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Monthly Archives: May 2017

By the time the first hit came, I was already a shell of a person. When you see the psychological signs, don’t ignore them. When it feels wrong, it is wrong.”

One in five women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, and unfortunately that number is on the rise. RTÉ are confronting the reality of domestic abuse in revealing new online documentary series – UPFRONT: Domestic Abuse. 

The two part documentary follows RTÉ reporter, Della Kilroy, as she talks to the women behind the statistics.

The series delves into the many forms of domestic abuse, from physical, emotional to sexual and financial. It also shows the various support option available to those who think they might be in an abusive relationship.

What's more, UPRONT: Domestic Abuse will feature an interview with a perpetrator who is currently enrolled in a rehabilitation programme.

Last year, Women's Aid received over 16,000 calls reporting domestic abuse and the charity revealed they have seen a huge increase in the amount of young women coming forward.

As well as that, a 2016 study conducted by the team here at SHEmazing revealed that dating abuse affects one in three women, with 60 per cent believing it was their fault.

Results also showed over half of the 1,000 women surveyed admitted to knowing someone in their immediate circle of friends that had been in an abusive relationship.

Any woman, regardless of age, class or occupation can find themselves in an abusive relationship and in this new online documentary we see business women, students and mothers share their own individual experiences.

Researcher and reporter for the RTÉ Player series UPFRONT, Della Kilroy said: ''You might think you don’t know someone that has been affected by domestic abuse, but research suggests you probably do. One in five women in Ireland will experience domestic abuse at some point in their lifetime.''

''This means that every day in Ireland, women are beaten, raped and even hospitalised leaving ongoing physical and mental health issues. This doesn’t just happen in the home, as evidence points to an increasing number of young women experiencing abuse in dating relationships.''

UPFRONT is available to watch now on RTÉ Player .

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised, please contact:  Women’s Aid freephone 1800 341 900 1800 341 900 or visit  www.womensaid.ie and www.2in2u.ie

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Ariana Grande just announced the line-up for 'One Love Manchester' – the benefit concert for the victims and families who were affected by the Manchester attack.

22 people died, and dozens more were injured after a suicide bomber let off an explosive device in the Manchester Arena. 

The singer, whose concert was targeted last week, has called on some of the best in the business to join her on stage in an effort to raise money for the 'We Love Manchester Emergency Fund'.

Justin Beiber, Katy Perry, Niall Horan, Miley Cyrus, Pharrell and Take That will all perform alongside Ariana at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester on June 4.

The concert will be broadcast to audiences across the globe on BBC Television and will be available to be streamed via a digital partner, soon to be announced.

According to reports, Ariana has offered free tickets to any fans who were at her show in Manchester last Monday.  

Fans have taken to Twitter to show their support for the concert, and what it stands for. 

Tickets for the concert will be on sale from Ticketmaster on June 1 at 10:00am. 

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Some people are blessed with enviable hair, and while good genes definitely play a role, it's important to remember that the women whose tresses you want to reach out and touch on your morning commute likely invest time and effort into caring for their locks.

And loathe and all as we are to admit it, the friends, colleagues and family members who boast stunning styles act as constant reminders of the importance of hair care at its most primary level.

From choosing a shampoo that properly reflects your hair type (and not because it’s on special offer) to investing in tools which will protect your hair (as opposed to damaging it), this is all about making the best of your barnet.

And here are just six things those women do on the regular.

Remain loyal

Most of us have been guilty of choosing products based on their price tag rather than their USPs which means we often chop and change when it comes to the products we apply to our hair.

Experts recommend you do your research, find a shampoo and conditioner that works for you, and then stick with it.

Simply put, the moment you land on a combination that works for you, guard it with your life.

Blot hair when wet

Our hair is at its most vulnerable when it's wet, so you'd never find a woman with enviable tresses pulling on wet hair with a rough towel and bristle brush moments after hopping out of the shower.

Gently blotting your hair with a soft towel is the way to go if you want to protect against damage while using a wide-tooth comb for de-tangling is paramount.

Oh, and this woman knows better than to force her hair under piping hot water, and instead opts for warm water while lathering and a cool spray for rinsing out conditioner.

Apply treatments

If you only apply a hair mask once a year and find yourself wondering why your hair isn't in the same condition as other people's, you might just have your answer.

Taking time to apply treatments to their hair is as an essential a haircare step for hair-savvy women as regular brushing.

Get regular trims

Not only do they schedule regular trims, but they take their stylist's advice on board every time they attend an appointment.

And just like product use, it's important to stay loyal to a stylist as long as you're happy with the service they provide.

