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Yearly Archives: 2019

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Home Alone has got to be one of our favourite Christmas movies, so it’s safe to say we were pretty surprised to hear that Disney were planning a reboot.

The festive film is perfect so why fix what’s not broken?

We have to admit we’re on the fence about this film, but the cast announcement may have twisted our arm a little.

Disney just revealed that Rob Delaney, Ellie Kemper and rising star Archie Yates will take on the main roles in the reboot.

The new Home Alone won’t follow the original storyline.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the film will see Rob Delaney and Ellie Kemper’s characters go to war with a child (Yates) who has stolen a priceless heirloom.

Dan Mazer, director of Dirty Grandpa, will direct the new Christmas flick and SNL’s Mikey Day and Streeter Seidell have written the script.

The reimagined Home Alone certainly won’t beat the classic 1990 movie, but we’re feeling pretty intrigued about it after this casting news.

The Macaulay Culkin classic was first released in 1990 and has remained one of the most-watched Christmas movies since it’s original release. 

The movie will be available on Disney+, which will be available in the UK and Ireland in March 2020.

 

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Yon-Ka Paris Body Vanity

This gift set contains Yon-Ka Paris Huile Delicieuse 100ml – the oil softens the skin, brings it glow and nourishes deeply. Its delicate, natural and relaxing scent invites the mind to escape on a journey to well-being.   It also includes Yon-Ka Paris Gommage Aux Sucres 200ml – a 2-sugars body scrub which melts on the skin and turns into milk when mixed with water. It exfoliates and leaves a light veil of softness on the skin.  Both products are contained in a beautiful Yon-Ka Paris Vanity Bag.

RRP €74

Yon-ka Paris skincare is available from approved salons nationwide.

Image Skincare Renewing Ritual Collection

A complete day-to-night regimen with Image Skincare bestsellers for bright, luminous skin. This set features some of our most popular formulas for fast acting (and long-term) visible results. They brighten, tighten and firm the skin’s appearance.  The collection includes the Image Skincare Max Stem Cell Facial Cleanser 118ml, Ageless Total Pure Hyaluronic 6 Filler 30ml.

Vital C Hydrating Repair Crème 59ml, I Mask Firming Transformation Mask 7ml and Illuma Intense Brightening Serum 7ml.

RRP €139

Image Skincare is available from approved salons nationwide.

L’Occitane Immortelle Divine Gift Set

With a unique concentration of Immortelle essential oil, the L’Occitane luscious Divine products glide on smoothly, releasing exceptional benefits for visibly transformed skin. Bursting with vitality and newly energised, your skin will look simply radiant.  This gift set is worth €240 when products are purchased individually and contains Immortelle Divine Cream 50ml, Immortelle Divine Eyes 15ml and Immortelle Divine Extract 30ml.

RRP €189 (worth €240)

Available to purchase instore or online here

Clarins Super Restorative Daily Cream Collection

The Clarins Super Restorative Daily Cream is the must have wonder product this year.  It is an intensive replenishing day cream that meets the specific needs of skin. Enriched with exclusive organic Harungana extract, a 'healing' tree from Madagascar, it replenishes the skin at all levels and cares for dry skin on the face. 

It immediately leaves the skin brighter-looking and smooth. Day after day, face is left replenished, lifted, radiant and with glowing skin.
The Clarins Super Restorative Day Cream is included in this gift set in a 50ml size along with the Clarins Super Restorative Night Cream 15ml and Clarins Super Restorative Hand Cream 30ml – all presented in a large size 2019 holiday pouch.

RRP €91

Available in all good pharmacies and department stores nationwide and online at www.clarins.ie

My Payot Gift Set

My Payot is an energising range designed to hydrate and protect the skin. Infused with superfruits, Goji berries and Acaí, to illuminate and energise the epidermis. Goji berries increase the level of antibodies in the skin, which strengthens the immune system and makes it easier to eliminate unwanted substances. The vitamin B and carotene content in goji berries encourage the epidermis cells to multiply and become more active.

Acaí regulates water levels in the skin, encourages natural drainage of toxins and restores radiance to the skin.   This set contains My Payot Regard 15ml, My Payot Concentre Eclat 50ml, My Payot Jour 50ml and a beauty pouch.

RRP €69

Available in pharmacies nationwide.

Eminence Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream (with Bonus Peel System) Gift Set

Ultra-hydrating jojoba oil works alongside Eminence’s exclusive Peptide Illuminating Complex to soothe your skin. It’s a powerful daily moisturiser for all skin types. Reveal your radiance naturally and discover smooth, even and luminous skin.    The Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream is part 3 of a 3-step Professional system:

Step 1: Exfoliate – Arctic Berry Enzyme Exfoliant (bonus of 3 ml)

Step 2: Activate – Arctic Berry Advanced Peel Activator MA10 (bonus of 3 ml)

Step 3: Illuminate – Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream (Full size 60 ml)

RRP €99

Available from Eminence.ie or can be bought in-salon at the Wicklow Street Clinic, Dublin and selected spas and salons throughout Ireland.

Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Collection

A golden gift idea for someone with a taste for English Pear & Freesia. This beautifully boxed gift collection includes a Cologne (30ml), Body & Hand Wash (100ml) and a Body Crème (50ml).

RRP €97

Available exclusively from Brown Thomas

Nuxe Charismatique Prodigieux Le Parfum Gift Set

Charismatic box set lovers of the captivating notes of Prodigieux® le parfum will be powerless to resist the charm of this rose gold lamé box set.  It contains a 50ml bottle of Perfume, Prodigieux Scented Body Lotion 100ml and the Prodigieuse® 70g candle.

