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.

Stay safe with Armour Locksmiths

Thu, Apr 09, 2009

Family-run Armour Locksmiths has been in business for 18 years on the lower level of the Eyre Square Shopping Centre. As well as operating out of the shop the company provides the entire west of Ireland with a full locksmith service, travelling to homes and businesses and giving security and peace of mind to clients.

Grow your own greens

Thu, Apr 09, 2009

If you would love to grow your own vegetables but feel that keeping a vegetable patch would be too difficult, a Galway company has a range of ideas which allow people to grow their own fruit and veg with the minimum of fuss.

Green Touch Plants specialises in the supply of interior plants and stylish pots that range from bright bold colours to dramatic textures and designs. With the increase in demand for fresh homegrown veg, the company has branched out to provide a range of raised beds and pots for growing vegetables, herbs, and fruit. These systems are the ideal way for novice gardeners, children, and experienced gardeners to produce delicious homegrown vegetables. Green Touch can also provide advice to help get you started with the vegetable garden you have always wanted but never had the time or patience to try until now.

Invest in quality, experience, and security with Craughwell Furniture

Thu, Apr 09, 2009

Craughwell Furniture can offer you the experience and knowledge that comes with 35 years in business. During this time the Cummins family have owned, managed, and nourished the company from humble beginnings into Galway’s premier furniture retailer.

Keeping baby’s skin soft and protected

Thu, Apr 09, 2009

A mother’s work is never done. One of the many tasks is to ensure that your baby’s delicate soft skin is protected and to help to accomplish this The Body Shop® has recently launched its new Buriti Baby range.

Get fit in a Unique way this summer

Thu, Apr 09, 2009

Get in shape for summer with Unique Personal Training, the dedicated personal training studio that offers tailored training programmes. You can enjoy regular workouts either with a one-to-one trainer or as part of a small group, and have the ultimate celebrity workout with the club’s new Power Plate.

Say goodbye to acne with the Galway Laser & Skincare Clinic

Thu, Apr 09, 2009

Acne is the bane of many teenagers’ life and often adults’ too, with approximately 90 per cent of all teenagers suffering at some point. Acne can be a source of embarrassment and discomfort for many people. It is not caused by eating chocolate, greasy foods, or bad hygiene! While the physical appearance of acne is quite obvious, the emotional pain can be devastating, and long lasting. The important thing is to seek out treatment — the acne spots will eventually go, but untreated acne can lead to permanent scarring. If acne is treated during your teen years, there is a high likelihood that you will not suffer any long-term scarring.

Find your perfect jeans

Thu, Apr 09, 2009

We all want a pair of jeans that will flatter our figure and feel comfortable, but most of the time it be a difficult mission. Here is the ultimate guide to help you find the one to suit your body shape for all budgets.

Making the case for a picnic

Thu, Apr 09, 2009

Every Galwegian is looking forward to the last section of the motorway from Galway to Athlone opening. This will mean that you can hop in your car and be at the Liffey Valley Centre in approximately two hours.

However, can anyone please tell me why we should not be allowed to eat, rest, or go to the loo on our long awaited motorway? And although my title above suggests that you bring a picnic there is, I’m afraid, no facility to pull in and eat! The Government is looking for ways to get revenue — well surely a very simple idea would be to auction or rent six or eight pieces of the already compulsory acquisitioned land on the Galway/Dublin motorway and I can guarantee that there would be a queue of people willing to find several million for such guaranteed revenue generating enterprises.

Connemara hill lamb/uain sléibhe Chonamara

Thu, Apr 09, 2009

Parma ham, feta cheese, champagne, Parmigiano reggiano, Roquefort cheese, and Connemara hill lamb. So what do these and a select number of other great foods have in common? PGI or protected geographical indication — in other words the lamb reared in exclusive designated areas of Connemara is recognised as being unique, and as such is protected under EU law. The achievement of gaining this unique status is such that Greece has fought a legal battle for the past 20 years to gain this status for Feta cheese. Now that’s something for each and every person in Galway to be proud of. Anyone familiar with Connemara hill lamb will have little difficulty verifying why hill lamb is so special. The lambs tend to mature at a slower rate, which allows the meat develop a deeper, fuller, flavour. Also the diet of the lamb, which includes a distinctive selection of herbs and heathers, adds considerably to the succulent taste and texture of the meat.

Saint Joseph’s Church, a brief history

Thu, Apr 02, 2009

In the 1870s the parish of Rahoon extended from Corcullen to Furbo. It had two chapels, one in Barna and one in Bushypark. Those people who lived in the town side of the parish attended Sunday Mass in the chapel attached to the Presentation Convent, but it was quite small and worshippers often had to kneel on the ground outside, no matter what the weather was like. As a result many of the major parish ceremonies were moved to the Pro-Cathedral. In 1881 no fewer than 300 children from the parish were confirmed in Middle Street, which gives us an idea of the population of the area.

Unexpected visitors during World War II

Thu, Apr 02, 2009

Shortly after dawn on Saturday, September 16 1944, Michael Conneely, a bachelor of 55 years was asleep in his cottage at Ailleabreach, Ballyconneely, when loud banging on his door woke him. He shouted ‘who’s there?’ The storm of the previous two days had abated but he couldn’t make out what the voice said. Grabbing a pitchfork, he slowly opened to door. Outside were two men, wet to the skin, in deep distress. Michael put the pitchfork to the throat of the first man: ‘Who are you?

“We’re Americans. United States Navy. We need your help.”*

Step out in style

Thu, Apr 02, 2009

Versatility is the keynote of the spring/summer collection from Oxendales. Colour is always important but this season the emphasis is stronger than ever.

Eggcellent treats for Easter

Thu, Apr 02, 2009

Fancy giving the little person in your life a special chocolate treat this Easter? Then, check out Aldi’s new Design Your own Easter Egg (€3.99).

Radiance in a jar

Thu, Apr 02, 2009

If your face bears all the greyness of winter it’s time to check out Brush on Radiance (€18)

Wage war on frizz

Thu, Apr 02, 2009

Frizzy hair can be a nuisance. You wash, dry and style your locks but as soon as you brave the elements - boom, uncontrollable, static frizz.

Make-up magic

Thu, Apr 02, 2009

Everything is possible and anything goes. That’s the message from Clarin’s Colour Fizz collection which offers a modern take on the seventies and a fresh look at vintage.

Competition winners

Thu, Apr 02, 2009

The winner of the Herbal Essences competition was Mary Coppinger of Colemanstown, Ballinasloe. She receives a Herbal Essences retro fruit juicer, some fresh fruit and samples from the Fruit Fusions range.

At home With La Maison Chic

Thu, Apr 02, 2009

Buying carpet for the first time can be an overwhelming experience. Negotiating the seemingly endless variety of colours, styles, and brands can a daunting task for the first time carpet buyer. Fortunately it's really not as difficult as it may first appear.

Massive spring sale at Keenkost Kitchens and Bedrooms

Thu, Apr 02, 2009

Keenkost Kitchens Oranmore is hosting a once off massive spring sale with genuine discounts on selected ranges. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain access to some of the most beautifully crafted, custom designed, fitted kitchen and bedroom furniture. You can also visit www.keenkostkitchens.com for more information and to view the catalogue. The Galway showroom is in Unit 4, Oranmore Business Park, phone (091) 790507.

E-paper

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