This STUNNING yoga retreat is saving us cash and our chakras

Mar 23, 2018

When we think yoga retreat we think relaxing meditation, glorious surrounding and sadly, big dolla dolla bills y'all.

With some international retreats racking up a bill in the tens of thousands, we were delighted to discover a European hideaway where we could stretch our limbs without over-stretching our budget.

Located in the picturesque Austrian district of Ehrwald, the surroundings are absolutely stunning (seriously, just Google image it, it's feckin' gorgeous).

Usually better known for it's skiing, the gorge town is the location for Topflight's first ever Austrian Yoga Retreat.

Suitable for pros and beginners, the relaxing seven-day retreat guides the practice of Flow, Hatha, Somatic movement and Qi Gong yoga, and will include a mixture of seated meditation, active meditation and walking meditation.

Yoga teaching for the week will be lead by Kathryn Fa of Yoga Atelier.

A post shared by Elisabeth Marino (@yoga_atelier) on Feb 13, 2018 at 8:54am PST

The 'wild yoga' will take place in the glorious surroundings of the mountains, lakes and grasslands.

There are also candlelit evening yoga sessions, and loads of time to go for restorative walks and explore the beauty of nature that surrounds you.

Now, you may be concerned about what this gloriously located, professionally led yoga retreat will set you back, but prepare to be pleasantly surprised.

All inclusive, the retreat costs €769 per person, and heres' what that covers: return flights from Dublin, seven nights accommodation, breakfast and dinner every day, five days of guided yoga practice, return airport transfers, and a 20kg baggage allowance, for all your yoga pants.

You can discover all the details here.

Chrissy Teigen explains why she didn’t take John Legend’s last name

Mar 23, 2018

by Alison Egan

Deciding to take your husband's last name or keep your own surname or double barrel is an intensely personal decision.

However, one woman decided to broach the topic on Twitter, writing, 'I'd really like to hear the reasoning behind women who won't take their husband's last name.'

Of course, social media maven Chrissy Teigen couldn't leave this query unanswered.

my husband didn’t even take his last name? https://t.co/BMo6OsgcVv

— christine teigen (@chrissyteigen) 22 March 2018

Bringing the sass, she replied: 'My husband didn’t even take his last name?'

The 32-year-old was referencing the fact that John Legend's surname is actually his stage name.

Well, we knew it was too cool a name to be real tbh.

A post shared by John Legend (@johnlegend) on Aug 4, 2017 at 10:35am PDT

His actual last name is Stephens, which is their daughter Luna's last name, too.

The model further explained her stance on this topic, emphasising that it's a personal decision all women must make for themselves.

'The best part is, I am not anti-taking the last name at all,' Chrissy wrote.

'I was going to, just never got around to it and it isn't even the name he goes by. It wasn't some grand statement not to. I just don't see how the choice affects anyone else – why do people care so much!' she tweeted.

Fair enough, Chrissy!

Irish women feel they have to give ‘cover stories’ at work for abortions

Mar 23, 2018

by Staff Writer

When it comes to abortion rights in Ireland, it's safe to say we are far, far behind other countries.

With abortion being painted as something shameful by Save the 8th establishments, it's no wonder that some women feel they would not be able to be open about their reproductive care with their employer.

According to The Irish Times, recent research has found that some women think they would need a cover story to tell their workplace about their absence if they had to take time off to procure a termination.

Research carried out on behalf of the Alliance for Choice, found that women in Ireland would not feel comfortable telling their employer the real reason for their absence.

'There is pressure in that. When you are telling lies upon lies upon lies' Fiona Bloomer of the University of Ulster told The Irish Times.

'The burden of that on top of everything else. I think the general stigma of silencing over abortion means that women are reluctant to speak support. They are not sure of who to turn to.'

This research echoes the real life stories shared by many women who suffer through a crisis pregnancy in this country.

One woman shared her experience with The Abortion Right Campaign, detailing how she had to call in sick when the cramps brought on by her imported abortion pill became agonising.

'The cramps were the worst pain I’ve ever been through. I had planned to go to work the following day but I was dizzy and weak and had to call in sick,' she said.

'I’m pretty sure my boss thought I had faked it to go to a festival for the weekend.'

