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Yearly Archives: 2017

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There has never been a more popular time to go city hopping, with weekend breaks as cheap as chips, thanks to the many low cost airlines.

And while gushing over the merits of Italy, Slovenia, Poland, or Belgium is inevitable – we shouldn't forget the gems on our own doorsteps either.

Nor should you wait for out-of-town visitors to give you the nudge you need.

However, if you still need some convincing as to why this is such a great idea, here are six reasons you NEED to explore your city today:

1. You’ll learn something new

No one knows EVERYTHING there is to know about where they live, so you’ll at least learn something new.

2. You will meet new people

You can never have too many friends, or know too many people. Sometimes chatting to a perfect stranger in a pub can be so enlightening.

3. It can be refreshing

Strolling around your town when you have the time to take in the sights can be so relaxing, not to mention eye-opening.

With the hustle and bustle of the daily commute, we sometimes forget the beauty that surrounds us.

4. Culture

There are so many fascinating places to visit throughout Ireland, such as the National History Museum in Dublin, the Ballincollig gunpowder mills in Cork, Lismore Castle in Waterford, the Battle of Aughrim visitor centre in Galway, and the Carromore Megalithic cemetery in Sligo, so you will be spoiled for choice. You will also benefit by expanding your knowledge on your country’s heritage.

5. You will be inspired

We all draw inspiration from different things. Exploring your city could inspire you to write, travel more, or learn more about the history of your country, and its people.

6. Get an alternative view

No doubt there is at least one viewing point in your city or town. After you have explored the streets, it can be so nice to see the panoramic view during the day or at night. Looking at the city lights at night is beautiful, and magical.

Go forth, explore, and stay curious!

Photos from around Ireland, Credit to Discover Ireland.

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Skins was our absolute life when we were teens, and we couldn't get enough of the blisteringly edgy TV drama.

We still cringe remembering the times our parents would walk in while Effie and Freddie enjoyed yet another sex scene, so the fact that the show is now a decade old had us reeling.

It also had us wondering where our favourite characters are now, so we made it our mission to find out.

Nicholas Hoult aka Tony Stonem 

 

A photo posted by FckYeahHoult (@fckyeahhoult) on

Since Skins, Nicholas Hoult has whiched from the small screen to the silver screen, with a string of films including Mad Max and X-Men.

The actor also enjoyed a fling with Jennifer Lawrence. We wonder what Michelle thought.

Hannah Murray aka Cassie Ainesworth

 

A photo posted by Mila (@mmiila__) on

On the set of Skins, Hannah Murray portrayed the troubled Cassie, who battled anorexia and had a tumultuous relationship with nice-guy Sid Jenkins (who fell out of the limelight after Skins, FYI).

She has continued to shine on the small screen, with parts in Game of Thrones and an award for Best Actress at the Tribeca Film Festival. 

Kaya Scodelario-Davis aka Effie Stonem

Kaya was a feature in the first generation of Skins before becoming a main character in the second. 

Since her Skins debut, the actress has played roles in a series of films, and is currently starring as the lead in the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean installation.

She is married to fellow actor Benjamin Walker, who is starring as Patrick Bateman in the American Psycho musical, and the two are currently expecting a son. 

Kathryn and Megan Prescott aka Katie and Emily Fitch

 

A photo posted by skinss (@its_a_skins_thing) on

Twins Kathryn and Megan have gone down individual paths since departing from Skins.

Megan has been working hard to become an award winning body builder, and is making a documentary about her progress.

Kathryn left the UK after Skins, and is currently living the American dream starring on MTV's Finding Carter. 

Jack O'Connell aka Cook

Jack featured in a host of successful indie flicks before getting his big break, when Angelina Jolie cast him in hit film Unbroken.

The star scooped a BAFTA for his performance, and will next star as Alexander McQueen in a biographical epic about the late designer's life and work. 

Luke Pasqualino aka Freddie McClair 

 

A photo posted by Skins UK (@skinsssssuk) on

Luke captured our teenage hearts as moody skateboarder Freddie on Skins.

Since filming ended, the babe and a half has gone on to date Perrie Edwards, and has starred in a host of TV dramas. 

