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Yearly Archives: 2018

Michael D. Higgins has officially been re-elected as president for a second term.

With 822,566 votes, President Higgins won by a 56 percent majority.

Following in second was Peter Casey with 23.1 percent of votes. The other candidates only won 6.4 percent of votes or under.

Voting turnout was the lowest turnout since the foundation of the state, according to The Independent.

Although Higgins had the projected popular vote, other candidates criticised him for ‘overspending’ during his term.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Peter Casey was one of his biggest critics and called the president’s lack of transparency around Áras spending disgraceful.

The former Dragon’s Den star received heavy backlash during the campaign for controversial comments he made about the travelling community.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar asked voters not to back him as well.

However, Casey has announced that he plans on running for president again unless he is Taoiseach at the time of the next election.

President Higgins is thrilled to be awarded the title of presidency again and has quite a few plans for implementing policy change aimed towards equality.

He plans on establishing a year-long initiative towards this effect.

The 77-year-old also wishes to further root Irish history into modern culture and the art community with his planned program ‘Imagination and the Nation’.

President Higgins will now continue residing in Áras an Uachtaráin until 2025.

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been busier than ever since their wedding in May.

Constantly travelling and adhering to their royal itinerary, the couple often look back on their big day as a reminder…

It was the day they made their eternal vows and allowed themselves to be caught up in their very own love bubble.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Just Married: Introducing The Duke and Duchess of Sussex #RoyalWedding

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After deciding on the basics like the venue and the dress, the bride-to-be was faced with choosing her wedding tiara.

She remembered that day, saying that her number one priority was finding a piece that complemented her timeless Givenchy dress.

But she could not make the decision without her devoted partner, Prince Harry.

According to People, a new exhibition at Windsor castle called “A Royal Wedding: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex” tells the behind-the-scenes story of the royals’ big day.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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“Harry and I had gone to Buckingham Palace to meet with Her Majesty The Queen to select one of the options that were there, which was an incredibly surreal day as you can imagine,” said Meghan’s recorded voice.

Both her and Harry decided on the gorgeous art deco style bandeau tiara.

“I think it was just perfect because it was so clean and simple – and also to that point, an extension of what Clare and I had been trying to do with the dress which was have something that could be so incredibly timeless but still feel modern.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal) on

The diamond bandeau is an English style and was made in 1932, with the entire brooch dating from 1893, said Kensington Palace.

Prince Harry called the tiara “every girl’s dream”.

"Funnily enough, it was the one that suited the best, the one that looked the best on you without question," he said.

"I shouldn't have really been there – but an incredible loan by my grandmother. Very sweet."

How special that the two were able to choose one of his grandmother’s treasured tiaras together.

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With winter quickly approaching, most families dread the onset of seasonal ills. From contracting the common cold to coming down with a serious case of the flu, there is nothing as frustrating as a blocked nose and a sore, scratchy throat when you’re trying to sleep during a long cold night.

Why does the air become so dry in the winter? When the cold winter weather sets in, we tend to crank up our heating system which causes overly dry indoor air. While your heater increases the temperature in your home, there is no moisture added to the air. As a result, the relative humidity drops considerably.

If you haven’t thought about the benefits of using a humidifier, here are five reasons why you should consider humidifying your household when the cold winter weather sets in.

 

1. Reduction in the Spread of Viruses

Unlike those old wives’ tales, there is research behind why you should keep your air moist. There was a time when doctors would suggest leaving windows open for those suffering from colds and flu. Although they didn’t have the science yet to prove it, we now know that influenza viruses hate moist air and are less likely to spread throughout the household if you use a humidifier. No, you don’t need to open a window to let the snow in, get a humidifier!

2. Relief from Sinusitis

While you may not come down with a cold or flu—sore, dry noses are prevalent in winter months. Most households are heated with dry heat and, as a result, many people suffer from what is called sinusitis. It’s simply an inflammation of the sinuses, but you can find a great deal of relief from a humidifier.

