FACE | GET READY TO GLOW WITH YON-KA PARIS

As the seemingly never-ending January finally gives way to February and the daylight hours begin to get (slightly) longer, it feels like spring is almost on its way.
That said, regular readers will know that I wear thermals from October until April, so there are two more months before I feel properly spring-y, and there is no denying that my post-winter skin is definitely in need of some TLC and Vitamin D! But before adding spring sunshine (and its inherent Vitamin D) as well as all those nourishing skin products and treatments, it is important to take the layers of dead skin cells off with some gentle exfoliation.

In the old days, exfoliating your skin was about as delicate a process as resurfacing the kitchen floors (and often left you red-faced and sore) but thankfully Yon-Ka Paris has a wide range of  products which gently remove any debris from your skin, revealing a spotless, flawless complexion underneath – with not a red face in sight!

One of my fave Yon-Ka duos are the Alpha-Fluid (£63) & Alpha Peel (£73). The renewing peel works overnight, gently removing dead skin cells so you wake up with radiant skin while the hydrating fluid works during the day to renew and revitalise, creating healthier skin.

Yon-Ka Paris Gommage £37 is an award-winning, non-abrasive polish which you rub gently onto the skin, removing dead skin cells while hydrating and balancing the skin. Borneol and white nettle work together to soothe and purify skin, resulting in a gorgeous glow – no highlighter needed!

If your skin is sensitive, this product is perfect because it is a rub as opposed to a scrub so it calms skin. It is also suitable on the eye area and the lack of oil means it is suitable for all skin types.

Another fab product is the Yon-Ka Paris Guarana Scrub (£37). This is an exfoliating cream which cleanses and purifies the skin. It is made up of two complimentary organic microbeads (guarana seeds and organic brown rice) which are softened by a cocktail of plant extracts – all with soothing virtues which work together to leave skin feeling super smooth and silky.

The Yon-Ka Paris Solution Clarté (£56.50) is a gentle peeling treatment which eliminates dead skin cells, reduces skin discolouration and improves skin quality. When you use it regularly your complexion will become more even, radiant and bright.

With all these to choose from, you can’t not have glowing skin ready for spring (when it eventually comes!).

FOOD | The Beginners Guide to Veganism

By Caitlyn O’Kane

So, you’ve decided you want to go vegan or incorporate more vegan meals into your diet, but you don’t know where to start? As you might have heard, there are many great reasons to start transitioning to a vegan diet today – and although the lifestyle has been heavily criticised, there is no denying that veganism provides fantastic health benefits, creates less stress on the environment and protects animal welfare.

Transitioning to a vegan lifestyle can seem really daunting after being an omnivore your entire life, but luckily, going vegan has never been easier thanks to an endless supply of online information, innumerable recipes and the growing availability of meat and dairy alternatives.

Here are 8 essential tips and guidelines for vegan beginners.  Even if you're just trying to adopt a more plant-based diet for better health, these tips are a great way to get started.

1.      Educate Yourself.

Getting your facts straight is step number one. Doing your research will help you feel more motivated and secure in your decision to adopt a vegan lifestyle, but it also will help the people around you to understand why exactly you’re doing it as well – win-win! There are bountiful resources available to educate yourself on the topic. Documentaries such as The Game Changer, Cowspiracy, Earthlings and Forks over Knives are great tools to get started. There are also many books, websites and blogs that are valuable sources that will provide the insights and support you need.

2.      Go at Your Own Pace.

Most people cannot become vegan overnight. Start off with reducing red meat in the first week, then poultry, fish, eggs, and so on. Another tip? Try keeping meat and dairy out of your diet until dinner or try going vegan 1 or 2 days a week at first. You could also start it as a 7-day or 30-day challenge - Veganuary may be over, but it isn’t too late to smash some of your 2020 goals!

3.      Veganise Your Favourite Comfort Foods.

You don’t have to give up your favourite foods when becoming vegan – as there is always a satisfying way to veganise it. Once you have a tasty vegan version of your preferred comfort foods, veganism becomes a little less daunting.

4.      Going Vegan Doesn’t Mean Deprivation.

It must be noted that veganism should not be used as a crash diet – and it doesn’t mean you have to eat super healthily 24/7 either. You must realise that plants are more calorifically dilute than animal products, so you must eat more in order to reach your daily recommended calorie intake, and to get all the nutrients that you need. Don’t deprive yourself of your favourite foods – as I said many of your favourite foods or meals can be veganised, and there are also great meat and dairy alternatives out there you can eat to satisfy your cravings! Maybe don’t carb up either and just eat bread or pasta with everything, that’s easy, but you need to be expending the energy you consume in a healthy way.

5.      Plan Your Meals.

Meal planning can save you a lot of time, energy and money. By planning ahead, it allows you to control exactly what’s in your food and helps eliminate a lot of stress when going shopping. Picking a few recipes with similar ingredients each week will help cut the cost of your weekly food shop, as well as helping to reduce food waste. It’s also a great idea to stock up on some vegan cookbooks to help you start planning your meals. Some great cookbooks include Deliciously Ella, Bosh healthy vegan, Vegan Richa’s everyday kitchen and Rachel Ama’s Vegan Eats – all great sources to get you inspired and start cooking yummy vegan food! If you cant afford the books, follow great vegans online and get recipes and planners on YouTube and Insta, as well as Facebook and everywhere else!

6.      Find a community.

And speaking of Facebook, it’s 2020 – and there are more online vegan communities than ever before. Joining Facebook groups such as ‘Power to the Veg’ or Veganuary can be extremely useful in your journey when you are confused or have any questions, as there are plenty of vegans available there to give you advice or answer any queries you may have. Online communities and forums are a great space to be honest, find insight and motivate you to keep going, as there is nothing worse than being alone when you’re working towards a goal, if you’re facing criticism at home or even if you fail and fall off the wagon one day!

We worked with Kim Constable from The Sculpted Vegan to create some Veganuary recipes back in January, you can check out that blog HERE, but eating out can be challenging for new vegans, but thankfully more and more restaurants are catering to the ever-growing number of those that eat a vegan diet. Apps such as ‘HappyCow: Find Vegan Food’ are the perfect guide to help you discover veggie restaurants around the world, saving you a lot of time and hassle.

Here are my top five restaurants in Belfast and Dublin that have lots of tasty vegan options (Non-vegans, you might just be converted).

  Jumon
https://www.facebook.com/jumonbelfast/
https://www.instagram.com/jumonbelfast/

Darcy’s
https://darcysbelfast.co.uk/

Home
https://www.homebelfast.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/home_restaurant_belfast/

Kitch
http://wearekitch.com/
https://www.instagram.com/kitchbelfast/

Coppi
https://www.coppi.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/coppibelfast/

Dublin

Rustic Stone
https://www.rusticstone.ie/
https://www.instagram.com/rusticstone_/

Sova Vegan Butcher
https://www.sovaveganbutcher.ie/
https://www.instagram.com/sova_vegan_butcher/

Cornucopia
https://cornucopia.ie/
https://www.instagram.com/cornucopia_restaurant/

Urbanity
http://urbanity.ie/
https://www.instagram.com/urbanitydub/

Vish Shop
https://www.facebook.com/Vish.Shop/
https://www.instagram.com/vish.shop/

FITNESS & HEALTH | HEALTHY HABITS THAT AREN’T JUST FOR JANUARY

Most people tend to start the New Year full of eager resolutions, ready to cut down (or cut out completely) on alcohol, sugar and salt, or gluten, carbs or fat (or indeed whatever their perceived poison is!) They’ll also aim to go to the gym 4 times a week in a purge-filled, post-Christmas guilt-fest; however as the weeks go on and reality hits, we soon realise that perhaps cutting out everything wasn’t such a good idea after all. And the promise to exercise every day isn’t always feasible with hectic work schedules, family or social commitments and everything else that daily life throws at us.

So before long the resolutions are forgotten about and life carries on the same way as before.

For a long time I’ve not bothered with New Year’s resolutions. I hate to sound smug, but instead I try to ingrain healthy habits for the whole year – but at the same time I don’t beat myself up if I fall off the wagon. Because, ya know, #BALANCE!

Here are some thoughts on long term resolutions - or healthy life goals as I like to call them!

Keep a wellness diary

This time last year I made a promise to myself to spend the year ahead focusing on me and start saying yes to as many opportunities as possible. I think I am naturally inclined to focus on keeping those close to me happy and often put their needs before my own and, in the past, this has proven to be detrimental to my own health and wellbeing.

So I decided to focus on getting it a bit more balanced! I said yes to things that would usually make me apprehensive, spent time travelling,  seeing friends and doing things that I love and ended up having a wonderful 2019 whilst getting to know (and love) myself a whole lot better. I definitely want to take this habit into 2020 and continue to appreciate and love my body and self just the way I am.

A good way to start this change of mindset is to start making lists of your wellness habits (the good, bad and the ugly!) on a day to day basis. Start by making a list of your goals (emotional, psychological and physical), a reasonable time frame to achieve them as well as an action plan on how to achieve them.

Start making a note of everything that goes into your body (food, drink, supplements) as well as sleep habits, weight, exercise and relaxation.
This can allow you to see bad habits and influences you didn’t even know you had. Sometimes we have to let go of things (and people) as they aren’t good for us, no matter how much we want them. So if you have any toxic people in your life or people that bring you down, then don’t be afraid to close the door on them on 2020.

Take up yoga
If you are not a yoga person then why not take it up this year? Not only are the benefits endless, but it is great for toning! And PS, it can be Body Balance or Pilates or Reformer Pilates – whatever gets you stretching and breathing is definitely good.

Walk when you can
Never underestimate the benefits of walking. Walk to work instead of driving… or if you get the bus, get off a stop earlier and walk the rest of the way. I know I’ve talked about this many times before on the blog, but I often do ‘walk and talk’ meetings with clients, which are a great way to get some fresh air whilst having productive chats without any distractions (or sugary snacks at a café!).

Cut down on processed foods
Refined, processed foods aren’t great for the body. They often contain high levels of salt, sugar and preservatives. Try and stick to fresh fruit and vegetables which will keep you fuller for longer and give you the vitamins you need.

Plan healthy meals in advance
Try and do a weekly meal planner to avoid ‘convenience eating’. After work when you’re feeling tired it can be easy to reach for the microwavable meals, but by planning and shopping in advance it means you are guaranteed to have a nutritious meal. *Batch cooking on Sundays is – for me – quite therapeutic and depletes some of the Sunday fear as you get such a feeling of accomplishment when it is done!

