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Yearly Archives: 2023

Chef, restaurateur and author Denis Cotter has announced the launch of his latest book, 'Paradiso: Recipes & Reflections', a beautiful 216-page hardback cookbook featuring a collection of over 160 recipes.

When Denis Cotter opened Paradiso in 1993, his hope was to create a modern, vegetable-based cuisine that could stand with ‘normal’ restaurants, a place where people went to eat pleasurable, exciting, modern food. Thirty years later, Paradiso has become a beloved part of Cork’s food culture. Paradiso: Recipes & Reflections is a snapshot of where Paradiso is now. It will show you how to produce dishes that can be served alone or incorporated into a series of courses. By incorporating these into your own repertoire, you can bring a touch of Paradiso to anything you cook.

Sample recipes include: pan-roasted artichokes, nettle broth, lemon arancini, pine nut crumb, smoked tomato purée; aubergine, black sesame yogurt, zhoug, fried capers; smoky za’atar roast squash with lemon tahini, popped barley, mint and pomegranate; dan dan noodles; grilled peach with cucumber, pickled radish, sheep’s milk labneh, mint, watercress and macadamia; and strawberry & elderflower pavlova.

An accomplished author with four previous cookbooks under his belt, including The Café Paradiso Cookbook (1999), Paradiso Seasons (2003), Wild Garlic, Gooseberries … and Me (2007) and For the Love of Food (2011), Paradiso: Recipes and Reflections is Denis’s first book in 12 years.

For Denis, this latest tome captures the essence of Paradiso now. He says, “The book is a result of gathering and translating over the years, and could not be called anything other than simply Paradiso because that is what it is and what it represents. It is us now. It is our manual for today and, with just a glance at and a nod to the past, it is what the future is always being built on.”

A gorgeous coffee table book as well as a recipe book, the foreword is by Cork-born actor Cillian Murphy, who carries a long-held affection for the food and philosophy of Paradiso.

Paradiso: Recipes and Reflections is available from 4th May at www.ninebeanrowsbooks.com and will also be sold at Paradiso, 16 Lancaster Quay, Cork City from 4th May.

When you buy a copy of Paradiso directly from Nine Bean Rows or the Paradiso restaurant, you will also get an enamelled turnip lapel pin and a Paradiso notebook as a free bonus while stocks last.

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Tesco Ireland has announced that close to €1 million in Clubcard vouchers that were originally sent to customers in March 2021, are now set to expire on May 21st 2023. Tesco knows that every little win helps and to celebrate customers claiming a treasure trove of Tesco savings, they did a deep dive to learn more about what people do when they've experienced the joy of finding money. Here’s what they found …

Top three places to hide money

An old forgotten jacket, trouser pocket or wallet/purse are the top three places where we’ve discovered a little cash. Nearly one third (31%) will spend the found funds on a small treat right away, while a more sensible one in four (24%) add it to savings for a bigger treat and 20% of respondents would put it towards the weekly shop.

Quick spenders

For those who’ll spend it right away, chocolate, coffee and clothes are our top treats – 28% will spend it on a chocolate bar and 24% will get a barista coffee, while one quarter (25%) would treat themselves to something new for their wardrobe. But we also like to spoil others and nearly half of us (49%) would buy a random treat for a spouse or partner if spending it on someone else.

Every Little Win counts

If it isn’t finding a few forgotten euros, the next best thing is getting to the till and discovering an item has been reduced (34%), while one in five (21%) of us love receiving a random compliment, and for 14%, making every green light on the way to work sparks joy.

The survey also discovered that a whopping three quarters (75%) of respondents have lost or misplaced paper money-off vouchers. Tesco wants to make it as easy as possible for customers to use their Clubcard vouchers and is encouraging customers to download the Tesco Ireland app where all their vouchers will be saved in one handy place. Those who already have the app are being reminded to check it, as almost €1 million in Clubcard vouchers are set to expire on 21st May 2023.

Other little wins we love include getting to the bus stop just as the bus arrives (13%), filling your car with petrol/diesel to the exact amount you wanted (10%), getting the very last croissant left in the bakery (5%), and respondents aren’t very loved up – getting a match on a dating app (3%).

For those that like to stash a little cash, Revolut, or similar app, is the place to do it for under half (43%) of us, while 5% are more old school and prefer to hide it under the mattress!

Tesco Ireland has been working to further digitise the Clubcard programme and in recent months has made it easier for customers to access savings. Using the Tesco Ireland app, once a Clubcard customer has 150 points or more, they can now turn their Clubcard points into vouchers instantly.

