HomeArchives2018

Yearly Archives: 2018

While rumours have been circling about a royal feud, nothing has been confirmed just yet.

Many tabloids have been spinning stories, saying that Harry and Meghan don’t get along with William and Kate.

But recent holiday revelations seems to be at odds with the alleged drama.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal) on

A royal source told The Sun that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex turned down Prince William and Kate’s offer to host them this Christmas.

However, Kensington Palace has spoken out in response, saying that this claim is untrue.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, the palace said Prince William and Kate and Prince Harry and Meghan will be spending the holiday together.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal) on

But while it was confirmed that the fab four would spend the day together, the palace could not say whether they would continue the celebrations side-by-side or go there separate ways afterwards.

The happy couples spent last year’s Christmas together during which they reportedly had a fantastic time.

There is no doubt that the Queen is overjoyed to spend the holiday with her beloved grandsons and granddaughters-in-law.

harry fb thumb

Last month, Kate Middleton shut down the gossip when she gushed about Meghan and Harry’s baby.

It seems she is happier than ever for her sister-in-law and can’t wait to meet the family’s newest arrival.

“It’s such a special time to have little kiddies and a cousin for George, Charlotte and Louis,” Kate said.

“It’s really special.”

Kensington Palace wanted to make sure that the public were not misinformed and was eager to confirm the two couples were spending the holidays together.

So we will just have to wait and see how it all unfolds at Sandringham but for now, it appears there is no bad blood between the four.

Trending

Victoria Beckham recently took her daughter Harper out for a special date.

The fashion guru has been quite busy attending the Fashion Awards and globally promoting her brand.

However, she made sure to set aside time for a fun night out with her daughter.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Victoria Beckham (@victoriabeckham) on

The mum shared photos from her mother-daughter date with seven-year-old Harper, who is looking more and more like her each day.

The two spent the evening at the ballet, watching The Nutcracker performed by the English National Ballet.

Dressed to impress, the pair adorned matching black blazers with their stylish outfits.

Harper is the image of her mum as she gives the camera that iconic Victoria pout.

“Girls night out at the ballet,” the businesswoman wrote. “It’s just so Christmassy”.

A video of the snowflake scene in the classic performance shows the elegant dancers floating across the stage.

It is sweet to see them spending time together, especially around the holidays.

Rumours have been circling about Victoria and David’s relationship after the former singer removed a tattoo thought to be a tribute to her husband.

However, the footballer quickly dispelled these claims, saying the two are stronger than ever.

Fans think the fashionista is just removing all her tattoos to have a more clean look.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Victoria Beckham (@victoriabeckham) on

Victoria recently brought her hubby and son Brooklyn along to the fashion awards as well.

The Beckhams are so close and have such gorgeous kids. It's easy to see where Harper and Brooklyn get their looks from.

Trending

After Offset’s cheating scandal, Cardi B has been refusing to heed the rapper’s pleas.

And it has pushed Offset to a point of desperation.

The Bad and Boujee singer recently took to Instagram to beg his wife to forgive him.

“I only got one birthday wish and that’s to get my wife back, Cardi,” he said.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by OFFSET (@offsetyrn) on

“We’re going through a lot of things right now, a lot of things in the media. I want to apologise to you Cardi. I embarrassed you. I made you look crazy.

“I was partaking in [an] activity that I shouldn’t have been partaking in, and I apologise.

“You know what I’m saying? For breaking your heart, for breaking our promise, for breaking God’s promise and being a selfish, messed up husband.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by OFFSET (@offsetyrn) on

The rapper continued, claiming that he is not only sorry but is trying to improve who he is as a person.

“I’m trying to be a better person. I want to get this off my shoulders. I want to get this off my back. I apologise to you Cardi. I love you.

“I want to be able to spend the rest of my life with you. I apologise, I’m sorry for what I’ve done to you.

Offset went on to claim that he never slept with another woman, but he did do other things with her. (Because that makes his actions more excusable).

“I didn’t f*ck that girl but I was entertaining her, you know what I’m saying? I apologise, I love you and I hope you forgive me. My birthday wish is just to have you back.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by CARDIVENOM (@iamcardib) on

Fans commenting on the video have been split on both sides.

