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Yearly Archives: 2017

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.

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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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As exciting as it is to fly away from rainy Ireland, boarding an airplane does come with its annoyances.

From flight delays to crying children and rotten plane food, there's a lot to complain about, but one of the most common things to irk passengers is when the person in front reclines their seat.

Of course, if you fly frequently then you've no doubt done it once or twice, but it's when a passenger insists on reclining their seat for the entire flight; then you have a problem.

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Well, in a series of experiments by New York-based law professors Christopher Buccafusco and Christopher Jon Sprigman, the duo discovered that people would pay on average $18 (€16) to stop the person in front of them reclining their seat.

Another interesting finding is that people would be prepared to even buy on-flight snacks and drinks so they could have the comfort of more space.

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The study found that 78 per cent of passengers are open to taking snacks or money off other passengers.

"Most airlines still hand out free drinks, and sometimes little bags of pretzels. Maybe instead they should charge for them and allow passengers to purchase them for one another," the study said.

"Everyone wins. Seat recline space is efficiently allocated. Airlines are marginally further from bankruptcy. And no one gets punched in the face.”

 

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So, in just over a week, I will turn 30-years-old.

I swear, I literally blinked and it happened.

One day I was 21 in a pair of knock-off Uggs and an over-reliance on Velour tracksuit bottoms, and the next I was 29 and lamenting my lost youth.

And while turning 30 is nothing to fear (or so I’ve heard), the milestone undoubtedly gives pause, and acts as a fairly handy platform to reflect on your twenties.

And this is what I realise I have learned…

1. The size on an item of clothing means nothing.

At this stage we know they are totally inconsistent, so why EVER get hung up on them?

2. You will ALWAYS feel better after you exercise.

No matter how tired or how miserable, 30 minutes of exercise will genuinely lift your spirits and energy levels.

3. Hangovers will catch up on you.

Enjoy your level 1 hangovers for as long as you can because there will come a day in your late twenties when a hangover means eight hours heaving into a wastepaper bin before a two-hour phonecall to The Samaritans.

4. There’s a lot to be said for comfortable shoes.

'Car to Bar' shoes aren’t for the fainthearted… or the flat-footed.

5. And even more to be said for a good bra.

The support! The comfort! The silhouette!

6. And then there’s the sheer joy of a hooded coat.

For a country as wet as ours, owning a hooded coat is still a novelty.

7. The way you’re treated by someone says more about them than it does about you.

Never forget that.

8. And what you say about someone says more about you than it does about them.

Be kind.

9. It’s never too early to save money.

Even if it’s just €5 a week, you’ll be thankful of the €260 at the end of the year.

10. The ‘you can sleep when you’re dead’ mantra is BS.

Sleep now; you’re bloody wrecked.

11. Your friendships will change, and accepting that sooner rather than later saves a lot of heartache.

Change isn’t always bad, but it is sometimes unavoidable.

12. You’re much more resilient than you ever give yourself credit for.

You will face challenges that you think you’ll never overcome, and guess what? You do.

13. Social media is a total swizz.

The day I see someone cutting their toenails into an empty Coke can on a Saturday night is when I’ll start believing it.

14. Keeping a diary is worth the effort.

Yes, it can be cringey, but for every toe-curling moment, there are ten laugh-out-loud memories.

15. Comparing yourself to other people is time wasted.

Be inspired; don’t be downcast.

16. The heartbreak you thought would cripple you will, in time, become a distant memory.

And guess what? You can also make that experience work to your advantage in the future.

17. Make time for your family.

You don’t know how long they’ll be around, and showing up means more to them than you’ll realise.

18. Spend money on experiences, not material things.

There are only so many photos of your designer bag you can show the grandkids.

19. Say yes, and figure it out later.

Hey, if it worked for Richard Branson…

20. Butterflies don’t last, but what follows is much more exciting.
 
Don’t ever lament the disappearance of butterflies if a feeling of contentment has replaced them.

21. Wearing your earphones does not entitle you to break wind in public.

You can't hear it, but everyone else can. And you know that.

22. It wasn’t a mistake, it was a lesson.

It might not feel like it at the time, but there will come a point when it dawns on you.

23. Water is your best friend.

And not just a hangover remedy.

24. Strong women will ALWAYS build you up.

Surround yourself with them.

25. Love is when home becomes a person.

Simple as.

26. You don’t need pully-in underwear, you need a dress you feel comfortable in.

Time to go shopping.

27. Make yourself known to your college tutors and lecturers.

A person is much more likely to help someone when they can put a face to their name, right?

28. Don't indulge in office gossip.

Yes, it can pass the time, but it's a seriously toxic way to go about it.

