Introducing a pet to your new baby

Thu, Dec 22, 2011

Animal shelter workers report that many people who surrender their pets cite a new baby as their reason for doing so. Yet many other families have successfully brought a new baby into their home and managed to keep and enjoy their animal friends.

Fashion favourites at Vida

Thu, Dec 22, 2011

Vida boutique in Corbett Court has a fantastic range of everyday stylish clothing that will take you from the school run to work to evening, all without too much thought or effort. In Vida, you will be guaranteed a personal, professional, service with staff on hand to help and guide you.

One day sale at Aibheil of Adare

Thu, Dec 22, 2011

Aibheil of Adare’s next one-day sale will take place on Saturday January 7, from 9am to 6pm. There is no appointment required on a sale day and with plenty of fitting rooms available, the queue times are not too long.

Going Irish

Thu, Dec 22, 2011

Our European counterparts, such as France and Italy in particular, have been long standing pioneers of design. So much so both Paris and Milan have been the launch pad for many a great name including Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney and Tom Ford. However, as of late, our own shores have produced some of the best talent in the world of fashion who can more than compete with some of the more internationally known designers. Look at how well the likes of Paul Costello, John Rocha, Joanne Hynes and Orla Kiely have been internationally; with role models like these to look to, new Irish designers have the fashion world at their sewing machines.

Be spoiled for choice for fashion and gift ideas at Standún

Thu, Dec 15, 2011

If you are looking for the perfect outfit for a night out, the office party, or simply for Christmas Day, visit Standún, Spiddal, the unique shopping destination and enjoy a huge variety of clothing in the ladies’, men’s and children’s departments at sale prices.

Choose from the new collection of party dresses from Cocoa, Max C, and Darling in festive colours of red, green, purple, and lovely lacy numbers, all under €80, that will make you look a stunner for that end of term night out. For New Year’s Eve select a dress from Fran and Jane, Kali Orea, Elisa Cavaletti, or St Martin’s, all at discount prices and team it with a short or long faux fur or a wool coat in camel or red for those cold winter nights. Add a bag in tan, green, black, or navy from the Mischa Barton collection, a clutch from Fran and Jane, or a vintage bag from Newbridge, and a selection of nail varnish from Models Own to complement your outfit.

It’ll be men doing the housework as ladies head to The House to celebrate Little Christmas

Thu, Dec 15, 2011

Ladies, pass on the tradition of Women’s Little Christmas on Friday January 6 in The House Hotel from 1pm. The organisers are calling on all the ladies of Galway to invite a friend, daughter, mother, granny or any inspiring woman in your life along to The House Hotel where they will be celebrating the tradition of Women’s Little Christmas in style. Proceeds are being donated to the Galway Simon Community.

La Maison Chic opens la boutique

Thu, Dec 15, 2011

Renowned interior designer Laurent Billiet opened his long awaited and much anticipated interior design boutique this year. The boutique, located at 11 Lower Abbeygate Street, opened on June 30. It is open Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm, and Sunday 1pm to 5.30pm.

New taekwon-do classes in south Galway

Thu, Dec 15, 2011

The taekwon-do teaching team of Shane Fitzgibbon and Lisa Connolly have started new classes in south Galway. For those new to the art, taekwon-do is a Korean self defence system/martial art which provides numerous physical and mental health benefits. Increased physical fitness, co-ordination, self-confidence, and mental concentration are just some of the reported benefits from students and parents alike. For more information see www.connacht-taekwondo .com/endorsements.html

Warding off winter chills

Thu, Dec 15, 2011

Christmas is around the corner. You are busy shopping and preparing for the festive season. It is chilly and damp outside and you cannot keep warm. Before long, you are sniffling and coughing and are battling with a cold.

Unwind in the shadow of Croagh Patrick

Thu, Dec 15, 2011

Known as one of Ireland’s finest four-star de luxe hotel and destination spa establishments, Knockranny House Hotel and Spa in Westport, County Mayo, is the perfect luxury getaway for those who like to combine fine dining with total relaxation.

The Vincent de Paul Society, Galway’s oldest charity?

Thu, Dec 08, 2011

Today’s photograph was taken about 100 years ago and shows part of St Augustine Street. In the foreground is Hynes’ retail shop. Hynes’ were major importers and had a yard and warehouse on the docks, so they could unload imported cargo directly from the ship across the street into the yard. The shop sold all kinds of hardware and builder’s materials. The shop has gone now and is replaced by what is known as the Hynes Building which houses the County Library and various offices.

