bloom magazine (march 15 online)

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EAST BELFASTISSUE 37MARCH 2015

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WINTER TYRESAdvice on selecting your tyres for winter from local experts Roundabout Tyres, Ballygowan Road

During such harsh winters, driving conditions become extremely challenging and making sure you are safe on the road is important. Cold weather tyres or Winter tyres as they are also now commonly known, are one of the key factors in ensuring you, and your family, are safe during the winter months.

WHAT ARE WINTER TYRES?What makes a winter tyre different from a ‘summer’ tyre is the tread compound and tread pattern. The tread compound of a winter tyre contains more natural rubber so that it does not harden when it’s cold. This ensures that the tyre stays flexible in low winter temperatures (below +7C) which helps to reduce the stopping distance and maintain excellent grip on snow and ice as well as on wet roads in cold conditions.The design of the tread on a winter tyre allows the tread to bite in to snow and ice to give interlock-ing grip, which is critical in the centre of the tread where the tyre carries the highest load. The most common way to identify a winter tyre is to check the sidewall as this will be marked with a symbol showing a snowflake or snow-topped mountains. It is important to note that winter tyres are not suitable for all year round use – summer tyres will provide better performance when temperatures are higher and roads are dry.

does, now on average, have many days that are cold with a surprising number of them with ice and snow. Recent winters have resulted in chaos on the UK roads with many people struggling to get out of their road or driveway. In the UK there is currently no legal requirement to use winter tyres but with drivers being six times more likely to have an accident from October to March (Source: driving.org), there is a strong argument for fitting them to your vehicle and winter tyres make sense if you live in a high altitude or remote area of the UK where winter conditions are likely to be worse for longer. It is recommended Winter tyres be fitted in sets of four. Fitting only one pair may affect the balance and stability of the car.

Shorter Stopping Distances, improved safety, reduced aquaplaning

Although the UK does not consistently suffer from extreme winters like many parts of Europe, it

WHY FIT WINTER TYRES?

In comparison to summer tyres, winter tyres not only reduce braking distance significantly in snow and ice but also in cold and wet weather and due to the specially developed compound which contains more natural rubber and in-creased groove ratio a winter tyre can maintain excellent grip in snow/ice and wet conditions. The specific tread pattern design of winter tyres can also disperse a greater amount of water, ef-fectively, reducing the risk of aquaplaning.

For more info about winter tyre options available to you, contact Roundabout Tyres:1D Ballygowan Rd. Tel: 028 9079 6552

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Welcome to the March issue of Bloom, where we are stepping into Spring. Spring is a time of growth, renewal and of new beginnings. All around us we can see this as flowers burst into colour and new life is emerging. The amazing and comical, late Robin Williams was once quoted saying Spring is natures way of saying, ‘Let’s Party!’ and I think he got it spot on! Mid month we welcome Mothers Day and at the tail end we can officially start our Easter celebrations, another two reasons to celebrate Spring time. This months Bloom is as usual filled with what is going on in the East. There’s loads to catch up on over the next few pages and a few dates to put in the diary.

As Spring blows in we get an insight to the latest trends and what's going to be hitting the catwalks as the excitement builds for the always glamourous West Coast Cooler, Belfast FASHIONWEEK. Get all the dates and style info here in Bloom.

We have yet another local expert / blogger joining our rapidly growing team this month. Jennie Hammond is East Belfast's equivalent to Martin Lewis the 'Money Saving Expert'. Jennie is going to keep us on the straight and narrow money wise over the next few months and starts off this month with some basic tips to make the pennies go further.

Last month I introduced you to Dawn, our resident movie blogger. This month Dawn went off to see the eagerly awaited 'Fifty shades of Grey'. Find out wether it was worth the wait!

All this and so much more inside! Sit down, put your feet up and catch up on all the amazing things going on on your doorstep.

Angela ^

Any views expressed within are not necessarily endorsed by Bloom Magazine or Newborn Media. Reference to any specific product or service does not constitute or imply its endorsement or recommendation by Bloom Magazine. Links and contacts are provided for user convenience and do not constitute or imply endorsement or recommendation by Bloom Magazine. Any reproduction without permission is prohibited.

Welcome Contents

LATEST NEWSFROM YOUR LOCAL AREA

ASK THE EXPERT DUNDELA PHARMACY

HEALTH & BEAUTYSECRET DAY SPA

THE GOOD LIFESTEPHEN MOORE

COOKBOOKMARK STONE @ FOODIE FOLK

LOCAL EXPERTERIC MERCER

PROPERTY BLOOMJOHN MINNIS

WHAT’S ONIN EAST BELFAST

THE BIG PICTUREFILM NEWS

LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR LINES & CURRENT

WEST COAST COOLERFASHIONWEEK

EMBARRASSING BUDGETSJENNIE HAMMOND

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Find us:City East Business Centre 68-72 Newtownards RoadBelfast BT4 1GW www.bloommagazine.co.uk

Contact:Angela Campbell | [email protected] | 07719 104862

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Printed by: Nicholson BassDistributed by: Speedpost NI

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ANY NEWS? GET IN TOUCH! MARCH 2015

News

TENNIS CLUB HOLDS SPECIAL OPEN DAY FOR NEW MEMBERS!A hidden gem in the heart of Ballyhackamore, Gilnahirk Tennis Club (the club moved to Ballyhackamore some years ago) is holding an open day for new members on 21st March from 2 - 4pm.

The small, friendly club plays all year round in the grounds of Bloomfield Collegiate School just off the Newtownards Road - entrance via Knockhill Park - on 3 floodlit astroturf courts.

So if you fancy brushing up your tennis skills, come and join us for a fun afternoon of tennis, see round the club and meet the members. We’re even providing a free coaching session with Adrian, our resident coach, as well as refreshments.

And we have a tempting offer for new members - a month’s free trial with no obligation to join. If you decide to join after a month (and we hope you will) it will cost you just £90 for the year.

So you can’t lose!

For more information, telephone Ronnie on 07412528127 www.gilnahirktennis.org.uk

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‘SPRING’ INTO ST GEORGE’SThere’ll be a host of family-orientated activities at St George’s Market this spring with something to suit everyone.

March and April are set to be two very busy months and there’ll be a ‘spring’ in everyone’s step as Mothering Sunday, St Patrick’s Day, Easter and the St George’s Market Spring Fair fast approach – making the market a ‘must visit’ location in everyone’s spring calendar.

