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Yearly Archives: 2019

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Any eagle-eyed fans of Kylie Jenner and Ariana Grande MAY have noticed that the gals lost millions of Instagram followers overnight.

Jenner and Grande are two of the most followed people on the social media site, with Ari dropping from 145 million to 142, and Kylie dropping from 127 million to 124 million.

It probably isn't a major deal for them, but definitely is problematic for smaller influencers and YouTube creators. So what happened with Instagram, we ask?

Instagram is currently investigating an issue that is causing some of the biggest accounts to lose millions of followers overnight, and took to Twitter to elaborate:

“We’re aware of an issue that is causing a change in account follower numbers for some people right now. We’re working to resolve this as quickly as possible.”

James Charles and Zach Clayton, some of the larger names on the site, both tweeted about the issue, with MUA Charles saying; "Why did I just lose over half a million followers, Instagram. What you doing, sis?”

An original suggestion from Fast Company claimed that Instagram was taking action "to remove millions of accounts the company believed to be inauthentic." Translation: BOTS. 

A lot of companies undergo random sweeps of their user bases to get rid of inactive accounts or spam, with Insta announcing in November that it was hoping to remove more fake accounts on the platform/

“We will begin removing inauthentic likes, follows and comments from accounts that use third-party apps to boost their popularity. We’ve built machine learning tools to help identify accounts that use these services and remove the inauthentic activity.”

They later updated their status to say that the issue would be revolved by 9am today, Valentine's Day. The team "are hard at work to get things back to normal". Hmmm, suspish.

The site began removing locked accounts from Twitter since last July, so maybe they just cleared out the bots and the uproar over follower counts has them regretting it? 

Kensington Palace lost a massive 150,000 followers overnight, but the page recovered them today. It could be beneficial for influencers to have an awareness of what their 'real' follower count is, rather than just fake bots.

Some social media users got clever by suggesting you could unfollow anyone your heart desires for this one day and blame it on Instagram, which we have to say is pure genius.

The uproar is uniquely fascinating in pointing out the dependency of many on the website and their follower count. 

If anyone has any cool conspiracy theories on the matter, we'd love to hear them. Instagram are blaming it on a bug, but is it more than that? We do love a good mystery…

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Women's Aid have launched a new guide on safety orders for young women who are experiencing abuse in their relationships, due to new laws being introduced.

The legislation brought in at the beginning of this year allows women who are going through dating abuse to apply for Safety and Protection orders.

Women's Aid are instigating the guide on Valentine's Day as part of the #TooIntoYou campaign to emphasise the darker side of love.

RTÉ's Can't Stop Dancing presenter Bláthnaid Treacy is also urging young women and men to "know the signs of dating abuse", especially because 60 percent of abuse in relationships begins before the age of 25.

Women's Aid are a national organisation which provides vital information and support to women experiencing dating abuse and domestic violence. Their #TooIntoYou campaign aims to spread much-needed awareness on the topic.

#TooIntoYou uses social media and poster advertising to strive for the spread of information from February 14 until March 8 (International Women's Day).

New laws brought in at the start of 2019 under the Domestic Violence Act 2018 allow women to apply for important Safety and Protection laws.

However, the organisation believes that many young women are still in the dark about the change and how to get the necessary protection, which is why Women's Aid ae bringing in the 'Guide to Safety Orders in Dating Relationships' online today.

Spotting the 10 key danger signs of dating abuse and providing information to combat online stalking and digital abuse is of imperative importance for women in Ireland today.

Margaret Martin, Director of Women’s Aid says:

"1 in 5 women in Ireland experience abuse in relationships and in a national survey on domestic abuse in Ireland, almost 60 percent of those who had experienced severe abuse in intimate relationships first experienced it when they were under the age of 25."

"A stark reminder of this risk is that 1 in every 2 women, aged between 18-25, killed in Ireland since 1996 were murdered by their boyfriends or exes," Martin concluded.

The campaign is being launched on Valentine's Day to highlight the hidden reality of many young women's relationships, despite the fact that today is traditionally associated with love and romance.

Martin's goal for today, is to ask the hard questions; "We are clearly asking – what part of love is abuse?" She spoke directly to victims and survivors; “You are not alone in feeling something isn't right with your relationship."