Speaking today, Cathal Deavy, Customer Director, Tesco Ireland said, “Who doesn’t love a little win in life? Be it finding some cash in an old jacket pocket or a money-off voucher you forgot you had – it’s a great feeling. With nearly €1 million worth of Clubcard vouchers to be claimed before May 21st, we’re calling on customers to check their pockets, old envelopes, and their Tesco Ireland app, because there might be money to be found. And let’s face it, every little win counts!”

Tesco Clubcard is free to join and enables members to collect points with their shopping at Tesco and with partners, Tesco Mobile Ireland and Certa forecourts and home heating oil. These points are converted into vouchers, and vouchers can be exchanged for greater than their value with the following Reward Partners: Tesco Mobile Ireland, Dublin Zoo, Milano, Disney+, ODEON Cinemas, The AA, Irish Ferries, Stena Line, Center Parcs, Hotels.com and Royal Caribbean International.

Customers can also donate their vouchers to Tesco’s charity partner, Children’s Health Foundation.

*Bounce Insight on behalf of Tesco Ireland surveyed 1,009 customers in April 2023.

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Meghan Markle has spoken out for the first time since confirming that she will not attend King Charles’ coronation.

The Duchess of Sussex appeared in a pre-recorded video message to introduce a TED Talk hosted by her friend, photographer Misan Harriman.

It is presumed that the 41-year-old filmed her tribute at home in Montecito, California, where she lives with her husband Prince Harry and their two children – Prince Archie (3) and Princess Lilibet (1).

In her video, Meghan praised Misan's "unmatched eye for a good photograph" and went on to explain how much she treasures the snaps Misan has taken for her, including the pregnancy announcement for her daughter Lili.

"I've experienced his talent first hand as he has captured many meaningful milestones for me and my family. And I know there are many others who share this experience,” she continued.

"I am so thrilled to welcome to the TED stage, my dear friend Misan Harriman,” the Duchess of Sussex concluded.

This is the first time that Meghan has been seen by the public after confirmation that she will not be attending her father-in-law’s coronation. 

The ceremony for King Charles III is due to take place next Saturday, May 6. 

Earlier this month, both Buckingham Palace and the couple released a statement revealing that Prince Harry would attend without Meghan.

Rumours soon circulated that Meghan had declined to attend over a ‘dispute’ she’d had with King Charles via written letters.

However, her friend Omid Scobie subsequently shared a statement on Twitter on behalf of the Duchess. 

"The Duchess of Sussex is going about her life in the present, not thinking about correspondence from two years ago related to conversations from four years ago,” he wrote.

"Any suggestion otherwise is false and frankly ridiculous. We encourage tabloid media and various other royal correspondents to stop exhausting the circus that they alone are creating," Omid added.

Prince Archie's fourth birthday happens to be on the same day as the coronation, and so it is believed that Meghan has chosen to stay in California to be with him and toddler Lili.

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We finally have a release date for season 2 of Heartstopper!

On Saturday, Netflix marked one year since the release of Heartstopper’s first season. 

The wholesome series, which turned young actors Kit Connor and Joe Locke into stars, won huge acclaim for its portrayal of LGBTQ+ teens trying to find their way in the world.

In fact, the show gained so much success that Netflix instantly ordered two more seasons, based on the graphic novels by writer and illustrator Alice Oseman.

Ever since then, Heartstopper fans have been desperate to know when lovebirds Nick and Charlie, as well as the rest of the gang, will be back on our screens. Well, we finally have an answer!

Earlier today, Netflix confirmed that season 2 of Heartstopper will launch on August 3.

As well as sharing the release date, the cast and crew have also shared a few tidbits about season 2.

In an interview for Netflix’s Tudum, Alice Oseman spoke about what fans can expect to see.

Credit: Netflix

“Season 2 is based on Volume 3, so we had a good foundation,” Alice explained. “But there’s not enough in the book to take a whole season of TV, so there had to be a lot of creation of new stuff.”

Joe Locke, who plays shy boy Charlie, also confessed that fans can expect a new side to his character. “Charlie goes on more of a journey this season. His story’s a bit more mature,” he admitted.

And that’s not all! Netflix has also given us the official synopsis for the brand new season.

Credit: Netflix

“Nick and Charlie navigate their new relationship; Tara and Darcy face unforeseen challenges and Tao and Elle work out if they can ever be more than just friends,” the season logline states. “With exams on the horizon, a school trip to Paris and a prom to plan, the gang has a lot to juggle as they journey through the next stages of life, love and friendship.”

