HomeArchives2019

Yearly Archives: 2019

Books can change your life for the better. There are so many tales that have shaped me into the 25-year-old woman I am today. Books have educated me, inspired me and encouraged me. They’ve been a form of escapism during dark times and a source of inspiration throughout my entire life.

Brooklyn, The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Wuthering Heights are up their with my all time favourites, but it is one of my most recent reads that completely changed the way I think about my life.

That book is How To Fail by journalist Elizabeth Day.

How To Fail is the most eye-opening and reassuring read. It has altered the way I view my past ‘failures’ in life and has helped me embrace the lessons we learn from our failures.

The non-fiction book is inspired by her hugely popular podcast of the same name. The book focuses on the writer's 'failures' and what she has learned from them. Those failures include everything from Elizabeth’s early days as a journalist to her IVF struggles and the breakdown of her marriage.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Kat (@katoconnorr) on

It is raw and honest and unbelievably beautiful. Everyone will relate to this book in one way or another, because we have all ‘failed’ at one point in our lives.

Failure shapes us and teaches us vital lessons that improve our lives, even if the failures make us feel like the weight of the world is on our shoulders. 

This book is full of wisdom and reassurance. It taught me so much about being a writer, being a woman, the desire to be a mum and the importance of being a friend.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Kat (@katoconnorr) on

How To Fail reassured me about lost friendships, changed the way I look at my career and taught me so much about fertility and the harrowing experiences women have to go through. This book has been a source of joy, guidance and comfort.

It has educated me in ways I never expected. 

It is undoubtedly one of the best books I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Do yourself a favour and pick up a copy of How To Fail by Elizabeth Day.

How To Fail by Elizabeth Day is published by Harper Collins.

You can buy a copy here.

Trending

Irish Instagram sensation Maggie Molloy of @cheapirishhouses is taking her property-hunting skills to the next level in an exciting new television series for RTÉ.

Maggie bought her own house, which has nine outbuildings and an acre of land, for an incredible €80,000. Her mortgage is less than €300 a month. That's just €10 a day! 

People just couldn't believe her story so Maggie started her Instagram account @cheapirishhouses less than a year ago to help others to find similar property bargains. Today she has over 30,000 followers and counting…

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Cheap Irish Houses (@cheapirishhouses) on

In this new series Maggie will use her house-hunting skills to help buyers own their very own piece of the Irish countryside. 

Maggie is looking for buyers with an open mind who are not afraid of a bit of work. In return she will reveal the kind of properties people would never have thought were within their reach. Properties oozing with charm, in picturesque locations, with plenty of outdoor space. All at jaw dropping prices.  

To apply to take part in the show click here: https://submit.link/MFV9t

Trending

Dozens of celebrities have supported Taylor Swift after she revealed that Scooter Braun and Scott Borchetta have banned her from performing her own music at the upcoming American Music Awards. The pair have also refused to let the Lover singer use her music in a Netflix documentary about her life.

Gigi Hadid, Halsey, Lily Allen and Hilary Duff have all voiced their support, as well as Taylor’s best friend, Selena Gomez.

The Lose You To Love Me singer penned an emotional open letter to Braun and Borchetta, begging them to have a change of heart.

She wrote, “My heart is so heavy right now. It makes me sick and extremely angry (I don’t mind if there may be retaliation) this is my opinion. It’s greed, manipulation and power. There is no heart or thought of anyone else’s. No respect for the words my friend has written since she was a 14 year old in her bedroom. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Selena Gomez (@selenatorsng) on

“You’ve robbed and crushed one of our best songwriters of our time and opportunity to celebrate all of her music with fans and the world.”

Selena opened up about the strong friendship she has with the Grammy award winner.

“She is the most dedicated, fearless, feisty, strongest woman I’ve ever known. People can say bitch but what I’m saying to you is that’s called a woman with true identity and strength who takes no shit. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Selena Gomez Fan  (@selenaisthatbitch_) on

“I listened to Fearless before it came out and I just remember us jumping on a bed and she was just sparkling- so proud of her diary being read by the whole world.”

Selena reflected on the days before Taylor released her album Fearless: “Nervous of people not liking it but that became one of the biggest records- an album that saved so many young women who felt alone. Have a broken heart. Who were healing. Those who felt invisible. Gave a voice to those who didn’t know that they had one all along. Believing in dreams again.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) on

“I continued to see how she has constantly challenged herself to create a beautiful life that belong to just her. So I can tell you first hand the MOST important thing to Taylor is her family, love, her fans and her music,” she shared.

The Wolves singer urged Braun and Borchetta to change their minds, “I really hope there is a change of heart over this unfortunate situation. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) on

“Seeing my best friend (or any of my friends) be constantly pulled down is the worst feeling. Taylor fights. She will never stop fighting. People grow from choices. Some will stay exactly the same. I just want a change of heart. I love you,” Selena concluded.