And one of my main ones that I think should be everyone’s focus…

BE KIND! TO YOURSELF AND OTHERS…
We can be our own worst enemies and find ourselves plagued by the comparison thief, especially when we spend too long scrolling online. If you do one thing this year, make sure to take a digital detox and stop spending hours trawling through Instagram comparing yourself to your favourite models, superstars and bloggers. Not only do they know the best angles and lights, they also know the best apps to use and underneath the glamour and makeup they also have their own insecurities, like we do, so always be kind to yourself when comparing – and be kind to them too. There is enough negativity in the world without adding to it by posting nasty remarks under pictures or criticising others’ action, just don’t be that person. You come across badly. Always.

FILM | Little Women (2019)

BY Molly McHugh

The new film adaption of Louisa May Alcott's novel, Little Women  is a heartfelt, emotional but yet uplifting story of four sisters through their teenage years at the time of the American civil war. Having not read the book nor seen previously produced films, I was in complete awe of Alcott’s purist storytelling and Greta Gerwig’s phenomenal creative and truthful direction of feminism in the 19th Century.

The four March sisters; Jo (Saoirse Ronan), Meg (Emma Watson), Amy (Florence Pugh) and Beth (Eliza Scanlen) each played a defined and personalised character under the care of their mother Marmee March (Laura Derm – who just won an Oscar for her role, whoop!) whilst their father (Odeon Kirk) was pastoring at the Civil War. Greta Gerwig revamped the novel by beginning the film at the sisters’ adulthood, flashing back to their childhood/teenage years.

The first scene begins with Jo, the impulsive writer trying to make her way selling story’s to stern publisher Mr Dashwood (Tracey Letts) at a difficult time where ‘morals don’t sell’.  Jo claims her anonymous friend wrote the published stories while she teaches in a boarding house in New York. Denying her love for a further critic Professor Friedrich Bhaer (Louis Garrel), she drops her writing and flees back to New England with news her young sister Beth had fallen ill.

The scene reverts to  rural New England seven years previous;  andthe March family,  struggling to show happy faces through their first Christmas without a father figure. With not a Christmas tree in sight nor presents underneath, Marmee makes the girls pack up and deliver their Christmas Breakfast and spare blankets to a lesser neighbour where children were sick, cold and hungry. They returned home to a full breakfast provided by a wealthy neighbour Mr Lawrence (Chris Cooper) who saw their generosity through his window. Theodore, also known as Mr Laurence’s Grandson 'Laurie', (Timothée Chalamet) became best friends with Jo March and became a brother-like figure to the rest of the sisters.

Beth, the younger of the sisters, was too timid to attend school where physical abuse was popular in a time of low funding for girls’ educations. Beth stayed at home doing  chores, following her mother’s kindness caring for sick children and practising her love for music on Mr Lawrence’s daughter’s piano.  Beth was rewarded with a gift of the Laurence’s piano, but unfortunately her care for others left her ill with scarlet fever. Amy was shipped off to live with Aunt March (Meryl Streep) due to a  fear of catching the fever, where she perfected her painting and aspired to become a well-known, fine artist. In an era where women could only be successful by marrying rich as expressed by Aunt March (a wealthy widow) Amy was gullible and travelled to Europe with Aunt March meeting Fred Vaughn (Dash Barber) who proposes to her.

Meg, the eldest of the sisters, who remembered the times when the Marchs had money was a pretty, girly girl, who liked nice dresses and to be seen as proper to society. Meg, battling her greed through a tough time of illness and war, soon became aware of the value of money and the importance of her health and family. Meg marries Orphan John Brooke (James Norton) and has twins becoming a stay at home mother near the family home.

As Beth becomes sicker, she persuades Jo to write her stories and read them to her. Jo stays by her side until she takes her last breath. Amy arrives home with a plot twist marrying Laurie, and Jo’s heart sinks until Professor Bhaer arrives with condolences and she realises her true love. After the loss of Beth, Jo picks up her pen and writes endlessly for days and days a novel based on the life of the four sisters called ‘Little Women’. She takes it back to Mr Dashwood as her own and negotiates the book to be published at a fair price and the way she wants it. Jo uses the money from the book and Aunt March’s house left in her will to start up a school for girls and boys where the three sisters teach education, art and music and no longer live in poverty.

For me, this film was an eye-opener seeing how the March sisters were entertained by the art of play and the simplicity of spending time together with the absence of television, mobile phones or even transport. A film of honesty, strong morals and realism is exactly what this generation needs to see, and I hope the novel – or others from this era - create many more adaptions for future generations to come.

FACE | OVERNIGHT RESET EYE SERUM BY L’OCCITANE

TIRED OF looking tired? Work, family, social life... We’re often trying to juggle too many things at once and there simply aren’t enough hours in the day! So, it doesn’t come as much of a surprise to learn that some of women’s biggest skin concerns today are visible signs of fatigue.

It’s no big secret: when you’re tired, the first place it shows is on your face – or, to be more precise, around your eyes. We’ve all been there, a late night before an early start and we wake up to dark circles or puffiness around our eyes that no amount of concealer will hide!

Recent epigenetic (what?!) studies have shown that although many things about our appearance can be attributed to genetics, our lifestyle can actually modify the expression of our genes, which isn’t a surprise considering what our skin comes into contact with every single day.  Basically, Epigenetics is the study of how environmental factors such as stress, pollution, diet, fatigue etc can influence our genes and therefore the appearance of our skin. This discovery has changed how brands approach skincare with one example being L’Occitane’s brand new innovative Overnight Reset Eye Serum, which aims to help make looking tired a thing of the past and who wouldn’t love that?!

The serum works to reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles, helping to smooth fine lines and wrinkles and leaving you to wake up to eyes that look rested. The team at L’Occitane sent me one to try and review – and I also gave one away to one of my followers on Insta, well done @pinkmummusings!

Within the formula are key ingredients Marjoram and Acmella Oleracea extract which reduce the impact of environmental aggressors by modifying gene expression and boosting collagen production – protecting skin from wrinkles.

Other key ingredients include the organically-sourced immortelle essential oil which keeps skin looking fresh; this botanical complex is composed of five plant extracts which work together in synergy to help boost and soothe the skin, there’s also a dash of caffeine for good measure, to help reduce the look of dark circles.

The best bit? Results are visible after one night and after one week, dark circles and wrinkles are reduced and skin appears more radiant and smooth. The product launches into stores on 22 March, so it’s one to look out for, potentially a great Mother’s Day pressie!

EYE SERUM 15ml - £45

FOLIO | KISS ME, KATE AT THE LYRIC THEATRE

‘Kiss me, Kate’ is a complex play-within-a-play, which shows a Baltimore based cast of players preparing for their production of Shakespeare’s ‘The Taming of the Shrew’.

In the opening scene of this Lyric Theatre-NI Opera joint production, we catch a glimpse into actor/producer Fred Graham (Norman Bowman)’s dressing room and right from the get-go we witness the faces of Trump, Epstein, Johnson and Farage - director Walter Sutcliffe is making a statement. He understands this play and all its misogyny and is diving right in at deep end; there will be no short-cuts or bowing out here.

And rightly so. The aftermath of the Harvey Weinstein and Jeffrey Epstein scandals and the #TimesUp//#MeToo movements highlight a welcome change in showbusiness – and elsewhere - as women (and some men) are refusing to accept the entitled and misogynistic behaviour that seems to go hand-in-hand when some individuals attain power or notoriety. For too long, men in positions of power, fuelled by their own ego and sense of self-importance, were able to behave badly - sometimes illegally - with little consequence, and often describing those who call them out as being ‘over-dramatic’, ‘liars’, or even worse, ‘asking for it’.

Back to the play though… Lilli Vanessi (Melle Stewart) is Fred’s wife/ex-wife. Although confident, you can sense the undercurrent of damage and hurt that has been caused by her previous relationship - from which she bears many scars, something that so many in the audience will relate to.

Fred and Lilli Vanessi argue passionately, but as chaos brews off stage, ‘the show must go on’! As they morph into their Shakespearean alter egos Petruchio and Katharine, their performance is breath-taking. Their on-stage chemistry – fuelled by some real-life upsets - allows them to work together as if no other match would work. And Stewart and Bowman maintain their energetic performance right through the two-hour performance as brilliant characters of both Shakespeare and Spewack alike; the tangible connection between their characters is obvious.

Slap bang in the middle of their relationship is Jayne Wisener, who plays Lois Lane, a beautiful, fame-hungry wannabe actress who adopts flirtation and uses her good looks as a means to progress her career. However, whatever her motives and her method, there is definitely the distinct impression that Fred is grooming her, Weinstein-style – and this is culturally significant in the context of an on-going conversation that will only get louder.

She is both captivating and striking on stage. I hadn’t seen her since her much less serious but still brilliant role as Cinderella at the Opera House with Gareth Gates in 2016 (their on-stage chemistry was fabulous) and it was refreshing to feel her presence again. Add her looks and her brilliant ability to carry a note with character, to her lovely personality off stage and you will see how - and why - I have a bit of a girl crush on her.

There was brilliant comedy from the mafioso duo Marty Maguire and Darren Franklin, two debt-collecting mobsters.  Their rendition of ‘Brush Up Your Shakespeare’ was fantastic and had me in stiches. You know one of those songs that you wish you knew the lyrics to, so you could belt it out at parties? Yup, that. I loved Marty in Bouncers at the MAC last year, but I think I love him even more here. Would he be insulted if I said he plays a ‘hood’ very well? I hope not!

The trio of fairy-angels were fab too. Their (excellent) singing and sexy gyrating at all the right moments only compounded Graham’s misbehaviour for us in the audience - and that is, or was, I suppose, the whole point of them. Nice tinsel wings too. ;-)

A final nod to Matthew Cavan and Richard Croxford who are also outstanding. Cavan’s performance of ‘Too Darn Hot’ before the interval definitely left a few of audience members near me feeling a little too darn hot themselves!

All in all, the play is fast-moving and furious, carried along with Conor Mitchell’s stunning 12-piece orchestra. This is a story that is testament to the golden age of theatre in all its showbiz glory. Or gory - if you look at the ugly side of things backstage/onstage. Although more musical theatre than opera, there is no denying the quality of the singing with the NI Opera injection makes it better than what you would normally expect in musical theatre, in fact it’s simply breath-taking. Jennifer Rooney’s choreography is visual and impressive.

In short, the whole production was simply brilliant. Through the comedy, the story superbly challenged age-old behaviour and there is no doubt audience members will leave the theatre feeling empowered and ready to open discussions and ask questions. Because even though we are (still) not without prejudice in today’s world (far from it, in fact), the people behind ‘Kiss Me, Kate’, still knew plenty about the compromises of marriage and shitty behaviour.