By sticking with a stylist, you can be assured that they will be able to spot a potential problem before it becomes an issue as they'll know your hair almost as well as you do.

Invest in tools

When it comes to the haircare tools, there is a distinct hierarchy, and you can be certain that women with amazing hair know this all too well.

Take the Dyson Supersonic, for example. Entering the world of haircare with a groundbreaking new addition, Dyson's technology allows for faster, more precise drying, while producing minimum noise due to acoustic silencers.

By measuring the air temperature 20 times every second, it controls heat distribution to reduce damage and protect your hair, with company founder, James Dyson, saying: "Hair dryers can be heavy, inefficient and make a racket. By looking at them further we realised that they can also cause extreme heat damage to hair."

Give it a break

And while treatments and tools do work wonders when it comes to proper haircare, it's also important to remember that everyone's hair can do with a break from time to time.

Being able to strike that balance is how you go from mediocre to mesmorising in six easy steps.

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While others can get too hot, the Dyson Supersonic™ hair dryer works differently. It measures air temperature 20 times a second, preventing extreme heat damage to help protect natural shine.

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So, sunglasses are pretty much the universal symbol of coolness, and you’re probably lying if you say you don’t feel bad-ass in a pair of Ray-Bans (even if they are a knock-off pair from Penneys).

From Danny Zuko to JLo, sunglasses can make anyone look instantly more attractive, and it turns out there’s actually a scientific reason for it.

According to Marie Claire, Vanessa Brown, senior lecturer at Nottingham Trent University, has found that shades make you look better because they bring symmetry to your face.  Check your pair for sunnies that will be delivered overnight on overnight glasses.

As I’m sure anyone who’s ever suffered through a hangover knows, the dark lenses cover those puffy eyes, meaning the face appears fresher and less flawed.

Vanessa also explained how a good pair of shades can make your bone structure looked extra defined.

And let’s not forget about the layer of mystery they add.

According to Vanessa, ‘’The eyes are such a tremendous source of information — and vulnerability — for the human being.’’

So, with shades working to mask your dark circles and your inner most thoughts, you really can trick people into thinking you’re a fully functioning human being.

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Maybe it was the song, maybe it was the initial tremor in her voice, or maybe it was the anticipation in the air, but a video which is currently doing the rounds on social media has given everyone here at SHEmazing HQ a major case of the feels.

Uploaded to Facebook last week, the video shows new bride Heather serenading her wife Lauren following their marriage in Blackwater Castle in Co Cork.

After carrying the first two verses of Can't Help Faillng in Love by herself, Heather took her new wife's hands and danced with her as those gathered came together in the chorus.

With 53,000 views and counting, members of the public have wasted no time celebrating in the newlyweds' joy, with one writing: "That is just fabulous and made me shed a tear."

"Not a dry eye in the house. Beautiful," added the staff at the couple's chosen wedding venue.

Yes, we're crying. And you are too.


 

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If you were a so-called 'late developer' in your teens, the term alone is still enough to make your toes curl today.

While it was used by parents and teachers as a vague way of explaining your puppy fat, flat chest and lack of menstrual cycle in secondary school, it sounded like little more than a grave insult to you.

And while you eventually caught up with your friends and peers, there's no denying that being dubbed a 'late developer' can cast a long shadow.

And here are just 14 things you will know if you were…ahem…one of them.

1. You gave the stink-eye to your row of cami-tops drying on the clothes line at every opportunity.

"Who do I think I'm fooling with that glorified cut-off vest?"

2. You longed for your period so you could bend over double at the lockers with the rest of them.

"It's my time of the month, guys. Just in case you're wondering why I'm totally cramping so hard right now."

3. You researched the menstrual cycle so often, you were certain you could qualify as a gynae.

"I'm looking for signs it might be on its way. Maybe I'm someone who gets her period, but doesn't actually bleed?"

4. You longed to emulate the sashay of the other girls in your school, but mostly tripped over the feet you were still growing into.

"I wish my boobs grew as quickly as my feet do."

5. You wished you had the same confidence as everyone else your age.

"They're all out on the green having sex with each other right now, I'm sure of it."

6. You longed to take part in at least one conversation with the opposite sex which ended without incident.

"Why did my tache get sweaty when he said my name? Is this just how I am?"

7. You stuffed your cami-top more than once and got a secret thrill out of it.

"And I'll take that to my grave with me."

8. Your relatives often made ill-advised comments about your appearance

"Aren't you lovely? You've the exact same build as your father."

9. You feared PE because you'd have to change in front of other people.

"They'll know that my belly is bigger than my boobs."

10. You felt a distinct sense of anxiety when conversation turned to sex.

"Of course I know what it means. You're only asking me because YOU don't know what it means."

