Ocean Fitness, Galway’s premier fitness and leisure centre located at Salthill Hotel, is calling for 100 participants, both male and female, to take part in its 4 week Slimbelly Challenge. The ‘Slimbelly’ belt, a revolutionary weight loss and figure forming concept consists of moderate aerobic training, three to four times a week for 30-40 minutes per session.

This is the perfect opportunity to lose those stubborn stomach pounds. The principal component of this proven-to-work figure forming concept is a massage belt that stimulates blood circulation in the stomach area and when combined with aerobic training and a healthy nutrition plan, will ensure visible results in just 4 weeks.  Keith Gildea, club manager at Ocean Fitness, is excited about this new program coming to the club, “We are the only fitness centre in the West of Ireland to be given the opportunity to work with this new body shaping method and as New Year fitness resolutions begin to dwindle, this is a great time for people to undertake a new regime. The 4 week program will ensure an increase in metabolism and faster weight loss for participants”.

This four-week Slimbelly program is available for a monthly price of €99.99 for non-members and €79.99 for Ocean Fitness members. The number of participants is limited to 100 people and the registration deadline is Monday, February 6^th so for those who want to try this new regime and get back in shape, call Ocean Fitness now on 091-548888. Check out www.OceanFitness.ie or search ‘Ocean Fitness Galway’ on Facebook for further details.

This Sunday, December 18^th, is your last chance to enjoy the Winter Wonderland that is the Galway Continental Christmas Market before drawing to a close for 2011.

Over 300,000 vistors have passed through this year’s Galway’s Continental Christmas Market to date this year enjoying a glistening hub of gifts, food and fun which has proved a real treat for all of the family to enjoy.

As the busiest weekend for Christmas shoppers approaches this weekend, Santa’s Grotto is expected to be a popular attraction, with all proceeds going towards Enable Ireland and the ISPCC. The final Christmas Lantern-Making Workshops for children is running on Friday the 16^th from 5.30pm -7pm. Facilitators from Foroige’s Artist in Residency Programme will be on hand to help children design and create their own Christmas Lantern ahead of the parade on Saturday 17^th. Each lantern making session is €3 per person and all proceeds will go to Galway Youth Cafe. Those taking part will get the opportunity to showcase their work in the Lantern Parade, in association with The Skeff Bar, on Saturday, December 17^th at 5.30pm.

This parade will see a host of exquisite hand-made lanterns form the procession that will make its way from Quay Street and Shop Street before finishing up in the Galway Continental Christmas Market, all to the beat of Galway’s Funky Drummers!

The Galway Continental Christmas Market will open from 11am to 8pm today and from 10am to 10pm from Thursday until this Sunday December 18^th. For more information, log onto www.galwaychristmasmarket.ie or check out the Facebook page www.facebook.com/galwaycontinentalchristmasmarket.

Abair Leat!, the world’s first social network exclusively dedicated to a minority language – Irish – will be launched on to the Irish market in the New Year.

In the run up to the launch, Abair Leat! is calling on anyone with an interest in the Irish language or interested in learning Irish to become beta testers and try out the new social media site. This will provide the company with useful feedback on the workings of the site. Those interested are asked to log on to www.abairleat.com and create an account with Abair Leat! – to be one of the first people to use the new social network outside the company.

AbairLeat! will be the world’s first social network / user generated content application exclusively dedicated to Gaeilge. The online network has the immediate effect of transforming learners into users. Abair Leat! uses custom made software that checks the percentage of Irish language content in all updates and posts. The network will be extremely useful for student with built in translation and spell check support. The site is also a great way for students to interact with each other in Irish in preparation for their Leaving Cert or college examinations.

Abair Leat! came about when staff of Irish college Coláiste Lurgan in Galway wished  to work with new developments in IT to enable students to prepare for a cúrsa Gaeilge on their home PCs. The Abair Leat! project was then undertaken by web designers Block 5 Design to develop a series of online Irish games.  Since then, Abair Leat! has gone from strength to strength with a new partnership emerging in 2011 with world renowned US-based online business Fantasy Interactive (FI) to create a unique social media site for the Irish Language.

