September 2008
South Dublin's Premier Lifestyle Magazine
Choice South Dublin’s Premier Lifestyle Magazine : : VOL 04 : : ISSUE 08 : : SEPTEMBER 2008 Leeson Street : : Donnybrook : : Ballsbridge : : Merrion : : Sandymount : : Irishtown : : Ringsend : : Baggot Street Blackrock : : Dun Laoghaire : : Foxrock : : Stillorgan : : Leopardstown : : Booterstown : : Mount Merrion : : MonkstownSeptember SensationAutumn Winter Fashions Spa BreaksGo on…treat yourself!! Interviews: The BlizzardsThe Script Interiors Bedroom Bliss Beauty: Manicures & pedicures
Choice September is one of the most exciting months of the year. With all that back to school enthusiasm, we put our lazy Summer mindsets away for another year and start afresh with people enrolling in new courses, careers, and of course with the unveiling of the new season trends both in the fashion arena and of course for the home. This month, we look at the Autumn/ Winter fashion collections and Kate Gaynor tells us how to wear the latest trends without look- ing like we have stepped out of the set of Grease or some other 80’s production. In interiors, we give a knowing nod to the cooler weather that’s coming our way and show you the latest trends to make your bedroom as warm and cosy as possible in the months ahead. We also have a lighting features so don’t be too enslaved to the darker days. Although every-one is talking recession, recession…it is my feeling that you can’t do something positive while all this negativity abounds. It is for this reason that we thought we would bring you our Spa break ideas so you can go, unwind and re-emerge ready to take on the world. There are some amazing treatments out there and we show you where to get the most for your euro. We also have health boosting ideas to ward off winter colds and flu’s and some recipes with immune system boosting properties. There are interviews with two of the hottest bands around at the moment, the Script and the Blizzards, and of course we have the usual round up of movie reviews, book reviews, upcoming events, gardening, property, motors and much more besides. We hope you enjoy it. Deborah Cogley Editor VOL 04 : : ISSUE 08 : : SEPTEMBER 2008 Editor’s Letter Advertisers: To advertise in Choice Magazine please give us a call. We have 3 editions of Choice Magazine which we hand deliver in to our readers homes through- out South Dublin covering Dublin 4 (Donnybrook, Ballsbridge, Sandymount, Merrion, Leeson Street, Baggot Street, Ringsend, Beggars Bush and Irish- town), South County Dublin (Blackrock, Dun Laoghaire, Foxrock, Stillor- gan, Leopardstown, Booterstown, Mount Merrion, Monkstown), Dublin 14 (Dundrum, Rathfarnham, Churchtown, Goatstown, Clonskeagh, Windy Ar- bour) and Dublin 6 (Milltown, Ranelagh, Rathmines, Rathgar, Harolds Cross, Terenure). For advertising information please visit choicemagazine.ie or call: Deborah Cogley: 01 4568059 deborah@choicemagazine.ie For editorial features: editorial@choicemagazine.ie For design queries: anna@choicemagazine.ie For fashion features: kate@choicemagazine.ie For accounts: bernie@choicemagazine.ie For sales: catherine@choicemagazine.ie (01 4568059/087 6308130) Also: sharon@choicemagazine.ie (01 4568059/087 7628599) Thanks to our Contributors: Kate Gaynor, Amy Corrigan, Entertainment. ie, Prudence Magazine, Motoring Life Magazine, House and Home Magazine. Design: Anna Brazil Choice Magazine is published by KC Publishing Ltd. Opinions and articles featured in the maga- zine are the authors and contributors own and not necessarily the opinion of the publishers. Cover Image: Dorothy Perkins This Page: Lipsy London Motors Page 62 FASHION Page 34 The blizzards Page 46 interiors Page 06 The script Page 48
Bedded BlissY ou spend at least a third of your life in your bedrom, so it’s one of the most important rooms in the house. Nothing beats a good nights sleep and a calming environment can help to achieve this. A comfortable bed is a priority and there are a number of different optons out there for you. Your other furniture needs to compliment the feel of the room and the colour you choose needs to be one you want to wake up to! Avoca €1099.95 Paint by Dulux Walls: Dulux Easycare Washable Matt Pink Whisper Woodwork: Dulux Easycare Tough Satin Rose White Steps: Dulux High Gloss 50RR 38/261 Rhianne available at Arnotts Duvet Cover Single: €120.00 Duvet Cover Double: €155.00 Duvet Cover King: €190.00 Duvet Cover Super King: €220.00 Continued Overleaf >
: : STUNNING DESIGNS ELEGANT SIMPLICITY SPACE FOR EVERYTHING PERFECT ORDER CALMNESS & BALANCE FREEPHONE: 1800 303 404 1A Earls Court Industrial Estate, Churchtown, Dublin 14 Fax: 01 298 7019 www.skondesign.com EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY STORE YOUR CLUTTER 10 YEAR GUARANTEE EMBRACE THE POSSIBILITIES SKON Choice Mag 285 x 210.indd 104/07/2008 17:02:02
8 : : choice : : Arnotts - Kobo Range Duvet Cover Single: €75.00 Duvet Cover Double: €100.00 Duvet Cover King: €115.00 Duvet Cover Super King: €130.00 Arnotts - Sayuri White Range Duvet Cover Double: €240.00 Duvet Cover King: €270.00 Duvet Cover Super King: €300.00 Love Cushions from www.coxandcox.co.uk Ellier bed at Duff Tisdall Dulux Walls: Dulux Vinyl Soft Sheen Modena Woodwork: Dulux Easycare Washable Matt Soft Hessian Stripe: Dulux Easycare Washable Matt Pink Whisper Flanagans FlanagansHarlequin interiors Next - Four Panel Duvet And Pillow Case Bedset €32 - €70 Next - Signature Antonia Duvet And Pillowcase Set €90 - €115 ! " # $ %&' ( ) *( Theadore Alexander Queen Size Bed €3,295.00 Chest of drawers €1,475.00 Framed mirror €975.00 Harrison & Gill Silk Dining Chair €1,225.00 Now Table Lamp €342.00 Camden 4ft 6” Bed €595.00 Camden Locker €205.00 Flapper clear Console Lamp €495.00 Cushion from the Designers Guild Range available at Town and Country Interiors, Dundrum Ph: 01-2966383 Designers Guild Range available at Town and Country Interiors Continued Overleaf > interiors
: : Interiors & gifts Sherian Bedlinen Lisa Bengtsson Greengate Little Greene Paint Co. Paint Library Farrow and Ball Wallpaper Casamance Bennetts Silks Interior Design Service 14 Orwell Road Rathgar Village, Dublin 6 Phone: 01 497 0222 www.affinityd6.ie Design Your Life
10 : : choice : : Rose Candle AvocaCupcake Hot Water Bottle Avoca €19.95Love & Peace Cushions from www.coxandcox.co.uk Bulldog Cushion Avoca €62.50 House of Fraser AW 08 Hunter Dunne, Mullingar 044 933 0370 Instore Sonoma Bedside Table (€99) Sonoma 4 Drawer Low Dresser (€399) Bahama at Oakline Throws from kilkennydesign.com Komodo Verde at Oakline King at Oakline Arnotts Winchester High Beadstead- €1,149.00 Cushion from the Designers Guild Range available at Town and Country Interiors, Dundrum Ph: 01-2966383 interiors
Open Monday to Friday (9.30 am - 5.30 pm) Offstreet Parking for Customers Meadowbrook Mews, Balinteer Road, Dundrum, Dublin 16 Tel: 01 2966383 In association with William Free Ltd, Stockists of Oriental and Contemporary Rugs and Kilims, Natural Floor Coverings, Seagrass, Coir and Jute. Meadowbrook Mews, Dundrum. Tel: 01 2966077 / 2966078 Interiors
12 : : choice : : . owadays it seems that chil- dren have every gadget and toy under the sun. Nintendo Wii’s, mobile phones, com- puters, televisions: the list goes on. So that’s their waking hours covered, but what about their sleeping ones? Surely they only need a bed. Wrong! Modern children ex- pect more, and they’re going to get it! Here are a few ideas to get you thinking. Words: Amy Corrigan Mamas and Papas concentrate mainly on babies, but they also sell cot beds which can last children from birth until the age of 5 or 6. Good quality furniture, there are a number of different ranges including Savannah, Coastline and the more mod- ern Modensa. The Savannah Ivory cot bed costs €360, a Coastline cot bed in white is €375 and a Modensa one is €580. Each range contains wardrobes, dressers, stor- age chests, drawers and shelves, so you can get a complete look all in one store. IKEA does not yet have a store in the Re- public (coming in 2009) but if you travel up to Belfast then you can pick up some funky furniture at reasonable prices. The Mammut range comes in vivid colours with unusual lines and style. A wardrobe in the range is £99 and a chest of drawers, £69. The bed in blue or pink is £106. The Leksvik range is more traditional with an extendable bed, excellent for those fast growers, at £78. As before there are a wardrobe (£129), high cabinet (£89) and shelves (£19.99) in the range, so just like Mamas and Papas, IKEA is another one stop shop for your child’s bedroom desires. IKEA also have great storage boxes and baskets for stor- ing toys, books, even clothes. A stackable Vessla storage crate with castors costs £3.99 as do Glis boxes which come with adjustable dividers. Lighting is very impor- tant in a room with younger children often wanting a night light. IKEA have some great night lights, table lamps and wall lights in all colours, shapes and sizes from ghosts to seahorses. Prices from £3.49. Berloni, an Italian company showing with Oakline in Ranelagh and the Fonthill Busi- ness Park, have a great range of children’s beds, wardrobes, and study beds. The Eolo and Vega and Prodotti ranges come in bright colours, are good quality and have many different configurations. Sleep tight don’t let the bed bugs bite! Ikea Leksvik Bed Ikea Mammut Range Ikea Ghost Nightlights Berloni at Oakline Berloni at Oakline Berloni at Oakline interiors
: : 13 Irelandsleadingsupplierofthefinestqualityhandmaderugs WiderangeofClassical andContemporaryrugs availablefromourshowroom Onsiteconsultationserviceavailable Bespokequalityrugstoorder Wideselectionofrugsavailablefromstock ShowroomopenMondaytoFriday9.30to6pm Saturday10amto2pmorbyappointment TerminusMills,ClonskeaghRoad,Dublin6 Tel:012690505Fax:012690506info@rugart.ie www.rugart.ie Study beds, bunk beds, single beds, and corner wardrobes with funky handles are all part of these excellent ranges. Kids will love their bedrooms and love going to bed, thanks to Berloni. Pop into the store or contact Oakline for more infor- mation. Furnishyourhome.ie has a great range of children’s furniture. They have a wide variety of different bunk beds, single beds, novelty beds and other bedroom furniture. The Maple cabin bed is €575 and comes with another single bed un- derneath, perfect for those impromptu sleepovers. For the little boy racer, a F1 racing car bed costs from €399. If you would prefer something classic, there are also single beds such as the Jordan in natural wood or white at €179. The Kid- saw range, which locks together without any fixings, comes in lilac and blue, and consists of a starter bed, single bed, bed- side locker, wardrobe, toybox, desk and chair. The desk and chair cost €85 and €39 respectively. Another great place to find child friendly bedroom items is Next, check their directory instore or look them up on /www.nextdirectory.ie. Children have never had it so good, mate- rially speaking, and have turned into mini adults; they want what you have and they want it NOW! Maple cabin bed from Furnishyourhome.ie F1 bed from Furnishyourhome.ie Sneakers Bedlinen Set from NextBeds Silver Racing Car Bedstead from Next
14 : : choice : : L ighting comes in many different shapes and sizes so it can be confusing to find the solution that's best for your home. With so many options out there, it can be baffling once you start looking. That's why we at Choice have decided to bring you some of the hottest picks around at the moment, to make your deci- sion a bit easier. Light Up, Light up Atlantic Homecare Woodies Woodies Woodies Woodies National Lighting Eden Home and Garden Kilkenny Design Centre Dunnes Dunnes DunnesDunnes Red AlertHeavy MetalClassic & Contemporary National Lighting interiors
L ighting comes in many different shapes and sizes so it can be confusing to find the solution that's best for your home. With so many options out there, it can be baffling once you start looking. That's why we at Choice have decided to bring you some of the hottest picks around at the moment, to make your deci- sion a bit easier. Light Up, Light up Atlantic Homecare Woodies Woodies Woodies Woodies National Lighting Eden Home and Garden Kilkenny Design Centre Dunnes Dunnes DunnesDunnes Red AlertHeavy MetalClassic & Contemporary National Lighting Unit 10, KCR Industrial Estate, Kimmage, Dublin 12 Phone: +353 1 4055035 Blackrock Shopping Centre, Blackrock, Co. Dublin Phone: +353 1 2835550 Powerscourt House, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow Phone:+353 1 2046087 Email: info@globalvillage.ieWeb: www@globalvillage.ie
16 : : choice : : houseandhome Ireland’s best selling interiors magazine House and Home, Ireland’s best loved interiors magazine is an invaluable source book for making your house into a home. Every issue we open the door to inspirational real readers homes from around the country that are bursting with clever ideas and practical design solutions. Jam-packed with beautiful photo-shoots, House and Home not only looks good but it reads good too – it’s a magazine that offers real solutions for real people. Also in this issue •Scandi Chic: Scandinavians are ones to emulate when it comes to timeless interiors •Trend Alert: Feel the heat from Bollywood inspired brights which celebrate our Indian summer •How to Hibernate: Line your lair with all the essentials for an inviting, warm home •Technology Update: Make your life easier and your home funkier with the best picks of new home technology products Choice Aug (H&H):Layout 1 14/08/2008 16:41 Page 1 interiors
: : 1 houseandhome Antique style cutlery set, €194, Betty Jackson at Debenhams, nationwide. Tel: 01 814 7200. Web: www.debenhams.com Update period looks by simplifying silhouettes and using new, modern materials. Deja Vu leather and cherry wenge lacquered chair, €308, Calligaris available nationwide including Contemporary Living, Drogheda. Tel: 041 987 1077 and Montana Furniture, Stillorgan, Tel: 01 293 7000 Amari oak veneer 125cm dining table, €1,399, BoConcept, Beacon South Quarter, Sandyford, Dublin 18. Tel: 01 293 2008 Cut glass is given a modern twist by Waterford Crystal. Clarion decanter and glasses, €160, Waterford Crystal. Tel: 051 332 200. Web: www.waterford.ie A slick white finish to an otherwise dated design will give it a contemporary twist. Ornate clock, €23, Marks & Spencer, Dublin, Cork, Galway. Tel: 01 679 7855. Web: www.marksandspencer.com Prada’s autumn/winter collection takes texture to a new level with oversized lace panelling accessorised with a hint of shiny plastic Ofelia Rug, Stg£155, Ikea, Holywood Exchange, 306 Airport Road, Belfast, Co Antrim. Tel: 0044 845 355 1113 Amber Colour Collection vases, from €180, Waterford Crystal, available nationwide. Tel: 051 332 200. Web: www.waterford.ie To subscribe log on towww.houseandhome.ie Choice Aug (H&H):Layout 1 14/08/2008 16:42 Page 2
Local Properties Ballsbridge (01) 2376300 ! " " ! # # ! """ # $"% !" !&'() * + ,,#- ''.// 0 $ # ! " %& ! " " % ' ( 0!" """ *$1 1"220"" !3') 4 3 '' - 3') 2 # !% ! '# ( " ! & & & %!" """ # 5"0 26"6 12 Hampton Crescent, St Helen's Wood, Booterstown, Co Dublin For Sale by Private Treaty Asking Price €795,000 Exceptionally appealing three bed end of tce townhouse in excellent condition with secluded rear garden locat- ed in this exclusive development off Booterstown Ave. Acc: Living/Dining, Kitchen, 3 beds (master en suite), bath, guest w.c. 86 sq.m. 920 sq.ft approx. 15 Beach Avenue, Sandymount, Dublin 4 Bright and spacious mid terrace house, with potential for extension, situated in this quiet cul-de-sac off the Beach Road. Adjacent to the Strand and Sandymount village with all its amenities and charmed atmosphere. Close to dart and east link bridge, with a short dis- tance of City centre. The property has been well main- tained but would benefit from further modernisation. There is a private walled rear garden with access to laneway and potential for off street parking to the front. (s.p.p) PRICE: €675,000 18 Gilford Road, Sandymount, Dublin 4 A charming Edwardian end of terrace red brick residence situated on one of Sandymount’s finest roads. No 18 has been maintained to a high standard with original fireplac- es, ornate ceilings, centre roses, timber panel doors and gas fired central heating throughout. This most conven- ient location is within a gentle stroll of every conceivable amenity including shops, schools, restaurants, strand and Dart. City centre, IFSC and East link Bridge are all within easy access. Viewing strongly recommended. PRICE: €1.45m 49 Oaklands Park, Sandymount, Dublin 4. Attractive redbrick Edwardian property in need of refur- bishment but with all its period features retained includ- ing original fireplaces, ornate coving and centre roses. Oil fired central heating with radiators. There is private off street parking to the front as well as residents’ per- mit parking. Ideally located on a quiet road yet within a gentle stroll of all the amenities of Sandymount village and Ballsbridge including shops, schools, hotels, AIB Bank Centre, RDS, Dart and within a short distance of the City Centre. PRICE: €1.25m 65 Beach Road, Sandymount, Dublin 4 A fine semi detached property, requiring refurbishment, with obvious potential (subject to p.p.) to extend and enhance. Ideally located opposite the park and within a short stroll of all amenities including shops, restaurants, schools, strand and the Dart. City centre, IFSC and Merrion Square are all within easy access. The prop- erty offers bright & spacious accommodation with well proportioned rooms. A feature of the property is the private sunny south west orientation of the good sized rear garden. Viewing recommended. Price region: €875,000 19 Raglan Hall, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 For Sale by Private Treaty Asking Price: €600,000 Well presented 2 bed apartment on the 2nd floor in this small development on Clyde Road. Wonderfully proportioned and light filled accommodation, further complemented by a sun drenched west facing balcony and a car parking space. Acc: hall, liv/din, kit, 2 bed, bath. 870sqft (81sqm) approx^Well presented 3rd floor, 2 bed apartment with west facing balcony and parking space. Acc: hall, liv/din, kit, 2 bed, bath. 870sqft (81sqm) approx. 38 Merlyn Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 For Sale by Private Treaty Asking Price €1,750,000 Outstanding opportunity to acquire a superb family home which is tucked away in this quiet enclave off Merrion Road with secluded 60ft garden. Acc: Liv, din, kitchen, study, util, guest w.c., 4 beds, bath, w.c., attic conv, garage. 170 sq.m. 1832 sq.ft. approx. 21B Pembroke Gardens, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 For Sale by Private Treaty Asking Price: €975,000 Tucked away on this quiet mews lane just off St. Mary's Road, lies an attractive mod- ern mews built as a repro- duction Vic- torian style in 1996, which has been upgraded in recent years provides generously proportioned accom. to- gether with a private low maintenance rear garden. Acc: Liv, Kit/ Din, 3bed.
