Six weeks to svelte at the Kingfisher

Thu, May 09, 2013

There is no escaping the reality of it any longer- the swimsuit season is upon us and the challenge now posing itself to the public is can you tone up in six weeks? Is it possible to lose those pounds that have slowly crept on over the winter months? At the Kingfisher, that answer is always yes.

Galway Bealtaine Festival

Thu, May 09, 2013

The Active in Age Oranmore group have been running the four-day Bealtaine Festival, celebrating creativity of Oranmore’s older residents, from May 7 - May 10.

BPro Cardio Pulse uses wave analysis to examine heart function

Thu, May 09, 2013

Cardio Pulse wave analysis is the latest technology in non-invasive vascular and cardiac screening. Typically your blood pressure is taken by a blood pressure cuff on the arm and measures a single beat of your heart on the brachial artery at a single moment in time.

The perfect pout

Thu, May 09, 2013

No 7’s high shine lip crayons provide glossy lip colours in crayon form which is really easy to wear. They are available in a selection of summer glide-on colours for sheer or full coverage for great looking lips. Thanks to this innovative design there is no need to sharpen the crayon, just twist the bottom cap when more colour is needed.

Fade dark spots

Thu, May 09, 2013

A dark spot corrector from No 7 cosmetics claims to fade age spots in just four weeks. Age spots are a form of hyper-pigmentation or brown discolouration of the skin caused by the increased production of continued presence of melanin. Many factors contribute to hyper-pigmentation including hormonal changes or the most common, long term sun exposure.

Scentsational

Thu, May 09, 2013

Agent Provocateur’s new fragrance is described as “bold and seductive” by its makers. Petale Noir is a deep floral scent with a hint of oriental mystique.

Accents of precious woods are enhanced by musk crystals and sweet, spicy accords which aim to ingite the senses. A new luxurious body elixir, which claims to leave the skin soft, has also been launched.

Budget-friendly body lotions

Thu, May 09, 2013

Are you keen to look your best on the beach this summer? If so, check out Aldi’s Lacura Body Moisturiser (€1.79, 500ml) which promises to leave your skin noticeably softer and smooth.

Carefully formulated with the finest natural ingredients, it is dermatologically tested to gently care for your skin and can be used as an essential part of your daily skincare routine.

Hair Flair

Thu, May 09, 2013

Don’t shun the sun this summer is the message from Redken whose new Colour Extend Sun range promises to protect summer locks.

Saving face

Thu, May 09, 2013

Fancy a treatment which promises to help rejuvenate and tighten your skin during your lunch break? The Beauty Rooms at Barry’s Hair Studio in Shop Street is now offering the internationally renowned, NU Skin Galvanic Spa™ Facial Gels.

Feet first

Thu, May 09, 2013

Some of the most important steps you’ll ever take are down the aisle on your wedding day. From the all-important first dance to footsteps in the honeymoon sand all blushing brides-to-be need to step up their foot care routine and get pedi-perfect in time for their big day.

The May procession

Thu, May 09, 2013

The month of May is named for and dedicated to Mary, the Blessed Virgin. Many people like to honour the Virgin during that month by putting up a May altar in their house, usually on a small table or sideboard covered with a white cloth. In the place of honour is a Marian picture or statue and it is decorated with May flowers. In some parishes they have a ceremony where they crown an image of Mary with paste jewels, and in others, they hold a May procession in which those taking part walk bareheaded (weather permitting), in decent costume and with reverent mien. Clergy and laity, men and women, are separated. The cross is usually carried at the head, and sometimes banners embroidered with sacred pictures. These often represent sodalities but should never be of military or triangular in shape.

Enjoy Italian food, wine, art and culture with Basilico

Thu, May 09, 2013

Renowned for providing customers with not only the taste-bud tempting aromas of its delicious dishes but also a relaxing atmosphere surrounded by fine art, Basilico Restaurant will be embarking on a new phase in its business by offering lovers of food, art, and culture, weekend breaks in Oranmore or longer painting holidays to Italy.