Cole Porter, the name behind the 1948 musical’s songs, lived ‘happily’ married to the socialite Linda Lee Thomas even though he was gay; (again, a timely point given last week’s public coming out/forcing out). Playwright Bella Spewack was pressured to share credit with Samuel Specwack, her estranged husband, at the time, even though she did most of the work.

I look forward to a time when people can just be themselves and be kind, but  the themes throughout the play are a sad reminder of how abhorrent behaviour is not a new thing; indeed, when this play first released in 1948, this kind of treatment was the norm - and remained very rarely challenged until recently. Let’s hope the performance helps at least one person to stand up to bad behaviour, to break silence, to show resilience, and to empower themselves to challenge and change behaviour. I for one don’t think it could be any more relevant today.

Kiss me, Kate continues in the Lyric Theatre until Saturday 22 February. You can buy tickets here: https://lyrictheatre.co.uk/event/kiss-me-kate/

FITNESS & HEALTH | BENEFITS OF WALKING

Throughout much of history, teaching and learning (and writing and thinking) didn't just happen in a classroom with rows. That's something that gathered momentum in the industrial era. Way before that, great teachers like Plato and Aristotle conducted their teaching on walks.

Now I’m not saying I’m a timeless philosopher, nor a great teacher, but 3-4 years ago I started experimenting with the idea of using walking to generate ideas and enjoy distraction-free conversation with both clients and friends – and I can say, hand on heart, that it works. A walk‘n’talk meeting is my favourite kind of meeting and I am grateful that I have the health to do it.

But aside from a fantastic way to catch up with a friend, client or work colleague, walking is what we were built to do, literally. In today’s blog, I take a look at some of the benefits of this most simple – but important – of human movements.

1.    Walking Aids Weight Loss
Walking is a great aerobic exercise and an effective way to kick start (or restart) your metabolism; so if you’re looking for an easy way to burn some calories, grab a friend and head out for a walk.

2.    Walking Regulates Blood Pressure

Walking improves circulation which can help lower blood pressure. The best way to do this is to try and complete the recommended 10,000 steps a day, but if you’re unable to do this then walking for at least 30 minutes every day will help keep your blood pressure levels in check. PS, I rarely cover 10k in a day… if you’re desk bound in work, I hear ya!

3.    Walking Strengthens Bones and Eases Joint Movements
Walking strengthens bones by improving the lubrication between joints and toning your muscles. And as well as bone and ligaments, it obviously tones muscle too. Toning up and catching up with friends? Now that is an exercise I can easily stick at!

4.    Walking Increases Lung Capacity

When you walk, you breathe in more oxygen compared to when you are stationary. This exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide at a larger volume can help increase your lung capacity, thereby increasing your stamina and exercise performance. It’s good for your sexual health too with all that stamina building!

5.      Walking Boosts Immune Functions

Walking helps reduce frequent attacks of infection and boosts immunity. Walking 30 minutes twice a week for 10 weeks is proven to improve immune function and infection risk. FACT.

6. Walking Uplifts Mood & Reduces Stress
Several scientific studies have proven that physical activity can help prevent depression.  Walking can help reduce stress levels by improving circulation, which, in turn, provides nutrients and oxygen to the cells. It also stimulates the nervous system receptors and decreases the production of stress hormones.! For me, I often head out for a walk whenever I am feeling out of sorts or even tired and run down. There is just something about the fresh air and getting out into nature that makes me feel so much better. I am lucky to live by the sea and will often head out for a coastal walk in the morning –there really is no better way to start the day! It’s such a simple way to get stress-free

7.      Walking Improves memory

Walk every day to give your memory power a boost. Japanese scientists have found that walking can help improve the memory of older patients. Research suggests that physical exercise increases the size of the hippocampus while sedentary lifestyle shrinks the hippocampus, leading to memory loss.

Feet First - Getting started..

Literally, you just put one foot in front of the other and begin! Kind of. First up you need decent shoes which will support your feet and protect them too if necessary. Most modern trainers will foot the bill (excuse the bad pun) and walking boots are even better on tricky terrain.

And now to the feat itself (another bad pun, SORRY!)… Incorporating walking into your daily routine isn’t always as easy as it seems, and often the best intentions don’t work out as life simply just gets in the way (and it can be hard to get motivated in those dark, cold mornings and nights when the sofa & a good box set is so much more inviting!)  So, to keep you motivated why not ask a friend to join you? It means you can encourage each other (it’s also harder to cancel plans with others than it is to cancel plans with yourself, making the sofa situation less likely to occur!)
Another idea which I have mentioned in other blogs is getting off the bus a stop earlier and walking the rest – or better still, ditch the car or bus altogether and walk the journey instead (if it is safe to do so). You will feel SO much better.

We are lucky in Ireland to be surrounded by beautiful landscapes. I try and discover new walking routes as often as I can and it also means I get to see more of our country which I love. Some of my favourite spots for walking are: the Mourne Mountains, Cave Hill, the Lagan Towpath, ANY of our coastal walks in the North West (the Nun’s Path in Portstewart and pretty much any beach in Donegal are all fab), and Crawfordsburn Country Park and the entire north down coastal path (which is right by my house) are all great too.  For easier rambles and strolls, many of the National Trust venues often have beautiful walks in gardens and estates which are picture perfect as well as energising!

In short, walking is a great aerobic exercise that is easy to do but yields massive health benefits. Try to aim to walk 10,000 steps a day and it won’t be long before you are feeling the results, but don’t beat yourself up if you don’t get straight to it or maintain that level on a daily basis. We’re only human after all!

FACE | THE FUTURE OF SKINCARE?

I’ve been reviewing beauty products for over 10 years now (12, in fact), and I would like to think I’m pretty informed at this point. I do love a lotion and a potion (as you can see from this section of the blog!) and I consider it a privilege to be asked for my advice on skincare (despite being stubborn - and stubbornly careful - about using eye make up remover products [because I hate dragging cloths and cotton around my eye skin and I dislike anything but purely natural products around my eyes and lashes]). So often though, when asking for advice, people say they have, for example, dry skin and ask me what moisturiser they should use… and I am astounded to then ask about their water consumption only to find that they barely drink water at all. Or I ask about diet when someone says they have a skin irritation that they’ve been assuming is the fault of a topical product they’ve applied without looking at their own diet or what’s going into their skin from within.

For so long we believed that the only way to care for our skin was by applying topical creams. Gradually, and thankfully, it's now well recognised that what we eat, how we treat our body and its delicate hormonal balance deeply affects our skin quality. Skin is our body’s biggest organ after all. Addressing specific skin concerns - from rosacea and acne to eczema and psoriasis – should not be solely in the hands of the beauty industry; for me, a dermatologist-dietitian/or facialist-nutritionist led combo is the ultimate skin goal!

I've always been a big believer in acquiring the maximum nutrition possible from eating the right food and drinking enough water. Getting the gut:skin relationship right is crucial and for me, this is way more important than any topical lotion or potion. Give me a portion of spinach and kale over an iron supplement any day, but if there's something that will bolster my diet and bring additional health benefits, I'm all for it. Bolstering our diet with vitamins and food supplements is now the norm - and a multi-million pound industry. Initially developed to make it easier for us to get our daily dose of essential vitamins and minerals, most of us have progressed from a multivitamin - at a push - to a series of supplements to address multiple health and wellbeing requirements.

But self diagnosing can be a risky guessing game, so if you're new to supplements, I highly recommend seeking professional advice. Our bodies can't tolerate too much of certain vitamins and minerals and the best options and dosage will vary enormously according to individual health and lifestyle.

There are so many multivitamin and mineral packages available now – some specific to female needs and they are a really quick and easy way to get the right vitamins and minerals into our bodies. Personally, I think it’s a great starting point to seek professional advice and I popped in to Framar Health in Belfast for an all-over assessment. I had the ASYRA PRO assessment with a nutritionist which was fascinating. I left with the knowledge of what vitamins and minerals I was lacking in and then spent a bit of a fortune to be fair on supplements and goodies (Epsom salts, vegan chocolate etc as well as magnesium, Zinc, Selenium etc).  

In the meantime, I thought I'd share some options of multi-vitamin and mineral supplements that I’ve trialled in the past, or I’d like to in the future. The first one is def not a realistic option for any of us mere mortals, but I thought I’d include it as it may be more accessible in the future!

KLOTHO

One supplement that I’ll never be able to afford is a recent – and semi-secret – version of Klotho called Immortalis. Have a google of that one, and you’ll likely only find one (comprehensive) article about it on VOGUE.co.uk, because it’s still so rare, barely anyone knows about it. It is estimated that the Swiss clinic where it’s made can only produce enough for 800 people to take a year’s supply. And that pretty much rules out anyone who’s not Hollywood royalty, the richest Californian and Chinese billionaires as well as a few Middle Eastern or Russian oil and gas tycoons.  I’m now convinced JLo is on it. She ages in reverse! The trading name of this secret supplement is Immortalis, and it was created by a retired professor of molecular biology, Marco Ruggerio. The 12 month supply comes in with a hefty price tag of £20,000.00. Yup.   

LUMITY

One supplement I do take is Lumity. And it is, for me, the next best thing. It is a natural, anti-ageing supplement that works with your body to restore youthful vitality at cellular level. Its scientifically formulated Morning & Night softgel capsules deliver maximum results for health and beauty with minimum effort.

A powerhouse blend of high-quality omegas, minerals, vitamins and essential nutrients, this advanced formula grants infinite benefits from more youthful-looking skin to boosted energy and vitality. Selected by the Times and the Telegraph as amongst the top beauty and health supplements, Lumity is available locally via my lovely friend, Gemma Garret at Buella Life.  

MIND BODY GREEN

Mind Body Green supplements target multiple health needs, including NR+ to promote cellular energy production and glowing, smoother skin thanks to nicotinamide riboside (NR), a new form of Vitamin B3. It also includes healthy skin actives to help combat dryness and improve elasticity.

REVIVE ACTIVE

Revive Active's food supplements are formulated and produced in Ireland using the highest natural quality ingredients. Free of binders, additives and fillers, they contain a multitude of vitamins and ingredients that are all vegan-friendly. These supplements can help sustain natural energy, reduce the effects of fatigue, support heart health and reinforce the immune system for healthier skin, nails and hair.

The brand's commitment to producing excellent products to address a variety of health benefits is recognised internationally with multiple business and enterprise awards.

IMEDEEN

IMEDEEN® Skincare supplements are scientifically proven to help reduce visible signs of skin ageing from within. I'm talking 10 clinical trials, plus a number of in vitro studies and consumer evaluations, across the range of formulations.