Visit the #TooIntoYou website here for more information, or call the Women's Aid 24hr National Freephone Helpline at 1800 341 900.

Feature image: Instagram'/@womens.aid

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Ariana Grande has some SERIOUSLY dedicated fans, who will back her up no matter what the circumstances are. Even if it means destroying a new song of hers to replace it with a slightly newer banger.

The Sweetener singer has proven herself to be a good sport, and now she's supporting a campaign against her own single (and pure BOP) 7 Rings.

The pop star's fans have randomly launched a movement called #Boycott7Rings in order to dethrone the song from the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, but not for the reason you think…

Basically, the 25-year-old singer has dropped track after track for her loving fans, and they want her latest single Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I'm Bored to take the number one spot.

The song features on her new album (the second in six months) called Thank U, Next, and has some pretty controversial lyrics.

Some call it toxic femininity to encourage a man to break up with his girlfriend to get with her, others say it's just another incredibly catchy banger from our gal. Oh, and the video features the SEXINESS of Charles Melton.

If you're unfamiliar with Melton's work, he's basically one of the hottest lad on the Riverdale planet. And there are many of those, as we know.

Ari's fans are either sneaky or pure genius, we can't decide. It seems the singer herself is very open to the chart swap, throwing her support behind the campaign.

She wrote to Twitter; "Y'all are so insane and funny and I love you. Nothing's funnier than “boycott seven rings”….. I can’t. Whatever’s meant to be will be, babies. I ain’t going nowhere."

They really are insane. To be fair, the campaign is a total win-win for pop's reigning princess.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ariana Grande (@arianagrande) on

Fans begged her to tweet the hashtag, which she did but later deleted, writing, "Are you happy now?" We're guessing they were ecstatic.

An especially devoted fan is having a streaming party to block the song, to which Ariana replied:

"This is a wild time for us, do ur thing but also like how is this our problem right now …… what the f*ck." Break Up With Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored is 100 percent a stand-out hit from her new album, and the saucy music video is helping.

The gal can't escape the huge chart success, so we wish her our congrats. She deserves it with all those tunes she's dropping, and even got a Grammy out of it.

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Singer Ryan Adams has been hit with claims of emotional abuse, sexual misconduct and harassment.

The claims surfaced in a New York Times report where seven women came forward to say that the singer-songwriter had offered them help with their music careers before things became sexual and then abusive – both emotional and verbally.

The published report said that a 20-year-old female musician, going by her middle name Ava, had inappropriate conversations with Adam while she was 15 and 16 – he was 40.

Ava also claimed that Ryan had exposed himself in a video call.

The report said that Ryan had pet names for her body parts and messaged her that, ''If people knew they would say I was like R Kelley lol.''

Andrew B. Brettler, Adam’s lawyer said that, ''Mr. Adams unequivocally denies that he ever engaged in inappropriate online sexual communications with someone he knew was underage.''

Adams’ ex-wife, actor and singer Mandy Moore, also said that he was psychologically abusive towards her during their marriage.

In light of the report, Ryan took to Twitter to address the allegations.

The 44-year-old said, ''I am not a perfect man and I have made many mistakes. To anyone I have ever hurt, however unintentionally, I apologize deeply and unreservedly.''

He continued, ''But the picture that this article paints is upsettingly inaccurate. Some of its details are misrepresented; some are exaggerated; some are outright false. I would never have inappropriate interactions with someone I thought was underage. Period.''

The singers Phoebe Bridgers and Courtney Jaye also alleged that Ryan behaved inappropriately during their relationships.

The article claims that Ryan became obsessed with Phoebe and, ''He began barraging her with texts, insisting that she prove her whereabouts, or leave social situations to have phone sex, and threatening suicide if she didn’t reply immediately.''

Ryan is a seven-times Grammy winner and is set to play two sold out concerts in Dublin’s Olympia Theatre on March 30 and 31.

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Ah, Galentine's Day. Our saviour from the horrors of Valentine's Day, AKA the only day of the year where showing love and men being romantic is socially acceptable.

Whether companies are using female friendships as a marketing tool or not is a WHOLE other discussion.