3. Hydrates Dry Skin

The same dry heat that causes an inflammation of the sinuses can create havoc on your skin. If you find that you suffer from dry skin, humidifying your household can bring you relief. Some people have reported that they can even cut back on the amount of moisturizer they apply during the winter because the moist air in their homes helps to protect their skin.

4. A Better Night’s Rest

As silly as this might sound, humidifiers can offer the benefit of improved sleep, especially if your partner is known for those loud snores that keep you from drifting off. Considering that humidifiers keep the air moist and moisture keeps the nasal passages clear, a humidifier just might offer the relief you are looking for.

5. Promotes Faster Healing

A humidifier can help reduce the symptoms of a common cold, influenza or even allergies.A humidifier keeps your nasal passages clear which helps speed up the healing process if you’re feeling under the weather. For people with bad allergies, there are even humidifiers which can help purify the air.

When all is said and done, keeping the home humidified in the winter months can truly be beneficial to your health. However, if you don't want to spend the money on a humidifier and would like to use natural solutions to combat dry air this winter, try these alternative ways to increase humidity at home.

Keep in mind, if you’re struggling to fight the dry air in your home, it is vital not to overuse your heating system, especially when a simple jumper may suffice. It will obviously take intervention on your part, but these are five very important reasons to use a humidifier during those long, cold winter months.

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British singer Frankie Cocozza has some exciting news…

He is going to be a father!

The Telescreen star made the announcement on his Instagram this morning, saying he was “ecstatic”.

His baby girl or boy can be seen in four ultrasound photos he shared.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Frankie Cocozza (@frankiecocozza) on

The baby will be born to him and wife Bianca Murphy, his stunning and stylish bride.

The two were married six months ago in Brighton and have been inseparable ever since.

Frankie is most remembered for his appearance on The X Factor in 2011, where he quickly became a fan favourite.

Even though he withdrew in the early stages of the competition, his music has gained rapid popularity.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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He had been wanting to settle down for a while, appearing on Celebs Go Dating, but was unsuccessful.

That is until he found his gorgeous bride shortly after.

Bianca seems to be just as eccentric has her husband (who mooned the audience during his X Factor days), wearing a bold and beautiful gold dress on her wedding day.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Mr & Mrs

A post shared by Frankie Cocozza (@frankiecocozza) on

The vintage-styled silk dress looked amazing on the blushing bride.

We wish the happy couple all the best and cannot wait to meet the newest addition to their family.

Congratulations, Frankie and Bianca!

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Demi Lovato is doing well in rehab and is proud to announce she is 90 days sober.

The singer’s mum Dianna De La Garza appeared on the Sirius XM show Conversations with Maria Menounos to update fans on her daughter’s status.

She recalled the fateful night she heard of her daughter’s drug overdose.

The mum woke up to numerous text messages of people saying they had heard what happened and were sorry for Demi.

The singer’s assistant rang Diana and told her of the news shortly after.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) on

“My knees almost went week, and I could barely stand up,” she said.

“The words that I heard are just a nightmare for any parent – ‘Demi overdosed’.” Her oldest daughter Dallas, Demi’s sister, drove her to the hospital to see her straight away.

Diana said she had no idea about her daughter’s addiction to opioids and spent the next weeks researching what opioids were and how to overcome dependency on them.

And the mum has used her new knowledge to help her daughter on her road to recovery during her time in rehab.

She was so proud to reveal that Demi has reached her 90 day sobriety milestone since her close call in July.

“Yes, she has 90 days and I couldn’t be more thankful or more proud of her because addiction, being a disease, is work,” Dianne said.

“It’s very hard, it’s not easy and there are no shortcuts.”

We are happy to hear the good news of Demi’s recovery and hope she continues to heal.

Meanwhile, she has her family by her side to help and support her along the way.

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It has been almost seven months since Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan announced they were parting ways.

And now it seems the couple have decided to make their split official.

According to leaked documents obtained by The Blast, Jenna has filed for divorce from her husband.

