HomeArchives2018April

Monthly Archives: April 2018

 

For many people, the sun's return is the perfect antidote to perk up their mood and give them new vim and vigour.

However, this pick-me-up is not felt by everyone during spells of good weather.

In fact, there are some people who struggle with a condition known as 'reverse SAD' or 'summer SAD' (seasonal affective disorder).

Reverse SAD is quite similar to seasonal affective disorder that occurs during the winter. According to mental health charity Mind's website, with reverse SAD people experience 'depressive symptoms occurring in summer'.

The condition's symptoms include anxiety, issues sleeping, agitation, loss of appetite, and weight loss. 

Summer SAD is quite rare, with less than one tenth of SAD cases being reverse SAD, according to Psychology Today.

It is thought that the presence of too much sunlight causes the onset of summer SAD, as increased daylight can lead to modulations in melatonin production.

An alternative theory is that those longer daylight hours cause people to stay up later than usual, throwing off their circadian rhythms.

As well, temperature may have a part to play in the condition, which comes as no surprise when you think about how agitated people can become in the heat.

Summer SAD tends to be more prevalent in places with warmer summers, so, for example, those in the southern United States would experience it more than those in the north.

Those with the condition may start to experience symptoms around March that last until autumn.

Those that suffer from reverse SAD can check out Mind's guide to treating this complex condition or consult their doctor.

Trending

by

Weekend Two of Coachella is under way, and while we could sit here and fantasize all we want about hitting up the LA festival, we're trying to plan for ones more close to home. 

A gang of Irish influencers made the trip over, and we're taking inspiration from them for our upcoming festival shopping trips.

The gals were all slaying the game, and we're hopping on to these festival trend they showcased: 

Matador Hats

Hats are a staple wen it comes to festival style. 

As well as giving you all the fash-hun credentials, they're practical when it comes to keeping the sun off your face. 

We've seen baker boy caps, visors and berets all come into style this year, but for festival season, it's all about the Matador hat, as seen on Erika Fox, aka Retro Flame at this year's Coachella. 

ASOS Matador Hat €27.65, WareHouse Straw Matador Hat €29.00

White Boots

 

A post shared by Niamh Cullen (@niamhcullenx) on

While black boots may be the go-to for most festival OOTDs (or wellies if it's raining) white boots featured massively on Instagram for Coachella-goes. 

The white style was spotted on both Niamh Cullen and Retro Flame during Weekend One. 

While this look might not be the most practice, they're the ultimate addition to a boho look teamed with a tan. Just remember the wet wipes for those mucky marks. 

KG Ankle Boots White €55.00, Amelie Leather Ring Boots €89.86

Bandana tops

 

A post shared by Louise Cooney (@louisecooney_) on

Louise Cooney absolutely slayed at Coachella, but it was one of her more pared-back looks that caught our eye – in particular, this seriously cool bandana top. 

Louise's is from ASOS and sadly is no longer available (however, there's a similar one here), but the people at Nine Crows have been reworking scarves and bandanas into tops since forever.

While Nine Crows is definitely an essential pit stop for any festival goer's wardrobe – these tops are being added to our wishlist. 

Nine Crows Reworked halter top €25.00, Nine Crows bandana bikini top €25.00

All red everything

Red has had a major moment in fashion lately, and could probably be described as the colour of 2018 so far. 

Belle Azure opted to wear the shade head to toe last weekend, and now we're lusting after an all-red look.

Whether it's a playsuit or a co-ord, a matchy-matchy ensemble is the perfect antidote to the typical haphazard festival look. 

Pieces Coloured Denim Trucker Jacket €55.30 and skirt €35.95, Glamorous Playsuit In Polka Dot €44.24

Fringed denim 

 

A post shared by Aideen Murphy (@aideenkate) on

Fringed anything is a classic festival look, but hosting the texture on a denim piece gives a Western vibe that's very Coachella. 

Aideen Murphy went for a seriously distressed denim jacket at Coachella, and we're planning on adding fringe to all of our denim for the Irish festival season. 

Signature 8 Denim Skirt with Fringe Hem €41.48, Bead tassel trim shorts €38.00

Feature image: Instagram / Niamh Cullen

Trending

by

The Repeal the 8th mural by Maser has been a reminder to the city that their is support for women and men who have been impacted by the 8th Amendment. 

The mural is currently located on the front wall of Dublin’s Project Arts Centre in Temple Bar, but it is being removed on Monday. 

