Dress to impress

Thu, Mar 12, 2009

Feminity and easy elegance were the keynotes of the spring/summer collection from Anthony Ryans which was unveiled at a charity fashion show at The Ardilaun on Monday night.

A night at Oscar’s

Thu, Mar 12, 2009

I called to Oscar’s Bistro very early on a Saturday evening, at 6.15pm, and was surprised to find several diners there already. They open at 6pm. By 6.30pm the restaurant was filling up nicely and there was a good atmosphere. One of the most striking differences since my last visit was the new pictures on the walls. There are very large stunning images, and upon further enquiry I discovered that they were all taken by the owner/chef, Michael O’Meara. In fact on the reverse of Oscar’s business card are the details of Michael’s other passion, www.foodandwinephotography.com. I recommend that you have a look as some of the images are stunning.

Classy cocktail classes — the perfect girls’ night out at the House Hotel

Thu, Mar 12, 2009

The art of cocktail mixing is known by very few, so why not add yourself to the elite list and learn to make the perfect Cosmopolitan? The city centre boutique House hotel is now offering the chance to learn from a professional mixologist how to create your favourite cocktails.

Let food be thy medicine

Thu, Mar 12, 2009

“Let food be thy medicine” — Hippocrates, c400BC

Fresh Irish crab

Thu, Mar 12, 2009

Far too often the only use given to this versatile and decadent decapod, this abundant and delicious crustacean, is to eat the claws and forget about the rest. Fresh crab when sold whole is one of the best value shellfish on the market. The culinary uses of crab are immense and range from simple soups to some of the great classic recipes of the world.

Clifden health show

Thu, Mar 12, 2009

A special event will take place in Alcock and Brown Hotel, Clifden, on Saturday March 21 from 10am to 6pm. Organised by Terri Conroy of An Bhean Feasa Health Store, the day will inform, inspire, and entertain with regard to all matters of health. Meet with complementary practitioners who will be offering information about how they can improve your health, treat common complaints, and some will be giving mini taster sessions so that you can experience the therapy. Therapies will include acupuncture, systematic kinesiology, bio- energy, Bowen therapy, pranic and ayurvedic healing, and the Dorn method.

Of bishops and Claddagh rings

Thu, Mar 05, 2009

This photograph was taken exactly 100 years ago during the installation of the sixth Bishop of Galway and Kilmacduagh and Apostolic Administrator of Kilfenora since the foundation of the diocese. This was Bishop O’Dea, who was in the palace until 1923. There are elaborate and decorative floral arches across Williamsgate Street for the occasion and a banner that says “Long Live our Bishop”. There are a large number of RIC men in evidence, though they are not keeping much of a shape on the large crowd who are following the bishop. He is simply walking under the canopy and is not carrying the Blessed Sacrament. It is hard to know where the procession was going (The Pro-Cathedral ?) and where it was coming from. The flower girls were probably following a group of priests. Notice the tram tracks and the fact that all of the shops seem to be closed.

De Valera’s Galway speech angers Nazi Germany

Thu, Mar 05, 2009

Eamon de Valera was in Galway on the evening of May 11 1940 engaged in a by-election campaign, when he was told that Germany had invaded Belgium and Holland that morning. He was outraged. Belgium felt that by declaring its neutrality it was protected from Hitler. But it was sadly mistaken. Germany felt threatened (at least it pretended to be), that the Allies may use Belgium as a ‘jumping off’ base to attack her. With terrifying speed and ruthlessness, using new tactics of fighter bombers and tanks, Germany subdued both countries in a matter of days.

Restaurants — by design and some cool deals

Thu, Mar 05, 2009

A successful eatery is one where you feel good and do not want to leave, and one to which you will return regularly. It must of course provide great food and great service at an acceptable price. The more intangible ingredient is the atmosphere, the look and feel of the place. Some places have it naturally, eg, Moran’s of the Weir; others have to design it, and a stunning example of this would be the grand salon lounge in the g Hotel. Not everyone may love it but for many it has a wonderful wow factor as well as being an extremely comfortable space to relax in.

Health & Fitness

Thu, Mar 05, 2009

Fat is necessary for life but unfortunately many of us consume the wrong types of fat. Our intake of different fats has changed markedly during the last century. We eat far more saturated fats and vegetable oils which contain omega-6 fatty acids, whereas our intake of fatty fish oils (omega-3) has decreased by 80 per cent during the last 80 years. We eat much less fish today, so most of us suffer from a deficiency of omega-3 fatty oils.

