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Monthly Archives: February 2018

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When it comes to the clothes on our backs, many of us are conscious of how they were made, and what fabrics, chemicals, dyes and labour force were behind our clothing's creation. 

However, not all of us are so scrupulous when it comes to wondering what exactly make sus our sanitary products. 

Pads and tampons have continued contact with one of the most finely balanced, sensitive areas of our bodies, but rarely is there ever a conversation happening around what ingredients could be found in the colourful boxes in the 'feminine hygiene' aisle. 

Fashion Revolution is an innovative brand collective which encouraged fashion brands to be transparent and sustainable when it comes to their production. 

Now, Freda, a sanitary brand has joined them for the first time ever, and they're exposing what trace elements can be found in other brands of tampon and pad. 

From trace elements like chlorine and pesticides to synthetic fibres and artificial fragrances – there's a lot more than just pure organic cotton in some products.

 

Fashion Revolution is encouraging a discussion on the health of these ingredients, for both our bodies an the environment. 

'Across fashion, beauty, and food, consumers are seeking greater transparency, but when it comes to femcare, many of us are still buying the same products on auto-pilot,' said Freda founder Affi Parvizi-Wayne.

'In being honest about the ingredients and manufacture of our products, we’re equipping women with the knowledge they need to make an informed choice about the products they buy and the companies they support.'

'Our ethos is completely in line with that of Fashion Revolution, and we feel incredibly honoured to be the world’s first non-fashion brand to commit to these values, which are crucially important across all industries.'

So, make sure you read the back of the box before you pick up your preferred brand this cycle. 

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While many of us are swiping away on Bumble and Tinder, there are many lonesome Trump supporters out there in the world getting the left swipe for their political beliefs. 

In a bid to rectify this, a brand new dating site has been set up just for supporters of Donald Trump. 

And no, your 'looking for' section does not have to include a strawberry blonde toupee and poorly distributed instant tan.

The dating site is also discriminatory, in that you have to be straight to use it. 

There's no homosexual dating allowed on Trump.Dating, the only options for gender and orientation are Straight Male and Straight Female. 

As for usernames, the already taken profile names give us an inkling as to what kind of people are currently using the site. 

The usernames WhitePower, Hitler, F*ckObama, Putin, and Build The Wall are already taken.

The website promises that it's users can 'discover love, romance and friendship on  on the world's premier dating network.' 

Stop the world, we want to get off… 

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While it may only be February, we're already looking ahead to festival season. 

We we're pretty excited last week when we discovered that an over-21s festival would be launching in Ireland this year, called All Together Now. 

At the time, we had no word on the line up, but it's just in, and we have to say, she's lookin' well. 

Taking to the various stages at Curraghmore House estate are indie folk band Fleet Foxes. 

Joining them will be UK electronic set Underworld, and festival favourite Nu-electro artist Mura Masa. 

The setting for these acts could not be more picturesque, with the Curraghmore estate's 3000 acres of tiered lawns, ancient forests and elaborate water features.

Also performing over the three-day weekend are Roisin Murphy, First Aid Kit, Chaka Khan, Mogwai and Groove Armada. 

All Together Now promises to bring together the realms of  music, spoken word, comedy, theatre, debate, art and workshops in one three-day event across the August Bank Holiday, and manhy more acts are yet to be announced.

Early Bird tickets go on sale next Friday, February 23rd, for €149.50 from Ticketmaster. 

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We love how outspoken Khloe Kardashian is, and the expectant mum certainly hasn't disappointed this week.

The 33-year-old, who is due near the end of March or early April, answered fans' questions on her app for its 'Love & Lust Week' .

One of those questions was about how pregnancy has affected her libido.

"I have always heard that women are extra horny when they're pregnant, but for me it's been interesting," the reality star dished on her website, according to E! News.

 

A post shared by Khloé (@khloekardashian) on

"In the beginning, sex was the same," she shared, "As I got into my third trimester and started to get bigger it became harder to have sex and a little more uncomfortable and limiting."

Despite this, though, Khloe praised her boyfriend Tristan Thompson, who she said 'would never make me feel different in any way'.

The TV personality has struggled in the past with her body image, and she admits that pregnancy sex can make her feel 'insecure'.

 

A post shared by Khloé (@khloekardashian) on

"I'm sure it's uncomfortable for a man to have sex with a pregnant woman too. Personally, I get uncomfortable and insecure," the mum-to-be said.

She also noted that having a baby belly and trying to do the deed is a cumbersome combination.

"You can't move the same, so you kind of feel useless, LOL. But you just have to improvise and do the best you can."

We appreciate her honesty – and we're sure other expecting women were happy to find out they weren't the only ones experiencing difficulty with pregnancy sex.