Trending

by

An Post has today launched its Click&Post online sending & online returns service. The new digital service is a quick and easy way to buy postage online, whether posting a single parcel, sending lots of packages, or returning unwanted purchases.

Click and Post allows customers to print off a label at home or download it directly to their phone for printing at the post office, then simply drop off their item at any post office or parcel locker.

The launch of Click & Post also marks a parcel price reduction for sending to the UK and Ireland, with prices reduced as much as 30 percent to the UK when sending larger items, making it easier and cost effective to Send Love this Christmas and all year round.

Click & Post eliminates the stress of posting small and large packages all over the world with its fool proof step by step guide to help users calculate their postage costs. The handy weight guide will help users match everyday household items with weight bands.

  • Two litres of milk is the guide for a 2kg package
  • If you’re finding it hard to gauge 150g, look no further than your smartphone
  • A can of soda weighs 390g which is the same as a man’s woollen scarf or a shirt
  • A bottle of wine weighs 1.25kg (remember that liquids do not make the cut for international postage!) this is about the same as a large hardback book
  • A small jar of jam weighs 340g and is about the same as a pair of ladies slippers.

 As well as the weight guide, An Post also has some top tips for packing and preparing parcels to ensure that your package gets to its destination safely and without delay. A  return address in the top left hand corner is essential on every parcel and is even more important at Christmas time, so that if for some reason your parcel can’t be delivered, An Post can get it back to you safely.  

Some other tips, which may seem obvious but are often forgotten including:

  • Remember to use proper packing tape – and watch those sharp edges, best wrap any pointy items in a layer tissue paper and use extra tape on the corners.
  • Always use block capitals when handwriting addresses this festive season

An Post Click & Post also makes returning online shopping even faster and easier. With the new service, users can book a return and choose to have their item collected or drop it off at their local post office or parcel locker, all through the online portal.

Speaking about the An Post Click & Post service, Garrett Bridgeman, Managing Director, An Post Mails and Parcels said, “An Post’s Click & Post is a new online service, designed to meet the needs of customers’ daily lives. It is is an incredibly user-friendly service that makes posting and returning packages even easier for our customers. We know that this new online option will relieve a little bit of stress for our personal and small business customers, giving them some valuable time back, especially in the busy weeks ahead.”

Find out more about Posting for Your World with An Post Click & Post by visiting www.anpost.com/post-parcels/click-and-post

Trending

The weekend is almost here and we’re very excited to have a couple of days away from the office. With Christmas just around the corner, we’re trying to limit our spending which means another quiet weekend for us.

Luckily, one of our all time favourite rom-coms is on TV tonight.

It’s Hugh Grant’s best movie (aside from Paddington 2) and we’re awfully excited to watch it for the twentieth time. 

Notting Hill is on Virgin Media 1 at 9pm so get your popcorn ready.

The 90s rom-com is our go-to movie when we’re feeling a little low. It’s set in beautiful London, stars the iconic Julia Roberts and has one of the best soundtracks.

The love story between the awkward bookshop owner, William Thacker and glamorous film star, Anna Scott is one of the best on-screen romances.

The late Emma Chambers also stars as the goofy sister of William. Hugh Bonneville, Tim McInnerny and Sally Phillips also star.

There are so many iconic scenes in this movie, but nothing tops the moment when William is forced to interview Anna during a press junket for her latest movies. 

via GIPHY

The scene is charming and awkward and it never fails to make us laugh when William says he works for Horse and Hound magazine.

This Richard Curtis classic is bound to warm your heart on this dreary November night.

Notting Hill is on Virgin 1 at 9pm.

Trending

by

As October comes to an end, we are starting to feel a little bit more excited about, dare we say it, Christmas.

The holidays will be here in no time so we’re trying to organise as many festive outings as possible this winter.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Wonderlights (@wonderlightsire) on

We are planning festive movie nights, trips to the Christmas markets, ice skating, carolling and of course, a visit to the stunning Wonderlights in Palmerstown House Estate, Kildare.

Wonderlights is the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit. Head along with your besties or bring your family or even change things up for date night and get ready to explore the stunning grounds of Palmerstown House Estate.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Wonderlights (@wonderlightsire) on

The first of its kind in Ireland, this multi-sensory outdoor trial will brighten up any autumnal evening.

Experience sprawling woodland creatures, Irish folklore heroes, a state of the art water feature and captivating light displays as you venture by wonderlight through the grounds at Palmerstown House Estate, Johnstown, Co. Kildare.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Wonderlights (@wonderlightsire) on

There’s even a funfair and plenty of food to tuck into after your stroll around Wonderlights. It is the dream way to spend time with your nearest and dearest.

Tickets for the enchanting night walk are on sale now. Wonderlights opens to the public on October 25 and runs until November 10.

