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Yearly Archives: 2018

We've all been there – 12pm comes and you already feel like you've given all you can give for the day. Sure, you might perk up for 20 minutes or so after lunch, but really, it's all down hill from there.

Between your hourly tea break, scrolling through ASOS sales, and basically doing anything other than what you're supposed to be doing, there's not much time for anything else now is there?

Well, according to new survey, the average employee is productive for just under three hours a day (2h 53m to be precise).

Sound about right?

VocherCloud asked 1,989 full-time office workers about how they really spend their working days, and as you probably guessed, there's not a whole lot of work going on inside those cubicles.

When asked – “Do you consider yourself to be productive throughout the entire working day?” 79 per cent of respondents said 'no' (and the other 21 per cent were lying).

So, what are we doing instead?

Well, here are the top 10 responses from participants when asked what they actually do at work and how long they spend doing it:

1. Checking social media – 47 per cent/ 44 minutes

2. Reading news websites – 45 per cent/ 1 hour 5 minutes

3. Discussing out-of-work activities with colleagues – 38 per cent/ 40 minutes

4. Making hot drinks – 31 per cent/ 17 minutes

5. Smoking breaks – 28 per cent/ 23 minutes

6. Text/instant messaging – 27 per cent/ 14 minutes

7. Eating snacks – 25 per cent/ 8 minutes

8. Making food in office – 24 per cent/ 7 minutes

9. Making calls to partner/ friends- 24 per cent/ 18 minutes

10. Searching for new jobs – 19 per cent/ 26 minutes

You can't deny the facts – three-hour working days for all!

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One Cork hairdresser is going the extra mile this Easter, collecting chocolate eggs to give to homeless families in need.

Joseph Byrne's Hair Salon on the Glasheen Road will be accepting donation until 12.00pm on Good Friday.

He told Patricia Messinger on C103’s Cork Today show that the people of Cork had really taken to the initiative.

"I can't believe what we've got so far," he said.

"People get so many and they don't know what to do with them. If there's an overflow of them we'll take them."

The response has been great so far with local supermarkets having donated €70 worth of Easter eggs, while another shop offered 30.

The eggs will be given to Edel House and Cork Penny Dinner, who will then distribute them to homeless families across Cork.

This isn't the first time Joseph has shown his charitable steak. A few times a years, he opens the salon so homeless people can avail of a wash, cut and blowdry free of charge.

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Spice Girls fans unite!

We've been following their reunion every step of the way – from that adorable pic they posted to their possible performance at the royal wedding's reception (we still have our fingers crossed).

Now Variety reports that an animated movie about the supergroup is being shopped to potential producers!

 

A post shared by Mel B (@officialmelb) on

Their source says that each member of the iconic 90s girl group has signed off on their likenesses being used for a superhero film.

We can't imagine anything more fun than showing a Spice Girls superhero movie to our little siblings, nieces  – or, you know, just watching it on our own. Literally no judgement.

The film would have 'girl power' as its core message and, suitably, each of the Spice Girls would have their own 'girl power' that matches with their persona.

Emma Bunton (Baby Spice), Mel B (Scary Spice), Victoria Beckham (Posh Spice), Mel C (Sporty Spice), and Geri Halliwell (Ginger Spice) would each voice their own character as well.

According to Variety, the Spice Girls' manager Simon Fuller has not commented on their possible reunion plans.

Fingers crossed!

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Earlier this year, Kim Kardashian sent fans into a beauty -fuelled frenzy when she revealed that after 10 years of working together, she and makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic were collaborating on a very exciting makeup launch.

The teaser pic, posted on the official KKW Beauty Instagram account, showed a black and image photo of a selection of eyeshadows, titled KKW X MARIO.

 

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And while the monotone effect masked the exact shades of the shadows, we knew from the moment we laid eyes on the sample of shimmers and mattes that we would instantly fall in love with the finished version.

