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Monthly Archives: March 2018

So, the weekend might be just around the corner, but seeing as we've all been advised to stay indoors until further notice, it looks like those after-work drinks you planned with your pals are very much off the cards. 

But not to worry, if there's anything us Irish have in abundance it's creativity in the face of adversity, which is why there's never been a better time to raid you drinks press and get creative in the kitchen. 

To help, we've rounded up some of of favour winter cocktail recipes to help you through the storm. 

Cheers! 

1. Hot Toddy

Need a little pick-me-up during the cold snap? Say no more. 

This comforting combination of sweet honey, whisky and spice will do just the trick. 

By The Cocktail Bandit 

 

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2. Chamomile, Lemon & Gin Cocktail

This delicious combination of chamomile, lemon and a sweet, aromatic apricot syrup is just what's need to keep you toasty all night long. 

Plus, its ingredients evening contain antioxidant, anti-Inflammatory, healing and cleansing properties, making it the perfect choice for anyone suffering with the winter sniffles. 

By Jules Aron 

3. Winter Cranberry Sangria

Bring a little sunshine into your home this seasonal take on a Spanish classic. 

Created using combination of prosecco, soda water, fresh cranberries and flavourings, this Insta-worthy drink can be made in batches, meaning it'll see you through to the end of the storm 

By Simply Delicious 

 

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4. Apple Cider Spritzers

Toast to a night spent huddled around the fire with there sparkling creations.

A fizzy take on a winter classic, these sweet yet spicy cocktails will make you forget all about the weather outside. 

By Holly & Flora 

5. Indian Tea Room

A flavour-filled treat to sense, this eastern inspired cocktail will transport you to a far-off paradise. 

There's recipe might be a little more complicated than our usual 'vodka and dash', but hey, it's the perfect opportunity to brush up on our cocktail skills. 

By davidmmor

 

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The country has been hit by one of the worst snow storms in decades, with freezing temperatures and icy conditions forcing many of us to stay indoors. 

And while the extreme weather has no doubt causes its fair share of inconveniences, it can be incredibly dangerous for those who don't have a place to sleep. 

If you come across someone sleeping rough during the extreme cold snap, the first thing you should do is contact your local homeless service and let them know you are concerned about the wellbeing of the individual or individuals in question. 

If possible, offer them a warm drink and some food and encourage them to avail of one of the extra beds that have been made available across the country. 

Here's a list of organisations taking calls around the country:

Dublin: The Inner City Helping Homeless // 01 8881804 or 085 8389281.

or report to the Dublin Region Homeless Executive online here

Kildare: Peter McVerry Trust // 1800 804 307.

Meath: County Council // 1890 445 335.

Killkenny: Good Shepard Centre // 056 772 2566  or Council Emergency // 056 779 4145

Cork: Homeless Persons Unit // 021 4963 052

Simon Emergency Shelter // 021 4278 728

St Vincent de Paul // 021 4317 899

Limerick: Homeless Action Team // 1800 606060

Galway: Cope Homeless Service // 1800 788887

Eileen Gleeson, director of the Dublin Region Homeless Executive has urged people to contact homeless services if they witness someone sleeping rough in the extreme weather.

"It's vitally important that anyone who sees a person who's homeless that they link them onto the rough sleeper report, so that we can get to them."

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We had to do a serious double-take when we found this invention, but it will genuinely lighten your hair in SECONDS. 

The blonde wand by Pravana looks like a hair straightener but is engineered specifically for processing hair dye quickly, to reduce damage caused by the colouring process.

 

You use this device by applying the brand's Light Créme Lightener, and then place the highlights in foils (like a normal lightening process).

Then you simply glide the wand over the foiled pieces of hair, and BOOM – you're blonde. 

 

Pravana says that the wand is capable of lightening your hair a whopping seven levels in just 10 seconds… impressive, right?

 

One of the best things about the wand is that it limits the damage done to your hair, which is pretty major for anyone who has ever used bleach in their locks. 

The blonde wand will be available in certain salons, and we sort of want one! 

Blondes have more fun, right?

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The Parkland shooting survivors and the March for Our Lives movement are working to make the U.S. safer in the wake of the Florida school's tragedy.

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen supported these brave teenagers recently by donating $25,000 (about €20,500) to their cause.

"We support the students. We're proud of the students," John told AP Entertainment, "We've already sent them money. We sent them $25,000 to help with whatever costs they have for organising, and we believe that our gun culture needs to change in America."

Considering that the couple are parents to Luna, 22 months, and are expecting another little one soon, it's no wonder they are so concerned about gun violence and its sad prevalence in U.S. schools.

"I don't want our kids to keep going to these shooter drills, and all these other things that I can't even believe kids are dealing with right now," the 39-year-old singer shared, "They shouldn't have to deal with that. But I'm glad these kids from Parkland are saying enough is enough, and we support them."