'It was difficult not being able to tell her, or other people, what I had been through. I did tell a few people, and some of them tried their best to help me through it. But overall, it was a very lonely time.'

A Chihuahua cafe is in existence and we’re going there, pronto

Mar 22, 2018

by Staff Writer

Honesty, it doesn't take much for us to be convinced that we need a weekend mini-break, and Edinburgh is at the top of our list.

However, we recently discovered the existence of a Chihuahua Cafe in Scotland's capital, and now we're ferociously scrolling through Skyscanner.

A post shared by Edinburgh Chihuahua Cafe (@edinburghchihuahuacafe) on Mar 22, 2018 at 4:51am PDT

The Chihuahua Cafe brags that they specialise in too things, the aforementioned Chihuahuas and cake.

Like we needed further convincing.

'Our interactive animal experience allows you to take time to relax and indulge in some very rewarding company,' reads the cafe's description.

A post shared by ✾becca✾ (@beccacuthbertson) on Feb 10, 2018 at 1:15pm PST

'Book a session and, once inside, our resident Chihuahuas will be roaming freely amongst guests for you to pet, cuddle, play with, take photos or simply observe and enjoy.'

There are eight Chihuahuas on site tpo play with, all with unique names and individual personalities, which you can read more about here.

See you on the flight…

This HAIR CURLER will set you back €6,000! We are not joking

Style

Mar 22, 2018

by Rebecca O'Keeffe

Imagine winning the lotto right, and making a wonderfully long list of all the things you want to buy.

Question: do you include a €6000 hair curler, that is encrusted in Swarovski crystals?

The correct answer is yes, because if you have money to burn, why the hell wouldn't you?

Beachwaver Co. have just released a special edition version of their classic Beachwaver Pro 1.25 hair curler, and it is fully adorned with thousands of Swaorvski crystals.

It functions exactly the same as a normal hair curler, but it sparkles like the SUN.

This is totally excessive, but as they say: if you've got it SPEND IT.

However, we do not "got it"…

Nothing is funnier than Margot Robbie being interviewed by her bro

Mar 22, 2018

by Alison Egan

There's nothing like growing up with a brother. From eye-rolls across the dinner table to those times when we just couldn't stand them, brothers made childhood that much richer.

Margot Robbie and her brother certainly seem to have that playful back-and-forth that seems like the ideal sibling relationship.

During her press interviews for Peter Rabbit, the 27-year-old was surprised to find herself in front of a very familiar interviewer for MTV Australia – her younger brother Cameron!

What ensued was, well, it could maybe be called brotherly love. Others might call it roasting. Either way, it's simply hilarious!

"It’s funny, in the film, I noticed a lot of real-life correlations between the character Flopsy. She seems quite, at times, airy and dim-witted. Do you think that was an intentional casting choice?" Cameron joked to his sister and her co-star, Elizabeth Debicki.

We won't spoil any more of it – just watch for yourselves!

We surprised @margotrobbie with her brother @cameronrobbiee during an interview for the #PeterRabbit movie in Sydney! pic.twitter.com/HloTVNYysH

— MTV AUSTRALIA (@MTVAUSTRALIA) March 19, 2018

Anyone else feel like calling up their brother all of a sudden?

Yes, it’s actually a thing! Ireland to host World Potato Conference 2021

Uniquely Irish

Mar 22, 2018

by Rebecca O'Keeffe

We're coming up in the world… of potatoes.

The Irish Potato Federation, with the support of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Bord Bia, Fáilte Ireland and Teagasc has won the bid to host the World Potato Congress (WPC) in 2021 in Dublin.

Yes, that is a real thing, and we feel strangely proud.

At today’s launch in the RDS, Andrew Doyle T.D., Minister of State in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine said: “I am delighted to be able to announce this good news for Ireland in the RDS, which will be the congress venue for the 2021 World Potato Congress. I want my Department and Bord Bia to continue to work with the Irish Potato Federation to make this event a great success for the Irish food industry.”

The faithful leader of the Irish Potato Federation, Michael Hoey, said: “Winning the World Potato Congress for Ireland is the culmination of a lot of hard and creative work by a very dedicated committee and I know that the 2021 Congress will shine a spotlight on the importance of the potato in Ireland and across the globe and become a centerpiece of world-class marketing excellence.”