For now, we're just gonna bring Leslie Knope vibes for 2019's Galentine's Day, which falls the day before Valentine's Day, and celebrates the power of galpals.

Of course, you don't need to be single to celebrate the special day that is Galentine's; You can snatch all them sexy roses from your boo and high five your ladypals at the same time.

day celebrating GIF

1. Channelling the OG Renaissance Romantics:

2. Spreading those holidays around for the gals: 

3. Don't forget, there are SO many alternatives to the most romantic day of the year:

4. Valentine or Valentino Day though? Respect fashion, innit:

5. Honestly, we prefer a Valentine's pupper instead of a rose:

6. Broke girl hacks:

7. Real-talk, stay in school kids:

8. Marriage vibes:

9.  YOU IS KIND, YOU IS SMART, YOU IS IMPORTANT:

10. Life hack:

11. Sending respect to the new Queen of Both Being Single and Releasing Smash Singles, Ari:

12.  The OG Leslie Knope is of, course, a feature in our memes this Galentine's Day:

13.  Don't forget all those marytrs who died for their fellow femalez:

14. Get the coin, not the groin:

15. The TEMERITY, how dare they?

16. Google needs to get it's sh*t together:

17. Humpback whales have BFFs too, they probably chat about trashy boys and online shop together too… 

18. Wine + lady friendships + female empowerment = JOY.

19.  Lets get SPOOKY:

20. The eternal struggle:

We gotta make Leslie Knope proud, ladies.

She deserves it for inventing this incredibly special day, but don't forget to show love to the women in your life 24 hours a DAY, are we right?

day forget GIF

Feature image: LAist 

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New research suggests that social media is becoming a "common problem" in Irish marriages, according to The Independent.

Over 3,000 clients took part in a survey in Maynooth over two years which discovered that both men and women find social media and technology "behaviour" causes difficulties in marriages and relationships.

Accord Catholic Marriage Care Service maintains that constant access to technology and phones has taken away the "cooling off" period following an argument.

The Accord has commented that it will alter it's service to accommodate the issue following couples' feedback.

Bishop Denis Nulty, president of Accord and Bishop of Kildare & Leighlin, said: "Social media is a huge issue. Pope Francis spoke about this at Croke Park and we need to be digitally conscious."

He elaborated on why the results are vital for the organisation; "We're dictated by gadgets so being clued-in is important."

On the removal of the "cooling-off" period he said: "When you send a text, a tweet or a Whatsapp message, there's no way of pulling it back, and it causes huge heartache for everyone involved."

"As we shape our marriage preparation courses in the future, we'll be taking this into consideration," Bishop Nulty mused.

"We have a low divorce rate in Ireland, and I would like to keep it low. I have no doubt people in Ireland still take marriage very seriously."

16,048 individuals attended the Accord's marriage preparation courses across the nation in 2018, which was down almost 800 from 2017

Accord counsellors separately provided 24,180 counselling sessions to individuals and couples during 2018 throughout the whole island of Ireland, which was less than that of 2017.

The bishop attributes some of the drop in figures to couples attending different private counselling services.

Other "problem areas" included unresolved arguments, inappropriate behaviour during arguments and dissatisfaction with their sexual relationship.

75 per cent of clients who saw data reviewed claim that their relationship improved following counselling.

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Bridemaids – arguably one of the most important pieces of comedic film the 21st century has produced. 

It's popularity has not waned since it's 2011 release, and due to popular demand after screening a range of popular cult classic films in 2018, ODEAN cinema has teamed up again with Pigsback.com to screen some of the best loved films throughout the year, starting with Bridesmaids.

On Monday 25th of February at 6.30pm at participating ODEON cinemas nationwide Bridesmaids will hit the big screen once more for just €15 a ticket including a popcorn combo and chocolates.

Image result for bridesmaids gifs

Blanchardstown, Coolock, Stillorgan, Point Square, Charlestown, Naas, Newbridge, and Castletroy, Waterford will all be screening the classic comedy. 

'We asked our customers what comedy cult film they’d like to see and they said ‘Bridesmaids’, so we are delighted to partner with Pigsback.com again to screen another fan favourite,' said Paul Wren, Commercial Manager for ODEON cinemas.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by movie & tv scenes (@thesceneshq) on

There is limited availability so it is recommended that people try and book tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Tickets are available here.