“She really should try and forgive him,” said one.

While another told Cardi:  “That man needs to learn! Let [him] miss you. Your self worth is more important than him.”

Cardi has yet to comment on her husband’s video, but previously she said she was torn between "wanting her space" and wanting "her family to be whole again".

Trending

In preparation for tonight’s Strictly Come Dancing final, the finalists opened up about what their favourite experience has been so far.

Speaking to the press post-rehearsal, the stars revealed how much their lives have changed since joining the show this year.

Youtuber Joe Sugg has won hearts as he danced his way through the show, building lasting relationships along the way.

But the TV personality recently realised he’s had the most effect on the younger generation.

Joe has inspired young boys everywhere to pursue their passion of dance despite pressures from their peers.

“When I was younger at school, we didn’t do dance. If you were a boy you didn’t do dance, it wasn’t an option.

“Well, it was an option, but you did sport or…just not dance. But I’ve had so many messages from younger guys going: ‘I would never normally think about doing dance but doing Strictly I can see you having so much fun.’

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Joe (@joe_sugg) on

“This is something I never thought I’d say, but I’ve kind of made it…cool?”

The Youtuber has over eight million subscribers, so to say his actions influence young boys is an understatement.

“I’m not cool, but for them,” he continued. “I’ve made it kind of more acceptable and they’ve been like ‘I’ve been to dance classes with my girlfriend’.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by BBC Strictly (@bbcstrictly) on

“That for me is like one of the best thing about doing this show, the effect it’s having on a younger generation, and hopefully getting them into dance.”

It is great to see the charming dancer become a positive role model for boys everywhere by breaking traditional, gender stereotypes.

Make sure to tune in for the Strictly final tonight at 6:30pm on BBC One.

Trending

As the Christmas countdown is well and truly-on, fear not if one of your mates or loved one is a vegan.

We get a bad wrap but we are actually very easy to buy for, particularly as the market for items sans animal products are constantly growing.

Additionally, if you are vegan, this gift guide can give you some inspo when it comes to purchasing those all important pressies.

Buttercream Dream Vegan Bakery (Prices vary)

Christmas Bathtime Favourites £49.95

Facial Mask Duo £32.00

 Hamper-Luxury Vegan Sweet – SoulBia £90.00

DREW LG – Vintage Collection €95.00

Bite Size Gift Set – €14.95

Keep Cup: from €14.00

Vegan Gift subscription box: starts from £36.45

Vegan 100: Avant-Garde Vegan (Cookbook) €17,03

Revolution Eyebrow Pomade Medium Brown £6.00

Dr MartensBlack 1461 Vegan Felix Rub Off Flat Shoes €144.00

G&B Organic Connoisseur Collection 580g €22.95

Fuschia Essentials Brush Set: €35.01

Feed Your Face Gift Set €48.00

Gift Box Selection of 6 Flavours Chocolately Claire €20.00

Cookies & Cream Whipped Mousse £16.00

Kat Von D – Lolita Eye Shadow Palette € 36.00

Festive Hand Cream Trio XM18 £15.00

 

 

Feature Image credit: Lush

Trending

Death is pretty much a given when it comes to Game of Thrones; whether it's the Red Wedding (RIP my heart), the Battle of the Bastards or just any kind of royal gathering, you're guaranteed to see bloodshed.

That being said, the upcoming and much-anticipated final season of the show will be pivotal when it comes to character killing, because the last one standing LITERALLY wins Game of Thrones.

*deep breathes* We're going to need a stiff drink to handle the tension and grieving which series eight will inevitably bring…

mothers day drinking GIF by Game of Thrones

A new study published in the Injury Epidemiology journal tries to decipher the likelihood of characters meeting their bloody end, and has recorded data on 330 Game of Thrones personalities.

The data takes circumstances such as religious beliefs and social status into account based off each episode of the HBO smash hit show.

'What influences the chances of a character death?' we hear you ask. Author of the study, Reidar Lysad (he sounds like a character himself…) has said;

"The risk of death is high among characters in Game of Thrones.