The piece was commissioned by The Hunreal Issues, and was erected on April 9.

The mural is being removed because its' political theme goes against the charitable status awarded to the Project Arts Centre.

'The Charities Regulator has informed Project Arts Centre that the display of Maser’s ‘Repeal the 8th’ artwork is ‘political activity’ and that we are therefore in breach of the Charities Act 2009 and not in line with our ‘charitable purpose,' reads a statement from the Project Arts Centre. 

'Should the artwork not be removed, we risk losing our charitable status.'

 

A post shared by M A S E R (@maserart) on

'The Board and executive of Project are conscious of their obligations under the Charities Act 2009 and the charitable purpose of the organisation,' Fiona Slevin, Chair of Project Arts Centre said.

'We strive to sustain Project’s stated purpose and objectives, namely to remain Ireland’s leading centre for the presentation and development of contemporary art, and to work with artists across all art forms to make and present extraordinary works that inspire and provoke.'

'The artwork by Maser fits precisely with this remit. In presenting Maser’s work, we are facilitating the presentation of art by a highly regarded, award-winning street artist who has displayed artworks across Ireland, Europe and the United States.'

Trending

Sometimes, it can be difficult to make time for ourselves in our hectic world. 

Pressures from work, relationships and our social lives can make self care and 'me-time' impossible – but one actress is reminding why it's okay to be a little selfish sometimes. 

Taking to Instagram, Lucy Hale told her followers exactly how she took the time to recharge. 

 

A post shared by Lucy Hale (@lucyhale) on

'For the last week I took a solo trip to Arizona,' the actress wrote.

'I spent my days hiking, meditating, and spending time with myself. I’ve never done this before because I used to feel that putting myself first was selfish. It’s not.'

'Not only is it healthy, but it’s necessary so that you can be the best for everyone else around you.'

 

A post shared by Lucy Hale (@lucyhale) on

'I know this happens in other industries other than the one I’m in, but it’s incredibly easy to get sucked into the vortex of worrying about the next job, the success of a current one and what others think of you.'

'This trip was a beautiful reminder that my health and happiness are crucial to the life I want to live and in order to be the best for my career and my loved ones, it’s necessary to do really nice things for yourself.'

'SO, I highly recommend treating your mind, body and spirit right.'

We don't need to be told twice. 

Trending

by

Yesterday, the tragic news of the passing of EDM DJ and producer Avicii broke.

 Avicii, whose real name was Tim Bergling, sadly died in Oman, aged just 28 years old.

Fans were devastated by the news, many of which felt that Avicii's music defined particular eras of their lives – and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is no different.

Taking to Twitter, the Taoiseach expressed his sympathies to those effected by Avicii's death. 

He also divulged that Avicii's music had touched him at certain points in his life, specifically the summer of 2013. 

'So sorry to hear of the untimely passing of Avicii,' he wrote.

 

A post shared by Avicii (@avicii) on

'Wake Me Up was the song of the summer of 2013 and my song of the Camino.'

We have to agree that Wake Me Up is one hell of a tune – we'll have the This Is Avicii Spotify playlist on for the day in homage. 

Trending

 

A cup of tea always feels like the perfect solution for whatever problem is going on in our lives – a sleepy morning, a stressful moment, or loved ones needing comforting words in times of need.

However, sipping on a cuppa may cause a problem of its own: the discolouration of your teeth.

We've long been warned about how coffee can take away our teeth's pearly shine, but to be honest, we thought we were safe with tea!

In reality, Jordan Kirk, an expert for dental brand White Glo, says that tea may even stain our teeth more than a cup of joe.

"Tooth enamel is naturally porous and can absorb the tannins in tea, leading to unpleasant brown discolouration of your teeth," he told The Sun.

Victor R Preedy, author of Tea in Health and Disease Prevention, claims that green tea contains the highest level of tannins.

The high levels of tannins in your cuppa reportedly creates plaque on your teeth, and a buildup of plaque can turn your beautiful white smile a faint yellow.

Tea also contains the staining compounds theaflavins, thearubigins and theabrownins.

The stronger the brew, the worse the staining will be, so people who like weak tea are in luck.

As well, theaflavins and thearubigins are components of tannins, The Independent reports, which is a substance used in the tanning of leather.

However, tannins aren't all bad. Some of them are antioxidants, which have been found to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.

Either way, we'll sure to brush extra well after our next late-night brew!