Trending

by

Prince Andrew will open up about the Jeffrey Epstein scandal in an exclusive interview with the BBC. 

He will speak to BBC Newsnight’s Emily Maitlis in a “no holds barred interview” which will air on Saturday night.

The interview will be broadcast at 9pm on BBC Two.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Mark Harrison Photography (@mark_harrison_photography) on

Prince Andrew’s relationship with Epstein resurfaced after the 66-year-old was accused of child sex traggicking offences in America earlier this year.

Numerous women involved in the Epstein scandal also accused Prince Andrew of sexual impropriety.

Virginia Roberts claims Epstein flew her to the United Kingdom to have sex with the prince. She was only 17 at the time.

She stated that she was coerced into having sex with Prince Andrew on three occassions.

Buckingham Palace has strongly denied all accusations. "Any suggestion of impropriety with underage minors is categorically untrue."

The palace added: "It is emphatically denied that the Duke of York had any form of sexual contact with Virginia Roberts. Any claim to the contrary is false and without foundation.”

Andrew also declined the allegations,  “At no stage during the limited time I spent with him did I see, witness or suspect any behaviour of the sort that subsequently led to his arrest and conviction."

Prince Andrew & the Epstein Scandal' airs on BBC 2 at 9pm on Saturday.

Trending

InStyler has just launched their new Cerasilk WAND and it's our favourite Instyler product yet. We are fast approaching the Christmas party season which means endless requirements to look a million dollars, but without the million dollar budget.  This year, you can embrace voluminous curls and bombshell bouncy waves with the new InStyler Cerasilk WAND without breaking your blow dry budget! 

The 1” Cerasilk WAND delivers an expert level look in seconds. Designed using the same unique technology as the sell-out Cerasik Styling Iron, the WAND features a woven ceramic texture that creates micro subsurface recesses that generate hot pockets of air with intense, radiant, heat thus eliminating direct contact between your hair and the wand. This unique technology acts as a built-in heat protector to defend against damage with every twist of hair.

Also unique to the Cerasilk WAND is the innovative cool touch grip tip, featuring silicone bristles that gently grasp the hair to allow you hands-free wrapping and the ability to secure the hair to ensure the perfect style. This patented, clip-free design also prevents breakage and creases in the hair.

InStyler have been perfecting everyday styles in a snap with their sell-out hair styling range including the HERO product…the InStyler MAX rotating barrell that allows for flawless locks in minutes. Now with the introduction of the Cerasilk WAND any style you desire is at your fingertips.

It's available with four different heat settings and an 8” professional swivel cord which makes the InStyler Cerasilk WAND the ideal tool for all hair lengths and types.  

Consider your styling tools an investment – they’re frequently used, sometimes rigorously, and play a major role in both the look and the health of your hair.

Get your hands on this latest hair must-have and go straight into the festive season in style – the RRP is €89.99 it is available now from www.InStyler.ie.

Trending

 

Home Alone in Concert is coming to Ireland for the very first time, with dates at The Royal Theatre, Castlebar on November 30, The Convention Centre, Dublin on December 1 and The INEC, Killarney on December 2. A true holiday favourite, this beloved comedy classic features renowned composer John Williams' charming and delightful score performed live to picture by The Orchestra of Ireland.

Tickets priced from €28 (additional charges may apply) are on sale now via Ticketmaster.

Home Alone in Concert is set to be the must-see Christmas event for 2019, with over 100 performers on stage as it is shown on the big screen accompanied by full live orchestra and choir. Having previously packed out the esteemed Royal Albert Hall in London, tickets are selling fast so don’t delay.

Speaking of Home Alone in Concert Composer John Williams said: “Ever since Home Alone appeared, it has held a unique place in the affections of a very broad public. Director Chris Columbus brought a uniquely fresh and innocent approach to this delightful story, and the film has deservedly become a perennial at Holiday time.

“I took great pleasure in composing the score for the film, and I am especially delighted that the magnificent Orchestra of Ireland has agreed to perform the music in this very special live presentation of the movie," he shared.

“I know I speak for everyone connected with the making of the film in saying that we are greatly honoured by this event… and I hope that the audience will experience the renewal of joy that the film brings with it, each and every year.”

Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an eight-year-old boy who's accidentally left behind when his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and who must defend his home against two bungling thieves. Hilarious and heart-warming, Home Alone is holiday fun for the entire family and comes to Ireland for the first time this Christmas.

Tickets for Home Alone in Concert Live at The Royal Theatre, Castlebar on November 30, The Convention Centre, Dublin on December 1 and The INEC, Killarney on December 2 are priced at €59.50 (additional charges may apply) are on sale via Ticketmaster

Trending

Orlando Bloom has opened up about having children with his wife-to-be Katy Perry.

