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Yearly Archives: 2023

Valentine's Day is fast approaching, and by now the single population have gone in one of two directions. 

1. A longing for romance. Bridget Jones style self-pity. Freezer full of ice-cream. 

2. Blatant cynicism. Can't believe people waste their money on this silliness. Would rather hang out with their friends anyway. 

Truth be told, we've been guilty of both. It just depends on our moods really – and how many glasses of wine we've had. 

Anyway, it's time to shut the pity party down once and for all because science says you're better off single. 

A study conducted by social scientists Natalie Sarkisian and Naomi Gerstel found that single people were more likely to reach out to their social networks. 

As well as that, they also tended to give and receive more help and advice than their married counterparts. 

Factors like race, gender and income levels had little impact on the results, meaning that the findings remained consistent across most demographics. 

"Being single increases the social connections of both women and men," Sarkisian and Gerstel wrote. 

And of course, we all know the importance of strong friendships when it comes to overall wellbeing. 

In short – stay single, stay happy. 

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Do you get the ‘ick’ easily? 

The phrase ‘I’ve got the ick’ has been thrown around a lot in recent years, perhaps most notably on the reality dating show Love Island.

The term refers to noticing a tiny quirk that women see in their partner that ends up becoming a huge turn-off for them. Generally speaking, if you get the ick at any stage, then it’s game over!

Throughout any relationship, one of the most monumental moments is a marriage proposal. It’s the moment that most couples dream of, and there is always a huge pressure for it to be pulled off perfectly. However, as Diamonds Factory Ireland have recently discovered, even proposals can give you the ick!

The jewellers have scoured the depths of social media platform TikTok and have compiled a ranking of the top 5 common proposals that would give someone ‘the ick’. They might seem romantic at first glance, but they don’t always go down well: 

1. Unstructured stance

At number one, this is the biggest proposal ick on TikTok right now. The unstructured stance is when people get down on one knee, but when they get up, their back is hunched over, making them look like an elderly person as opposed to a young, overjoyed person who just got engaged. TikTok user @susannah_white is less than pleased when this occurs, commenting: “Then they get up like this, they don’t just simply stand-up to like whatever. . . it’s so gross.” But that’s not the only posture-related ick! Apparently, if the proposer’s knee is not at a 90-degree angle, it is a huge turn-off. @thenotoriousvrc agreed by saying: “I just saw a picture of a girl being proposed to by I assume, her soon-to-be fiance and the stance was so wide.” So, good posture is the key!

2. Proposed to on Valentine’s Day

With Valentine’s Day coming up, it is likely that many couples will choose to get engaged on the most romantic day of the year. However, this can be seen as an ick, as February 14 is already a romance-associated day. @larahenwoof wrote on TikTok: “An engagement is meant to be our day, not everyone else's.” Unless Valentine’s Day has a significant, sentimental meaning for you and your partner, then we would recommend avoiding it as a proposal day. 

3. Proposed to at a Restaurant

According to TikTok, a restaurant proposal is also an idea that might not necessarily end happily. Many women have commented that the added pressure of a public proposal is a big ick to them, as it loses the feeling of intimacy during what is supposed to be one of the most important moments of your life. @namuso agreed, writing: “I feel like that’s really tacky and also, you have the pressure of everyone else looking at you. I just go to a restaurant because I want to eat and that’s just a lot.” @larahenwoof also shared their thoughts by saying: “If you get down on one knee while Deborah is trying to eat her lasagna next to me… you’re in the bin.” Maybe choose somewhere more private, perhaps?

4. Proposed to at Disneyland

Even if your partner is the biggest of Disney fans, we would still suggest giving this idea a pass! Proposals at Disneyland have been done endless times in the past, and so it has gotten to the point where they feel extremely overdone and unoriginal. TikTok account @larahenwoof noted: “If you propose to me at Disneyland then I am just going to think that you Googled ‘best places to propose to your girlfriend’. And do I really want a Disney cast clapping for me? No.” Your proposal can still be filled with magic and wanderlust – just find another place for it!

