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Yearly Archives: 2018

It's the end of an era after Nick Grimshaw announced his departure from the BBC Radio 1 breakfast show, after hosting it for six years. 

The news comes just two weeks after listener figures showed the show had recorded its second lowest audience since records began. 

Nick, who took over from Chris Moyles in 2012, said he's decided "it’s time for a change and a new show." 

“I’m very grateful that I got to live my dream every day for what will be nearly six years, But six years is a long time and this isn’t a forever job. I had the time of my life.”

However, it's not all bad news. The 33-year-old will be swapping shows with Greg James – the current Radio 1 drive time presenter. 

Appearing on the programme, Greg admitted he was nervous about revealing himself as the new presenter. 

“I did not sleep one hour last night just thinking about it… it’s too much.”

Ben Cooper, controller of Radio 1, 1Xtra and Asian Network, said: “Greg gets his childhood dream, Grimmy gets a lie-in and the Radio 1 audience gets two exciting new shows with the biggest and most popular youth presenters in the country.

“I’m so proud that Radio 1 produces and nurtures the best talent in the industry – I gave Greg his first show when he joined us from student radio and now he’s getting the most famous radio gig in the world – it’s going to be fantastic. Grimmy’s done a brilliant job reinventing the feel and tone of the breakfast show by connecting with new audiences in new ways in the digital age.”

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Whether it's an obsession with the Kardashians or a penchant for a pretty sunset, there's a specialist Insta account out there waiting for you.

Instagram happens to do foodie accounts particularly well, and we've found a few Irish Instagrams that make us simultaneously drool, delight, and deliberate our diets.

We've also found some niche accounts for the vegans and gluten-intolerant who walk among us. Bon appetit! 

6. @Dublin Gluten Free

Whether it's a dietary requirement or a sign of the times, gluten-free options have become more and more accessible and, in some circles, trendy.

This handy little Instagram gives a low down of the best GF products, both in restaurants and in supermarkets, and even includes some nifty recipes. 

5. @Vegan Dublin

 

A photo posted by @vegandublin on

Veganism is really taking off on Irish shores, and whether you've gone plant-based to save the animals or improve your physique, this page reveals some great little gems from the Irish vegan cuisine scene.

Full of beautiful, envy-evoking snaps of the heartiest vegan food, you'll be spoiled for meal ideas.

4. @Dublin Brunch

Brunch is the best meal of the day, and if we have a little mimosa to go with it, who's to judge?

This brunch guide celebrates some of the best brunch spots around, focusing on fresh Irish food. 

3. @Wine and Dine Dublin

Like a little tipple with your evening meal?

This guide is unique as, while it indulges at some of Dublin's best eateries, it also covers cocktails and vinos, too.

2. @Dublin Brunch Guide

OK, sorry; we love brunch too much!

This brunch guided deserves a mention for it's delightful coffee shots and artful photography. Oh, and the food looks pretty damn good too. 

1. @Yummy Dublin

 

A photo posted by Dublin Foodie(@yummydublin) on

Coming in at number one is Yummy Dublin, a complete smorgasbord of the greatest grub Dublin has to offer. 

From belly-busting burritos to dreamy doughnuts, take the ultimate taste tour of this fair city via Instagram, Just be sure to wear your eating pants.

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Losing weight is a personal decision, and there is only one way to go about it safely – proper diet and increased activity. 

New research shows that adopting a vegetarian diet could be the key to increasing weight loss for those looking to shed a bit of weight. 

According to new research, following a vegetarian diet is twice as effective as a carnivorous one when it comes to losing weight.

Researchers from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine in Washington DC found a veggie diet reduces muscle fat.

This in turn boosts the metabolism.

In order to assess weight loss, all participants had their diets restricted to 500 calories a day less than they would need to maintain their weight.

On average, the randomly assigned veggie group lost twice as much weight than the carnivorous group. 

 

A post shared by Amaryllis (@thetastyother) on

This finding is particularly significant for people with type 2 diabetes, according to lead author, Dr. Hana Kahleová.

'The beneficial effects of a vegetarian diet on body weight, glycemic control, blood lipids, insulin sensitivity, and oxidative stress markers compared to a conventional diet have been demonstrated by us and others previously,' reads the study. 

'The vegetarian diet was almost twice as effective in reducing body weight compared to the conventional hypocaloric diet.'

