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Yearly Archives: 2017

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After numerous reports on social media about an explosion in Manchester Arena, the Manchester police have confirmed that there have been "a number of confirmed fatalities."

Concert goers were leaving the Manchester Arena after an Ariana Grande concert when they heard a "loud bang," and now it has been confirmed that two explosions took place in the area.

Various videos and pictures on Twitter show lines of ambulances and police cars heading towards the venue.

This is a breaking story, more to follow…

Main image: Joel Goodman/LNP

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Cupcakes have always been one of our fave treats, but there's nothing worse than buying or baking really stodgy, dense ones.

Three bites in and you're full (and not feeling so great, either).

However, Delish has created a hack to make your cupcakes light and fluffy… and it involves our favourite alcohol.

It notes that adding soda to your mixture has been a longtime hack, so why not try prosecco?

Well, its bakers did and it worked a treat. They said, "the end result is even lighter and fluffier than any cake we've ever had before." Score.

If you fancy adding a splash of prosecco into your cakes, take a look at the how-to video above.

And have a little tipple while baking, we won't tell.

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Your phone and a cup of coffee are probably the first things you reach for in the morning.

But a phone case that makes coffee? While incredibly interesting, is it really needed?

An Italian business couple, Luigi Carfora and Clement Biondo, have created a phone case that doubles as a coffee machine and we're having tiny heart palpitations about it.

First of all, there's a battery-operated heater inside of the case to warm up your espresso, but what if that over-heats and damages your phone?

Secondly, a 25ml shot of coffee is embedded into the case. What if that spills out and slips into your phone, ruining your technological companion while doing so?

Also, the case is 7mm thick, which doesn't seem like much, but carrying that around all day and trying to take selfies with it… not so handy.

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The newly named Mokase is currently in the crowdfunding stages, but we think we might opt to avoid it at all costs.

And isn't there a Starbucks around every corner nowadays anyway?

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Whether you're running out the door to work, or spending hours getting ready for a night out, it's safe to say that a lot of our beauty routine time is taken up by our gruaige.

In fact, 29 per cent of Irish women admit that styling their hair takes up most of their time when getting ready.

It's a total effort, and a new study conducted by Peter Mark found that a quarter of us completely ditch the styling process in the morning if we're late for work.

barber, bathrobe, bathroom

According to the survey, half of us spend an average of 4.3 days per year blow drying and straightening our locks, so you'd think we'd come up with a quicker way of doing by now, right?

Well, that quicker way has been invented and it goes by the name DAFNI.

Say hi to DAFNI, the new hair brush that quickly straightens your hair in a matter of mere minutes.

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Created by engineering graduate, Sharon Rabi, all you have to do is give your hair a quick blast with the dryer, and then DAFNI does the work for you. A speedy brush through and you'll have super sleek, super straight hair.

What's more, if you're worried about the damage a straightener is doing to your hair (and you should be, 54 per cent of us straighten our hair up to four times a week), this tool won't damage your locks, and it's safe to use daily.

The DAFNI is available now from Peter Mark salons nationwide or online here.  The DAFNI Classic retails at €149 and the travel version, the DAFNI Go retails at €115.

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As most of you probably know, Facebook, Messenger and Instagram all live under the same roof.

And therefore, the FB family think that all of our notifications should be sent to the same place.

But is this handy or just plain annoying?

The feature is currently being rolled out on a few iOS users, and we're not too sure about it.

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Those who are testing the new feature will see a little icon on the top right-hand corner on Facebook, which will show the total number of notifications from all of your social media platforms.

And with a single tap, you'll be taken to the account in question.

TechCrunch first spotted it, and many are complaining that it's a new ploy by FB to ensure users never leave the app's feed.

A Facebook spokesperson told The Debrief: "We are conducting a very small test to make it easier for people to discover and connect with the people and things they care about.

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"We're exploring ways to help people switch more easily between their Facebook, Messenger and Instagram accounts."

While some may welcome the new feature with open arms, others are on the fence.

Are we not capable of going into our app of choice and see our notifications for ourselves? Will it play up social media users' anxiety about having double-digit notifications that beckon their attention?

Are we thinking too much into this?

We'll have to wait and see.

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Sometimes there's nothing better than a thriller.