There’s plenty of free live entertainment in the pipeline too and the market has now extended their live music offering to include a Friday and music is now being played for longer on both Saturdays and Sundays too – allowing you more time to soak up the atmosphere at gorgeous St George’s.

So why not keep up-to-date with all that’s happening at the market by visiting www.belfastcity.gov.uk/markets or email [email protected] including your full name and email address to be added to our mailing list to receive the monthly St George’s Market e-zine.

[email protected] Bloom Magazine Belfast @bloommag BloomMagBelfast

LOCAL

NEWS

VIEWS

EVENTS

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News

THE PETER MAUD10K WALK

A true gathering of hairdressers and dogs. What a great time to do something for us to help other people than to do a sponsored walk to help Action Cancer and also Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke.

Ten hairdressers and six dogs walking the river Lagan at Shaw's Bridge on a glorious Sunday afternoon. The clients, friends and family gave us the help in raising £900 in sponsorship money and helping us to get outside on a cold Sunday morning, to clear our heads and not a blow dryer in sight.

Thank you to all with kindness.

WITH LOVE FROM GEORGE BEST BELFAST CITY AIRPORT

George Best Belfast City Airport has teamed up with East Belfast charity, Dee Street Loop Group, to help fund a number of fun, interactive social events for senior citizens to enjoy throughout the year. Working in collaboration with Belfast City Council’s Engage with Age programme, Dee Street Community Group aims to reduce isolation by building cross community social connections with the elderly through a wide variety of creative workshops, outdoor activities and events, part funded by the Belfast City Airport Community Fund. Pictured enjoying the festivities at the charity’s Valentine’s Tea Dance is husband and wife duo, Godfrey and Ria Brock-Gadd.

For more information on how your school, group or project can apply to the Belfast City Airport Community Fund, please contact: [email protected]

SPRING FAIR 2015Date: 18 Apr 2015 - 19 Apr 2015 Time: 1.30pm - 5.30pm Venue: Barnett Demesne

Come along for a weekend of family fun, including:

• floral art demonstrations• spring flower show exhibitions• live music• entertainment and dancing• children's activities.

There is no parking at Barnett Demesne. Free park and ride shuttle buses will run from the Mary Peters Track to the event. Please consider using alternative methods of transport to the fair to help care for the environment. No dogs (except assistance dogs) are allowed in event area.

MAGIC IN THE PARK: AN ENCHANTED AFTERNOONDate: 28 Mar 2015 Time: 12noon - 3.30pmVenue: Belmont Park

Belmont Park will come alive with the faeries of Oberon and Titania to celebrate the arrival of spring!

Join the magical residents and stumble upon the bewitched inhabitants as magic and mischief, music and mayhem take hold. You'll experience the magic of nature and Shakespeare’s universe with dance, drama, crafts, music and fun. The event will take place at the Campbell College side of Belmont Park. Please email [email protected] to book your place.

LOCAL NEWSVIEWS EVENTS

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News

HEARTSINE TECHNOLOGIES SUPPORTING THE BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION’S WEAR RED DAY

Joining the fight for every heartbeat, employees from Belfast based HeartSine Technologies, the only manufacturer of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in the UK and Ireland, have taken part in the British Heart Foundation’s Wear Red Day which took place on Friday 6th February in order to fund lifesaving heart research. With defibrillators increasing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) survival rates to over 75% when used in conjunction with proper cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), compared to less than 5% with just CPR, HeartSine is in full support of the British Heart Foundation’s pioneering research which is central to the discovery and treatment of heart and circulatory conditions such as arrhythmias, which in many cases are undetected and can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. With 84 percent of SCA events occurring away from a healthcare setting, it is HeartSine’s aim to equip as many schools, offices and public buildings with AEDs in order to increase the survival rates of as many SCA victims as possible. For more information about how you can protect your premises or workplace with a defibrillator, please visit www.heartsine.com.

WIN A BOUQUET FOR MOTHER’S DAYMrs Bouquet Florist on Grand Parade are giving one lucky child the opportunity to win their mummy a free Mother’s Day Bouquet.

To enter, simply post or drop your child’s entry into the shop before 5pm Thursday 12th March. Winner will be drawn and notified on Friday 13th March. Bring Mum in on Mother’s Day (Saturday 14th March) to choose Mum’s bouquet to the value of £30.


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News

DAVID MEADE WILL BE GETTING LOCAL RESIDENTS IN EAST BELFAST RECYCLING!Local environmental charity Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful in partnership with Bryson Charitable Group are currently running a project in East Belfast which aims to encourage people to recycle more of their household waste.

As an exciting initiative to the project David Meade, BBC Mentalist, will be delivering some FREE events in the local area where he will be doing what he does best – reading minds, interacting with the audience and having fun! The events will provide a fun and interactive environment for people to get involved and be entertained by a local celebrity!

There will also be other activities, community events and workshops taking place around the local area to engage with as many households as possible to help instil the recycling message for the long-term.

Carmel Fyfe, Eco-Schools Manager, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful said, “If we can get householders to make one small change to their household recycling habits it could make a big difference. For example, it can take up to 1,000 years for a plastic bottle to decompose in a landfill so something as simple as putting plastic milk cartons in your recycling bin will help the environment. It is also expensive to send waste to landfill so significantly improving recycling rates will leave more money for our parks and community centres.”

This project is part of an Eco-Home Rethink Waste project. The Eco-Home programme aims to help householders save money and reduce household bills by making small, simple changes to their household habits. More details of the Eco-Home programme can be found at www.eco-homeni.org. Everyone who registers with Eco-Home between now and before the 25th March will be entered into a prize draw with the chance to win supermarket vouchers and cinema tickets.

ECO-HOME

GET IN TOUCHIf you would like to book your free tickets for the David Meade event or would like to learn more about the project please contact Emma Hudson on

Tel: 028 9073 6920 or email: [email protected]


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COMING TO YOUR AREA

BELFASTTuesday 24th March at 7pm

Exchange Church Belfast 179/187 Albertbridge Road

David will be reading minds, having fun and teaching you how to SAVE MONEY on household bills

To book your FREE place at this event please contact Emma Hudson

Emma.Hudson@ keepnorthernirelandbeautiful.org

FREE Interactive eventEVERYONE WELCOME

Refreshments will be provided

028 9073 6920

As seen on the

As part of the Eco-Home Rethink Waste Project

David Meade leaflet Belfast [A5].indd 1 12/02/2015 15:34


News

ANTHONY TONER APPOINTEDMANAGER FOR EASTSIDE ARTS.East Belfast Partnership is delighted to announce the appointment of Anthony Toner as our first EastSide Arts Manager. This is a crucial step forward as we seek to deliver and support arts development across the east of the city, with support from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council.