Both parents agreed on joint custody over their daughter Everly and are settling their negotiations in private.

The mum has also requested spousal support from the Magic Mike star.

When the couple separated in April, they said their decision was mutual and there was no animosity between them.

“There are no secrets nor salacious events at the root of our decision — just two best-friends realizing it’s time to take some space and help each other live the most joyous, fulfilled lives as possible.

“We are still a family and will always be loving dedicated parents to Everly.”

And it appears that the couple still has this respectful and loving view towards one another, sorting out their divorce in a civilised way that pleases both parties.

They are continuing to make Everly a priority and continue to put her needs before their own feelings.

Both Jenna and Channing have reportedly been dating others and are okay with the news of their former partner moving on.

They remain “best friends” who are happy for one another.

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Dublin Feminist Film Festival is back, and better than ever.

The DFFF takes place from 20 until 22 of November at the Light House Cinema, and will prioritise shining a spotlight on women in film and promoting and celebrating female filmmakers.

The huge gem on Dublin’s cultural calendar hopes to inspire and empower others to get involved in filmmaking, and after the turbulent year in cinema with the rise of #MeToo, the DFFF has more meaning than ever.

The festival is run entirely voluntarily, and all proceeds go to charity.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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This year, the theme is REFRAME/REFOCUS.

Instead of foregrounding particular topics, this year features films which are directed by women but also shot by female cinematographers.

The emphasis is to get women as involved as possible in ALL aspects of film, not just in front of the camera.

The dual-aspect of showcasing and celebrating fantastic female film-making parallels with the hope to demonstrate women as compelling and complex characters and subjects.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The weight placed on cinematography this year is down to a very important fact: Rachel Morrison was the first woman ever to be nominated for an Academy Award for cinematography in 90 years of the Oscars.

Her work on Mudbound was breath-taking, and she worked hard for her nomination.

Historically speaking, cinematography has always been the hardest aspect of film for women to break into. One nomination simply isn’t enough.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Rachel Morrison, ASC. (@rmorrison) on

Production roles have nearly always been male-dominated domains, but recently some of the most exciting and visceral films in global cinema have been created by women.

For the fifth DFFF, thinking of film from the point of view of a woman behind the camera asks questions about how women see the world.

TimesUp and #MeToo have asked hard questions which need answers, and women are stepping up all over the world to share our stories and experiences.

This includes screenwriting, cinematography, directing, producing and acting.

If someone won’t share your story and represent your experience, go out there and do it yourself. You can do it best.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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We’ve seen it this year with black female actresses taking control of their own projects to finally get the roles they have consistently been deprived of: Octavia Spencer, Taraji P Henson to Lupita Nyong’o are currently producing and seeking out their own projects.

From documentaries to dramas, short forms to features or foreign films to intersectional feminism, there are facets of every side of cinema on show.

Their current aim is to expand the notion of who ‘makes’ a film and what ‘films by women’ actually means, while raising questions about the idea of the gaze.

Do films shot by women encompass a whole other gaze? There’s only one way to find out… see you gals there.

As part of the festival there will be a talk by an esteemed academic on female cinematography, and a roundtable discussion with two Dublin-based female cinematographers as well as screenings of female-made films only.

Ready yourselves for some serious empowerment, ladies (and gents).

The deets:

The DFFF: 21st & 22nd November 2018 – Light House Cinema Smithfield Dublin 7

Launch & Special Events 20th November – The Generator Hostel Smithfield Dublin 7

Feature image: Instagram/@rmorrison

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Halsey and G-Eazy have reportedly called time again on their turbulent relationship on Tuesday night. This couple are serving us constant drama, we’re fully ‘nable.

This is the second time they’ve parted ways, following a brief reunion in August which clearly didn’t heal any of their original issues.

Despite a seemingly loved-up Italian holiday for the 24-year-old singer’s birthday (which at the time she called her ‘best birthday ever’) the couple’s relationship has crumbled in the mean time.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The twosome no longer follow each other on social media, but G-Eazy noticeably didn’t delete his birthday message to his former love:

“Happy birthday to this one. I love you so so so much and I always will,” G-Eazy penned.