 

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"Go, go, go, go, go shorty, it's your birthday"

Yesterday on the Capital London Breakfast Show, James Arthur sang an incredible acoustic version of 50 Cent’s massive hit "In Da Club".

Image result for james arthur

We will admit that the idea of a slower,acoustic version of this club-night classic is a strange concept, but OMG it works. 

All of a sudden we want James Arthur to release  special album of rap music covers…

Image result for james arthur

After his performance, James gifted his guitar to the presenters of the show, which will be given to a very lucky competition winner. 

What a guy! 

 

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Celebrities have such extensive wardrobes that wearing the same thing twice is probably mathematically improbable.

However, Kirsten Dunst just made the ultimate argument for outfit repeating by recycling a dress at a Chopard party in Paris. 

The recently engaged star previously wore the vintage Christian Lacroix applique lace dress in 2004 to the Vanity Fair Oscar's after party, which she attended with then-boyfriend Jake Gyllenhaal.

Thirteen years later, the dress (and Kirsten) look as amazing as ever.

Other celebrities have also taken their most beloved garments out of retirement.

Kiera Knightly famously wore this petal pink Chanel dress on the red carpet, before re-purposing it five years later to wear as her own wedding dress.

The star then wore it again to another event, this time with an embellished top underneath. 

We all remember the teenage fear of not having something new to wear to the disco, but these ladies are clearly well over that.

However, feeling the need to get something new for an event sometimes spills over into adulthood, at the expense of both our bank accounts and our sanity. 

Kirsten and Kiera clearly prove that rummaging through your own wardrobe rather than the shop rails can produce absolute gems you'd completely forgotten about. 

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When it comes to looking after ourselves, we tend to focus on specific areas (feet, hands, face etc!)

 

bestfran

A photo posted by Kylie (@kyliejenner) on

However, there is one part of the body we really should focus on, but most of us tend to completely forget it's even there. 

Enter: the belly button.

 

Bye bye LAshort n sweet

A photo posted by Bella Hadid (@bellahadid) on

Dr. Susan Bard of Sadick Dermatology recently spoke to Teen Vogue about that little dimple in the middle of our stomachs.

 

We runnin' through them  @swimsuitsforall

A photo posted by A S H L E Y G R A H A M (@theashleygraham) on

“The navel is an occluded are where skin rests on skin creating a dark moist environment in which bacteria and yeast can breed and can become a cesspool for microbes if not properly maintained,” she said.

“If bacteria and yeast are allowed to breed it can lead to foul odor and even infection”… gross. 

 

Get at me shine  @michaelstephenshank

A photo posted by Taylor Hill (@taylor_hill) on

The good doctor recommends that we clean our belly buttons on a daily basis, “ in the shower with gentle soap and water”.  

Noted and stored, Doc! 

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Ed Sheeran fans are in luck, as the singer has just revealed his plans for a word tour, which included two dates in Dublin.

The red-haired singer will be on Irish shores to perform on the 12th and 13th of April this year, so we don't have long to wait. 

The star will be performing hits from his new album Divided, some of which have yet to be released.

Tickets are on sale next Thursday, the 2nd of February (thank god it's after pay day) at 10am, so get ready to battle it out for the tickets which are sure to sell out.

The tour kicks of on March 12 in Italy, before doing the rounds of Europe and arriving at Dublin's 3 Arena.

 

A photo posted by Ed Sheeran (@teddysphotos) on

The singer recently made history by having two songs atop the Irish singles chart in consecutive places.

Any other halves who secure these tickets for Valentine's Day gifts are marriage material. 

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When you think of detoxing, a gruelling, chastising juice cleanse or quitting coffee probably springs to mind.

After a year of embracing the warm, cosy and slightly cluttered hygge trend, the next lifestyle movement is detox.

The detox lifestyle is a nod to minimalism, with stripped back, reclaimed wooden floors, glass accents and mostly clear shelves.

 

A photo posted by Karine (@bodieandfou) on

It doesn't mean getting rid of items necessarily, but managing your possessions in the most efficient way possible and maybe purging those you don't need (hoarders, look away). 