Anthony has over ten years’ experience of arts management, based at Flowerfield Arts Centre in Portstewart, where his responsibilities included programming of the annual arts festival, organising the centre’s year-round concert programme, re-development of the schedule of creative classes, management of the centre’s marketing activities and technical responsibility for events.

In addition, he has almost twenty years’ experience in journalism, working as a reporter for a number of local weekly titles in Northern Ireland, including a number of years as editor of The Chronicle newspaper in Coleraine.

Anthony is also active as a singer songwriter, having released six critically-acclaimed albums of original material. His song ‘Sailortown’ remains one of Northern Ireland radio’s most requested songs and he has toured extensively, performing on a number of occasions in Nashville, New York and at Austin’s South by South West festival, as well as making concert appearances in Canada. His album Sing Under the Bridges was shortlisted for the inaugural Northern Ireland Music Prize in 2013.

In addition, he has published a number of pieces of short fiction and has written scripts and music for several theatre productions.

Anthony and his wife, writer and theatre director Andrea Montgomery, who is Artistic Director of Terra Nova Productions, live in East Belfast. They are both passionate about the ongoing development of the area and the key role of arts in its regeneration.

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News

CHARITY CAR WASH AT KNOCKFIRE STATIONLocal charity FASA, in partnership with Knock Fire Station, will be hosting a Charity Car Wash on Saturday 28 March 2015 at Knock Fire Station from 10am 4pm.

This is in a bid to raise vital funds for a new Crisis Centre they have opened just opposite the Fire Station on the Upper Newtownards Road – The Nightingale. This is a first for Northern Ireland as the Nightingale will be a 24/7 Crisis Support Centre. It will provide a resource for people at risk of suicide and self-harm with a place to go and receive help and support in their crucial hour of need. The tranquil venue will offer access to a quiet, comfortable space, hosting the person in distress to rest while also accommodating supportive family or friends. We would like to invite the public to come along, get your car washed and support FASA at the same time. Fireman Sam will be lending a hand on day courtesy of Funky Fun. So come along and join the fun. For more information contact Lorna on 028 9080 3040 or email [email protected]

CO. DOWN DISTRICT CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPSCongratulations to Grosvenor Grammar School pupil Lois Hagen, Lower 6th, who was victorious in the Senior Girls’ category at the County Down District Cross Country Championships, held at Delamont Country Park on the afternoon of Wednesday 4th February. In addition to Lois’ superb performance the Senior Girls team also secured an overall finish of second place, helped by the impressive performances of additional members Sophie Rea (9th place) and Katie Allen, who finished in 13th position.

In the boys races standout Grosvenor performances came from the Minor Boys’ team which finished second overall, with Andrew Hagen placing 5th, Steven Wright finishing 6th, Gareth Campbell cominghome in 8th and Ethan Crawford securing a laudable 15th place finish. In addition form five pupil Aaron Harrison also performed superbly to finish 5th in the Inter category while Paul Pruzina, Upper 6th, recovered well from an early fall to place 7th in the Senior age-group.

Well done to all of the above, as well as their coaches Mrs Karen Kirk, Mrs Linda McIlvenny and Mr Andrew Gibson, without whose efforts the competitors would not have fared so well; we now wish them the best of luck at the Ulster Championships which will be held at Mallusk Playing Fields on Tuesday 24th February.


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News

NI STREET LEAGUE RE-LAUNCHES AS STREET SOCCER NIAt a re-launch event in Skainos Newtownards Road Belfast on Wednesday 28th January, NI Ireland Street League changed its name to Street Soccer NI.

Street Soccer NI uses football to create change in some of the most marginalised communities, including the homeless. The Lord Mayor of Belfast Nichola Mallon attended the event and took time out to chat to the players about the project and their experiences. Nichola has been a consistent supporter of the project and it meant a lot to the team that she attended and spoke so passionately about homelessness. Street Soccer NI runs football leagues, coaching sessions, education and training programmes, and provides volunteer opportunities. Participants include people who are homeless or have been homeless, people with mental health issues, addiction issues, refugees and asylum seekers, and other disadvantaged groups. The charity uses football as a hook to support positive change in players’ lives, develop role models and leaders, and create better communities. Each year Street Soccer NI selects the NI team for the Homeless World Cup, puts them through a training programme, and brings the team to compete in the event. The Homeless World Cup gives opportunities to people who have experienced homelessness a chance to use the power of football to re-energise their lives. Teams from over 65 countries compete in the international football event, which has been running now for the last 11 years. In October 2014 Team NI competed in the Homeless World Cup in Santiago Chile. The players trained hard for the event and it paid off when they won the Accion Totale Cup in an exciting final against Denmark! All players from the team are now living in their own homes and several have completed their coaching badges with the IFA and are now role models for others. Padraig McKissock was Northern Ireland’s top scorer and he has now been signed by Bangor FC! This year the competition takes place in Amsterdam. With the help of supporters, volunteers, staff and players another team will travel to compete in the competition. Last year’s team Captain Brendan Kingsmore said: “Football brings me a different level of happiness. I care more about my life thanks to football. I literally owe my life to football”. Irish FA Director of Football Development, Michael Boyd, who is a Coach Mentor for Street League said: “The Homeless World Cup is a celebration of all our hard work with partners such as the East Belfast Mission over the last four years providing football, health and education opportunities for some of the most marginalised men in Northern Ireland. NI Street League is making history, with the participants acting as strong ambassadors for smashing the stigma of homelessness.”

Gavin Adams, Director of Business Development, Extern: “Extern is delighted to be supporting the ‘Homeless World Cup’. We believe that everyone has the ability to make a positive contribution to society and are delighted that two of our clients will represent their country in this prestigious event”


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DUNDELA PHARMACY

Pharmacist Lesa McLoughlin from Dundela Pharmacy on the Belmont Road continues her regular healthcare feature with some advice about stopping smoking:

If you smoke, giving up is probably the single most important step you can take to improve your health. The problem is it’s not that easy! This month it’s National No Smoking day on the 11th March so if you have been thinking about giving up now is a good time to do something about it.