To make the launch extra-special, the palette will be released on the 10-year anniversary of Kim and Mario's working relationship. Reminiscing on their friendship, Mario shared a snap of his work diary from 2008 along with a lengthy post.

 

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It read: "This is my calendar from 2008 that I still have. 10 years ago, on April 5th, 2008 I met @kimkardashian on a cover shoot. I almost didn’t take the job because I had to work at Fox that afternoon where I did makeup for the anchors on the weekends for extra $. At this point I had been a makeup artist for 8 years in NYC, honing my craft, building my portfolio and paying my dues. Retail, weddings, editorial, TV, personal clients, assisting.

"I began working with some singers and actresses around this time & then I met Kim and began to work with her often. The idea of a reality star at the time was new. After all my years paying dues and assisting some of the big fashion and celeb makeup greats, I was being groomed to begin working with A list stars- actresses & recording artists.

"I had an agent who demanded that I stop working with Kim immediately. They said I would ruin my career and my career would end within a year or 2. That all of my hard work and struggles until then would be for nothing. Was I going to sit and worry about what the elitist industry would think of me and try to fit into their mould? I refused. I chose to stick with Kim because it felt right in my heart. She was hard working, loyal and sweet. She kept me insanely busy. She appreciated me and my artistry and I had too much respect for her. When I parted ways with my agency, one of the last things they said to me was “good luck, Mario because you will never get a Vogue cover working with her.” Swipe left to see how that turned out.

"Never let anyone dictate the trajectory of your life and career. The past decade with Kim has been incredible. We’ve grown together, set trends, inspired and impacted an industry along the way. Through all her milestones and achievements and through her rise to global superstardom she has taken me along the way and impacted my life greatly, helping me to achieve unparalleled success of my own as a celebrity makeup artist. I am so excited to finally announce that on April 5, 2018 – exactly 10 years to the day we met, our #KKWxMARIO collaboration with @kkwbeauty will launch! Turn on notifications for the very first reveal tomorrow! #KKWxMARIO"

 

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As you can tell from the video, the eyeshadows are super pigmented and come in an array of stunning neutral tones as well as an electric blue. 

You may have also spotted the lip glosses and lip sticks that complete the collection. 

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Skin problems can get us down on the best of days, and despite loving the skin we are in, sometimes our issues can make our skin feel out of control. 

Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that can be characterised by red patches on the face, and can affect both men and women.

It tends to present itself as a rash usually on the face, and occurs predominantly in middle-aged, fair-skinned people, between the ages of 30 and 60.  

The forehead, cheeks, chin and nose are the areas most commonly affected, and can be reddened with dilated blood vessels, red bumps and pus filled spots. Inflammation of the eyes or eyelids may be present. 

According to Marie Therese Burke, National Trainer with Graham Anthony Distribution, there are four different stages of rosacea ( and we probs have them all, tbh):

1. Facial redness or vasomotor flushing
The first stage of rosacea is where a redness appears on the face’s skin, appearing similar to a sunburn. This is caused by flushing – when excess blood rapidly flows through the skin's blood vessels, which then need to enlarge in order to handle this flow. After a period of time facial skin can become very dry whilst the redness can become more noticeable.

2. Erythrosis or Couperose
In some cases there will be a second stage, where small permanent red vessels can appear progressively on the face. This is mainly found on the cheekbones and the nose. This is called “couperosis”

3. Papulopustular Rosacea 
This is when bumps and pimple-like eruptions add to the redness. Some of the bumps at this stage can become infected with acne-causing bacteria. This stage is often what people are referring to when they say they have acne rosacea.

4. Rhinophyma
If the condition progresses, the nose will become swollen, appear redder and bumpy which changes its shape. This swelling is because there is formation of scar-like tissue and the sebaceous glands (which produce oil on the skin) get bigger. This fourth stage is usually only found where rosacea has been active for many years.

So what's a gal to do about it?