The mysteries, the clues, the suspects… As much as we love a good TV series, reading a mystery novel can be extremely captivating.

So, if you fancy reading a few crime novels throughout the summer months, take a look at this list. There's some frighteningly good ones in there.

The River at Night by Erica Ferencik

The River at Night only made its debut this year, but it's being hailed a a total page-turner.

Wini Allen has just been through a series of personal tragedies, so she takes some time off with her BFFs.

The three friends head away on a hiking trip, but they end up stranded and fighting for their lives.

The women then stumble across a fire-lit camp, but they have no idea of the true intent of their new found companions.

 

The Dry by Jane Harper

You can bet this book is going to be good as Reese Witherspoon's production company has just secured the film rights to it.

During an awful drought in Australia, three members of the same family are brutally murdered.

Police suspect the father killed his wife and child, before himself, but as a new police officer arrives in town, secrets become unearthed. Who really killed the Hadler family?

 

Everything You Want Me to Be by Mindy Mejia

This dark novel takes place in an American high school and centres around the last year of Hattie Hoffman's life.

Hattie is a senior in the school and her life comes to an end when she is brutally stabbed on the opening night of the school play.

A teacher and the local sheriff become the main suspects.

 

The Kept Woman by Karin Slaughter

This book is based on a psychopath… or is she a psychopath?

An ex-cop is found in a pool of blood, but it turns out the blood is not his – it's another woman's. Will they find the other victim? Did she kill the cop?

As the mystery ensues, an officer becomes entangled in the web of lies the victim leaves behind.

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The Break Down by B.A. Paris

This book begins by meeting the main character Cass, who sees a women sitting in a parked car during a downpour.

That woman later turns up dead and ever since, Cass keeps forgetting things; where she parked her car, her alarm code, whether or not she has taken her pills.

But she can't forget the woman. And is somebody watching her?

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Let's face it, there are few among us who haven't endured a woeful date.

Whether it was a blind date, a first date or 'not even sure if this is a date' date, navigating the scenario as it unfolds can be agonising at best and soul-destroying at worst.

Thankfully, Twitter knows how to own their own hideous experiences, and have no qualms about sharing them with the wider world.

And here are just some of our favourites…

Ah, now.

Of course, he was.

 
Sorry, what?

No, he did NOT.

It's important to stay informed.

 He's probably just locked in, babes.

The classic 'no offence' move. 

We can't believe it either. 

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You walk back into the office at 9am sharp. You take a seat and soon realise you have five meetings to attend, your computer has burst into flames and you have 150 emails to reply to.

And then you think, 'this time last week I was having breakfast by the sea'.

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Yep, going back to work after taking a trip away is a bit of a bummer, but you'll soon settle back into normality.

So, if you have even a sliver of the post-holiday blues hanging on your shoulders, here are four ways to make it better.

1. Buy your favourite coffee

Take a few minutes before work to buy your fave three-shot mocha, and just sit back and relax.

Winding yourself up about all the work you have to do will do you no favours. So, just chill for a minute. You can handle it.

café, coffee, cup

2. Catch up with your work wives

You might dread being back in the office setting, but we're sure your work wives are just dying to find out how your holiday was.

Grab a cuppa (you will have a lot of hot beverages on your first day back), and take a minute to chat to them in the kitchen.

Just talking about your fab holiday memories will turn that frown upside down.

Woman in Yellow Long Sleeved Dress Standing Beside Man in White Blue Crew Neck T Shirt

3. Take a walk at lunch

Just a mere two days ago you were walking along the beach, we know, we know. Now your back sitting in your office chair for eight hours.

Do yourself a solid and take a walk a lunch. It'll clear your head after replying to those 100+ emails.

adult, audience, celebration

4. Plan something exciting

We know you literally just stepped off the plane, but having nothing to look forward to can be a bit… well, sh*t.

So, whether it's a small getaway a couple of months from now, or simply a night out with the girls, start planning something that you can get excited about.

Black Pen on White Writing Spring Notebook Between White Ipad and White Ceramic Mug With Latte on White Plate

Going back to work after some time off can be hard, but it really isn't all that bad. You'll no doubt be back up to speed in no time.

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Food lovers, avert your eyes. 

Gordon Ramsay has revealed the one dish he would never order in a restaurant and it might surprise you. 