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It seems like we can't escape the nostalgia at the moment, from Westlife and Spice Girls to possible Gossip Girl reboots and Sabrina the Teenage Witch getting a Netflix make-over; we're overwhelmed.

Also, what year is it? Because the latest celebrity sighting has us CONFUSED AF. 

Remember when Stephanie Meyers wrote fan-fiction about randy vampires that became a book and then a massively successful movie franchise which attracted every adolescent on earth?

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by (@love_robert.pattinson) on

The Twilight Saga had our hearts racing, and our friendships torn apart with our Team Jacob versus Team Edward mentality.

Not to mention the whole drama between the in-real-life couple Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart. Apparently, Stewart was feelin' the throwback vibes too, because she turned up to Taylor Lautner's birthday party.

The pair had an impromptu reunion on Monday, and we're DYING.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Cj Romero (@cjscissorhands) on

The old pals, who played Bella Swan and Jacob Black in the cult YA movies, reunited to celebrate Taylor's 27th birthday.

Taylor's girlfriend, Tay Dome, threw him a gorgeous surprise party and we really wish our invite hadn't gotten lost in the post.

Kristen and her girlfriend Sara Dinkin were among those invited, according to the MailOnline.  Taylor wrote a note to his girlfriend on Instagram, captioning it; "Thank you Tay Dome for the best birthday EVER. I’ve never been more surprised in my life."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Taylor Lautner (@taylorlautner) on

Can you BELIEVE that it's been 10 WHOLE YEARS since Twilight was released in cinemas? Taylor recently paid tribute to the film franchise by sharing a meme of himself side-by-side with Kendall Jenner, and we cried laughing.

 He captioned the image; "It's been 10 years exactly since twilight was released in theatres. I thought I should take this moment to thank every single fan who has supported the franchise over the last decade but also to thank Kendall Jenner for being my hair inspiration back in 2007."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Taylor Lautner (@taylorlautner) on

Gas, Taylor, gas. We just wish Robert Pattinson had joined in the fun, but he seemed to hate Twilight anyways. Remember those YouTube clips of the awkward interviews, with R-Patz dissing the series?

We had to laugh, the poor man was locked in a contract.

At least Taylor and Kristen are still pals? It's so pure.

Feature image: YouTube

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The first time I got lip fillers, it was in the height of the post Kylie Jenner era, when the makeup mogul was renowned for capitalising on her penchant for an aesthetician's assistance. 

For most of us mere mortals who have sought the assistance of the aestheticians needle, it's about creating an adjustment that makes you look (in your mind) better, rather than turning you into a celebrity Doppelganger.

While the Kardashians may have catapulted fillers into the lime light, people have been utilising them for decades to make tweaks to their faces, bringing them more in line with what humans scientifically consider ideal beauty – which all comes down to youth and symmetry.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Sarah Magliocco (@sarahmagliocco) on

With the popularity of injectables remaining high, despite the 'Kylie Jenner effect' losing it's power over the beauty standards of the nation, it's essential that the women (and men) of Ireland who seek to boost their pouts have a same and specialised environment in which to do so. 

Late last year, Thérapie Clinic launched a brand new, city centre clinic that exclusively offers injectable treatments – while their other clinics also offer hair removal and skin procedures, the newly opened South William Street Clinic has a strict focus on creating facial perfection through injectables like botox. 

Having an unashamed fondness for filler myself, I decided that for my next treatment under the needle, I would scope out Thérapie's new offering 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Thérapie Clinic (@therapieclinic) on

As well as injectable treatments, skincare puritans can snap up at-home products from Environ, Murad and Image – and on arrival at the new clinic, you're instantly greeted by a glossy wall unit showcasing the best that Irish skincare has to offer. 

Guided through to the waiting room after checking in at the podium desk, where I was greeted by an exceptionally friendly woman who had an impressive amount of positive energy for 6pm in the evening, the decor was stylishly bright and minimalist. 