As with many of these 'beauty' supplements, IMEDEEN® benefits can be seen all over the body, not just on your face.  From hair and nail capsules to the liquid Advanced Beauty Shot with 2500mg of collagen and Vitamin C, make sure you select the right option for you.

COLLAGEN LIFT

Collagen Lift is a daily drinkable collagen supplement, clinically proven to reduce wrinkles by up to 50% and increase skin elasticity. Made in France, this highly-effective formula is ideal for anyone who wishes to fight the signs of aging in a non-invasive way and visible results can be seen in as little as 3 to 6 weeks.

IV VITAMIN THERAPY

Vitamin IV drips can boost the immune system, skin health and fight lethargy with a direct infusion of vitamins and minerals, like high doses of vitamin B, C or magnesium. Receiving vitamins through an IV allegedly allows the nutrients to bypass the digestive system for a quicker shot of vitality. 

A number of Belfast clinics now offer vitamin infusions but I get mine at Glow Aesthetics at the Culloden Hotel, Cultra and I've had a similar treatment at the Exilir Clinic in London and felt amazing afterwards!

FOOD | Easy mid-week meals

I daren’t do it myself, but many of us have been there, leaving work on a cold January evening and picking up a quick, frozen meal to save the hassle of having to make something. For me, my opt-out option is a takeaway as, thankfully, I have hypnotised my brain into not allowing frozen ready meals to be eaten. (Hopefully that doesn’t sound as smug as it might come across!) The only frozen meal I’ll allow is one I’ve made myself in a batch-cooking-fest that can be reheated.

So, to make eating healthier and easier this January, we have created a list of 5 of our favourite mid-week meals – so put any thoughts of a microwave meal away and get ready to make a filling and delicious dinner… We promise they wont take long either!

Salmon with feta, lime and beetroot salsa.

Ingredients
200g Cooked beetroot
70g Feta

Method
-Chop the beetroot and feta into small cubes and mix with the juice and zest of one lime and some seasoning.
-Season the salmon. Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a non-stick frying pan over a high heat. When hot, add the salmon (skin side down) and cook for 3 minutes. Flip over, turn the heat down and cook for a further 4-5 minutes. Serve with the beetroot salsa and the remaining lime, cut into wedges.

Nutty chicken satay strips

Ingredients

-2tbsp chunky peanut butter
-1 garlic clove (finely grated)
-1tsp Madras curry powder
-1tsp soy sauce
-2 tsp lime juice
-2 skinless chicken breast cut into thick strips
-half cucumber cut into fingers
-sweet chilli sauce (to serve)

Method

-Heat oven to 200C/ 180C fan/ gas 4 and line a baking tray with non-stick paper.

-Mix 2 tbsp chunky peanut butter with 1 finely grated garlic clove, 1 tsp Madras curry powder, a few shakes of soy sauce and 2 tsp lime juice in a bowl. Some nut butters are thicker than others, so if necessary, add a dash of boiling water to get a coating consistency.

-Add 2 skinless chicken breast fillets, cut into strips, and mix well. Arrange on the baking sheet, spaced apart, and bake in the oven for 8-10 mins until cooked, but still juicy.

-Eat warm with roughly 10cm cucumber, cut into fingers, and sweet chilli sauce. Alternatively, leave to cool and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Filo fish pies with pea-spiked mash

Ingredients

2 cloves of garlic
2 leeks
2 tsp olive oil
1 tbsp plain flour
600ml semi-skimmed milk, plus extra for brushing and mashing
1 lemon
1 x 250g pack of filo pastry
1 x 390g pack of responsibly sourced fish pie mix
500g Maris Piper potatoes
400g frozen peas
30g Cheddar cheese

Method

-Preheat the oven to gas 6, 200°C, fan 180°C. Peel and finely slice the garlic, wash and finely slice the leeks, then place in a large pan on a medium heat with 1 tsp of oil. Cook for 10 mins, or until softened, stirring regularly.

-Stir in the flour, then gradually pour in the milk, stirring continuously. Bring to the boil, then turn the heat down to low and simmer for 5 mins, or until thickened.

-Finely grate over the lemon zest, and squeeze in half the juice, then season to taste with sea salt and black pepper. Strain the sauce through a coarse sieve into a small pan and reserve, setting the leeks aside for the pie filling.

-Lay a sheet of filo flat on a clean work surface, brush with a little milk, then top with another sheet, brush again with milk and top with a third sheet of filo.

-Spoon a quarter of the fish pie mix into the middle of the pastry and top with a quarter of the leek mixture. Bring the pastry edges up over the filling, brush with a little more milk, then twist to seal, making a parcel. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make 4 parcels, then brush the tops with a little oil. Bake for 20-25 mins, or until golden and crisp.

-Meanwhile, peel and chop the potatoes into 3cm chunks, then cook in a pan of boiling salted water for 12 mins, or until tender, adding the peas for the last 3 mins. Drain, steam-dry, then mash the potatoes and peas with a splash of milk until smooth.

-Reheat the reserved sauce and grate in the Cheddar, stirring until melted. Serve with the fish pies and pea-spiked mash.

 Chicken and tomato spiced curry

Ingredients

2 tbsp vegetable oil
450g chicken breast, cut into cubes
1 onion, chopped
1 red pepper, deseeded and sliced
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1cm piece ginger, peeled and finely chopped
2 tbsp Madras curry paste
400g tin chopped tomatoes
300g basmati rice
handful coriander, chopped, to serve

Method

-Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a large flameproof casserole dish set over a high heat. Working in batches if necessary, cook the chicken for 5-7 mins until golden and just cooked through, then remove and set aside.

-Put the remaining oil in the dish. Add the onion, cook for 3 mins until soft, then add the red pepper and cook for 2 mins. Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for 30 secs. Stir in the curry paste until everything is well coated.

-Pour in the tomatoes along with 200ml water. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat, cover the dish and leave to simmer for 10 mins until the sauce has thickened a little. Return the chicken to the dish and cook for 5 mins, uncovered, until piping hot and cooked through.

-Meanwhile, cook the basmati rice following pack instructions. Serve with the curry and sprinkle over the coriander to finish.

Sloppy-joe stuffed peppers with wedges

Ingredients

600g potatoes, cut into wedges
4 tsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
250g turkey breast mince
2 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tbsp tomato purée
30g pack fresh coriander, roughly chopped
4 mixed cooking peppers, halved
1 tsp smoked paprika
50g lighter mature Cheddar, grated
370g bag sweet and crunchy salad, to serve

-Preheat the oven to gas 5, 190°C, fan 170°C. In a large saucepan, cover the potatoes with cold water and bring to the boil. Simmer for 10 mins until tender, then drain and set aside.

-Meanwhile, heat 2 tsp olive oil in a lidded saucepan over a medium heat. Add the onion, cover and cook for 5 mins.

-Remove the lid, add the turkey mince and increase the heat to high. Cook for 3 mins, stirring, then add the garlic and tomato purée and cook for a further 2 mins.

-Remove from the heat and stir in most of the coriander and 4 tbsp water; season to taste.

-Put the pepper halves on a large baking tray and divide the mince mixture between them.

-Put the potato wedges on a separate baking tray and toss with the paprika and remaining oil; season.

-Bake the peppers and wedges for 25 mins, then scatter the cheese over the peppers and turn the potatoes. Bake for a further 10-15 mins until the wedges are lightly golden, the peppers are tender and the cheese has melted. Scatter the peppers with the remaining coriander and serve with the wedges and salad.

FUN | February 2020 NI EVENTS GUIDE

With only a few days left of what's felt like the loooongest January EVER, like many of you I'm so looking forward to February - and pay day of course! If you've been hibernating since Christmas along with most of the population, let's get a few dates in the diary to get out, about and having fun in February. There's loads to choose from right across NI with superb theatre performances, live music, family events and more... here's a run down of the highlights on my radar.

THEATRE

Ruby! The Lyric
11-16 February

Following on from it’s critically acclaimed sell out run last year, Little Willow Productions is proud to return with Ruby! a play written by Michael Cameron and featuring Libby Smyth as Ruby Murray.

Belfast born Ruby Murray was one of the most popular singing stars in the world in the 1950s, becoming the only recording artist in history to have five songs in the Top Twenty in the same week. Behind the triumphs however, a darker story was unfolding in Ruby’s life. This intimate drama enthralled audiences on its debut run.

https://lyrictheatre.co.uk/event/ruby-2/

Under the Hawthorn Tree, The MAC
30 January - 9 February

The acclaimed production Under The Hawthorn Tree is returning to Belfast in a presentation by the award-winning children’s theatre company, Cahoots NI and the MAC, featuring a star-studded cast of exceptional performers including Frankie McCafferty and Julia Dearden.

Based on the internationally acclaimed book by award-winning author Marita Conlon-McKenna and published by The O’Brien Press, Under the Hawthorn Tree follows the journey of three brave siblings as they fight for survival during the Potato Famine in Ireland, 1845.

Running from 30 January until 9 February there are already limited tickets for some shows.

The story is told alongside compelling music and song and is suitable for children from seven years and up.
It is the tale of three children, Eily, Michael and Peggy. When their father goes to find work and their mother leaves to find him, the trio, starving and faced with the workhouse, embark on a treacherous journey to find the great aunts they have heard of only in stories.

https://themaclive.com/event/under-the-hawthorn-tree1

FAMILY

Walled City 400
18 February -31 March

Derry~Londonderry marks the 400th anniversary of the completion of the Derry Walls, the largest ancient monument in Northern Ireland and only remaining Walled City in Ireland.

To mark this anniversary a vibrant programme of events will enable visitors and locals to experience the Walled City at its very best. Featuring an eclectic range of musical, dance, exhibitions, workshops and more!

www.walledcity400.com/events.html

NI Science Festival
13-23 February

Various venues

The NI Science Festival offers a range of workshops, talks and interactive activities for young people, parents and schools with more than 180 events across 50+ venues. A wide range of day time events will focus on the wonders of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, while evenings will feature an eclectic mix of scientific debate, talks, theatres, comedy, music and film for adults.

Toddlers Take Over the Museum, North Down Museum
Friday 14 February, 10am-12noon

Calling all tiny Vikings! As part of Playful Museums Month, North Down Museum will once again be hosting ‘Toddlers Take Over the Museum’.