RRP €49.50

Available in pharmacies nationwide.

Clarins Double Serum Gift Set

The New Clarins Double Serum is a complete age control concentrate formulated to help work on the 5 vital functions of the skin for a more youthful and radiant complexion. N ow containing 21 active plant extracts including new star ingredient turmeric, distinguished for its exceptional anti-ageing properties.

New Double Serum acts on the appearance of major signs of skin-ageing, skin is more radiant, firmer and fine lines are smoothed. The new innovative bottle delivers a made-to-measure dosage of the serum, thanks to its rotating push button.  This gift set includes Clarins Double Serum in a 50ml size along with Beauty Flash Balm 15ml and Lip Perfector 5ml – all presented in a large size 2019 holiday pouch.

RRP €92

Available in all good pharmacies and department stores nationwide and online at www.clarins.ie

Lierac Lift Integral Box

This gift box offers exceptional value with a saving of €45 off the retail price of the full product value.  Not only is it great value for the luxury Lierac brand, but the Lift Integral range has been clinically shown to have immediate and lasting effectiveness.

As we grow older, we see structural changes taking shape to our faces. The face’s volume gradually melts and migrates, its contours sag, and the oval shape becomes blurred.  Armed with expertise, a pioneer in lifting for twenty-five years, Laboratoires Lierac have identified the source of this problem and so the Lift Integral range was born.  This set includes the Lierac Lift Integral Sculpting Cream 50ml and the Lierac Lift Integral Eye Lift Serum for Eyes and Lips 15ml.

RRP €70

Available in pharmacies nationwide.

Eminence Cleanse and Glow Gift Set

The brand has released a vegan gift set which includes two of its top-selling products. Eminence products are high-end luxury products that come with a medium price tag. This is because a tiny amount of each product is needed. So, the products last longer (up to a year in some cases) so there’s no need for constant repurchasing – it’s an effective investment brand.  

This set includes the Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser – this milky gel lightly lathers to slough off dead skin without manual exfoliation or over-stripping. The Lactic Acid Complex and mangosteen in this cleanser work together to restore a smooth, radiant complexion. 

It also includes the Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant – this powder-to-foam exfoliant employs microgreens, stone crop and rice flour with adzuki powder to infuse skin with a youthful looking glow. With its light fizzing action, this revitalising formula gently invigorates the skin and removes impurities to reveal a beautiful, brighter looking complexion. No microbeads are used in the product either.

RRP €59

Available from Eminence.ie or can be bought in-salon at the Wicklow Street Clinic, Dublin and selected spas and salons throughout Ireland.

Clarins Weekend Treats Collection

This collection includes the Clarins cult product, the Beauty Flash Balm which is the ultimate pick-me-up for tired skin. It’s a best-selling product which delivers a radiant skin booster and helps eliminate signs of fatigue in a flash.  This beauty balm instantly moisturises, brightens and tightens facial contours so tired skin looks rested and relaxed. It contains soothing bisabolol which helps restore skin’s youthful glow for radiant skin. It also prepares skin for perfect make-up application and hours of luminous wear.

Along with the Clarins Beauty Flash Balm 50ml it also includes Clarins Hand & Nail Cream 100ml, Clarins Moisture Rich Body Lotion 30ml, Clarins Hydra Essential Cream 15ml, Clarins Eye Contour Gel 3ml and Clarins Lip Perfector 5ml – all presented in a large size 2019 holiday pouch.

RRP €59

Available in all good pharmacies and department stores nationwide and online at www.clarins.ie

Yon-Ka Paris Anti-Aging Vanity

This Yon-Ka anti-aging vanity comes with the Yon-Ka Paris Advanced Optimizer Serum 30ml which is their ultimate firming product that visibly lifts the skin on the face, the Yon-Ka Paris Advanced Optimizer Crème 50mll which acts in tandem with the serum to visibly redefine face contours and the Yon-Ka Paris Advanced Optimizer Gel Lift 5ml which smooths and restores firmness to the delicate area of the neck, décolleté and bust.   All three products are contained in a beautiful Yon-Ka Paris Vanity Bag.

RRP €110

Yon-ka Paris skincare is available from approved salons nationwide.

Image Skincare Beauty Sleep Collection

This is a lovely collection from Image Skincare for anyone who has had a tough year.  The products make the most of the skin’s auto-repair mode. The nourishing routine delivers moisturising upgrades to lock in goodness at night, while a pure silk sleep mask helps to better your beauty sleep, Antioxidant’s, Vitamin and Hyaluronic acid will help you wake up to revitalised skin.

The collection includes the Image Skincare Max Stem Cell Facial Cleanser 118ml, Vital C Hydrating Overnight Mask 50ml, IMask Hydrating Hydrogel Sheet Mask x2, Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum 15ml and pretty sleep mask gift.

RRP €108.50

Image Skincare is available from approved salons nationwide.

Declaré Skin Meditation Anti-Stress Gift Set

The Declaré Switzerland’s Skin Meditation Set comes with their Skin Meditation Cream and Anti-Irritation Serum. For all-round protection against stress, tailored to the needs of today.  Comprehensive protection against inner and outer stress factors, the cream protects skin intensively and is tailored to modern stress factors and skin needs which increasingly place higher demands on immune protection.

Skin Meditation is SOS skin care – for whenever your skin loses control. Help your skin to repair its own protection system and thus appear calmer and more relaxed in the long-term. Strengthen your skin’s resilience and forearm yourself against daily stress.

RRP €80

Available in all good pharmacies nationwide.