: : 1 Offering a unique 30-minute fitness and weight loss solution for women Learn why the énergie fitness & weight loss programme,designed by women for women delivers stunning results. The advantages of an énergie fitness club are clear to see; brand,systems,infrastructure and support allowing your entrepreneurial spirit to flourish! The most complete turnkey fitness club franchise package available in Ireland Ireland’sleading fitness club franchiseopportunity Call now for an information pack (01) 280 0593 www.energie.ie info@energie.ie An exceptional opportunity in a fast growth market with an unrivalled franchise package... By choosing an énergie Fitness Club Franchise in Ireland,you will establish a strong brand identity in the local market place whilst enabling your team to swiftly build a thriving business using our unique Business franchise model.This will enable you to concentrate on the development of the club rather than the design of the operating systems. 08.ead(0585)det6/6/08:0age NEED TO ADVERTISE? ADVERTISINg is the most powerful way to get new customers interestedIN doing business with you. Call the ChOICE MAgAzINESales team NOW on 01-4568059 to find out how we can help. Choice MagazineISdelivered to 45,000 homes and businesses in South Dublin every month. We havegREATarticles, interviews and reviews fORour readers each month. CanyOuR buSINESSafford to miss this opportunity? www.choicemagazine.ie 01-4568059 Choice
Plant of the month: The Helenium September in your garden S eptember is very much a transitional month in your garden. Summer is officially over but we usually get a lot of sun- shine in September so our summer plants and flowers will still be lin- gering. Create striking borders with plants that look good right through the autumn. The Sedum variety of plants is a good one to choose as it produces masses of flat, bright pink flower-heads on upright stems with succulent, glaucous leaves. Grow them in full sun in a well-drained soil and divide every few years to im- prove flowering. Other plants which are also good at this time of year in- clude ornamental grasses, heleniums and Michaelmas daisies. Start planning now for spring. Plant up patio pots or borders with ery- simum, more commonly known as wallflowers, for a cheery spring show. Although they can be grown on their own, try planting tall-growing tulip bulbs in a contrasting colour first and planting the wallflowers over the top. H eleniums are much under-rated hardy perennial garden plants. They are a mainstay of the summer and autumn border but are so often overlooked. They are hardy, colourful, easy to grow, tolerate difficult growing conditions, provide months of colour, are attractive to pollinating insects and unaffected by most pests and diseases. They originated in North America and Central America but are now finding renewed popularity in Europe. The Helinium is a genus of about 40 herbaceous flowering plants in the daisy family Asteraceae. They bear yellow or orange daisy-like flowers. A number of these species, particularly Helenium autumnal, are commonly known as sneeze- weed because of the common allergenic reaction experienced by people in their vicinity. Some varieties are ideal for our Irish climate as they love damp ground. The big key to success with Helenium is providing it with adequate moisture. It will not grow well with dry soils and tends to winterkill. Usually daisy type plants often demand a bit of dry conditions to thrive but this is not one of them. Helenium species are used as food plants by the larvae of some moths and butterflies. One variety, the Autumn Lollipop boasts heads of rustic yellow and bronze with a small basal frill of ruffled petals. It is highly ornate and also an extremely original cut flower. It's unusual as it rarely has petals. You can also find Helenium varieties such as ‘Coppelia’ that has yellow to bronze petals with chestnut brown center eyes. ‘Kanaria’ is pure yellow with broad grey-green leaves and both of these varieties are 36 inches tall. ‘Moerheim Beauty’ has burned orange flowers that are attractive even as they fade but it is listed as 48 inches tall. ‘Bruno’ has deep crimson mahogany flowers on brown centres and is a 48 inch tall plant. AUTUMN GARDENING TIPS From Monkeypuzzle.ie Lawn Care: Now is a good time to aerate your lawn. Then apply some sharp sand or compost and scarify to remove debris. Reseed bald patches and apply an autumn fertiliser. Hedges: Clip new growth for the last time this season. Prepare sites for any new hedging. Plant evergreen hedges from mid-September to mid-October Roses: Remove faded blooms and continue to spray against greenfly and mildew. Scatter wood ash or potash and hoe in. Hardy Herbaceous: Continue dead heading and cutting back. Prepare new beds and hoe beds already prepared. Decking: Take advantage of the last of the dry weather to powerhose your deck to clean completely. Allow to dry fully before applying a suitable deck oil for full protection from what winter has to throw at it. For all your Landscaping and Gardening needs Patio’s, Decking, Driveways, Water features Garden and Landscape design Planting and garden maintenance Ashgrove House Kill Avenue Dun Laoghaire Ph: 01 2303632 E-Mail: info@monkeypuzzle.ie Web: www.monkeypuzzle.ie
: : 21 The tulips will then grow up through them to provide an extra layer of height and colour. Give bedding displays, hanging baskets and pots a little attention to ensure their display lasts well into autumn. Pick over plants twice a week to remove any faded blooms, keep wa- tering daily and control pests when you find them. Any tender plants you want to save for next year can also be potted this month, so they are estab- lished and ready to bring under cover when the weather turns cooler. Put plant supports around tall, late- flowering perennials to prevent them from being damaged by autumn winds. Create your own plant support with our step-by-step guide to making a willow obelisk. Buy lily bulbs as soon as you find them for sale and plant them straight away. Pick the small bulbils from their leaf joints and grow them on. Plant them in trays of compost and leave them to develop into new plants. En- joy gladioli spikes in the garden or cut them for displays in the house. When flowering is over, the corms can be lifted, cleaned, labelled and stored carefully for planting out again next spring. Give large dahlias an ex- tra feed during August to promote strong, healthy growth. Pinch out the shoot-tips of cordon tomatoes grown outdoors once their third or fourth truss has set fruit.Protect late crops of soft fruit by covering autumn-fruiting raspberries, blackberries and other cane fruits with netting to keep the birds away. Do remember to check the netting daily to ensure that no birds or ani- mals are trapped. Make sure your plants are well shad- ed on hot days to prevent scorch. The easiest way to do this is to apply netting or shade paint to the outside of the glass. Scorch is exacerbated if leaves are wet, so take care when wa- tering plants. Make the most of free seeds pro- duced by perennials and other gar- den plants by saving them when they are fully ripe. Collect mature seed- heads in paper bags and hang them in a warm place to dry out. The seeds can be cleaned and sorted, then put into labelled envelopes and stored in a cool, dry place. It's a great idea to swap your seeds with your friends to share in each other's successes. Enjoy what's left of the summer blooms! Garden Project Kennedy Landscapes Ltd Macetown, Tara, Co. Meath Phone: 087 2596516 Fax. 041 9825265 keng@eircom.net Sponsored by: L andscaping a garden is a huge undertaking; one that requires careful consideration and planning. That’s why it’s best to leave these to an expert who can advise you on what would best suit your lifestyle. For most of us living in Dublin, life is fast-paced and we don’t really have a lot of spare time to spend maintaining our garden. Kennedy Landscapes would recommend a paved garden if you want to maximise your garden’s potential with minimum fuss. Traditionally, the word paving would remind you of grey slabs placed in rows, which may seem a bit boring. With the right design it can be anything but boring. There is a huge selection of colours and shapes out there to choose from to suit your individual taste. Combining a paved garden with some ornamental features and low maintenance shrubs will result in an interesting and eyecathcing garden that will look great any month of the year. You won’t need to worry about getting your shoes wet when stepping out for those few glorious minutes of sunshine amid an otherwise rainy day. Paving is also a preferable choice if you like to entertain when the weather permits, at you won’t be worrying about ruining the lawn when you have guests over for a barbeque.
22 : : choice : : health T hese days our bodies are being challenged more than ever. The modern lifestyle most of us live is compromising our bodies everyday through stress environmental pollution, con- venience foods, lack of sleep and not enough exercise. Is it any wonder that by the time winter comes around we’ve all got runny noses, coughs and colds? So, if this year you want to avoid sneezing and blubbering your way through winter, then take heed of the following. Autumn is the perfect time to prepare our bodies and build a strong immune system, and this may be a lot easier than you think. Words: Catherine Walsh. The immune system is a truly amazing thing, a collective army of billions of cells, protein, tissues and organs defending our bodies against all manner of invaders such as germs and microorganisms. A good indica- tor of how strong our immune system is is how energised and alive we feel. If you feel low, fatigued and weak, chances are your immune system is feeling the same way. Often we try to compensate for this “under the weather” feeling with caffeine and sugar, but while they might give temporary relief, they are not the solution and will only lead to long- term damage to our bodies. It may be a cliché, but it is true what they say, laughter really is the best medicine. Just as a weak immune system can affect both our bodies and our mental health, a positive disposition can work wonders to boost your immunity. Science has found that every cell in our bodies has a receptor for the substances produced when we feel happy - endor- phins. So smile! gossip with your friends, rent out a comedy, cuddle up to the one you love, whatever makes you feel good makes your body feel good inside. Keep moving, keep active and boost your circulation. Blockages in your Building Your Immune System body’s intricate mechanisms can slow down and put strain on our im- mune systems. This doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the gym, simple things like taking a walk everyday and stretching to increase flexibility will make all the difference. Your energy levels will quickly in- crease and it won’t be long until you really start reaping the benefits. One of the best prescriptions to build your immune system is to feed it! - Making sure you’re getting the right nutritional balance will really boost its fighting power. Here’s a list of the top 10 superfoods that should be on top of everyone’s shopping list: Broccoli: Brimming over with iron, fi- bre, vitamin c, beta-carotene, and the photochemical sulph- oraphane which is renowned for its potent anti-cancer and immune boosting properties, this is one mean green! Try steaming instead of boiling to keep in as many nutrients as possible, or better still toss it raw into your favourite salad. Garlic: Nicknamed “the stinking rose”, garlic has been used for centuries to treat a number of health problems including heart disease and high cholesterol, it is also believed to reduce the risk of blood clots, adding garlic to your food will not only add flavour but will really work to fight off those annoying winter ail- ments.
LATE NIGHT OPENING Monday -Wednesday 9 - 7 • Thursday - Friday 9 - 9 • Saturday 9 - 6 220 Rathmines Road Lower • 01 4971650 BOURKES PHARMACY LOWER RATHMINES ROAD Now Offering ClubOptiSlim The Weight Loss Programme that Pharmacists Trust Full Range of Immune Boosting Supplements and Vitamins: Echinaforce, Berocca Berocca Boost, Rubex & Much More Magnifique - The New Fragrance from Lancome Try Clay - The New Fragrance for Men from Givenchy Stockists of Lancome, Clarins, La Roche-Posay and Vichy Green tea: Packed full of anti-oxidants, which will work to ex- pel all those nasty free radicals, that lower your immunity and cause premature ageing etc., green tea is said to clean the gut and is particularly good to drink after a rich meal or a few too many drinks the night before. Salmon: This is one of the best sources of the much celebrated omega 3 fatty acids you will find. Eat at least two portions a week and you will feel the difference in your skin, hair and nails also. This versatile and tasty fish is also reputed to help combat the effects of joint problems such as arthritis. Try to buy organic or wild if possible. Blueberries: Believed to contain the highest level of anti-oxidants of any fruit, these gorgeous little treats make healthy eating a joy. Try snacking on these during the day instead of un- healthy biscuits or crisps. Believe me; you won’t be making any sac- rifices! Flax: Ground flax seed can be found in any supermarket ready to be eaten, a great source of both soluble and insoluble fibre and also high in omega 3 fatty acids, try it either in some yoghurt mixed with cereal, or even sprinkled onto a salad. Spinach: A great source of the much talked about anti-oxidant Lutein, which benefits your eyesight, skin and heart, spinach also contains large amounts of iron and the B vitamin folate, which is important in red blood cell formation, protein metabolism, growth and cell division. It seems Popeye was on to something! Tomatoes: Research has found that cooked to- matoes can really help to lower the risk of both Cancer and heart disease. This is attributed to the high levels of lycopene, the potent anti-oxidant that gives tomatoes their colour. Tomatoes also contain high levels vitamin c, the most important immune boosting vitamin, tomatoes are so easy to cook with, add some garlic and basil and you’ve got the perfect pasta sauce. Soy: Women in par- ticular are often guilty of not get- ting enough pro- tein especially when dieting. Soy is a great way to up your protein intake, as it’s so low in saturated fat. Soy products such as tofu, miso, tempeh and soy drinks also contain high doses of phytoestrogens, which will give your immune system a lift and has also been shown to help conditions such as osteoporosis. Milk: Skimmed or fresh milk is chock full of all the protein and vitamins your body needs, what a simple easy way to help your system into shape, it is also well known for it’s calcium content so important in fighting off brittle bones in later life. A glass a day helps to keep the aches away! It is well worth investing in a juicer at home. Juicing fruits and veg is said to be the best way to really benefit from the nutritional content, try carrot mixed with apple, orange and ginger for a super immune boost. Smoothies are also a great way to keep healthy, put some banana, yoghurt, orange juice and mixed berries into a blender and hey presto, a perfect balance of protein, vitamins, fibre and all the anti-oxidants your body can possibly need, it’s that easy. There are many supplements and remedies available in your local health food shop that can help to kick start your immune system, the most renowned being Echi- nacea. Echinacea is one of the best selling and oldest remedies around. It is said to “clean the blood” and stimulates the body to produce more infection fighting white blood cells. It may also help the body to release more interfer- ons, one of the body’s most powerful infection fighting weapons. Another particularly good remedy is Aloe Vera juice which enhances the body’s natural digestion, thus improving the body’s ability to absorb more nutrients and helps the body to detoxify. Drink chilled on it’s own or mix with your favourite fruit juice. Marshmallow extract is also a great way to help stimulate the immune system and as it is also ben- eficial in treating lung congestion, loosen coughs and colds and soothe sore throats it is a real winter all rounder. A good multivitamin is really useful to enhance the immune system, make sure the type you choose is packed with high levels of vitamin C and Zinc. These are just a few examples of what is available out there; ask in your local health food shop where they can guide you through the various options available from vitamins to herbs and homeopathy etc.