The President and CEO of World Potato Congress Inc., Romain Cools, (that name though!) said:

“Ireland has a very important historical and cultural connection with the potato going back hundreds of years." Yes we do hun, it was called famine.

"I see the 2021 Congress looking at the important role the potato will play in the future as a sustainable source for food security across the world.

The World Potato Congress in Dublin will be the perfect follow up to this year’s congress which will be held in May 2018 in Cuzco, Peru, under the title: ‘Biodiversity, food security and business’. I will be working closely with the Irish Potato Federation over the coming years and really look forward to visiting Dublin in 2021 for the Congress.”

Paul Mockler, Head of Commercial Development in Fáilte Ireland said: “We have been working with the Irish Potato Federation since 2015 on this conference which illustrates the hard work and advance pitching necessary to successfully win such events. Fáilte Ireland is delighted that the Irish Potato Federation was able to secure this conference for Dublin in 2021."

"The work and dedication of the local Organising Committee, supported by our own Dublin Convention Bureau, delivers a real economic benefit to this country, with this event alone worth €1.7 million.”

It is envisaged that 1,000 delegates, from developing and developed countries across the globe, including growers, researchers, producers, traders, processors and manufacturers, will attend the Congress.

The Irish Potato Federation has also secured the simultaneous hosting of the Europatat Congress, which is the annual congress of the European association of the potato trade. Both events will become a week-long focus on the potato, the third most important food crop in terms of global consumption.

Today Ireland is widely known as The Food Island, producing food to the highest standard which is exported around the world and Ireland is setting new standards in terms of food innovation. With a long tradition of involvement in agriculture dating back to the 18th century, the RDS, Ballsbridge, will be a fitting venue for the WPC and Europatat conference in 2021.

The RDS was established in 1731 and is one of world’s oldest philanthropic organisations. The RDS is dedicated to seeing Ireland thrive both culturally and economically and works to see this happen through science, the arts, agriculture, enterprise and equestrianism. This ethos mirrors the aim of the Irish Potato Federation for 2021 when it will analyse and explore "The Changing World of the Potato."

Stop EVERYTHING! There’s a free wine fountain in Italy, so off we go

Mar 22, 2018

by Rebecca O'Keeffe

This is not a drill!

A special fountain with a constant flow of red wine has officially opened just east of Rome, in the Abruzzo region of Italy.

But wait, there's more…

Not only is there now 24-hour-access to a red wine fountain in this region, but it is TOTALLY FREE!

The location of the free wine is along the Cammino di San Tommaso, a route that thousands of pilgrims and tourists take from Rome to Ortona.

A post on the village's Facebook page reads, “Fountain of Wine is a welcome, the Fountain of Wine is poetry.”

SPOILER: they have said that the fountain is not to be used for “drunkards” or “louts.”

That rules me out so…

Thirsty Thursdays: 5 places to go for a drink in Limerick this evening

Mar 22, 2018

by Rebecca O'Keeffe

Is there anything more satisfying than a well-deserved post-work pint?

Sometimes a little tipple is just what's needed to unwind after a long day on the grind, and as we're slowly but surely seeing that little stretch in the evening, thoughts of mid-week gatherings and bright beer gardens are begging to creep back into our minds.

But luckily, we live in a country brimming with cosy little pubs and gorgeous bars just waiting to welcome us after a long, hard day.

This week, we're heading South to bring you our pick of the best spots in Limerick city.

House, Limerick.

Is there anything better than a gorgeous outdoor terrace, gorgeous cocktails and divine interiors.. all under one roof? No, no there is not! The sister to House on Leeson Street, House opened up in Limerick just on the bank of the River Shannon, making for highly picturesque scenes. The food is also delicious, if you're feeling peckish.

Mariposa, the Spanish word for Butterfly.

A post shared by House Limerick (@houselimerick) on Mar 13, 2018 at 12:03pm PDT

Flannerys.

Michael Flannery’s Pub is well known to everyone in Limerick. Located on Denmark Street, alongside the pedestrian shopping area of Limerick and just around the corner from the famous Milk Market, its vibrant red shopfront is set off against a beautiful stone façade.

The Locke Bar.