Sadly, we don’t have a trailer for Heartstopper season 2 just yet, but we can’t wait to find out more!

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Kate Middleton has been reminiscing on her children getting older while lending a helping hand at a baby bank.

The Princess of Wales visited The Baby Bank in Windsor to help sort through donations of baby clothes and other essential items while highlighting the need for charities such as this one.

While folding small babygrows, Kate looked chic in a smart-casual outfit consisting of a beige Reiss blazer, white t-shirt and navy trousers.

The 41-year-old admitted that she ‘feels like it was only yesterday’ that her own little ones were small enough to fit in the tiny outfit, despite her youngest, Louis, turning five years old on April 23. 

The Princess said, “It only feels like yesterday that they were this tiny. They do grow so quickly”, as she reflected on her growing children. 

When speaking out about her visit to the charity, photos of Kate were shared to her and Prince William’s joint Instagram account, showing her helping at the baby bank and speaking with volunteers.

In the post’s caption, the importance of The Baby Bank, their donations and their volunteers were noted.  

“Families in need throughout the area can rely on The Baby Bank here in Windsor, providing everything from new-born starter kits to buggies, beds & blankets”.

“As referrals continue to grow each year, the generosity of volunteers and those who donate items makes such a difference”.

Many social media users were pleased to see Kate spreading awareness of the importance of essential charities like The Baby Bank that provide necessities to families in need.

One follower wrote, “Well done to our lovely Princess, your endless support really helps these wonderful baby banks”.

“Such an important place for so many families it's wonderful to see our Princess' continued support for baby banks! She really cares about this cause”, penned a second fan.

A third Instagram user added, “Great visit. It’s amazing that The Princess always focuses on supporting Baby Banks”.

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Helen Flanagan has opened up about her split from fiancé Scott Sinclair for the first time since rumours of their break-up began. 

The former Coronation Street star confirmed that she and Scott, who had been together for 13 years, went their separate ways in July of last year. 

Speaking out about the end of their relationship and shutting down rumours that they have gotten back together, Helen spoke to OK! about life since their split. 

Rumours of their reconciliation began recently when Helen was on holiday in Dubai with her three children Matilda, Delilah and Charlie, and was pictured wearing a ring on her engagement finger. 

Scott has also been in the area, leading fans to believe the couple may have been back together, but Helen set the record straight.

“Scott was there on a break from training, so we spent a day together with the kids. That was it… I didn’t even think about wearing a ring on that finger!”, Flanagan admitted. “That’s so typical of me”.

While mentioning rings, the soap star revealed she has kept her engagement ring and won’t be giving it back to Scott, instead their daughter’s will be given it. The mum-of-three explained, “My ring’s my ring, it’s for my girls”.

We’ll soon see Helen back on our screens for I’m a Celebrity: South Africa and she did explain that during filming of the show, she was still wearing her engagement ring as she and Scott had just broken up at the time.

“I did wear my engagement ring when I was in the jungle. We’d only just broken up, and I didn’t want everyone to be asking, ‘Where’s your ring?’”.

“I didn’t want to talk about it… I wanted to keep it private for the kids, I didn’t want to be talking about it on the show. I did find that difficult, because I had all that going on in my head.

In terms of getting back together, Helen revealed, “No. I just hope we can be good friends and co-parent”, and went on to say she has signed up to the exclusive dating app Raya. “But I wouldn’t want to say if I’ve been on any dates. Maybe next time! It’s nice to have some fun”.

Helen also admitted that she and Scott knew ending their relationship was the best thing for them and their family. 

“A lot of people say, ‘Oh, stay, make things work for the children’, But children need happy parents and they need a happy environment, so it’s not always so straightforward”.

The 32-year-old continued, “You don’t spend all your twenties with someone, have three children and not have a good relationship and care about them and love them”.

“When you have that with someone, no one – nothing – can take away what we had. I’ll always love him and he’ll always love me, you just sometimes don’t work any more. It will always be really special. But I don’t regret anything. I have three perfect children”.

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The applications for this year’s Susi grants scheme are now open – and there are some big changes this year.

Following adjustments that were made in Budget 2023, up to 50,000 undergraduates could now be eligible to receive Susi financial support for the very first time.

Several changes have been made to the Susi application and eligibility process for the upcoming academic year.

Firstly, there has been a reduction in the contribution fee of €1,500 for families earning €55,240 to €62,000, as well as a reduction of €500 in the contribution fee for eligible households earning between €62,000 and €100,000.

