenly old fashioned.

Hardwood floors are a classic choice for many homes, and they work with most kinds of décor. However they are sensitive to climate changes and may expand and contract throughout the year. They are also susceptible to water damage and need constant maintenance, however if you opt for an oiled floor, especially oiled oak floors, they can be resistant to water for up to a week. Remember that oak floors have been used throughout Europe for the past 500 years in castles and period homes and are still in the same houses nowadays. Finally, like all in interior design, some very light or dark woods can be very fashionable for a few years but become suddenly old fashioned.

E-paper

Read this weeks E-paper. Past editions also available from within this weeks digital copy.