24 : : choice : : SALMON AND BROCCOLI BAKE Pre heat your oven to 180°C. Boil four medium skinned potatoes to make the mashed potato top- ping. Cut two skinless Salmon fillets into bite-sized chunks and lightly pan fry. Meanwhile steam two handfuls of broccoli into small florets. Next start the sauce, make up 1/3 pint of vegetable stock, add 200 ml cream, and a little white wine if desired, Cook for five minutes until sauce is thickened up. Place salmon into a deep baking dish with the steamed broccoli pour over the sauce and top with mashed potato. Place in the oven for 20 minutes or until potato topping is lightly golden. Recipe to immune success Here are some tasty and easy immune boosting recipes to start off with: CHUNKY VEGETABLE SOUP Sauté one small onion till soft, add one finely chopped garlic clove, add two medium sized potatoes, skinned and cut into small chunks, two diced carrots, one diced stick of celery, a sprig of thyme, leaves picked and a small handful of chopped parsley. Cover veg mix with vegetable stock, add freshly ground pepper and leave to simmer for at least half an hour, the longer this is left to sim- mer the tastier it gets. BLUEBERRY PANCAKES Place four oz flour and one teaspoon of baking powder into a large bowl, make a well in the centre and add one egg and a pinch of salt, Gradually add ½ pint milk and beat together thoroughly making sure there are no lumps. Add in blueberries to your own taste. Leave to sit for ten minutes then place a small knob of butter in a frying pan, cover the bottom of the pan with a layer if the mixture and fry on a medium heat for roughly three minutes each side. TUNA AND TOMATO PASTA Cook enough pasta for two people according to the instructions on the pack. Fry half a medium sized red onion, a handful of chopped basil stalks and half a diced red chilli and fry until soft, add a tin of good quality plum tomatoes, breaking up the tomatoes with a fork simmer for five minutes add a medium tin of tuna steak and a little water from the pasta and the juice of half a lemon simmer again for five minutes finally adding some chopped basil leaves, and freshly ground black pepper, mix together with the cooked pasta And enjoy! It is well worth making these kinds of subtle changes to your lifestyle at this time of year so your body is better able to cope with the many viruses that will be present in the air this winter you will also feel more energised and filled with vitality, you really will look and feel a million times better. And when everyone around you is suffering you can smile with the smug self - satisfaction that your healthy state is really no ac- cident and really was worth the effort! food
Tippenyaki Experience Sushi with a smile in the heart of Rathmines For reservations call 4979463 • Takeaway service coming soon • • A variety of dishes to suit all tastes • • Special requirements provided for • • We cater for all types of parties • • Earlybird Menu from 5pm - 7pm • Book your Christmas and New Years Parties Now – 01- 4979463
26 : : choice : : T he “mani-pedi” has existed for years in the USA where nail bars are two a penny, they’re to be entered and ex- ited quickly. Yet over here, a manicure and pedicure remain special and a part of beauty maintenance to be savoured. Many beauty salons now offer luxurious treatments to make a manicure a real event with some lasting almost as long as a trip to the cinema and are sure to leave you feeling much more pampered. Amy Corrigan investigates. Eva Belle health and beauty clinic in Rathmines offer a deluxe chocolat manicure for €45 and a deluxe straw- berry and champagne manicure for €50, while at Mink Hand and Foot Spa you can experience a milk and honey hot stone manicure which lasts 60 minutes for €65. Award winning,Mink has two salons in Donnybrook and Ballsbridge and with a choice of ten different mani- cure and nine different pedicure treat- ments, including an ultra special Dr Mu- rad Vitamin C Infusion manicure at €75, you really are spoilt for choice. Hand and arm and foot and leg massages are also available for just €15. If a simple good quality manicure or pedicure is all you are looking for then there are many salons around that of- fer just that at reasonable prices. At d4 Nails in Donnybrook the titular d4 manicure and pedicure take 30 minutes and cost €30 each. For little girls who want to feel grown up and part of the experience a 15 minute d4 Little Prin- cesses manicure costs €20 with a Little Princesses pedicure at €30. Neelu’s Beauty and Remedial Salon in Dun Laoghaire offer a manicure for €30 and a French polish for €25. Day- dream Health Spa in Terenure does a luxury manicure and pedicure for €38 and €48 respectively. If you only have time for a quick manicure touch up rather than a full blown one, the fifteen minute On the Move Manicure which costs €15.50 at The Beauty Parlour in Terenure is for you. An On the Move Pedicure is also available for the same price. For nail chewers or those of us whose nails refuse to grow long, nail enhance- ments are king. At Eva Belle, gel nail ex- tensions cost €65 whilst at Mink a full set with natural finish is €85. These are also available for feet with gel overlays at €70. Blow Hair and Nails Spa, with one spa in Dun Laoghaire and three in Dublin 4, offer a full set of acrylic nails for €65 and with French tips for €75. In the 21st Century it is not just wom- en who regularly have manicures and pedicures, men too are getting in on the action. At d4 Nails, the 30 minute male manicure will set you back €30 and the 45 minute pedicure is €45. With such a range of nail treatments available and so many salons offering such a wide range of treatments for abused hands and feet which pound the street day after day, it is so easy to make an appointment for an hour or so of TLC. We only get two hands and two feet after all; we must look after them the best we can! Manicures and Pedicures beauty
Muscle Relaxing Injections 1 Area €195 2 Areas €295 3 Areas €395 Free review appointment included Dermal Fillers Full syringes from €325 Glycolic Peels Dermico medical aesthetics Dublin Clinic 126 Ranelagh Village, Dublin 6 For appointments contact Dr Kent +44 7972 711346 or info@dermico.eu Further details on www.dermico.eu COMPETITION First 10 clients for injectable treatment will be entered into a competition for a €300 cash prize. Next Clinic - Saturday 27th September Jan Marini Cosmeceuticals - Want better skin? - try Jan Marini - You will see and feel the difference - Authorised Agent - Competitive pricing - Why pay more? Marini Lash - The long awaited next generation eye -lash conditioner is here - Get the long, lush eyelashes you’ve -dreamed ofOnly €115(special offer) DermicoFlyer.indd 122/8/08 11:17:49 Room 2 28 South William Street Dublin 2 Too Busy? Stressed? Low Energy? Weight Problems? We specialise in one to one programmes that provide results using an holistic, integrative approach that will help you suc- cessfully attain all your wellness, health and fitness goals. Phone Siobhán: 086 857 9938 Email : siobhan@paradigmhealth.ie Phone : 086 857 9938 Web: www.paradigmhealth.ie Glow Make Up & Skincare Studio Merrion Shopping Centre, Ballsbridge, D4, 01 2195822 www.Colette-Cassidy.com Ever wanted to have your make-up done by an award winning celebrity make-up artist? Well now you can! Glow specialises in make-up using natural chemical free mineral cosmetics and skincare. Treatments include: Make-overs, Make-up Lessons, Bridal Make-up, Lashes, Spray Tan, Facials, Natural Skin Peels using Glo Minerals & Glo Therapeutics Yoga classes in Rathmines Choose from different levels and different styles Drop in classes, free parking Friendly and experienced teachers Weekday evenings Every one welcome www.yogatraveller.com 085 2730662
28 : : choice : : O nce upon a time the word spa used to signify a place one went to in order to cure certain ailments and to improve overall health. Nowadays, whilst there are still places that retain the original intention of a spa, most offer a much more indulgent experience, with many now the location for a more mature hen party or relaxing weekend. Here is a guide to just some of the many spas across the country. Words: Amy Corrigan First stop, Cork. Fota Island Resort, part of the Sheraton Hotels and Resorts company has a myriad of treatments for every part of you. Full Day packages are Radiance Day, Relaxation Day, Silhouette Day, Golf Supreme Day all €195 per person and Together Day €175 per person, perfect for couples. There are two maternity treatments, one for mums to be, the other for new mums. Each is €135. One of the best offers around, the Ultimate Spa Package includes 2 nights accomodation in a Classic Double Room, full Irish breakfast each morning and dinner on 1 night as well as 6 spa treatments and use of the Thermal Suite. The weekend rate is just €304 per person sharing (midweek price - €289 pp) www.fotaisland.ie/spa Next, Kerry. Muckross Park Hotel and Cloisters Spa in Killarney is full of history. Queen Victoria even took lunch there in August 1861. The Cloisters Spa offers a wide range of treatments with the most interesting being the Dynamic Housewives Indulgence package. A 2 day package with 2 night’s accommodation, champagne on arrival, full Irish breakfast each morning, dinner on 1 evening and the Unique Selling Point, 1 spa treatment modelled on each of the Desperate Housewives. So you can choose from the Edie body beautiful treatment - the Yt- sara Aromatherapy Massage/Body Oil Ceremony or the Bree detox, an Aromatherapy Associates Citrus Detox Reviver or maybe the Lynette designed to relieve stress is better for you, with an Ancient Hawaiian lomi lomi massage. Midweek price is €345 per person sharing, weekend rate is €385 pp sharing. www.muckross.com The Killarney Plaza Hotel and Molton Brown Spa right in the heart of the town centre offer six different experiences: Renew, Regenerate, Radiance, Replenish, Treatment of Senses and Mum to Be. The Regener- ate experience lasts for 3 hours 15 minutes and consists of a 1 hour Gulf Stream Hydro Therapy Pool in which the body is massaged by jets of water from a submerged aerated lounger, a 1 hour 30 minutes Relaxation Rite White Pebble Day Spa at the Stillorgan Park Hotel, Dublin Fota Island Resort, Cork Muckross Park Hotel and Cloisters Spa in Killarney feature FREE HEALTH SCREENING SUNBURN TIME HYDRATION SEBUM LEVELS TONE Test your skin, hydration, sebum, elasticity, pH and melanin levels using Soft 5.5 technology at: SPECIAL OFFER FROM LA ROCHE POSAY, VICHY OR NEOSTRATA RANGE BUY ANY 3 PRODUCTS AND GET CHEAPEST FREE • On presentation of this token • One per household • Offer ends 17th October • Murrays Pharmacy 56 Serpentine Avenue Ballsbridge Dublin 4 Phone/Fax: (01) 660 3376 murrays_pharmacy@eircom.net CALL IN OR BY APPOINTMENT... Open: Mon - Fri 9.00 - 6.30, Sat 9.00 - 6.00 Detailed check ups: Face, Sun Tolerance, Hands, Body and Hair scalp SPECIAL OFFER FREESkin Health Screening Continued Overleaf >
FREE HEALTH SCREENING SUNBURN TIME HYDRATION SEBUM LEVELS TONE Test your skin, hydration, sebum, elasticity, pH and melanin levels using Soft 5.5 technology at: SPECIAL OFFER FROM LA ROCHE POSAY, VICHY OR NEOSTRATA RANGE BUY ANY 3 PRODUCTS AND GET CHEAPEST FREE • On presentation of this token • One per household • Offer ends 17th October • Murrays Pharmacy 56 Serpentine Avenue Ballsbridge Dublin 4 Phone/Fax: (01) 660 3376 murrays_pharmacy@eircom.net CALL IN OR BY APPOINTMENT... Open: Mon - Fri 9.00 - 6.30, Sat 9.00 - 6.00 Detailed check ups: Face, Sun Tolerance, Hands, Body and Hair scalp SPECIAL OFFER FREESkin Health Screening
30 : : choice : : Hot Pebble Body Massage, and a 1 hour seasonal facial. Midweek this experience will cost you €250 with 1 nights Bed, Breakfast and Dinner at the hotel, if you wish to stay, for €136 per person. This offer is only available to customers availing of these six treatment packages. www. killarneyplaza.com/molton_brown_spa Let’s head north to Galway. ESPA at the 5 star, Philip Treacy designed, g Hotel in Galway has both full and half day spa programmes. At full day choose from Detoxifying (€305) and Stress Recovery Day (€400) treatment packages, with the Stress Recovery containing a massage, re - hydrator facial, firming eye lift and holistic foot and leg treatment with hot stones. Pure luxury indeed. There are 4 different half day pro- grammes each €230 lasting 2 hours 15 minutes: The Purifying Ritual, Relaxing Indulgence, Energising Booster and Jet Lag Reviver. If you wish to stay at the Hotel you can stay for 2 nights midweek with full break- fast each morning and dinner on one evening in RIVA at the g for €215 per person sharing. Full use of the Thermal Suite for 1 day is also included. www.theghotel.ie Moving up the coast into Mayo, Spa Salveo at Knockranny House Hotel and Spa in Westport has four full day packages starting at €220 for La- dies Bliss which consists of a specific facial, full use of the Vitality Pool and Thermal Suite, Essential Oil Wrap, a light lunch and back massage. The other packages are Man Made (€225) for men, Ultra Deluxe Pack- age (€260) including a Turkish Body scrub and full Swedish massage and Time Out for Two at €415 per couple. The spa has five half day packages: De-stress and Detox (€145 pp), Top to Toe (€135), Mother to be (€195) which contains an anti - ageing facial, Skin Delight (€120) and Dazzle for Dinner (€100) including a make up application. All these packages are available Sunday - Thursday. In September Spa Salveo has a special midweek package of 2 nights bed and breakfast with 1 night’s dinner and a Mini Pamper Package from €220 per person. (main image this page) www.khh.ie The Killarney Plaza Hotel and Molton Brown Spa ESPA at the 5 star g Hotel in Galway Spa Salveo at Knockranny House Hotel and Spa in Westport Continued Overleaf > feature
Welcome to An Elegant Affair... Arrive direct to the Hotel doors from Dublin Airport with ease using The Patton Flyer For further information log on to www.thepattonflyer.ie Marine Road, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin, Ireland T: +353 (0)1 23000 30 F: +353 (0)1 23000 29 E: sales@royalmarine.ie www.royalmarine.ie The Royal Marine Hotel, is a long standing institution which has undergone a breathtaking redevelopment. Established in 1828, the hotel is situated on an elevated site in the heart of Dun Laoghaire overlooking Dublin Bay. This 4* deluxe hotel has been meticulously restored and hosts 154 Superior bedrooms, 54 executive rooms & 22 Suites, 12 dedicated meeting rooms & Carlisle Conference Centre facilitating 800 delegates. Bay Lounge – Dun Bistro – Hardy’s Bar – Pavilion Bar Relax….Revive….Retreat The jewel in the Royal Marine crown was unveiled in January as the Hotel sansanaSPA opened to the public. If you are seeking relaxation in a heavenly cocoon visit the Hotel spa with its enticing Unique Waterbed Relaxation Room – Rock Sauna – Mud Room – Experience Showers – Aroma Steam Room Nine Treatment Rooms – Manicure & Pedicure Suite sansanaSPA carries the Uspa Skincare Range.
32 : : choice : : feature Donegal, may be the furthest corner of the country, but the V Spa at The Villa Rose Hotel in Ballybofey was recently chosen as the ‘Win- ner of the Germaine de Capuccini Spa of The Year 2008’. Here a full day Relaxation Package comprising the V Spa Signature facial and scalp massage, Germaine Stone Body Therapy, Jessana manicure or pedicure, Razul (covered in mud you sit in steam to release toxins from the body) use of the Thermal Suite and a light lunch costs €260. There is also a Detox Package and a Pure Indulgence Day both €240. There are also many half day packages including a Mum to be package (€110) and a Hen Party Package (€140) where, if you book 5 or more, the Bride goes free. A range of other treatments are on offer from waxing, tinting, manicures and pedicures to a 1 hour deluxe chocolate spa wrap (€75) which apparently has anti - cellulite effects. www.vilarose.net Back east, the Powerscourt Springs Health Farm near Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow was founded in 1996 and refurbished and relaunched in 2001. One of the original new brand of health spas, it continues to offer a wide range of pampering treatments for men and women. Residential spa packages such as the Springs Escape Weekend include a 4 course gourmet dinner, morning meditation, organised walk, buffet breakfast, full use of the aqua pool, spa, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room as well as fitness activities, a 3 course lunch, time to relax in the sensory gar- den and tranquility room and 2 body treatments. You can choose from body exfoliant, body wrap, full body massage, facials, and reiki. A 2 night weekend stay is €490. Day packages such as the Beauty Ritual include full use of the pool facilities, a 3 course lunch, an organised walk, and natural beauty facial and pamper manicure or pedicure. The midweek rate is €245, weekend rate rises to €265. Corporate programmes are also available, just contact Powerscourt for more information. www. powerscourtsprings.ie Named Irish Day Spa of the Year in 2007, The An- nex Clinic and Day Spa in Blessington, Co. Wicklow specialises in using Guinot and Clarins products with two full day packages designed using these products. Five half day packages offer treatments for mums to be - the Guinot Pregnancy Pampering at €160, new mums - TLC for new mums also €160, as well as in- dividuals. All packages include use of the roof top hot tub as well as refreshments throughout your treat- ment. www.theannexclinic.com Popping next door to Wexford sees us at the Dunbrody Day Spa at the Dunbrody Country House Hotel and Restaurant in Arthurstown, owned by Catherine and Kevin Dundon. Kevin is a well - known chef, seen on RTÉ’s The Afternoon Show and UK Food Live. The Signature Packages include the full day “A Savage Day at Dunbrody.” For €395 you will receive a rejuvenator Serail and China Bark hair Treatment, a Dunbrody Signature Savage Beauty Facial from the Wild Side, lunch, a luxury manicure or pedicure, a Dunbrody Signature Massage and finally a USPA eye contour wrap. Other treatments include the Dunbrody morning ritual (€195), Dunbrody Mother to be half day (€250) and Exotic Dew (€200) which includes a Chakra Balancing Massage. Until 31st October, The Dunbrody Ultimate offer priced at €775 per person (based on 2 sharing) includes 2 nights accommodation in the roman- tic Waterford Suite, a bottle of vintage Dom Perignon and chocolate dipped strawberries on arrival, a Dunbrody signature massage in the spa, a manicure or pedicure and make up by Bobbi Brown (for her), Dunbrody Gourmet Tasting Menu with Wine Pairings and a person- alised signed copy of ‘Full on Irish’ by Kevin Dundon. www.dunbrody- house.com Finally, if you don’t fancy going so far away from home, or you simply don’t have the time for travelling, but you still want a pampering ex- perience, why not head to the White Pebble Day Spa at the Stillorgan Park Hotel, Dublin. A full day package, The Ultimate Experience, costs €350 and comprises a toning relaxing body treatment, deep muscle tissue massage, a phytomarine mud in the steam chamber, a Yonka vital intense facial, a nailtiques protein manicure and aromatherapy pedicure. Lunch is also provided. A jam - packed but relaxing day, perfect for leav- ing you feeling refreshed and body beautiful. There are several half day packages, for example, Secret de Beauté (€155) which aims to revive the body with an exfoliation, facial and foot mask. Special offers at the moment include The Ultimate Beauty (€185), The Ultimate Temptation (€190) and The Beauty Duo for two people (€180 pp) all offering a different experience. If staying at the hotel, a Midweek Detox Pamper Special of 2 nights B&B with 1 spa treatment included is €185 per night for 2 people sharing. www.stillorganpark.com Whether you wish to get away from it all or stay a bit closer to home, there are many luxurious, indulgent spas all over the land. Each offers something different and unusual to make your stay memorable and a truly calming experience. Powerscourt Springs Health Farm near Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow Dunbrody Day Spa at the Dunbrody Country House Hotel in Arthurstown, Wexford
The Ultimate Irish Guide to Savvy Living Prudenceis a new kind of magazine for the thinking woman. Are you constantly broke? Up to your eyes in debt? Then Prudence is the magazine for you. Prudenceoffers women in Ireland an A-list lifestyle at realistic prices. The only real guide to savvy living in Rip Off Ireland, its cutting-edge fashion pages offer an eclectic mix of designer, vintage and high-street fashion, as well as high-street alternatives to designer and celeb looks. Also in this issue • FRUGAL FASHIONISTA:Xpose presenter Karen Koster reveals how you can look fab without breaking the bank • DE-STRESS FOR LESS:Take a short break to the south of France for some prudent pilates and yoga • NORTHERN LIGHTS:Shopping for bargains up north is totally prudent • HOW TO WIN AT LADIES’ DAY:Racy outfits that won’t break the bank DOUBLEact Bubble-sleeve belted dress, €135 from Laura Ashley Choice AUG (Prud) 08:Layout 1 15/08/2008 12:28 Page 1
: : 35 To subscribe log on to www.prudence.ie Work the smart and sleek look with glistening patent finishes and glitzy vintage broocheswork wear 1. Cream oversized sunglasses, €17.90, Mango 2. Vintage brooches, from €55, Harlequin 3. White belted blazer, €99, Wallis 4. Grey patent bag, €76, Monsoon 5. Two-tone court shoes, €91, Topshop play wear 1. Pink beaded necklace, €13 and bracelet, €20, both Wallis 2. Frill hem coat, €135, Laura Ashley 3. Faux pearl clutch, €51, Accessorize 4. Pink feathered hair comb, €26, Oasis 5. Lulu Guinness suede sandals, €46, TK Maxx 1 2 3 5 4 4 5 3 1 2 Jazz up this flattering grey with subtle hints of dusty pinks and lilacs Choice AUG (Prud) 08:Layout 1 15/08/2008 12:30 Page 2
36 : : choice : : Right on tRend ChoiCe: Fashion image 17 – dorothy Perkins fashion