5. Proposed to at the Eiffel Tower

Despite Paris being the city of love, it might not be the most desirable place for a proposal. Similar to Disneyland, proposals at the Eiffel Tower have become extremely cliched and predictable, giving the popping of the question the ‘ick’ factor. TikTok user @larahenwoof showed their displeasure for the concept by writing: “If you propose to me here, I just think you didn’t want to put any effort into the proposal, and that’s why you went for the most unoriginal idea.”

So, if you want to have the perfect, ick-less proposal, it seems like the most important factors are to keep it fresh, original and tailored to your partner’s preferences.

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There is still time to get The Cloud 10 Beauty #Galentines Gift Box – it's worth €112 but you pay only €46.95.  Or you can treat your BFF and yourself to a full Galentines night routine and buy two for €80! When buying two you’re making a mega savings of €144.  

This Galentines box is the perfect treat to indulge, and there’s no better time to experience selfcare than now!  Read on to find out just exactly what each box contains. 

Alpha-H Vitamin E Serum With 1% Ceramide Complex – Full Size

This beauty is normally €54.50 on it’s own to buy, so that is already showing the MEGA savings of this beauty box! This serum with 1% Ceramide Complex nurtures the skin with essential skin-loving ceramides in the new and improved formula to help relax and soothe the skin. The Vitamin E derivative Vital ET™ soothes irritation and enhances the skin's defences against external aggressors. This lightweight serum contains natural botanical oils rich in antioxidants which defend against free radical damage, fortify the skin's barrier, and boost moisture levels.

Vita Liberata Moisture Boost Body Treatment – Full size

This is the ultimate tan-enhancing body moisturiser, formulated with a unique Moisture Lock™ cocktail of hydration heroes. Organic Aloe Vera and Organic Shea Butter are deeply nourishing and soothing, while Hyaluronic Acid helps to keep your skin and tan in top condition. There's also a subtle shimmer to enhance your glow.

 L'Oreal Professionnel Vitamino Color Shampoo & Mask – Travel Set

Vitamino Color Shampoo is infused with resveratrol, a powerful polyphenol, that protects your hair colour from fading for up to 8 weeks and the fibre from damage for perfect salon coloured hair. Vitamino Mask works to protect your colour and the fibre from damage. In only a minute, hair is nourished, strengthened and soft. Colour appears more radiant.

Bumble and bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil UV and Heat Protective Primer Travel Size

This multitasking leave in treatment for all hair types instantly cuts frizz by 50% when compared to untreated hair. The iconic, 6-Oil Blend in our products helps to condition, moisturize, nourish, soften, and smooth hair. Additionally, it protects against heat up to 450°F/232°C, includes UV Filters to shield hair from the sun's drying effects, prevents colour fading for up to 16 washes.

STARSKIN Dreamkiss Plumping and Hydrating Bio-Cellulose Lip Mask

This lip mask follows the contours of your lips to deliver the equivalent of 15ml of serum in just 15 minutes. It instantly plumps and smooths lips, helping to minimise the appearance of any lip lines and wrinkles while cooling and hydrating.

Loving Tan Bronze Shimmer Luminous Cream – Dark Travel Size

This innovative and versatile formula can be used on its own or over your tan, it instantly bronzes, illuminates and enhances your skin. The perfect transfer-resistant formula infused with micronized pigments providing a natural, soft-focus effect. The Aloe Vera, Coffee and Pomegranate extract helps to hydrate the skin, leaving you looking radiant and felling extra smooth.

NUXE Florale candle

This candle is a luxurious and fragrant candle designed to create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere in any room. It features a delicate blend of floral scents that will fill your space with a fresh and soothing aroma. Whether you're looking to unwind after a long day or set the mood for a romantic evening, the Nuxe Florale Candle is the perfect choice.

Friends We Were On A Break Bath Bar Full Size

This will become your new fave bath treat. Break off a chunk or two of this "We Were On A Break" Peach and Orange Blossom Bath Bar, add to the warm water, and unwind in a deliciously scented relaxing bath. Reminiscent of early summer days, the peach and orange blossom fragrance is a sweet, soft, citrus scent with floral and fruity notes that will stimulate your senses and leave you feeling just peachy!