Giving up smoking increases your chance of living a longer, healthier life, even if you have smoked for 40 years. One month after quitting your skin will become clearer, brighter and more hydrated. After three to nine months your breathing will have improved and you will no longer have a cough or wheeze. One year after quitting your risk of heart attack and heart disease will have fallen to about half that of a smoker.

Stopping smoking or even going for a few hours without a cigarette leads to withdrawal. This in turn leads to bad moods, feeling irritable, difficulty concentrating and a craving for cigarettes. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) works by releasing nicotine steadily into your bloodstream at much lower levels than in a cigarette, without the tar, carbon monoxide and other poisonous chemicals present in tobacco smoke. This helps to control your cravings and improve your mood. Visit your doctor or pharmacist to discuss which of the NRT products available are best for you.

Only you can decide to quit. There is lots of help available but you need to be ready to give up for good. Decide on a quit date and stick to it. Speak to your Doctor or Pharmacist before this date so that you have whichever nicotine replacement therapy you have chosen in place and ready to go. Some people find that cutting down slowly helps in which case you can use the quick release NRT products alongside, increasing the gaps between cigarettes so that by 6 weeks you should be smoking half of your usual amount.

Identify when you crave cigarettes and think of strategies to cope with these times. For example changing what you drink when out can affect your need for a cigarette. And think about this: the combination of smoking and drinking raises your risk of mouth cancer by 38 times. Make a list of reasons to quit and read it when you need support. A lot of people find it helpful to put aside the money that they would have spent on cigarettes each week and save for something, for example that dream holiday you have always talked about.

Take one day at a time and remember to visit your local pharmacy anytime for help and advice.

Patches – best for those who smoke constantly: we can discuss how many you smoke a day, how soon on waking you have your first cigarette and if you wake during the night, this will determine whether or not you use a 16 hour or 24 hour patch and the starting strength,

Gum, lozenges, and tiny tablets – provide a quick release of nicotine useful for occasional smokers or those who smoke more at certain times of the day or in certain stressful situations,

Nasal or mouth spray – most closely mimics the rapid increase in nicotine levels that you get from smoking but can cause a bad taste or irritate the nose,

Inhalator – perfect for those who miss having the cigarette in their hands and quickly delivers nicotine when you need it. Electronic or vapor cigarettes may prove to be useful but as yet they are unregulated.

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Treating your make-up bag to a thorough spring clean may not sound like the most exciting activity in the world but at least it frees up some extra space for some new beauty purchases!

With the season's new fresh spring colours just starting to arrive in store, now's the time to get ruthless with your beauty bag.

Get rid of last season's old eye shadows and lip colours that you're never going to wear and make way for a few essentials. And dispose of any items you suspect might be past their sell-by date too.

Make-up can 'go off' in the same way that a fragrance does when it's been sitting around in your bathroom cabinet for too long.

Mascara, for example, shouldn't be kept longer than about four months.

Foundation usually lasts about two years - any longer than that and you'll find it starts to smell odd and change colour - so you may want to keep your winter base tucked away until next year, while you invest in a lighter, more sheer foundation for spring.

Lipstick is the one make-up bag essential that lasts, year after year - and that could be why so many of us end up with far too many of them crammed inside our make-up bags!

Be brutal. Throw away the colours you never wear and replace those dark winter shades with a few lighter, more natural-looking lipsticks and gloss.

Once you've de-cluttered, it's time to give your make-up brushes an overhaul.

Spring clean your beauty bag

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Flowers of Elegance Full page.pdf 1 25/02/2015 12:18

THE GOOD LIFE

For the suburban homesteader space is a very valuable commodity, and yet every farm needs livestock! This is where the noble honey bee comes in. You might not own 8000+ acres but if you place a hive, which can be kept on a few square feet, in your garden the bees will feed themselves on the flowers and trees for miles around!

The joy of bee keeping might seem to most the deliciously sweet liquid gold that the bees work so hard to make from all their foraging trips, and it is true that no better produce can you get from your garden than honey. However, the bees themselves captivate and enchant with their strange ways that keeping bees quickly becomes more than just honey. Did you know that all the honeybees that leave the hive to collect nectar from flowers are female? Yes the workers are the ladies and all that the male bees (aka drones) do all day is eat and hang around in the wing waiting for a queen to mate with, which when it happens he promptly dies. (All the women have just cheered inside at the doom of the lazy male!) And then we have the queen, who can lay 2000 eggs a day, prancing about inside the hive never leaving unless to mate in the first weeks of her life or in later years to swarm.

A swarm may seem like a scary thing, but contrary to popular belief this is actually a time when the bees are least likely to attack. It is how they multiply, the queen leaves the hive with half of the bees to find a new home, leaving the old portion in the charge of her soon-to-hatch daughter. Someone might see a swarm on a branch of a tree, a mass of bees around the size and shape of a rugby ball, this is them in waiting while a small number of them scout out a suitable new nesting site. If you see a swarm then please get in touch with a local beekeeper via the website below.

Not everyone is cut out for bee keeping, and yet you can help bees out by planting nectar and pollen sources in your garden. Check out Belfast City Bee on Facebook for more information on what species are good for bees. If you do wish to learn more about beekeeping then connect with the Belfast & District Beekeepers' Association at www.belfastbees.org.uk.

SECOND OF A FOUR PART SERIES ON HOME PRODUCE

BROUGHT TO YOU BY LOCAL BOY STEPHEN MOORE

PART 2:

BEEKEEPING

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cookbook

Ingredients (Serves 4)

- 400g pasta (penne or fusilli)- 400g Hot Italian sausages- 1 jar tomato passata (700g)- 2 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)- 2 tbsp olive oil- 1 teaspoon sugar- Salt & peppe- Parmesan to garnish (grated)

Method

Remove skin from sausages and chop into roughly 1 inch pieces.

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large frying pan. Add sausages to pan until browned. In a large saucepan add the other tablespoon of olive oil. Add garlic and heat very gently for a few minutes. Do not allow garlic to go brown (this will make it bitter).

Add passata, sugar, salt & pepper and the sausages to the pot and bring to a simmer. Allow to simmer for approximately 30 minutes. In a separate pot cook pasta of your choice according to instructions on packet.