Featuring Jump Jiggle & Jive and Artist Marie-Therese Davis, the building will become a fun and exciting place for children aged 3-5 years old.  Through the theme Vikings, your wee one can experience arts and crafts, storytelling and dancing. 

http://www.northdownmuseum.com/What-s-On/Toddlers-Take-Over-the-Museum

MUSIC & DANCE

Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show, SSE Arena
19-23 February

Riverdance as you have never seen it before! 25 years ago, 7 minutes changed the face of Irish dancing forever. The Eurovision interval act performance gave millions of people a new and exciting glimpse of the future of Irish dance. Producer Moya Doherty, composer Bill Whelan and director John McColgan were only beginning their Riverdance journey- and 25 years on will celebrate their anniversary at the SSE Arena in Belfast.

https://www.ssearenabelfast.com/whats-on/riverdance-25th-anniversary-show

Supergrass, Ulster Hall
17 February

English rock band Supergrass, will headline the Ulster Hall, Belfast on 17 February 2020 as part of their UK and Ireland Tour.

A rare opportunity to see the seminal British group perform after a surprise comeback when they took to the stage unannounced at Glastonbury Pilton Party to rip through a mesmerizing Greatest Hits set, including Richard III, Moving, Alright, Caught By The Fuzz and more.

https://www.ulsterhall.co.uk/what-s-on/supergrass/

 A Country Night in Nashville, Belfast Waterfront Hall
2 February

A Country Night in Nashville recreates the scene of a buzzing Honky Tonk in downtown Nashville, perfectly capturing the energy and atmosphere of an evening in the home of country music. With songs from its biggest country stars that graced the stage, this is a night for any country music fan. Hits from Johnny Cash to Alan Jackson, Dolly to the Dixie Chicks, Willie Nelson to Kacey Musgraves, are showcased by the amazing Dominic Halpin and the Hurricanes.

https://www.waterfront.co.uk/what-s-on/a-country-night-in-nashville/

The Johnny Cash Roadshow, Ulster Hall
7 February

The only show to be endorsed by the Cash Family, The Johnny Cash Roadshow is back on top form for 2020 with a brand new show. This year award winning Clive John pays homage to Cash’s American Recordings alongside his iconic Wife June Carter played by Emily Heighway the Roadshow Horns and on selected shows The ‘Carter Sisters’.

With all the hits such as Walk the Line, Ring of Fire, Boy Named Sue along-side some of the darker more atmospheric songs like Hurt, Rusty Cage and The Man Comes Around making this year’s show an emotional roller-coaster of songs through Cash’s career, packed together in one fantastic evening’s entertainment.

SPORT

Stena Line Belfast Giants Match, Odyssey Arena
1-2 February

Join the Stena Line Belfast Giants as they take on Cardiff Devils in Elite Ice Hockey League action on 1 and 2 February!

https://www.ticketmaster.ie/belfast-giants-tickets/artist/30107

AND RELAX

Coastal Winter Yoga Retreat, Ballycastle
31 Jan-2 Feb

Yoga and meditation by the sea at Marine Hotel, Ballycastle.

Step on the mat, breathe, and rediscover your flow. This yoga weekend offers an opportunity for meditation, physical exercise and relaxation, set in a location with calming natural surroundings.

https://marinehotelballycastle.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Yoga-Weekend-Marine-Hotel-Ballycastle.pdf

FUN | STAYING IN IS THE NEW GOING OUT

As we hurtle towards the end of January and funds are scarce, I'm guessing we could all benefit from a bit of weekend craic that doesn't break the bank?! If purse strings don't stretch to a night on the tiles pre pay day, there's plenty of fun to be had indoors (I wasn't referring to that kind of fun, though knock yourself out should the opportunity arise!). Staying in is the new going out after all - and I've come up with five ideas for a low budget night in.

POTLUCK DINNER PARTY

They call it pot luck but tbh I'd recommend agreeing what everyone brings in advance to avoid ending up with 3 lasagnes, 2 pots of chilli and zero veg or booze. Theme your evening, select options from a favourite cookbook (see our bestseller book review for ideas) or simply assign dishes according to your friends' strengths - or weaknesses - if in doubt, put the non cooks in charge of drinks & nibbles!

MOVIE NIGHT

Chick flick, thriller or comedy... take your pick, get the snacks in, the fire lit and bubbles opened. It's hard to beat a popcorn-fuelled cosy night in with the gals. Pizza delivery & PJs optional. I recommend Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, The Irishman or a classic like The Devil Wears Prada or Sex in the City.

CLOTHES SWAP

This really doesn't need to be as complicated as it sounds, though it does help if you and your guests are a similar size or really into awesome accessories! No need to entirely empty your wardrobe... everyone can bring 1-3 items each and once everyone has arrived, start swapping! Refreshments add to the fun of try on sessions... check out our DIY Cocktails for inspo!

BOOK CLUB

If  you've always wanted to be part of one, why not start your own? That way you get to choose who is involved and kick off the reading list! Meet at a different member's house each month to talk literature, enjoy snacks and have a tipple. It's a great way to see more of your friends or make new ones... check out How to Start a Book Club that Doesn't Suck for more ideas.

PAMPER NIGHT

Gather up a bunch of girlfriends for some mutual TLC... even better if they are blessed with beauty skills! Mini facials, masks and manicures work well in a group. Or go solo with a bath filled to the top with bubbles and essential oils, light your favourite candle, play your favourite tunes and bliss out!

FAMILY | Yoga & Mindfulness for Kids

Being a kid isn't always easy and seems to be more complicated than back in the day. In an era of instant gratification, social media fuelled peer pressure and intense school itineraries, many children have very little downtime or the opportunity to experience boredom. As a result, they often feel over stimulated, mentally exhausted and isolated.

Yoga and mindfulness can help ease these symptoms and have a positive impact on our children's minds, bodies and overall wellbeing.

YOGA BENEFITS:

• Develop body awareness

• Learn how to use their bodies in a healthy way

• Manage stress through breathing, awareness, meditation and healthy movement

• Build concentration

• Increase their confidence and positive self-image

• Feel part of a healthy, non-competitive group

• Have an alternative to tuning out through constant attachment to electronic devices

Through yoga, children can learn:

1. Awareness of the breath to naturally reduce stress and release healthy hormones.

2. Strengthening and energising the body to help it work more efficiently, digest food better and protect fragile joints.

3. Balancing poses promote stillness and calm, helping kids deal with everyday stress and find respite from constant stimulation.

4. Stretching and lengthening muscles to increase flexibility as well as strength.

5. Awareness and focus to increase confidence, posture and inner strength.

6. Flowing, connecting and integrating to build awareness of the body's capacity.

7. Meditation and relaxation to calm, soothe and rest the body and mind.

There are lots of tools you can use to teach yoga to children. The young ones like games, doing poses from yoga books for children and singing songs with big, expressive movements. Older children love to create their own poses, be challenged by balancing and learn about the muscles and other aspects of anatomy.

MINDFULNESS FOR KIDS

Practicing mindfulness can improve the behaviour and emotional wellbeing of all kids, regardless of their nature or personality, a powerful tool while their brains are still under development. 

MINDFULNESS BENEFITS:

• greater sense of happiness

• feeling calm

• improved relationships with friends and family

• increased concentration

• ability to cope with stress and anxiety.

Through practicing mindfulness, children can learn:

1. Focus and self control through reinforcing and strengthening neural pathways.

2. Less anxiety and stress by regulating blood pressure, breathing and heart rate.

3. More positive moods and increased emotional intelligence through truly experiencing their feelings.

4. Better decision making through improved emotional regulation.

6. Increased self-esteem from a greater sense of inner strength and positive body image.

8. Improved social skills through better control over words and actions.

There are multiple facilities with amazing child focused classes and workshops in yoga and mindfulness right across Belfast and Northern Ireland. Here are just a few...

FLOW STUDIO BELFAST

Before little ones even arrive on the scene, Flow Studio provide pregnancy yoga classes to relieve tension, keep the body supple and promote restful sleep. Post natal Mum & Baby yoga classes help a new mum reconnect with herself physically, mentally and emotionally, while playfully bonding with her new baby. A little further down the line, classes for Little Yogis, Youthful Flowgis and Teen Yoga increase self awareness and a quiet calm in children as they grow.

https://www.flow.yoga/family

SANTOSHA YOGA STUDIO

Santosha offer multiple yoga and mindfulness classes with sessions for individuals, families and those with special needs.
At family yoga workshops, parents and children learn different variations of postures, how to encourage focus through breathing exercises and physical ways to support a child in asanas. 
Children are also taught mindfulness techniques at yoga for kids classes to engage them in learning more about themselves mentally and physically. This involves playing games, practising breathing exercises and working to understand ourselves and the world around us.
Yoga therapy sessions for children with special needs involve singing, eye exercises, breathing, asanas and relaxation. The sessions last between 30-60 minutes and are led by a highly experienced practitioner who has worked with adults and children with specific needs for many years.  

http://www.santoshayogastudio.co.uk/pages/index.asp?title=Family_Yoga_Workshop_

BUTTERFLY YOGA

Butterfly provides yoga classes for children, adults and family workshops, with support for children and adults with disabilities through the Yoga for Special Child Program.
The team has experience of working with children and adults with Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, ADHD, Multiple Sclerosis, Cri Du Chat, Brittle Bone, Anxiety, Fibromyalgia and Epilepsy.
Children can gain a better understanding on how to master their own movements and gain confidence at set programmes (4-6 weeks), one off sessions, summer schemes, community (adult), youth and parent & toddler groups. Private family workshops are also available.

http://butterflyyoga.uk/

NAMASTE YOGA

Namaste Yoga offers a variety of classes for children aged 5-9 years and include practicing postures, playing yoga games, breathing activities and relaxation.

https://www.namasteyogacentre.co.uk/yoga-classes-belfast/kids-yoga-belfast/

SYNERGY YOGA

After-school classes in St Brigid’s parish hall, Derryvolgie Avenue are open to all children age 4 to 11 with Children's Fun Yoga as well as P7 Mindfulness and Pre-teen Yoga sessions.

https://www.synergyyogabelfast.co.uk/familyyoga_giftcards-236284-909211.html

RELAX KIDS BELFAST

Relax Kids teach children mindfulness and relaxation techniques with easy and fun ways to manage their mental health and well-being. The sessions offer tools to help children cope with stress and anxiety while building their confidence and self-esteem.

https://relaxkidsbelfast.com/

FOOD | FINGER FOOD FOR FAMILY & FRIENDS

Now that #DryJanuary is well and truly over, our thoughts can return to easy entertaining again; and whether you're having a drinks party or fancy some light bites for a semi formal occasion, get your party off to a stylish start with our tempting canapé recipes.

Finger friendly food leaves more space for mingling, dancing et al - and means that you can be the host/ess with the mostest rather than racing around the kitchen like a loon. They do say the best things come in small packages and these exquisite little masterpieces both look good and taste delicious.

If you're stuck for ideas on what to serve at your next get together, these healthy(ish) canapé ideas are so effortless you’ll be feeling chill as when when your guests arrive.