The 50-year-old has spent most of his career working in busy kitchens so we're pretty sure he knows a thing or two about how they operate – and we're honestly devastated by his latest revelation.

In an interview with Town and Country magazine the chef explained that the soup-of-the-day is rarely fresh and is actually often made using leftovers from the day before.

 "Ask what yesterday’s soup du jour was before today’s special. It may be the case that it’s the soup du month," he said.

What's more, the television chef also revealed that Valentine's Day is the worst day of the year to dine out. 

"Valentine’s Day is the worst day of the year to go out. Busy kitchens with tones of diners means you don’t get the true feeling of the restaurant.''

''You should be cooking on Valentine’s. What’s more romantic than a meal cooked for your partner with good bottle of wine," he added.

We couldn't agree more Gordon. 

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'Alien Yoga' is the latest fitness trend to take over our Instagram feeds and it's as odd as it sounds.

Videos of the bizarre fitness technique have been popping up all over the image sharing site and they've been met with some mixed reviews.

Also know as Nali, the traditional yoga is practiced by exhaling fully, isolating the abdomen and pulling it under the ribcage.

The muscles are then contracted and released in a side-to-side motion.

Completely confused? 

Check out the video below.

 

I don't have much rhythm, but I think I caught the beat there for a second #aloyoga #beagoddess #nauli

A post shared by aubry wiltcher (@aubrymarie) on

The technique is thought to promote digestion and strengthen the core, and according to Nauil.org, can be mastered by a person of any fitness level.

According to The Independent, 'Alien Yoga' can be broken down into four key movements. 

First up – Uddiyana Bandha, an abdominal lock achieved by emptying your lungs and pulling the abdomen under the ribcage. 

Closely followed by Madhyana Nauli, Vama Nauli and Daksina Nauli which isolate contraction of the central, left and right abdominal muscles.

Although there are a number of health benefits associated with the practice, experts have warned that it should only be attempted in the presence of a qualified yoga instructor.

So, next time you're in a yoga class, why not ask for a little demonstration of 'Alien Yoga'.

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You're finally heading away on a summer holiday.

You've saved (or splurged) your money, bought all of your summer clothes; suncream, sandals, sarongs, the works. It's going to be great, right?

Until you take a step off the airplane and realise that you are indeed an Irish person and can't even deal with the heat.

beach, drinking, drinks

The sweat, the frizzy hair… the bikini rash. Here are seven things that will happen to you when you head away on a HOT summer holiday:

1. Your hair might as well be a blanket wrapped around your neck

Bets are, you just got your hair done before going on holiday. A new cut and colour. Fabulous.

Except 30 minutes in it feels like your dog came on holiday with you and you're carrying him around on your neck.

The sweat gathers, you become sticky and you give up. Goodbye freshly styled hair. Hello messy bun.

anonymous, anonymously, eyewear

 

2. Blisters, blisters everywhere

During your holiday shop, you probably bought an array of glitzy new sandals and flip flops.

And you probably think you look super chic while talking a stroll down the boardwalk on your first day.

But by the end of the day, your feet are red and throbbing. Then you wake up the next morning with a mighty blister on your heel. Not good.

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3. Sunburn

You've planned it all out. You'll wear factor 50 suncream for the first few days and then move down to factor 20 in the hopes of securing a nice tan.

Except that tan probably never comes. And your shoulders get burnt. And your scalp is red and flakey.

Then your bra straps rub against the burn on your shoulder… and just, ouch.

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4. Frizzy hair

Yep, back to the hair. Since you've had it up in a top knot for basically the entire holiday, you decide to wear it down one night.

You blow dry it and straighten it. Hell, you even put some serum in it to make it look super shiny.

Fast forward three hours later, you look in the mirror and resemble Chewbaca. Brilliant.

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5. The bikini rash

You've no doubt trimmed, or in some cases, totally got rid of your lady garden.

Since you had your hair done before the hol, you didn't have enough cash to head to the beauty salon too, so you shaved down there.

It looks fab for the first few days… and then it starts to grow and gets SUPER itchy. The rash forms… and shorts to the pool it is.

 

6. Damn bug bites

You don't notice ANY bugs near you for the entirety of your holiday. But hey, there's a bite on your leg…

Another pops up on your arm… oh, another one on your heel.