: : 3 K ate Gaynor travels from runway to high street to find the Autumn/Winter trends that matter for 08/09. What is it about September that triggers that great back to school ‘new year, new you’ feeling? It really is the kick start to a season of change and transformation. When the new trends start flooding from the runways into our high street stores and the frilly and flow- ery summer casuals are cast aside in favour of tailored, high fashion glamour we know that autumn has finally arrived. With the Irish summer now quite lit- erally a totally washout, at least autumn is a season you can de- pend on to do exactly what it says on the tin. So ladies, what should we be putting forward for our au- tumn/winter wish lists this year? The trends below are some of the most prominent styles from the catwalk that the high street has deemed worthy of interpretation. There really is something for everyone and each style can be worked into your winter wardrobe gradual- ly and without need for a total overhaul. The most important thing to remember is to have fun with the new trends; let’s face it with this weather we have little else to brighten our spirits! MilitaRy This trend has been around for some time, but tends to hibernate during the summer season and return again for the autumn/winter collections. Stella McCartney, Valentino and even Ralph Lauren all had a go at updating the military uniform. The high street has given us a slightly toned down Image 02 – Karen Millen Military Leather Jacket €465 Satin Ruffle Top €145 Boot Cut Jean €120 Washed Leather Tote Bag €265 Image 03 – Ralph Lauren Ready to Wear AW08/09 Image 04 – Karen Millen Leather Biker Jacket €465 Satin Pleat Top €145 Pinstripe Pencil Skirt €145 Snake Clutch €180 Image 05 – Lipsy and Britain’s next top model Dorothy Perkins Military jacket €65, Lace-edged skirt €65, Strappy sandal €45 Image 22 - Serena Boutique Continued Overleaf >
38 : : choice : : version with looks similar to these jackets from Karen Mil- len and Dorothy Perkins. (Main Image – Dorothy Perkins Mili- tary jacket €65, Lace-edged skirt €65, Strappy sandal €45) (Image 02 – Karen Millen Mili- tary Leather Jacket €465 Satin Ruffle Top €145 Boot Cut Jean €120 Washed Leather Tote Bag €265) (Image 03 – Ralph Lau- ren Ready to Wear AW08/09) LeatheR A walk through some of the high street chains at the mo- ment is like taking a walk through the set of Grease with leather jackets, trousers and all manner of leather accesso- ries in abundance. If leather is your thing then you really are in luck this season. Keep it to one piece only to prevent a total hells angel transforma- tion! (Image 04 – Karen Millen Leather Biker Jacket €465 Satin Pleat Top €145 Pinstripe Pencil Skirt €145 Snake Clutch €180) (Image 05 – Lipsy and Britain’s next top model) Red Red is without doubt the col- our of this season, so blondes and brunettes can rejoice as it suits both complexions equally well. To be worn for both day and evening wear this trend is a real show stopper and will have you noticed for all the right reasons. Almost every fashion house had at least a spattering of red in their ready to wear col- lections so expect to see it just about everywhere in the com- ing months. (Image 06 – Lipsy London) (Image 07 – Long Tall Sally) (Image 08 – Dior Ready to Wear AW08/09) LaCe and the LBD The Little Black Dress is mak- ing its usual winter comeback. Try it in mini and strapless in Stella McCartney style or knee length and one shouldered for the perfect autumn update. (Image 09 – Stella McCartney Ready to Wear AW08/09) (Im- age 10 Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiere RTW AW08) (Im- age 11 – Karen Millen - Bow Image 06 – Lipsy London Image 08 – Dior Ready to Wear AW08/09 Image 09 – Stella McCartney Ready to Wear AW08/09 Image 10 Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiere RTW AW08 Image 11 – Karen Millen - Bow Shift Dress €265 Image 23 Serena Boutique Image 07 – LongtallSally fashionContinued Overleaf >
Shoes at 87 Sandymount Road, Dublin 4, Tel: 01 668 6610 84 Sandymount Road, Dublin 4 Tel: 01 667 6108 Bloomfields Shopping Centre, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. Tel: 01 284 3818 Frascati Shopping Centre, Blackrock, Co. Dublin. Tel: 01 278 1050 Carlow Shopping Centre, Carlow. Tel: 05991 43360
40 : : choice : : Shift Dress €265) (Image 12 – House of Fraser, Untold) Lace is huge this season and a large number of designers featured it heavily in their col- lections. (Image 13 – Givenchy Ready to Wear AW08/09) (Im- age 14 - Oasis pussy bow lace blouse approximately €65 and Tartan prom dress) (Image 15 – Lace prom dress Lipsy Lon- don). taRtan Tartan gets a whole new slant this season with oversized checks in all colours and styles. The new way to wear it is to mix different style checks and colours (t). A little too ‘Brave- heart meets dodgy school uni- form’ for me but its top of the trends for the months ahead so we had better learn to love it! Here are some less overpower- ing alternatives to the catwalk look. (Image 17 – Dorothy Per- kins) (Image 18 – River Island est. €65) (Image 19 – French Connection). Serena Boutique, based in Sandymount village as always are at the forefront of fashion and their Autumn/ Winter Col- lections definitely reflect that. (Images 20,21,22,23 & 24) Stocking collections from such well known brands as Gardeur, Hirsch, Elisa Callivetti, Creola, Sfizio, Beatrice B, Easy Comfort, Spy, Passport, Apanage, Emozio- ni, San Tropez and Cuir, there is sure to a great collection of new trends not to be missed. Ph: 01-2781050 Image 14 - Oasis pussy bow lace blouse Tartan prom dress Image 12 – House of Fraser, Untold Image 13 – Givenchy Ready to Wear AW08/09 Image 15 – Lace prom dress Lipsy London fashion
: : 41 Image 18 – River Island est. €65 Image 19 – French Connection Image 20 - Serena Boutique Image 21 - Serena Boutique Image 24 Serena Boutique Image 16 –Dolce and Gabbana
entertainment.ie 42 : : choice : : entertainment In Cinemas NowIn Cinemas NowIn Cinemas Now tropic thunder ***** Director: Ben Stiller Starring: Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr., Jack Black, Tom Cruise This is the one with all the controversy. Firstly, that Rob- ert Downey Jr gets made up to look like a black man; and secondly, that a developmentally handicapped character is referred to as a “retard.” The film may get away with this as both incidents are depicted in a “film within a film,” that’s assuming it’s making some conscious point about political correctness. If not it’s still managed to gain publicity you can’t buy. In Stiller’s first movie directing gig since 2001’s Zo- olander, a group of actors shooting a big-budget war movie are forced to become the soldiers they are portraying due to a series of freak occurrences. rocknrolla rated ***** Director: Guy Ritchie Starring: Gerard Butler, Thandie Newton, Gemma Arterton, Jeremy Piven There is something about Guy Ritchie that polarises movie-goers. Since he burst onto the scene a few years back with Lock, Stock and Snatch, folk have either subscribed to his ultra-stylistic way of filmmaking, or written him off as simply a British Tarantino clone. Then he had two clunkers in a row - Swept Away and the risible Revolver - and his core audience of loyal, banter-loving males seemed to give up hope of a return to his Cockney gangster roots. They need not have feared, as Ritchie is very much back on fine form with this hugely kinetic, but enjoyable romp through London’s crime scene. Centring on a painting belonging to a Russian billionaire, a series of characters are introduced rapidly. The plan is to steal seven million clams from said billionaire, who they think won’t miss it. Gerard Butler is humble, proficient semi-criminal One Two, while Tom Wilkinson is Lenny, the leader of the old-school London criminals who finds himself pandering to the Russians. The catalyst for all the shenanigans is Pete Doherty-like rock star Johnny Sloane, and smug, posh totty accountant Thandie Newton, who sets up the deal without thinking of the repercussions for One Two and the rest of his posse, The Wild Bunch. Needless to say, things get overly complicated for the majority of the running time, and actually border on convoluted at points; but everything moves along at such a breakneck pace, it’s genuinely hard to notice. There are a couple of standout sequences that prove Ritchie still has the aesthetic prowess to deliver hugely competent thrills. One such scene sees Butler being chased by an unrelenting burly Russian, unwilling to let his boss down. It’s funny, exciting and very well put together - much like the film itself. There are quibbles a-plenty, though; boast- ing such a wise ensemble cast and giving Jeremy Piven little to work with is nothing short of scandalous, while the final scene is downright stupid, and undermines much of the hard work that preceded it. This is still a great night out waiting to happen for those willing to go with the flow, though. the duchess ***** Director: Saul Dibb. Starring: Keira Knightley, Ralph Fiennes, Dominic Cooper, Hayley Atwell. In 1774 Georgiana Cavendish (Knightley) marries the sullen Duke Of Devonshire (Fiennes) with the sole purpose of providing him a male heir. The Duke, angered at his wife’s inability to fulfil her wifely duties - she gives him two daughters - embarks on an affair with Georgiana’s only friend Bess (Atwell), an open secret in their stately home. While putting up with that daily humiliation, Georgiana indulges in a dalli- ance of her own with Mr. Grey (Cooper), an aspiring Tory, but is forced to choose between her own happiness and the happiness of her children. Popular with the people and known as the ‘Empress of fashion,’ it’s impossible to escape the Princess Diana allegory running through Saul Dibb’s film - the only thing missing is her death in a carriage collision. Adapted from Amanda Foreman’s novel, it will appeal to those who love their period dramas (the locations on show are at times breathtaking) and although the audience this drama is pitched at will have seen better, it’s a solid film. Knightley might be front and centre and shows again that she’s not just a pretty face, but it’s Fiennes, hamstrung by a small if formidable role, that seems to do more than his co-star and acts her off the screen whenever the two are together; thankfully for Knightley it’s not that often.
: : 43 entertainment.ie Top 10 DVDsTop 10 DVDsTop 10 DVDsTop 10 DVDs step Up 2 the streets ***** Director: John Chu Starring: Briana Evigan, Robert Hoffman, Will Kemp Andi is part of a crew of street dancers who express themselves by free-style dancing in competition and on public transportation. When her guardian threatens to send her to live with relatives in Texas for truly inexplicable reasons, she agrees to attend a presti- gious dance school as a compromise. But her group aren’t happy; thus numerous energetic ‘dance-offs’ ensue as she forms her own crew along with resident ‘hottie’ Chase. Anyone who enjoyed the first film probably won’t be disappointed with its sequel, as the main cast offer lively turns and are obviously a talented bunch. Cloverfield ***** Director: Matt Reeves Starring: Michael Stahl-David, Mike Vogel, Lizzy Caplan, Jessica Lu- cas The less you know about it, the better your cinema-going experi- ence will be, so there will be no drawn-out plot synopsis explaining proceedings in detail, other than something large and nasty attacks New York and the whole thing is shot realistically on a camcorder. Many blockbusters have come and gone over the past year, but not one of them packs as much bang for its buck as this hugely innova- tive piece of work. Director Reeves has worked hard in assembling controlled chaos on the streets of Manhattan, and it plays out with an unrelenting intensity and horror. But it’s his creative use of in- jecting character into the bedlam that really stands out, causing us to actually care about their messed-up plight. the Bucket List ***** Director: Rob Reiner Starring: Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman, Sean Hayes There’s something about a Morgan Freeman voiceover that gets you onside immediately. However, his sultry tones need better material than he’s afforded here. Morgan plays sharp mechanic Carter Chambers, struck down with terminal cancer; his hospital roommate, the cantankerous Edward Cole, is in the same boat. Given only six months to a year to live, the two unlikely friends join forces and scribble down a list things they’d like to do before they kick the bucket - hence the title. Taking off for a world trip, Carter urges Edward to reconcile with his estranged daughter and Edward urges Carter to return home and spend his remain- ing time with his wife. the Bank Job ***** Director: Roger Donaldson Starring: Jason Statham, Saffron Burrows, Richard Lintern Based on a true story of the 1971 Baker Street robbery, The Bank Job sees Statham head up a respectable group of thieves as they try to burrow into the vault of Lloyds bank from a shop two stores away. The heist comes off without many problems, but when the crew find the scandalous nature of the loot in the safety deposit boxes - photos that will embarrass some important MPs and in- criminate top gangsters - the rules of the game change. The script is rigid, no one is allowed to exist outside the story and this has a result of making the characters mouthpieces for plot information. The Bank Job does get better as it goes on as it relaxes and opens up, but the damage is done and the audience is lost. Jumper ***** Director: Doug Liman Starring: Hayden Christensen, Samuel L. Jackson, Diane Lane A young boy figures out he has a genetic gift to teleport through space at an instant when he almost drowns, after collapsing into a frozen lake. Eight years later, he’s making a living using his gift to rob banks, while occasionally taking momentary holidays on top of historic landmarks. But a mysterious group, fronted by Samuel L. Jackson’s sociopathic ‘Paladin’ are about to end his fun and put his life, and that of those around him, in imminent danger. Jumper promises an awful lot but it fails to engage the audience on a con- sistent basis, due to a blinding lack of character development and a script with more holes than a cheap murder mystery weekend. Jumper fails to deliver anything other than cheap thrills and aes- thetically pleasing leads. Definitely, Maybe ***** Director: Adam Brooks Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Abigail Breslin, Rachel Weisz, Will is the soon-to-be-divorced father of Maya, a bright young thing who is subjected to some ill-advised ‘sexual education’ at school, causing her to probe father for some awkward answers about his previous botched relationships. He agrees to tell her about three episodes that had a profound effect on his life, finding a somewhat warped clarity in retrospect, and all are told through three vaguely intertwined narratives in engaging flashback form. Definitely, Maybe was never going to change the world, or even state a insightful declaration of anything in particular, nor does it set out to do any of those things. Definitely, Maybe offers enough charm and talent to warrant a viewing - thanks mostly to a like- able cast. Penelope ***** Director: Mark Palanksy Starring: Christina Ricci, James McAvoy, Reese Witherspoon, Catherine O’Hara Young heiress Penelope Wilhern has been cursed with the face of a pig, and the spell can only be broken if she marries into blue blood, i.e. a rich boy. Years have gone by and every suitor found by Penelope’s pushy mother finds her nose too repulsive to be even in the same room with. When reporter Lemon hears of the curse, he becomes determined to get a snap of her and hires down-and- out heir and degenerate gambler Max to audition for her hand. Max, however, finds himself falling in love with her. This fantasy works better as a romantic story than a comedy, with most of the gags being too silly and obvious for the seasoned moviegoer. there Will Be Blood ***** Director: Paul Thomas Anderson Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis For the most part, There Will Be Blood isn’t Giant, it’s Gargan- tuan; giving focus to the wondrous scenery is an in-depth character study of an amoral man who is driven by one thing and one thing only: greed. It’s a greed so cold, so pure and so determined, that he banishes his ‘son’ when he becomes deaf, because he can no lon- ger help him in the business. Day-Lewis’s Plainview, like his role in Gangs Of New York, is a force of nature. The actor, thankfully, reins in that shouty, larger-than-life performance for a more reserved tone here and turns in, arguably, his best performance to date. vantage Point ***** Director: Pete Travis Starring: Matthew Fox, Sigourney Weaver, Forest Whittaker The President of The United States of America is shot by an un- known assailant, as several narrative strands unravel to reveal the true goings-on in a shattering conspiracy, that will see many inno- cent bystanders dead. Everything here has an underlining bang of cheese. There was potential here - and not just to entertain your regular cinema-going sort - but proper potential to say something relevant about the current state of the world. If all concerned simply wanted to make a watchable popcorn-chewer, then they should’ve concentrated on that as opposed to shoving a mixed and contrived political message down our throats. Also, the car chase is crap, whatever the posters say. in Bruges ***** Director: Martin McDonagh. Starring: Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Ralph Fiennes After his debut hit goes badly, suicidal Ray and culture-loving Ken are sent to Bruges by their quick-tempered boss Harry to chill out and wait until the hubbub blows over. However, Harry wants Ray and Ken in Bruges for a reason - a reason that only becomes clear when it’s too late. In Bruges is a darkly comic continent crime ca- per and all the boxes are ticked with a few surprises - the pockets of violence happen unexpectedly, which is tough to pull off, con- sidering the genre. The leads do the job asked of them. In Bruges will do wonders for the city’s tourist board - Bruges looks fantastic with its medieval buildings and canals; even Fiennes’ Harry insists that “It’s like a fairytale,” and he’s not wrong.
: : 44 Music News 44 : : choice : : music T he Festival Season is drawing to a close and there’s a long winter ahead of us. But it’s not all doom and gloom; whatever about the weather, there’s plenty of great gigs on over the next few months to brighten up those evenings and to warm us from the inside out. Cork five-piece FRED are currently enjoying wide- spread airplay for their single ‘Running’ taken from their new album ‘Go God Go’. Their music is infectiously catchy and much loved. They play CrawDaddy in Harcourt Street on September 20th. On the same night, Dublin’s hottest property The Script will be perform- ing at the Button Factory. The bands debut album ‘Rusty Halo’ is due for a release this Autumn. The title highlights the struggle to remain moral in the modern world where the odds always seem stacked against the good guys. 2008 has been an amazing year for Republic of Loose. The band re-emerged from the studio to the public eye with the mes- merizing single ‘We People’, a duet with Sinead O’Connor which the band then performed at the 2008 Meteor Awards. On October 3rd the band will release the eagerly awaited ‘The Ritual’. This will be the third single lifted from the album ‘VOL IV: Johnny Pyro And The Dance Of Evil’. They play Dublin’s Academy on September 25th. Irish Singer-songwriter Mundy has just confirmed a special performance at the Academy 9th October 2008. Watch out for next month’s edition of choice where we’ll feature an exclusive interview with the much-loved performer. Mundy released his brand new single ‘Fever’ on 27th June with all profits going to the Maetao Clinic and to help in other Burmese Hu- manitarian Aid projects. The single is available on itunes and as a 2 track CD single in Ireland. Visit www.burmaactionireland.org and www.maetao- clinic.org to find out more about the cause. The Blizzards are back on the scene following on from recording new album ‘The Domino Effect’. It will be released this month and the band will be showcasing new songs from the album at Dublin’s Academy on Saturday 11th October. With global record sales in excess of 25 million, the Grammy winning singer Cyndi Lauper re- turns with her first UK and Ireland tour in over a decade and a new album ‘Bring Ya to the Brink’. She plays Tripod on the 18th of October. R&B legend Al Green has helped shape the genre and continues to do so, as is evidenced by his new studio album ‘Lay It Down’, which was re- leased in May. He is live at Vicar Street on Oc- tober 26th. Out ON the tOwN Noah and the Whale make earnest, poetic music. Fresh off the stage from their debut Oxegen performance Noah and The Whale have announced a date at Whelan’s on Tuesday 28 October. Following a rocking set at Oxegen MGMT will return to Ireland on Mon- day 3 November for a date at Dublin’s Ambassador Theatre. Andrew Van- wyngarden and Ben Goldwasser are two psychic pilgrims whose paths first intersected in the green pastures of Wesleyan University in Middle- town, Connecticut, circa 2002. “We weren’t trying to start a band,” Ben remembers. “We were just hanging out, showing each other music that we liked.” Well aren’t we glad they did! Sublime pop magicians Goldfrapp have just announced an exclusive Dublin show this autumn. They will be in Tripod in Friday November 7th. Their critically ac- claimed fourth album ‘Seventh Tree’ was released this spring. Primal Scream recently released their ninth studio album, ‘Beautiful Fu- ture’. As you would expect from one of Britain’s most exciting and in- ventive bands ‘Beautiful Future’ is a heady mix of genre crunching taking in Philly soul, dark electro, accelerated rock n roll riffs and pure British pop all given that particular Scream edge. They have announced a date at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre on Monday 17 November. The Wombats have announced a show at Dublin’s Academy on Novem- ber 9th. Due to demand their May date at Whelans had to be upgraded to the Academy. Now they are to return much to the joy of an even bigger congregation of adoring fans. They made history last year when they became the first unsigned band ever to sell out the 1200 capacity Liverpool Academy. ‘Love Song’ singer Sarah Bareilles is set to make her Irish debut at The Academy, Middle Abbey Street for a one night only show on November 24th. She has dominated the Irish airwaves for months with her worldwide smash ‘Love Song’. Sara Bareilles spent most of 2007 touring with the likes of Mika, Aqualung and Maroon 5, which has gained her legions of fans across the globe. The Feeling have announced an intimate date at the Ambassador Theatre on Friday 28 November 2008. The Feelings new single, ‘Join With Us’ is out on September 19th and is taken from their current album of the same name which is out now! Swedish Indie-pop group I’m From Barcelona have announced a date at Dublin’s Academy on Friday 12th December. Also playing the 12th of December is Me- teor Award Nominee Declan O’ Rourke. After storming the Academy with his new band at his last Dublin show, he is back to play the Olympia Theatre. The last year has been increasingly busy for Declan.