Marie Therese suggests using fragrance-free products that contain active ingredients. This will help to smooth, moisturise, protect and treat rosacea. Vitamin B and C are also very important; vitamin B protects skin from external irritants by fortifying the skin and vitamin C will strengthen the wall of delicate vessels.

  • Uriage Roséliane Anti-Redness Cream 

This cream can help to fight against Kallikrein 5 Activity, which causes inflammation and vascular problems. Using its SK5R complex, this product provides a highly effective soothing action against Kallikrein 5 Activity. €21; available in pharmacies nationwide and at www.uriage.ie.

  • SENSIFINE AR Eau Micellaire

Ultra-gentle on the skin, it is uncompromising on even the most stubborn make-up, including waterproof! Efficacy and tolerance tested on sensitive, reactive, rosacea-prone skin. Suitable for contact lens wearers. €17; available in pharmacies nationwide.

  • Delarom Anti-Redness Cream

Delarom Anti-Redness Cream is a gentle lotion that will sooth your complexion and keep redness at bay due to its essential ingredients such as water lily extracts that soothes and relieves delicate skin.€45.00; available in pharmacies nationwide and at www.delarom.ie.

  • Uriage Thermal Water 

Uriage Thermal Water Spray has the highest concentration of minerals and trace elements and is proven to be soothing and fortifying for the skin. €5 – €14.50; available in pharmacies nationwide and at www.uriage.ie.

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Penneys is our one-stop shop when it comes o essentials like tights, coats and bobby pins, but shopping for bridal-themed accessories wouldn't be the first thing that would cross our minds. 

However, Penneys latest bridal collection is an essentials checklist for brides and bridesmaids heading abroad for the Hen Party. Whether you're off to Vegas, Marbella or Ibiza, you're officially covered. 

To a 'Bride' embroidered sunhat to 'Bride Squad' swimsuits, prepare to be decked out for an oh-so affordable price. 

 Swimsuits €6.00, Flip Flops €2.00

PJ sets €5.00

Novelty Slippers €5.00, Mug €5.00

Bride Hat €5.00 Bride Straw Bag €12.00

Bridesmaid Flowerband €5.00, Glasses €3.00, Braidemaid Purse €3.00, Hen Party Essentials €3.00

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If, like thousands of women across the world, you recently invested in a menstrual cup, you'll know just how life-changing they can be.

Not only will the product do wonders for but bank account in the long-run, but you'll suffer less irritation due to the absence of toxins and chemicals and even help the environment by reducing waste.

And as if that wasn't enough to convince you to make the switch, Intimina have just launched the first menstrual cup that can be worn during penetrative sex.

Unlike a traditional tampon or menstrual cup, the Ziggy Cup sits just below the cervix after insertion, meaning those who wear it can enjoy mess-free sex all month long.

Featuring a leak-proof double rim and hexagonal texture, the cup is made from 100 per cent medical grade silicone and promises 12 hours of non-stop protection.

What's more, Intimina say the one size fits all product is so comfortable that it can't be felt at all, and while we're sure insertion may take some practice, we'd be willing to put in the practice for the complete freedom it offers.

It's priced at just €39.95, which is and absolute steal when you consider it lasts for two years.

Convenient, reusable and sex-friendly, what more could you want?

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OK, Beyoncé fans, prepare to feel your blood boil, because an unnamed women reportedly bit Queen Bey on the face at a Los Angeles party last December.

Now, why anyone would want to do such a thing is absolutely beyond us, but the attack was witnessed by actress Tiffany Haddish who told GQ she saw the whole thing go down.

As the story goes, an unnamed actress, who had allegedly taken drugs at a Jay-Z after party, showed signs of erratic behaviour – most notable when she, y'know, bit a woman on the face.

Haddish went on to explain how Beyoncé (quite rightly) grabbed Jay-Z and stormed to the other side of the room.

“Beyoncé's at the bar, so I said to Beyoncé, ‘Did she really bite you?’ She was like, ‘Yeah.’”

Apparently the actress didn't even feel bad about the attack, and actually continued to have run-ins with other guests throughout the night.

