Start 2010 by making a positive change

Thu, Jan 21, 2010

If you have found it difficult to keep to your New Year resolutions, whether it is to quit smoking, stop eating chocolate, or to strengthen your willpower and determination to achieve your goals, you can succeed with the right support.

Kevin O’Brien, a registered member of the Irish Hypnotherapy Association, is based in Galway. He holds a diploma in clinical and therapeutical hypnotherapy and trained with the Irish Hypnosis Academy at the University of Limerick.

The Claddagh market

Thu, Jan 14, 2010

Grace Henry was born in Aberdeen in 1868. She studied art in Paris where she worked with Andre Lhote. It was there she met the Irish artist Paul Henry, and they married in 1903. They returned to Ireland to paint. In 1912 they went on holiday to Achill Island, and ended up staying there for eight years. They both painted a lot on the island, but also in other areas in the west. Her work was very influenced by Paul in those years. Eventually they moved back to Dublin and, in the late 1920s, they separated. They continued to paint and each developed a major artistic reputation. Grace died in 1953.

The Tulip of Tuam and other flowers

Thu, Jan 14, 2010

Many years ago I found the courage to ask the late Lady Molly Cusack -Smith whether she had posed nude for the famous artist Augustus John during his many sorties into Galway and the west. She looked at me very hard for some time. Then said in a very cross voice: “How dare you, HOW DARE YOU ask such a impertinent question!”

Host your very own a fashion soiree

Thu, Jan 14, 2010

With those long winter evenings still ahead of us why not spending an evening of fun while learning about style and fashion?

Host your very own fashion soiree in the comfort of your own home. This is a great way to have a really good night with your girlfriends and pick up some useful style and fashion tips. How does it work? Invite six to 12 friends, family members, or colleagues. Each guest brings one outfit. Choose whether you want your soiree to focus on colour, style, or a fashion and style update. The atmosphere is fun, social, and interactive, so everyone gets involved. Soirees are perfect for hen nights, baby showers, birthdays, busy mums’ parties, or simply as an excuse to get your group of friends together.

Communion wear fashion show at Anthony Ryan’s

Thu, Jan 14, 2010

Anthony Ryan’s annual fashion show devoted exclusively to Communion wear will take place at Anthony Ryan’s on Tuesday January 19 at 7.30pm.

What is the twelve week blow-dry?

Thu, Jan 14, 2010

The 12-week blow-dry is a keratin treatment process that transforms the hair in its entirety. Keratin is the primary protein of the skin, hair, and nails. This natural substance gives hair the ability to return to its original healthy, shiny, smooth state.

A good news story

Thu, Jan 14, 2010

Following on from last week’s article, where I looked at some of the food businesses that have expanded during 2009, I decided to focus on one establishment that has had a phenomenal success since it opened less than two years ago. Basilico is the name and it is located in The Coach House, Main Street, Oranmore. Since the very first day it opened its doors the people have flocked there — why? To find out I asked Fabiano and Paulo to take some time out and have a chat.

Savoury sea urchins

Thu, Jan 14, 2010

We all have our favourite foods and there are plenty of foods which stir up all kinds of nostalgic feelings. Then there are the fun things to eat as well as foods to share. Then there are the challenging foods, those delicacies which are often worth getting to know but require a bit of perseverance and possibly a leap of faith. Caviar falls firmly into this category, as do snails. The sea urchin is also an unlikely species of shellfish which is both challenging and exciting as well as being abundant off our coastline.

Hot Body thaws the frozen ice

Thu, Jan 14, 2010

Having spent Christmas and New Year’s housebound and gravitating towards the warmth of our fires and stoves, it only goes to show that we all crave that natural warmth when temperatures plummet beneath freezing. That natural hibernation has been unavoidable of late — and good for us. Although the heat indoors is attractive, being inactive has been unfortunately unavoidable. We all know that we need to exercise regularly in order to remain healthy. That is why doing yoga as your choice of exercise and allowing your body increase its temperature in a preheated room, 40°C, promotes massive benefits.