11. You often examined your mother's razor and wondered if you'd ever need one yourself.

"I want to be just like those girls on the advert."

12. And you then did some experimenting with the razor and needed blood transfusions as a result.

"I thought the blood was my period! I swear!"

13. You longed for the day you'd have to hide a tampon up the sleeve of your school jumper and scoot out the classroom door with special permission from the teacher.

"She's so lucky! Yeah, enjoy your period, you b*tch!"

14. You stockpiled pads, pantyliners and tampons so when the time came, you'd be prepared.

"Come at me, Mother Nature."

 

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In the wake of last week's attack in Manchester, which saw a bomb go off at one of the city’s largest concert venues, Dublin’s 3Arena have announced updated security policies.

The new policies will be enforced at tonight’s Shawn Mendes show, and presumably for all events in the foreseeable future.

The updated regulations are as follows:

  • Backpacks, larger purses or bags are not allowed; only purses or clutches measuring 4.5in/11.4cm x 6.5in/16.51cm or smaller will be allowed.

  • A full body pat down search and/or metal detector search will take place prior to venue entry.

  • Pocket contents will need to be completely emptied and viewed during the search process.

  • Patrons should minimise jackets and additional layers when possible.

Concert-goes can expect hour-long queues as a result of the new security measures, however, the venue has promised to do their utmost to make sure everyone gets into the arena before show time.

Shawn Mendes is scheduled to take to the stage at 8:30pm, however, it’s recommended you arrive as close to 6:30pm as possibly.

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Out of all the cuisines we've tried, it's safe to say that many of us have never tasted a Hawaiian meal before.

But holy good GOD, does it sound delicious.

Ireland's first ever Pokē joint has opened on Dublin's Capel Street, offering ubiquitous Hawaiian dishes that are both nutritious and tasty.

The owner of this new eatery, Niall Sabongi, first created Klaw in Temple Bar, and after its huge success with dishes including crab and lobster, he decided to introduce the taste of Hawaii to Ireland.

Klaw Pokē offers all of Klaw's favourites with chowder, crab, five varieties of Irish oysters and of course, the legendary Klaw lobster roll. 

However, Niall has also introduced a new range of dishes all cooked over a Yakitori charcoal grill to achieve the flavour of a beach. YUM.

For those of you who don't know, Pokē is a raw fish salad widely served across Hawaii.

Since 2012, it has caught the imagination of food enthusiasts across the US and Europe, with numerous Pokē joints opening up around the world.

And now it's Ireland's turn. At Klaw Pokē, you will be spoiled for choice with protein from €8 (yellowfin tuna) to €15 (lobster) or Irish salmon, octopus, crab or shrimp.

You can become super creative by making your own Pokē Bowl, too. First choose a base of either brown rice, quinoa, rice noodles or wild leaves. 

Then the sauces come in with either house ponzu, sriracha aioli, namjim or gochujang to choose from. 

Toppings add to the finish, with a wide selection of sunomono cucumber, edamame, nori, radish, macadamia nut, salty pineapple, pickled ginger, samphire, fried onion, kimchi, avocado and black roe.

Did we mention they serve Bloody Marys, too? And if the food and booze wasn't enough to entice you, it's dog-friendly, with lead hooks and water bowls in the outdoor seating area.

Klaw Pokē is open 10.30am 'til late, and we think we just found our new date night venue.

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Is there anything better than curling up with a glass of wine on a lazy Saturday night? 

Add a four-legged friend to that picture and you’re pretty much in heaven – and now, your cats and dogs can enjoy a glass of their very own.

Pawsecco is the feline and canine-friendly wine described as being ‘purrfect treat for those on four feet’.

The non-alcoholic, non-carbonated ‘wine’ drink is available in Pet-House White or Pet-House Rosé from the geniuses over at the Woof & Brew Shop.

The Pet-House White contains a blend of elderflower, nettle ginseng and limeflower, while the Pet-House Red contains the same ingredients with just some carrot added for colour.

The ‘wine’ is completely safe for your pets to drink and is said to have been created with ‘the advice of veterinary experts’.

A bottle of Pawsecco will set you back €3.44 and €8.61 purchased from Woof & Brew’s online shop.

What’s more is that the brand sell a whole range of treats for our dog friends, including tonics and teas, dog beer and even herb infused water.

So, next time you're treating yo'self, why not yo'pet as well? 

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Who else just splashes the gin and tonic into a bulb glass and happily sips away?

Maybe throw in some ice and a sprig of mint or lime to make it look fancaaay?

Well, it turns out we've been doing it all wrong, so if you really want to make the most out of your G&Ts, then listen up.