“I myself, along with millions and millions of other people appreciate you more than you’ll ever know. You’re the brightest star in the sky. So grateful to get to travel thru life with you, so happy to call you my queen. Happy birthday baby.”

In the first in a series of mysterious tweets, Halsey wrote that "happiness is not a replacement for misery. it’s an addition. pain will always be there. but that’s okay."

She continued her personal contemplation by saying that happiness and pain exist together, and happiness arrives "to assist u in carrying the weight of the pain."

She added, "now remember that u dummy," which seems to imply that she's going through a pretty painful period right now.

In her last tweet, she quotes lyrics from her new song ‘Without Me’, which seem pretty appropriate at the moment considering her romantic situation…

Most fans are presuming the break-up is because of G-Eazy’s partying ways, after last weekend he seemed more than comfortable surrounded by women at a pre-Halloween bash.

“It’s over again for now,” revealed an insider. “He was partying over the weekend and girls were all over him. He didn’t care who saw.”

She was spotted this morning on her coffee run, looking like Pink’s protégé of not giving a f*ck.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by CelebsWithCoffee (@celebswithcoffee) on

No boyfriend + no shirt = no problem.

Meanwhile, G-Eazy sidled up to Drake's 90's themed Halloween party looking very much like a lone wolf.

We hope Halsey can hop back on the love train soon, you go gal.

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Those that revel in the delightfully fiendish time of year that is Halloween are living (dead) the dream right now. The scary films, the frightening puns, the gloriously ghoulish costumes; it's hell on earth – and you know you love it. Special attention is put into choosing your spooky attire; you want a look that's both terrifying AND on trend.

To stand out from the crowd, many of us opt to take things to another level of horror and pop in special scary contact lenses – taking the scream factor from two to twenty if done right.  However, caution must be taken when it comes to using these; used incorrectly and you could seriously damage your sight. We've all heard the horror stories.  Because if you can't see a potential hot Dracula to sink your fangs into on All Hallow's Eve, WTF is the point, really?  

Here's what you need to know – and why caution needs to be taken – before buying and using Halloween contact lenses:

It's better to invest in a decent pair

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Shannon May (@shann0n_xx) on

Yes, it can be very tempting it can be to order some cheap, creepy contact lenses online the day before the party, without the hassle of having to go into a store and have lenses properly fit (and we've all probably done it).

However, any type of contact lens – no matter where they’re from – that haven’t been properly fitted by an eye care professional can cause serious damage to your eyes. Specsavers, for example, will fit you for some – they aren't the cheapest on the market, but you know you're getting a quality pair which will minimise any risk to your eyes. 

What will happen if I just buy a cheap and cheerful pair for the day/night?

Some eye conditions people can experience after wearing these types of lenses include:

  • Decreased, or blurry vision
  • Redness
  • Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
  • Infection
  • Allergic reaction
  • Scratches on the cornea
  • Corneal swelling
  • Eye ulcers
  • Eye pain
  • Blindness, in extreme cases

You might think you'll be fine just wearing them as a once-off, but do you really want to take that risk? Experts have said don't do it.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Do I need a prescription to wear them?

Yes. In Ireland, it's illegal for anyone to sell contact lenses unless they are supplied to a valid contact lens prescription. All lenses, including non-prescription lenses, are now classed as medical devices, and should only be supplied or supervised by a registered optician.

What happens if I do wear some that I've just bought online or in a shop?

Options would advise against wearing cheap contact lenses from the Internet and without a proper prescription, especially if you have never worn contacts before. But if you have or are planning to, here are some things you can do to ensure your eyes stay safe and healthy.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Lyttlie (@lyttlie) on

DO
  • Take them out immediately if they feel uncomfortable
    at any point.
  • Make sure you understand how to clean and handle the lenses, as well as other recommended instructions.
  • Look out for ‘CE’ marking on the packaging. This indicates the lenses conform to health, safety and environmental protection standards.
DON'T
  • Share your lenses with other people, as this can cause infections.
  • Wear them for extended periods of time.
  • Wear them over your normal contact lenses.
  • Wear a torn or damaged lens.
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Season three of Riverdale is in full swing and we have to admit it is not what we expected. The teen series has taken a dramatic turn by introducing quite the spooky storyline.