Trending

By Amy Donohoe 

Recently it has been made known that some males have a lack of empathy, warmth, and respect for women.

We have seen the appearance of toxic laddish sexual culture and spread by social media through WhatsApp groups – and social media has made it easier than ever for people to exchange degrading messages about others, and even share explicit content without people's consent. 

The recent Belfast trial has provoked questions about whether the behaviour of young men is being influenced by the free access to online pornography. The trial also highlights the importance of improved sex education in Ireland.

Louise O’Neill, author of the bestselling novel Asking for It said, 'When I saw messages sent by the men, I nearly felt sick. It was horrifying and degrading.' 

Sexual consent has recently been defined in the Irish law as: 'A person consents to a sexual act if he or she freely and voluntarily agrees to engage in that act.'

Currently, there is no law in Ireland that specifically rules on the act of switching private content online or non-consensual sharing of explicit content.

Last year, an investigation was under took by University College Dublin which investigated an alleged Facebook group in which male students were reportedly sharing explicit images of women with whom they had sexual relations and rating them.

The student newspaper reported around 200 students were members of the private Facebook group. The investigation found no evidence that the group existed. They were unable to find any individual who had any first-hand access to these specific postings.

Consent workshops are now common in colleges and universities. Dr McNeela said they should be also held in sports clubs and schools too.

Trish Murphy, a psychotherapist and student counsellor at Trinity College involved in consent workshops, said, 'If you are in doubt, I think you have to ask.' 

In a survey of 1,691 people, one in 12 young women are certain they have had sexual contact with someone in the past year as they were unable to give consent or stop what was happening due to drugs, drink, being incapacitated or asleep according to NUI Galway.

When you consent to something, you are agreeing. This applies to both genders. A person is deemed not to have given consent in many situations, including if they are asleep or if they are incapable due to alcohol.

There are many ways to communicate consent indirectly. You can ask if the other person is okay, ask if they are enjoying themselves, ask are they sure this is what they want, etc.

What Irish law states on consent Extracted from the Irish statute:

(1) A person consents to a sexual act if he or she freely and voluntarily agrees to engage in that act.

(2) A person does not consent to a sexual act if- (a) he or she permits the act to take place or submits to it because of the application of force to him or her or to some other person, or because of the threat of the application of force to him or her or to some other person, or because of a well-founded fear that force may be applied to him or her or to some other person, (b) he or she is asleep or unconscious, (c) he or she is incapable of consenting because of the effect of alcohol or some other drug, (d) he or she is suffering from a physical disability which prevents him or her from communicating whether he or she agrees to the act, (e) he or she is mistaken as to the nature and purpose of the act, (f) he or she is mistaken as to the identity of any other person involved in the act, (g) he or she is being unlawfully detained at the time at which the act takes place, (h) the only expression or indication of consent or agreement to the act comes from somebody other than the person himself or herself.

(3) This section does not limit the circumstances in which it may be established that a person did not consent to a sexual act. (4) Consent to a sexual act may be withdrawn at any time before the act begins, or in the case of a continuing act, while the act is taking place.

(5) Any failure or omission on the part of a person to resist an act does not of itself constitute consent to that act.

There is a Law Reform Commission currently reviewing laws on cyber-crime affecting personal safety, privacy and reputation.

There are barriers to the non-consensual sharing of explicit images being prosecuted under section 10 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 because of the definition of the term ‘harassment’.

For behaviour to be considered as harassment it needs to be continuous and direct with the victim.

Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003 Other legal principles to be considered when it comes to non-consensually sharing explicit images are privacy and data protection.

Under data protection law, individuals haven’t the right not to have their personal data (including their image) published without consent.

Anyone who publishes private content online could be violating data protection laws and could have a civil lawsuit brought against them.

It’s a school’s duty to take care of its students and it extends to ensuring students aren’t exposed to bullying. Given the nature of non-consensual sharing of explicit images, a school would be expected to take active steps in ensuring that its students are informed of the dangers and consequences of it.

The courts still must consider the extent of the duty of care in respect of cyber-bullying or non-consensual  sharing of explicit images.

Trending

It has been almost a year since Ariana Grande’s concert 2017 in Manchester was targeted by a suicide bomber in an act of terror.

Dubbed “the most deadly attack in a decade” 22 people were killed in the blast, and another 250 were taken to hospital with injuries.