FI is one of the world’s leading interactive agencies based in New York. Fantasy Interactive specialise in interactive design, mobile and application development and social media for some of the biggest brands in the world such as Google, Red Bull, CNN, and Fox. With such an extensive resume behind them, the team is happy to say they have created something completely unique to the social media world.

Abair Leat! aims to have up to 50,000 users by the end of 2012. Be one of the first to sample this unique IT experience by logging on to www.abairleat.com , create an account and get corresponding ‘as Gaeilge’.

Struggling to find the perfect gift this Christmas? Whether you’re shopping for a Glee fanatic or the next Country singing sensation, SongGift.ie provides you with the perfect musical gift this holiday season. Songgift.ie allows you achieve your very own Christmas number one in minutes, giving music enthusiasts the chance to step on the ladder to stardom with their very own recorded song.

SongGift.ie is a service that allows individuals the opportunity to showcase their outstanding talent, by recording a track of their choice in a professional recording studio, for only €99!

SongGift.ie was set up by professional musicians Joe Egan and John Colohan. Joe tells, “People will always have a dream to sing for the world but not everyone has €1000 to kick off their dreams. Songgift.ie opens up the music world to everyone.” John adds, “Having studios around the country, anyone can record their song at an affordable price no matter where you live.”

Give the gift of song this Christmas with your own personalized lyrics to someone special, or let your loved ones’ talent shine for all to hear with their very own CD. If you find yourself coveting those that take to the X Factor stage each week and long to try out the behind the scenes life of a pop star, then why not put your talents to the test with this professional recording studio experience. Choose from one of the SongGift.ie programs which give you the professional recording studio experience, perfecting your performance of your chosen song to its exact backing track and then take home a CD of your shining moment.

SongGift.ie provide the perfect gift for any friend or loved one this Christmas. Log on to www.SongGift.ie and purchase a Sing Gift Voucher for only €99 until the end of December 2011.

On Monday 5^th December from 5pm to 7pm, Yourells Hair Salon on Eyre Street will be filled with Christmas cheer as Yourells host a children’s evening in aid of Enable Ireland where youngsters can get their hair trimmed for the festive season for free.

All children are welcome from 5pm to 7pm to enjoy two hours of Christmas fun with face painters, games, treats with Santa there to hear all Christmas wishes whilst getting their hair cut, styled or blow-dried. As this event is in aid of Enable Ireland, Yourells are asking all little angels to bring any toys they no longer play with and donate them to children who need them most.

December is a time of giving and Yourells are asking parents to help their tots pick out their best toys to donate to the charity. Parents also get the luxury of Santa distracting the kids to avoid any tantrums from uneasy little clients!

Carol Joyce, co-owner of Yourells, tells “December is an exciting time for parents and kids alike. Parents can relax with the Yourells team making their little one’s tresses look great for Christmas photos and children get to see Santa and help other children in need. We at Yourells want to help out the wonderful charity, Enable Ireland, as they focus on kids and family, the heart of Christmas for all. We are hoping that customers donate as many toys as you can to help out those families relying on Enable Ireland’s services”.

If you would like to attend this event and get your child’s hair cut for free and visit Santa, RSVP to info@yourells.com and pop in on the night with some old toys. For more information about this event, contact Yourells on 091 563545, or log onto www.yourells.com. Check out Yourells Facebook page at www.facebook.com/yourells.

Barry’s Hair Studio, located on Shop Street in the heart of Galway city, is pleased to introduce the latest essential hair tool to transform your look – Racoon Micro Weft Hair Extensions. These 100% ethically sourced hair extensions are available exclusively to Barry’s Hair Studio in the West of Ireland.