Friends Lemongrass Shower Steamer Full Size

This shower steamer will uplift and revitalise your senses with this scented shower steamer. Simply break off one quarter of the shower steamer and place on your shower floor. Turn on the shower, then step in and inhale the uplifting lend of lemongrass essential oil. It is the perfect way to start or end any day no matter how you feel, this shower steamer will leave you feeling refreshed!

Purchase now here

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Olivia Bowen has opened up about struggling with postpartum anxiety and the effects it had on her after having her son. 

The former Love Island star welcomed her son Abel into the world in June of last year and has now had an open conversation about life after her son. 

Olivia asked her 3.1M Instagram followers to suggest questions for her to answer on her Stories so she could have a catch-up with her fans.

When asked if she thought she got postpartum depression or anxiety, the 29-year-old posted an old photo of herself crying as she was breastfeeding Abel and explained, “I feel the lines are very blurred between raging rollercoaster hormones after having a baby and having PPD/ PPA”.

“I definitely had anxiety but wasn't aware. I would time every sleep Abel had, I would keep a record of it & I would obsess over it everyday”.

“I struggled with how much breastmilk he would have & feel like a failure if he didn't eat”.

Credit: Olivia Bowen Instagram

“Looking back, the poor sod just might not of been hungry. And I definitely wish I never obsessed over his sleeping. He was so young & it took away so much of the joy of that first 8 weeks for sure”.

“It is so so common. keep your family & friends close & always tell someone if you're feeling super low”.

When asked about having physical symptoms of anxiety, the former reality TV star said, “I would say I feel sick almost every day I wake up. always anxiety sickness mostly in the morning and sometimes in the eve”.

Olivia then went into detail about her relationship with her husband, Alex, and how they have been as a couple since becoming parents. 

“We are good. We are getting to grips with it all. We had just each other to worry about for 6 years so adding a new little person into the equation brings so much joy but also new challenges”.

Bowen continued, “You have to alter the way your relationship runs. Getting us time is so hard but we are so happy. He is my lobster”.

Olivia and Alex first met on Love Island where they came in second place. They went on to tie the knot in Olivia’s hometown of Essex in 2018 and announced they were expecting their first child together on New Year's Day, 2022.

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Kerry Katona has shared an apology video to Molly-Mae Hague after saying she thought her newborn daughter’s name was ‘ridiculous’ and suggested she change it. 

The former Atomic Kitten band member took to her Instagram Stories to share a video of herself explaining how bad she felt about her comment on Bambi Fury’s name before she apologised to the Love Island star. 

Kerry explained, “I just wanted to say a massive apology to Molly-Mae because I saw my column the other day and I think I'm dead funny but I'm not actually always that funny”.

Credit: Kerry Katona Instagram

“Molly-Mae shouldn't even listen to anything I've got to say. Bambi Fury, first of all, no one is ever going to forget the name. It sounds like a star's name”.

“It's unique, it's beautiful and it's very, very cute actually. And, you can shorten it by calling her bam-bams”.

The former I’m a Celeb star continued, “My opinion doesn't matter at all. The reason why it was in my column was because I got asked to talk about it and when I read it back, it came across really harsh. It's a little baby for god sake Kerry. Do you know what I mean?”.

“I want to hold my hands up and apologise massively. It's not up to me what you call your baby Molly and she's absolutely beautiful”.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Molly-Mae Hague (@mollymae)

“Since I said it, it's really, really, really played on my mind. I would never want to bring anybody down. I would never want to bully anybody or hurt anybody”.

The 42-year-old went on to joke about her own son’s name before adding, “What do I know? Ignore me”.

Katona commented on Molly-Mae’s daughter’s name in her recent OK! column, stating she “wasn’t a fan of the name”.