Lierac Premium Absolute Box

Lierac Premium is a new era in anti-ageing skincare. The regeneration potential of the skin is controlled by an exceptional protein called Foxo Protein. Also known as the protein of immortality, it works deep inside the cell nucleus to control all the stem cells to boosts the regeneration of dermal and epidermal tissues.  This set includes the Lierac Premium Absolute Anti-Ageing Eye Cream 15ml and the Lierac Premium Voluptuous Absolute Cream 50ml.

RRP €129

Image Skincare is available from approved salons nationwide.

Dermalogica The Ultimate Cleanse & Glow Trio

This year’s Dermalogica collection includes four kits, priced from €16.50 to €97.50, and includes a mix of best-selling hero products and new innovations in both travel and retail sizes. Additionally, each kit features unique packaging artwork derived from street artist Kelsey Montague’s murals – inspiring buyers to make her bold, uplifting art a part of their holiday gift-giving.  Our favourite is The Ultimate Cleanse & Glow Trio which contains a trio of their top sellers in full retail sizes.  It includes the PreCleanse (150ml), Special Cleansing Gel (250ml) and Daily Microfoliant (74g).

RRP €97.50

Dermalogica x Kelsey Montague is available at Dermalogica-authorised spas, salons and skin centres and at dermalogica.ie

Dr. Hauschka Night Care Set

Night-time is when our skin has the chance to restore and revitalise itself after a busy day battling the elements. The Dr. Hauschka Night Care Set features four stunning products that result in a fresh, radiant complexion come morning. The Soothing Cleansing Milk and multi-use Facial Toner both support the skin’s natural renewal and cleansing process. The set also contains the award-winning Eye Make-Up Remover which effortlessly removes all your eye make-up while conditioning eyelashes and eyebrows. Just before bed, apply the Oil Free Night Serum which will revitalise and assist the skin in rediscovering its natural balance as you sleep.

RRP €49.95

Available from Dr. Hauschka stockists nationwide.

Green Angel Vital Moisture Giftset

This Green Angel super duo helps keep skin moisturised 24/7.  Containing seaweed daily moisture Face Cream with jasmine, neroli and vitamin E and Seaweed Night Cream with 6 essential oils, these nutrient-rich, powerful ingredients help maintain healthy youthful-looking skin.

RRP €49.95

Available in stores nationwide (find stockist here) and online here.

Eminence ‘The Beauty Experts’ Top Picks Gift Set

If you have not discovered the amazing world of Eminence Organic Skin Care, then this gift set is the perfect introduction to the Eminence range which brings visibly improved and radiant skin.  This all-in-one travel-sized set is ideal for normal to dry skin types, and each product is chosen to deliver a beauty ritual that cleanses, treats, hydrates and replenishes for exceptional results.

The Beauty Experts’ Top Picks Gift Set includes Stone Crop Gel Wash 30 ml, Bamboo Age Corrective Masque 15ml, Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer 15 ml and Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil 15 ml.

RRP €95

Available from Eminence.ie or can be bought in-salon at the Wicklow Street Clinic, Dublin and selected spas and salons throughout Ireland.

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Teen Mom star Mackenzie McKee’s mum, Angie Douthit, has died. 

The family of Angie confirmed the heartbreaking news on Instagram. Angie passed away on Monday, December 9 at 11:37pm.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Angie Douthit (@angiedouthit) on

They said that her final days were ‘spent lovingly surrounded by family and friends as they prayed, sang, and shared funny Angie stories’.

Angie was diagnosed with cancer in January 2018. She wanted to document her journey to spread awareness and hope.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Angie Douthit (@angiedouthit) on

Her family shared, ‘She wasn’t able to sleep an entire night so she would wake up around 3am to write her posts. We watched her get up everyday in the darkest hours of the night to spread the brightest light that she knew of, her Savior Jesus Christ.’

‘There were times when she wrote her posts through pain and confusion. There were times at the end when she couldn’t type and would ask her daughters to type for her but she would not give up spreading the gospel message of hope. In nearly two years, she never missed her daily post…tomorrow she will.’

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by mackenzie Mckee (@mackenziemckee) on

Her family have vowed to ‘pick up the baton and run like she did mighty warrior’. 

They encouraged Angie’s supporters to be more like her, ‘You can choose this day to be like Angie and use your social media engagements to make a difference rather than disaster, to spread love and not hate, and to always be kind.’

Our thoughts are with Angie’s family during this heartbreaking time.

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Huge congratulations are in order for Natalie Lowe who has become a mum for the first time. The former Strictly Come Dancing professional has given birth to a healthy baby boy.

The 39-year-old confirmed her wonderful news on Twitter. The dancer even revealed her baby boy’s moniker and it is a classic.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Natalie Lowe (@natalielowe_strictly_fitsteps) on

Natalie and her husband James decided to call their son Jack. The name is of English origin and means ‘God is gracious’.

She wrote, “Overjoyed to announce the arrival of Jack James Knibbs weighing in at 8lbs 8oz.” 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Natalie Lowe (@natalielowe_strictly_fitsteps) on

The new mum added, “We’re all doing amazingly well and are so grateful for this gift of life.”

Natalie went on to thank the staff at her maternity hospital, “Massive thank you to all the incredible team at St Mary’s Hospital in Manchester.”

The dancer announced her pregnancy in August.

Natalie revealed that the journey to motherhood wasn’t an easy one. 

“It’s been a rather long and difficult journey, as it is sadly for many but we are almost there and it's now really happening,” she shared.

Welcome to the world baby Jack!

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Christmas dinner is without a doubt the most important meal of the year for many families, and this year is no different. For Christmas 2019, Iceland Ireland has listened to its customers, looked at trend forecasts as well as previous Christmas ranges to make sure firm-favourites remain at the centre of the dinner table.  