While waiting, I helped myself to the cucumber infused water-pitcher on the table, before I was quickly whisked away to one of the consultation rooms. If you have had fillers before, you will be well versed in the form-reading and box ticking portion of the event, but in case you're not: As lip fillers require medically trained application, there are a few health and lifestyle forms to fill out, as well as a general form for the clinic's records. You will be asked to write down your expectations of results, whether you are pregnant and what injectables you have had previously, as well as a selection of other questions. If you're a first timer, don't worry, at Thérapie one of the gorge gals who keep things running is on hand to answer any queries you have about the forms in a private consultation room. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Thérapie Clinic (@therapieclinic) on

After the forms, I was escorted into the procedure room, where I was greeted by Dr Rua, who's glowing-from-within complexion is probably the best advertisement I've ever seen for good quality skincare. 

We chatted about what kind of look I wanted to achieve, before she discussed what would be realistic for my face. Her goal is for each of her patients to leave looking fresh and lifted, rather than over-done or with lips or cheeks that are detectably 'filled.' 

We settled on a full ml of Juvaderm filler – some patients have unrealistic expectations with the amounts of filler that can be used. A reputable aesthetician will use no more than 1-2mls maximum in the lips at one time, depending on the person. More than that, and it's impossible for even the expert administrator to predict what the final look will be. 

Fillers and botox should only ever be administered by a registered dentist, doctor or nurse – and unskilled hand delivering injectables can cause havoc by hitting one of the tiny veins or arteries in the massive network or vessels which reside in the lips and face. With fillers like Juvaderm available to purchase on the internet, it' vital to make sure the technician you are seeing is registered and had a medical background. 

I've previously had 1 and half mls of Restylane filler in my lips (1ml injected first, then another half months later) so Dr Rua first needed to assess where that product sat in my lips before deciding where she would be sculpting and adding volume. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Sarah Magliocco (@sarahmagliocco) on

One week after the procedure – still very swollen but healed

The numbing cream had been applied in the consultation room, and once I was comfortably lying back in the chair, she set to work. I find fillers quite painful, but Dr Rua was exceptionally gentle, and chatted to me throughout, making the entire process go by much faster. I have asymmetry in my lips, with one side of my top lip being thinner than the other side – a feature I've covered up with lip liner for many years, and Dr Rua aimed to correct that asymmetry as well as making the lips bigger.

As soon as we were done, I was handed the mirror to take a peek at my improved lips – and I was honestly floored at the results. Through the slight redness and swelling, I could instantly see that there was a subtle but perfectly executed difference in my lips. They were balanced and pouty without being bee-stung. 

Costing between €200 and €300, lip fillers are definitely costly, but worth it in my books. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Sarah Magliocco (@sarahmagliocco) on

Before any lip fillers

I was given plenty of aftercare instructions, and was warned that there was a chance of further swelling and bruising. I also had picked up the IMAGE Skincare Ormedic Balancing Lip Complex, which helps after lip fillers to replenish moisture and enhance the results. 

I slept slightly elevated that night, as I experienced some serious swelling int he hours after my procedure, with the side of my lip we had focused more heavily on to correct the asymmetry becoming more swollen as a response. 

In the aftermath, it took about two weeks for my lips to fully settle, which is to be expected, and once the asymmetrical swelling had subdued, revealed underneath was a pair of perfectly balanced and strikingly full lips (if I may say so myself). 

I opted in for a follow-up appointment with Dr Rua a few weeks later, and after an examination, she couldn't have been happier with the results (same, gal).

Discussing the beauty standards that has led so many women to going under the needle, Dr Rua explained that many women think they need far more work done than they really do: 'When you ask a girl to rate her facial beauty, she will always say a 5 or a 6.'

However, when you really look at someone's face, they may only want for one tiny tweak here or a small lift there, so they're actually coming into the clinic an 8, and leave looking and feeling like what a 10 means to them.

As beauty is subjective and not everyone prescribes to the same standards or aesthetic 'look,' the goal at Thérapie Clinic is not to create a sea of homogenous 'Instagram-perfect' faces, but to improve and hone the natural beauty everyone already has – which is why I'm already scheduled back in for a top up. 

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It seems like such a long time ago when Frozen first hit our screens, bringing incredible music, stunning animation and beautiful characters for every age to enjoy. Let It Go became an anthem, winning dozens of awards along the way.