Time to plate up. Set some pasta on each plate, spoon on the sauce and sprinkle with grated parmesan.

Simple & beautiful. The sausages are pretty hot so no need to add any more chilli. There’s a lovely little hint of fennel seeds too!

Hot Italian Sausage Ragu

ABOUT MARKMark is Proprietor of Foodie Folk, based in Gilnahirk.

Mark believes good, simple ingredients are the key to

proper fast food. Speaking of ingredients, while your in

Foodie Folk grabbing a coffee, you can pick up the best

locally sourced ingredients.

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Beef Stroganoff

Ingredients (Serves 4)

- 300g Basmati Rice- 680g beef fillet tails* (sliced to- approximately 1cm thick) - 60g butter- 1 large onion- 1.5 tbsp paprika- 350g button mushrooms (thinly sliced)- 3 tbsp sunflower oil- 300ml soured cream- 2 tsp lemon juice- Small handful parsley (finely chopped)- Salt & pepper

*fillet tails are the end piece of full beef fillet. They are not the perfect shape for steaks so are a lot cheaper. The meat is still the same quality.

Method

Melt the butter in a large frying pan. Add the paprika and onions and gently cook until onions are soft and sweet. Do not allow onions to go brown.

Add mushrooms and cook for a further 4-5 minutes. Empty contents into a dish and set aside.

Cook rice according to instructions on packet.

Wipe the frying pan clean and set back on hob. Leave pan on dry heat until smoking (no oil). Mix the sliced fillet tails with the salt & pepper and olive oil. When pan is smoking add the fillet tails. Fry for approximately 30 seconds each side.

Add the onion mix into the pan with the steak and add soured cream & lemon juice. Gently heat to a simmer. Once bubbles appear it’s ready to serve.

Add parsley to garnish

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ERIC MERCER OPTICIANS

Local optometrist Eric Mercer answers your questions and gives advice on common eye problems.

While the number of smokers has halved over the last 30 years, there are still over 10 million people in the UK who continue to smoke. “No Smoking Day” on Wednesday 11th March aims to further reduce these numbers and improve their health outlook. It’s well known that smoking causes major health problems, like lung cancer and heart disease, but did you know it can also seriously damage your eyesight? Recent research shows that being a smoker can double or triple your chances of sight loss. For example, conditions like macular degeneration, cataracts and vascular disease are all adversely affected by smoking.

Eric can be contacted at his practice at448 Woodstock Road, Belfast, BT6 9DR.

Tel: 028 9058 3030

For more information check out the practicewebsite at: www.ericmerceropticians.com

Macular degenerationMacular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in adults over 65 and smoking is the single greatest avoidable risk factor. Macular degeneration is caused by a breakdown in the delicate cells of the macula - the most central part of the retina at the back of your eye. When the macula is damaged, your central vision is impaired, making it difficult to see fine detail, such as small print or features on people’s faces. It is estimated that being a smoker increases your risk of developing macular degeneration by as much as three times. Also, you are more likely to progress to more severe, disabling forms of the disease.

Cataracts Cataracts are a clouding of the lens inside your eye. They cause blurred, misty vision and are part of the normal ageing process. However, being a smoker greatly increases your chances of developing cataracts – by as much as three times. The odds shorten the longer you’ve been a smoker and the heavier you smoke. Furthermore, smokers are more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age and to progress to denser, more advanced forms that often require surgery.

Vascular DiseaseSmokers are more prone to developing hardened arteries and blocked blood vessels throughout the body. If the blood supply to one of your eyes is affected, the result can be the sudden loss of part or all of the vision in that eye. Unfortunately, this damage is often permanent and irreversible. If you have pre-existing vascular conditions like diabetes and blood pressure you are at particular risk.

ASK THE OPTICIAN

SMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYES

Stopping SmokingThe good news is that the risk of smoking-related eye problems reduces as soon as you stop. Furthermore, the dangers decline steadily the longer you remain a non-smoker. If you would like to stop smoking, help and advice is available through your GP or pharmacist. Also, the “No Smoking Day” website can offer help and support. (www.nosmokingday.org.uk). So, don’t delay - “be proud to be a quitter” and join the thousands of smokers pledging to make 11th March “the day you start to stop”. As well as enjoying better general health, you’ll help preserve your eyesight too.

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LOCALEXPERT

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THIS MONTH,BLOOM CATCHES UP WITH ONE OF NORTHERN IRELAND’S LEADING ESTATE AGENTS, JOHN MINNIS.

They have said 2015 will be a good year to invest in property.

A confident marketplace combined with greater affordability and low interest rates has prompted the owner of the 10 year-old, multi-award winning agency with three offices, to make the announcement.

John Minnis, director of John Minnis estate agents said: “Northern Ireland has seen the highest number of house sales in seven years, and market forecasts and indeed our own, show that this trend is set to continue.

According to official figures from the residential property price index, 2014 saw 20,200 transactions, with 5,300 homes sold during the final three months.

Prices rose 8% across the year, but are still 1% below what they were at the beginning of 2005.

All indications are showing that prices will continue to rise, further stimulating the market, which means, provided the purchaser is in a sound financial situation, this will make property a healthy long-term investment.

Prices are low and lenders, whilst their criteria is stricter than it once was, are lending, and their interest rates are also low.”

John concluded: “What we are saying to our clients is, if you are thinking of purchasing a property for long-term investment, and you have the means to do so, 2015 will be a great year to doit!”

If you are interested in buying, renting or selling with John Minnis Estate Agents, visit www.johnminnis.co.uk or call 028 9042 8888.