29. There is no ‘right’ way to navigate your twenties.

We’re all just finding our way.

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Just one week after the horrific attack at Ariana Grande's concert in Manchester, the singer's mum, Joan, has posted an emotional tribute to the victims.

Taking to Twitter, Joan shared a statement to show her solidarity with the victims of the bombing, which claimed the lives of 22 people and injured 60 more. 

Joan often accompanies her daughter on tour and was at the concert at the time of the attack in Manchester. 

Joan reportedly sprung to action during the attack, escorting a group of children backstage at the concert to keep them safe after the bomb was detonated. 

'This past week I have spent in reflective thought, prayer and deep sorrow,' she wrote.

'I join my daughter in extending my help and services to all those affected by the diabolical act of terror which occurred in Manchester.'

 

A post shared by Ariana Grande (@arianagrande) on

'My heart goes out to all the victims: those who lost their lives, those injured, those recovering and all survivors of that night, along with the families and friends whose grief knows no bounds.'

'I stand with you all in the face of evil and we stand together to never let it rule our lives!'

'Thank you to all those who helped in any way that night in Manchester.'

'I continually thank those who are and were in service protecting our freedoms every day all over the world! #MemorialDay,' shw finished.

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Well, it was certainly a birthday party to remember.

The infamous Noel Gallagher celebrated his 50th birthday last weekend, and it couldn't have been more star-studded.

The guitarist had a Narcos-themed bash (standard) and among the guests were Bono, Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Madonna, Stella McCarthey, David Walliams, and many, many more.

The music, the drinks, and the social media snaps were flowing all night long and it certainly seemed like everyone had a great time:

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Irish fans of Harry Styles were left disappointed last month when he released tour dates and there were zero Irish locations.

However, now it has been reported that the former One Direction star will make his way to our fair green isle, and we couldn't be more delighted.

An official announcement has yet to be made, but the demand for tickets is said to be huge.

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An insider told The Irish Sun: "There will be a lot of Harry's UK fans trying to make it over to Ireland for the Dublin concert."

"Harry could sell out a couple of nights at the 3Arena but his schedule only allows for one concert here."

The source added that he will make his Irish solo debut in November.

All we need is a bit of confirmation from Harry himself, and then we can get really excited.

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Saved by the Bell was our all time favourite TV show.

We fancied Zack; wanted to be Kelly; lusted after Lisa's clothes and hoped to have Jessie's brains someday.

But now, the producer of the show wants to turn it into a musical… but it seems like it's only in the very early production stages.

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Peter Engel told TMZ that he wanted Justin Bieber to play the lead role of Zack, but unfortunately the Biebs is too old now.

Plus, did they really think they'd get JB to do a musical?!

And as for the original cast, Peter said "They won't come back. They're all so busy. They're old enough to be the teachers now.

"Hopefully they'll come to the show… I know they will."

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As for a writer for the musical, Peter says he has some big names in mind.

"I went to some of the top writers like Lynn Mamet because he's a huge Bell fan. Anything he could help us with because he's brilliant."

So, a Saved by the Bell musical could actually be happening.

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Got a green thumb or just love filling your Instagram with floral foliage? 

Bloom Festival, sponsored by Bord na Móna Growise, is blossoming in Dublin this weekend, and there is plenty to see alongside the gorgeous plant life in Phoenix Park.

This year, the festival will ring in its eleventh anniversary, and the experience will run from Thursday June 1 to Monday June 5. 

Grow Your Own foodie Lilly Higgins and horticultural expert Peter Dowdall are set to take to the Main Stage at the festival this coming weekend for an interactive demo offering handy hints and tips on how to make the most of your garden.

The pair will be chatting about everything, from the best ways to enjoy your own garden produce to making the most out of your green space.

There will also be demos on creating the perfect summer window boxes and hanging baskets and keeping them in bloom throughout the summer.

Can't make it? The entire festival will be broadcasted live on RTÉ. 

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It was one of our favourite movies growing up, and we definitely sang and danced to the songs in the privacy of our own home.

And now, the star of the movie, Whoopi Goldberg, has said that she is definitely up for making a third instalment.

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The actress was chatting to Entertainment Weekly to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the first movie, and of course they asked her if she would be willing to film another one.

"Yeah, it would be a great blast," Whoopi said. "I would have a good time, because it's a piece I understand and I know.

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"But would they call me? Probably not. They'll find somebody much younger to do it," she joked, but then ended with, "they should call me."

Yes Whoopi, they should call you, indeed.

Can you imagine anybody else playing the glorious Deloris?! We don't think so.

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