Going Irish

Thu, Dec 22, 2011

Our European counterparts, such as France and Italy in particular, have been long standing pioneers of design. So much so both Paris and Milan have been the launch pad for many a great name including Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney and Tom Ford. However, as of late, our own shores have produced some of the best talent in the world of fashion who can more than compete with some of the more internationally known designers. Look at how well the likes of Paul Costello, John Rocha, Joanne Hynes and Orla Kiely have been internationally; with role models like these to look to, new Irish designers have the fashion world at their sewing machines.

Be spoiled for choice for fashion and gift ideas at Standún

Thu, Dec 15, 2011

If you are looking for the perfect outfit for a night out, the office party, or simply for Christmas Day, visit Standún, Spiddal, the unique shopping destination and enjoy a huge variety of clothing in the ladies’, men’s and children’s departments at sale prices.

Choose from the new collection of party dresses from Cocoa, Max C, and Darling in festive colours of red, green, purple, and lovely lacy numbers, all under €80, that will make you look a stunner for that end of term night out. For New Year’s Eve select a dress from Fran and Jane, Kali Orea, Elisa Cavaletti, or St Martin’s, all at discount prices and team it with a short or long faux fur or a wool coat in camel or red for those cold winter nights. Add a bag in tan, green, black, or navy from the Mischa Barton collection, a clutch from Fran and Jane, or a vintage bag from Newbridge, and a selection of nail varnish from Models Own to complement your outfit.

New taekwon-do classes in south Galway

Thu, Dec 15, 2011

The taekwon-do teaching team of Shane Fitzgibbon and Lisa Connolly have started new classes in south Galway. For those new to the art, taekwon-do is a Korean self defence system/martial art which provides numerous physical and mental health benefits. Increased physical fitness, co-ordination, self-confidence, and mental concentration are just some of the reported benefits from students and parents alike. For more information see www.connacht-taekwondo .com/endorsements.html

Warding off winter chills

Thu, Dec 15, 2011

Christmas is around the corner. You are busy shopping and preparing for the festive season. It is chilly and damp outside and you cannot keep warm. Before long, you are sniffling and coughing and are battling with a cold.

Unwind in the shadow of Croagh Patrick

Thu, Dec 15, 2011

Known as one of Ireland’s finest four-star de luxe hotel and destination spa establishments, Knockranny House Hotel and Spa in Westport, County Mayo, is the perfect luxury getaway for those who like to combine fine dining with total relaxation.

Style Isle

Thu, Dec 08, 2011

Last week I talked glam and this week I'm looking at gifts. It's December and we all have our eye on something fabulous for this year's stocking. In case you are baffled from the overwhelming choice of clothes, gadgets and gorgeous things, I have put together some ideas to help to fill your wish list. Whether you are looking to self-indulge in a treat for yourself or you need some inspiration for a loved one, I'm here to the rescue. I've trawled the shops and online space and come up with some super ideas!

Notes for the season

Thu, Dec 08, 2011

There can be a world of difference between selecting a stocking stuffer and a gift at Christmas. You can virtually give any random person a gift, but a stocking stuffer is reserved for those we really and truly know and adore. Stocking stuffers are chosen with precision, to make the recipient especially pleased. And amazing as it seems, when a guy says he’d like socks, sometimes a guys does in fact want socks. Below are some suggestions from Brown Thomas, for the people you adore this Christmas.

Stylish office party looks

Thu, Dec 08, 2011

So you are going for some Christmas party drinks after work with your colleagues, but you have very little time to get dressed up? Use these style tricks to dress to impress after a long day in the office.

Plan for tan — picking the right tan for you

Thu, Dec 08, 2011

Find the perfect party look by starting with your tan. Selecting a tan that suits your skin type can be hit and miss, so here are some of Matt O Flaherty chemist’s favourites.

Sally Hansen: Its popularity says it all. It is designed for the legs but can be used all over. Gives good coverage and colour.

Milk thistle — the natural cure for festive hangovers

Thu, Dec 08, 2011

‘Tis the season where so many of us tend to go overboard with drinking, between festive Christmas dinners, countless holiday parties, and New Year’s celebrations. And after the holiday cheer, most of us are left with that unwelcome side effect of our excesses: the hangover.

Discover the skincare benefits of peat

Thu, Dec 08, 2011

Briarhill Pharmacy and Beauty Emporium is introducing Galway to Ógra, Ireland’s first and original organic peat skincare range.