By the end of the seventh season, more than half of the characters had died – 186 out of the 330 characters we included in this study – with violent deaths being the most common by far.!

snow eyes GIF

Apparently, switching allegiance makes you a lot more likely to survive in the show, but sticking to your morals and principles increases the chance that you'll reach the end.

Probably because it's always the sneaky snakes who can con their way into staying alive… 

Women and 'highborns' are also more likely to continue with their lives, rather than poor, male characters. 

episode 1 walking GIF

Which means… Queen of Westeros and General Nutjob Cersei Lannister might end up being the last gal standing. *gasps* but her prophecy??

Jaime Lannister, Jon Snow and Tyrion Lannister all have higher chances of survival because of their tendency to switch sides, and their high status.

One in seven characters actually died within the first hour of their introduction, and the fastest end to a character was just 11 SECONDS. Good God, no one is safe.

The regular character is alive for roughly 29 hours, and only two deaths were from natural causes.

game of thrones season GIF

In Westeros, anything goes. They could all die, TBF, and the throne will be left icy and barren.

The outcome of the show is always unpredictable, and aims to be different than the expected.

As the saying goes; “When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die”.

Trending

If you haven’t heard of Dylan hotel, you are sorely missing out. The Irish-owned five-star boutique hotel is renowned already for it’s red brick Victorian building, lavish decor and high-quality food, as well as it’s amazing proximity to the Irish city centre.

Tucked into a side avenue near Baggot Street, this gem is still relatively private despite it’s location, as if the building itself is housing a treat only a special few experience.

Dylan Bar has everything going for it, but we decided it was high time for us to try out their brand new Christmas afternoon tea menu: Spice and All Things Nice. We felt we deserved some five-star treatment, especially since the cost is only €45 for great service and even better food.

The design of the hotel is immediately striking; while it may be aesthetic Victorian brick on the outside, within the building is modern, contemporary design. We were seated by the fireplace by incredibly attentive staff, and after perusing their extensive afternoon tea menu, our eyes were swiftly on the prize: Christmas cocktails.

Their limited edition cocktail menu is inspired by the magical spices of the festive season; ginger, nutmeg, clove, star anise and cinnamon. It’s pretty mouth-watering stuff, if we do say so ourselves. Seeing as we value journalistic integrity, we had to taste as many as possible. *winks*

We definitely weren’t disappointed; their Winter Wine Warmer is an extravagant version of mulled wine, except far, far classier. Made with a mix of homemade citrus, star anise and clove syrup added to classic Merlot, the twist on the aromatic Christmas drink of the gods goes down a treat.

The Festive Pudding cocktail is a reimagined version of the classic winter dessert, made with allspice Guinness syrup, fresh orange and lime juice, old fashioned bitters, eggs whites and of course, Irish whiskey. Any connoisseurs of whiskey will adore this drink, trust us, it has a kick.

Next up on our list was the Apple & Cinnamon Crumble, made with Zubrowska vodka, goldschlanger, apple and lime juice, vanilla infused honey and topped off with a cookie crumble rim. Talk about being in heaven, the Dylan mixologists were infusing the atmosphere with subtle yet heartwarming Christmas vibes.

For those with a sweet tooth, chocolate appreciators can enjoy the Polar Express either hot or cold. Created with Hennessey V.S., Bailey’s Frangelico, and chocolate and vanilla cream, you’ll be rolled out of the place after one (or five…) of these.

Other divine drinks on offer include the Zenzero Negroni, which has the highest alcohol content so brace yourselves, and Before Santa’s Here for another whiskey.

Last but by no means least, their Summer in December is a rum and gingerbread syrup blend for a summer mood with a winter cheer, and they also include their version of an Irish coffee; the Dylan Christmas Coffee mixed with their secret spice syrup.

The designated drivers can also try a range of mocktails which are as good as the real thing. Dylan Bar also has refreshing bubbly, for any Prosecco queens out there, and a variety of tea and coffees. Heaven is a place on earth, and it’s located at Eastmoreland Place.