Don't forget to cater for friends' dietary requirements and include dairy/gluten free and veggie/vegan options. I like to stash a platter of these away for friends with limited choices in case everyone else (me) nabs them first!

FIG, MOZZARELLA & PARMA BITES

Ingredients

• figs

• buffalo mozzarella

• mint leaves

• quality Parma ham or prosciutto

• extra virgin olive oil

• balsamic vinegar

Method

Quarter a fig (or  peach/melon), pinch apart a little buffalo mozzarella, take a mint leaf then wrap a slice of Parma ham or prosciutto around everything and stab together on your fork. Finish by drizzling over a little extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar if you like. 

MEXICAN ROAST SWEET POTATO BITES

Ingredients

• 3 long, thin sweet potatoes

• 2tbsp olive oil

• 2tbsp Mexican seasoning

To serve:

guacamole
soured cream with chives
tomato salsa
small handful coriander

Method

Heat the oven to 200C, gas 6. Slice 3 sweet potatoes into 1cm circles. Toss the potato circles in a mix of 2tbsp olive oil and 2tbsp Mexican seasoning to coat thoroughly.

Roast for 10-15 mins until cooked through. Once slightly cooled, top with spoonfuls of guacamole, soured cream with chives and tomato salsa. Scatter over coriander to serve.

SESAME THAI FISH CAKES

Ingredients

• 500g frozen pollock fillets, defrosted and chopped

• 1 lemongrass stick, finely chopped, or finely grated zest of 1 lemon

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• Finely grated zest of 1 lime

• 1 red chilli, deseeded and chopped

• 2.5cm root ginger, finely grated

• 2tbsp light soy sauce

To Coat:

1 egg white, lightly beaten

5tbsp plain flour

100g sesame seeds

Method

Tip the pollock on to a tray lined with kitchen paper. Cover it with kitchen paper and pat to remove excess moisture.

Tip the fish into a food processor, add the lemongrass or lemon zest, garlic, lime zest, chilli, ginger and soy sauce. Blitz to blend the fish to make a smooth consistency.

Line another tray with baking parchment, take 18tbsp of the mixture and shape into balls. Flatten slightly to make mini fishcakes.

Put the egg white into a small, shallow dish and scatter the flour and sesame seeds on to a tray.

Dip the fishcakes into the egg white, then the flour and sesame seeds, turning to cover. Chill for 20 mins or longer.

Heat the oil in a deep-fat fryer to 180°C. Fry 6 fishcakes at a time for about 6 mins, until they’re golden and cooked through. Keep warm in a low oven until needed. Alternatively, cool, chill and reheat them to serve in an oven at 200°C or Gas Mark 6 for 15 mins. Serve with sweet chilli sauce and an Asian-style salad.

ROQUEFORT AND PEACH BRUSCHETTA

Ingredients

• 2 peaches

• French bread stick

• 1 packet of Roquefort cheese

Method

Peel peaches. Boil some water in a deep pan and set up a bowl of cold water alongside. Take each peach on a fork, dip it in the boiling water and count to ten, transfer it to the cold water for five seconds then peel.

Make toasts using sour dough or bread of your choice, spread Roquefort thickly across each slice, cut the peaches into wedges and arrange carefully.

CORONATION CRAB SALAD CRACKERS

Ingredients

• 1tbsp mild curry paste

• 2tbsp Greek-style yogurt

• 1tbsp mango chutney

• 170g tinned crab meat

• Zest and juice of ½ lime

• 50g lettuce finely, shredded

• Prawn crackers (or mini poppadoms) to serve

• Pinch cayenne pepper

Method

Mix the curry paste, Greek yogurt, mango chutney and lemon juice. Stir through the crab and season.

Spoon the shredded lettuce onto the prawn crackers and top with the coronation crab. Sprinkle with a little cayenne pepper to serve.

WATERMELON, CURED HAM & FETA

Ingredients

550g  fresh watermelon chunks

14 slices Serrano ham

200g feta cheese

fresh mint

black pepper

Method

Cut 14 slices Serrano ham in half, then cut a 200g block of feta into 28 cubes.

To assemble, thread the watermelon, ham and feta onto mini cocktail skewers with fresh garden mint, then season with black pepper.

MINI LAMB KEBABS

Ingredients

• 500g lamb mince

• 1tsp ground cumin

• 2tsp ground coriander

• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 200g natural yogurt

• Few sprigs mint, chopped

• 1tbsp lemon juice

• 1tbsp oil

• 1/2 small bunch flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

Method

Mix together the lamb, cumin, coriander and 2 garlic cloves. Divide into 24 balls, then mould onto a mini skewer. Chill until needed. Mix together the yogurt, mint and lemon juice. Season to taste.

Brush the kebabs with oil then place under a medium to high grill, or put on a griddle pan. Cook for 15 mins turning occasionally. Once cooked, roll in the parsley and serve with the yogurt sauce.

LUXURY HUMMUS

Ingredients

• 700g chickpeas, drained

• 135ml extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling

• 2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped

• 1 tbsp tahini

• 1 ½ lemons, juiced

• For the toppings

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp sumac

• ½ small pack parsley, roughly chopped

• 40g pomegranate seeds

• crudités and warm pittas, to serve

Method

Blitz ¾ of the chickpeas and 120ml of the oil with the rest of the hummus ingredients and a good amount of seasoning in a food processor. Add a little water if it is too thick. Spoon the hummus into a serving bowl or spread it onto a plate. Can be made up to two days in advance and kept in the fridge.

Dry the rest of the chickpeas on kitchen paper as much as possible. Heat the remaining oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add the chickpeas and a large pinch of salt, and fry until golden, around 4 mins. Drain on kitchen paper.

Drizzle some oil over the hummus, then sprinkle with the spices, parsley and pomegranate seeds. Scatter the fried chickpeas on top and serve with crudités and warm pitta breads.

MINI PARMA VEGGIE TARTS

Ingredients

• 2 eggs

• 200ml cream

• 150g chopped vegetables – eg sweetcorn, asparagus and pepper 

• 1tbsp pesto

• 8 wide slices Parma ham

Method

Heat the oven to 200C, gas 6. In a large jug mix together the eggs, cream, vegetables and pesto.

Line 8 spaces of a 12-hole muffin tin with Parma ham. Pour in the egg mixture to fill each ‘case’.

Bake for 15-20 mins or until the egg has set to the touch. Cool a little before serving. Once cooled completely, these will keep in the fridge for a couple of days.

HALLOUMI FRIES

Ingredients

• halloumi 2 blocks, cut into fat chips

• sumac 1 tsp

• ras el hanout 1/2 tsp

• natural yoghurt 100ml

• pomegranate molasses 2 tbsp

• pomegranate seeds 100g

• mint a handful, chopped

Method

Heat a shallow pool of oil in a large frying pan. Thoroughly pat the halloumi dry before adding to the pan and cook, turning until golden brown on all sides.

Tip into a bowl, add the sumac and toss.

Mix the ras el hanout with the yogurt and season with salt.

Put the fries on a platter, drizzle over the yogurt and pomegranate molasses then sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and mint. Eat immediately.

FURNISH | BRINGING THE OUTSIDE IN…

Spending time in nature is wonderful for our health and happiness, from reducing stress to enhancing our creativity. While nothing beats a stroll in the fresh air of our gorgeous countryside, some days a weather-weary stroll seems impossible, so it’s good to have some nature indoors, where we can enjoy the benefits 24/7.

To create an optimal outside-inside environment, think about creating a space within your home (or indeed, throughout your home) that reflects the beauty, shapes and colours of nature in a way that fits your environment and your lifestyle. This could be warm autumnal hues and rich wood, a bright beach vibe with natural textiles or a peaceful, airy space filled with greenery.

It's all about blurring the lines between your inside and outside spaces, combining traditional elements of both.  

PLANT IT

Want to make a difference right here, right now? The quickest and easiest way to bring the outside in is by introducing house plants. From a potted olive tree in the hallway to leafy monstera by the sofa or sweet succulents in the kitchen, living, breathing plants will instantly give your space a more vibrant, natural feel. Add drama by playing with different sizes, shapes and colours and introduce greenery at various levels in the room - hanging from the ceiling, cascading from a book shelf, or on a window sill - as well as the standard floor and eye level options. If you travel a lot or struggle to keep plants alive for longer than a week, there are some great artificial ones around, though the real deal provides actual health benefits.

Certain house plants can:

• help diminish harmful toxins in the home

• improve humidity by helping restore moisture to the air 

• combat harmful household chemicals

• release oxygen at night, helping you breathe easier

• remove harmful toxins that naturally build up in the home

• purify the air 

All that, and they look gorgeous!

GO NATURAL

There are so many ways to incorporate natural materials in your inside space. Wood is the most versatile and pairs perfectly with natural colours... if larger items like floors, doors and tables aren't an option, choose a striking centre piece such as a wooden coffee table, mantelpiece or chair. Things like pebbles, branches and driftwood also add beautiful - and completely unique - naturally decorative elements.

INJECT COLOUR

You all know how much I love colour when it comes to fashion; and the same applies to my home. Incorporating rich and vibrant tones and textures in a colour scheme is a really fun way to bring the outside in - from soft furnishings, flowers and accent pieces to framed artworks and photographs. There's nothing lovelier than waking up surrounded by colour whether on a grey day or one when sunlight is streaming through the windows.

THINK SEASONAL

While I'm not suggesting an interior overhaul as the seasons change, (it doesn’t fit or sit well with my feelings on sustainability), but it's lovely to add a few little seasonal touches at different times of year. Switching up things like cushions, throws, bedding and ornamental pieces are some of the easiest ways to do this. Add a wreath made of natural materials or statement vase in seasonal tones - and have fun with lighting - from candles to indoor/outdoor fairy lights, both completely acceptable all year around in my book!

REFLECT YOUR ENVIRONMENT

If you live in an area of natural beauty, you might like to reflect this in the colours and textures of your home... go as subtle or bold as you like. Live near the beach? Add a few shells on your bathroom windowsill or a huge cobalt blue artwork in your hallway. Country folks, think foliage and wood. And city dwellers, let your creativity run wild with elements of favourite locations in your space - printed wallpaper and rich paint tones are a great place to start.

#FITNESS AND HEALTH | CELERY JUICE – THE NEW SUPERFOOD?

If you follow me on Instagram you will know that about a year ago I started to add pure celery juice into my morning routine. And if you’ve read my Apple Cider Vinegar blog , you will know I love that too. For the record, most mornings, I take both. [ACV & lemon water first, then half an hour later, the celery juice].