Racoon’s Micro Weft Hair Extensions add colour, volume and length for sexy, glossy; simply gorgeous hair! There is no compromise when it comes to colour, as Racoon Micro Weft Hair Extensions boast an impressive range of shades across blonde, brunette as well red tones! Prices start from €180 for a half head and €250 for a full head of extensions.  Once the Racoon Micro Weft Hair Extensions are fitted and taped, they won’t need to be replaced for up to 6 weeks. When they require conditioning, re-taping  and re-fitting, this will only cost between €60 to €80. Alternatively, the team at Barry’s will happily condition and pack your extensions for your next usage.

With extensions being fitted in less than one hour, Barry’s are giving ladies the opportunity to transform their looks on their lunch break; leave the office with lifeless, thin hair and return with beautiful, voluminous tresses to the envy of co-workers! Barry’s Hair Studio is always on trend, stocking the latest must-have hair products and accessories. These hair extensions are the newest to the market with celebrities like Jade Jagger, Jodie Kidd and Sophie Anderson loving the fresh and exciting looks you can create in minutes with Racoon Wefts Hair Extensions.

Elite Stylist, Cathal Walshe, loves these exclusive new arrival to Barry’s, commenting, “Women want to transform their hair without damaging it and these new Racoon’s Micro Weft Hair Extensions make that possible. These extensions are a huge hit with brides wanting to transform their short hair for their special day. You can curl or straighten the extensions as much as you want to create different looks. It’s a great way to mix up your look without waiting for hair to grow”.

Racoon’s Micro Wefts Hair Extensions are custom made for each individual and are evenly distributed throughout the hair by Barry’s team so a full bodied look is achieved without weighing down the hair.

Barry’s Hair Studio is an award winning hair salon which offers customers a great value service from a professional team of stylists who pride themselves of providing clients with perfect, glossy hair every time. Barry’s stock leading brands Kerastase, Redken Moroccan Oil & Paul Mitchell to ensure only top quality products are used on client’s hair.

Pop into the salon to be the girl with the finest weave in the west with Barry’s Hair Studio.

 For more information on Barry’s Hair Studio and to arrange a consultation for hair extensions, call 091 561392 or log on to www.barryshairstudio.ie. Log on to Barry’s Hair Studio’s Facebook  – www.facebook.com/barryshairstudio – and be in with a chance of winning competition to win a full head of Racoon Hair Extensions worth €250!

Derrick Carberry, Mary Kennedy and "Off the Rails" presenter Brendan Courtney. Photo Martina Regan

The second and much anticipated Glamour in Galway event took place last Sunday in the Salthill Hotel where a whopping 1000 guests turned up to check out the all day fashion, styling and beauty event.

Guests were greeted with a complimentary goody bag as they entered the main hall before browsing through the scores of exhibition stands with an abundance beauty and fashion discounts and freebies on offer throughout the day before enjoying three fashion shows from Athlone Town Centre, Brown Thomas and various local boutiques.

Four ladies who enjoyed the day the most were the makeover winners who spent the day being pampered and pruned by the Glam Squad. The deserving candidates were styled by Brendan Courtney of RTE’s ‘Off the Rails’, received an amazing hair restyle from world champion hairdresser, Mary Kennedy from MOHH and discovered the beauty secrets of the stars with help from one of Ireland’s top makeup artists, Derrick Carberry –  with the Glam Squad giving guests some valuable style tips for the winter season ahead.

Event organiser Mandy Maher  of the Catwalk Modelling Agency was thrilled with how the event went, “Glamour in Galway was a huge success. We had over 1000 ladies and a few gents through the doors taking in all the style at the fashion shows, picking up great bargains at the exhibition stands and enjoying the delicious cocktails prepared by the Salthill Hotel. Everyone loved the day and we can’t wait for the next Glamour in Galway”. Both Mandy Maher and Ger O Connor of the Catwalk Modelling Agency would like to thank all those who attended and exhibited at this year’s event along with all the staff of the Salthill Hotel, Bellissimo and the School of Makeup Artistry who styled the models for each fashion show and event sponsors – the Galway Independent, IMAGE Magazine, iRadio, Freelance Media IT and MBPR.