They have two special offers which caught our eye.  The first is their ‘Christmas Meal Deal’ offering this year which includes a Turkey Joint, Yorkshire Pudding, Button Sprouts, Honey Roasted Parsnips, Mashed Potato and Roast Potatoes for just €15. 

The second, is Iceland’s amazing Great Turkey Give-Away which is back again this year. Customers who spend €100 or more from December 1st will receive a free 5kg turkey, while stocks last.

This year’s festive range is huge, but we’ve picked of our favourites to give you a taste of what’s on offer.  From their Party Food our must try food include:

No Duck Chinese Selection (240g)

A vegan selection of Chinese-style mixed vegetable-based savoury treats – including Sweet Plum Dumplings, Hoisin Filo Pastries and Schezuan Filo Crackers – RRP €3.50

Luxury 8 Jumbo Wild Caught Red Shrimp (352g)

Serve up Iceland Ireland’s Luxury 8 Jumbo Wild Caught Red Shrimp this Christmas. The tail of these plump red shrimps is coated in a delicious tempura batter and breadcrumbs – RRP €7.50

10 Prawn Toasts Selection (200g)

A mixture of five star shaped prawn canapés with spring onion and chilli, topped with sesame seeds, plus five tail on prawns with bamboo shoots and garlic, finished with black and white sesame seeds, both fried for extra crunch – RRP €3.50

10 Chicken Noodle Sticks (250g)

Tender chicken breast with vegetables wrapped in cooked noodles with a tamarind sauce on wooden sticks. Perfect for dipping in festive sauce – RRP €3.50

Our firm favourites from their Christmas dinner selection include:

Perfect Turkey Crown (2.2kg) – a boneless crown allows feasters to easily carve and serve, reducing waste and promising everyone gets the best bits – RRP €20.00

Easy Carve Stuffed Duck (1.5kg) – If you are looking for a meat that is a little different this year, Iceland Ireland’s Easy Carve Duck is the ideal choice. It’s boneless making the duck easy to carve and filled with an orange and herb stuffing topped with orange slices, this will go down a treat with everyone – RRP €12.50

Easy Carve Marmalade Flavour Glazed Gammon Joint (1.6kg) – Unsmoked cured pork leg joint with a marmalade flavoured glaze that adds a glistening finish. Simply roast from frozen for St. Stephen’s Day sandwiches with extra flare – RRP €12.50

The sides on offer include luxury Sprouts with Chestnuts, Bacon, & Stilton (600g) – RRP €3.00, luxury Goose Fat Potatoes (1.05kg) – RRP €2.00, Halloumi Fries (190g) – RRP €3.50 and ridiculously cute Carrot Baubles with Star Butter (400g) – RRP €2.50

But it’s their sweet treats where Iceland really comes into their own this year. We have our eye on their Luxury Five Gold Rings (657g) – a dark chocolate gold shell, filled with a Belgian dark chocolate mousse, salted caramel sauce and a dark chocolate cookie base and not forgetting the show stopping dark chocolate pouring sauce – RRP €10.00

Their Luxury Salted Caramel Christmas Tree Cheesecake or the Luxury Winter Berry Christmas Tree Cheesecake (750g) comes in at €6 and is for nothing. 

There is no way you’d buy all the ingredients and make it for that price.  It’s a baked chocolate cheesecake on a crunchy digestive base smothered with salted caramel sauce and hand-finished with cocoa powder. Alternatively, opt for a vanilla cheesecake on a crunchy digestive biscuit, lavishly topped with redcurrants, blackcurrants and raspberries.

For more on the full range, check out their Christmas brochure here.

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Beyoncé has opened up about her past miscarriage heartache in a rare interview. The Halo singer spoke about her personal struggles in an interview with Elle magazine.

The mum-of-three shared that she had suffered multiple miscarriages before welcoming her first child, Blue Ivy in 2012.

The singer told the publication, “I learned that all pain and loss is in fact a gift. Having miscarriages taught me that I had to mother myself before I could be a mother to someone else.”

She continued to share how motherhood has shaped her as a person.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce) on

“Then I had Blue, and the quest for my purpose became so much deeper. I died and was reborn in my relationship, and the quest for self became even stronger.”

“It’s difficult for me to go backwards. Being ‘No. 1’ was no longer my priority. My true win is creating art and a legacy that will live far beyond me. That’s fulfilling,” she added.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce) on

The Love On Top singer said becoming a mum and growing up helped change the way she views herself.

“Children and maturity have taught me to value myself beyond my physical appearance and really understand that I am more than enough no matter what stage I’m at in life. Giving zero f—s is the most liberating place to be.”

Beyoncé is a mum to seven-year-old Blue and two-year-old twins Rumi and Sir.

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The New Art of Reading: Audiobooks

Flashback to 50 years ago, how many people would have thought you’d be able to listen to the latest bestseller while doing chores or commuting to work?

The love of reading has brought us to this reality. A reality where there are no rules as to how a book should be read. Audiobooks are the new reading.

Audiobooks

So, what exactly is an audiobook? Unless you’ve been living under a rock, there’s a big chance you already know the answer to this question.

If we put it simply, audiobooks are ‘talking books’. A recording of a book or other works read out out loud – think of podcasts. There can be two versions of an audiobook, unabridged or abridged. The reading of the complete text is called the unabridged version and the reading of the shorter version is called the abridged.

One of the best things about audiobooks is the massive library right at your fingertips. For example, Audible (Amazon’s bestselling audiobook app with a monthly subscription) has over 120,000 titles as of 2019 – a number that’s only growing. If you want to know more, check out this in-depth Audible review.