For those who are quick to dismiss this as the latest fad, celery juice is actually nothing new and something that author and ‘medical medium’ Anthony William has been doing for years!  If it’s a fad, it’s one that’s gaining serious momentum, and with good reason. If you don’t already follow him, go check him out (@medicalmedium) on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and in bookshops all over the world, as so much of what he says – and the testimonials he shares - make sense.

Basically, Anthony William deems pure celery juice as a miracle potion. He believes that celery juice is loaded with potent healing properties that have an incredible ability to create sweeping improvements for all kinds of health issues, and he believes it to be especially optimal if taken on an empty stomach first thing in the morning.

He has a huge following, and it’s no wonder - thousands of people who suffer from chronic and mystery illnesses have restored their health by drinking a glass of celery juice every morning; and since releasing his books promoting the benefits of celery juice even more widely, it has become a global movement.

The benefits

Celery juice is teeming with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. This means it is highly beneficial for people with autoimmune or chronic illness as celery reverses inflammation because it starves the pathogens that create it.

It also strengthens hydrochloric acid in your gut which is critical to digestion and keeping your digestive system alkaline.  If hydrochloric acid levels are out of balance or low, your food won’t be sufficiently digested in your stomach, which means that the food won’t break down enough for your cells to access the nutrients.

Celery juice is believed to increase and strengthen your bile, which is important for breaking down fats, it is also needed to eliminate waste from your body.

Did you know that we tend to hold a lot of fear in our stomachs? We have all experienced ‘butterflies’ when we are nervous or complained of our tummies being in ‘knots’ when we are feeling anxious. By restoring the entire digestive system, celery puts our hearts and minds at ease too. So, if you’re feeling frightened, nervous or afraid, you can use celery juice for its calming effects.

Although we could go on and on about the benefits, ultimately celery juice is alkalising, enzyme-rich, electrolyte-enhancing, liver-repairing, blood-sugar-balancing, antiseptic and more!  

Eating vs juicing

Eating celery stalks is important and very healthy but it isn’t the same as drinking pure juice. When celery is juiced, the pulp (fibre) is removed and Anthony believes that its healing benefits become much more powerful, especially for someone with chronic illness.

OK, so how do you do it?

First of all, Anthony believes that celery juice is most powerful when you drink it on its own. However, if you aren’t able to stomach that at first, then you can add apple or cucumber, eventually building it up to pure celery juice.

He recommends drinking roughly half a litre of celery on an empty stomach each morning. It takes roughly one large bunch of celery to make this amount of juice. Simply pop it into a juicer or blender, blending until smooth and then drink up. *NB If using a blender, the purists recommend that you filter and strain out the pulp and fibre from blended celery and drink just the juice, but if you don’t like the idea of wasting the  plant, then by all means, drink it up!

Also, note that celery juice is a medicinal drink not a calorific one, so you will still need breakfast afterward to power you through the morning. Simply wait at least 20-30 minutes after drinking the juice before eating.

Anthony also recommends drinking 3 – 4 servings of straight celery juice per day for even greater benefits - or for some relief if you suffer from a chronic illness or a wide number of illness symptoms; however listen to your own body, if you’re sensitive and struggle with this amount, start with a small amount, gradually increasing this overtime.

You can make it at home and it can be stored in the fridge for 24 hours. However, if like me your mornings are chaos and having time to juice is nothing but a distant dream, then The Juice Jar in Belfast now juice and sell it (after some persuasion from me!), meaning you can simply grab a couple and pop them in your fridge, ready to have on the go.

The team at the Juice Jar also told me that a couple of people picked some up after watching my stories and came to feed back that their eczema had completely calmed down in just 10 days. Coincidence? I think not.

Unfortunately, there has been some backlash from traditional science-based medical ‘experts’ who have criticised the lack of science-backed data on the benefits of celery juice, but the testimonials - and my own feeling of wellness since starting it - tell me, I don’t need no scientific data. Or maybe science just hasn’t caught up with nature yet.
And what can be bad about adding a whole vegetable juice to anyone’s daily routine anyway?  Nada, I say. Or indeed, how about if you follow Anthony’s full cleanses in his books? They are only ever about adding goodness to your body and no false or medical claims are ever made.

I must admit, after trying it for some time, I truly believe it is the best way to start your day and I barely go a day without it.

FARAWAY PLACES | FAMILY TIME AT CENTER PARCS LONGFORD

When our group of 90 Irish dancers and mums boarded the bus in Holywood County Down and headed for Center Parcs in Longford, it is fair to say that most of us didn’t really know what to expect, but we had all heard great things. There was an air of anticipation as the excited babble of 50 young girls could be heard through our coaches as they gossiped, laughed and sang the whole way down.

Upon approach I saw a beautiful deer walk gently across the forest path in front of us and felt immediately at home with nature. This was going to be good! A quick chat at the security hut led to a large carpark and we caught our first glimpse of the site.

The excitement was palpable, but the truth is, nothing prepares you for Center Parcs Ireland, the whole thing is just remarkable. Nestled in the beautiful Longford Forest, it is so kid and family focused it’s incredible – like they’ve thought of everything you’d never thought of – and it’s just an ideal place to get away and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The scale is unimaginable – think of lots of football pitches, a super-dooper sized playpark and water park, as well as a massive artificial lake surrounded by footpaths, roads and a whole lot of other things, and you might just be able to picture the huge scale of it, it just exceeded all of my expectations.

One thing I loved about the place is that the only time cars are allowed on site is to transport guests and luggage to their lodges, after that the only means of transport are bicycles or your own two feet! It was so lovely to see groups of families and friends cycling together and the lack of cars created a more relaxed, serene ambiance. The easiest way to get around is by hiring a bicycle (or you can bring your own) as there is some distance between attractions. This can be a disadvantage for the perambulate, but we found the team to be very accommodating so I can only guess extra needs will be looked after accordingly.

And on the subject of staff; even though we were part of the biggest group they’d had since opening, the staff could not have been more accommodating. Staff at all stages were incredible, they were engaged, fun and as you would expect, excellent with kids. When I left behind some personal belongings, they were easy and efficient to liaise with from a post-visit customer service perspective too.

The lodges are a really high standard and there are over 450 to choose from.  Ours were conveniently located near the main shopping and restaurant area which we loved. The beds got thumbs up from everyone and were definitely 4-5 star hotel mattress quality (although I think sleep would come easy to even the fussiest sleeper after such a jam-packed day!).

The lodges were modern with pretty much everything you would need – including excellent WIFI (which is great if you’re anything like me and constantly trying to balance work and pleasure or trying to negotiate later activities for teens).

The kitchen is well-equipped and we brought our own food to self-cater as well as pre-booking restaurants to eat out (the Indian was FAB!). There is a supermarket which is handy if you run out of any essentials (or fancy a little nightcap after such a busy day), and each lodge also comes with a ready-made pit out the back so you can have a family BBQ if you aren’t in the mood to head out to one of the many restaurants on site.

Speaking of restaurants, there are lots to choose from, all offering different kinds of food. Their child-friendly policy creates a relaxing setting that both parents and children can enjoy easily. In Hucks restaurant there is even a computer room and soft play area that your child can go off and explore whilst you finish your meal, meaning you can sit and enjoy the food without the incessant “mum I am done, can we go now” that can often be heard at restaurants from little ones ready to move on to the next activity.

Surrounded by forest, the 400 acre site was beautiful and you instantly feel stress levels fall as you take in the vast landscape of total beauty that encloses you. The carless roads also mean little ones can roam around exploring without the constant worry of traffic.

The designers have definitely had parents in mind when creating the site and have thought of absolutely everything. The whole process is seamless (I especially appreciated the fact that the wristbands open your cabin and act as a locker key for the Subtropical Swimming Paradise – meaning less to carry and no scrambling in handbags for loose change whilst kiddies hover impatiently wanting to dive right in!)

There are over 100 activities to enjoy both indoor and outdoor, so whatever the weather there will be lots to do. You could spend a week here and still not get through the jam packed schedule which includes things like cupcake making, laser quest, den building as well as a cute off road track for 3 year olds and up. We challenged ourselves to the high wire walking – which is hairy and scary, more so for the mums than the kids if truth be told! There is also a spa that grown ups can enjoy. I had a wonderful full body massage and my mum friends also had facials while we all took turns to team-parent our collective kids.  It was heavenly.

Ireland’s largest water park, the Subtropical Swimming Paradise, is open from 10am til 9pm, meaning you can go at a time that suits you. The 29.5C heat feels more like stepping into the Mediterranean than the middle of Ireland and it really is magical. There are also loungers and cots next to most sections of the water park which makes it easy to keep an eye on everyone.

Do note that many of the activities and the spa cost extra, but you can get a price list and book before you go.  In fact I would highly recommend booking before you go, as weekends can get jam-packed. There are plenty of free things to do though, such as trips to the many parks, bike rides with the family (if you bring your own bike as opposed to hiring) walks through the forest and visits to the swimming pool (which is so good you could easily go each day).

Holidaying with kids can be stressful, and it’s not easy (and can be lonely at night if you’re a single mum like me), but I really enjoyed being part of a group and sharing a cabin. Everything was so relaxed and peaceful as well as super exciting for the children. Maybe it’s the lack of screens or the fresh air, but whatever it is I can’t wait to get another dose! My overall verdict? This was the ultimate family escape, and I can’t wait to visit again.

For more information visit the Center Parcs website: www.centerparcs.ie

FOOD | Let's Talk About Matcha

 Imagine if boosting the health benefits of your everyday diet was as simple as having a cuppa? That's precisely what you get when you drink matcha, probably the most powerhouse cup of tea you could ever drink. Originating in Japan, where monks would drink it to remain alert yet calm during meditation, matcha has seen a huge surge in popularity thanks to its nutritious contents and delicious flavour.  The vibrantly hued liquid is made from finely milled green tea powder - the staple ingredient behind traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.

MATCHA FACTS

• One serving of matcha is the nutritional equivalent of 10 cups of regularly brewed green tea

• When you drink matcha you ingest the entire leaf and 100% of the leaves' nutrients

• Matcha powdered green tea has 137 times more antioxidants than regularly brewed green tea.

Don't get me wrong - regular green tea is good - but water can only extract a fraction of its benefits, meaning most of its goodness ends up in compost... all those fabulous antioxidants and minerals trapped inside the tealeaves. Matcha is essentially those very tealeaves, stoneground and less processed to preserve all of their delicious goodness.

While not entirely virtuous - it does contain a similar amount caffeine to coffee - matcha leaves us feeling simultaneously energised and calm, for longer. This is thanks to the presence of amino acid, L-Theanine, which slowly releases caffeine for a super chilled effect. All that aannnnd it tastes good.