Fed up with her antics, Tiffany told Beyoncé, "I’m going to beat somebody ass at your party. I just want to let you know that."

But of course, with Beyoncé being the pure beacon of light that she is, encouraged Tiffany to let it go and to just "have fun" instead.

"Beyonce's at the bar, so I said to Beyonce, 'Did she really bite you?' She was like, 'Yeah.' I was like, 'She gonna get her ass beat tonight.' She was like, 'Tiffany, no. Don’t do that. That bitch is on drugs. She not even drunk. The bitch is on drugs. She not like that all the time. Just chill.'"

But that's not all.

The reining Queen of Twitter, Chrissy Teigen, reckon shes knows who this unnamed actress – because, well, is there anything that women doesn't know?

And while we may never discover the identify of the mystery Bey-biting, the singer's grace and refusal to fight back has just made us love her more.

 

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Despite it being an illegal offence to hold a mobile phone in your hand while driving, a number of Irish influencers are continuing to post to Snapchat and Instagram while behind the wheel.

If you're a regular user of either app, you'll know that this type of behaviour is nothing new, however, one Instagram account is exposing the offenders in an attempt to rid the roads of the irresponsible behaviour.

Blogger Unveiled was set up in January to highlight issues around photo editing and failure to disclose advertising deals, and has since amassed over 40,000 followers.

Image via Instagram 

However, over the past few weeks the account has shone a greater focus on the dangerous driving habits that are so prominent among the blogging community.

Should any of the accounts followers witness this kins of behaviour on their own feeds, they can anonymously submit screen shot or recordings showing which will then be reviewed by the account's admin.

The person behind the account says their end goal is to ultimately hold people accountable to what content they share with their followers, telling Buzz.ie: "If their job is to influence, I want to make sure that the curtain gets lifted and to make people aware that not everything that the influencers post is completely true.

"Hopefully there is a shift in the industry as I do feel like there are a lot of real and truthful influencers that work hard and I would like to be the same across the board."

Image via Instagram 

In response to the controversy, a spokesperson from the Road Safety Authority told Evoke.ie:  "We have noticed. If people are videoing themselves they are distracted and they are not concentrating on the task at hand.

"The car is not the place for videoing; it doesn’t matter what you are doing.

"You don’t need the RSA to tell you that this is utterly irresponsible behaviour and dangerous. And, as influencers, the dangers are two-fold as they attempt to influence people by their behaviour."

Image via Instagram 

You can follow the controversy on the Bloggersunveiled Instagram account.

 

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It seems like only yesterday that we finished the second season of Stranger Things (in record-breaking time, might we add).

But, like all epic Netflix shows, as soon as the credits rolled on the final episode, we were hankering for another season to binge on.

Luckily, news came pretty quickly that Season 3 was in the works. 

 

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According to The Hollywood Reporter, Netlix will once again be the place to find the 1980s themed show. 

The Duffer brothers confirmed to the mag that there will be a time jump in the next season. 

Speaking to Variety, producer Shawn Levy gave further deets of the upcoming season. 

 

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'Season 3 is set in the summer, so right out of the gate that’s a big difference,' he said. 'The first two seasons were very much school-based.'

'This is that time of year where it’s not about school, it’s about the swimming pool and campfires and parades and Fourth of July and fireworks, so there’s kind of a poppy fun to Season 3 that’s really enjoyable before things inevitably turn super dark.'

Sadly, the release date for the upcoming and highly anticipated series remains elusive. 

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There are only a handful of weeks to go until the Royal Wedding and we are beyond excited for the big day. Our minds have been buzzing with questions about the wedding, from the guest list to the all-important question- what will Meghan’s dress look like?

The former actress has won us over with her edgy and chic style, so we’re sure her wedding dress will be a true crowd pleaser. Rumour has it that Meghan will follow in Kate’s footsteps and opt for a lace dress with long sleeves.