It shocked the world and deeply affected Grande, who cancelled her remaining tour dates out of respect for the victims and so she could grieve and process what happened. Following the attack at her concert, Grande admitted that she had been left “broken”.

Grande’s manager, Scooter Braun, said after the attack, the singer had “cried for days” over the loss of life in Manchester.

“She felt everything – every face they announced, every name, she wore on her sleeve,” he said, according to the BBC. “Every bit of emotion because that’s who she is.”

It might have been fitting, perhaps for her first song since the tragic event, to release a ballad, but the star has channelled her resilient and powerfully optimistic One Love benefit concert (held just two weeks after the atrocity) with her uplifting new single, No Tears Left To Cry

 

A post shared by Ariana Grande (@arianagrande) on

 

It alludes to the tragedy in a vibrant way, while sending out a strong message – that even in the face of such a dark time, it's okay to feel positive vibes.

“Right now I’m in a state of mind, I wanna be in like all the time. Ain’t got no tears left to cry, so I’m pickin’ it up, I’m pickin’ up. I’m lovin’, I’m livin’, I’m pickin’ it up," she sings in the track's chorus. 

“We’re way too fly to partake in all this hate,” she sings, encouraging others to overcome any fear and hatred “even when it’s raining down.”

At the end of the Dave Meyers-directed video, a bee can be seen flying off screen – an allusion to the worker bee symbol of Manchester.

The response to the track has been overwhelmingly positive. Grande's half-brother Frankie James was one of the first to praise the track on Twitter.

“Ariana u make me so incredibly proud every single day and today is no exception. I’m so proud of the way u have brought people from all over the world together tonight with #notearslefttocry," he wrote.

 

Trending

by

Sick of plastic packaging? You're not alone. 

Today, shoppers nationwide are planning to leave leave their unwanted plastic packaging at supermarket retailers as part of the Sick of Plastic campaign.

Organised by Friends of the Earth and VOICE Ireland, the campaign has received widespread public support.

The campaign’s online map shows events planned at supermarkets from Buncrana to Skibbereen and from Westport to Greystones.

They ask that people to shop as normal – and then take off the excess plastic packaging and leave it at the shop.

Supervalu, Tesco and Aldi have confirmed they will provide a place on the day for shoppers to recycle their unwanted packaging after payment.

'Supermarkets are in the privileged position to be able to influence brands and manufacturers to change their packaging to more benign materials, yet few Irish retailers have shown any intent to address the mounting seas of plastic surrounding our shores,' Head of Communications for Friends of the Earth, Dr. Cara Augustenborg said. 

'Shoppers have an opportunity to encourage supermarkets to play their part in ending to plastic pollution in Ireland, and we believe this will spur the change that is desperately needed to tackle this problem.'

Trending

by

The DJ and producer Avicii, whose real name was Tim Bergling, sadly died this afternoon in Oman, according to reports.  

He was just 28 years old.

“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the loss of Tim Bergling, also known as Avicii,” his representative said in a statement.

“He was found dead in Muscat, Oman this Friday afternoon local time, April 20th.  The family is devastated and we ask everyone to please respect their need for privacy in this difficult time. No further statements will be given.”

The talented musician had retired from live performing in 2016, citing health reasons though his cause of death has not been confirmed.

Variety reports that he had suffered from health problems for several years, including acute pancreatitis, in part from excessive drinking. After having his gallbladder and appendix removed in 2014, he cancelled a series of shows in an attempt to recover. He quit touring in 2016 but continued making music in the studio.

He posted the following statement on his website last year:

"WE ALL REACH A POINT IN OUR LIVES AND CAREERS WHERE WE UNDERSTAND WHAT MATTERS THE MOST TO US.

For me it’s creating music. That is what I live for, what I feel I was born to do.

Last year I quit performing live, and many of you thought that was it. But the end of live never meant the end of Avicii or my music. Instead, I went back to the place where it all made sense – the studio.

The next stage will be all about my love of making music to you guys. It is the beginning of something new.

Hope you´ll enjoy it as much as I do.”

Tributes are already pouring in on social media with Liam Payne and Charlie Puth among many who are expressing their shock at his death.

Trending

by
 

Not everyone has that pocket of time in the day to devote to a perfect beauty routine, despite our best efforts.

Time is a precious commodity – it's easier to grab ten minutes in the morning and slick on a coat of your favourite lipstick when you're getting ready. 

After all, there's nothing like leaving the house feeling the best versions of ourselves.