JOHN MINNISDirector

THEPROPERTYBLOOM

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Thinking about

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Century 21 Full page.pdf 1 18/02/2015 11:38

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WIDE RANGE OFWINTER TYRES

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EVENTS EtcCalvary Mums & Toddlers.10.30-12.00am. £1 per family.100 Dee St, BT4 028 9073 2331 Little StarsThe Salvation Army 110 Cregagh RoadToys/snacks/craft/music. £1.50 per family. 10am-12 term time for 0-4 years. 028 9045 4466. Sydenham Parent & Toddler Mon 10-11.30 £1 per familyInverary CC BT4 1RN 028 9047 1456St Finnians10-11.30 Cregagh Park, 9079 2793.Wandsworth Mums & Chums10-11.45am. Wandsworth CC. £126a Belmont Church Rd. 07903 674698

Albertbridge Congregational10.30-12.15Woodstock Link. Donation £1CFC Mops & Tots9.30-11am (term time - alternate Tuesdays) £1 for one child, £1.50 total for more. Tea/coffee/juice/snacks.CFC Mops9.30-11am (term time - alternate Tuesdays) £3.50 per mum. Breakfast and creche provided. 10 Belmont Rd. 028 9067 1838 www.thisiscfc.comMersey Street Presb.10-11.45am term time. £1.Mersey St Presbyterian 028 90 657025St Donards Church

Tel: 028 9065 2321£1 for adults. Tea/coffee/juiceStrandtown Baptist Tots10.00- 11.30am (term time)Strandtown Baptist Church, 1 Clonallon Court BT4 2ABTel: 028 9080 8380 £1 per adultTots & Co

10.15- 11.45am (term time)Cregagh Methodist Church£1.50 per family (incl juice/snack & tea. 28-30 Cregagh Rd. 028 9045 7564

Busy Bees 10 -11:30am Knock Methodist Church, Knock Road. Tel: 028 9065 3413

10.30-12 37 North Road, BT5 5NE

Community, 464 Castlereagh Road

St Colmcille’s Parent & Toddler10am term time St Colmcille’s Parish Hall (opposite Tesco’s) in Ballyhackamore. Men looking after young children welcome. 191a Upper Newtownards Rd

10-12pm W’stock Rd, 028 9045 7654

10-11.30am £1 per familyGrand Parade 028 9065 8946.Cregagh Mums & Tots10-12pm Cregagh CC. Mount Merrion Avenue. Tel: 028 9040 1444Gilnahirk PresbyterianThursdays 10-11.30am. £1 per family. 161 Gilnahirk Rd. Laura 07708 000025Kirkpatrick Memorial PresbParents & Toddlers. 10-11.30amUpper Newtownards Rd £1 donationKnock Parent & Toddler10-11.45am Knock Presbyterian53 Kings Road, Gillian 07803 117619.

Tots ‘R’ Us10.30am House of Worship127a Orby Drive

Tel: 07791 776307/07980 984506St Columba’s Mums & Tots9.45-11.45 (term time). 29 Kings Road

Ballyhackamore Library1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204Books R Us 9-11 yr olds reading group (third Mon of month) 3.30-4.30Knit & Natter 2-4pmBedtime Stories 7pm. Me Time (Last Mon of the month) For busy women 7-8.Bean Blessed

Tea/ coffee, scones, pastries. 10.30-12 Harding MemorialRainbows girls 4-7yrs Monday 6pm Brownies girls 7-10yrs Monday 7pm Guides 10-14yrs Mondays 7pm. Contact Clare 07905 556825.

Ladies Coffee Morning 1st Mon of month 10.30am 37 North Rd 028 9065 7876Skainos Building skainos.orgBadminton 2-3pm. Crosslinks - Cross Community Arts 7-9pm 14-21 yr olds. Contact Andy Hill.Strand Cinema & NI StarsHolywood Road, BT4 .nistars.comSinging & dancing 7-8pm Wandsworth Community028 9065 1668. Children’s Drama Academy 5-6pm. Children & Teens carnival drumming 6.30pm-7.30pm. Aerobics 7-8pm. Combat 8.15-9.30pm

Belmont Towerwww.belmont-tower.co.uk Childrens dance classes 4-7pm Pregnancy Yoga 7.30-8.30pmEast Belfast Wine MakersSkainos Building skainos.orgCompass Womens Group 7-9pm

MondaysTODDLER GROUPS

Tuesdays

Wednesdays

Thursdays

Fridays

Mondays

Tuesdays

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Calvary Mums & Toddlers.10.30-12.00am. £1 per family.100 Dee St, BT4 028 9073 2331 Little StarsThe Salvation Army 110 Cregagh RoadToys/snacks/craft/music. £1.50 per family. 10am-12 term time for 0-4 years. 028 9045 4466. Sydenham Parent & Toddler Mon 10-11.30 £1 per familyInverary CC BT4 1RN 028 9047 1456St Finnians10-11.30 Cregagh Park, 9079 2793.Wandsworth Mums & Chums10-11.45am. Wandsworth CC. £126a Belmont Church Rd. 07903 674698








10-12pm W’stock Rd, 028 9045 7654








Mondays

TODDLER GROUPS

Tuesdays

Wednesdays

Thursdays

Fridays

Mondays

Tuesdays

EVENTS Etc

what’s on email your event details to:[email protected]

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RJS PATTERSON Full page.pdf 1 29/01/2015 14:40

EVENTS EtcCalvary Mums & Toddlers.10.30-12.00am. £1 per family.100 Dee St, BT4 028 9073 2331 Little StarsThe Salvation Army 110 Cregagh RoadToys/snacks/craft/music. £1.50 per family. 10am-12 term time for 0-4 years. 028 9045 4466. Sydenham Parent & Toddler Mon 10-11.30 £1 per familyInverary CC BT4 1RN 028 9047 1456St Finnians10-11.30 Cregagh Park, 9079 2793.Wandsworth Mums & Chums10-11.45am. Wandsworth CC. £126a Belmont Church Rd. 07903 674698








10-12pm W’stock Rd, 028 9045 7654








MondaysTODDLER GROUPS

Tuesdays

Wednesdays

Thursdays

Fridays

Mondays

Tuesdays

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what’s on

Skainos Building skainos.orgFusion - Weekly programme of games, crafts & fun for p1-p7’s. 6.30-8pm £1 per person. Contact Tanita Robinson.The AcademyLego Club 3.30-4.30pm. Ages 3-6 years. £5 p/wk. 77 Holywood Rd. 028 9508 8818Wandsworth CommunityPainting for Pleasure 11am-1pmChildrens Ju Jitsu 6-8pm Fitness & Boxing Class 8.30-9.30pmShiloh Hall 07712 299206, 76 The Mount, NDCoffee Morning 10:30-12.