A detoxed living space creates a more organised environment in which things aren't lost to a landscape of clutter, including your thoughts.

Everything has it's place and its purpose. 

 

A photo posted by ferm LIVING (@fermliving) on

However, this doesn't mean shoving everything into a barely closing closet or drawer to create a minimalist aesthetic.

The beauty of detoxing comes from the peace of mind acquired by organisation, and clearing and harmonising every hidden aspect of your home is essential. 

This means cleaning out your closets and drawers and creating negative space under beds and on top of wardrobes. 

 

A photo posted by Jamie Lyons (@theanticolor) on

The lifestyle also takes an ethical approach to consumerism, and has its roots in the zero-waste movement. 

A detoxed home should incorporate reclaimed raw materials wherever possible, and buying from chain stores with high pollution outputs should be avoided.

If you're renting, simply opting for eco-friendly interiors made from recycled materials and switching to sustainable energy sources wherever possible can make a big difference. 

The detoxed space can seem a little bare, so adding throws, candles and an abundance of green plants can create warmth and homeliness.

While hygge was perfect for 2016, a fresh take on minimalism is ideal for the new year. 

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Between the bright orange suit and the infamous pixie cut, Ruby Rose was the talk of the red carpet at last week's People's Choice Awards. 

However, the OITNB star's look would not have been complete without her flawlessly edgy face of makeup. 

The dark burgundy lip and natural bronzed complexion really finished off Ruby's killer red carpet ensemble. 

The good news is that Jo Baker, the makeup artist behind this look, has revealed the products she used on Ruby Rose, and we are SO grateful. 

The bold, dark burgundy lip was created using Urban Decay's Vice Liquid Lipstick in shade Blackmail

Jo also revealed how she achieved that perfect pout, saying that "the key to creating a dark and bold liquid lip look is prepping the lips before lipstick application."

"Use a sugar scrub on the lips to remove any dryness or flaky skin. Next, apply a lip balm and leave it on while you apply the rest of your make-up.

"Finally, use a tissue to remove any excess lip balm and then apply your lipstick, starting with the lip line and finishing by filling in the rest of the lip."

Seems fairly straight forward.

 

A photo posted by Ruby Rose (@rubyrose) on

Earlier this year, Ruby Rose was announced as the brand ambassador for this new Vice lipstick collection, which is due to hit counters in Ireland on Valentine's Day. 

We cannot WAIT! 

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Valentine's Day isn't for everyone, and single or taken, some people just can't stand the cringe. 

We'd much prefer to receive these gas paper tokens of love than a proper sappy love note.

Here are our favourite anti-Valentine's cards, we'll take all 10. 

1. This one, for those who don't do cringe.  

2. And this one, for those who want to get straight to the point. Perfect for a friend with benefits. 

 3. This absolute gem, for couples who have hit the 'I love you but sometimes I want to kill you' stage. 

 4. This one is for the perpetually pessimistic. 

 5. This one sums up the sentiments of the non-gift exchanging couple.

 6. This one, which tells the tale of the highest expression of love, the mythical shaven leg. 

 7. This one, which accurately portrays the depths of our dark souls.

 8. For the Luna lover in your life, this card is actually kind of cute but still non-traditional. 

 9. Hipster boyfriends rejoice, this to-the-point card may be en route to you. 

10. And lastly, this beauty of a card, which marries our love of unicorns with the realities of dating us

 

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Hands up if you remember the fantastic Japanese cartoon called Sailor Moon!

*throws two hands in the air enthusiastically*

Image result for sailor moon

Well, if you were a fan of this iconic animated series, you are about to get really, really excited. 

Creer Beaute has just released an amazing Sailor Moon inspired eye shadow palette, and it has all the gems. 

This Sailor Moon Eye Shadow Palette Is More Swoon-Worthy Than Tuxedo Mask

The compact, which is gold and magical, contains four fabulous eyeshadow shades, one of which can double as a blusher.

The Sailor Moon Prism Compact will be available to purchase online as of March 2017, and will cost €33. 

Image result for sailor moon eyeshadow

We need to add this baby to our growing collection. 