“I think Bambi Fury sounds a bit ridiculous. It reminds me of the Disney film where the mother gets shot!”.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Kerry Katona (@kerrykatona7)

The mum-of-five added, “The poor kid might get some stick in school. If they haven’t registered the name yet, maybe they should consider changing it. But each to their own”.

Kerry’s apology comes after Molly opened up about the nasty comments she received online after announcing her newborn's name. 

In her latest YouTube video where she discusses her birth story, Hague revealed, “I was brought back down to earth very quickly of how nasty this world can be”.

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Valentine's Day is only around the corner, if you’re still looking for something, check out some of our favourite loved-up gifts:

Personalised gifts from fujifilm

Last valentine day I gave you my heart! What a gorgeous idea – a heart shaped cushion with your loved ones face on it ! Or a cuddly toy to hug on those cold nights. Photos make us feel emotional, they bring back memories old and new. If you want to make a heart melt and show a little extra thought, a photo gift from Fujifilm stores nationwide is just the trick.They have everything you need to bring a little sparkle to valentines day. You can order instore or go online to fujifilmimagine.ie or download the fujifilm app.

FOR HIM

Grooming Travel Staples from L’OCCITANE, €28

The perfect travel-friendly set, with all the products man needs when on the go. This must-have collection of indulgent grooming treats which includes 75ml L’Occitan Shower Gel, 30ml Cade Refreshing Shaving Gel, 75ml Gentle & Balance Micellar Shampoo, 50g L’Occitan Soap and a L’OCCITANE travel bag. Available here 

The North Face® Glacier Pro Quarter Zip Fleece from NEXT,  €89

As fleeces go, the Glacier Pro is a classic. This pullover version is made from Polartec® micro fleece that delivers lightweight warmth thanks to its unique lofted structure. Available here

4 In 1 Gaming Set from Dunnes Stores reduced to just 19.99

Get him the competitive edge online so he can fully immerse himself in virtual worlds with Akai's complete Gaming Set. Combining LED keyboard, 4D mouse, stereo headset and ultra-smooth mouse pad. Available here while stocks last

Montblanc Explorer Eau de Parfum 100ml from Boots, €79

Montblanc Explorer is an invitation to a fantastic journey, an irresistible call for adventure. The bottle echoes the earth’s two hemispheres, recalling the multiple destinations explored during this olfactory expedition. At the bottom lies Montblanc’s emblem, the iconic star representing the six glaciers of the highest mountain in Europe. Available here.

Handmade Reclaimed Signs from Cuando, €35.00

If you’re looking for man cave ideas, or great gifts for dads or the handyman in your life, check out this range of driftwood signs are made from reclaimed pallet wood. Can be personalised with a short message or name attached to a driftwood tag free of charge. Available here.

PLAYSTATION FIFA 23 – PS5 from Currys, €79.99

FIFA 23 lets you live out your footballing dreams. Lead your country to glory in the men's FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 or become the superstar you were born to be with career mode. You can also build your fantasy squad with FIFA Ultimate Team. Plus, for the first time you can play as women's club teams and in international tournaments. So take the next step with England's Lionesses and put them on top of the world in the Women's World Cup 2023! Available here.

2 Bottle Moulin de Peyronin Organic Bordeaux Gift Pack from Curious Wines €40.00

https://www.curiouswines.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/G209-Peyronin-Bordeaux.jpg

Classy Bordeaux Blanc Sec and Rouge from Demeter certified biodynamic family estate. The white is a zippy Sauvignon-Sémillon, the red a silky blend of Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. Available here.

FOR HER

Herbae par L’OCCITANE Spartium Eau de Toilette – €62

This gorgeous scent has an addictive, refreshing scent that’s perfect for springtime. It’s the embodiment of nature in all its authenticity and simplicity. The citrusy, green freshness from the rhubarb leaf and grapefruit head notes give way to a vibrant cheerful floral heart in which joyful jasmine encounters bright and opulent ylang ylang, evoking the feeling of free spirit. Available here.

The Valentines Box from The Book Resort – from €99

The absolute best of luxury Irish brands all wrapped up for you in our Valentines Gift box. Available here.

