Forty shades

As our love of all things eco friendly continues apace, a directory like the new Organic and Green Guide to Ireland is a very handy thing. A bible of its type , it is divided into sections including farmers' markets, restaurants, speciality stores, eco building and design and recycling and lists all the 32county's producers as well as giving handy tips and features on living the Good Life.

Information is complete, easy to find and accurate.

Published by The Organic Centre in Rossinver, Co Leitrim and supported by the Organic Unit of the Department of Agriculture, the book costs 12 and is out now.

Super singer

Step aside Maxi, Dick and Twink, Ireland has a new (and younger) gay icon. Singer Ciara D (is that for Diva? ) has already earned her camp credentials, supporting Dickie Rock at a GAA bash and performing at the recent Miss Ireland finals. But she's a force in her own right, as demonstrated on her first single . . . an anthemic take of Karyn White's 1988 classic 'Superwoman'. Catch her tonight at the Beach Club, Cork as part of the gay-friendly Tease Tour.

Club class

At this stage, there mustn't be a clubber on the planet who doesn't speak Hed Kandif From the distinctive visuals to the compilation CDs and global shindigs, the combined talents of Mark Doyle, Andy Norman and John Jones puts the fun in funky. Hitting Dublin tonight, Hed Kandi takes over the PoD complex with a full-production show of DJs, rappers, dancers and a BBQ in the outdoor courtyard. It may be regarded as 'chavvy girlie clubbing', but when has being right ever been so much craic? Tickets priced 20 from usual outlets.

Imagine that. . .

Artwork suitable for home or workplace is on view (and for sale) this weekend as part of Greystones Arts Festival, with 16 selected pieces (from a countrywide entry of over 200) on view, until 8 August, at various venues in the town and at Cherrylane Art Gallery in Killincarrig. Featured here is 'Sea Series 1' by photographer Gerry Sandford, better known for his portrait work from his local studio, Imagine Photography. Other artists include Barbara Brennan, Mary O'Connor and Tony Gunning. Check out www. greystonesartfestival. com or contact Gerry Sandford for commissions on 01 2871944, imaginephoto@eircom. net

Check it out

What'll 15m buy you these days? If you're Hugh O'Regan, it'll cover the cost of a fairly impressive hotel refurbishment, as can be seen as The Morrison unveils a new look. Architect Grainne Webber of Douglas Wallace has again worked with John Rocha to give one of Dublin's most visually interesting hotels a very flattering facelift for the new millennium. In addition to 48 new suites and rooms, an art gallery and spa (to open in September) they have softened the existing public spaces with touches like warm gold chandeliers and mosaics in the bar area. The neighbouring building houses the beautiful Printworks theatre . . . a perfect space for corporate launches thanks to some snazzy AV facilities and a stunningly simple zen courtyard garden. Add a new-look to the existing Halo restaurant and the Morrison is reborn. Let's hope they bring back the home-baked biscuits too.

Sure shod

If you're one of the few people on the planet who actually wears trainers to exercise in, the launch of the latest Reebok Pump 2.0 will certainly put a spring in your step. Originally created back in 1989, this was the first shoe that inflated to cushion the foot and sold over 20 million pairs within four years. The Pump 2.0 is a 'new, improved' model that delivers an improved fit, inflating as the foot moves . . . in around five steps. Designed in conjunction with Nasa and MIT-trained engineers, it also adjusts as you run to ensure the protective pressure remains constant. Retailing at e120 from selected Lifestyle Sports stores in Ireland, this shoe is for runners, with other tailored trainers (eg for basketball) to come later in the year.

Happy snaps "What does Ireland look like to youf?"

Now, there's a leading question to ask a bunch of tourists, but considering it's www. goireland. com's strapline to accompany their 2005 photography awards, it's guaranteed to produce an assortment of answers. This year, tourists are being invited to snap and send in what they see as the epitome of Ireland in the 2000s. Are we still a nation of ruddy, red-headed donkey kids or will something more cosmopolitan have replaced the traditional John Hinde ideal? The awards features three categories: scenery, people and places and is open to domestic and foreign holidaymakers. Entries can be made online by visiting www. goireland. com/photo_comp/Enter. htm.

Plump around

It's amusing to note that although women spend so long trying to shrink so much of their body that the same dedication is spent making other parts biggerf In the past few months, a load of cosmetic companies have launched lip plumping products, none as successfully as cult London brand Pout, whose Lip Plump now sells one every second. Promising to boost lip volume by up to 40% in a month, it stings the lips with added peppermint and now comes in pink (bubble gum) and nude (caramel) variants as well as original clear. Try it for free when you spend 50 at Pout's counter at BT2, Dundrum Town Centre. All such purchases are rewarded with a full size product worth 24 (while stocks last).

Melanie Morris hotshots@tribune. ie