All in one

Thu, May 02, 2013

When I was a child, I wore a pinafore to school. I never thought almost 25 years later, I would be back wearing a pinafore, and versions of it, as a fashion trend. I have no idea who is to blame for the return of the “all-in-one” look, but whoever did, must have known it was going to be the must have item for our summer wardrobes. Comfort and style all in one, plus a huge saving on your suitcase space, the jumpsuit, playsuit, pinafore, and dungaree trend have been reinvented for the current season. The jumpsuit has been here for a couple of seasons now, but this year we see shapes and styles change, to make this look more wearable.

Mid-heels are the new sexy

Thu, May 02, 2013

There is a new look in town, it is called the mid heel and I am a big fan. A refreshing alternative to sky-high heels, the mid heel gives us a natural allure and enough comfort to walk in all day. From chunky heels with open toe to classic coloured courts, comfortable slingbacks to wedges with ankle straps, these heels come in an array of styles and colours allowing you to update your wardrobe without compromising your comfort. Combine them with any of your work clothing, or weekend wear. Here is how to wear them this spring.

Bay roasted baby hasselbacks

Thu, May 02, 2013

Last year was my first time growing my own potatoes. I ordered a few heritage varieties from Seed Savers, varieties that would be difficult to find in the shops, some early and some main crop. I planted them late enough in the season so as to avoid any lingering frosts as we are prone to here in the west. They grew readily with the plentiful rain and flowered in white, yellow, and some in a glorious purple. When the leaves faded and died back it was time to harvest. It was lovely to see the children’s delight at sifting through the soil and discovering hidden potatoes, like a messy Easter egg hunt… potatoes with skins so thin that you could brush them off with your thumb. The taste of those freshly dug little earlies, with butter, ground pepper, and fat flakes of sea salt was amazing.

On the Wine Shelf...

Thu, May 02, 2013

Bodegas Salentein, Numina 2010 Uco Valley (Independents, €22.99)

The Book Shelf...

Thu, May 02, 2013

Lorenz Books is without doubt one of the best publishers of glossy, picture-led, cookery books that generally have more than one photograph per recipe. Already this year it has published titles such as 500 Sensational Salads and 30-Minute Cookbook, offering much of what this particular publication is very good at providing. Thus, we have more than 500 pages of colourful, succinct, recipes that are enticing and easy to follow, beginning with an introduction that sets out the editor’s manifesto and the notion of clever cooking: The idea of buying and using ingredients that will enable the reader to create a fabulous meal for less than what it would cost to buy an ordinary sandwich in the shops.

Enjoy up to sixty per cent off at your local HSS Hire

Thu, May 02, 2013

HSS Hire, the national tool and equipment hire company, is answering the needs of its domestic and specialist customers by helping to make all jobs quick, easy, and available at a price affordable to all.

At HSS Hire there really is no hire too big or too small. The knowledgeable staff guarantee to have all of your decorating, cleaning, DIY, and renovation needs covered, as well as any larger scale projects.

Farrow & Ball paint and paper now available at La Maison Chic

Thu, May 02, 2013

La Maison Chic now supplies Farrow & Ball paints and wallpapers. When it comes to choosing colour, there are no strict rules but there are many factors to take into consideration. Architecture, the purpose, shape, and direction of a room and above all light, should be taken into account as they will contribute to the changing appearance of colours.

Anti-cancer health and wellness retreat in Galway

Thu, May 02, 2013

Sota Health and Wellness is a luxurious five star sanctuary of wellness, vitality, and rejuvenation set in a scenic and tranquil setting overlooking Kilcolgan Castle.

It is the only health and wellness retreat in Galway, offering a specialised programme tailored to your health needs. It is one of the most comprehensive, educational, inspiring, life transformative, programmes available in Europe.

E-paper

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