Our favourite ice Queen Elsa and her loving sister Anna were torn apart as children when Elsa's magical powers became too hard to control.

The massively successful film saw the siblings reunite alongside some hilarious and charming friends; the comedic snowman Olaf, stubborn Kristoff and his trusty reindeer, Sven.

Finally, a trailer for the much-anticipated sequel has been released, and Elsa doesn't look like she's in Arendelle anymore.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Disney Frozen (@disneyfrozen) on

Elsa must brave an entirely new element in the teaser trailer from Disney, which shows the Queen (played by Idina Menzel) conquering a gigantic wave of the ocean and joining familiar faces like Princess Anna, Olaf and Kristoff.

Directors Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck once again join forces for the film, as well as song-writer married couple Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez.

Lee is co-writing the script with Hidden Figures scribe Allison Schroeder, hinting to Variety that the upcoming adventure will be "bigger" and "more epic" than the initial release; “They’re going to go far out of Arendelle."

Frozen became an instant sensation after it was released back in 2013, raking in over $1.3 billion at the box office, as well as two Academy Awards.

It's also the highest-grossing animated film ever made, and the 13th biggest flick of all time. It was even adapted as a Broadway musical last year, and was nominated for three Tonys.

Frozen 2 hits the cinemas on November 22, get ready for the return of our favourite magical sisters.

Feature image: Fulbridge

 

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There are dozens of books that you just need to treat yourself to this month. The shelves of our favourite bookshops are jam-packed with the most thrilling and entertaining tales and we only wish we had enough time to read them all.

We’ve whittled our must-reads for February down to eight joyous books that you won’t be able to put down.

Why not ask your significant other for one of these tales as a Valentine’s Day gift or even treat yourself to one?

1: Love Factually by Laura Mucha (Bloomsbury Sigma)

So much of what we know about love centres on the films we watch, the books we read, and what we hear in the media. But in Love Factually, Laura Mucha takes a scientific approach to try and get to the bottom of one of life’s great mysteries and help us find happiness, whether in or out or a relationship.

Exploring research from a range of disciplines including psychology, biology, philosophy and neuroscience, alongside her own interviews with people from all ages all over the world, Laura looks at the problems facing researchers and why it’s so hard to find the truth about love.

From the dopamine-fulled start of a relationship to the compassionate love that underpins something more long-lasting, Love Factually seeks to find the truths about one of our most powerful and revered emotions.

2: The Red Address Book by Sofia Lundberg (Borough Press)

Meet Doris, a 96-year-old woman living alone in her Stockholm apartment. She has few visitors, but her weekly Skype calls with Jenny- her American grandniece, and her only relative- give her great joy and remind her of her own youth.

When Doris was a girl, she was given an address book by her father and ever since she has carefully documented everyone she met and loved throughout the years. Looking through the little book now, Doris sees the many crossed-out names of people long gone and is struck by the urge to put pen to paper.

In writing down the stories of her colourful past- working as a maid in Sweden, modelling in Paris during the 30s, fleeing to Manhattan at the dawn of the Second World War- can she help Jenny, haunted by a difficult childhood, to unlock the secrets of their family and finally look to the future?

And whatever became of Allan, the love of Doris’s life?

3: The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley (Harper Collins)

All of them are friends. One of them is a killer.

During the languid days of the Christmas break, a group of thirtysomething friends from Oxford meet to welcome in the New Year together, a tradition they began as students ten years ago. For this vacation, they’ve chosen an idyllic and isolated estate in the Scottish Highlands—the perfect place to get away and unwind by themselves.

They arrive on December 30th, just before a historic blizzard seals the lodge off from the outside world.

Two days later, on New Year’s Day, one of them is dead.

The trip began innocently enough: admiring the stunning if foreboding scenery, champagne in front of a crackling fire, and reminiscences about the past. But after a decade, the weight of secret resentments has grown too heavy for the group’s tenuous nostalgia to bear. Amid the boisterous revelry of New Year’s Eve, the cord holding them together snaps.

Now one of them is dead . . . and another of them did it.

Keep your friends close, the old adage goes. But just how close is too close?

4: With The End In Mind by Kathryn Mannix (William Collins)

What if everything you thought you knew about death was wrong? In With the End in Mind, palliative care doctor Kathryn Mannix challenges the conversation around how we live and die.