The actor and popstar got engaged on Valentine’s Day this year and rumour has it, they’ll be tying the knot in December.

The Pirates of the Caribbean star said he is hoping to have more children in the future. Orlando is already a dad to eight-year-old Flynn, whom he shares with ex-wife Miranda Kerr.

He told Man About Town, “I really want to enjoy family and friends, my beautiful son, and have more kids."

He stressed that he realises that starting a family with someone is the most serious step.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by KATY PERRY (@katyperry) on

“I want to make sure when I embark on that, it’s with my heart full and very clear about the reality of what that means, as opposed to some romantic idea of what it means to be in a relationship,” he stressed.

He explained that his previous marriage has taught him a lot about love and relationships.

“I think when you’re younger, we’ve all been sold this Hollywood idea of love and relationships, marriage and kids, and actually, what it really takes is communication and compromise, so life looks like somebody who’s willing to communicate and find joy in the simple and small moments,” the Carnival Row star added.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Orlando Bloom (@orlandobloom) on

Orlando and Katy will reportedly marry in an intimate ceremony next month. “They are using a planner to finalise all the wedding details. Katy seems in charge, but Orlando is involved with the planning, too. They don’t seem stressed about it though. It will be a fun celebration with family and friends,” an insider told People magazine.

Trending

Winter isn’t the same without Christmas FM so it is safe to say we cannot wait for it to return to the airwaves later this month.

The festive radio station is set to return very soon. They confirmed that they will be back on air on November 28.

Tune in to sing along to some of your favourite Christmas classics and hear a host of familiar radio voices, who will be volunteering their time to bring you round-the-clock Christmas tunes and sharing special Christmas memories and festive updates. The station will be broadcasting live on the radio and online at www.christmasfm.com.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Christmas FM (@christmasfm) on

Christmas FM will be celebrating its 12th year on air this year and, since it began broadcasting, has raised almost €2 million for a range of charities. The stations charity partner for 2019 is Barretstown and Christmas FM wants to "press play" on over 850 days of life changing programmes at Barretstown, rebuilding the lives of seriously ill children.

The costs of running the festive station are covered by various sponsors, ensuring that all on-air fundraising and donations will go directly to Barretstown.

This year, Christmas FM is generously supported by the premier FM sponsors Cadbury, Coca Cola and An Post. The radio station will be broadcasting from the Ballsbridge Hotel, Dublin who have kindly given the studio space for free.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Christmas FM (@christmasfm) on

The main radio frequencies for Christmas FM are Dublin City and County 105.2FM, Cork 106.7FM, Galway 87.7FM, Kildare 88.1FM, Sligo 95FM, Kilkenny 104.3, Letterkenny 105.7, Limerick 105.5FM, Midlands North 101.6FM, North East 99.4FM, South East 103.8FM, Tralee / Killarney 105FM, Wicklow North 99.5FM, Wicklow South 106.6FM, and Ennis/Clare 105.2FM.

Trending

by

Managing student life

There’s a lot going on for students, especially at the beginning. You’re contending with a brand new life, new location, new friends – it’s exhausting. To ensure you’re staying on top of your new student life, you need to check a few basics.

Sleep

Are you getting enough sleep? On average you need to be getting eight hours per night. A well rested mind works better, so if you’re burning the candle at both ends, you need to take stock, and build up some more resting time.

Diet

A poor diet can have a negative effect on performance in general – a car doesn’t run without fuel, the same is true for your body. Your daily diet should consist of a balance of fresh fruit and vegetables, carbs and and protein – if you’re not getting a little bit of all of these, you will not function at an optimum level. Try to eat small portions regularly to ensure you don’t get to a point where you are starving and reaching for unhealthy options.

Stress

Student life can be stressful, in fact, life can be stressful no matter what age you are. It’s important to figure out a way to manage your stress. For some people it’s exercise, for others meditation works well. Whatever way you choose to do it, stress relief is an important part of your life.

Exercise

Keeping fit is part of staying healthy, and will also help you manage your life in general – when you feel healthy, you can live a healthier way.  There are lost of reasonably priced gyms that offer short term contracts, or no contracts at all, colleges normally have discounted gym  membership rates, or you can choose something totally free of charge like walking  – a brisk walk daily can burn 100s of calories and will keep your mind and body in a great space. Early morning walks set you up well for the day ahead, but if you’re not a morning person, evening walks will ensure you have a restful sleep.

Projects

One of the biggest burden for students to manage can be essay writing, especially if it wasn’t your strong point in school. But you can train yourself to get better, and there is help out there too. The key to achieving success in these matters is practice. If you don’t know where to start, you can get great examples from credible essay writing services, where you can source a paper to learn from. These pieces will show you how a great essay is put together, and as such will guide you along with way. As well as getting great essay examples to learn from, you can also get assistance editing academic papers.

Trending