The Gargoyle King has made his way to Riverdale and his arrival has certainly creeped us out.

Archie is in prison, Betty and Jughead are investigating the deaths of their classmates and Veronica is arguing with her dad (again) so we must admit we’re very ready for the upcoming throwback episode.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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We’re going back in time to the days when FP, Alice, Fred and co. were the cool kids in town. The Breakfast Club-inspired episode will see the main cast play their parents during their high school days and we can't wait.

One of the stars of The Breakfast Club Anthony Michael Hall will also star in the upcoming episode.

“Obviously, Riverdale's a much darker version of that. We’re going to learn about a really, really dark secret in Riverdale that the parents have been keeping since they were in high school," teased Aguirre-Sacasa at the TV Critics Association panel.

Fans will find out more about the Riverdale parents link to the haunting Griffins & Gargoyles game that has already claimed the lives of two Riverdale High students.

We cannot wait to see the cast transform into their on-screen parents for this special throwback episode.

The Midnight Club episode airs on Netflix on November 1.

Watch the full trailer below:

Feature Image: The CW

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At the petite height of 5’2”, I identify with the short struggle when it comes to clothes shopping.

I had never felt more left out of current trends then when ankle-showing trousers became a thing. These were just normal full-lengthed trousers on me and don’t even get me started on cullottes.

Dresses, tops, skirts – for short shoppers, they can all be awkward lengths, too long or too short depending on the style.

Thankfully, PrettyLittleThing has come to the rescue by launching their latest petite clothing line.

PrettyLittleThing Petite features stylish outfits specifically designed with the under 5’4” girl in mind.

Stunning floor-length trousers and silky ensembles won’t have us tripping over our feet or pinning up a few inches of fabric.

The new line makes daily dressing effortless and will have you feeling sexy and confident in clothes tailored just for you.

Autumn oranges, chocolate, and beige hues paint the must-have pieces in the new collection.

This belted playsuit, zip up co-ord, and faux fur coat are some of our favourites in the petite line.

And these bum bag accessories add the perfect touch to these futuristic silver and neon outfits.

Cropped jackets are nearly impossible to find for petite figures so I was thrilled when I laid eyes on this stone-washed turquoise puffa coat.

To see the full PrettyLittleThing Petite line you can start shopping here. You won’t be disappointed.

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Calling all Potterheads and Death Eaters – it's time to give up the Polyjuice addiction.

Blogger Helen Anderson has just blown our feeble attempts at recreating the bad b*tch that is Bellatrix, out of the water. 

The blonde bombshell goes from basic white girl to a distorted, jeering Death Eater. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Helen Anderson (@helenanderz) on

Helen goes through the Halloween transformation step by step – so you can easily copy the costume.

The Youtuber reveals at the start of the video that a lot of people say that she resembles Helena Bonham Carter.

So this year, she finally gave in and decided to take on the look.

And don't worry if you're artistically challenged, Helen explains that the transformation is easy enough to achieve, as Bellatrix just looks like a bit "skank". 

The Youtuber nails every element of the character from the red lippy, to the black stained teeth and curly hair.

Helen recommends a paler foundation to channel your inner Bellatrix and some brown contact lenses, a wig and a witchy dress.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Sam (@myfunkomadness) on

If you're looking for a Halloween costume, this is a simple yet effective look.

Helen even fully commits to becoming Bellatrix by dancing around at the end of the video in a smoke-filled back garden – we appreciate the effort, gal.

Even if you have no intention of dressing up this Halloween, Helen is utterly hilarious and her Harry Potter impressions are gas, so it's definitely one to watch – you're welcome.

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