The Identity Necklace from Mettle and Bloom, €74.95

If you want something personal and pretty, The Identity Necklace is it. It comes as no surprise that the Identity Necklace is one of Mettle and Bloom’s most shopped pieces because it’s vibrant, unique and different to everything else. The Identity Necklace has a halo-like frame and features all of the shades of the divine Atelier palette. Inside of the colourful halo, is a floating initial. The floating initial is made of the highest quality 925 Sterling Silver and it is plated in 18k gold.  Available here.

Marc Jacobs ‘Perfect’ Eau de Parfum

The playful and unexpected new women's perfume, Perfect Marc Jacobs Eau de Parfum for her, is a comforting floral scent that celebrates optimism, self-acceptance and originality.
The perfume was inspired by Marc Jacobs’ mantra: “I am perfect as I am,” which is symbolised by a tattoo of the word “perfect” on his wrist. Like his tattoo, Perfect Marc Jacobs is about embracing and expressing one’s true self.  Modern, bright, and feminine, Perfect is an unconventional yet harmonious clash of fresh floral and calming smooth notes. The fragrance opens with juicy notes of rhubarb and bright daffodil that reveal a comforting heart of almond milk. The fragrance finishes with a soft dry down of cedarwood and cashmeran. Marc Jacobs Perfect is available from Boots Stores, Boots.ie and select pharmacies nationwide.

Breakfast hamper from Killruddery from €25

Create a bepoke Farm Shop breakfast in bed hamper complete with eggs from Killruddery’s orchard hens, Bread 41 sourdough, Killruddery Orchard apple juice, Brabazon blend coffee, homemade Killruddery preserves and more. Bespoke Killruddery hampers are truly customisable and available from €25. Available instore and online here.

Baileys Strawberries and Cream Chocolate Truffle Box – €7

Just in time for Valentine’s Day 2023, Baileys Chocolates has launched a delicious new variant in its much-loved Strawberries and Cream range, blending the sumptuous taste of fresh strawberries and vanilla with the iconic taste of Baileys liqueur, encased in a stunning milk-chocolate truffle. Available here.

NEW Cream Luxury Velvet Cosmetics Bag from Up Cosmetics, €20

Up Cosmetics Singles collection includes a selection of high-impact highlighters, cream blush and bronzers. The beautiful gold-finished, individual compacts are complete with a mirror to allow for ease of use and are perfect for on-the-go. For something extra special, the NEW Cream Luxury Velvet Cosmetics Bag is real treat for any beauty lover. Available here.

Roughty’s Little Sister flowers & food hampers

Great last minute gifts ideas at The English Market, Cork, including Roughty’s Little Sister, who has just opened a new flower stall right in time for Valentine's. The stall offers a stunning range of locally grown flowers and wildflowers, ranging from roses, tulips, sunflowers and so much more. The beautifully covered flowers are hand-picked and prepared to your desired look and are perfectly accompanied by a selection of gorgeous, hand-made Irish chocolates. To help make your Valentine’s evening even more special, The Roughty Foodie stocks a range of food hampers including the ‘Pure Cork Tapas Box’ for €125, that contains a selection of local farmhouse cheese, chutney, biscuits, cured meats, smoked salmon and more, everything you need to set up a romantic night-in. Visit theroughtyfoodie.com to order hampers online or visit the English Market stall. 

Eminence's Chocolate Mousse Hydration Masque – €58

Eminence Organic Skin Care’s Chocolate Mousse Hydration Masque fights the visible signs of ageing instantly; as well as counteracting the effects of the winter cold and central heating. It contains a healthy dose of antioxidant-rich cocoa high in topical flavanols (an antioxidant found particularly in cocoa) and rich macadamia, almond and jojoba oils provide deep hydration to leave skin looking smooth and refreshed. Available here.

