Compiled by Nicoline Greer.
MOTOR MAYHEM What better way to spend a relaxing weekend afternoon in the countryside than racing across mud-filled land at breakneck speeds on quad bikes and pumped-up off-road vehicles, safe in the knowledge that you won't be arrested when your rampage eventually comes to an end? The 80-acre Toddsleap Activity Centre in Tyrone offers just that opportunity, with a range of group cross-country driving activities their speciality. Purpose-built tracks include those for quad bikes, off-road karts, a championship motocross practice circuit and a number of daunting challenge tracks, with instructors on hand to provide off-road training to even the least experienced of drivers. Contact Toddsleap Activity Centre on 048-85567170 for further details or visit www.toddsleap.com. Fiachra Ó Cionnaith
MAKE A MEAL OF IT Sundays are for vegging out and tomorrow is no exception. The Vegetarian Society of Ireland's "Fare Day" celebrates World Vegetarian Day. A kaleidoscope of foods and products from organically grown fruit and vegetables to animal-fat free chocolate and vegetarian wine will be on offer in the St Andrew's Resource Centre in Pearse Street, Dublin. They promise that a meat-less life can be more fun than a rare steak and there will be talks on nutrition, health, the environment and animal welfare issues. There are also cookery demonstrations from chefs including Tracy Culleton and Dee Higgs, authors of Simply Vegetarian, a cookbook with more than 100 simple, low-cost recipes. World Vegetarian Day, tomorrow, St Andrew's Resource Centre, Pearse Street, Dublin 2, from noon to 5 p.m. Admission €2.50/€1.50; €6.00 for families. Children under seven are free. More info at www.vegetarian.ie. Pictured above are Elizabeth and Diane Denton at last year's fare day.
OH BABY Apparently a girl can have too many flowers. Róisín Ní Chonchúir was in Belgium when she had her first baby, and friends in Ireland showered her with flowers. She had her second baby at home and all the friends in Belgium sent the flowers. While Róisín was grateful, it led her to set up her company, Baby Babóg. It's for people who want to send something a little bit more imaginative. Her hampers include quality Irish-made products such as little caterpillar and sheep motif jumpers, cardigans by Judy Dillon, award-winning books in English and Irish for baby and mum, chocolates, slumber suits, photo albums, hand-made wooden jigsaws, candles, handmade soap and photo frames. The hampers are perfect for a group of friends to club together to give a warm welcome to a new baby. Phone 01-2788347 or e-mail to place an order. See also www.babybabog.com
THINGS WE LEARNT READING ... In the 21st-century Beauty Bible, authors Sarah Stacey and Josephine Fairley wade through the beauty jungle of creams, serums, foundations, liners, shadows and toners. They give the whole truth as told to them by 1,180 women. Here are some of their top products and tips:
-Best face mask: Guerlain Invigorating Moisturising Mask: "skin felt like a baby's bum!"
-Best neck cream: Clarins extra-firming neck cream: "a little bit goes a long way"
-Best cleanser: Liz Earle Naturally Active Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser: "left skin feeling velvety"
-Best body moisturiser: Dermalogica Hydrating Cream: "smelt nice, almost like aromatherapy"
-Best skin brightener: Chanel Precision Maximum Radiance Cream: "I glow!"
The 21st-century Beauty Bible by Sarah Stacey and Josephine Fairley is published by Kyle Cathie (£14.99 in UK)
WALK LIKE AN EGYPTIAN Being a slave for the day might not be as bad as it sounds. Opera and Ballet International's productions of Aida in Cork, Limerick and Belfast are looking for extras to be the enslaved King and Queen of Ethiopia and their (rather large) royal family. Be part of a spectacular performance that includes a life-sized bejewelled elephant, a company of 200 and a Triumphal March set against a specially commissioned dancing water fountain that rises like fireworks in the background. (However, true to the spirit of being a slave, you don't get paid.) Family groups - children must be over 10 - are particularly encouraged to take part. Phone 00-44-1634-820226 and register your name, and then present yourself at the stage door on the night of the performance and ask for Sasha. Waterfront Hall, Belfast: Monday, October 4th; Limerick University Hall, Tuesday, October 5th; and Cork Opera House: Thursday, October 7th.
WILD AND WONDERFUL "Like a little drum-roll" is how Teresa Healy of Wild Paper Designs describes ribbons and wrapping paper. With such enthusiasm for presentation of gifts and invitations, it's no wonder that she celebrating her third year in business. Brides-to-be should check out her stationery range, as they are offering a discount on orders of cards from today until October 15th. The Co Galway company also makes photo albums, notebooks, cake boxes and little heart-shaped confetti. Organza ribbons, pressed flowers and lavender rose paper are some of the pretty things she uses to make her products. See the website for samples: www.wildpaperdesigns.ie or make an appointment to visit her workshop. Wild Paper Designs e-mail: teresa@wildpaperdesigns.ie (09096-79968)
PRETTY IN PINK Aga is in the pink this month as it launches its limited-edition Six Four Series cookers. The 50 pink cookers and a range of pink textiles support the countrywide Action Breast Cancer project. An Aga is always unmistakably an Aga, but this one is has a very soft exterior. The pink enamelled outside is wrapped around a powerful six-burner gas hob, three electric ovens and a grill. If you're not in the market for a rather large cooker, they also have a range of limited-edition, pink accessories - an adult's apron and co-ordinating child's apron, a double oven-glove and gauntlet, all in pink cotton. If you are feeling particularly Barbara Cartland, there are also sets of pink leather place mats and coasters, with 10 per cent of the price going to the Irish Cancer Society. Each Aga Six-Four Series costs €7,350, and €500 from each sale will be donated to Action Breast Cancer. Available from: Campbell & Cooke Ltd, 16 Rutland Place, off Parnell Square, Dublin 1 (01-8786099).
BIA GOOD As the mother of a fussy three-year-old, Yvonne Scully thought it would be great if she could avoid having to cook from scratch - but still offer her child all the goodness of a home-cooked meal. Yvonne has come up with a range of healthy ready meals for those hectic post-work/school dinner hours. Bia Kid meals are free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives and low in sugar and salt. The initial range comprises four tasty recipes including Shepherd's Pie and Spaghetti Bolognese. The meals are made from fresh ingredients including Irish meat, chicken and eggs, and they have such tantalising names as Alien Meatballs with Spaceship Spaghetti or King of the Jungle Chicken Pasta. The Bia Kid range will launch initially in selected Superquinn stores from next Friday, approx €3.49. See www.biakid.ie