37 North Road, BT5 5NESearchlight Club p1-p7. 10.30-12.Skainos Building skainos.orgWalking Trips from 10amStrand Cinema & NI StarsHolywood Road, BT4 Stage school 10-1pm www.nistars.comThe Academy10am Lego Club. 11am Claycrazy Club. £5 per session. 77 Holywood Rd. 028 9508 8818Yoga BelfastPregnancy Yoga @ Physioworks Gilnahirk. 10.30-11.45am @ Com-munity drop in class 10.30-11.45am @ Gilnahirk Primary. yogabelfast.com Wandsworth Community028 9065 1668STX/Kickboxing 10am-11.30am

Strand Cinema & NI StarsHolywood Road, BT4Singling & dancing 1.30-3.30pm www.nistars.com

Ballyhackamore Library1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204Rhythm & Rhyme (1st & 3rd Thurs of the month) 11.15am. Book Pack (1st Thur) Adult reading group. Scrabble Night (adults) 6-8pm.Belmont Towerwww.belmont-tower.co.ukArt classes 10am-1pm. Baby Sensory Classes 7-13 mths Thurs 10-11am0-7 mths Thurs 11.30-12.30 Yoga with Sharon 6-8pmMindfulness Courses 6.30-8.30pmSenior Citizens Luncheon ClubMidday @ Ballymac Centre. Hot lunch & social time. [email protected] Building skainos.orgVibe Academy - Weekly streetdance. p1-p4 3.30-4.30pm P5-P7 4.30-5.30pm 1st yr+ 6.45-8pm. £6 per class. Lisa 07736 315420. Compass Mens Group 7-9pm. 50+ Gardening & Crafts Thurs 1-2.30pmThe AcademyLego Club 3.30-4.30pm. Age 7+£5p/wk. 77 Holywood Rd. 028 9508 8818Wandsworth Community028 9065 1668. Needlework 10am-12pm. Spanish mums & tots 11am-12pm. Spanish for preschoolers 2.15-3pm. Spanish for children 3.15-4pm. Boot Camp 7-8pm. Core Combat 8.30-10pm.

Albertbridge Congregational6 Woodstock Link 028 9045 7434Friday Friendship. 10.30am-12.30pm. Ballyhackamore Library1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204Chill Out Family Story Time. 3.30pm. Belmont Towerwww.belmont-tower.co.uk Belcanto School of Singing 10-1pm

Zumba 12.30-1.30pmWandsworth CommunityPlayclub 3-4 yr olds 10am-12. Painting for Pleasure 11am-1pmKids Irish dancing 5-6.30pm, Aerobics 7-8pm. Appreciation of Art 7-9pm. Wasps seniors group last Tues of month 2-3.30pm

29th NI Girls BrigadeCregagh Congregational. Explorers (3-7) 6:45-8:15pm. Company Section (8-18) 6:45-10pm. Helen 07938 521823.Belmont Towerwww.belmont-tower.co.ukBaby massage 10am-1pm. Yoga with Eleanor 5.45-7.45pm. Body Rolling 7.30-8.30pm. 39th Old Boys 7-9pmOver 60’s Lunch Club

12.30pm. 3 courses for £3. Grand Parade. Tel: 028 9065 2314 to book.Gilnahirk Men’s GroupJack Britton Hall. Tea/coffee/chat & a speaker. 10.30-12 until 29th April.Girls Brigade

3 yrs - P4 6.15pm. P5 upwards 7.30pm Luncheon ClubFor senior citizens. Cregagh Methodist.12 noon. £1.50. Pre book meals at the

Skainos Bulding skainos.orgCompass Kidz Gap - Parents, guard-ians, toddlers - crafts, games, stories 10am-12. Going Green Gardening 2-4pm. Yoga 5.30-7pmStrand Arts Centre“Wacky Wednesdays” All shows, all day for £3. strandartscentre.comWandsworth CommunitySewing Group 10am-12noon. Flower Ar-ranging 1.30-3.30pm. Yoga 7-8.30pmYoga BelfastPregnancy Yoga @ Gilnahirk Primary. 6.45-7.45pm. Community drop in class @ Ice Bowl 7-8pm. yogabelfast.com

Wednesdays

Fridays

Saturdays

Sundays

Thursdays

Park RunEvery Saturday in Victoria Park9.30am - FREE Event

S.D. Bells Tea & Coffee HouseJava Jive Jazz Brunch Brunch 11am-2.30pm

email your event details to:[email protected]

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Terra Firma Full page.pdf 1 25/02/2015 15:49

Back in 2012 I bowed to the hype and indeed to my own curiosity by reading the Fifty Shades trilogy 'Fifty Shades of Grey', 'Fifty Shades Darker' & 'Fifty Shades Freed'.

Cue a worldwide phenomenon and writer E L James turned into a millionaire overnight. Then begins talk of a �lm version and by mid 2014 a release date of February 2015. After much speculation the main protagonists are announced as Jamie Dornan to play 'Christian Grey' and Dakota Johnson to play 'Anastasia Steele'. Online trailers abound and my curiosity is piqued. I'm just not entirely sure how these books will translate to the big screen and indeed how these actors will bring the characters to life. Having only seen Dakota Johnson playing 'Kate' in the American series 'Ben & Kate', I could easily see her playing Anastasia Steele in that girl next door sort of style. In reality she played the part well and in my opinion she mirrored her character in the book. The 'Christian Grey' role was always going to be harder. I did not think Jamie Dornan was right for the role and having seen the �lm, I'm still of that opinion.

To be fair, I think this is because this �lm comes hot on the heels of watching Dornan in both series of 'The Fall', he plays the character of Paul Specter so well that while I was watching him as 'Christian Grey', I was imagining him menacing innocent, predominantly dark haired women in South Belfast or running through Victoria Park in a hoodie! He is without a doubt a good looking man who can carry a well tailored suit and certainly rock a pair of jeans and nothing else but some of the cringeworthy lines he had to deliver were just ever so slightly painful to watch. I also have no idea why he was playing the piano, it looked all wrong and to be honest it wasn't the �rst time it had me thinking of 'Pretty Woman'. On the plus side he really carried the American accent well throughout which helped.

The soundtrack was also an asset and �tted the scenes well with Ellie Goulding's 'Love Me Like You Do' for a date scene in a plane to the Rolling Stone's 'Beast of Burden' for the obligatory morning after 'I'll do u an egg' scene and Queen B's slowed down 'Crazy In Love' for when Miss Steele got what was coming to her all along in the Red Room of pain. Overall, it was generally ok, the books were no literary masterpiece and the �lm is subsequently not oscar worthy but it will have certainly made Dornan and Johnson household names after all the hype and it will be interesting to see what they go on to do from here.

If your looking for a fabulous �lm, this isn't it but if you fancy seeing what all the fuss is about, give it a go! Just brace yourself!