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OK so, it's safe to say that us millennials a are tad bit over-reliant on our smart phones. 

They're one of the most powerful pieces of technology ever created, allowing us to stay connected on a global scale – and perhaps most importantly, they're a damn good way to kill time.  

Whether we're texting friends, keeping up with the latest news, or updating our social media platforms, we spend an ungodly amount of time scrolling on our devices – and the exact figure will shock you to your very core. 

According to a new online tool called Thumb Miles, the average phone user scrolls for around five hours each day, which is equivalent to the height of Mount Everest every year, the length of the London Marathon every five years, and 7843 double-decker buses every 10 years. 

Now, if that's not enough to scare you into cutting back on your phone usage, I don't know what is. 

You can calculate you own stats over on Thumb Miles – How Far Do You Scroll With Your Thumb?.

Simply choose the usage time that applies to you to find out just how far you scroll every day, week, month, year and so on. 

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Ladies, listen up!

Penneys is launching a new range of Love Island merch, and it's 100 per cent our type on paper. 

The much-loved retailer teased the collection on Instagram this week, giving their 5.7 million followers a sneak peak at the reality show-inspired goodies. 

With everything from bumbags to nightwear, every piece is summery, stylish and branded with a slogan from the ITV2 show. 

From what we can see so far, the range will include slogan hoodies and t-shirts with phrases such as 'speak to me after Love Island', and 'I've got a text!', as well as a 'I should have been on Love Island' swimsuit for all you wannabe islanders. 

Also on offer is a variety of mugs, socks and homewear items, so everyone can know just how big a fan you really are. 

Love Island products will be available in store from June 4, which just so happens to be the same day the hit shoe returns to ITV2. 

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Galway is often hailed as one of the Emerald Isle's greatest assets. 

With the lively city's famous flair for fun, friendly locals, cultural richness and non-stop night scene, it's a must-visit for Irish folk and tourists alike.

It's this distinctive Galway vibe that has led the city to be awarded the accolade of 'Best for the Sesh.' 

In a poll of 1,000 voters from all over Ireland by Jury's Inn, Galway took the crown as the most sought-after county for a night on the tiles. 

With unique nightlife hot spots like Biteclub, Tribeton, An Púcán, The Front Door and Elecvtric Garden & Theatre, it's no wonder that people are clamouring for a good sesh here. 

As well as the established pubs and bars, areas like the Spanish Arch and Salthill come alive during the warm weather as revellers enjoy a few cold cans. 

 

A post shared by Biteclub Galway (@biteclubgalway) on

They often say the people make the place, which would make sense as Galwegians were also hailed as the best craic to hang out with. 

While Galway took the crown for Best in Sesh, other counties were awarded alternative glowing titles. 

Dublin got gold for being the Top Shopping Destination and Best for Dining Out, while Kerry was awarded the Most Beautiful Scenery with a whopping 43% of the vote. 

 

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Rickshaws could soon be banned in Ireland, as Minster for Transport Shane Ross looks set to propose new regulations at an Oireachtas committee today. 

According to the Irish Times, the National Transport Authority has been carrying out a review of rickshaw operations, and Minister Ross is expected to confirm that he has been debating between regulation of the vehicles or an outright ban. 

In his opening statements, Ross is expected to say: 

"Rickshaws are arguably meeting a niche demand which is not being met by the traditional public transport services.

"Regulating could allow rickshaws to continue in operation, contributing a fun and vibrant aspect to city life.

"However, significant resources would need to be invested. More admin and enforcement resources would be needed in the National Transport Authority and the Garda, possibly also in the Road Safety Authority."

It's understood that, if enforced, new regulations would see rickshaw drivers be required to have driver and operator licensing, motor tax and vehicle registration as well as certification of the road-worthiness of their vehicle. 

Looks like we could be walking to Coppers from owe on, ladies! 

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So, we all know that alcohol is a major contributor to weight gain and most nutritionist recommend we cut it from our diets when trying to shed those pounds.

But what if there was a drink that could actually help you lose weight?

Well, a new study has found just that – Tequila.

According to research presented at a meeting of the American Chemical Society, the spirit could even help lower your blood sugar as well.

See, tequila is made from the sugars that naturally occur in the agave plant.

These sugars, called agavins, are non-digestible, and thus act more like dietary fibre.