Best Christmas gift guide ever

Thu, Dec 08, 2011

Having had an enjoyable stroll through Galway city and county, it is abundantly clear that Galway literally has everything that anyone could possible want for Christmas, and at a price that despite the budget, we can afford. Also shopping in Galway is fun! And the shops are making every effort to meet our limited pockets by having bargains and beautifully decorated shops. Then after a hectic few hours shopping, and everyone sorted, a hot mulled cider, or a cool German beer in the Bier Keller, at the Eyre Square Christmas market tent, is a blast! Her are some of my suggestions:

Present for mother - It’s always good to pamper the mammies over Christmas because of all the cooking they do but also you want to go out as many nights over the festive season without getting into trouble. One gift which is extra special is Pandora bracelet and charms. The bracelets start at €49 and charms start at €22. It is a thoughtful gift and throughout the year extra charms can be purchased. Another gift which goes down well with the mammies is spa treatments. The new salt spa in the Radisson hotel has received great reviews. Not only does it clear chest problems it is also hugely relaxing and will help Mammy wind down after the successful Christmas dinner making and clean up. Another gift which is proving popular is the fish tank therapy in the Eyre Square shopping centre. These fishy friends will nibble all the dead skin from your toes. The shop has vouchers on offer so drop by and treat mammy’s tired toes.

Style Isle

Thu, Dec 08, 2011

Last week I talked glam and this week I'm looking at gifts. It's December and we all have our eye on something fabulous for this year's stocking. In case you are baffled from the overwhelming choice of clothes, gadgets and gorgeous things, I have put together some ideas to help to fill your wish list. Whether you are looking to self-indulge in a treat for yourself or you need some inspiration for a loved one, I'm here to the rescue. I've trawled the shops and online space and come up with some super ideas!

Notes for the season

Thu, Dec 08, 2011

There can be a world of difference between selecting a stocking stuffer and a gift at Christmas. You can virtually give any random person a gift, but a stocking stuffer is reserved for those we really and truly know and adore. Stocking stuffers are chosen with precision, to make the recipient especially pleased. And amazing as it seems, when a guy says he’d like socks, sometimes a guys does in fact want socks. Below are some suggestions from Brown Thomas, for the people you adore this Christmas.

Stylish office party looks

Thu, Dec 08, 2011

So you are going for some Christmas party drinks after work with your colleagues, but you have very little time to get dressed up? Use these style tricks to dress to impress after a long day in the office.

Plan for tan — picking the right tan for you

Thu, Dec 08, 2011

Find the perfect party look by starting with your tan. Selecting a tan that suits your skin type can be hit and miss, so here are some of Matt O Flaherty chemist’s favourites.

On the wine shelf

Thu, Dec 08, 2011

Jacob’s Creek Reserve Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2007 (Widely available, €12.99)

Coming close to Christmas, here’s a recommendation that will not break the bank and is perfect with turkey. On the nose it is definitely citrusy, peachy and more than wrapped in a little oak, while on the palate it’s creamy and nutty. With crisp acidity and great length, this is everything that should encourage more people to drink Australian Chardonnay from Adelaide Hills.

On the cookery bookshelf

Thu, Dec 08, 2011

Catherine’s Family Kitchen
As Seen On TV

GMIT Hotel School to provide gourmet giveaway in aid of Galway Lions Club

Thu, Dec 08, 2011

Hotel school students in the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology have volunteered to prepare, cook, and serve a gourmet dinner for 30 guests which will be auctioned off to the highest bidder during the Galway Lions Club ‘live’ Galway Bay FM auction tomorrow (Friday).

Finnerty’s champion craft butchers and Corry’s Loughrea

Thu, Dec 08, 2011

Finnerty’s butchers, which is located on the ground floor of the Eyre Square Shopping Centre and in Oughterard, has just scooped a top award at the All Ireland Craft Butcher Product competitions. It won supreme champion in the sausages and puddings section, quite an achievement when you think that there are about 500 butchers in the association and about 300 in the competition. Nevin Maguire was the main judge at the event so we can assume that the winners were all pretty impressive. I had often passed by the shop but never shopped there, so I decided to call in and try some of the award winning products. The main shop is in Oughterard and it has been supplying locally sourced meat for the last 50 years and supplies many of the main Connemara hotels like the Abbeyglen, Renvyle House, and Cashel House.

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