With all of these gorgeous drinks, we had almost forgotten about all the luscious cakes and sweet and savoury treats coming our way. Almost. They served us the carefully crafted food on a three-tiered plate, and we had a try of their spiced scotch egg, turkey and sage pie with cranberry chutney and pulled ham on granary bread and brie and cinnamon spice apple. 

The savoury selection was delicious, and we couldn’t leave without trying their sweet and subtly spiced buttery homemade scones and indulgent desserts. Pistachio slices, gingerbread cupcakes topped with whiskey icing and a meringue snowman with chocolate and nutmeg mousse were just a taster of what we were offered.

Sitting by the fire, breathing in the mulled wine and eating our weight in macaroons, we realised that we honestly need this lifestyle 24/7. It’s extra, it’s lavish, it’s Christmas magic, and everyone deserves a treat like afternoon tea at Dylan Bar. Don’t miss out, it’s only offered until the New Year so snap up a reservation while you can.

Enjoy the Spice & All Things Nice menu in the Dylan Bar until January 1 2019.

Call 01 660 3000 to make a reservation or email reservations@dylan.ie to have your Christmas injected with the warmth of festive food and drink.

Feature image: Instagram/@dylandublin

Trending

If you're getting your glam on tonight or planned some Christmas shopping tomorrow – get ready for some BAD weather.

Brollies at the ready as it will bucket down from midnight tonight.

Met Éireann has issued two status yellow weather warnings for the country – so brace yourself for the rain and the wind.

Met Éireann has advised Crimbo shoppers and rugby heads on route to the Aviva tomorrow for the Leinster match, to keep an eye on weather updates.

Forget the heels and grab the wellies as 30 to 55mm of heavy rain is set to fall and mountainous areas are predicted to exceed these limits. 

Hit the hat trend as the wind is coming for perfectly styled hair, with speeds of 55 to 60 km/h forecasted, with the strongest gusts hitting the east of the country.

The wind will then take it up a notch with severe gusts of 90 to 110 km/h predicted for later in the day – if it isn't too late to cancel your plans, use any lame excuse to stay indoors.

Additionally, you need to watch out for spot flooding on Saturday. 

If you want us, we will be curled up all day with Netflix, snacks and online shopping.

You couldn't pay us to go out in those type of conditions.

We will see you all on Sunday when the terrible weather finally eases. 

Trending

Beauty pageants such as Miss Universe attract a hell of a lot of negative attention daily, especially since Donald Trump owns one. Anything he owns usually turns to ash, TBF.

From those who feel it's concepts are totally outdated for the modern world, to those expressing concern over how problematic the notion of 'swimsuit bodies' is, pageants are often in the spotlight for scandals.

Once again, pageants are in the media after Miss USA, Sarah Rose Summers, was filmed mocking foreign beauty queens and even IMITATING THEIR ACCENTS at the Miss Universe competition.

Can you believe?

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Diet Prada ™ (@diet_prada) on

This is beyond clueless. 

The sexism surrounding the pageants is bad enough, without the racism added to the pile of problems. Summers can be heard saying;

"Miss Cambodia is here and doesn’t speak any English, and not a single other person speaks her language. Could you imagine?"

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Sarah Rose Summers (@sarahrosesummers) on

Summers then went on to mock yet another contestant, Miss Vietnam, saying:

"She’s so cute and she pretends to know so much English."

Not only did she mock her for her lack of English (as if Summers knows anything about being bilingual), she then made fun of how Miss Vietnam spoke.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Sarah Rose Summers (@sarahrosesummers) on

Summers has since posted an apology after the internet went absolutely mad at her, understandably.

She wrote:

"In a moment where I intended to admire the courage of a few of my sisters, I said something that I now realise can be perceived as not respectful, and I apologise."

I mean, why did she say 'can be perceived' as disrespectful? It's straight up normalised racism, gal.

Own up to it, and check yourself, Regina George. *sigh*

Trending

Love Island 2018 have claimed many couples, just last week we thought we were even losing Jack and Dani.

However, the couple are firmly together as are Josh Denzel and Kaz Crossley.