And let's be honest, you're going to scratch the life out of yourself because there is literally no itch like it.

Image result for baloo scratching gif

 

7. Sweaty Betty

You practically sprayed your whole body with extra-strong deodorant, but you still end up a gross, sweaty mess.

Your face is sweating your make-up off, you have dark patches under your armpits, and your T-shirt is stuck to you.

Yep, you thought you'd be super glam on this holiday, but the minute you got off that plane, the glam disappeared.

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But still, no matter how much of a mess you look, it turns out to be the holiday of a lifetime.

Soak up the sun, drink all of the Sangria and eat all of the glorious food. Because they're the great things you'll remember when you look back.

Image result for summer holiday gif

 

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So, summer may have only just begun, but it's never too early to start thinking about Halloween inspiration right?

Meet Mimi Choi, the Vancouver-based beauty guru taking makeup artistry to the next level.

The 31-year-old uses her incredible makeup skills to create a whole host of intricate optical illusions that'll make you look twice.

“My face is a blank canvas where I can practise my art,” Mimi told Metro.

She creates her masterpieces by using black eyeliner and clever angles to create negative space.

“I hope that my strange creativity can inspire people to think outside the box", she writes on Instagram.

 

Been doing makeup in front of this mirror inside of my bathroom for more than 3 years now (10+ years if you count those university years when I did my own clubbing makeup, etc) No fancy lights, backdrop or even a chair — I've always enjoyed standing in that little gap between my sink and my toilet and painting away for hours. I like tight spaces, it makes me feel secure. Sometimes I have music on, sometimes my cat sits in the sink and falls asleep while watching me… It's therapeutic. I'll be moving to a new place soon which means that I will have to adapt to a new painting environment. It's both scary and exciting at the same time because I've grown so attached to my old makeup spot. But I'll adapt and maybe it will finally motivate me to invest in better equipments. _________________________ "INCEPTION" #makeup illusion inspired by a photoshopped image of Paul Ryan. Used @nyxcosmetics @nyxcosmetics_canada pencil and liquid eyeliners plus matte eyeshadows for this look. Lashes are all @houseoflashes "Knockout" falsies except for the littlest ones that I had to paint on. All hand-painted, took 3 hours.

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The makeup artist formerly worked as a school teacher but says she wasn't satisified by the job and needed a new challenge. 

“It felt like it was too late to change my career, but my mum was so supportive that I soon realised it was ok”, she told the Metro.

 

A few of the #makeup illusion pieces that I've done lately • 10 days till the #MIMLESORIGINALS MAKEUP CONTEST ends! Thank you for all the lovely creative submissions so far! Remember to submit by December 31st 2016 if you haven't yet to win $300CAD+ worth of products and get featured! See below for contest rules. _____________ I get it — nothing in this world is 100% original. When I create, I usually get my inspiration from my surroundings — patterns that I see on clothing/wall/architecture, a texture in nature, paintings, photography, emotions, etc, and I try my best not to look at other makeup artists' work to get my ideas. I would like to encourage you to do the same and draw your ideas from different places other than makeup that fuel your imagination! So devour old and new films, paintings, poems, photographs, music and conversations to get your inspiration, and create a makeup look that is authentic, surprises and uniquely your own! _______________ The contest is LIVE NOW and ends on DECEMBER 31st 2016 11:59PM PST so challenge yourself to create your very own original signature looks! Here are the instructions on how to enter: 1. Follow @mimles on Instagram. 2. Tag at least one person who would be interested in participating in comments. 3. Post your ORIGINAL makeup look with the hashtags #MIMLESORIGINALS and #MIMLES, and tag me in the photo/video so I won't miss it! 4. You can post as many looks as you want but it has to be a BRAND NEW LOOK created for this contest. Tagging old work does not count for this competition. 5. Please state what you're inspired by! No recreations of other makeup artists' work please! 6. Contest is open to EVERYONE from all over the world. Good luck and have fun with this! I am excited and cannot wait to see what you come up with! #makeupcontest #makeupcompetition #contest

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She began to practice her skills in her parents bathroom and soon realised her creative potential.

Mimi also operates as a successful makeup artist for weddings and events, but her 156,000 Instagram followers are mostly interested in what jaw-dropping illusion she will come up with next. 

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