Bloodmoon Lip Kit & Lumi Rouge Bundle from KASH Beauty, €35.85 

Embrace the red theme this Valentine’s with this perfect romantic combination. Instantly add drama to your look using the sultry, alluring Bloodmoon Lip Kit, with a deep, muted red lipstick and matching liner. Glow to the heavens with the newest shade of KASH’s ultimate complexion creation, Skin Glaze, in Lumi Rouge. Skin Glaze’s silky smooth vegan and cruelty-free formula glides across the skin and blends effortlessly with a sponge, brush, or simply tap in with your fingers to melt the product into the skin for a lit-from-within, light reflecting radiance. Available here.

TO SHARE

Day Spa Package from The Spa at Killashee – from €180 for two people

The “Rest, Reset and Float Away” experience for two people begins with time in the hydrotherapy suite enjoying the jacuzzi, steam room and pool. This is followed by The Rasul, a traditional Arabian cleaning ritual that relaxes, cleanses and detoxifies your body by combining the health properties of heat, steam and mud. Nourishing mud is applied to the entire body and then as you relax in alluring steam room under a twinkling night sky, the chamber fills with steam enabling the mud to penetrate the skin. A warm tropical shower then rains down upon you to wash away the mud and leave your skin silky to the touch. After, enjoy 45 minutes of dry floatation therapy to relax both mind and body as you lie cocooned on the dry flotation bed. This is a deeply relaxing sleep inducing treatment where 30 minutes equates to three hours of deep sleep for the body.  Afterwards take some quiet time to curl up and relax in the Relaxation Suite to reset before enjoying traditional Afternoon Tea for two in new The Larkspur Lounge in the hotel.  Available Monday – Thursday for the month of February. Book here.

The Chocolate Shop at The English Market, Cork

Synonymous with Valentine’s Day, chocolate is a universal treat that is always sure to delight! The Chocolate Shop has a variety of heart-shaped chocolate boxes, in a range of sizes and finishes, filled with a delicious selection of the finest handmade chocolates The Chocolate Shop is best known for. The Chocolate Shop also stocks a full range of smaller Valentine’s chocolate gifts – perfect tokens of love that are sure to have Cupid in full flight! Prices for the Valentine’s heart-shaped boxes range from €20 to €50. Visit chocolate.ie to order online for click and collect or home delivery nationwide.

Give the gift of a clean kitchen, with M&S Food Valentine’s Dine In for €18

And if you are one of the many that enjoy staying home on Valentine’s Day, then the famous M&S Food Valentine’s Dine In for €18 is back and its better than ever.  Choose a starter + main + side + dessert for just €18.  Launching from 10th-14th February, you won’t be able to miss it in stores – look out for the beautiful red and pink eye-catching packaging…shouting LOVE straight from the shelf!

Happy shopping <3

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Congratulations are in order for Bláthnaid Treacy as she has revealed she is expecting her first child.

The RTÉ presenter shared the exciting news earlier today that she and her husband Charlie are set to be first-time parents together. 

Posting gorgeous photos of herself cradling her blossoming baby bump on a balcony at sunset to Instagram, Bláithnaid revealed the couple are having a little girl.

The former Can’t Stop Dancing host also revealed the couple’s daughter is set to make her appearance into the world in the summer.

In the caption of her pregnancy announcement, Treacy penned, “We can't wait to meet you. Our little lady arrives this summer”.

“Feeling so lucky and grateful”, she sweetly added. 

Many famous faces headed to the comments to congratulate Bláthnaid and Charlie on their wonderful news. 

Presenter Laura Woods wrote, “Congrats to you both! & hope you’re feeling well Blathnaid”.

“Beautiful news Blathnaid. Huge congrats to you both”, said Ireland AM star Anna Daly, while social media star James Patrice penned, "Aaaah congratulations!".

Fashion content creator Ciara O’Doherty added, “Oh my gosh congratulations guys. So happy for you both”.

Bláthnaid and Charlie have been a couple for over a decade now. The jazz musician proposed to Bláthnaid back in 2018 while the pair were on holiday in Mexico.

They went on to tie the knot with a boho-style wedding in 2019 following a ceremony at a registry office days before.