Even though most die-hard readers might consider audiobooks as ‘cheating reading’, the sales patterns show a different tale. Audiobooks have been gaining popularity in recent years with sales showing no signs of slowing down. In contrast, the sales of physical books and e-readers have been flat for some time.

But, should there really be a competition between reading and audiobooks? Isn’t it similar to taking two different routes that lead to the same destination?

Brain Chemistry

To answer the question above, some bookworms might say no but our brain doesn’t agree. A recent study shows that reading and listening to a book might not be that different when it comes to your brain’s chemistry.

Regardless of the medium, your brain registers the meaning of words the same way, be it reading or listening. The same regions of the brain are activated and process the words in a similar way whether you’re reading or listening. Researchers created the auditory and visual input of the brain from both sets of data and found the result to be almost indistinguishable.

Comprehension

Even if our brain registers the meaning of the words similarly, the way we comprehend the information while reading and listening are different.

When we read something, we’re filling our blank minds with the symbols from the pages. The scenes, the sounds, the smells – it’s all a manifestation of what your mind relays from the plot. You can turn back the pages and read over and over again until you understand the gist and make it your own.

That’s not the case with audiobooks. You can’t turn the pages at your whim. Instead, you need to focus on what you’re hearing to get the gist the first time. This is a great practice in building up your ability to focus.

And, let’s face it, our world has become a place of constant distraction with every ping of the email and every flash of the phone screen. In the midst of all these distractions, the ability to focus is a much-needed skill.

Pronunciations

If you’re learning a second language, we cannot stress the importance of audiobooks enough. For an advanced second language speaker, audiobooks can teach the correct pronunciations more easily than a textbook can.

Or, say you have fallen in love with the main character of a book while reading. The next thing you do is comb through the internet for tidbits, take quizzes, watch videos of the author and yikes! You’ve been pronouncing the name wrong all this time.

Perhaps you’ve been talking about the character non-stop in your book club and nobody corrected you. An easy way to save yourself from awkward situations is to get yourself an audiobook with the perfect narrator.

Audiobooks are great for kids too, particularly kids with dyslexia or mental challenges. Audiobooks can build up a habit of reading and help them to learn in an entertaining way.

Emotional Response

Not many of us read books just to pass the time, we read because we love books. Books can transport our minds from the mundane and help us live a thousand lives. It’s safe to say that books can trigger a strong emotional response in us.

Audiobooks are proven to intensify these emotional responses. A social experiment has uncovered that a narrator with the perfect vocal nuances can trigger a listener’s emotional response and make them feel the sarcasm, sadness, and happiness like they’re living it. And, only a human voice can elicit a reaction that strong.

But, reading a physical book can also be a very personal experience. You see every situation and you understand every plot in your own way. Your inner voice is at the helm and gives life to the book. How amazing is that?

Audiobooks or reading books?

The answer to the question above, we would say both.

Audiobooks and physical books both have their pros and cons. They’re perfect for different situations.

 

Don’t want anyone to know what you are reading in a public place? Audiobook. Want to make new like-minded friends? Physical book. Want to read a book and also mow the lawn? Audiobook. Want to relax at home and unwind? Physical book. The list goes on and on. And the choice is yours!

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Natasha Bedingfield has asked for the public’s support as her little boy Solomon is set to undergo brain surgery.

The Unwritten singer’s child has been in hospital since the end of November.

The mum said that this has been the most harrowing time for their family, so she is urging the public to keep her son Solomon in their thoughts and prayers.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Natasha Bedingfield (@natashabedingfield) on

Solomon has an area of infection in his brain, but luckily there is a treatment for this infection and Natasha stressed that it is straightforward.

The mum was hoping to leave the hospital with her boy, but praised the doctors for spotting the infection.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Natasha Bedingfield (@natashabedingfield) on

“I wanted to post all the happy pics from this week of Solomon running down the halls of the hospital seemingly recovered – with the news that we would soon be going home but the reality is, we found out last night that he has to have a second operation tomorrow AM.

“Feeling gutted but also thank God that we live in a time of MRI where we are able to see into our own minds and for doctors who are wise enough to keep asking questions,” she wrote.

The family have been in hospital for the past three weeks. Solomon had an infection in his head when he was first admitted to the hospital, but that infection has now made its way into his brain

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Natasha Bedingfield (@natashabedingfield) on

The These Words singer wrote at the time, “The past week, life hit us hard and our sweet boy had a medical emergency- now a week later , endless Iv’s and tests the amazing doctors and nurses have discovered an area of infection in his head.”

She continued, “Never have we felt so helpless or vulnerable . He is on the road to recovery…we appreciate all the love and continued support.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Natasha Bedingfield (@natashabedingfield) on

“When your kid is unwell, the whole world stops for you .. but I know it actually carries on for everyone else so just reaching out to say please pray for us to keep feeling peace and strength beyond our understanding,” she pleaded.

We’ll be keeping little Solomon in our thoughts.

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No home is fully complete without candles, especially during Christmas. We’ve rounded up our favourites, tried and tested them and only the ones that we really love have made the cut.

Brooke & Shoals

Multi award-winning Irish brand Brooke & Shoals is synonymous with the gold standard of luxury gifting.  Based in Greystones, Co Wicklow, they tick all the boxes when it comes to luxury gifts that smell amazing, create Irish jobs and have a lower carbon footprint than many other brands in their sector.  Their range comes in candles made using only natural wax, diffusers, hand wash and hand lotion in scent favourites such as White Lily Ylang Ylang, Elderflower, Rhubarb & Rose, Sweet Pea & Tea Rose, Grapefruit & Lemongrass, Lemon Verbena & Bergamont, Saffron Patchouli & Oud, Sandalwood, Vanilla & Salted Caramel.  But it’s this year’s festive range that has captured our hearts.