Astro decor — decorating for your stars

Thu, Jan 14, 2010

Virgo
The main focus of the Virgo home should be the kitchen and bathroom, especially a luxurious shower with a pulsating, massaging, shower head. Include in the design of the shower a constant-flow water and high humidity plants, creating an exotic jungle atmosphere in the Virgo’s shower. In the kitchen put to work Virgo’s signature colours, yellow-green, cream, and brown, with green and cream tiles creating a backsplash above the counters and dark-coloured hardwood floors, or wooden tiles.

The biggest sale just got better

Thu, Jan 14, 2010

One of Galway's largest furniture retailers has acted very quickly in response to the recent bad weather. With people unable to travel to the recent sale Curley’s Furniture has extended its sale and further reduced its prices. Offering free immediate delivery on all stock whatever the weather, there has never been a better time to pick up an unbeatable bargain.

2010 style resolutions

Thu, Jan 07, 2010

Your resolutions might be related to identifying your own style, understanding what suits you, or acquiring pieces throughout the year; so if you are embarking on a style journey this year, here are some of my fashion and style resolutions for 2010!

New Year, new you

Thu, Jan 07, 2010

Make your resolutions last at the Kingfisher Club
January is seen as a time for new beginnings, as everyone reflects on an enjoyable, excessive, festive season! To help you achieve your goals the Kingfisher Clubs are holding open days to welcome all new members on Thursday January 21 — it will only take a few minutes and it could make a life changing experience for you.

What lengths would you go to?

Thu, Jan 07, 2010

Clip-on hair extensions are the hottest product on the market this season. Safe to use and available in every colour, you can simply buy off the shelf, take them home and DIY your own hair or have them professionally fitted in salon at David Martin. David Martin has spent the past 10 years researching various hair extension techniques and the stylists are experts in their field.

A good year for Galway’s food sector

Thu, Jan 07, 2010

Looking back over a year that has received so much dark and depressing comment it seems to me that the food and restaurant business in and around Galway did a good job in 2009, and in fact expanded in many cases. Also the quality and value available to us the punters has been going in the right direction, lots of early bird menus, mid week offers, free bottle of wine with takeaways over €40, coffees down to a more acceptable €2 in many places, wine list prices being revised downwards, etc. As regards the quality I think that places like The Twelve in Barna, Sheridan’s on the Docks, Artisan in Quay Street, The g Hotel, and Abalone are all producing serious food and most of them have special deals if you give them a call. Places like Basilico in Oranmore, while only in business less than two years, continue to pack the customers in with great prices and great food. Most takeaways are reporting an increase in business.

O’Brien’s to feature Rachel Allen signature sandwiches

Thu, Jan 07, 2010

Celebrity chef Rachel Allen has joined forces with O’Brien’s sandwich bars to front a national marketing campaign to promote the O’Brien’s brand.

Ms Allen will be retained as a creative consultant to O’Brien’s and over the course of the year will create delicious signature sandwiches, which will be on sale from January in all O’Brien’s Irish sandwich cafes nationwide. She will also feature in a TV and radio advertising campaign as part of a comprehensive marketing and PR plan.

O’Brien’s to feature Rachel Allen signature sandwiches

Thu, Jan 07, 2010

Celebrity chef Rachel Allen has joined forces with O’Brien’s sandwich bars to front a national marketing campaign to promote the O’Brien’s brand.

Astro decor — decorating for your star sign

Thu, Jan 07, 2010

Would you like to redecorate a room in your home, or even your whole home, but are at a loss for where to start? Try looking to the stars. Even if you don’t believe in astrology, decorating for your sign may offer you some interesting ideas. Each of the 12 signs has corresponding colours, elements, and personality traits that can have appealing effects on your life when applied to the décor of your home.

New year bargains and more at TG Interiors

Thu, Jan 07, 2010

TG Interiors, Dunkellin Street, Loughrea has announced that from January 11 the company will no longer be trading as Acme Blinds.

Helping your child to overcome shyness

Thu, Jan 07, 2010

Parenting a shy child can be frustrating, baffling, and worrying for a parent. If you are shy yourself you will be acutely aware of how your child feels in a world full of seemingly confident people. If on the other hand you are not shy yourself, you will be baffled and often frustrated by your child's behaviour.

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