In these pages, you will find stories about people who are like you, and like people you know and love. Holly, who danced her last day away; Eric, the retired head teacher, who even with motor neurone disease, gets things done; loving, tender-hearted Nelly and Joe, each living a lonely lie to save their beloved from distress; and Sylvie, 19, who has leukaemia and sews a cushion for her mum to hug by the fire after she has died. In thirty beautifully crafted stories, Mannix shows us normal human deaths, offering models for action and hope. Read this book and you’ll be better prepared for life as well as death.

5: Apple of my Eye by Claire Allan (Avon Books)

Eliana Hughes should be over the moon. She has her dream job, a loving husband and a baby on the way. But when a threatening note arrives at the hospice where she works, Eli’s life begins to spiral out of control. As the person behind the note escalates their campaign to expose Eli’s husband as a cheat, Eli finds herself unable to trust ever her own instincts.

And as pressure builds, she makes a mistake that jeopardises her entire future. Elsewhere, someone is watching. Someone who desperately wants a baby to call their own and will go to any lengths to become a mother- and stay one…

6: The Truth About Keeping Secrets by Savannah Brown (March 2019, Penguin)

Sydney’s dad is the only therapist for miles around their small Ohio town. He knows everybody’s secrets. He is also unexpectedly dead.

Is grief-stricken Sydney paranoid, or is it kind of weird that the police can’t find an explanation for the car crash that killed him? And why was June Copeland, homecoming queen and the town’s golden child, at his funeral?

Sydney and June grow closer in the wake of the accident, but it’s clear that not everyone is happy about their new friendship.

What is picture-perfect June hiding? And does Sydney even want to know? Sometime’s it’s safer for the truth to stay secret.

7: Colin and the Concubine by Domhnall O’ Donoghue (Mercier)

Colin Saint James hates his older brother, Freddie- and for good reason. A true psychopath, Freddie has been hell-bent on destroying Colin’s happiness since before he was born. Never one to admit defeat, Colin searches for opportunities to get one up on his sibling, even just once.

When the heats for the last ever Housewife of the Year competition are announced, Colin sees his chance. The only problem is he needs a wife. Luckily, he lives next door to Navan’s best-looking woman, Azra, who happens to be single and anxious to get a ring on her finger. But Azra is also a Turkish concubine and she and Colin don’t exactly see eye-to-eye over her nocturnal activities.

Will Colin be able to park his reservations about his X-rated neighbour if it gives him the chance to emerge triumphant over Freddie for once in his life?

8: The Middle Place by Kealan Ryan (March 2019, Mercier)

One minute Chris had been having a smoke, talking to his wife, and the next minute he was dead, killed with one punch. There’s not a lot about being dead that he likes. He’s stuck in this middle place with the ability to delve into the individual lives he cares about- to know what they are feeling and thinking.

He is beginning to realise that in life he wasn’t such a great guy. In death, he can’t say goodbye to his wife, toddler son and friends. He is determined to figure out how to haunt the person who killed him.

Chris wants to rise again to live again. He wants to feel his wife again, feel the air in his lungs, feel the sea again but something won’t let him go.

 

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Ah, day drinking.

It's usually associated with long summer days but nothing much beats a few drinks during the day at any time of the year.

It feels better…probably because it feels like you shouldn't be doing it. 

And because you're usually hammered by 5pm, it often leads to hook-ups.

A study has revealed the most common drink that is the cause of these liaisons. 

Can you guess what it is?

Rum.

Yep, that cheeky Barcardi you knock back or he Captain Morgans you order is what's getting you lucky.

So, what are the top picks during the day when it comes to the booze we're drinking? 

Top four beverages of choice are Champagne, beer, vodka, and tequila.

Day drinking seems to unleash a lot of hormones in people as they were 20% more likely to hook up with a friend while day drinking. 

When it comes to who we were getting locked with, most people were with friends while a high number of 34% were knocking them back with a stranger.

Women are four times more likely to hook up with a coworker during the day, can you believe it?

When you're out having a few during the day and wanna get with that hot colleague/mate you fancy, order two large rums and thank us later.

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