The Frosted Ginger & Winter Berry candle is divine and come in ready to gift packaging to make life as easy as possible. 

The Cinnamon & Cedar candle evokes memories of Christmas with a scent so familiar that it’s like a Christmas hug in the home.

Both are available in a reed diffuser to fill your home with festive spirit.

Scented candles RRP €20 and diffusers RRP €29

Available from over 300 stockists nationwide including Meadows & Byrne, Carraig Donn, House of Fraser. Buy on-line at Brook & Shoals or pop into the shop in Greystones where they have the most divine gift-wrapping service.

Jane Darcy

Created by young Irish mum Gillian Halpin, ‘Jane Darcy’ is a range of scented candles and room diffusers available in a selection of fragrances including French Lavender & Lovage, Kaffir Lime Basil & Blood Orange, Zesty Lemongrass & Bergamot. These luxury scented candles are made from 100% natural soy wax and boasts a 10% parfum concentration which is notably higher than most luxury candles on the market.   Each candle and diffuser is packaged in a luxurious gift box and finished with a hand tied gift bag accompanied by a complimentary box of matches and a personalizable gift card, making it an ideal gift for someone special.

RRP €30 for candles

RRP €35 for diffusers

Available from Jane Darcy and in selected retailers nationwide.

L'Occitane

L'Occitane is a familiar brand for their well-known natural beauty scented hand creams and body lotions but their candles are not always top of mind.  This year, they have four candles in their gifting range – choose from:

  • Relaxing Candle – Relax with the long-lasting scent of lavender from Provence combined with sweet orange, bergamot, mandarin and geranium.
  • Harmony Candle – a candle with the scent of Provençal woods with a blend of cypress, thyme, eucalyptus, juniper and ylang-ylang essential oils, to bring a feeling of harmony.
  • Uplifting Candle – a candle with a delicious scent that leaves you smiling and feeling good inside. Made with the essential oils’ immortelle, basil, cypress, eucalyptus and litsea cubeba, they come together in a fragrance that’s deliciously aromatic.
  • Revitalising Candle – a fresh and invigorating candle blending scent of mint, pine, rosemary, sweet orange and litsea cubeba.

RRP €22

Available in-store or online at L’occitane

Aroma Works

Aroma Works source natures finest soy wax to make their candles, while the aroma delivered by our 100% pure essential oils envelops in the scents of purity. There are four fragrances in the Aroma Works range:

  • Nurture Candle is a rich and fruity, luxurious blend of 5 essential oils.  It has a fresh top note of may chang with the sweet, fresh scent of roman chamomile and the soothing aromatic base of Sandalwood.
  • Serenity Candle has a citrus, yet warm fragrance of lemongrass that will energise your mind and body whilst at the heart of this blend, the exotic floral beauty that is neroli, will serve to restore your emotions and soothe away stress.
  • Soulful Candle is complex and exotic.  It is a soulful blend that brings together 7 essential oils. Top notes of spicy frankincense and fruity juniper berry provide a deeply calming sensation to soothe jangled nerves, whilst the fragrant base notes of patchouli help to ease away fatigue, providing a truly warming and relaxing experience.
  • Inspire Candle has a warming fragrance which combines top notes of spicy black pepper and fruity, sweet juniper berry with the freshness of uplifting lime. At the heart of this delicious blend, geranium adds a soft calming element.

RRP €38

Available in good pharmacies or online at Cosmetics Online

Jo Browne

Jo Browne is a qualified reflexologist and holistic therapist with a passion for essential oils and their natural healing and revitalising benefits. Founded in 2016, the brand’s original foray into natural beauty products saw the launch of Jo Browne natural solid perfumes for men and women.

The brand has added a new Bamboo Aroma Diffuser to its range of all-natural skincare and perfumes, handmade in Ireland. With light therapy that can be fixed to one colour or turned off, Jo Browne Aroma diffuser uses cool mist so never gets hot and is so easy to use, simply plug it in, lift up the cap, add water to the max line and 3 drops of your favourite Jo Browne Blends of which there are 6 available: Fresh Blend; Calm Blend, Breathe, Sleep, Signature and Christmas.

RRP €75.00 for the diffuser and €20 for each of six blends

Available from Meadows and Byrne, Kilkenny Shop, McElhinney’s, House of Ireland and independent gift shops and online at https://jobrowne.com

The Conscious Store – Irish Forest Candle

The Conscious Stores candles are hand-poured in small batches and made with love in Tipperary.  The range includes Lavender Field, Plum & Rhubarb, Fig & Cassis, Rose Garden and Bluebell Woods.  But it’s the Irish Forest that we fell in love with – it’s a deep fresh scent of fresh fir needles, cedar and musk and a hint of wildflowers.   These beautiful candles are made with natural, renewable soy wax, a touch of coconut oil, cotton wicks and a mix of high-quality fragrance and essential oils. The packaging and labels are made from recycled paper and the glass jars are recyclable.

RRP €25

Available in The Conscious Christmas Store on 13 Fade St, Dublin 2 or online from TheKind.co

Green Angel Pure & Organic

Green Angel have taken their many years’ experience of candle making blending premium oils and fragrances to create a distinctive, luxurious and relaxing range of reed diffusers to fragrance your home in a safe and natural way.   Their candles are as natural and organic as possible with no harsh chemicals, no artificial colours, no paraffin, no mineral wax and are ethically sourced too.  