Image result for gin

Good Housekeeping recently asked two gin experts how to perfectly mix the summertime favourite, and we've all been making some pretty simple mistakes.

First of all, those bulb glasses that we think are so cool to drink from? Yeah, they totally interfere with the taste.

“Contrary to the traditional highball glass, one with a good opening [is best to serve a G&T in] – like a copa, tumbler or even a red wine glass.

"[They] can really enhance the nose and allow you to take in all the fragrant botanicals in the gin,” says Simon Gamble, Product Creative Director of Two Birds Spirits. 

Another rookie mistake is how much ice we throw in. Think throwing a handful in will make your drink too watery? Think again.

“Add as much ice as you possibly can, and make sure it’s clear. I always say the more ice you use, the less dilution you get – meaning you’ll really be able to taste the quality of the gin.”

Now, all you need to do is go home tonight and put these tricks to the test.

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We were told our oily skin would go away once we were out of the teenage years, then 19 turned to 20, 20 turned into 25 and we still can't eat a packet of crisps without our skin harking back to our teenage years.

We are told it would benefit us in the long run, that oily skin has better elasticity so is less prone to wrinkles. While this may be true, it doesn’t stop us getting annoyed when we have to carry blotting paper in our purses.

While avoiding alcohol or abstaining from dairy may seem a bit unrealistic (umm hello? Cheese?), there are some more doable things that can help improve your skin.

1. Water, water, water

You’ve heard it time and time again, but it can’t be said enough.

Drink as much water as possible. It may seem like a chore, but once you get into a habit of it, it’ll be second nature.

A handy tip to trick yourself into drinking more water is to get a reusable water bottle with a straw. You drink more without noticing and it’ll save you money. It’s a win-win.

2. Find the right moisturiser

You may think your skin is bad enough without putting more greasy stuff on it, but even oily skin gets dry, flaky bits. It’s a vicious circle, we don't moisturise and get dry skin then we moisturise it and we get spots.

Finding the right moisturiser is key to stopping this. Skin is a temperamental thing so it’s really trial and error when it comes to finding the perfect one for you. 

An oil- free, matifying moisturiser is the best way to go. It’ll cost more than your mam’s Nivea, but you’ll only need to use a small amount so it lasts ages. 

3. Don’t overdo it      

With oily skin, it can feel dirty so there's an urge to clean it every possible chance you get. This isn’t a good idea, your skin needs oil, even if you don’t like it.

Removing the oil too often will just make your skin produce even more and the problem will only get worse.

Keep exfoliating and using deep cleansing face washes or masks every second day and use a light cleanser daily.

4. Timing is everything

Timing is just as important as the product you use.

Try not to moisturise just before bed. Your body temperature rises when you sleep and moisturiser mixed with sweat will clog your pores.

Moisturising in the morning makes it more effective. The same goes for using greasy lip balms. They stay in place during the day, but at night they will spread and clog the pores around your lips.

5. Don’t get disheartened

Finally, don’t get disheartened if you improve your skin care routine, but seem to be getting more spots.

It takes time for your skin to rid itself of deep impurities, so they may have to come to the surface before they can be eradicated.

It also takes time to perfect a skin care routine that suits your skin, so be patient and you will find the perfect balance. 

 

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If you've ever spent time on a dating app, you'll know just how frustrating it can be.

It's hard enough getting to know someone through a brief text/ gif exchange, but trying to figure out what exactly your match is after is an entirely different ball game. 

No one would blame you for thinking that the vast majority of dating app users were only after one thing, but perhaps we're a little too quick too judge. 

A new study conducted by Harvard University has revealed that there may be light at the end of the 'you out tonight?' tunnel after all.

Researchers surveyed a group of US adults aged between 18 and 25 and found that the vast majority were totally single or dating just one person.

Results found that less than 5 per cent of Tinder users messaged more than five people each week and just a bit over 5 per cent would expect to sleep with someone on the first date.

The other 95 per cent either said they would be completely against getting intimate with someone on the first date, or it simply just wasn't something they were looking for.

So, contrary to what you might think, it looks like most of us serial-daters are actually searching for something more long-term.

The study reads: ‘’What we found — and what our report describes — stands in stark contrast to the common story in our culture about young people’s romantic and sexual experiences.’’

‘’Research indicates that a large majority of young people are not hooking up frequently, and our research suggests that about 85% of young people prefer other options to hooking up, such as spending time with friends or having sex in a serious relationship.’’

So, if you're after something more than a one-night-stand, don't give up hope just yet.

But knowing our luck, we'd still manage to find that 5 per cent. 

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