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Up until now, we have all read about amazing gin festivals popping up all over the world. 

However, there never seemed to be any hitting the Emerald Isle.

We have VERY good news though, because there is a speciality gin festival coming to the fine city of Cork. 

The Spirit of The City is taking place in the Cork Cricket Club, Mardyke Walk on March 30th until April 1st, when an authentic traditional style travelling big top will play host to gin lovers alike.

classic film drinks GIF by Warner Archive

Visitors can apparently expect communal table reservations, table service and a truly mouthwatering selection of local and international craft gins such as Kinsale, Blackwater, Monkey 47 and Hendrick’s.

Has anyone tried Monkey 47? Sweet Jesus, you won't regret it! 

And as if all the glorious gin wasn't enough – there will also be plenty of prizes on offer each day with Gin gift sets and restaurant vouchers up for grabs. 

emma stone drinking GIF

Cork Cricket Club Members will be on hand in full match gear to talk you through the finer points of the game, maybe even do a demonstration.

Honestly, you can keep the cricket – we'll take the gin though. 

Also, it won't just be gin, with a selection of ciders, a selection of wines, Champagnes, gluten-free beers and minerals also in plentiful supply.

soda gin GIF

Local and national bands, street performers, fire breathers and DJs will keep the beer garden rocking while everyone kicks back and soaks up the spring sunshine – honestly, it sounds like the best weekend ever. 

Early bird tickets are on sale now, and cost LESS than a tenner. 

See you all in Cork, yeah? 

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I don't mean to alarm any of you – but scientists are claiming that the world could run out of chocolate by 2050. 

This is not a drill. 

The experts are claiming that due to widespread climate change, that cacao plant could become extinct within 32 years. 

Listen, I am fully aware that climate change is a bigger issue – however the idea of not being able to chow down on a galaxy in 30 years is UNSETTLING. 

bruce bogtrotter eating GIF

According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a temperature rise of just 2.1 degrees could bring the chocolate industry to its knees by 2050. 

Doug Hawkins from research firm Hardman Agribusiness, spoke to the MailOnline about the issue, claiming that a big problem is that cacao farming methods have not changed for hundreds of years.

"Unlike other tree crops that have benefited from the development of modern, high yielding cultivars and crop management techniques to realise their genetic potential, more than 90% of the global cocoa crop is produced by smallholders on subsistence farms with unimproved planting material," he said. 

Lads, I'm nervous. 

"All the indicators are that we could be looking at a chocolate deficit of 100,000 tonnes a year in the next few years."

Now scientists at the University of California at Berkeley have teamed up with confectionery company Mars, in an attempt to keep chocolate on the menu – not all heroes wear capes.

Using the sometimes controversial gene-editing technology known as CRISPR, they are trying to develop a version of the cacao plant capable of surviving in dryer, hotter climates.

Please god now. 

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Time and time again we read articles about how Disney sets a bad example for young girls, how the notion that we need a Prince Charming to feel happy and fulfilled is outdated and insulting.

But that isn't always so.

I grew up watching Disney princesses, and I credit them for helping shape me into the strong, confident and driven woman that I am. (honest!)

So, let's first shine a light on the Prince Charming anti-feminism theory.

There is no shame in wanting to fall in love, ladies, and that is the premise Disney classics express. The likes of Snow White and Cinderella pursued a great romance, not because they needed a man, but because they wanted to experience true love – plain and simple.

Image result for pocahontas gif

In fact, these famous princesses set an example for little girls everywhere. We all deserve to be loved, unconditionally, and true love does actually exist.

It is worth noting that Disney also tells us that it is actually okay NOT to have a man in your life if the circumstance just doesn’t feel right. Don’t believe me? Take the beautiful and independent Pocahontas.

This Native American princess falls madly in love with the dapper John Smith, who offers to take her home with him, to ‘civilisation.’

A hard pass from Pocahontas, who insists on staying in her home, with her friends and family. Right on, lady – live your truth!

In fact, Disney princesses are ALL considered to be feminists – in their own individual ways, and that’s actually why they wear a lot of blue (yes, I’m serious).

It is no coincidence that Elsa, Jasmine and Belle have all worn gorgeous blue outfits at some stage.

Image result for elsa gif

Leatrice Eiseman, of the Pantone Colour Institute, told Allure last year that the reason for all of the blue is female empowerment. "You're adding a bit of power to the character by giving her the blue. It's a very subtle way of saying, 'Yeah, but young women, young girls, can be empowered, too.'" Beauty and the Beast costume designer, Jacqueline Durran, said that the shade of blue fits Belle's role as an "active heroine."

“There is a sort of refinement and crispness to light blue, but there's also blue in work wear,” she said. “It is a practical colour and a colour that you can work in. In that sense, it is full of active strength.”