Fifty Shades ofoh I'm not sure...

S i l v e rScreeningsMARCH

The General (1926)March 3rd - Adventure/Comedy

107 mins

It Happened One Night (1934)March 10th - Comedy/Rom

105 mins

Son of the Sheik (1926)March 24th - Adventure/Drama

68 mins

Casablanca (1942)March 17th - Drama/Romance/War

104 mins

Guys and Dolls (1955) March 31st - Comedy/Musical/Rom

150 mins

Dawn x

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Mrs Bouquet Florist.pdf 1 23/02/2015 16:31

As an East Belfast Mum whose 2nd second daughter recently started school, Rebekah

hoped having a little bit more free time would be filled with something creative and

with a purpose. “I’d watched my entrepreneurial husband dive into managing his own

business as I looked after the girls during the early years, and I knew I’d get a

chance to play when the timing was right.” says Rebekah. In January 2015, Rebekah

launched her own clothing label ‘Lines & Current’ and online SHOP. “I wanted to

supplement our income with something online and something that dipped into the world

of ‘style and the arts.’ Social media and my network of friends have been very kind

to me during the business set up- My biggest seller so far has been these lovely

headband/beanie/ neck coils hats. I call them HETTA which was a baby name that never

came to fruition. Lots of local school mums and also some guys have purchased since I

launched my facebook page a few weeks ago. She’s quite a versatile lady this HETTA!

It’s been so fun watching all the HETTA selfies from all over UK and Europe rollin’ in

on social media. The HETTA trend has been a surprising but very welcome way to launch

the Lines & Current clothing line!” What is interesting about the HETTA is how

multi-functional it is. It can be worn at least 4 ways. Follow Rebekah on her facebook

page (@linesandcurrent) to see the video her husband made of her demonstrating 4

different looks and some sunnies arriving to the Lines & Current Spring collection.

For every HETTA sold 10% percent of profits goes to STARLIGHT.ORG.UK, a charity that

grants once-in-a lifetime wishes to terminally or seriously ill children. “I’m quite

sure the charitable or philanthropic element of Lines & Current will run deep in our

ethos. It seems only natural to want to give something back. Life isn’t perfect but

I’m so grateful for what I have and I think people are generous at heart.”

East Belfast MumLaunches ClothingLabel: Lines & Current

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linesandcurrent [email protected]

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With the launch of its nineteenth season, West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK is now firmly established as a key date in every stylista’s schedule. This season’s launch at the BFW HQ in Belfast brought a splash of colour to a cold and wet January, and with it, the announcement of the popular FASHIONWEEK programme. Returning from 19-22 March, with nightly catwalk shows plus the return of Sushi Saturday and Style Sunday, Ireland’s leading fashion event continues to lead in the style stakes.

FASHIONWEEK Director Cathy Martin said: “Following on from a fantastic and remarkable milestone with our ten year celebrations last season, I am excited about showcasing the very best of our local designers and independent boutiques as well as international high street names once again this March.”

“And, as well as the catwalk shows, our new HQ in Bruce Street will also host a pop-up sushi and cocktail bar, courtesy of Belfast’s favourite Japanese and Asian venue Zen. This stylish, pre-show eaterie is the perfect complement to our “shop the show” boutique alley, where show-goers can browse the latest catwalk collections as well as purchase fashionable gifts.

“In terms of trends for this season, we welcome back some of our all-time favourite trends to the catwalk for Spring. Fashion fans should prepare for an array of zingy colour with a palette of citrus bursts – especially bright yellows and lime greens - jumping to the fore. An eclectic mix of vintage prints and fabrics inspired by fashions of the 1970s will also abound, with full flared trouser silhouettes and belted in waists everywhere. For evening, feminine ballerina shapes and fabrics give a delicate alternative to the bolder stripes, prints and colours for day wear.

The full show schedule is available online at www.belfastfashionweek.com along with details of this season’s trends plus links to all participant retailers and sponsors. Catwalk tickets, which cost £20 (or £25 for a limited number of exclusive front row seats), are available from the Belfast Welcome Centre on 028 9024 6609 or via the website. Ticket price includes a fabulous goodie bag and a refreshing West Coast Cooler.

Springing into Summer:West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEKreturns for a colourful season

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Hello! I’m Jennie Hammond, winner of Savoo’s Smartest Shopper 2014 award and blogger at www.embarrassingbudgets.co.uk.

Born and bred in East Belfast, in my day job I work as a welfare rights adviser, giving advice and helping people with problems and queries in relation to tax credits and other issues.

After years of struggling as a single parent myself, things came to a head in October 2013 when a bank letter dropped through my letterbox, demanding repayment of my fairly hefty four-figure overdraft. Until then, I’d been living hand to mouth, my monthly salary going out as soon as it came in. I had no long-term savings plan and nothing set aside for a rainy day. I was up the proverbial creek without a paddle and I had to learn to swim, fast.

Over the following year I went on to clear my debt and save some money, too. In October 2014 I entered a competition and out of hundreds of entries was crowned the UK’s Smartest Shopper by discount voucher site Savoo. The amazing prize was £10,000!

EmbarassingBudgets

1. Never, ever buy on impulse. If you’re not sure, don’t buy. Save yourself the money, the hassle and the will-I-won’t-I-keep-it debate when you get home.

2. Plan ahead. You can usually buy out-of-season items much cheaper, so look out for camping essentials in autumn and Christmas essentials in spring!

3. Get online. There are great savings to be made on the internet. If you’re buying online and there’s a box for a discount code, search for one and try it out!

5. Read product reviews. Buying cheap is no good if the items aren’t fit for purpose.

4. Keep smiling! Find ways to have fun for less. One of my favourites is using Tesco Clubcard vouchers for treats and rewards… The fun doesn’t have to end when the money runs out!

Top tips:

I’m delighted to have been asked to contribute regularly to Bloom magazine so you’ll be hearing a lot more from me in the coming months. In the meantime, you’ll find me blogging over at www.embarrassingbudgets.co.uk and on facebook (www.facebook.com/embarrassingbudgets) and twitter (@jenniesbudgets) too.

46

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Cairns & Co A5 Cashback Poster.indd 1 14/01/2015 19:17

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Vision_Bloom Jan 14_print_v2.indd 1 16/12/2013 23:09

bloom magazine (march 15 online)

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