And that's the thing about lipstick. It has the power to transform, even if you only have time to apply it and nothing else.

The right shade on the right day elevates everything, your outfit, your mood; you feel like you can take on the world.

Who else opts for a bold matte when they know they have that big presentation or meeting on the cards?

It's perfect – the matte that's bright in colour and doesn't budge. But most matte formulas have a downside, and that's the dryness factor.   

Enter Joli Rouge: Clarins’s cult, iconic moisturising lipstick which has evolved for 2018 into a matte – but one minus the dry, flaky lip effect.

And it's the new, Joli Rouge Velvet edition that has everyone talking.

What makes this one different?

Well, it leaves a supple matte finish without drying out your lips – dream combination.

This is down to it's an innovative formula; equally hydrating, lightweight and comfortable to wear yet delivers a true, matte, saturated colour, thanks to its Velvet Booster complex and the fact that it's formulated with organic watermelon extract (super hydrating, in case you didn't know).

It's this that keeps your lips fresh and moisturised – as well the apricot oil – all for no less than six hours yet, crucially, the matte-effect won't get lost.

The lipstick comes in ten shades so you'll have one for day or night and whenever you need a beauty pick-me-up. 

We'll take the lot.

Joli Rouge Velvet costs €24.00 with a matching Crayon Levres lipliner at €18. Both are available at Clarins stockists nationwide.

Trending

Let's be frank – there are more pressures heaped on millennial shoulders than ever before. 

Be it stress at work, relationship issues, social media pressure, the housing crisis, or mental health struggles, it's safe to say we have quite a lot going on. 

However, it's essential to be mindful when it comes to taking the time to relax, unwind and recuperate from the stress of the day. 

In this hectic world where harmony has become a luxury, allowing body and mind to come together as one is a priority.

Aromatherapy is used across the board in various wellness practices to promote the rebalance of the mind.

From the incense burning at your yoga class to the invigorating ingredients used in your aromatherapy massage, scent has much to be celebrated for when it comes to establishing a mood or ambience. 

It's now easier than ever to incorporate this practice into your routine, to promote specific feelings, be they of energy, relaxation or nourishment for the mind and body. 

There are a number of products available that combine aromatherapy and mindfulness that you can use day to day in your own beauty and relaxation ritual. 

No spa appointments necessary – although feel free to lash on a face mask and light some candles. 

Yon-Ka Lait Hydratant, €35.00, Yon-Ka Phyto-Bain Bath Oil, €39.00

Yon-Ka have introduced a lush range of skincare products that take their inspiration from four key aromatic elements which evoke unique auras. 

For those of us feeling fatigued and in need of an energising effect, there's the Detox range – melded with powerful and re-balancing essential oils.

The Lait Hydratant promises to leave the skin hydrated and replenished, with it's combination of vegetable glycerin, grape seed and sweet almond oil. 

The classic Phyto-Bain uses essential oils like Lavender, Everlasting, Petitgrain, Rosemary and Sage that claim to tone the skin and 'drain' it to detoxify. 

For a more relaxing vibe, essential oils from sunflower, sesame and baobab are called for. 

Ideal for use before bed time, the Yon-Ka Huile Délicieuse's light formula quickly penetrates the skin, leaving behind a nourished texture and a soft scent to take you off to Leaba Land. 

Applying it to the right pressure points and gently massaging can promote a feeling of wellness, and combined with a great eye mask, can increase the feeling of calm for an enveloping night of sleep. 

With sleep being the catalyst for proper brain function and alacrity, expect to feel refreshed and replenished.

Yon-Ka Gommage Sucre, €36.00

If baths and mini-massage sessions just aren't practical additions to your night time routine, the incorporation of the right shower scrub could be just the ticket. 

Once again utilising the power of scent and essential oils, Yon-Ka has introduced two delicious (but sadly not edible) scrubs to their line-up, inspired by the regions of France. 

Yon-Ka Gommage Sucre promises to scrub away the stress of the day or the shackles of sleepiness with white and brown sugar as the active ingredient. 

The sugars are enhanced with sunflower oil to gently exfoliate the skin and aromatically invigorate the user. 

After showering with the scrub, light some incense to further your feelings of replenishment, or opt for a cup of energising ginger tea. 

The addition of taking five ot 10 minutes to really consider your wellbeing, and incorporate scent as a promoter of eudeamonia among the average routine can have your mind feeling more peaceful in mere moments, adding joy, positivity and wellness to the day.

Trending