And when you think about it, it makes perfect sense: Princess Jasmine escapes the evil clutches of Jafar, Belle finds adventure in the great wide somewhere, and Cinderella defies her stepmother by attending the ball and meeting her Prince – all while wearing a gorgeous shade of blue.

Plus, it goes against gender conforming colours, establishing that the colour blue isn't just for boys after all (not that we needed reminding!) It's also the colour of the sky, reminding us of positivity and hope.

Image result for jasmine gif

Disney princesses also exude individuality and independence – and serious amounts of bravery.

The amazing Belle from Beauty and The Beast saves her father from imprisonment, by volunteering to take his place. Mulan dresses up as a male soldier and goes to war instead of her elderly father. Ana ventures into the snowy wilderness to save her sister Elsa from banishment, and helps her to control her powers, showing us that a sister’s love is like no other.

Selfless acts like these are a common sight in Disney film and culture – and that is something that should inspire all of us.

It’s not all tiaras and dresses, either. Throughout the years, Disney princesses have been driven and hungry for success, specifically Tiana, from Princess and the Frog. This heroine is almost relentless in accomplishing her goals, working from an early age to save up enough money to open a restaurant.

Her hard work pays off (another brilliant lesson, we might add) and ultimately Tiana becomes a proud business owner.  And yes, she falls in love at the same time, because women can literally do it all.

Image result for princess and the frog gif

Listen, we know that it can be fairly easy to poke holes in Disney films, but we must remember: they are a product of their time. Snow White was released in 1937 – that is EIGHTY YEARS AGO, which was less than 20 years after woman earned the right to vote in the U.S. 

So, in actual fact, you could argue that in many ways Disney princesses were ahead of their time.

Whatever message you choose to take from Disney princesses  – they have been loved by children for almost 100 years and that should count for something. 

Cinderella said it best when she said "the greatest risk any of us will take is to be seen as we are".

So I will continue to be proud of my captivation with the power of the princess.

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Students at hundreds of secondary schools across the country will no longer have to sit through religion classes if they choose not to, according to the Irish Examiner.

Education Minister Richard Bruton's directive will effectively make religion an optional subject in more than 300 multi-denominational second-level schools, including more than 80 community schools where the local education and training board are co-trustees with a religious patron, according to the report. 

“The new arrangements will ensure that children who do not want to participate in religious instruction will no longer be sitting at the back of the class or confined to the library,” Mr Bruton said of the move.

In a letter issuing to schools today, the Department of Education said the past practice of arranging religious instruction based on an assumption that majority of students are Catholic is no longer appropriate.

“In a changing context, the constitutional right not to attend religious instruction must be given effect through changed practices,” the letter said.

The key change is that those who do not want to participate in religion classes must be offered an alternative subject to study, rather than simply supervised study or other activities as is the current norm.

Parents must be made aware that such an opt-out from religious instruction is available, and the Education Minister stressed that the move wasn't about adding new subjects to the current timetable. 

“It is about ascertaining the wishes of parents and reflecting those wishes in the normal arrangements involving the timetabling of choices expressed,” said a spokesperson.

Parents will also be asked if they wish their children to attend, or take part in, religious worship or other services. Parents are to be advised about the nature, frequency, timing, and duration of the services to facilitate such decisions, according to the Irish Examiner.

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Ah, we love the smell of outrageous talent on a Monday afternoon! 

Amy O'Riordan is a 23-year-old singer from Cork, who recently posted a video of herself covering a well-known Ed Sheeran song.

It's safe to say that covering someone like Ed is tricky, with such a distinct voice, but Amy NAILED it. 

Two months ago, Amy covered the song Perfect, and it has set the Internet alight. 

With 24,000 views at this stage, it is fairly safe to say that Amy is destined for stardom – we're waiting for the album, tbh. 

And if Ed Sheeran isn't your thing, no worries, as Amy has covered such an eclectic mix of tunes. 

There's something for everyone, from The Dubliners to Kodaline – this girl has serious talent! 

Have a listen to this gorgeous lady, and let us know what you think! 

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I mean it didn't come from nowhere – dogs really are a '(wo)man's best friend.'

Listen, as an animal lover, I genuinely like all animals, but dogs take things to another level for me. 

My dog, Tipper is his name FYI, is the absolute LIGHT of my life. 

When I come home from work, it's his little face I look forward to seeing the most (sorry mum). 

And I know for a fact that I'm not alone in my feelings – but what is it about our gorgeous doggos that has us falling so in love? 