Many people are realising that they and their families need more than a multivitamin to support their health and achieve optimum well-being. Independent research is demonstrating time and time again the value of essential fatty acids found in omega-3 fish oils. The Eskimo range has been meticulously researched and formulated to provide you with incredibly pure omega-3 fish oils to support you and your family’s health requirements.

Eat more fish… and demand Irish seafood

Thu, Mar 05, 2009

If you haven't been to the Galway market recently it’s worth taking a trip to see Gannet Fishmongers’ impressive fish and seafood display. Named for the famous fish-guzzling Atlantic seabirds, The Gannet team are experienced professionals whose mission is to get the people of Galway eating — and loving — fish.

Learn tai chi in Galway

Thu, Mar 05, 2009

With the increasing interest in the West in making healthy lifestyle choices, finding ways to destress and regain balance, tai chi is becoming a popular choice due to its physical and mental health benefits. Stress is widely regarded as the underlying cause of many illnesses and tai chi is designed to teach practitioners to relax and reduce or avoid stress.

Improved sleep patterns, elevated mood, confidence, and deeper inner calm through daily practice make tai chi a very popular exercise. Improvements in digestion and bowel function, cardio-respiratory function, immune system and cognitive function, physical and psychosocial improvements in MS patients, reduction of falls among the elderly, and beneficial reports by those with arthritic conditions and osteoporosis have all been documented.

At home With La Maison Chic

Thu, Mar 05, 2009

Light is key to the way we function day to day. It affects our mood, it tells us when to wake and when to go to bed, it is an external clock that automatically triggers our minds. It defines an ambience, it highlights, makes plants grow, and can create an atmosphere of warmth. Lighting says a lot — it can make guests feel welcome and heighten a romantic interlude. It sets the stage for entertainment and has the ability to direct your attention. It provides security and a sense of piece and calm. People may fear the dark, but no one fears the light.

La Maison Chic refurbishes Galway landmark

Thu, Mar 05, 2009

Imagine relaxing on your sofa in your own piece of history. Formerly a Church of Ireland chapel in Kiltullagh near Loughrea, this famous local landmark was built in 1808 and 200 years later it was given a new lease of life. It was deconsecrated in 1920 and had been used as an Irish Army billet, dancehall, sports hall, and workshop. The one of a kind renovation project has been picked by The Sunday Times home edition and Upstairs Downstairs magazine for their covers. This is a massive achievement for La Maison Chic.

Flower power

Thu, Mar 05, 2009

Floral prints, bright stripes, and textured blocks of colour in clean cut shapes usher in Peruzzi’s cool yet feminine spring/summer collection.

BareMinerals at Brown Thomas

Thu, Mar 05, 2009

The world’s pioneer of mineral make-up, bareMinerals, will be available at Brown Thomas in mid March.

Mum’s the word

Thu, Mar 05, 2009

Flowers, perfume, chocolates, cash, or a voucher for dinner at a nice restaurant? If you are trying to come up with a suitable gift for your mum for Mother’s Day and have a tight budget look no further than your local Aldi store.

It is offering a touch of celebrity lifestyle glamour with its designer brand fragrances (€24.99 each). Perfumes in the range include Brand Beckham’s “Intimately Beckham”, Sarah Jessica Parker’s “Lovely”, and the classic “Anais Anais” by Cacherel. If your mum has green fingers she will love the Zantedeschia/Calla Lily Kit (€12.99 each). It contains two bulbs, a root bag, compost, and a ceramic pot.

Buzzing with health

Thu, Mar 05, 2009

If you are battling a cold or flu or just feeling below par generally check out Manuka Health’s MGO Manuka honey.

Put a spring in your step

Thu, Mar 05, 2009

If winter has taken its toll on you and you feel weary and lack energy maybe you should consider getting a tonic to restore your lost vitality.

Competition

Thu, Mar 05, 2009

To celebrate the launch of Galway’s newest Lancôme department at University Late Night Pharmacy it is offering one lucky reader a professional skin analysis with Lancôme’s diagnosis machine in addition to a Lancôme hamper.

Lancôme experts will help the competition winner select a suitable skincare regime before presenting her with the free hamper of skincare products to suit her skin type.

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