The Orgasmic Birth Movement — I'm sorry, what?

Described as "a drug-free, pain-free labour that comes with multiple orgasms" (as mothers across Galway start to laugh hysterically), the orgasmic birth movement is controversially making its way into Western culture, challenging strickened taboos and mainstream medical beliefs along the way.

Intrigued yet unconvinced right? Me too. Click here to read what The Times had to say about orgasmic birthing this week. And yes, for those who need a visual (no, it isn't as bad as it sounds) there is a clip from an American documentary film on the subject available here. Seems blissful enough and all that but, having stood just footsteps outside of the labour and delivery department on a few occassions I'm still not convinced those moans and groans, (and occassional screams) can constitute sounds of pleasure and not sounds of pain. Call me a pessimist but I think I'll be waiting a few years before I put this theory to the test, thank you very much!

A Lil' Taste

We all know how tempting it can be on a lazy Friday night to dig out the trusty Chinese takeaway menus and give 'em a ring. But is it really worth an entire day's worth of fat and calories for some curried chicken and one greasy little snack box? I think not. Instead try your hand at this deliciously yummy (and healthy!) stir fry that will be ready in the same amount of time it would take the delivery man to reach your front door. Tofu can be supplemented with chicken for those who prefer a meat friendly version and crushed red peppers or a dash of hot sauce can be added to give the meal a little heat.

Pineapple Tofu Stir-Fry

(from EatingWell.com)

Serves 2

• 1 can pineapple chunks or tidbits
• 5 teaspoons rice vinegar (you will find it in the world cuisine section at Tesco's!)
  
• 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
• 7 ounces extra-firm, water-packed tofu
• 1 teaspoon cornflour
• 3 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 2 teaspoons minced ginger
• 1/2 large green pepper, sliced or chopped
  
• 1/2 large red pepper, sliced or chopped
  

1. Whisk the reserved 3 tablespoons pineapple juice, vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup and sugar in a small bowl until smooth. Place tofu in a medium bowl; toss with 2 tablespoons of the sauce. Let marinate for 5 minutes. Add cornflour to the remaining sauce and whisk until smooth.
2. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Transfer the tofu to the skillet using a slotted spoon. Whisk any remaining marinade into the bowl of sauce. Cook the tofu, stirring every 1 to 2 minutes, until golden brown, 7 to 9 minutes total. Transfer the tofu to a plate.
3. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon oil to the skillet and heat over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add peppers and cook, stirring often, until just tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in the sauce and cook, stirring, until thickened, about 30 seconds. Add the tofu and pineapple chunks (or tidbits) and cook, stirring gently, until heated through, about 2 minutes more.

The Ticks: 35 mins

The Damage: €15.76, however most of these products (including ketchup, soy sauce, olive oil, cornflour, brown sugar, and rice vinegar) will only need to be bought once and can be used in countless Chinese dishes.

The Facts: Per serving - 263 calories; 12 g fat (1 g sat, 5 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 34 g carbohydrate; 10 g protein; 4 g fiber; 368 mg sodium; 549 mg potassium.

The Weekender...

Your event and gig guide for the weekend ahead!
(26.03.09 to 29.03.09)

Thursday

• Akil of Jurassic 5 plays Strange Brew at Roisin Dubh tonight. 9pm start, €14 entry (€12 for members)
• BellX1 After Show Party at Bar903 from 11pm, featuring Neosupervital (with members of BellX1)
  
• Be in for your chance to win a pair of tickets to Oxegen 09 at the Mad Hatters Party at Central Park. Doors at 11pm (more info)
• Coyote Factor semi-finals continue from 9pm at Coyotes Late Bar and Club.
  

Friday

• Duke Special plays a sold out gig at Roisin Dubh. Good luck getting your hands on a pair of the hottest tix around. Doors at 8pm.
  
• Drink in the Skeff on Friday night and receive half off admission in to Karma.

Saturday

• World Cup Qualifier, Ireland v Bulgaria, on the big screen at The King's Head from 7.45pm.
  
• €10 Saturday Nights at Central Park continue this week, 11pm
• Drink in the Skeff on Saturday night and receive half off admission in to Karma.
• R
  

Sunday

• Paddy Power Bingo.com Karaoke World Championship heats continue this week at Coyotes Late Bar and Club, 9pm (more info)

20% off all spring/summer stock at FCUK

Get into French Connection in Churchlane this week to enjoy 20% off their entire spring/summer collection, starting today!!

The Outlet returns for more designer discount fun

The Outlet returns to Galway City

Due to the enormous success of last weeks sales, The Outlet — bringing you designer fashion for less — is returning to Galway city for an additional four days at the g Hotel in Wellpark Retail Park. Running today until 9pm, Friday from 10am to 9pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 6pm, customers of The Outlet can enjoy up to 80% off retail prices of some of the best known and most loved designers labels around.

For more information contact 086 7922255 or email theoutlet@eircom.net

For the Lil' Recessionista

Get your hands on a copy of this week's Galway Advertiser and get a little 'Spring High' at Zenith Hairdressing in Galway City

Cut out the advert on page 14 of today's Galway Advertiser and book your appointment to lighten up for spring with Zenith's fantastic highlight offer — a full head of highlights, cut, and blowdry — all for just €95.

Book now by quoting 'spring highlight offer' to 091 533680. Offer only available on production of advert, terms and conditions apply. Spaces are limited, offer valid until the end of April.

A Lil' Review

Crabtree & Evelyn's Rosewater Collection

I will admit, I have always had a little bit of a soft spot for Crabtree & Evelyn's Rosewater products. Growing up my Nana used to use these rose scented soap bars that smelled exactly like this line and every time I get a whiff of it I am brought back to the days of my childhood when sleepovers at Nana and Grandpa's used to be the highlight of the week. Ah, those were the days, right?

Ah, but now you're thinking, "she is going to use something that smells like old ladies?" Wrong. You see, first of all, my Nana may be in her 80's but, with energy levels that would put most of you readers to shame, she is most definitely no old lady. Second of all, never forget that there is no scent more classically feminine than that of roses.

Infused with Rosa Damascena, one of the world's oldest roses, the collection has a deeply luxurious scent that is also naturally theraputic to even the most sensitive skin types. Lathering up the bath and shower gel (pictured above) my small encased shower soon blossomed with the smells of spring and enveloped me in smells of the past and those yet to come. My skin was left soft and my spirits soothed as I dipped into the Rosewater body cream (not pictured), which deeply conditions with glycerine, beeswax, and borage oil, and left my skin smelling sweet and feeling beautiful all day long.

A timeless scent wrapped in two wonderfully luxurious products that brings feelings of femininity to a whole other level. Enjoy this one ladies!

Galway Stockists: Matt O'Flaherty Chemists on William St, Hayes and Hayes Pharmacy in Castlerea, and O&B Pharmacy in Tuam.