For more information on how the event went or to see if you featured in any photos on the day, log onto www.glamouringalway.com or check out Glamour in Galway’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/glamouringalway.

Pictured on Monday as the set up of the Galway Continental Christmas Market begins were Mayor of Galway Hildegarde Naughton and Paul Faller of the GCBA. The market opens this Friday, 25th November and runs right through to Sunday, 18th December. Join the Mayor, Bob the Builder and friends this Friday at 6pm for the official launch of the market and turning on of the City Christmas lights. Pic: Reg Gordon

The Galway Continental Christmas Market will officially be launched by the Mayor of Galway Hildegarde Naughton this Friday, 25^th November at 6pm in Eyre Square.

Events to launch the Christmas Market and the turning on of the city’s Christmas lights will commence with a musical treat in Eyre Square. Tenors Sean Costello and Frank Naughton performing as ‘Duo Voci’ will take to the stage at 5:40pm and after short speeches from the event organisers – the Galway City Business Association – the Mayor of Galway Hildegarde Naughton will officially turn on the lights at 6pm under the supervision of VIP guests, Santa Claus and Mrs Claus with Bob the Builder and friends. Continuing the celebrations, ‘Duo Voci’ will take to the stage again followed by the Galway Choral Society.

Chairman of the Galway City Business Association, Paul Faller tells, “The Galway City Business Association is delighted to welcome the Christmas Market to Galway for the second year. Last year’s market attracted over 600,000 visitors with over 130,000 stating that the main reason for visiting the Galway was to see the market. Our Mayor, Hildegarde Naughton, will turn on the Christmas lights on Friday next and officially open the market. Everybody is welcome to come to Eyre Square next Friday at 6pm. Enjoy the Santa Grotto and see over fifty traders selling food and gifts – there is something for everyone”.

Pictured on Monday as the set up of the Galway Continental Christmas Market begins were Mayor of Galway Hildegarde Naughton with Paul Faller and Elaine Bright-Jensen of the GCBA and Maria Moynihan-Lee, producer of the Galway Continental Christmas Market. The market opens this Friday, 25th November and runs right through to Sunday, 18th December. Join the Mayor, Bob the Builder and friends this Friday at 6pm for the official launch of the market and turning on of the City Christmas lights. Pic: Reg Gordon

Along with continental decorations, gifts and more, the Galway Continental Christmas Market will again feature a food section with delicacies from around the world including festive Gluhwein, German Pretzel, Polish Sausage, Belgian Macaroons and much more! The Christmas Market Big Top – the artisan food and craft market arena – is a great new attraction for people to engage in Christmas workshops. The market provides the city with a festive atmosphere that is a wonderful attraction for people to visit Galway along with bring festive cheer to the city shoppers.

The Galway Continental Christmas Market will open from 10am to 10pm Monday to Saturday and from 12 noon to 8pm on Sunday. Santa’s Grotto – in aid of Enable Ireland and the ISPCC – will open Friday’s 4pm-7pm (excluding this Friday where it will open 7pm-9pm), Saturday’s 10am to 7pm and Sunday’s 12 noon to 6pm.

For more information, log onto www.galwaychristmasmarket.ie or check out the facebook page www.facebook.com/galwaycontinentalchristmasmarket.

‘TRIBE-A Portrait of Galway’ is the creative portrayal of the well-known and not so well-known people that give Galway it’s character, through the eyes and lens of Galway-based photographer Reg Gordon.

The photographer will launch his book and month-long exhibition –  ‘TRIBE-A Portrait of Galway’ –  on November 25^th in Atlanta House in Galway where portraits featuring comedian Tommy Tiernan, actress Kate O’Toole, musicians The Saw Doctors and Druid director Garry Hynes are among those that feature.

ommy Tiernan as featured in 'TRIBE- A Portrait of Galway', by Reg Gordon available from www.tribe-aportraitofgalway.ie.