The Government has introduced increases to the maintenance grants for the 2023/24 academic year. 

From January 1 of this year, the special and band 1 maintenance grant rates increased by 14%, and all the other maintenance grant rates increased by 10%.

The increase in student earnings outside of term time from €4,500 to €6,552 will also come into effect.

Lastly, there will also be a decrease in the eligibility period from five years to three for second-chance mature students who did not complete a course and are returning to college to study an approved course at PLC, undergraduate, or postgraduate level.

Credit: Simon Harris Instagram

The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Simon Harris, has been welcoming these changes following the opening of this year's grants.

"I would encourage current undergraduate students, and those considering going to college in September, to go to susi.ie to apply for these new supports. I believe these changes will deliver much-needed assistance to students and families across the country,” he said in a statement.

Students are being encouraged to apply as early as possible, as the system is expected to be in demand. The priority processing dates are June 8 for current students and July 6 for new students.

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Many famous faces and fans of Kate Garraway have shared their delight to see a new photo of her and her husband at home after Derek’s long battle with ill health after contracting Covid-19. 

The Good Morning Britain host shared a snap of her and Derek smiling together in their garden along with their family as they celebrated Earth Day. 

Kate has been Derek’s carer since his health deteriorated drastically after getting Covid-19 at the beginning of 2020. Derek has been in and out of hospital since having the virus and had to be put into a medically induced coma as his organs were shutting down.

Credit: Instagram

Now, Kate has revealed her husband is home from hospital once again and was enjoying family time over the weekend. 

Posting a collection of photos with her dad, her husband and their children Kate penned, “Funny how it was just grandad & I for the digging & planting & then suddenly everyone appears when up!!”.

“Crowning a very special weekend with the Drapers ( Aunty Sue & grandma you are here in spirit) by planting a magnolia tree for #earthday. Happy Sunday everyone”, the presenter added. 

Stars and fans headed to the comments to complement how well Derek was looking after a difficult few years with his health.

One fan wrote, “How absolutely wonderful to see a pic of Derek, and looking so well too”, while a second said, “So glad Derek looks well and you all having fun time”.

“Ah such a lovely photo and I know it may not be the case but Derek looks really well”, penned another follower of Garraway’s.

Kate’s GMB co-presenter Susanna Reid penned, “Everything about these is gorgeous”. I’m a Celebrity… Get Me out of Here’s Vicky Pattison commented, “Derek looks amazing”.

To highlight the importance of carers and show the need for the support of their mental health, Kate Garraway released a documentary titled Kate Garraway: Finding Derek. The moving film won a National Television Award in 2021.

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Fashion fanatics gathered in The Secret Garden of The Alex Hotel for the Regatta Great Outdoors spring summer festival. Regatta prides itself on being the door to the great outdoors, no matter what the weather.

As the evenings grow longer and the weather begins to get warmer, it’s the perfect time to start supplementing your spring/summer wardrobe.

With a wide range of waterproof jackets, swimwear, walking boots, and camping equipment available, Regatta Great Outdoors has everything to prepare for a festival filled summer.

On arrival, guests were greeted with one of two summer inspired cocktails, royal mojito and passion fruit gin fizz, as they browsed the rails of the spring/summer collections, which did not disappoint.

The Orla Kiely womenswear and camping collection is bold and playful, perfect for a summer of fun, with the Giovanna Fletcher collection adding the ultimate nautical touch.

Enjoying delicious canapes throughout the evening, guests took the opportunity to have their face bedazzled festival-style by makeup artist Ciara O’Toole, while calligrapher and engraver, Liz Holdsworth, was on hand to personalise water bottles for each guest.

In attendance on the night was businesswoman Pamela Laird, stylists Rosalind Lipsett, Caroline Downey and Anne O’Shea, influencers Holly Carpenter, Dev Skehan and Lawson Mpame, along with model Ursula Kelly and interiors expert Joanne Mooney.

For more information or to shop Regatta's Summer Collection, including the Giovanna Fletcher's seaside-inspired coats collection, visit their website here

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TK Maxx is proud to support children with disabilities by working with Enable Ireland with the release of the brand-new Pixar collection which is now available in store. Not only does it feature all your favourite characters, but it also includes a charity donation to help children achieve their potential.

The charitable donation goes straight to Enable Ireland, which provides vital therapy and services to over 13,000 children and young people with disabilities across Ireland.

Since 1997, together with customers, TK Maxx have raised over €4 million to support over 27,000 children and young people with disabilities and their families in local communities in 15 counties.

