Weight loss — ask an expert

Thu, Aug 18, 2011

A. This is all down to changes in your metabolism. As we get older our metabolism is rapidly changing. Thyroid function declines, male and female hormones decline, our digestive function declines, liver function declines, blood sugar rises, and these are just a few of the changes. These are all critical factors for weight loss.

Acupuncture to assist fertility

Thu, Aug 18, 2011

Acupuncture is one of the fertility treatments being sought by a growing number of women who are not able to get pregnant using more conventional methods.

Laughing Matters

Thu, Aug 18, 2011

Laughter is good for our health. It relaxes our bodies, relieves stress, boosts our immune systems and helps protect our hearts.

It has wider benefits, too. It strengthens relationships, enhances teamwork, attracts others to us and adds joy to life.

Teaching Irish in Connemara 1907

Thu, Aug 18, 2011

It may sound like a contradiction of terms, but teaching the Irish language in the opening decades of the last century could also be a method of teaching English. Irish was the spoken language in most homes of the west of Ireland, but it was recognised that knowledge of English was essential when emigration was usually the only way a young man or girl could better themselves. It is to the great credit of the Gaelic League, established in 1893 to promote the teaching of Irish in all national schools, that it recognised that fact. The Gaelic League, like its near contemporary the GAA, idealised the culture and way of life of the surviving Gaeltacht areas; and its success was largely due to its understanding that a bilingual approach would best serve everyone’s purposes.

Sharpen up your look

Thu, Aug 11, 2011

Sharpen up your look with this season’s tailored pieces for a grown-up and elegant style.

Paddy Burke’s restaurant and the Clarinbridge Oyster Festival

Thu, Aug 11, 2011

Along with its nearby neighbour, Moran’s of the Weir, I reckon Paddy Burke’s must be one of the best known landmark pubs in the country. I pass by the front door most days and there are always cars turning in to park, especially tourists who have heard the name or have been there previously. For myself it is the place of one of my earliest culinary memories. During the mid to late 1970s I was a regular diner there, that was when bar food had just moved from ‘hang sandwiches’ to toasted sandwiches (really posh) and to hot food. My absolute favourite dish back then was chicken cordon bleu and it was the most popular dish on their menu for many years. The luxury of it, breaded on the outside, ham on the inside, and a cheesy sauce oozed out as soon as it was cut. I am sure many readers will remember this dish too.

Clarinbridge Oyster Festival 2011

Thu, Aug 11, 2011

Just a short note to remind you that Paddy Burke’s is the site of the Clarinbridge Oyster Festival on Friday September 9, Saturday September 10, and Sunday September 11. It starts on the Friday at 9.30pm until 1.30am and the cost is €20. That gets you entertainment by the American Drifters, Happy Feet, and Don Rua, and there will be food available to purchase. Saturday is the big gala day, some tickets are still available at €75 each. The day starts at 4.30pm and runs until 1.30am with entertainment by The Cuba Libre Salsa Band, Don Stiffe, The Davitt Showband, Fuaim Chonamana, The Marvels, and She’s Electric. You will also get chowder, half a dozen native oysters, seafood platter, and two glasses of wine. Filtered water is available everywhere, and tea and coffee. The Sunday event is from 1.30pm to 6pm and for €10 you can enjoy the rocking piano sounds of Carmel Dempsey with food available to purchase. Tickets for the Clarinbridge Oyster Festival events are available from (091) 796766.

Design for living at The Red Barn

Thu, Aug 11, 2011

The Red Barn has developed a style that is a blend of European traditional and American classic. The company’s design is a mixture of old and new, combined to give a classical and unique look that is relaxed and natural.

The important link between immunity and digestion

Thu, Aug 11, 2011

What do food intolerances, allergies, IBS, cancer, asthma, hayfever, coeliac disease, behavioural issues, and countless other increasingly common conditions all have in common? They are all symptoms of immune system dysfunction. Not many people realise this but approximately 70 per cent of our immune system resides in the gut, which is why probiotics — ‘good’ bacteria — has become such a buzzword in recent times, and need to be replaced after taking a course of antibiotics. Many people develop food intolerances or are even diagnosed with coeliac disease after suffering from viruses or similar immune dysfunction. This is because the good flora in the gut, which is so important for healthy digestion, has often been affected by the illness or even the medication for treating it.

AcuGraph — combining ancient acupuncture techniques with new technology

Thu, Aug 11, 2011

AcuGraph is a digital meridian analysis that tests your energy levels or qi (chi) in the meridian system of your body. It combines the ancient practice of medical acupuncture with modern technology. By using a gentle probe it reads from key acupuncture meridian points on your hands and feet the energy levels in your body relating to each of your organs. It gives you a graph reading for you to see on screen which can be discussed with your acupuncturist.

Fake it

Thu, Aug 11, 2011

Keen to retain your golden glow while the sun continues to shine? Then check out Uriage Gelée Autobronzante Hydratante (€15), a three in one (self tanning, tinted and moisturising) gel which is non comedogenic and is suitable for all skin types, including the most sensitive.

Bags of style

Thu, Aug 11, 2011

Embellished, bejewelled, crystal encrusted, studded and pleated - for stylish bags - the Dice label is hard to beat.

Perfect nails

Thu, Aug 11, 2011

Nothing says preened and polished like beautifully presented nails. Achieving a salon style finish at home for less is now possible with the help of Aldi’s Lacura Nail Care Assortment Range (€1.99 each).

Sunshine Season Essentials

Thu, Aug 11, 2011

This season get the summer siren look with L’Oréal Paris’ top beauty essentials - dramatic lashes, glossy lips and a natural tan, in short everything you need to achieve a fresh and sensual summer appearance.

Sunshine Season Essentials

Thu, Aug 11, 2011

This season get the summer siren look with L’Oréal Paris’ top beauty essentials - dramatic lashes, glossy lips and a natural tan, in short everything you need to achieve a fresh and sensual summer appearance.

Making eyes

Thu, Aug 11, 2011

A new eye make-up remover for sensitive eyes from Vichy promises to limit lash loss and protect lashes day after day.

One hundred years of cinema in Galway

Thu, Aug 04, 2011

The earliest reference to ‘moving pictures’ in Galway that I have come across dates from 1909, when The Enterprise Animated Picture Company came to the Court Theatre in Middle Street with its cinematography performances and variety entertainments. “Rarely has such an opportunity been given to the people of Galway of viewing in animated pictures the most sensational events of real life and drama. Those from real life included Boxing Champions and Logging in Sweden, while other titles included Nocturnal Thieves, A Constable Please, The Pony Express, and Fairy Presents. The pictures come in ever-changing variety and there are no exasperating delays.” The Court Theatre had 500 seats and was also known as The Racquet Court.

Brush your way to a bikini body with Voya

Thu, Aug 04, 2011

Body brushing is one of the most effective ways of seeing results and getting skin in peak condition quickly. Brushing skin for just a few minutes each day can make a big difference to skin health, revealing luminous, softer, and more toned skin. Voya’s new exfoliating body brush is a beautiful natural bristle brush and gives skin an invigorating workout, getting the lymph system moving and helping to disperse any trapped toxins without being too harsh. It comes in an organic cotton bag and so is ideal for continuing daily brushing on the go.

Notes for the season

Thu, Aug 04, 2011

So many products, so little time. Below are some new favourites and old favourites.

The Best Restaurant in Connaught for 2011

Thu, Aug 04, 2011

This is the award that owners Terry Commons and Alan Wong won just a few weeks ago at The Restaurants Association of Ireland Awards ceremony in Dublin.

E-paper

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