Reg embarked on this project in January of this year and as with any piece of art, has taken some time to complete. ‘TRIBE- A Portrait of Galway’ has individually captured an array of characters across Galway- from local musicians, artists, individuals and performers.

Originally from Dublin, Reg Gordon tells of his reasoning in putting together this book and exhibition, “Too many people are focusing on those who are leaving Ireland. I wanted to focus on those staying in the country and those who make Galway the great city that it is. The unique individuals that roam the city deserve to be celebrated and I have decided it is my responsibility to document these people”.

He continues “‘TRIBE- A Portrait of Galway’ offers those who browse the pages a chance to engage with those you always wanted to meet.  The book tells individual’s stories through distinctively taken photographs and highlights the people who make Galway so unique”.

‘TRIBE- A Portrait of Galway’ incorporates the mix of Galway’s town and city atmosphere with images of natives and those who have made their home in the heart of Galway by chance.

COPE Galway volunteers as featured in 'TRIBE- A Portrait of Galway', by Reg Gordon available from www.tribe-aportraitofgalway.ie

Reg’s exhibition commences on November 25^th in Atlanta House in Galway at 6.30pm and will run right through December until Christmas Eve, opening daily from 11am-5pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, with late opening Thursday and Friday until 7pm.  Available from Easons, Dubray Books and Charlie Byrnes in Galway from Monday 21^st of November, as well as from the gallery at Atlanta House, and priced at €44.95, this collection of wonderfully diverse prints is presented in a hardback coffee-table book is the perfect Christmas gift for natives of Galway, those who have loved and left the city or even for those who have never had the opportunity to experience what it is that makes this city so special.

‘TRIBE- A Portrait of Galway’ is available from www.tribe-aportraitofgalway.com and www.amazon.co.uk.

Pictured at the launch of the Connacht 2012 Calendar in aid of COPE Galway is Fintan Maher of COPE, calendar photographer Clare O Regan of corephotography.ie with calendar cover star, Connacht Rugby player Michael Swift. The calendar is available from www.copegalway.ie and www.connachtrugby.ie from Wednesday 9th November. Pic: Reg Gordon.

Connacht Rugby has launched their 2012 team calendar with all proceeds from the sales going to support the work of COPE Galway.  This is the second year the team has worked with local photographer Clare O’Regan of corephotography.ie to support the great works of the local charity.

This year’s calendar offers supporters a glimpse at their Connacht sports stars in all their warrior glory. Front up Rise up is a huge theme throughout the calendar which will be available from Wednesday 9^th of November.

Featuring members of the team in group and individual photographs, Fiona Keys, Commercial Manager with Connacht Rugby said, “Once again, we are delighted with the finished calendar and the warrior theme throughout. The team has a huge challenge ahead of them with the Heineken cup approaching and the calendar is a great way to portray the strength and readiness of the team to do battle. The calendar raised a lot of money for COPE Galway last year and this year we are hoping to raise even more for the worthy cause”.

Fintan Maher of COPE Galway commented, “We want to thank the Connacht Rugby squad for agreeing to support COPE Galway for a second year. The money raised last year was hugely beneficial to our work in the community and we are sure this year’s calendar will raise just as much if not more for our charity. We also want to thank all the retailers who have agreed to sell the calendar”. COPE Galway provides services for homeless men and women, women and children who experience domestic violence and older people who live in isolation in Galway.

This year’s calendar is priced at €7.50 and is available from all Elverys stores throughout Connacht, online from copegalway.ie and connachtrugby.ie, in Easons stores in Galway and Athlone, Great Outdoors, River Deep Mountain High, O’Briens Newsagents, NUIG Newsagents and various bars and cafes throughout Galway.

For further information, log on to www.connachtrugby.ie , check out Connacht Rugby Facebook page at www.facebook.com/connachtrugby or log onto www.copegalway.ie.