Congratulations again to the pair on this exciting new chapter in their life!

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Following the devastating earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria in the early hours of Monday morning, the heartbreaking death toll has risen to 16,000 people.

With locals and charitable organisations still working to rescue those trapped below the rubble of collapsed buildings, 16 babies who were found alone have been flown to safety. 

Turkey’s Minister of Family and Social Services, Derya Yanik, shared the news on Twitter alongside moving photos of infants being boarded onto the President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s plane.

Credit: Derya Yanik

Derya explained that the babies all aged below one year old were flown from where the earthquake hit in Kahramanmaras to Turkey’s capital, Ankara. 

She said, “The general health of our children is very good…They will be taken under care in our institutions”.

The First Lady of Turkey, Emine Erdogan, also shared images of the earthquake victims to her Twitter account, revealing “They are in the safe hands of our state”.

Credit: Derya Yanik

The First Lady also said the moving of the babies to a safe space has “renewed our hopes a little bit”, and that she will be following the process of the babies’ care.

The tragic initial earthquake measured 7.8 magnitude when it struck the Kahramanmaras region of Turkey while people slept. A few hours later, a second quake of 7.6 magnitude hit the same area.

Many humanitarian organisations are seeking help. If you’d like to share your support, click here for information on what you can do from home. 

Feature image credit: Emine Erdogan

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Prepare yourself for a night of love and laughter as the Late Late Valentine’s Special returns to our screens. 

Ryan Tubridy will be dusting off his Cupid’s bow and arrow in the hopes of finding the perfect pair in his audience of over 200 singletons. The phenomenal line-up for this special episode of the Late Late has finally been announced and is not to be missed. 

Love Island legend Maura Higgins will be on the show to chat about becoming an overnight success, who she turns to for advice and bumping into Fifty Shades star Jamie Dornan. She will also be on hand to give the audience some helpful love advice.

Mullingar comedian Alison Spittle and Queen of the Jungle Kerry Katona will join Ryan to talk about their unlikely friendship and sharing advice on everything from bad Dads to dating misadventures on their BBC podcast Wheel of Misfortune.

The musical guests for the night will have you feeling nostalgic as the hit 90’s boyband Five will be taking to the stage to entertain viewers at home and in-studio. You’ll Keep on Movin’ as the boys sing their greatest tunes.

Love will be in the air as this blind date matchmaking special will strive to help some singletons find their special someone. 

Some fairytale love stories will also be told from couples who have already found the Ying to their Yang, so whether you’re single and ready to mingle or loved up with your partner, there's something for everyone on Friday night’s show.

With plenty of sizzling surprises in store, prepare for a night that celebrates the power of love and all things Valentine's on The Late Late Valentine’s Special on RTÉ One, Friday, February 10 at 9.35pm.

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Shaughna Phillips has spoken out about her boyfriend’s arrest and how she has been dealing with life as her due date nears. 

The former Love Island star, who is currently 33 weeks pregnant, announced that she and Billy were expecting their first child together back in October. 

Towards the end of January, news broke that Billy had been arrested and charged with possession with intent to supply a Class A drug. 

Now, writing in her OK! column, Shaughna has detailed how she is since the arrest. She revealed, “After a challenging few weeks, obviously, the baby's father isn't around. But my main focus has always been just to prepare for the birth and try to be as calm as possible”.

“I'm good at just saying, ‘Right, the show must go on’”.

“Obviously, Billy's not around, but I don't want to say that I'm doing it on my own, because I'm absolutely not – my family's incredible”.

The former reality TV star added, “It's going to be different, but I don't want to say it's going to be bad”.

Shaughna and Billy have been in a relationship since 2020. After his arrest, a rep told OK!, “Shaughna had absolutely no knowledge of any activity involving the allegations against Billy”, and added she, “will be openly assisting the police with their enquiries".

Phillips also revealed she’s been prepping baby items with the help of her mum, from ordering a pram to buying bottles and dummies. 

“My mum and I went shopping the other day and bought some more blankets and towels, too. My mum is worse than me!”.