Both of Green Angel’s candles & diffusers are available in two different scents. The White Linen fragrance has a fresh, powdery linen top notes, floral heart of rose and muguet accords over a woody, musky base. The Lime & Lemongrass fragrance has a fresh vibrant juicy fragrance with cool West Indian lime heated by hints of Jamaican ginger and aromatic lemongrass.

RRP Candle €19.95 and Diffuser €29.95

Available from the Kilkenny Shop, Avoca, Shaws, Meadows & Byrne and leading pharmacies and lifestyle shops nationwide. Alternatively buy online at www.greenangel.com

Emma’s So Naturals

For winter wellness, Emma’s candle range wraps you in an invisible blanket of sensory spiced comfort.  Working from the countryside in Louth, it’s possible with handmade candles to put a lot of love into the process. Not only this, Emma Fallon infuses each candle with an original blend of pure essential oils in a base of soya wax (palm-oil free). Her creations are clean burning for hours on end creating a beautiful atmosphere in your home.  

Her core range includes fragranced candles including scents such Basil, Lime & Mandarin, Lemongrass, Lavender, Harmony, Masala Chai and Pacific Ylang-Ylang but none are so strong that they will overpower the room. However, it’s her Spiced Orange Candle that we fell in love with.  It evokes the warmth of the Irish home in winter with its uplifting blend of orange, warming benzoin, spicy ginger and festive frankincense.

RRP The Emma’s So Naturals’ Glass Tumbler Candle comes in an Irish designed uniquely floral box, priced at €19.50, Travel Candle Tins retail at €10.50, Wax Tart Melts at €4.95

Full list of stockists or available from www.emmas.ie

Voya

The Voya Ginger Chai & Mandarin natural scented candle releases the evocative warmth and awakening of spring. Containing top notes of ginger chai and spicy cinnamon that disperse from its fresh Brazilian mandarin heart and smoothed over with buttery Madagascar clove oil, the warm rich under tones of spice soften an abundance of fresh citrus scents to ensure you enjoy a positive pick me up and a real sense of emotional wellbeing.

RRP €27

Available in Kilkenny Stores or online at Kilkenny Shop

Jo Malone

If budget isn’t an option, then Jo Malone has a new fragrance for Christmas 2019.  It’s the Orange Bitters candle.  Take a dash of sweet orange and a burst of ripe mandarin. Finish with a splash of bitter orange to reveal rich prune and a base of sensual sandalwood and amber.

RRP Deluxe Candle €150 or Home Candle €52

Available from Brown Thomas

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Cassie is officially a mum.

The singer gave birth to a baby girl on Friday, December 6.

This is Cassie and Alex Fine’s first child.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Casandra (@cassie) on

The 33-year-old gave birth to a healthy baby girl who weighed 8lbs 4oz, according to TMZ.

Cassie and Alex, who is a Riverdale personal trainer, picked the cutest name for their darling girl.

The parents reportedly called her Franklin, which means ‘free landowner’.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Casandra (@cassie) on

Alex and Cassie revealed they were expecting their first baby in the summer. The new parents confirmed the news on Instagram.

Cassie wrote, “Can’t wait to meet our baby girl. Love You Always & Forever.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Alex Fine (@alexfine44) on

Alex penned a heartfelt note about becoming a dad on his account.

“I will be the first man in your life and will show you the greatest love and affection now and forever,” he shared.

“I never thought my heart could grow bigger after meeting your mother … then I found out we were having you and I instantly felt a love that is so indescribable,” the new dad gushed.

We can’t wait to see the first photo of baby Franklin. We’re sure she’s as cute as can be.

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Ashley Banjo and his wife Francesca are expecting their second child, ten months after welcoming their daughter Rose.

The dad took to Instagram to share their major news.

He posted a photo of himself, Francesca and their baby girl Rose who was holding an ultrasound photo in her hand.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ashley Banjo (@ashleybanjogram) on

The dancer admitted that the news was quite a shock for them.

He wrote, “It's a good job we like surprises! Baby number 2 is officially in the mum oven ladies and gents.”

The Dancing On Ice judge added, “I feel so blessed and excited. Our little family is growing.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ashley Banjo (@ashleybanjogram) on

Ashley’s friends and family were quick to comment on their baby news.

Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse wrote, “Congratulations,  you banjo brothers aren’t playing games @jordbanjo”

Jordan Banjo added, “If it’s in the oven be careful Rosie doesn’t eat it.  Na but real talk man so proud of you guys, Banjo expansion.”

“Fantastic, congratulations to you both!!! Xx” Coleen Nolan added.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Ashley Banjo (@ashleybanjogram) on

“Congratulations @ashleybanjogram & @francescabanjo,” Alesha Dixon said.

Ashley and Rose welcomed their first child, a daughter named Rose, in February. She was born on February 21 and weighed a healthy 8lbs 13oz.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Francesca Banjo (@francescabanjo) on

Speaking about becoming a dad for the first time, Ashley said: “I am in the deepest love ever with my little family @francescabanjo I love you and am so proud #nextchapter.”

Huge congratulations to Ashley and Francesca on their pregnancy. 2020 is going to be an exciting year for the parents.

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Clarins Beautiful Lip Collection

Lip Perfector 5ml, Joli Rouge Velvet 1.5g, #1 Lip Oil 2.8ml and #3 Water Lips 2.8ml

RRP €26

Available in all good pharmacies and department stores nationwide and online at www.clarins.ie

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Minis Gift Set

The Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Minis Gift Set is the most adorable stocking stuffer, combining deluxe travel sizes of 2 iconic NUXE oils. These multi-taskers make the perfect little luxury for skin, body and hair!