Well, allow me to lay out the facts: 

Image result for crazy dog lady gif

1. They're so frickin' CUTE. 

Can we just take a moment for how gorgeous dogs are? Seriously, my sweet pupper is 12, and everytime I look at his I swear he gets cuter. He has aged like a fine wine, as all dogs do. I'm not choosy, I love them ALL, and can hand-on-heart say that I think all dogs are cute, even the weird ones. 

dogs running GIF

2. Those sweet sweet cuddles. 

Sorry but is there anything better than flopping onto the couch after a long day of being a kween, to find your ANGEL hopping up next to you? No, there is not. There's something so comforting about having your dog nestled up beside you. 

dog puppy GIF

3. They don't talk back. 

I have gone on absolute RANTS to my dog about stuff that just happens to be bothering me (yes, kind of crazy, I know). The best bit? He doesn't talk back. I don't need to be told that I'm 'overreacting' or that I'm being a tad 'dramatic', and thankfully, dogs just sit there, starring at you as you go off on one. Ideal set up, tbh.

cute puppy GIF by Cheezburger

4. They make you happier

So, actual studies have been done in this department. Apparently, interacting with a dog lowers your stress levels, which ultimately leads to more relaxation, better moods, and less anxiety. One study even found that dogs are more effective at lowering people’s stress levels than their significant others. Amen to that! 

animal planet dog GIF by Puppy Bowl

5. They get you moving.

It can be pretty hard to get your ass off the couch sometimes, but we all know that fresh air is suuuper good for you. Thankfully, we know our doggos need walking, and we must oblige them, therefore, we get a bit of exercise too. Handy excuse not to go to the gym – 'have to walk the dog, sorry hun'. 

cute dog GIF

6. They love you unconditionally. 

There's a lot to be said for being loved unconditionally – and dogs are the perfect example of that level of love. Think about it – you can accidently step on them, or give them a little smack when the pee on your new runners (it happens), but they never cease to adore you. 

 

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So, on Friday, the gorgeous Drake released the music video for his latest single, God's Plan.

Not to be overly dramatic or anything, but I cried like a baby through the entire thing. 

I mean, I happen to be a massive Drake fan, so I may be slightly bias – but OMG, he is a dream boat. 

For the video, Drake was given a budget of just over $9 million (real casual), but instead of having an obnoxious video – he gave ALL the money away. 

Yes, really! 

The video basically follows Drake running around Miami, giving money away to people that really need it. 

He gave literal wads of cash to families who were a bit behind on bills, donated large cheques to schools, and handed out a few cars to students in need. 

The singer also took a few mega-fans on fancy shopping sprees (jealous isn't the word, but sure look!)

The best bit? All of these donations seemed to be total surprises. 

Image result for drake gif

Everyone that Drake gave money to seemed genuinely shocked by his generosity – there were tears. 

Since Friday evening, the video for God's Plan has been viewed over 17 MILLION times (I'm probably responsible for at least 3000 of these). 

It is also the number one trending video on YouTube at the moment, and for damn good reason! 

Most rappers use music videos as an excuse to get super outrageous (and that's perfectly fine), but Drake just dances around in a hoody, giving people his money. 

Take a bow, fine sir. 

 

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Last week, once again, a school in the U.S endured a mass shooting. 

17 innocent people lost their lives, at what was the 18th school shooting of 2018 (45 days in… let that sink in).

Naturally, there was an out pouring of the classic 'thought and prayers,' but for the survivors of this atrocity – enough is enough. 

In an anti-gun rally held this weekend, the brave students who survived the shooting in a Florida high school spoke out, and we heard them. 

Student organisers told US media that they were determined to make the shooting a turning point in the national gun debate – placing a lot of the blame on the political situation.

Emma Gonzalez was one of the students in the school during the shooting, who took to the podium to attack Donald Trump and other politicians for accepting donations from the NRA (National Rifle Association).

"If the president wants to come up to me and tell me to my face that it was a terrible tragedy and… how nothing is going to be done about it, I'm going to happily ask him how much money he received from the National Rifle Association," said Ms Gonzalez.

Image result for david hogg

"It doesn't matter because I already know. Thirty million dollars. To every politician who is taking donations from the NRA – shame on you!" 

David Hogg, a senior in the high school, also spoke out eloquently, urging those listening to act. 

"This is not just another mass shooting. No shooting is just another mass shooting," he said.

Image result for march for our lives

"This needs to be a turning point. This shooting was the result of a number of situations and individuals, but action can still and should still be taken to prevent something like this from happening. People in Congress, people in state legislatures, just lawmakers in general, need to stand up and not let these political divisions prevent them from saving children's lives."

These incredible young people have organised to march on Washington, in protest of America's incredibly lax gun laws. 

"On March 24, the kids and families of March For Our Lives will take to the streets of Washington, DC to demand that their lives and safety become a priority. The collective voices of the March For Our Lives movement will be heard."

We stand with these brave students.

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