The perfect Christmas gift is now more affordable

Thu, Dec 08, 2011

Therapie Clinic, the prestigious laser and skin clinic on Shop, Galway, recognises that this is an expensive time of year and while we may have less money in our pockets than previous years, we still want to give a special and memorable gift to the one we love this Christmas. With this in mind, Therapie Clinic is offering 20 per cent off all gift sets and gift vouchers (over €150) for the rest of December.

Lose up to 10lbs in three weeks with System 10

Thu, Dec 01, 2011

Is your metabolism stopping your weight loss? Do you suffer from any of the following?

Slow thyroid — can cost you 400 to 600 calories, more than one hour workout. Thirty five per cent of people have an undiagnosed slow thyroid.

Party dresses for your shape

Thu, Dec 01, 2011

With the Christmas party season kicking off this weekend, it is time to find that special dress that will make you look gorgeous. It is all about feeling and looking good in your party outfit and having a great time. The key is choosing what suits you and accentuates your assets. In the coming weeks I will be selecting looks and style ideas to suit your shape and telling you how to wear them.

Notes for the season

Thu, Dec 01, 2011

Going from day to night in a hurry is going to be top on every woman’s agenda over the next few weeks. This can be done in a jiffy with the right tools at hand, and a few extra minutes in the morning.

G is for getting glam

Thu, Dec 01, 2011

Fashion is cyclical by nature and tends to revisit past trends rather than invent new ones. Now this is a positive thing – if you had a little black dress from years ago or your grandma had some costume jewellery that you happened to find in her attic, well you are in for a treat this season as old fashioned glamour is back.

Style is stepping back in time this season with thanks to some of the world’s most prominent fashion houses. Sparkle, glitter, feathers, sequins, leather, and faux fur have hit the high street with a bang. Taking inspiration from designers such as Gucci and Prada, who are leading the movement away from dull tones and textures, the high street stores such as River Island, Topshop and our own Awear and Born are the ones to watch. And naturally, the celebs are fans too. Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks and singer Paloma Faith are the best contemporary ambassadors for old school glamour who embrace eras past to define their red carpet style.

Christmas Day on a budget

Thu, Dec 01, 2011

It is pretty easy to create a Christmas Day spectacular dinner with an unlimited budget, however I think that you can achieve a superb result if you approach it with good planning and a modest budget. It is also worth remembering that the end result is never really as good as you hoped no matter how much you spend. Why is that? Well, we all want it to be the absolute best for all the family and now everyone has such high expectations that you would need to be a masterchef and a master shopper to fulfil everyone’s hopes for the day. Another stumbling block is that we forget that we are not used to catering at this level, so it really would be a miracle if it all turned out like the fabulous pictures you see in the magazines and cookbooks.

Galway trichologist tackles hair loss

Thu, Dec 01, 2011

Did you know that there are some 50 different types of hair loss, that common male hair loss can start as young as 14 years of age, or that 40 per cent of women lose hair after childbirth?

Trichologist Deborah Whelan MIT is one of a handful of qualified scalp and hair specialists in Ireland. She has been working in Galway city for six years, having opened her first practice in the UK in 1994.

No more pills for your asthma, cough, and breathing problems

Thu, Dec 01, 2011

The World Health Organization lists hundreds of conditions that can be treated with acupuncture. Some of the conditions that affect breathing are infections, such as colds and flu, bronchitis, asthma, and eye, ear, nose, throat, and sinus infections. Patients with lung cancer could find acupuncture useful to strengthen their immunity and reduce the side-effects of conventional medicine.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, chronic respiratory conditions can arise from lung, spleen/pancreas, liver, or kidney deficiencies. Proper diagnosis is made from patient history, as well as examination of the tongue and pulse. Chinese medicine offers an effective adjunct to standard medical therapy. By regulating the internal deficiencies, boosting the functioning of the respiratory system, increasing circulation, and the vitality of the body, Chinese medicine will mitigate the development of this disease process. In addition Chinese medicine can help manage such symptoms as wheezing, shortness of breath, cough, and phlegm congesting in the lungs.

Fight skin ageing with Seavite

Thu, Dec 01, 2011

Seavite, the organic seaweed-based skincare brand, has launched its latest secret weapon in the battle against skin ageing.

E-paper

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