: : 45 Must-have Music O ne of my favourite songs at the moment is Superwoman by Alicia Keys, her fourth single from the album ‘As I Am’. It was released at the end of Au- gust. Touching on different geographic aspects of womanhood - from a woman struggling to provide for her kids, to a woman providing for her village – the video sees Alicia Keys portraying many women, all of whom she describes to be superwomen. Check it out on: www.aliciakeys.com/splash/superwoman.php Look out for U2’s first concert video, ‘Live At Red Rocks.’ It will be released on DVD at the end of this month, with the accompanying live album, ‘Under a Blood Red Sky.’ As well as having one of the biggest selling debut albums of 2006, James Mor- rison was also the standalone biggest selling British male solo artist of that year. Now, two years on, he’s back with his new single ‘You Make It Real’, which is out on September 19th. James’s new album ‘Songs For You, Truths For Me’ will be released on September 26th. ‘Generation Game’ is an album of 10 new original songs written and per- formed by Irish singer-songwriter Niall Boyle. It was recorded and produced in Ireland with Dave McCune and mastered by Grammy Award Winner Bob Katz in U.S.A. www.myspace.com/niallboylemusic Having reached the final of Ireland’s ‘Let Me Entertain You’, James Reilly has been there and done that. His debut album ‘Victim Of The Game’ arrives fol- lowing international recognition in far flung markets in Russia and Asia winning numerous song contests and festivals with his self-penned infectious pop tunes and commanding onstage presence. www.myspace.com/reillyjames Aaron James is a songwriter of incredible integrity and heart. His self-financed debut album entitled ‘Distance Between’ is an introspective reflection on Aar- on’s past few years as he travelled, lived, loved and lost. Arranged by Aaron himself and produced by notable Irish studio owner Ciaran Byrne, the range of songs moves from the rousing rock tunes like lead single ‘Carry Me Through’ to the stand out lilting modern ballad Heartfelt Message. www.myspace.com/aaronjamesireland I rish group Theo and the Red Beats have scooped the “Best Song” award at the Malibu Music awards in Los Angeles for their debut single, “This is not an Emergency”. The song, written by Theo (Terry Quinlan) and produced by Peter Eades, was awarded top spot in the rock category and is the first single from the band’s debut album, “Get What You Came For”, released dur- ing the summer. Giving the song high praise, Ter- ence Davis of Great Music Inc, said that both the song and the band has “huge international potential” and has invited them to Malibu, CA to perform at the Malibu Music Festival in May 2009. He has also offered the band use of his Malibu re- Online music TV comes of age M UZU TV gives fans free access to thousands of hours of music videos, con- certs, documentaries, tutori- als, and rare classic music TV shows like The Tube streamed in high quality. Fans can create a personalised Music TV channel to share with friends and em- bed on their social network- ing sites. They can also interact with artists and other fans, as well as discover and share mu- sic, all legally and at no cost. It offers multiple opportuni- ties for music content owners to distribute their video on the web and generate income through an ad-supported rev- enue model in a professional, rights protected environment. www.muzu.tv - Check it out, you’ll get lost in it for hours! cording studio and its produc- ers for future projects. This U.S. award is unprecedented for an unsigned Irish act and Theo has said that the band is “obviously delighted” and that “band pol- icy has always been to accept any invitations to record in sunny, plush or expensive loca- tions….” First tiMe Lucky Theo and the Red Beats are: Theo (Terry Quinlan, vocals and guitar), Peter Eades (Bass) and Brian O Reilly (Drums). The al- bum is available now from iTunes (UK, Ireland and U.S. stores) and Tower Records, Dublin. Or from www.theo.ie Along with his own gigs and tours in and out of Ireland he has toured relentlessly in the UK and Europe opening for artists such as Snow Patrol, Teddy Thompson, Paulo Nutini, The Cardigans, Rodrigo y Gabriela, The Divine Comedy, Paul Weller and Badly Drawn Boy. Kings of Leon release their highly anticipated fourth album ‘Only By The Night’ on 19th September. It was recorded at Blackbird Stu- dios in Nashville, Tennessee. They will be at The O2 in Dublin on 19 December 2008. The gig sold out within minutes of going on sale. If you’re one of the lucky ones who got tickets, enjoy! They really rocked Oxegen this year and I have a feeling it’s going to be a great night out. Coldplay are back and have confirmed a highly anticipated concert date at Dublin’s O2 on Sunday 21 December 2008. Coldplay’s latest album, ‘Viva La Vida Or Death and All His Friends’ has now topped the charts in 36 countries. The gig is sold out so enjoy it if you got tickets on time! Tickets are selling fast for all these gigs so make sure you have yours arranged early. There’s a variety of different genre acts per- forming so there really is something for eve- ryone. Sounds like a busy few months ahead for us all! Make sure to log onto ticketmaster. ie, aikenpromotions.com and mcd.ie for all updates on gigs.
46 : : choice : : M ullingar quintet The Blizzards need no introduction, since making their mark on the music scene in 2006, with the release of their critically acclaimed debut album “A Public Display of Affection’. Since then, the band have secured a hugely loyal and dedicated fan base, and it is evident in their highly an- ticipated 2nd album “The Domino Effect”, due for release on Septem- ber 12th that they have really grown as a group. The band is set to do a countrywide tour starting September 5th and running until October 17th. With their cheeky blend of power pop mixed with a little more emotion and genuine feeling this time round, their popularity is set to soar to new heights. Catherine Walsh met up with lead singer and guitarist Niall Breslin for a chat. In 2005 you guys played the new bands stage at Oxegen, last year saw you graduating to the main stage; can you describe what the journey was like for you over the last few years? I think the new bands stage was probably the most nerve wracking one because we had never done anything like that before, by the time we hit the main stage we were much more trained on playing live and much more confident, and also when someone chooses you to be on the main stage it’s a big vote of confidence, they wouldn’t put you there if they think you’re gonna be brutal so our confidence had really shot up for the main stage. Were you nervous at all before you played the main stage? You’re always nervous with crowds as to whether you’re gonna be re- ceived well or not. We had a great crowd and if you don’t have a crowd there’s nothing there. There’s also a big responsibility there when you’re playing the main stage, whoever’s walking round going “what’ll we do?” is trouble; it’s up to you roar at them from half a mile away to “get over here!” and they can still hear you from half a mile away so, so that’s kind of enjoyable, you can see people running, it’s great! How did you feel the crowd reacted to you? We haven’t been playing live much this year, we’ve been having what you call a cold year, we’ve been stuck in a studio, so there’s not gonna be as good a response as there was last year. But there was a big re- sponse, it was a big crowd, it was our fist gig in a long time, it went off really, really well, the new songs got a great response. You won a Meteor Award for best live performance back in Febru- ary, for those who haven’t experienced it can you describe your live show? The one thing about live shows that I don’t agree with are huge light shows or pyrotechnics ‘cos to me, if you have to do that then you’re hiding behind something. To me it’s all about energy and personality, we’ve known each other for 20 something years and people always say there’s a very personal energy off us that we don’t see. A live show is all about energy and a tight band as well; we never go beyond our limitations. Your new album, “The Domino Effect” is due for release on September 12th, what can we expect from that? I suppose it’s definitely a step up, there’s a few things in second album that you have to show, to show that you’ve progressed a lot. There’s a few of the songs that are definitely the best I’ve ever written, and that’s not just me saying it, other people have said it as well. It’s a very honest record, it’s very personal to me even though some of the songs like ‘Money Doesn’t Buy You Class’ is basically about going out for din- ner with a posh Dublin girl type, and the fact that this girl is absolutely loaded but that doesn’t mean she has any class. We’re no poets or any- thing but we do try to make simple sociological commentaries. How long did it take to put the new album together? From start off writing to finishing recording, it was about ten months. It should have taken six to eight weeks to record it, but we were work- ing very hard on the songs side of it, and how it sounds. We didn’t use computers as much as some people would, we only use them when we have to, so it’s really natural, people said our last record didn’t really capture our live show so that’s what we had to work on. Your first single “First Girl to Leave Town” was independently released in 05; you’re now signed up to a 5 album deal with Universal, has it all happened as fast as it seems? It hasn’t really happened that fast to us, the thing is, if we didn’t get signed when we did, nobody was gonna stay at it for another four or five years, we’ve achieved what we wanted to achieve, but we still need to progress, we need to push ourselves and move on and now we have the confidence to do it. We’ve a story behind the band now as well, now we have something to sell. You’ve got a massive amount of gigs lined up all over the country for the tour, is there any particular venue you’re most looking forward to playing? Home! It’s a really special thing and the most nerve-wracking gig. We’re doing a gig in Mullingar on the 11th of September in Danny Byrne’s. Limerick is always a good show as well, we’re playing The Academy, I’ve fallen in love with that venue, I’ve seen two or three bands there, you know by a venue what kind of energy you’re gonna get off the crowd. Are you planning on travelling outside Ireland this year? Yes we will be but we haven’t been able to think about it properly yet, ‘cos we’re concentrating so heavily on this. We’re hopefully gonna go to the States or maybe the UK for a couple of gigs as well. Are any of you in relationships at the moment? All the touring and time in the studio must really take its toll? The Blizzards 46 : : choice : : interview
We’re all actually in relationships at the moment, we’ve very close families around the band as well, our manager’s wife is my sister’s best friend, so there’s a lot of help and we’re all from a small traditional town so there’s always help there when we need it. Everyone at home is behind us and quite proud of us in a way. You’ve got such a happy sound and really fun lyrics, what kind of music were you influenced by growing up? I love songs. I don’t really like bands, I don’t care if it’s Westlife, I don’t care if it’s someone really groovy and cool like MGMT, they’re just good songs. I like a lot of Ska music, The Clash we’re a big influence on me. Once it’s good and it’s honest enough, you know an honest song when you hear it, I’ve always been influenced by proper bands, Eric Clapton is one, we’re all going to see Metallica, they were the reason I ever picked up a guitar, but there’s no one influence that we try to copy. Which artists do you most admire these days? For no reason, there’s no personal attachment there but I would say The Republic of Loose. We were touring with them a long time ago, they were the first Irish band that I kinda went ‘they’re really good’. I’m very sceptical of bands that blow out onto the scene; I like to see bands grow. If you could collaborate with any artist past or present, who would it be? Prince, I’d like to see the two of us dance together, I could put him on my arm and use him as a puppet, but I seriously do think his music is very underestimated. Is it true that you wrote “Miss Fantasia Preaches” about the opening of a sex shop in Mullingar? Yep, it was basically my best friend’s girlfriend opened it and on the opening night there was this really scary 50 or 60 year old woman there who kept on at me about how men are so useless and it was just a really funny story. Then the girl who opened up the shop was like, ‘that’s hilarious, you should write a song about it!’ Where do you usually find inspiration for your lyrics? I don’t really think about it too much, I know what I’m not good at writing, I can’t write moany music, so I don’t bother writing that stuff. Most of the situations I try to write about are the best times I have like when I’m out with my friends. There’s no point in sitting at home writing songs about watching TV, so it’s about stuff I enjoy doing. There are few very emotional songs, that are really touching to me and you can hear that in the vocal, and they’re the songs I’m most proud of, but we do still put our own twist to it. You left behind a promising rugby career to pursue the music, was it a tough decision to give that up? I’d no interest. It was a tough decision status wise, I think a lot of it was down to the fact that I actually loved the people I was surrounded by; I loved the mentality of it. I love rugby and I love Gaelic football, but I realised that unless you’re playing for Ireland nobody really wants to know about you. I’ve got something else in my life that I know I’m good at, and that’s what makes me happier. It was hard leaving a career that’s ready made, straight out of college. I lived at home and didn’t have to pay rent and my parents really nurtured my career. It’s the career my brother is in as well, I wouldn’t have made the decision without their support. When did the music thing start for you personally? My mum was a music teacher, so it was very early. I learned how to play piano when I was four or five, and my brother is an incredible musician, so I used to watch him a lot as well. When and how did The Blizzards get together? We’ve been best friends for years, firstly we were all in different ca- reers, we had no interest in music really. It was when I moved back to Mullingar that we really started taking it seriously. After being together for a week we put a demo together and sent it to a few people and got a huge positive response, so we progressed and really went for it. Who came up with the name? I’ve no idea to be honest! Basically we needed something that fitted, there’s no one person behind it. We just thought it suited the band and suited what we do and that was all there was to it. How do you feel about being labelled as a pin-up? I think it’s great! Anything that progresses the band is great, there’s always much more to the music than just the music. If you want to be a commercial artist you have to play ball. What do you think of the whole fame thing in general? I think fame in Ireland is a myth, apart from the obvious ones like Sinead O’ Connor and Bono. I don’t think any of us are famous or anything like that, but I do feel that fans of yours look up to you and there is a responsibility there. I don’t really care about status or money at the moment; if I have the choice of going to the long hall pub on a Saturday night then that’s where I want to be. So what’s next for The Blizzards? Well the album’s out in September, I do think we’re gonna conquer oth- er markets we can’t control that, but ideally that’s where we’ll be. And I do think we’ve got to write the third record straight away, onwards and upwards, I think that we’re quite professional in what we do now. Brewing Up A Storm
48 : : choice : : N ew Irish trio, The Script are already turning heads with their new brand of “Celtic Soul”. They have been compared with some of the biggest names in the music industry such as U2, Van Morrison, Timbaland and Maroon 5. Their debut al- bum, released in August went to number one in the Irish charts and has already produced two hit singles, “We Cry” and “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved”, both of which have achieved not only commercial success but also huge critical acclaim. At the time of going to print they were still riding high in the charts. They seem to have come from nowhere, but I have a feeling they’re here to stay. Words: Catherine Walsh. For those who aren’t familiar with your music, how would you describe your sound? (Mark) It’s probably rock and R+B. In making this record we wanted to reflect the generation of now, we’re reflecting the Internet I-pod generation. How did you guys get together? (Danny) Myself and Mark know each other a long time, we were hang- ing around as kids in James’ Street from about the age of 14 or 15, and we’ve been producing together for a long, long time. There was basi- cally no-one to look up to here or learn from in Ireland so we ended up moving to the States, brought our studio over there and we were producing and writing over there for a number of years, moved down to LA and that’s where we hooked up with Glen; he knew Mark from a mutual friend back in Dublin and he’d brought Glen over to a session we were doing and the rest is history. It was totally accidental. Where did the name ‘The Script’ come from? The name came from something we always say to each other, we’ve been living in America for so long it’s a saying we’d have, like ‘What’s the story? same thing,’ What’s the script?’ That was just a phrase going around in my head and we were living in LA at the time which is a very movie driven place, but more so we named the band after we wrote the songs and the songs all had a very storytelling theme to them, most people around the world explain it cause we’re Irish and we like to tell stories and have narratives, take different perspectives, The Script just seemed to be the fated name, everything was pointing towards that. You’re all still quite young, what age were you when you started playing READ THE SCRIPT music? (Danny) When I was born I came out singing out of my umbilical cord. (Mark) I think really the lads have been playing from an early age. They both come from musical families. I was 15 before I knew what a note was. (Glen) Professionally I was 16. I remember my first gig, I got paid £100 and I thought, you know what, my career guidance teacher was wrong, I’m gonna do this as a job. Were your parents all very supportive? (Danny) My dad was in the music game; all my family is in the music game as well, so. I think if I’d had parents who weren’t in the music game I probably would have came up against a lot of resistance. My dad had made a career out of it and he could see where it was going for me. (Glen) I tried to get a “real” job; my mother told me if I got a real, day - to - day job I could leave the house. I couldn’t believe it! She said, “You are meant to do music.” (Mark) I went through a bad time, cos my mam thought that music was a waste of time, basically. But she came round after a while. interview
: : 4 You’ve got quite a soulful sound, what kind of music were you influ- enced by growing up? (Danny) Although it’s quite a soulful sound now, I think it’s quite an eclectic mix. I grew up on James Taylor, a lot of Roy Orbision, Neil Dia- mond, my dad playing around, my other brothers were into Metallica and Punk and Rock. (Mark) From things that would reflect our music we definitely grew up on Stevie Wonder. At the time we grew up there were a lot of the hip-hop stars in Ireland, we were definitely a victim of that because Buster Rhymes and Missy Elliott and maybe cos I loved sample based music and hip hop, not to say that I wanted to be a rapper or anything, it was more love and the mentality that went around it. We pull from all genres and tip our hat to our favourite artists. You definitely are you are what you eat musically. Who are your biggest musical influences now? That’s a tough one. (Mark) I missed the David Bowie craze cos I was so young. He didn’t hit my world and I was handed the David Bowie greatest hits for Christ- mas and I’ve been playing it on repeat. It just kills me, like 40 brilliant songs. (Danny) The more new artists that are coming up, the more people tend to revert back to the old artists. Both singles from the album have really snow balled, did you expect that kind of success from them? (Danny) You hope but you don’t expect. (Mark) We didn’t expect that this music would travel so fast and we would have to follow it. We’ve been to so many countries over the last few weeks and the song has been there before we have. It’s weird in the celebrity world, people feel automatically introduced to you because they’ve seen photographs and read things about you, but you’ve never met them. It’s a very strange thing to get used to. People feel that they know you, but it’s your first time in the country. You’re releasing your debut album in August, what can we expect from that? (Mark) Hopefully an album that you’ll play top to bottom. (Glen) What can you expect? Hopefully a mix of styles. We didn’t re- ally stick to one style; we just went after the song. A cross section of rhythms and grooves. You were supporting the Hoosiers earlier in the year, did you find you built up a large fan base from that? (Danny) It was way better than I ever thought. (Mark) It’s very hard as a support act because you’ve only got 30 min- utes to convince these people that you’re the band whose album they should buy. There was a fancy dress theme to the whole show for them, some came dressed up; some didn’t. But the thing is, you’re going to go out and get drunk before you’re dressed up, so we had a ready made fun audience! (Glen) We got to road test the songs live and get good feedback there and then on the spot. If they like it they like it, if they don’t, they don’t. Luckily it went great for us. It was invaluable. Danny, I hear you share a voice coach with Bono, whose was she first? (Danny) Bono was actually learning off her first. She was actually rec- ommended to me by Paul McGuinness. She was given the task of trying to save Bono’s voice and she helped him retrain his voice and I heard about her through Paul McGuinness and he put us onto her. And I hear you are also good friends with Justin Timberlake; that must have its perks! (Glen) We’ve met him a couple of times and we remixed Gone and that was the B-side to Girlfriend. He’s a nice bloke. I’ve seen you compared to everyone from U2, The Police and Maroon 5; how do you feel about people trying to categorize you? (Glen) It’s flattering. I remember when I was in school and hearing they I’m Not There To be in with a chance of winning one of 5 copies of I’m not there, simply text Choice1 with your an- swer, name and contact details to 57802 or call 1517 500 660. T&Cs apply.* I’m Not There is a biographical film directed by Todd Haynes and inspired by the life of iconic singer- songwriter Bob Dylan. It depicts six distinct stages of Dylan’s life and public persona portrayed by an ensemble cast of actors: Mar- cus Carl Franklin, Ben Whishaw, Heath Ledger, Christian Bale, Rich- ard Gere, and Cate Blanchett, who play characters based on Dylan but with different names. *Calls cost €2 per minute, texts cost €2. Calls from mobiles may vary (U2) were starting to break in America and thinking, I want to do that, so to even hear us mentioned in the same breath as them is hard to believe. The ultimate flattery is what is. It’s also scary, because they’re big names to be mentioned alongside, so. (Mark) If people like The Po- lice, Maroon 5, The Fray, Coldplay, Kanye West across the board, chanc- es are they’ll like us. If you could collaborate with any artist living or dead, who would they be? (Danny) Bob Marley. Do a collab with Bob Marley, write a lovely song. (Glen) Freddie Mercury. (Mark) David Bowie or Bob Marley. Where do you see yourselves in 5 years? (Danny) We always do exercises where we visualize something and tend to work towards that goal. The visualization is always to just go on to bigger and better things. For all of us, I hope we make it to albums 2 and 3 because I think there’s a lot more music in us. The industry is very fickle, so hopefully the industry will accept this album and we’ll get to make a second and third. COMPETITION