Indeed, the young survivors of the tragic shooting on February 14 are fighting for gun control with a vim and vigour that has inspired many in the States. They plan on holding a demonstration for their cause on March 24 called the March for Our Lives.

 

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In the interview, John lamented the fact that the U.S. experiences so many mass shootings, saying, "We stand out among other major countries in the world when it comes to these types of massacres, but also in the everyday gun violence that people have to deal with.

"I don't think that we should accept that as normal. I think we've decided that everyone having unfettered access to guns is more important than all of us being safe, and I think we need to reshape that balance a bit so that we're all more safe."

We commend John, Chrissy, and the multitudes of people who are using their voices to work towards keeping others safe.

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Today is World Book Day, and to celebrate, we've rounded up some of our favourite titles from some of today's most inspirational females authors. 

From true-life tales of self-discovery, to critical analysis of Ireland's reproductive laws, every book that features on the list is a masterpiece in it's own right.

Do yourself a favour and pick one up today. 

1. Laura Jane Williams // Becoming: Sex, Second Chances, and Figuring Out Who the Hell I Am

After the man she thought she was going to marry dumped her for her friends, Laura turns to alcohol and casual sex in an attempt to fill the void. 

After a final lewd encounter, she declares a vow of celibacy and moves to an Italian convent where she slowly begins to piece her life back together. 

An empowering look at one woman's journey of self-discovery, Becoming will make you realise that no matter how tough things get, there is always light and the other end. 

2. Holly Bourne // What's a Girl Gotta do? 

An eye-opening look at sexism in daily life, it tells the story of one woman's attempt to shut down the trolls and highlight the importance of feminism. 

Determined to change the world with her #Vagilante vlog, Lottie decides to document every instance of sexism she sees over one month, but when her project hits hits the headlines, the vicious comments begin to roll in. 

3. Louise O'Neill // Almost Love 

A story of obsessive love, Louise O'Neill's latest novel follows 20-year-old Sarah, who, after falling head-over-heels for Matthew, begins to sacrifice everything else in her life in order to be with him. 

Her friends are worried, her father disapproves, and she's on the verge of losing her job – but despite all this, Sarah just can't seem to shake her addiction. 

4. Roxanne Gay // Bad Feminist

In a series of thought-provoking and hilarious essays, Roxanne takes the reader through the journey of her evolution as a woman of colour, while commenting on the state of feminism today. 

Bad Feminist looks at the ways in which the culture we consume becomes who we are, and an inspiring call-to-arms of all the ways we still need to do better

5. Dawn O'Porter // Paper Aeroplanes

Set in the mid-90s, 15-year-old Guernsey schoolgirls Renée and Flo form an unlikely friendship. 

The introspective and studious Flo couldn't be more different to ambitious, extroverted and sexually curious Renée, however, a shared feeling of loneliness caused by their dysfunctional families see them unite to form an intense bond. 

Gritty, poignant and laugh-out-loud funny, Paper Aeroplanes is, at its core, an unforgettable story about the power of female friendship. 

6. Claire Hennessy // Like Other Girls 

When Lauren, a bisexual young woman living in Ireland, accidentally falls pregnant during her school years, a fear of being judged forces her to take matters into her own hands.

Still trying to figure out her place in the world, Lauren is in no way ready to become a mother and wants nothing more than to get her life back. 

A poignant look at Ireland's reproductive laws and what they mean for women, Like Other Girls is quite simply, a must-read. 

 

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Last week, a friend showed me Kirby Jenner's Instagram account, and I have literally not stopped laughing since. 

Basically, he is a master of photo shop, and a brilliant human being.

Kirby superimposes himself into pictures of Kendall Jenner, doing hilarious poses. 

The Insta-famous mastermind has over 439,000 followers, who all adore his brilliant pictures… and for good reason. 

Kirby describes himself as an amateur Model, lover of all things and fraternal twin of Kendall Jenner.

Kirby's Instagram account features images of all the Kardashian clan, and each one is better then the last. 

All I can say is… you're welcome. 

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You know Birchbox, right? Those subscriptions you can get where beauty products are delivered to your home every month? 

Well, there is now a special subscription specifically for single folk, and it is fan-bloody-tastic. 

The brilliant company behind this concept is called SinglesSwag (obviously), and it offers a monthly subscription.

Image result for singles swag

Every month, you will receive a package filled with wonderful goodies that are supposed to "empower and inspire" single women. 

The website explains the message behind the products, stating "we do not subscribe to any societal or cultural expectations on women. We believe a woman's happiness is determined by her outlook, not by her relationship status."

Image result for singles swag

The boxes contain everything from delicious treats, to wonderful beauty products to make you feel fantastic. 

When purchasing the box, there are two options: SinglesSwag and SinglesSwag petite. 

Image result for single gif

Prices start at €23.50 per month, and the company ships worldwide

Yep, sign me up…

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