Dating back to 1724, the lively Locke Bar in Limerick City is an genuine local institution. It is the home of live music, great craic, and a great pint of the black stuff. The food is traditional: the menu includes local favourites like potted crab, lamb stew, fish and chips, and plenty of sublime Irish steak. Divine.

Dolans.

Dolans Pub is one of Limericks best loved traditional Irish pubs and seafood restaurants situated on the dockland of Limerick City. Dolans is synonymous in Limerick and beyond for its charm, Irish hospitality, incredible atmosphere, great pint, delicious food and Irish music and dancing sessions.

South’s Pub.

South’s bar is situated just at the edge of Limerick’s Crescent, a uniquely Georgian urban feature, a three-minute stroll from the city centre. A small snug is located to the side of the double swing front doors for those desiring that little bit of privacy or perhaps intimacy, while the rest of the customers sit at either the long bar or along its opposite wall. Get yourself a pint of Guinness, apparently it is the business.

Cheers guys!

Wait… WHAT? It turns out Elsa, Anna and Tarzan are SIBLINGS

Mar 22, 2018

by Rebecca O'Keeffe

OK we all love a good conspiracy theory now and then, but this one is actually TRUE.

According to the director of Disney's Frozen, princesses Anna and Elsa are sisters to TARZAN (mind blown).

Chris Buck spoke to MTV, where he confirmed this theory.

Apparently, Anna and Elsa's parents did not die in the shipwreck they were involved in… they washed up on a jungle island.

The story sort of writes itself from here, but anyway… the former King and Queen of Arendelle make a life for themselves on this island.

Ultimately, the couple end up getting killed by a leopard, but not before little Tarzan is born.

Chris admitted that the concept seems outrageous, but insisted that "In my little head, Anna and Elsa’s brother is Tarzan."

We'll take it.

WTF? This lady was refused from a nightclub because of her size

Mar 22, 2018

by Rebecca O'Keeffe

Jesus lads, just when you think the world can't get any more pathetic.

We all know that nightclub bouncers have the authority to refuse people from venues – usually because said humans are too pissed to function.

However, we've never heard of someone get turned away from a nightclub because they were considered 'fat'.

I actually hate the fact that I had to write that, but people need to know.

The gorgeous Agustina Rios Martinez was ona night out, celebrating a friend's birthday in Argentina, when they arrived at the door of a popular nightclub.

The bouncer apparently told her she didn't 'hit the target' and she wasn't 'the kind of girl who goes to his place'.

Well, that's fu**ing rude.

Agustina shared her experience in a Facebook post, where she explained that:

"All my life I have been insulted, shouted at in the street, and mocked because I was a fatty, but not letting me in a club because of my physical appearance! It was the worst thing that happened to me so far."

"I share this with you so that you try not to go to these type of shit places that have no brain and believe they can manage the universe."

The post has actually been removed, because Agustina shared a link to the bouncers Facebook account – no doubt he's been getting dog's abuse. Rightly.

According to her brother, Agusta has been very torn up about her experience, and has been suffering from panic attacks.

This is truly a disgusting story, but it is important to share it.

Has something like this ever happened to you, or someone you know?

About time! Manchester United are starting a women’s football team

Mar 22, 2018

by Rebecca O'Keeffe

Manchester United have officially submitted an application to the English Football Association, with the hopes of starting a female football team.

Well lads, it is about time, to be fair.

Manchester United are actually one of the few major teams in the UK without a female team.

Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea all have lady teams, and up until this point, Man United had resisted – we've no clue why tbh.

Ed Woodward, the team's executive vice-chairman, released a statement, saying: “We are pleased to announce that the club intends to establish its first ever professional women’s team and has submitted an application to enter WSL2."

"The FA has provided excellent support through the process and we believe that launching a team in WSL2 would give many more of our graduates from the regional talent club the chance to establish themselves as first team players."

“The Manchester United women’s team must be built in the same image and with the same principles as the men’s first team and offer academy players a clear route to top-level football within the club.”

A statement from the club itself was also released: “If successful, the move would provide a career pathway for players who graduate from the long-established and highly successful girls’ regional talent club which has seen some 15 of its graduates playing international football this season alone. The squad would be based at the club’s historic training centre at The Cliff (formerly the senior mens’ venue).”

We love seeing the spotlight on women's sport – so important!

Monthly Archives: March 2018