The pair are probably one of the more stable couples to come out of the villa and Josh has revealed why they're working.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Josh Denzel (@joshdenzel) on

Dishing all the relationship secrets; it seems that slow and steady wins the race.

"Caz and I are just not jumping 10 steps ahead of ourselves, you know?' Josh told the DailyMailOnline.

'It’s a bit strange to immediately move in together. I'm not judging the ones that have done that but in the real world you wouldn’t immediately jump into it," he added.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Josh Denzel (@joshdenzel) on

Although that doesn't mean they aren't taking big leaps forward in their relationship, as house keys have been cut.

"I have just cut Kaz a set of keys for the flat. It's too soon to move in, and Kaz agrees."

"We are both super busy, which is a good thing. We make time for each other," the 27-year-old added.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Josh Denzel (@joshdenzel) on

Josh also set the record straight for what on earth happened between Jack and Dani and their recent break-up and make-up.

"Honestly, I know as much as the next person – I heard they were not together but I have been told they are, that’s what I know."

Nevertheless, he assured everyone that they couple are most definitely back together.

"'When I have spoken to Jack he tells me that they really like each other,' he explained.

"But there is a lot of pressure being in the public eye. I love them though and I was shocked to hear what I heard about them splitting."

"But, no, it was just a blip. It was just a bump," he added.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by ♡ Dani Dyer ♡ (@danidyerxx) on

Thank goodness for that, we can't wait to see the gang back together for the Christmas reunion.

The Islanders will be back on our screens at 9pm on December 17.

The excitement is real. 

Trending

All is not well in Kim Kardashian land.

The famous-feud between Drake and Kanye West (or Ye) was reignited last night when accusations were flying.

Kanye accused Drake of threatening him and his family when they were speaking on the phone. 

Supposedly, the phone call took place after Kanye had asked the Canadian artist for an apology for being sent “a clearance request” for ‘Say What’s Real’.

It didn't stop there though, Kayne continued a series of accusations in a flow of tweets.

“The kid he had run on stage at Pushas concert is in critical condition. Since the pool line he’s been trying to poke at me and f**k with me.

"So drake if anything happens to me or anyone from my family you are the first suspect. So cut the tough talk.”

Kanye is also bubbling due to a diss that was allegedly in Travis Scott's smash hit, ‘Sicko Mode’.

The rapper wasn't impressed that Travis had texted Kris Jenner, instead of speaking to him directly.

He tweeted: “How you gone text Kriss but not speak to me. How you gone be on Trav’s song coming at me. Trav should have never allowed that."

He continued to tweet about Kylie's beau: "Trav is my family and let this met throw sneak disses at me for clout."

Kim then got in on the action and publicly slammed the alleged threat towards her family.

"@drake Never threaten my husband or our family. He paved the way for there to be a Drake."

The 38-year-old then followed up with a second tweet, praising her hubby.

She wrote: "My husband is the most brilliant person, the most genius person that I know. He has broken so many boundaries, everything from music, stage design, fashion and culture and will continue to change the world."

We imagine that Christmas dinner might be a bit AWKS in the Kardashian/Jenner household.

Drake has yet to respond to any of the claims made against him.

Trending

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have released their first official Christmas card as a married couple and it is just as romantic as we imagined.

The lovebirds decided to use a photo from their May wedding for their Christmas card and it is truly beautiful.

Kensington Palace shared the stunning snap with fans of Meghan and Harry this morning.

They wrote: "The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are delighted to share a new photograph from their Wedding Reception at Frogmore House on 19th May.

"The photograph, which features on Their Royal Highnesses’ Christmas card, was taken by photographer Chris Allerton."

The black and white photo shows the Duke and Duchess gazing at a firework display on the night of their wedding. It is beyond romantic.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal) on

2018 has been quite the year for Harry and Meghan with the pair tying the knot AND confirming they are expecting their first child together in the past few months.

The parents-to-be will be celebrating many milestones in the New Year as they prepare to welcome their baby boy or girl as well as moving into Frogmore Cottage.

The Sussexes have really stolen the hearts' of the nation with their love story. There's no doubt they are going to have the most special Christmas.

Trending