Get in shape for summer at the Coast Club

Thu, May 24, 2012

May is drawing to a close, swimsuit season is just around the corner and you want to get in shape fast. Sound familiar? The good news is that you can slim down and shape up in as little as four to eight weeks.

Revolutionary new heart screening system coming to Galway

Thu, May 24, 2012

Pulsewave Ireland is returning to Galway with the revolutionary Bpro pulse wave analysis device, providing affordable and accurate heart and artery screenings.

Notes for the season

Thu, May 10, 2012

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Running to a meeting in BT’s last week, I tried to dash past the lingerie department, but to quote the Clash, I had an “If I go with there be trouble? If I stay will it be double?” moment. I stayed. Ciara, lingerie fitter extraordinaire, was giving an impromptu lesson in lingerie session. Catching the tail end, I was intrigued to learn about the latest must-have secret weapon sweeping the fashion world - skinny britches. Who knew? A super lightweight version of spanks, they have amazing compression powers and because they are laser cut, you have no unsightly bulges ruining the line of your dress. Talk about revolutionary. Completely seamless, annoying twisting is a thing of the past. But the best part is they now come in a high waisted version.

Kilkenny’s Fashion Fix Gabs handbags

Thu, May 10, 2012

This week’s fashion fix brings you arm candy from top international label Gabs, an essential for any fashionista.

Going underground

Thu, May 10, 2012

Would you ever consider opening your home to paying diners? Have you ever visited a 'secret' restaurant? Did you know that such a thing existed right here under your very noses? Well, the underground food scene in Galway is alive and lives in Spanish Arch. This is the location of The Nutmeg Feast, you could call it a restaurant or supper club, a ‘guestaurant’, or a paying dinner party.

Spaghetti a la carbonara

Thu, May 10, 2012

This is a traditional Italian dish from Lazio in the south of Italy. It is simple and easy to make. This is very convenient if you happen to have cooked ham left over from dinner the day before; no need to sauté it on the pan if this is the case. Simply warm the ham and add with the cream and other ingredients for a super quick dish. I like to add mushrooms for variety but you may choose to omit them. For a low GI diet you can substitute milk for cream.

Healthy body, healthy mind

Thu, May 10, 2012

The correlation between health and beauty is an obvious one but one that can be all too easy for us to ignore. We can point to the likes of Kate Moss, who live unhealthy lifestyles yet are famed for their beauty. What we often forget is that few people are blessed with such good genes and that every cigarette and late night has a tendency to show up in later years.

Treat stress, anxiety, and depression with Chinese acupuncture

Thu, May 10, 2012

The internal imbalance caused by the exposure to external stress can lead to what is called an energy blockage, resulting in difficulty sleeping, fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Acupuncture treats the root cause of this condition.

Well known healer to visit Tuam

Thu, May 10, 2012

Paddy Hughes is a well known healer who claims to possess a gift which has been in his family for over a century. His aunt, also a healer, passed her gift on to him more than 30 years ago.

Accessories - the key to stylish dressing

Thu, May 10, 2012

Accessories are the secret to looking well. They speak volumes and are the key to revitalising jaded outfits, adding the finishing touch to elegant ensembles and reflecting your sense of style.

Beating backache in pregnancy

Thu, May 03, 2012

Back pain is one of the most common complaints in pregnancy. About 70 per cent of expectant mothers experience some degree of it.

The increase in weight can cause back strain which is often worsened by poor posture. Add to that the fact that you are walking in a different way and your hormones are relaxing the muscles and ligaments throughout your body. This can result in especially painful backache in the latter stages of pregnancy.

The nine to five

Thu, May 03, 2012

We all experience the feeling first thing on a Monday morning, dragging yourself out of bed, jumping in the shower, and then opening the wardrobe doors asking the same question: What will I wear? The traditional work wear attire consisted of the standard suit, for both men and women. For women, that has changed somewhat; the suit is disappearing and in come dresses and separates, which in essence, are far more flattering and comfortable to wear all day. That is not to say that dress policies specify what we can and cannot wear to work, so make sure you familiarise yourself with this before taking on any fashion experiments at work.

Notes for the season

Thu, May 03, 2012

Seven deadly sins of beauty

Fashionistas rejoice as Brown Thomas launch Oh Buoy

Thu, May 03, 2012

Brown Thomas is right on trend with its nautical themed event, which takes place from Thursday May 10 to Sunday May 20. There will be launches across the store in beauty, fashion and swimwear.

In beauty, MAC is embracing the passion for all things marine, with its new collection Hello Sailor! for summer 2012. Bright and bold colours in lips and eyes will be sure to turn heads. Keeping with the sunkissed theme, Bobbi Brown’s Miami Collection will give beach babes a taste of Floridian sunshine with a wide selection of bright palettes in golds, bronzes and corals.

Report reveals teenagers do not get a fair deal on health

Thu, May 03, 2012

Widespread inequalities mean that many young people in the WHO European Region and North America are not as healthy as they could be, according to a new report on the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study, published yesterday (Wednesday, 2 May) by the WHO Regional Office for Europe. The HBSC Ireland study is based in the Health Promotion Research Centre at NUI Galway.

The whole world smiles with you

Thu, May 03, 2012

I love Louis Armstrong’s version of the song ‘When You’re Smiling’.

A dream body in just four weeks

Thu, May 03, 2012

A dream body in four weeks may sound far-fetched but it is actually possible to lose between 10 and 15 pounds over the course of four weeks, with a sensible food plan and the right help, support, and advice. The trick is to stop the procrastination and take action today.

Therapie Clinic introduced SureSlim, a scientifically-approved weight-loss programme to Therapie Clinic, Shop Street, Galway, at the start of the year and has achieved the most remarkable results. On average, once you choose to stick to the programme you will lose between 10 and 15 pounds over the space of four weeks. Traditionally clients would sign up to a three or five month plan but with the incredible results in just four weeks, Therapie now offers a one month programme, which is obviously also more cost-effective.

Twenty ways to help your child get to grips with homework

Thu, Apr 26, 2012

1. Provide suitable study facilities. While the kitchen table may be ideal for many, others, especially older children, may prefer the calm atmosphere of their bedroom. Most children study best where there is peace and quiet so try to keep noise levels down and cut out distractions.

Ten minute chocolate trifle

Thu, Apr 26, 2012

This is the first dessert my children learned to prepare and it gave them immense satisfaction to produce a grown-up dessert visitors invariably loved. It is so simple and your local supermarket should have regular supplies of everything needed here.