ODDS ON LOVE by FraN O’briEN Bel and Tom seem to be the perfect couple with successful careers, a beautiful home and all the trappings. But her longing to have a baby cre- ates problems for Tom who can’t deal with the possibility that her failure to conceive may be his fault. His masculinity is questioned and in attempting to deal with his inscurities he is swept into the criminal underworld. Then against all the odds, Bel discov- ers she is pregnant - but Tom has myteriously disappeared out of her life. This is the tale of a woman who is aban- doned, forced to bring up her children alone, and worst of all must deal with the attentions of the criminal who is determined to find Tom, and exact his revenge # All Fran O’Brien’s novels have raised much-needed funds for the LAURALYNN CHILDREN’S HOSPICE FOUN- DATION. The project is supported by Cyclone Couriers who deliver all the books free of charge. www.lauralyn- nhospice.com WOmEN CHiLDrEN mEN SWEEtHEart by CHELSEa CaiN Investigative journalist Su- san Ward is about to print the story of her career - proving long-rumoured al- legations about a respected senator's affair with a young girl.But the day before her story is published, the sena- tor is killed in a car crash. Detective Archie Sheridan is trying to rebuild a life with his family. But he remains haunted by beautiful, ruthless serial killer Gretchen Lowell - the woman who tortured him then saved his life. Now she is safely behind bars, Archie is determined to stay away from her. And when a mysterious child leads him to two bodies in Forest Park, Archie must focus his attention on the case. But then the unthinkable happens: Gretchen escapes. The only thing this gorgeous psychopath cares about is Archie - and with her on the loose, everyone he loves has become a target. a HOuSE iN FEz by SuzaNNa CLarKE Suzanna Clarke and her husband set out on an extraordinary journey to build a new life in Morocco and of their inspired ambition to restore a dilapidat- ed traditional riad to its original splendour. Having visited Fez just once before, Suzanna and her husband fell in love with a beautiful old courtyard house which was desperately in need of saving. It was a renovation project on a grand scale and in a daunting environ- ment. Located in a maze of donkey-trod al- leyways, the house’s walls were in danger of collapse and the plumbing was non-existent. But the riad was stunning and, to the be- wilderment of all their friends, the couple moved to Fez to begin the mammoth task. SaiL by JamES PattErSON aND HOWarD rOugHaN As Peter Carlyle waves his wife, children and brother-in- law off on a sailing holiday, all they have in mind is lying back and relaxing. But as a violent storm breaks out, an explo- sion causes the boat to vanish without a trace and the family are lost, presumed dead. When a message in a bottle is washed up on a shore, it be- comes apparent that there must have been at least one survivor. Peter is a broken man, he appears to struggle to contain his grief. But all is not as it seems, beneath the grief lies a more sinister side, Peter is involved with a beautiful - and dangerous - younger woman and it soon transpires that he knows more about his family's disappearance than he is letting on.He seeks to find whatever remains of his family, but is he really looking for a happy re- union? The race is on to rescue any survivors and discover what happened aboard the luxury yacht. aLEC DEVLiN: tHE EyE OF tHE SEr- PENt by PHiLiP CaVENEy This book is set in Egypt in the year 1923. Fifteen-year- old Alec Devlin is on his way to the Valley of the Kings. Ac- companied by his faithful val- et, Coates, Alec is to spend his summer holidays working on his Uncle Will's archaeological dig. Uncle Will and his young assistant, Tom Hinton, have recently made an amazing discovery - an ancient tomb hidden deep below the earth. But only hours after opening its doors, Uncle Will falls mysteriously ill and Tom seems to have disappeared without trace. Together Alec and Ethan must confront a terror that has waited three thousand years to be reborn. tHE barE bum gaNg aND tHE FOOtbaLL FaCE- OFF by aNtHONy mCgOWaN The people in the gang were: Ludo, that's me, Noah, my best friend, who we some- times call Doc, Jamie, Phillip, usually known The Moan, because he was always moaning, and who has the bad luck to be the brother of Jennifer. The gang's new name is bad enough, but things are about to get much worse. Their number 1 enemies have challenged them to a football match, and the prize at stake is the gang den. And guess what - they're all completely rubbish at football! How can they save the den? How can they get back their pride? Find out in the first Bare Bum Gang adventure! WitCH baby aND mE by DEbi gLiOri Lily is 9. Her sister Daisy is 1. And she's no ordinary baby. Somehow, when she was born, something went rather wrong...and now Daisy is a Witch Baby. No- body knows this but Lily - she's the only one who can see when Daisy makes the fridge float in the air, or turns people into slugs, or summons up her very stinky dog Waywoof...The sisters have just moved to a new neighbourhood, and their mum wants them to make friends. She decides to throw a party and send Lily and Daisy out to deliver the invitations. Will the party be a big success or will Daisy's magic mean things are even more chaotic than normal? tHE SOurCE by miCHaEL COrDy Ambitious geologist Ross Kel- ly has it all: a lucrative career searching for oil across the world and a beautiful, brilliant wife, Lauren, pregnant with their first child. But when Lauren, a Yale academic, deci- phers the university's mysteri- ous Voynich manuscript, which has confounded experts for centuries, everything changes. An attempt to steal her translation of the Voynich leaves Lauren and their unborn child hover- ing on the brink of death, and Ross in the depths of despair. Ross seeks salvation in the four-and-a- half-centuries-old manuscript, which chronicles the ill-fated discovery of a mythic, fabulous garden, deep in the jungles of the New World: an Eden so terrible and miraculous it rewrites the book of Genesis and defies all reason.Although everyone tells him the story is surely an allegory, the possibility of the gar- den's existence offers Ross the only hope of saving Lauren and their unborn child. He decides to seek the garden out, but he is not alone. tHE uNDErCOVEr SCiENtiSt: by PE- tEr J. bENtLEy "Undercover Scientist" Peter Bentley is fascinated by the science of the everyday, and in this eye-opening book, or- ganized in the form of one of those days when everything falls apart, he probes into the reasons why mishaps occur, from sleeping through the alarm to making the bathwater overflow.As he does so he explains exactly what happens when you put metal in a microwave and why getting the juice from chilli peppers in your eye is so painful (they contain a chemical that fools your nerve-endings into behav- ing as though they've been burnt). And from there he goes on to show how these simple events form part of a pattern of scientific principles that govern everything around us. If you want to find out how a diesel engine is able to run on chip fat or why lightning actually does strike the same place twice, "The Undercover Scientist" has all the answers.
: : 51 P ristine.ie loves to do the housework that you hate and is dedicated to providing clients with premium residential clean- ing services at sensible rates! If this is music to your ears, then the good news is that Pristine. ie’s latest franchise has just started operating in your area. Local resident Conor Bartley runs the Pristine. ie Rathmines office and heads up a team of full- time, reliable, trained professionals who are now offering their premier cleaning services to homeowners throughout South City Centre, Ballsbridge, Donnybrook, Harold’s Cross, Rathmines, Ranelagh and Sandymount. Conor, who was previously in retail management, has been looking for a change of direction and a fresh and exciting business challenge. “It seemed that just about everybody had a story to tell about a cleaner – standards might slip after a few visits, perhaps staff couldn’t be relied upon to turn up on time, or in some cases at all! So I was fully aware that demand for quality and trustworthy cleaning staff in this area was extremely high.” “I knew that Pristine.ie took pride in the quality of their staff and their work- manship and offered a service to rival their competitors, so I was confident I would be able to offer local residents a first class cleaning solution with the highest levels of customer service.” Pristine.ie cleaning staff have completed a comprehensive training programme and undergone a strict vetting proc- ess. The staff work in pairs so that heavy furniture can be moved and cleaned behind and to ensure that cleaning is carried out efficiently and effectively. The company use their own equipment and supplies of the latest tried and tested cleaning products to ensure sparkling results throughout the home. As a result, wear and tear on your own equip- ment is eliminated and savings can be made against household cleaning prod- ucts on shopping bills! It’s cleaning service is tailored to meet the individual needs of each client, so before they can prepare a personalised quotation, Conor will visit the client at their property to assess their requirements and discuss any special requests. Conor tells us: “Most of our clients give us a set of keys to their property, so for their own peace of mind it’s good to meet face-to-face so they know who they’re dealing with. They need to feel a complete sense of trust and reliability in both me and my team.” Most clients request services fortnightly as they carry out a very thorough clean from ceilings to skirting boards and just about eve- rything in between. He will provide a flexible service and is just as happy to accommodate customers who require ‘one-off’s’ as well as ‘regular’ cleans. As Conor explained “Our one-off cleaning services are great for people in a variety of situations; before they move into a new home, before moving out of rented accommodation and undergo- ing the dreaded inventory check, in emergency situations such as after parties or before family are due, spring cleans or after the builders have been in.” Pristine.ie is the Irish Master Franchise Operating company of the UK based Myhome International PLC which was launched in the UK 10 years ago. The Irish office opened three years ago and established the same pilot operation originally devel- oped and tested by Unilever. Conor plans to recruit more experienced staff this year, so they can offer the service to even more local residents. Director of Master Franchise Pristine.ie Gary Mathews: says Conor brings a wealth of invaluable experience to Pristine.ie and we are delighted that a person with his background has joined the Pristine.ie team.” For more information or to arrange your personalised quote please call Tel: 1890 252555 THE FUTURE LOOKS CLEAN AND BRIGHT FOR DUBLIN 2, 4 & 6
52 : : choice : : Technology & Gadgets EmailEasy: Nokia EsEriEs Nokia have unveiled the Nokia E71 and No- kia E66 - the latest email-optimized devices from the Nokia Eseries product range. The sleek Nokia E71 with full QWERTY key- board and the stylish, slide-to-open Nokia E66 easily mobilize a broad range of per- sonal or professional messaging needs, in- cluding Microsoft Exchange, the world's most widely adopted corporate email solution. Both devices are expected to available over the coming months and are expected to retail at EUR350, before applicable taxes and sub- sidies. The Nokia E71 and Nokia E66 come fully equipped for easy-to-install and easy-to-use professional and personal email. People who use Microsoft Exchange at work can access their email using the Mail for Exchange mobile email client, which comes pre-loaded with the Nokia E71 and Nokia E66. With these Nokia Eseries devices, people can get reliable real- time access to their email, calendar, contacts and tasks, as well as download attachments like Word, Excel, Powerpoint or PDF files di- rectly to their devices. The Nokia E71 and Nokia E66 support email accounts from more than a thousand internet service providers (ISPs) around the world, as well as Gmail, Yahoo! mail and Hotmail. With a stainless steel case, etched graphics and available in two colors - grey steel or white steel - the Nokia E71 bears the hallmarks of Nokia quality and craftsmanship. The cool me- tallic finish is complemented by the bright col- our display, which showcases the Nokia E71 device's brilliantly simple user interface. The Nokia E66 offers a premium look and feel with its stainless steel accents and smooth sliding design. Sharing the same key features as the Nokia E71, including an enhanced calen- dar, contacts and customizable home screen modes, the Nokia E66 offers unique additions, like an orientation sensor that automatically optimizes itself for full screen viewing or si- lences the ringer when the device is turned over. Available in grey steel or white steel ver- sion, the Nokia E66 leaves a lasting impression as a sophisticated business tool in a distinct design. soNy EricssoN F305 The new Sony Ericsson F305 with Motion Gaming puts ‘fun and entertainment’ at the heart of the mobile phone. In addition to horizontal game play and dedicated gaming controls – to let you control the action the way you are used to – the F305 lets the user control the action with a swing or a swipe of the phone. Targeted firmly at a youth audience, the F305 with Motion Gaming lets users control games with the flick of a wrist or the swing of an arm, and then see the results straightaway on the screen. Using advanced motion sensor technology, the phone can, for example, follow your actions to imitate bowling or casting a fishing line. Enjoy the full gaming experience with stereo speakers, which also come in handy for sharing the latest track on the media player. Add a 2.0” screen into this pocket-sized slider phone and the F305 takes playing games on your mobile to a whole new level. To complement the F305 there is also now a handy new accessory available for the serious gamer. Although the F305 gives you up to 8 hours of game play, there is always now a back- up with the Power Pack CPP-100. Attach it to your key-ring and when you need it, simply plug it into the phone to receive an instant battery power boost. The F305 is about more than just gaming. Slide it open and find it packed with the lat- est Sony Ericsson features. Never miss a fun or unexpected moment with the phones 2.0 megapixel camera. Share your photos or mu- sic with friends via Bluetooth™ or Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™). It will also be possible to change the look of your phone with Style- up™ covers – two covers to choose from in box. The F305 with Motion Gaming will be available in Polar White and Mystic Black in selected markets from Q3 2008. It will be a Quad-Band EDGE phone supporting 850, 900, 1800 and 1900 frequency bands. moTorola lauNch rokr E8 Award-winning ROKR E8 transforms from phone to music player with the touch of a but- ton. Using breakthrough ModeShift™ technology from Motorola, the device presents users with only the controls they need, at the time they need them, instantly transforming from music player to phone with the touch of a button. When powered off, the surface of ROKR E8 is smooth, with no visible keys.Power on the de- vice and it presents a virtual numbered keypad on the front surface. With one “press” of the virtual music key, the phone keypad disappears and control keys for the music player – play, pause, fast forward and rewind – appear in its place. ROKR E8 also marks the debut of the new FastScroll navigation wheel from Motorola, a variable-speed touch control that lets con- sumers easily scroll through all of the content stored on the device. With a gentle slide of the thumb, the wheel quickly scrolls through your music, contacts, calendar, or multimedia content. Information is easily viewed on the landscape 2.0” QVGA display. In music mode, ROKR E8 delivers great sound through a three-dimensional stereo feature that enhances two-channel audio and an on- board equalizer. Music can be enjoyed on the built-in speaker, with a compatible Bluetooth® enabled stereo headset1, or through a wired headset plugged into the 3.5mm jack. ROKR E8 also helps consumers discover new music with a built-in FM radio. The 2GB inter- nal memory can store up to 1,600 songs3, and the external memory is expandable up to 4GB with an optional microSD™ card. In phone mode, ROKR E8 provides outstand- ing voice quality using Motorola CrystalTalk™ technology. Quality construction and materi- als help make ROKR E8 durable and reliable, and a high gloss front, aluminium soft touch back, spun metal side keys and engraved band- ing offer the modern style expected from Mo- torola. Phonespecial technology
163 Harolds Cross Road, Dublin 6w Tel: 01 4972445 Opening hours: Mon to Sun 12.30pm-10pm • Parking Available • Gift hampers available - made to order Delivery available on large orders Over 300 wines, large selection of champagnes and world beers Sheridan’s cheeses If You Are Thinking Of Organising Your Christmas Party Look No Further Than Harold’s Cross Stadium Just Dial 1890 269 969 & Enjoy Excellent Dining & Thrilling Racing Action @ Harolds Cross With A Festive Package To Suit Every Pocket & Taste! Racing Every Monday, Tuesday, Friday (Additional Saturday Meetings 29th November, 6th December, 13th December and 20th December) Superb Festive Fayre Each Race-Night Combined With 11 Pulsating Races And Electric Atmosphere €59.50 per person Includes Admission and Race Card Four Course Christmas Dinner in Grandstand Restaurant Overlooking The Track Party Novelties at Your Table Drinks and Tote Service To Your Table Call Our Reservations On 1890 269 969 or 087 9577064 Don’t Forget Our Super Value Group Deals The €12 Christmas Cracker Deal The €15 Christmas Special Deal The €20 Supreme Christmas Saver Deal Organise your Christmas Party with us for an unforgettable night
54 : : choice : : We stock a wide range of designer footwear to suit all occassions and stunning jewellery and handbags to complete any outfit Open: Mon - Sat 10 - 6 , Thurs 10 - 7 Ph: 01 4979333 dahliashoes@gmail.com Dahlia Shoe Boutique The Triangle, Ranelagh Merry Maids “Fast, Reliable, Friendly & Professional Team” Cleaning Company Spring Cleaning Specialist in your... Offices - Businesses - Homes - Hotels - Apartments - Flats Tel: Managing Director - Caroline 086 3818241 Window Cleaning Carpet Cleaning Party Clean Up Gardening Power Washing • • • • • • • • • • Em e Stunning range of wedges, sandals, pumps and heels complimented with beautiful Italian leather handbags 36 Dunville Avenue, Ranelagh • Ph: 4971771 FULL COMPLIANCE WITH ENERGY RATING STANDARDS FULLY INSURED AND REGISTERED FREE QUOTATIONS J HOLT CONSTRUCTION LTD. ALL ASPECTS OF BUILDING WORK CARRIED OUT •Interior + exterior ••Houses ••Extensions ••Attic conversions ••Sunrooms ••Conservatories • CONTACT: JOE : 0872754683 / 040 236447 SIMON : 0872839956 EMAIL:joeholtconstruction@gmail.com BUDS N’ ROSES FLORIST (FORMERLY DERMOT CRONIN FLORIST, TERENURE) A full range of beautiful fl owers for all occassions, Funerals, weddings or just to surprise that someone special. 10 % Discount on weddings booked before June 30th Tel: 4562070 / 4087822 1a Crumlin Village, Dublin 12 budsnroses@iol.ie To feature your business in the Local Listings section, contact Choice on 01 4568059 1A earls Court Industrial estate, Churchtown, Dublin 14 Freephone: 1800 303 404 W: www.skondesign.com For the client who is planning a home make-over with a difference why don’t you try SKön and their extensive product range of high-quality, tailor-made storage systems. This should give you plenty of fresh ideas! Skön Scandinavian Sliding Wardrobe Design’s new showroom in Churchtown, Dublin, shows their exciting range of made-to-measure sliding doors. They are imported directly from Sweden and are designed to fi t into any room. The showroom is defi nitely worth a visit if you’re looking for something exclusive, stylish and modern to catch the eye. Skön Scandinavian Sliding Wardrobe Design nothing to wear – don’t despair! Tara Crowley of optimise your Wardrobe offers a complete Image Consultancy service including colour analysis and body shape as- sessment, wardrobe weeding and styling, and per- sonal shopping. Member of the Irish Image Consult- ants Institute (IICI). Tara Crowley MSc IICIM 086 888 2838 www.optimiseyourwardrobe.com tara@optimiseyourwardrobe.com local listings