“The novelty of buying baby clothes and gear has started to wear off for me, but every time we're out she's like, ‘Look at this, look at this’”.

Shaughna went on to say, “I've also packed the baby's hospital bag and my own one. I'm practically good to go now. This is the first time I've kind of felt ready”.

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Is anyone else feeling pretty low this week? The dreary weather isn't helping our mood and we're honestly in dire need of some escapism.

As much as we'd love to jet away and lounge on a beach in Greece or explore New York City, we're staying put at home and saving our pennies.

We may not be able to afford to travel at the minute, but that hasn't stopped us from filling our evenings with some cheerful films!

We would truly be lost without Netflix. We recently tuned into one movie that was everything we needed and more during these dreary winter days.

Work It is the coming-of-age dance movie that is heartwarming, cheesy and surprisingly emotional. 

When Quinn Ackerman’s (Sabrina Carpenter) admission to the college of her dreams depends on her performance at a dance competition, she forms a ragtag group of dancers to take on the best squad in school…now she just needs to learn how to dance. She enlists the help of Jake Taylor (Jordan Fisher), a former professional dancer and discovers a group of underdogs who may have it in them to lift the Work It trophy, but will her obsession with getting into Duke University tarnish her friendships?

Work It is full of heart and the perfect movie to tune into when you just want something easy to watch- think Step Up meets Booksmart.

Starring Sabrina Carpenter, Jordan Fisher, Liza Koshy, Drew Ray Tanner, Keiynan Lonsdale and Michelle Buteau. 

Work It is available on Netflix now.

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Molly-Mae has opened up about her birth story after welcoming her first child into the world.

At the end of last month, the Love Island star announced her and Tommy Fury’s daughter, Bambi, made her entrance into the world on January 23. 

Sharing her birth story and talking about life as a new mum to YouTube, Molly revealed,

“It's the craziest thing that's ever happened to me but also the best thing that has ever happened to me”.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Molly-Mae Hague (@mollymae)

The 23-year-old then opened up about not putting pressure on herself before having Bambi. “My mum actually suffered really really horrendously with postnatal depression with both my sister and it’s something that I was always very, very cautious about”.

“I didn’t want to put this huge pressure on myself to give birth to Bambi and be literally besotted”.

Delving into her birth story, she stated, “I was able to vaginally give birth to her”.

On the Thursday before Bambi was born, Molly was 37 and a half weeks pregnant and already one centimetre dilated so doctors told her to come back to hospital on Monday, January 23, to be induced. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Molly-Mae Hague (@mollymae)

Molly-Mae said she was in pain for five hours before contractions began, and after gel was inserted into her to help her uterus prepare for labour, she was screaming in pain. “The way I was crying screaming almost throwing up”.

When the epidural was first administered, it wasn’t working so Molly had to be given “quite a few doses”, to ensure she wouldn’t feel pain when giving birth.

Later that day, Molly’s doctor broke her waters as Tommy watched the entire experience. “He literally watched every thing. He also watched me give full birth to Bambi. He saw my waters get broken, he saw my mucus plug fly out”.

The reality TV star was told later on that she might need a C-section because Bambi’s heart rate and movements weren’t how the doctors wanted and Molly was 3cm dilated. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Molly-Mae Hague (@mollymae)

Before heading into theatre for the C-section, doctors checked Molly one last time and she had gotten to 7cm in just 20 minutes so doctors were happy to go ahead with a vaginal delivery.

As Molly was pushing, the doctors used a ventouse, which is used to help deliver the baby by using a suction cup. Hague then explained how she did eight big pushes before Bambi, who ended up weighing seven pounds ‘on the dot’, was born. “She came out screaming crying and they gave her to me straight away and they popped her on my chest”.

“I was in complete and utter shock, that’s the only way I can describe it. I was in literal shock. Tommy was sobbing his heart out”.

Molly described her daughter's birth as, “The most magical experience of my entire life”.

Molly also revealed that she filmed giving birth but feels like she won’t be able to show anyone.  

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