The designer behind the bride-to-be’s dress has yet to be confirmed but rumours have been whirling around that the Suits star has chosen Ralph & Russo, who also designed the stunning dress she wore in her official engagement photos.

Fashion trends have drastically changed since the 1980s, so Meghan won’t be wearing a similar dress to Princess Diana, but she will be honouring Harry’s late-mum in a very special way.

Meghan may be wearing the Spencer Tiara which Diana donned on her wedding day back in the July of 1981. Wearing this tiara would be such a sentimental move by Meghan.

Both Meghan and her fiancé Prince Harry have been vocal about how they will honour Diana’s legacy on this journey, with Harry using diamonds from her collection in Meghan’s engagement ring.

Speaking of his darling mom, Harry shared, “The little diamonds either side are from my mother’s jewellery collection to make sure that she’s with us on this crazy journey together.”

Harry believes that Meghan and Diana would have been the best of friends, and stated that they’d have been “as thick as thieves.”

 

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He shared, “She’d be over the moon for me, but she would have been best friends with Meghan.”

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Ever put off that dream trip because you had no-one to go with?

Well, have you ever considered going solo? 

Solo travel is becoming increasingly popular amongst young holiday-makers, and as long as you keep your wits about you, it could actually turn out to be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life .

Here's just some of the reasons why going it alone this summer might be the best decision you ever make:

1. You get to choose your own route

So, if you’ve ever tried to plan a holiday with your mates you know difficult picking a destination can be. This seemingly simple decision has been know to divide Whatsapp group chats and test even the strongest friendships.

You’ll never please them all, and you don’t have to.

Travelling on your own gives you the unique opportunity to go wherever you want to go and do whatever you want to do – literally.

Choose your location, plan your itinerary and visit the sites you want to see, all at your own pace and without ever having to compromise. What’s not to love?

2. It’s actually cheaper

If you don’t mind sleeping in a hostel dorm, solo travel can be super cost-effective.

Not only are you not forking out for a luxury apartment or hotel room every night, but you’re also completely in charge of your own expenses, making it much easier to stick to a budget.

The money you save can be used for those extra special activities that’ll be sure to make your friends at home even more jealous.

 

Diving into a new week Be bold and brave guys, it's gonna be a good one

A post shared by PARADOX – LAUNCHING JULY 2017 (@paradoxadventures) on

3. You’ll gain confidence

There’s nothing like being alone in a foreign country to get you out of your comfort zone.

You might not be familiar with the language or even the currency and you’ll probably cry from frustration when you try and fail to read the city's underground map, but you'll come out the other side stronger than ever. Promise!  

You’ll learn to trust your own instincts as you navigate your way through some weird and wonderful situations, which will leave you wondering, 'why didn't I do this sooner?'  

4. You’ll make friends from all over the world

Let’s face it, most of us prefer to avoid even talking to strangers let alone asking them to be our friends – but that’s exactly what you’ll need to do when travelling solo.

Don't worry though, no-one is going to think you're weird . Every hostel, museum and walking-tour will be packed with other solo travellers, who, for the most part are willing and eager to be your friend.

There’s a certain vulnerability that comes along with being a solo traveller and connecting with other people in the same situation can result in some real life-long friendships.  

5. Indulge in some glorious ‘me’ time

Solo travel can be one of the most therapeutic experiences life has to offer.

Not only will it allow you to take a step back from your daily routine, you’ll also get a chance to re-connect with yourself and enjoy all the little things you’d forgotten make you happy.

So, what are you waiting for? 

*Reminder*

Travelling alone can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it is important to stay safe.

Here's some handy tips to consider before jetting off:  

  • Leave a copy of your itinerary at home.

  • Have a portable phone charger on hand at all times.

  • When travelling in Europe be sure to carry a European Health Insurance Card. 

  • Schedule a regular check-in with someone at home.

  • Don’t keep all your money in one place.

  • Trust your gut instinct.

  • Don't do anything abroad that you would consider unsafe at home.

  • Prioritise personal safety.

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