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Kylie Jenner clearly wants you to treat yourself this Valentines Day, as the makeup mogul has just dropped her Valentine's Day collection over on Snapchat.

The collection introduces a host of new products to her already extensive arsenal of cosmetics.

The collection is classically influenced by V-Day, with reds, pinks and glitter featuring heavily. 

The love themed haul features two brand new matte lip kit shades in exclusive red glitter Kylie packaging.

The teen has come up with a raspberry pink shade called Valentine, a total departure from her usual vault of nude shades.

The second shade, Head Over Heels, is similar to the colour Love Bite that already features in her line, but with richer pink tones. 

In the spirit of V-Day, the shades come with a to/from section on the back if you're feeling generous towards a special lady in your life. (Ours will say 'From: Me, To: Me')

Seeing as the makeup mogul is famous for her lips, the collection includes a set of mini liquid lipsticks in a series of romantic shades.

Old favourites Maliboo, Posie K, and Mary Jo K sit alongside new comers High Maintenance and Head Over Heels.

The minis were the most sought after beauty bits in her Christmas collection, so we're sure these will be one of the first pieces to sell out.

One of the most exciting pieces in the collection is the Diary Palette, which includes Kylie's first venture into blush creation.

The two blushers, Virginity and First Date, are accompanied by nine new shadow shades.

The palette has four glitter shades and five matte colours, ranging from hot pink to taupe.

While the colours aren't the most wearable for every day, the palette could definitely create a killer Valentines or night out look, ideal for those who like to get creative with their eye makeup. 

Lastly, the collection includes three mini Valentines palettes, Smooch, Kiss Me and Sweetheart. 

Each set contains a mix of lip and eye products, and all shadows are exclusive to the Valentine's collection. 

The collection drops on February 2 and we've already marked it in our calendars. 

We know what we'll be treating ourselves to this year. 

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The cold shoulder trend took over as one of 2016's best loved trends, but the weather isn't quite right at the moment to bare our pasty shoulders.

While we're waiting for summer to roll back around, and exposed décolletage with it, we're loving the statement sleeve, this springs must-try trend.

Boohoo, € 23.00 

From ruffles to drawstrings to mesh, there's more than one way to add some interest on your sleeves.

This bell sleeved jumper from Boohoo is ideal for casual weekends or brunching, just mind you don't trail your sleeves in the soup. 

 H&M, €44.99

Mixing print and a statement ruffle sleeve definitely isn't for the faint of heart.

Create a high-fashion look by teaming this shirt with some patent leather pants, or tone it down with some ripped skinny jeans and a black duster coat. 

 Zara, €49.95

This look isn't the exclusive domain of day wear, adding a luxe metallic finish to fabric makes the statement sleeve perfect for a big night out. 

 Boohoo, €20.00 

Even the classic bomber jacket is ready to move into the spring season with ruched detailing on the sleeves. 

Zara,  €39.95

As usual, Zara is leading the way with this high street trend.

This candy-striped blouse has an extremely chic bow tie on the arms, so if a ruffle isn't your thing, this is for you. 

 ASOS, €40.00

Incorporating heavy fabrics like denim can look amazing, especially when they have a frayed hem from raw cutting.

This affordable ASOS tunic wouldn't look out of place on an Olsen twin and if we needed another reason to buy, that would be it. 

Boohoo, €20.00

Not exclusive to tops, dresses are getting a silhouette overhaul this season. 

Simple shifts are getting a high-fashion makeover with excess fabric on the sleeves. We love the pastel pink shade of this Boohoo number. 

Pretty Little Thing, €35.00

How perfect is this little red dress for a Valentine's night out with the girls?

 ASOS,€42.67

Velvet? Check. Keyhole neckline? Check. Ruffle sleeve? Check.

This blue ASOS swing dress is literally ticking all the boxes when it comes to this seasons trends. 

Boohoo, €23.00

Tudor-style tops with Victorian and shirt collars are being amped up for the new season with dramatic cascades of ruffles adorning the sleeves.

Whether you go hard or go home on this trend, there's no denying that statement sleeves are taking over the high street. 

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