: : 55 7 Ranelagh Village, Dublin 6 4960300 Ranelagh Cycles - www.ranelaghcycles.ie Looking for a new bike or need to get your existing bike repaired? Call in and see us to view our wide range if cycles and cycle accessories. info@ranelaghcycles.ie Keyway Locksmiths - www.keywaylocksmiths. ie We provide locksmith services for all occasions including lockout emergencies. In addition, keyway locksmiths provide a full range of household locks and safes. info@keywaylocksmiths.ie Ranelagh Cycles & Keyway Locksmiths 10 % off locks on production of this ad Alper Woodworking & Carpentry » Shelving & Bookcases » Contemporary Designs » Made To Measure & Fitted » Free Estimates Contact: 087 1304024 Phone/Fax: 01 8249901 Absolute CArpentry • Timber Decking • • Doors and Floors • • Side Gates • • Timber sheds • • Pergolas • • Wall Panelling • Call Billy on 0879658658 For a prompt and efficient service HOUSES APARTMENTS FLATS AUCTIONS •Reasonable Rates • Dublin and Nationwide • Collection and Delivery • More Vans and Helpers •No job Too Big or Too Small HELPFUL MAN WITH LARGE VAN REMOVALS & CLEARANCES Michael Conlon Tel: 087 250 4144 Kilross, Rathmines, Dublin 6 helpfulmanwithlargevan@gmail.com www.vanmandublin.ie To feature your business in the Local Listings section, contact Choice on 01 4568059 FITneSS FoR LIFe4 Mews Lane (behind Comans), Rathgar Ave, Dublin 6Ph: 086 600 4038, (01) 492 2015 • www.fitnessforlife.ie Lose up to 21lb (1 1/2 stone) in 6 weeks. System 10 is a unique weight loss programme based on fixing / repairing your metabolism. It burns real fat and will get you burning more fat every hour, 24 hours a day. It is a complete weight loss plan combining motivation, excersise, food balance and a personalised nutrition plan.So, if you are obese, have a slow thyroid, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, psoria-sis, endometriosis, polysistic ovarian syndrome or any other condi-tion, you can benefit enormously from system 10. “As Featured on TV3, RTe, Today FM, Sunday World and Sunday Mirror “ AL 24/7 Emergency Service - Call 1850 940 542 Locksmiths25 Years Experience •Locks Safes / Doors Opened, Repaired & Replaced • Burglary Repairs Undertaken • •5 Lever Locks Fitted •Door Reinforcement •Registered Key Systems •Keys Cut On Site • •Hi Security Master Key Systems • Cars Opened •Mechanical Digital Locks • •Access Control Systems • uPVC & Aluminium 3/5 Point Locking Systems • Keys Lost or Stolen, Burgled or Locked Out! We Also Cover Non Emergencies Tel: 01-452 3567 - Fax: 451 4599 Email:info@absoluteemergencies.ie Mobile: 085 - 123 1735 / 085 - 703 4948 For more information see our ad in The Independent Directory FourstAr PizzA 112 Ranelagh Road Ranelagh Dublin 6 Tel: 412 6900 Web Ordering: www.fourstarpizza.ie sPeciALoFFercouPon 12” Pizza +3 toppings +1.25L Drink +2 Haagen Dazs(200ml) Only €20 - Save €8 " Valid until 30/9/08 KlenzFloorSanding DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL Varnishing • Staining • Free Estimates Three CoaTs • Fully QualiFied Built-in Vacuums “Dust Free” contact Garry : 01 2855368 087 6737497
56 : : choice : : Hate cleaning your oven?Let us do it for you! Specialist on site domestic oven and range cleaning service odourless products Friendly professional service Tel: 1890 333 222www.ovenblitz.com To feature your business in the Local Listings section, contact Choice on 01 4568059 WinDoW cLeAninGserVice WINDOWCARE Friendly, prompt reliable window cleaning service Contact John on: 085 1233623 Email: windowcare@dublin.ie 95a Morehampton Road, Donnybrook, Dublin 4 T: 01-6141010 e: info@d4nails.com • W: www.d4nails.com Leading Beauty Therapist Rosanna Crothers is delighted to introduce nail courses to her nail Boutique, D4 nails at 95a Morehampton Road, Donnybrook. Hands and feet have taken on a new importance in recent times, as we become more exposed to personal and media scrutiny and wish to look our best during social and professional occasions. Specialising in manicures, pedicures, and now offering nail Art. D4NAILS ROSANNACROTHERSBEAUTY CIARAN SMITH ELECTRICAL FOR ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL NEEDS Fully insured C2 registered eCSSA registered Commercial and domestic Free quotations Call Ciaran : 087 6844823 Four stAr PizzA 51 Shelbourne Road Ballsbridge Dublin 4 Tel: 668 0223 Web Ordering: www.fourstarpizza.ie sPeciAL oFFer couPon 12” Pizza +3 toppings +1.25L Drink +2 Haagen Dazs(200ml) Only €20 - Save €8 " Valid until 30/9/08 local listings
To feature your business in the Local Listings section, contact Choice on 01 4568059 Happy Dog Days Dog Training “A well trained dog is a happy dog” One to one training service available in your own home 35 years experience Phone Mairead @ 0872044368 / 01 4936614 Massbrook pet food, as used by the Irish gun dog team Both dog and cat food available Prices from only €20 per 15kg bag! Free Delivery Living locally Dog food delivered to your door To order just call Bill on 0871276073 CHURCHTOWN ELECTRICAL Call Tom @ 2960659 / 087 9567056 All Electrical Work Carried Out Extra sockets & lighting Points TV & Phone Points ~ LV Downlighters Electric Showers ~Fuseboard Upgrade Security & Garden Lighting Emergency Call-out - Member of ECSSA - - Fully Insured - References Available - - Free Estimates - No job too small - Shutters of Ireland WHY WOULD I CHOOSE SHUTTERS? - Shutters are not only aesthetically pleasing but are extremely practical. Shutters are the alternative to conventional window and door treatments. All our shutters are custom made. Shutters temper light, and enable the mood of the room to be changed by a simple adjustment of the louvres. Shutters are the dynamic style statement. Contact: “Shutters of Ireland” for your complete consultation service. E-mail: info@shuttersofi reland.com Website: www.shuttersofi reland.com Phone: 01 4970422 / 087 2517 847 Advertise Here: Call 01-4568059
LOCAL NEWS: SOuth DuBLIN Ranelagh Arts Festival 24th - 28th September T he 4th Annual Ranelagh Arts Festival takes place this year from 24th September - 28th September.. Highlights of the festival this year include, a tribute to Mary Holland, commemorating the much loved writer and journalist who died in 2004. Martin Parr an internationally renowned Magnum photographer will deliver an illustrated lecture on his life and times. He will also adjudicate at the photographic exhibition, Ranelagh Outside. Keeping the Beat, a specially commissioned exhibition of photographs by Kate Horgan, will feature a series of portraits of the founders of the Irish music industry. A variety of different musical tastes will also be on display, from blues to Polish music, ballads and the annual Mark Cabena Battle of the Bands for teenagers. Stand up and improvised comedy sessions will be also be taking place in local pubs. The Cinemobile, Open Day and Parade in Ranelagh Gardens, Poetry Speakeasy, historical walks and talks and many other cultural activities complete the line up for this great local event. Ireland’s first Organic Supermarket opens in Blackrock T he Organic Supermarket™ recently opened its doors on Main Street, Blackrock, County Dublin. The store is an Irish Owned, independent purveyor of fine organic food and wine. It is the first, dedicated organic, licensed supermarket in Ireland and is certificated by The Organic Trust. It’s launch is a clear reflection of changing consumer attitudes away from chemically enhanced foods and back to more traditional, nutritious, seasonal food.The current value of the Irish organic market is €66 million per year representing a growth rate of approximately 75% in the past three years.The Organic Supermarket will serve this under supplied, high demand sector by bringing value to the Irish consumer through organic produce. The organic supermarket offers consumers a choice of healthy seasonal food as they effectively bring the farmers market indoors. Every item stocked is certified organic and handpicked to the highest standard. The ever-expanding product range includes fresh organic fruit and vegetables; chilled and gourmet food; Irish meat; bread; dairy; speciality cheeses; shelf foods; coffees; teas; wine and handmade Irish organic chocolates.The supermarket supports local Irish producers and suppliers. The Organic Supermarket’s mission is to become the leading retailer of organic and ethically traded products in Ireland, by providing groundbreaking customer service, unique wholesome products, employee pride and environmental respect. Brazilia Heads south to Sandyford H aving taken Dublin by storm since first opening on South William Street, Dublin 2 in 2005, Brazilia the wax experts have recently opened a salon in the Sandyford Office Park, just across from the Sandyford LUAS stop (Green Line). Offering the same great wax and fabulous experience, Brazilia is offering customers a 15% discount on their first treatment at the Sandyford salon. Just log on to the website www. brazilia.ie/sandyford to download the coupon which you must bring to the salon. Brazilia offers precision waxing for both women and men using Australia’s leading wax Lycon, a state of the art waxing system specially formulated to leave the skin conditioned and super smooth after waxing. With new treatments such as the SoBerry delicious range of Strawberries n’ Créme hot and strip waxes and the SoYummy Chocolate and Hazlenut waxes, a wax is not just a wax at Brazilia. To make an appointment ring 01 293 4858 or log onto www.brazilia.ie New Yoga Studio in Rathmines Y ogatraveller provide professionally run, friendly and fun Yoga Retreats and Yoga Holidays and have just launched their new studio in Rathmines. They offer the unique service of drop-in classes, costing only €15 for 90minutes, with no need to pre-book. Expert teachers are on hand to provide a consistently high standard of yoga tuition. This is a great opportunity to get in shape, without having to commit to a set term of classes. Whether you’re a practiced yogi or a complete beginner there’s a class to suit you. You can check out the schedule on www.yogatraveller. com then drop into the class that suits you. For more information, email info@yogatraveller. com or call 085 2730662. Showers and changing rooms are in place, free parking is available and yoga mats are free for your use. What more do you need?
Books on the Green Toy Shop Crayola, Kultz, Ravensburger, Galt and much more Specialise in Childrens Books and CD’s, New Adult Fiction and Literature, Colour Copying A Range of Spring Chicken Cards and Coasters in Stock Fax/ Colour Photocopying Service – Free Delivery to Your Home on Request (local area only) We Stock Local History Books and DVD on Sandymount Orders Taken Now for Christmas 2 Seafort Avenue, Sandymount Village, Dublin 4 (Opposite AIB Bank) 01-2837909 www.booksonthegreen.com Now Open LOOKING FOR A CHRISTMAS PARTY WITH A DIFFERENCE? F ed up with the same old Christmas Party every year well why not opt for a Night out with a difference at Harolds Cross Greyhound Stadium where a number of Christmas packages are available to suit every pocket and taste. The superb purpose built facility lends itself to all types of occasions and when the Christmas party season is upon us we really come into our own with the renowned Dobbins team looking after all your catering needs. Parties will be welcomed into our seasonally decorated Grandstand Restaurant or Corporate Suites overlooking the track and can enjoy a scrumptious four course Christmas dinner while watching 11 thrilling races with tote betting and bar service at your table. With a number of novelties and spot prizes throughout the night in both the restaurant and suites a truly memorable evening is guaranteed for you and your guests from an intimate party of two to a group as large as 350. Racing takes place every Monday, Tuesday and Friday night with 4 additional Saturday night meetings scheduled to cater for the demand (Saturday 29th November, Saturday 6th, 13th and 20th December). Packages range from group admission packages from as little as €5 per head to the Full Christmas Party Night Package at €59.50 per person (including admission and race programme). Reservations can be made by calling their sales centre on 1890 269 969 or 087 9577064. It’s fast, it’s pulsating, it’s greyhound racing!!! Glow – Make Up and Skincare studio opens in Merrion Centre E ver wanted to have your make up done by the make-up artist to the stars? Well now you can. Colette Cassidy, proprietor of the new GLOW make-up and Skincare studio in the Merrion Shopping Centre, has worked as the head make-up artist with one of the most prestigious designer brands in the world – Georgio Armani. She has won many awards for her make-up and artist skills, and has done a host of celebrity faces including Jodie Kidd, Jasmine Guinness, Louise Kennedy, Andrea Roche and Glenda Gilson. Colette has now opened her own make up and skincare studio in the Merrion Centre using award winning make up Glo minerals. Glo Minerals makeup is truly the way forward as it is completely natural, free from harsh chemicals, talc, fragrance and alcohol. It contains vitamins to nourish and boost dry, dull Skin. It suits even the most sensitive skin types and improves skin that is prone to break outs. A make up so pure your skin will notice the difference. And it is good to know that it is recommended by dermatologists and skincare professionals worldwide. Treatments on offer range from a Glow Makeover at just €30, Glow Make up lessons at €50, Glow Skin Scanning, a whole range of facials, and bridal makeup. There are also a range of chemical exfoliations on offer. To book your appointment, call 01-2195822 or visit www.Colette-Cassidy.com
60 : : choice : : careers Internships - the first step on the career ladder M any of my friends have found it difficult to find paid work this summer. It would seem that employers are reluctant to employ students as they will only be temporary workers rather than all year round employees. The ‘credit crunch,’ set to continue un- til next summer, is also hitting hard and many businesses simply can- not afford to employ extra work- ers. So what do you do if you can’t find paid work, and your parents don’t want you getting under their feet again next summer? Answer: you find an internship. Words: Amy Corrigan Internships are a right of passage for college students in the US and are worth college credit towards their degree with many students finding internships for the aca- demic year as well as the summer to fill out their ‘resumé’ and gain valuable work place experience. Yet in the UK and Ireland they are not so common; students would much rather earn money spending their summer working in a bar or restaurant, than working for nothing in a company they as yet don’t have any ties with. Even when the immense range of skills that you develop during an internship are discussed, most students don’t even consider it as an option. I have a confession to make - I am not an actual member of staff here at Choice; I have spent the summer as an intern and by the time you read this I will have left the magazine. Contrary to what many people might think interns do - make tea and photocopies - I have been involved in and seen firsthand almost all the different aspects of how a magazine is put together and it has been an invaluable experience, one for which I am very grateful. Researching information and images for articles, contacting press officers for interviews, interviewing musicians and actors, attending photo calls, press launches and opening nights as well as seeing how the advertising and graph- ics departments work have all been an eye opener and shown me what working on a magazine involves. Working on a lifestyle magazine means that you get to cover many different areas becoming a semi - expert on many dif- ferent topics! As an avid reader of anything in print, this internship has been enlightening and shown me a career path that I hope to continue with in the future. That is the beauty of an internship; you learn what you are good at and what you need to work on, all the while developing skills for life. But how to go about finding an internship? Randall S. Hansen on www.quint- careers.com, says the first step to finding an internship is to determine your goals - what are your specific career interests, why do you want an internship and what do you hope to gain from it, where do you want your internship and what would be best for your needs, are the key factors. Polishing up your CV and brushing up on your interview skills are also recommended. Once you have narrowed down your search field to profession, location and companies, you need to find companies that you want to work for. Hansen says that family, friends, lecturers and other contacts can be good sources of internship opportunities, especially in competitive industries. You never know, your mum’s yoga teacher’s next door neighbour could turn out to be the editor of your favourite magazine! Cold calling companies is your other option if you do not have any contacts. If you want to work in the press then why not contact your favourite maga- zine or newspaper. If you want to work in publishing contact the house that publishes your favourite author. Taking the initiative to contact companies is the first step to a great internship. Once you have picked your companies then find out to whom you send your CV and how. Most companies nowadays will only want it emailed to them rather than posted, but it is best to make sure. You will also need to send an accompanying covering letter, as you would for a paid position, setting out your goals for the internship and most importantly why you want to work for that particular company. If you are called to interview, make sure you have done your research and know a little about the company so that you can show your in- terest and enthusiasm for their business. Enthusiasm and willing are key when in- terning. If you can’t convince a future em- ployer that you want to work for them, then they won’t want to employ you. If you want to intern abroad then the EU funded Leonardo da Vinci programme (contact Irish Education partners,www. iepartners.ie, for more information) could be for you. It places applicants in internships across Europe ranging from 10 - 14 weeks and living either with a host family or in a shared apartment, depending on where you go. You do not have to pay to take part in the scheme nor do you receive a salary, but you do receive a certain amount of living allow- ance though you may have to pay your way to some extent. You can choose to work in journalism and media, business administration, the health sector and many other different professions. It is a great scheme for getting you out of your comfort zone, exploring a different country and culture and expanding your vocational work and language skills. iHipo.com also has internships and paid positions advertised from all over the world. Don’t ever think that just because your ideal internship is in an- other country that you shouldn’t bother applying. You may be constrained by language skills and visa requirements but if you don’t try you’ll never know. Taking that step to try something different is what internships are all about. Early application is also important; the early bird catches the worm after all. The Leonardo scheme accepts applications up until a few weeks before departure (as long as there are still places available), although for best place- ment (hence, less stress) it is advisable to apply a good few months in advance of the departure date. If applying for summer placements independently then you can start as early as January with your planning. For big name companies with fierce competition for few internship places, the earlier the better. If you want to hear about the experiences of other interns then two Ameri- can sites are well worth a visit. internmemo.com was founded by two Har- vard graduates and has profiles of interns, things to do in New York, Los Angeles and Washington DC, the three cities the website is concentrated on and even has internship offers. It gives a great insight into what you can expect from an internship. Even though it is an American site, the experi- ences are universal. Teen Vogue’s website has an intern blog, which its many interns contribute to on a regular basis. If you want to know about the latest fashion trends and what is happening Stateside as well as about the interns themselves then it’s well worth a look – although it’s probably moreso one for the girls! Taking the initiative to find an internship and perform well in it will set you and your CV apart from your competitors in the eyes of future employers. The skills that you learn and the confidence and independence gained from internships will make you a valuable asset to any company. Just remember to use your initiative, be enthusiastic, willing, and above all, able to deal with anything that gets thrown at you.