RRP €9

Available in all good pharmacies nationwide.

Novexpert Lip’Up – Lip Volumising Care

Novexpert Lip’Up lip balm contains hyaluronic acid, shea butter and menthol and provides a 3D volume effect of the lips. The repulp effect has been proven in clinical trials and the formula is guaranteed 100% natural.  Lip'Up gives a natural pink shine to the lips and provides and hydrates them like a balm. The added Vitamin E helps fight free radicals, so that lips maintain their youthfulness. Green algae extract helps stimulate the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid. Lip'Up is the ultimate beauty product with a skincare function.

RRP €20

Available in pharmacies nationwide and online here

Green Angel Precious Hands Gift Set

Essential for the cold winter months, this pretty Green Angel Precious Hands Christmas set contains three luxurious hand creams, enriched with organic essential oils that not only smell divine, but also help provide intensive skincare. Neroli helps repair skin, condition cuticles and strengthen nails, while jasmine hydrates intensively, and ylang ylang is quickly absorbed for a long-lasting delicate fragrance.

Each luxury cream gives the gift of silky smooth, soft moisturised hands, and this handy gift set allows the wearer to ring the changes with a favourite fragrance every day!

RRP €29.95

Available in stores nationwide (find stockist here) and online here.

Note Cosmetics Smokey Eye Make Up Gift Set

The Note Smokey Eye Make Up set is the perfect gift for someone who is eye makeup obsessed. With a mascara, eye pencil and eyeshadow pallet this set is everything you’d need to create that sexy smokey night out eye look.  It includes their Deep Black Mascara, Smokey Eye Pencil 01 and Professional Eyeshadow 105 – their monochrome palette which creates a dark smokey look with its 5 different colour options

RRP €20.95

Available in all good pharmacies nationwide.

Dr. Hauschka Nurturing Hand Care Set

Our hands go through so much and are often what shows up the first signs of aging, so it is vitally important that we take extra care of them, especially during the winter months. The Dr. Hauschka Nurturing Hand Care Set is a luxurious set that contains the Hydrating Hand Cream with nourishing plant oils that pamper and care for your hands, the Neem Nail & Cuticle Oil, which will strengthen and fortify and the exclusive Nail Buffer which will give nails a shiny, healthy finish – perfect for the Christmas party season.

RRP €22.95

Available from Dr. Hauschka stockists nationwide.

wet n wild® Liquid Catsuit Lip Colour Collection

This 4 Piece Mini Catsuit Lip Set is perfect for the lip lover in your life, including 2 mini MegaLast® Metallic Catsuit Liquid Lipsticks in shades Life’s No Pink-nic and Acai So Serious AND 2 mini MegaLast® Catsuit Matte Lipstick in shades Rebel Rose and Berry Recognize.

RRP €12.95

Available in all good pharmacies nationwide.

Art Deco Boost Your Lips Gift Set

This set contains 3 Hydra Lip Boosters.  These lip glosses provide full, sensual lips with a hint of colour and wonderful shine. Marine Fillings Spheres® evens out wrinkles and lines while Blue Seakale and Collageneer® support the regeneration and improve the skins elasticity. The Hydra Lip Booster has an excellent wearing comfort and visible care for the lips.

RRP €27.05

Available in all good pharmacies nationwide.

Note Cosmetics No Make Up Make Up Gift Set

This set is ideal for the person in your life who likes that fresh no makeup make up look. This set has everything you’d need to look fresh faced and ready to take on the world.  It includes the Note Skin Perfecting Primer (suitable for both oily and combination skin, it gives a great base for a long lasting makeup look), Note BB Concealer (their gorgeous, silky smooth concealer that glides on effortlessly to conceal dark circles), Note Luminous Silk Compact Blusher to give a warm, natural looking powder blush, and the Note Ultra Rich Colour Lipstick – (Shade Candy Nude).

RRP €19.95

Available in all good pharmacies nationwide.

Ella & Jo 3 in 1 Hyaluronic Skin Mist

A facial skin mist with the key hero ingredient hyaluronic acid, designed to add hydration to the skin and to be used pre and post make up and throughout the day. This is a product designed specifically for Irish skin types. Created and made in Ireland, the mist plumps, hydrates and sets and is a one of a kind skin solution. The Ella & Jo – 3 in 1 Hyaluronic Skin Mist is infused with extracts of chamomile, cucumber, witch hazel, aloe vera and green tea. It is specially formulated with mild ingredients to help hydrate, condition & protect the skin.

RRP €25

Available in all good pharmacies nationwide.

Art Deco Perfect Curling Gift Set

This gift set contains Curling Mascara which has a curved voluminous curling brush, you can easily reach the shortest of lashes and the Art Deco Eye Makeup Remover (50ml)

 

RRP €20.50

Available in all good pharmacies nationwide.

wet n wild® Midnight Goddess Collection          

Midnight Goddess Collection will bring you from desk to dancefloor with just three products. This set is also the ideal gift set for any makeup fanatics on your shopping list. It contains Colour Icon™ 10-Pan Eyeshadow Palette Rosé in the Air, MegaGlo™ Highlighting Powder Precious Petals and MegaLast Lip Colour in shade Sandstorm.

RRP €14.95

Available in all good pharmacies nationwide.

Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Pillow Plump XXL Lip Plumping Gloss

Plump up the volume with this triple-action, extreme volume, super hydrating moisture 10ml gloss.  Formulated with a 3XL Peptide Plump Complex and bursting with Lipswell™ natural plant oil that stimulates circulation to make lips appear fuller, more defined and perfectly plumped.

RRP €13.50

Available in Boots nationwide.

 

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