According to The Independent, Dr. Mercedes G. López said, ''Agavins are not expensive and they have no known side effects, except for those few people who cannot tolerate them.''

She also explained how agavins are the best sugars to support the growth of healthy microbes in the mouth and intestines.

And get this – they can even make you feel fuller for longer, meaning you'll eat less throughout the day.

Now, we're not saying you should swap that spoon of sugar in your morning cuppa for a shot of tequila, but this study might be worth considering the next time you hit the bar. 

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 Summer has officially arrived, and with it comes holiday planning. 

Whether you're planning to laze by the pool in Bali or party up a storm at a beach club in Ibiza, a statement swimsuit is a simple way to create a look with minimal effort. 

Add a straw beach bag and black sandals for a casual look, or don some strappy sandals and a crossbody for pool party perfection: 

Mesh Tulle Swimsuit €48.39, Spot print swimsuit €38.71

Hunza G Ring Detail Crinkle Swimsuit €168.67, Blue scallop lace up swimsuit €38.00

 Tassel Embroidered Underwired Swimsuit €62.30, Lace trim swimsuit €28.00

Tassel Embroidered Underwired Swimsuit €55.30, Orange ring swimsuit €35.00

Animal Print Swimsuit €13.00, Black rib bandeau tie side swimsuit €48.00

 

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With production of Disney's Maleficent 2 officially underway, stars Elle Fanning and Angelina Jolie have been teasing fans with a series of BTS snaps. 

Four years after Jolie first stunned fans with her haunting portrayal of the Disney villain,  Elle has taken to Instagram to share two adorable photos of her and her on-screen mother.

Rocking Maleficent's signature horns and sharp fangs, Angelina can be seen playfully flashing the peace sign in the background, as the pair joked around between takes. 

"It's bring your mom to work day on the #Maleficent2 set," Elle wrote on Instagram.

 

It's bring your mom to work day on the #Maleficent2 set!!!!! 

A post shared by Elle Fanning (@ellefanning) on

 

Ultimate Photobomb #Maleficent2

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Meanwhile, Walt Disney Studios confirmed that Michelle Pfeiffer will indeed be joining the sequel as Queen Ingrith, while Harris Dickinson has been cast as Prince Philip. 

And as if that wasn't enough information to keep us Disney fans satisfied, we got an official plot synopsis which read: 

 "A fantasy adventure that picks up several years after Maleficent, in which audiences learned of the events that hardened the heart of Disney's most notorious villain and drove her to curse a baby Princess Aurora.

"Maleficent II continues to explore the complex relationship between the horned fairy and the soon to be Queen, as they form new alliances and face new adversaries in their struggle to protect the moors and the magical creatures that reside within."

Maleficent 2, which will be directed by Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar's Revenge's Joachim Rønning, doesn't yet have a US or UK release date.

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Gender equality in Ireland is likely to be examined at the next Citizens' Assembly, according to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. 

Speaking in the Dáil, Mr Varadkar spoke highly of the assembly, saying how it had helped politicians gain a greater insight into public opinion. 

He went on to say that while good work had been done in relation the domestic violence issues such as gender pay, gender equality in pensions, and the number of women in top corporate positions needed further examination. 

Meanwhile, there are also calls for gender equality to be considered in the next budget. 

The Joint Committee on Budgetary Oversight are set to look at how legislation impacts the role of women in society when it launches its Gender Budgeting report. 

Committee member and Labour TD Joan Burton explained:

"Basically it's changing the basis on which budgets are prepared to actively include a consideration of budget issues as they affect women -whether that's women at work, women with childcare responsibilities, women looking after older people."

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On Saturday, the people of Ireland voted overwhelmingly in favour of repealing the Eighth Amendment, thus allowing the government to legislate for the legal termination of pregnancy. 

Following the historic result, Minister for Health Simon Harris revealed that the new legal framework to replace the Eighth Amendment will be drafted as soon as possible.

During a Dáil  sitting this week, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar told members that he plans to have the legislation in place by January 1, 2018. 

'The view of government is that it wants to legislate for the termination of pregnancies as soon as possible,' Varadkar said.

'But we don’t want to rush it either.'

'There will be people who don’t accept this result, and people who will wish to challenge.'

'It’s important that we act with haste, but not with so much haste that we bring through bad legislation.'

Some Dáil  members are calling for the government to forego their summer recess to allow the legislation to be drafted and passed in a timely manner. 

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