: : 61 The Uppercross House Hotel A big thank you for all those who supported on the night of the fundraiser for Down Syndrome Ireland 26-30 Upr Rathmines Road, Rathmines, Dublin • T: +353 01 497 5486 • F: +353 01 4975361 E: reservations@uppercrosshousehotel.com • W: www.uppercrosshousehotel.com Live music every Friday night Donations can still be made by logging on to:http://www.mycharity.ie/event/ambrannigan/
62 : : choice : : MotorsMotoring Life Sponsored By: motors M otoring Life’s Ian Adcock gets behind the wheel of Volkswa- gens newest offering, the Scirocco. Ever get the feeling that life’s a circle at times? Well that happened back in July and is happening right now as I write this. The reason? VW’s new Scirocco, since the original version - you can find out for yourselves when that was launched - was one the very first cars I put through its paces as a road tester on ‘What Car?’ magazine blanktey-blank years ago. On the latest version’s launch held in and around a chaotic Lisbon where it seemed every road was being worked on, they also had avail- able a sample of the one I drove, plus its replacement the Corrado. I opted not to drive either working on the premise that I could simply dust down old magazines to refresh the memory banks. The original Scirocco with its origami styling by Giugiaro was based on the Mark 1 Golf and was, dimensionally, identical with the exception of its lower roofline. It would have been the work of a moment for VW’s current manage- ment to do exactly the same with the latest interpretation of its coupe. But they resisted the temptation and for good reason. Whilst the cur- rent Golf – due to be replaced in just a few weeks’ time – is a fine car, it’s definitely lacking in the pizzazz department when it comes to dynamics. Instead, even in the quickest versions, it’s bordering on the safe and worthy. Just what you don’t want in a slinky coupe. So, the new in-house designed coupe is longer, wider and 100 mm lower than the current Golf whilst the front track in 35mm wider and the vOLkswageN scirOccO the rear, 55mm. The springs and dampers have been specifically tuned for the Scirocco and the rear axle comes, surprisingly, from the Passat’s parts bin. Its design has evolved since we first saw it back in 2006 as the IROC concept; the Audi-esque grille has been dumped in favour of a longitu- dinal slat above the bumper line that leads into headlamp glass that is pulled well back into the front wings with the main air intakes beneath the bumper. It might not be so in yer face as the IROC’s look, but get used to it as it’s the new face of VW that will spread throughout its product range. VW has gone brave and put in frameless doors, always prone to wind whistle if not properly executed, and a swooping profile that ends in a distinctly Brera-like rear bustle and tailgate. The cabin itself is sur- prisingly spacious and whilst a quartet of 183+cms tall chaps like me would find it a squeeze for anything longer than brief journeys, shorter individuals wouldn’t. There are downsides though; the rear window was obviously created by someone who majored in letterbox design and the interior as a whole just doesn’t say “sexy coupe” to you. It’s lifted from the Eos cou- pe-cabriolet and there’s nothing wrong with its quality and ergonomics but, come on V-Dub a good looking exterior needs to be followed through on the interior and this one doesn’t. The seats are a hip-hug- gingly comfortable shape and there’s a passing nod at ‘sporty’ with a flat-bottomed steering wheel, beyond that there’s little to underline that you’re in a supposedly sporting coupe. Initially there are three petrol engines on offer: 90, 118 and 147kW and,
: : 63 Motoring LifeMotors Sponsored By: at launch, a single 103kW diesel that will be joined by a 125kW next year. A six-speed manual is standard across the range, but those engines developing more than 103kW come with optional six- or seven-speed dual clutch(DSG) ‘boxes. Given its mechanical heritage you’d expect the Scirocco to behave like a Golf, and it does when pushed to its limit, going to the extent of cocking a rear wheel when provoked. The rest of the time it feels like a much nimbler Golf; much more eager to turn in, less prone to understeer – although, inevitably, that’s what it will ultimately do – and generally more willing and able to respond to the driver’s inputs, even mid-bend. There’s the usual array of electron- ic gadgets to keep the over enthusi- astic, or incompetent, on the black stuff. Even when you switch them ‘off’ all you’re doing is reducing their influence and they will, ulti- mately, come into play although it has to be said fairly unobtrusively. All this is accompanied by a pleasing burble from the turbo engines and a satisfying little pop when you up change on the DSG ‘box. As a coupe the Scirocco is some 38 kilos lighter than its Golf sib- ling which probably goes some way to explain its brisker feel, even if VW claims the same 7.2secs dash to 96Km/h and 235 Km/h for the most powerful tur- bo TFSI. That’s probably on the safe side, although the feeling of more zing to its performance might be partially psychological given the fact that you feel as if you’re in a lither car even when you’re in a parking bay. So, does the latest iteration of a car I first drove XX years ago work? By and large the answer has to be ‘yes’, it looks good without being a stunner and it delivers on the road as well without ripping the bottom out of your bank balance. If you want a sporty coupe that you can plonk the kids in with a moderate amount of luggage then the Scirocco ticks all the right boxes. It’s just a shame the interior is so uninspiring, then again, some things never change – neither was the originals.
64 : : choice : : events Upcoming Events September 08 / October 08 THE WEDDING & HONEYMOON SHOW AT THE RDS The Wedding & Honeymoon Show is a must for all couples planning or just thinking about their Wedding & Honeymoon plans. The complete show is focused on Wedding Service Provid- ers from venues to menus, to flowers, cakes, video, limou- sines etc., plus Honeymoon travel agents. In a few hours a couple can book their entire wedding & honeymoon destina- tion having met face to face with their professional service providers who will cater for their special day and in locating the most romantic honeymoon destination in Europe, Africa and beyond. As many show exhibitors offer special discounts and offers, the show can save time, money and also be stress free. It is a great wedding shopping day out. Wedding planners from Italy, Spain, Austria and Malta will also be in attendance. Bridal Catwalk Shows at 1pm and 4pm daily are designed to give brides to be their bridesmaids, mums of the bride and groom a close up to the forthcoming styles and trends. Grooms formal wear Exhibitors will also be on hand to give advice including Black Tie, Aston formal wear and Swords formal wear and Tangos formal wear and mens fashions by McGee. Admission: €10, payable at the door. 11.30am - 5.30pm both days See www.wed.ie. 11th - 14th sept STYLE IN THE CITY, DUBLIN Style in the City is the fashion event of the year! Think glamour, theatre and beauty in a never seen before fashion extravaganza. Merrion Square Gardens will become the fashion, beauty and style capital of the world. Style in the City is the first fashion event to bring the top fashion houses in Ireland together in one fabulous venue including Brown Thomas, Har- FALSTAFF On Thursday 25th September 2008, Op- era Ireland and RTÉ will celebrate the bi- centenary of the birth of Michael William Balfe by presenting the first performance of the composer’s comic bel canto opera Falstaff since its hugely successful première in London in 1838. This concert performance will take place in the Na- tional Concert Hall, Dublin. Opera Ireland and RTÉ have come together to commission the first ever performing edition of Balfe’s great ‘Italian’ opera, to mount the first concert performance in 170 years, to broadcast the performance live and to make the first ever commercially avail- able recording of the work. The RTÉ Concert Orchestra under the baton of conductor Marco Zambelli, and with a host of Irish and international singers, Marcel Vanaud as Falstaff, Majella Cullagh as Mrs Ford, and many other great singers, and the National Chamber Choir of Ireland, this concert performance will serve as a fitting tribute to Balfe in his native city in the bicentenary year of his birth. Booking: Opens 10am, Monday 14th July at the National Concert Hall box office: 01 417 00 00 or online: www.nch.ie. Further information can be found on the RTÉ and Opera Ireland web- sites – www.rte.ie/performing groups or www. operaireland.com. Tickets: €20, €30, €40 27th - 28th Sept WAITING FOR GODOT NATIONAL TOUR The Gate Theatre will embark on its first ever all Ireland (32 County) tour. As part of the theatre’s 80th anniversary celebrations, the Gate’s acclaimed production of Waiting for Godot will tour to 40 venues across the 32 counties of Ireland, playing for one night only in each venue. Beginning in Enniscorthy and ending in Enniskillen, from the source of the formation of the Gate Thea- tre (where MacLíammóir and Edwards conceived the Gate Theatre) to the source of Beckett’s gen- ius (where he attended Portora School from 1920 to 1923), the tour, which will also mark the 20th anniversary of this now legendary production, will star the original cast members including Stephen Brennan, Barry McGovern, Johnny Murphy and Alan Stanford. With dates in Waterford and Bray already sold out, this tour is certain to be a hit with audiences nation- wide. Tickets are available at all host venues across the country. See www.godotontour.ie. 25th Sept 2nd Sept - 26th Oct vey Nichols, House of Fraser and exclusive Irish boutiques from MyBeautifulBoutique.com and IrishBoutiques. com. With entrance to the theatre style Catwalk Show, Trinny and Susannah’s Style Academy and Häagen Daz’s style oasis included in price of the ticket, you can be sure of a great day out. Style Tickets with entrance to all the above as well as discounts included in your Style Passport are €40. VIP tickets for the day cost €75. The extra money goes towards Priority Seating at the Style Catwalk Show, access to the exclusive Audi VIP Suite, complimentary cocktail and glass of champagne, exclusive mini pamper zone in the VIP Suite and a designer Christopher Kane Shopper. 40 handpicked exhibitors make up the Boutique shopping part of the event and in the Häagen Daz Oasis where you will receive complimentary ice-cream and even a free makeover from the people at L’Oréal Paris if you so desire. Admission: €40 - €75 Booking: www.styleinthecity.ie or call the Style Line on 0818 30 00 30 DUBLIN FRINGE FESTIVAL Flash mob opera, contortionists and one JCB Digger are among those tearing up the city this September as the 14th annual Dublin Fringe Festival hits the city this September. You never know what to expect at the Fringe and this year that could not be truer! Incorporating the biggest and strongest music line up in Fringe history, rediscovering the city by playing hide and seek, ‘pervasive gaming’, a robot’s talent show, a ballet dancer ac- companied by a JCB digger, X-factor ‘Fringe style’ and Ireland’s first ‘flash mob opera’ plus the biggest sell-out shows from around the world are among the playful pearls at this year’s Fringe Festival which runs from September 6-21. This annually anticipated jam-packed line-up of contemporary performing arts and music includes the much- loved Spiegeltent, a gorgeous tent of mirrors, which this year will be located in the intimate and magical Iveagh Gardens along with a brand new venue and younger sister tent, The Bosco Tent. With contortionists and sexy acrobats back from the 2007 sell out show La Clique, pimped-up artworks from Will St Leger, an all dancing, all gay son and mother cooking up a storm buffet a la mode, Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, cats morphing into actors, sex, money, power, reputation, IKEA goes to Hollywood all added to the mix and you’ve got the most acutely creative period in Dublin’s event calendar. For 16 days and nights the Fringe Festival offers, live gigs and performances with 130 companies (110 shows) spanning theatre, dance, music, live and visual arts in 42 venues across Dublin, the Fringe is a full-on, immersive arts experience that will leave you yearning for more and more. 6th - 21st September
GEMINI May 21 - Jun 21 A reality check won’t go amiss and this Summer Time will surely provide this for you. A change of scene will recharge your batteries. Take up the opportunities that come your way. If you can ac- cess a different perspec- tive on the tricky stuff, you can get life rock and rolling again. CANCER Jun 22 - July 22 Rise to the challenges life is bringing your way. You do not have to prove anything to anyone. Be mindful that you are not going anywhere any time soon; you might as well enjoy what life is serving up. Concentrate on get- ting things done in your own way and in your own time text a Psychic Is there one burning question you want answered now? Just text our leading Psychics with your question to receive a compelling answer. Just text MYSTIC followed by a space and your question to 57800 Texts to 57800 cost €2.50/message. This is not a subscription service. Live tarot Tarot is an ancient form of divination that allows gifted tarot readers to unlock the secrets of our lives. Call one of our gifted readers to receive a fascinating reading and find out what the future holds. 1580 500 978 Calls to 1580 cost €2.40/min. Live Clairvoyant With the power of seeing objects or actions beyond the range of natural vision, clairvoyants have a clear and intuitive knowledge of things, people and events. Call now. 1580 500 979 Calls to 1580 cost €2.40/min. Sudoku A B C D E F G H I 123 4567 8 9 COMPETITION! Win €100 Text the word CHOICE followed by a space and the number you have in the red circle to 57997 for a chance to win €100! Texts to 57997 cost €2 stUCk? Text the word choiceclue followed by a space and the grid ref. number to 53307 to get the answer for that square. E.g choiceclue A3 Texts to 53307 cost 0.60c Cost Statement:SP Phonovation, Helpline 0818 217 100.P.O Box 6, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. Over 18s only. Calls to 1550 cost .95c/min. to 1580 €2.40/min. Texts to 53307 cost €0.60 and 57800 cost €2.50. Texts to 579977 cost €2. Calls from mobiles cost more. Standard network charges apply. By using this service you agree to receive promotional messages. This is an entertainment service. ARIES Mar 20 - Apr 21 Let things roll for a while and allow your thoughts to clarify. A pro active ap- proach would be timely if you are feeling brave enough. In love, is there any point in the long good- bye? Ditch doubt, and re- new faith in your talents and abilities. There is no time like the present. TAURUS Apr 21 - May 21 If you don’t take the op- tion on a bit of a laugh, you might as well cry. Ac- cess a renewed sense of humour from somewhere. Okay you may feel out-of- sorts and challenged. But you CAN paint a better picture for yourself sim- ply by deciding to. Don’t take things quite so seri- ously. LEO July 23 - Aug 23 There is no competition after all. You are more than able for the rest of them put together. Pre- pare to shine in your own sphere of influence. Your luck is about to spin in a magnificent way. Prepare for things to get strato- sphere! You deserve the best; so accept what’s on the way with open arms… VIRGO Aug 24 - Sep 23 If someone has landed a ball in your court, you are duty bound to reflect a while. Prepare to give a response, it is only fair. Do not rise to the bait, but DO rise to the occasion. There is only so long you can leave something hang- ing in the air. Love heats up and you will get your answers LIBRA Sep 24 - Oct 23 Make nifty decisions that serve your own interests. There is no need to be unsure about what is go- ing down. Just make sure you’re ahead of the game without resorting to desperate measures. The times they are a changing’, which may be unsettling; but it is certainly not the end of the world. SCORPIO Oct 24 - Nov 22 Ditch the mad antics; for they will not win you any fans. A self-assured, ap- proachable face will of course. Make a great im- pression to the best of your ability. Hone your talents and skills. Inner stillness and peace of mind are priceless. Tap into that place of calm and serenity within. SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21 Concentrate on what you really want from life. Fo- cus will get you to where you need to be. Are you stuck between a rock and a hard place? What does this mean exactly? Realize that this ‘stuck in a mo- ment’ feeling may just be a matter of perception. Tackle dilemmas from a different angle. CAPRICORN Dec 22 - Jan 20 You will be surprised what an unusual twist can bring to the proceedings. Prepare to melt some- one’s heart with your wit, charm and sunny disposi- tion. Then your supposed disintegration will pale into insignificance. Avoid rows and clashes at all costs, for a stubborn na- ture could prove expen- sive… AQUARIUS Jan 21 - Feb 19 If you want to attract someone’s attention the best way is to be yourself. Don’t try too hard. Ex- travagant gestures tend to entertain rather than hit the spot. So don’t make a fool of yourself. Simply be and see what unfolds naturally. You are bound to attract the right people, experiences and things. PISCES Feb 20 - Mar 20 Remember that forcing issues is neither effective nor pretty. You are capa- ble of a whole lot more. Do not restrict what can happen. You now need to ditch expectations and let things be. The more things change, the more they stay the same. It is up to you to make the best of your opportunities. Horoscopes by Sarah Delamere Hurding Call 1550 500 290 or text choice followed by your starsign to 53307 e.g. choicearies to 53307 Call 1550 500 290 or text choice followed by your starsign to 53307 e.g. choicearies to 53307 Call 1550 500 290 or text choice followed by your starsign to 53307 e.g. choicearies to 53307
Favourite author? Mitch Albom, Karin Slaughter, Dean Koontz How do you want people to remember you? Cecelia? Oh yeah, I remember her. She was nice. Best advice you have ever been given? You should show that story to somebody. (my mother’s words) Who would you like to be trapped on a desert island with? My boyfriend. We could help the population grow. What do you do in your spare time? Roll around the fl oor with my nephews. Favourite TV Show? Samantha Who? (OK that’s too obvious. Anything where people solve crimes.) Favourite food? Broccoli and potatoes Up Close and Personal With... Cecelia Ahern What music are you listening to? Blue Canari by Slava Polunin First memory? At three years of age, sitting on my grandfather’s knee, in his favourite armchair in Jones’ Road, while he showed me how marvellous his amazing modern calculator was. He was wearing a cream knitted cardigan with brown buttons and he had a jelly chin that wobbled when he talked. Describe yourself in three words: Organised Free Spirit What one item could you not live without? Books. The world needs them. Best-selling author Cecelia Ahern is not just a pretty face. Her debut novel P.S. I Love You is now a major motion picture and she’s taking America by storm with her hit comedy Samantha Who? We have a feeling that there’s a lot more to come. Nomination for best dressed female? Dita von Teese Best dressed male? David Beckham Most romantic thing you have ever done? Dedicated PS I Love You to my boyfriend. Favourite book? The Time Traveller’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. Favourite movie? The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Favourite holiday destination? Kerry in August
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