Great value food in Galway

Thu, Jan 22, 2009

Last week I asked restaurants to send me an e-mail about any special offers or particularly good value meals available. Coincidentally there were some offers advertised in the same issue and I will list below what is available.

Smoked salmon pasta with Kalamata olives, spring greens, and vine tomato

Thu, Jan 22, 2009

Irish smoked salmon is without doubt one of the world’s great foods. Being the most westerly country in Europe gives Ireland the perfect environment for producing this versatile delicacy. Salmon has been smoked for centuries in Ireland using methods and secrets which have been passed down through the generations. The texture and taste of Irish smoked salmon is particularly good due to that extra bit of work the king of fish has to put in around our rugged and unpolluted west coast. Smoked salmon is rightfully considered an expensive food, but when used as an addition to pasta the smoked flavour carries brilliantly. This means that a small amount of salmon can go a long way. Another great benefit to eating smoked salmon is the fact that the oils of the salmon which are high in omega 3 remain very well preserved. Coupled with a healthy selection of spring leaves, this dish makes a well balanced main meal of the day.

Building a rapport with your teenager

Thu, Jan 22, 2009

If you have emerged from another showdown with your teenage son or daughter feeling like the loser with communication lines broken down yet again, maybe it is time to rethink your strategy.

Domestic Bliss

Thu, Jan 22, 2009

Help is at hand for sleep-deprived parents struggling to cope with their child's sleep problems.

Rollercoaster

Thu, Jan 22, 2009

The role grandparents play in a child's life is a very special one. With a lifetime of experience behind them, they can offer their grandchildren the gifts of wisdom, love, patience, and time.

The degree to which grandparents are involved in their grandchildren's lives can vary enormously depending on the family — some are very involved, particularly if they are relied upon for childcare, whereas for others contact may be more infrequent.

Grab some Denby at Anthony Ryan’s

Thu, Jan 22, 2009

Anthony Ryan’s homeware site www.shopcookware.ie is currently offering massive reductions on selected Denby ranges.

Massive reductions on kitchens at Surreal Designs showroom

Thu, Jan 22, 2009

Kitchen design company Surreal Designs has reduced to clear its last remaining showroom display kitchens prior to its new showroom renovation which is scheduled to be completed by the end of February.

All the displays are German made and have been reduced with up to 70 per cent off original prices. All displays as well as reception and office furniture have to be sold by the end of January prior to the commencement of the renovation — offering the perfect opportunity to find your dream kitchen at an unbelievable price.

St Nicholas’ Parochial School, a brief history

Thu, Jan 08, 2009

The Church of Ireland school of the Galway parish of St Nicholas opened its doors on July 12 1926, next door to the Town Hall and opposite the Courthouse. This marked a new departure for the primary education of Protestant children in Galway but it also marked the end of a long and sometimes acrimonious struggle for multi-denominational primary education in Galway.

What ‘The Liberator’ said in Shantalla - ‘A magnificent public demonstration’

Thu, Jan 08, 2009

Galway often boasts of the huge crowds attracted to myriad events in this town, but the greatest congregation ever assembled in the west of Ireland gathered at a monster meeting in Shantallow over 150 years ago. The “Slidin’ Rock”, as it is now colloquially known, is the spot from which Daniel O’Connell delivered a towering oration, just two years before the Great Famine began.

How to choose a sofa

Thu, Jan 08, 2009

While it is important to get a sofa in just the right colour, it is just as important to get one that will last. Inexpensive furniture can break, pop springs, and look out of shape after a year of constant use. Quality construction will offer years of enjoyment and has enough good “bones” to allow you to recover it periodically.

Design your home with La Maison Chic

Thu, Jan 08, 2009

La Maison Chic is now offering an intensive 12 weeks course for students eager to be able to design their own home efficiently. The course syllabus has been designed by expert designer and owner of La Maison Chic interior design Galway and Dublin, Laurent Billiet. The course content and skills taught are practical and fully up to date as well as developed by a working professional.

Dressing princesses at Anthony Ryan’s

Thu, Jan 08, 2009

Sinple, elegant styles are big news for girls’ Holy Communion wear this year, according to Anthony Ryan’s store which holds its annual fashion show devoted exclusively to Holy Communion wear at its Shop Street premises on Tuesday at 7.30pm.

Party on

Thu, Jan 08, 2009

If you refuse to be beaten by the recession and are determined to party your way through January the latest collection from ICHI will ease you into the New Year with style.

Fit for anything

Thu, Jan 08, 2009

Losing weight and getting in shape featured at the top of many people’s New Year resolution list.

Flutter those lashes

Thu, Jan 08, 2009

Long, lustrous lashes will give you instant eye appeal so if you want to ensure your peepers are one of your best assets check out Oscillation, Lancôme’s new power mascara.

Face facts

Thu, Jan 08, 2009

Foundation is one of the keys to creating flawless make-up. Choose the correct shade to suit your colouring and your face will boast a natural healthy glow.

Create a stylish wet room look in your bathroom

Tue, Dec 30, 2008

Flair International has extended its range to introduce a stylish collection of wet room shower screens — the ultimate in accessible showering luxury for your bathroom which offers a wet room look at an affordable price. With a modern bold “square look” design, a Flair wet room shower screen will show off tiles and other bathroom design details beautifully, adding a striking designer touch to your bathroom.

Home Ground

Tue, Dec 30, 2008

Now the Christmas tree and decorations will soon be taken down and put away and the New Year’s celebrations are almost behind you, you are no doubt ready to start gardening again. Are you feeling motivated? I do hope so because there is much to be done.

An important job this season would be to cover your ornamental cherry trees with netting as you will find that birds tend to peck at the buds. The trees most prone to bird damage would be your fruit trees and, as I have already mentioned, your ornamental cherries. If covering your trees with netting proves to be too difficult, there are repellent sprays available and these can be used instead.

Local produce — local markets

Tue, Dec 30, 2008

As we have all painfully observed over recent weeks the consequences when large scale food production goes wrong can be disastrous. We cannot survive without these big companies, however it is well worth while supporting small local producers. During 2008 we saw the birth of some great farmers’ markets in Claregalway, Moycullen, and Oranmore. As a regular in the Oranmore Market, I have seen the build-up of regular customers and it is now part of many people’s weekly shopping.