The collection features fabulous mugs, as well as Fairtrade cotton T-shirts for children and adults. Dress to infinity and beyond with Pixar favourites including Buzz Lightyear, Nemo, Edna Mode and Jessie. Giddy up and grab some goodies in store.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by TK Maxx Ireland (@tkmaxxie)

The Fairtrade certified cotton in the charity Pixar T-shirts, was grown by farmers from the Rwenzori Farmers Marketing Co-operative Society in Uganda, who are also supported by TK Maxx’s Sustainable Trade Programme.

At least €4.50 from the sale of each adult T-shirt goes to Enable Ireland, to support children with disabilities. Treat yourself to a character-ful design, whilst also donating to a brilliant cause. Help change children’s lives, buy a Pixar T-shirt today.

Find your nearest store.

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It has been announced that Len Goodman has passed away.

The former Strictly Come Dancing head judge was 78. Tomorrow, April 25, would have been his 79th birthday.

The tragic news was confirmed by Len’s manager, who said in a statement to MailOnline: “I can confirm he died peacefully over the weekend surrounded by his family.”

Len appeared on Strictly from 2004 to 2016 and was a beloved fan favourite, particularly for his "Seven!" catchphrase when scoring contestants.

Len was also a judge on Dancing With The Stars for 31 seasons. In November of last year, during the premiere of its new season, he announced that we would be stepping down at the end of its current run.

“This will be my last season judging Dancing With the Stars," Len had said on the show at the time. “I’ve been on the show since it started in 2005, and it has been a huge pleasure to be a part of such a wonderful show but I’ve decided I want to spend more time with my grandchildren and family back in Britain.”

Len had recently been in a hospice in Tunbridge Wells in Kent, and had been battling bone cancer before his death.

Tributes have started to flood in for the ballroom legend, including from Strictly co-host Claudia Winkleman.

"I’m so sad about Len. He was one of a kind, a brilliant and kind man. Full of twinkle, warmth and wit. Sending all love to his family and friends. X," she wrote on Twitter.

Len's former fellow judge, Craig Revel Horwood, has also shared a bittersweet tribute to his late friend.

"I’ve just woken up to the sad news that my gorgeous colleague and dear friend Len Goodman has passed away. My heart and love go out to his lovely Sue and family," he penned on social media.

"Len Goody Goodman is what I always called him and 'It’s a ten from Len & seveeeeern' will live with me forever. RIP Len," Craig added.

We're sending our condolences to Len's loved ones during this sad time.

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Gemma Atkinson was treated to a surprise baby shower by a group of very important people in her life. 

The former Strictly Come Dancing star is expecting her second child with her fiancé Gorka Marquez, and was left ‘shocked’ after a lovely baby shower party over the weekend. 

Sharing a collection of lovely photos of her and her pals from the breast cancer charity CoppaFella! to her 1.8M Instagram followers, Gemma detailed the lovely day. 

“Wow! What an afternoon. My agent told me today I had a meeting with Bleakholt to sort our next open day. I arrived to a surprise baby shower hosted by Team Gemma. The incredible ladies I trekked with and camped with for a week on the @coppafeelpeople cancer charity challenge”.

“To say I was shocked is an understatement”, Gemma revealed before sharing a lovely tribute to her friends. 

“Since day one i knew each of these women were special. Each of their own individual fights and / or connections to that sh***y disease blows my mind. They are the most mentally strong group I’ve ever been around. As well as kind, funny and a tad crazy which I love”.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by (@gorka_marquez)

“Today they drove from all over the country to my local village and it means so much. They even had a zoom set up at the end of the table for those that couldn’t make it so they could also join us”.

The former Hollyoaks star continued, “I’ve come home with SO many gifts for little man and Mia. They thought of everything. We’re already planning our next hike up in the Lake District! I’ll always be thankful I said yes to that trek as it’s brought me life long friends”.

“Thank you ladies, and thank you Duncan and Ian who also came especially! Their first ever baby shower. They were our camp leaders on the trek and we’ve made them part of Team Gemma ever since weather they like it or not. Thank you @heartsforhomescoffeeshop for being such lovely hosts”.

Gemma and Gorka announced they were expecting their second child in January of this year by posting a collection of black and white photos with the actress’ blossoming baby bump on display. 

She penned, “Impossible to hide my belly any longer. I’ve officially “popped.” Our baby boy will be joining our family later this year. We feel so incredibly blessed and Grateful to be on this journey again”.

The pair are already proud parents to three-year-old Mia, whom they revealed is ‘thrilled’ to become a big sister.

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