Not only can you froth matcha with hot water or milk for a delicious creamy drink, you can eat it too! Blend the magical green powder in smoothies and frozen yoghurts or add to cup cakes.

MATCHA HEALTH BENEFITS

• Packed with antioxidants including the powerful EGCg

• Boosts metabolism and burns calories

• Detoxifies effectively and naturally

• Calms the mind and relaxes the body

• Is rich in fibre, chlorophyll and vitamins

• Enhances mood and boosts concentration levels

• Provides vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium

• Helps prevents disease

• Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar.

(I know... I'm almost done then you can go order one!)

ANTIOXIDANTS

There's a lot of talk about antioxidants, but what actually are they?  In essence, they are the body's defence agents - naturally occurring chemical compounds that help prevent aging and fight infections and disease. While a tonne of fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, matcha is unparalleled in comparison. Experts at Tufts University have discovered that matcha possesses twenty times more antioxidants than pomegranates or blueberries. That's pretty mind blowing.

Almost calorie free, matcha boosts metabolism, burns fat and does not put any stress on the body. It doesn’t raise blood pressure or heart rate, making it a safe alternative to questionable quick fixes.

L-THEANINE

Thanks to L-Theanine, a rare amino acid that promotes a state of relaxation and well-being, a bowl of matcha promotes concentration and clarity of mind without any of the nervous energy found in coffee. Try matcha as a pick-me-up for the afternoon or anytime you need extra focus.

TASTE

The taste of matcha is complex, rich, aromatic, astringent, and leaves an alluring sweetness post-drinking. When prepared in the traditional ceremonial style, it is smooth and creamy with a rich, full bodied flavour.

FACE | THE NEW INSTA-MASQUE FROM NUXE

One of my favourite beauty brands, NUXE, has created a brand new product – the insta-masque.

Regular readers of the blog will know that when living (and falling in love with) France in my 20s, I discovered lots of amazing products that I still use today. French brands have always been pioneers in the beauty world and many of them were big advocates of all-natural ingredients in beauty products before it even really became a thing and NUXE was one of them.

In fact, the brand, founded by Aliza Jabes, has largely helped to invent pharma-cosmetics and many of their products are icons in the beauty world (Rêve de Miel Lip Balm and Huile Prodigieuse, I am looking at you!)

Anyway, back to the Insta-masque. As you would expect with Nuxe, each mask contains (2) natural ingredients with 2 beauty benefits that are absorbed in 2 minutes! An instant beauty boost for your skin, the masks can be used in the shower, in a rush or in ‘relaxation’ mode - when you fancy some indulgent pampering.

Each mask is enriched with 100% natural micro-grains of silica. To release the nourishing goodness of each mask, simply apply all over the face (avoiding the area around the eye). Leave on for 2 minutes, before massaging in circular movements until the gel turns into an oil and then rinse with water – simple! For best results use once or twice a week – looking good has never been so easy!

There are 3 masks to choose from, each giving on a particular beauty result.

First up is the exfoliating and unifying mask which gently exfoliates all skin types (even sensitive skin). The mask contains rose floral water and macadamia oil and has a delicate rose scent, leaving skin feeling ultra-soft, smoother and brighter. RRP £19.90

Next up is the detoxifying and glow mask. This intense black ultra-sensory gel gives skin an instant detox leaving it fresh and radiant in just 2 minutes!
The 2 ingredients are rose floral water and botanical charcoal which captures and removes all impurities. There is a fresh woody scent (cedar and bergamot) making it perfect for sharing with your other half (but if you keep it a secret, we completely understand, no judgement here – we wouldn’t share it either!)

RRP £19.90

Last up is the purifying and smoothing mask. The 2 natural ingredients are Kaolin, very soft white clay which unclogs pores and mattifies skin as well as the softening rose floral water which ensures the mask feels gentle on the skin. Instantly skin becomes smooth and matted with pores fully concealed – great if you are heading out for the night. The mask also has a fruity-green scent which smells so natural.

RRP: £19.90

FITNESS | Sleek & Stylish Workout Wear

If you're in need of extra motivation to get yourself to the gym, walk this way to spruce up your sportswear and satisfy your inner fitness freak.

With athleisure now established as a stand alone fashion niche, style, functionality and comfort can be combined in a breeze. From High Street to big name brands, new designs tantalise every season to help us feel good en route to looking great(er)!

Choose carefully and you won't need to update your workout wardrobe every season. Think about what you really need for the activities you love... naturally this will vary hugely from yoga to skiing and everything in between. To narrow things down a bit, I've focused on the best gear out there for those of us pounding the streets or pumping iron during the busiest season for gyms all over the country.

With moisture-wicking fabric, cleverly-placed mesh panels and thoughtful cut-outs, much of today's athletic clothing is truly meant for athletic pursuits. All that's left to do is figure out what works for you.

If you're running in the Winter months, do you need a long sleeved top or heavier weight leggings? Would a cosy, loose fit top be useful en route to and from classes? Do you need to layer up until you warm up at the gym?

Check out my workout wear edit and see if anything ticks your boxes. Just compiling it has been enough to make me want to get out there!  

Bear in mind that good quality gear will last longer and work harder for you. And since so many of these items can double as everyday attire, they could even serve two purposes for the price of one.

H&M high waist sports tights £19.99

H&M thermal Winter running tights £29.99

H&M vest top £12.99

Lululemon New Ambition Bra £38

Lululemon Ombre Energy Bra £38

Lululemon Warmth Restore Sherpa Pullover £138

Lululemon Wunder Under Hi Rise Ombre Tights £78

M&S Go Train Gym Leggings £29.50.

M&S lime vest £15

M&S Wind Resist jacket £45

Next Emma Willis shorts £24

Sweaty Betty Escape Luxe Hoody £120.

Sweaty Betty Home Straight Running vest £55

Sweaty Betty Merino running top £85

Sweaty Betty Speedy Running Jacket £155

Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity High Waisted Running Leggings £95

FITNESS | 10 WAYS TO KEEP FIT WITHOUT THE GYM

The festive season is full of boozy lunches, roast dinners and cocktails galore for some (and we won’t even mention the half-eaten sweetie tins and cheeseboards in my kitchen, because well, they don’t count, right?!)

All of this can make the waist band a little tighter come January and February – and in the spirit of balance, we shouldn’t beat ourselves up or force ourselves to run to the nearest gym, with their restrictive membership contracts and costly fees, but if you *do* want to get a little fitter and lose those extra pounds then check out these super-effective tips for keeping fit without the gym below… In short, it’s about moving more – so just find something which allows you to get into your groove and you’re half way there.

1.    Walk when possible

Walking is the most underrated exercise, it’s what us human beings are made for, literally! Plus, getting out in the fresh air automatically makes you feel so much better inside and out, and it gets the heart pumping at the same time – so it’s a win-win! I love doing ‘walk & talk’ meetings and often meet clients and friends for a coastal walk instead of the usual office or café meetup; and it is so much more productive!
Ditch the car, and the dreadful commute or get the bus or train to work and get off at the stop before and walk the extra mile (or kilometre), you’ll see the results in no time and will feel more energetic going into the office.  Most, if not all, iPhones now have a HEALTH app and your phone can count your daily steps, which is a great indicator of how you’re doing. If you have a target (and it doesn’t have to be the much-talked-about 10,000 steps a day), it will not only make you feel better and boost self esteem as you improve each day and each week.

2.    Workout videos

There are TONNES of free workout videos online which you can do in the comfort of your own home at a time that suits you. It can also be worthwhile investing in some basic gym equipment like dumb bells to power up your workout. I got mine in a charity shop – so they don’t have to be expensive! You can even use bags of sugar or flour from the cupboards, or I’ve seen videos of new mums using their babies as weights 😊 (obviously this is done with care for the baby!).
Even without a video it’s easy to find simple exercise lists on Pinterest or Instagram. Maybe try to use these to add in some bodyweight exercises to your day? Planks, push ups, squats and star jumps are all great ways to get moving, and you can even do them whilst waiting for the kettle to boil. Since Valentina was little, I always suggest 10 star jumps then a hug if we’re feeling cold. And it works!

3.    Get an app

There are lots of apps available that are packed with quick workout videos. 7 minute workout is a great app that personalises workouts depending on your needs, plus, they are short which is great when you don’t have lots of time!

4.    Take the stairs

Did you know that climbing stairs burns more calories per minute than jogging?! Forget the elevator and the escalator and take the stairs, it will work wonders for your health!

5.    Join a sports club

Taking up a new sport is a fantastic way of keeping fit and you get to meet lots of new people which is always great! There are also lots of local amenities like tennis courts etc across all councils here that are either free to use or charge a small amount, so why not grab your friends and use a bit of healthy competition to get that heart racing?

6.      Drink water

Regular readers will now that water is one of my beauty and health (not-so) secrets! Not only is it great for your skin, organs and general healthy but replacing your usual fizzy drink with water is one of the easiest ways to lose excess weight and get your metabolism functioning properly – not to mention brain fog etc etc (see my full blog here). Sometimes we can mistake thirst for hunger so drinking 2-3 litres of water in the day time can stop us from reaching for sugary snacks throughout the day too!

7.    Run!

The NHS couch-to-5k is a great app for beginner runners. Once you have the app you can work at your own pace, repeating weeks when necessary. There are also lots of local couch-to-5k groups, and the FREE Park Run courses across towns and cities, so if you like the social aspect of working out then find your local one and join up – you will never look back.

8.    Create your own bootcamp

Why not grab some friends and create your own bootcamp? All you need is some creativity and a pair of trainers. In fact, you don’t have to be in a bunch – create your own DIY camp. And if you’re really game, film it for posterity or to share online. Head to your garden or a local park and create a circuit, doing each activity for 30-90 seconds.  You can do things like jumping jacks, plank, jumping squats, lunges and lots more!

9.    Take a hike

OK so hiking is just like walking, except in the hills… So this is point 1 on repeat, but with scenery. We are so lucky to live in NI where there are so many beautiful places to take a hike. The Mourne Mountains, Slemish, Cave Hill or any of the coastal, forest or river paths around us provide some amazing views whilst also getting the heart working! Remember to wear comfy shoes, bring water and snacks and make sure people know where you are going.

10.  Swim!

Only the bravest – or maddest – souls go swimming outdoors, but so many people are doing it now. My local beach at Helen’s Bay has daily regulars, while in nearby Bangor there is a pretty robust (and, by all accounts, fun) club and I have heard of many others across the country from as far away as Hamsptead Heath in London to Howth in Dublin Bay. Cold water therapy does wonders for the circulation as well as the central nervous system. I’ve not been brave enough yet, but maybe this is the year! Let me know if you dare to dip!