6 unrealistic things Sex and the City taught us about love

Relationships

Feb 2, 2015

It’s true that Sex and the City taught us a lot about life and love.

However, not all of it was beneficial. Sure, we didn’t need sex ed growing up because it taught us all we need to know, but we have been left with some seriously unrealistic expectations when it comes to the love game…

Here are just a few of the unrealistic things Sex and the City has taught us to expect in love:

If you blatantly cheat, your love will still be there waiting for you
And years later, you’ll STILL break up with him…damn it Samantha

The biggest douche in your love life will turn out to be the love of your life
We bloody well hope not

AND he’ll follow you to Paris to proclaim his love
Ahahaha, is that a joke? He still asks for petrol money

Getting dumped is definitely a good enough excuse to get yourself arrested
We know it was a Post-It but it’s not going to work, Carrie

You will meet ‘The One who got away’ years later and realise the douche really is the one for you
Nope…

If it's true love, he will build you the wardrobe of your dreams
Just be lucky he turns up to the wedding, ya?

Men will just arrive outside your door in limos waiting to take you anywhere you like
Still waiting. They're probably stuck in traffic.

5 health apps that can make your life a little easier

Jan 27, 2015

by Amber Saunders

Our busy lifestyles often mean that we are constantly on the go and rarely taking time to consider ourselves anymore. To ensure you can stay on top of life while enjoying it to the full, there are many apps that can help.

From mood trackers and sleep aids to meditation and exercise, many of us will find at least one of these apps helpful in our life.

Headspace
Meditation has been proven time and time again to be beneficial to our health. By taking ten minutes out of our daily routine to concentrate on our breathing, other aspects of our life can become a lot clearer. Headspace teaches you from the start how to meditate and is by your side all the way.

Sleep Cycle Alarm Clock
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for our mental and physical health. This app analyses not only how long you sleep, but the quality of the sleep you are getting. The app also has an alarm clock that will wake you up with soothing tones, guaranteed to have you hopping out of bed fresh as a daisy!

Optimism
This app allows you to track your moods as well as develop strategies for anxiety and depression. Optimism then creates graphs and reports that you can share with your doctor or mental health professional.

YOGAmazing
Yoga can be great for stressed minds and tired bodies. Gentle stretches and deep breathing can be beneficial for your mental and physical health. If a busy schedule means you can’t make it to a yoga class, this great app is for you. With many classes in the app, it’s like having your very own one-on-one yogi!

Evernote
Think of Evernote like the diary you can bring everywhere. Personal photos, travel documents, reminders, receipts – everything you need in the one place. After all, an organised mind cannot be underestimated!

10 of the most awkward things that will ever happen

Uncategorized

Jan 20, 2015

by Amber Saunders

Those moments in life where you wish the ground would just swallow you up…aren't they just the worst?!

Here are some moments in life that can get verrrry awkward. Especially if you're an awkward person in general, like us!

1. Going to shake someone's hand but they go for your cheek
So you put your cheek towards them and they pull back and put out their hand. Oh the humanity!

2. When you're in mass and that 'hand shaking' bit comes and you put your hand out, but nobody shakes it…
Hey, what's wrong with me?!

3. When a stranger is holding a door open for you but you're that little bit too far away and have to half jog…
We have to thank you for making us exercise against our will?

4. Realising you got charged more than you should have and debating whether to queue again, interrupt the customer now being served or just accept the loss
Ah, it was only €1.50…

5. Going into a restaurant and not knowing if you should wait to be seated or just sit down somewhere free
Just tell me what to do!

6. Walking along happily when you accidentally hit a guy in the groin with your flyback hand
That will teach you not to powerwalk.

7. Getting on Dublin Bus when you're not from Dublin and not knowing whether to say where you're going or how much money you're putting in the slot
Seriously, which is it?!

8. Tripping in public by yourself and not knowing whether to laugh it off or just pretend it didn't happen
The actual worst.

9. Saying something funny but no one heard you and they ask you to repeat it but you try to laugh it off but they insist and then nobody laughs
Ugh…

10. Meeting an acquaintance on the street and stopping to say hi quick only to realise after that you're going in the same direction
"Oh, ha, hey again…"

Things you should be doing for your health but aren’t

Jan 19, 2015

by Amber Saunders

We all love to believe that we are doing the best for our bodies, but sometimes we can drink all the green juice in the world and if we aren’t looking after the basics, it won’t matter.

Here are five things we should be doing for our health, but may not be doing them enough – or not at all!

Getting enough sleep
Sleep is vital for your mental and physical wellbeing. Trying to work and play on three hours sleep just won’t cut it and you’ll be left drained and exhausted in no time. Aim to get seven to eight hours of sleep a night to be in peak condition.

Meditation
Now, many of you may be reading this and thinking "no way, not for me" but taking time out to sit quietly and reflect can work wonders for a busy mind. It doesn’t mean you have to sit cross-legged in the traditional pose we all think of when anyone mentions meditation – do it your way. Apps like Headspace can be great to help you start out.

Hydrate
Make sure you are never without water and keep hydrated throughout the day. Drinking enough water is essential for focus and general health.

Exercise
Ensure you get a minimum of thirty minutes of exercise a day. Though it may not feel it at the time, exercise does make you happy and is essential not only for physical wellbeing but for your mental health too. So brush off those cobwebs and get outside!

Plant-based love
Fruit and veggies are the best you can eat for your health – so make sure you are getting enough! Aim to eat fruit or vegetables with every meal you have and you’ll soon feel the effects.

5 simple ways to become the world’s most organised person

Lifestyle

Jan 13, 2015

by Amber Saunders

If you need some pointers in how to make your days run a little smoother then allow us to help you! They say the key to success is organisation, and they may have been onto something, we hate to admit…

A little effort on a Sunday evening goes a long way in making your working/study week go a lot smoother.

1. Paperwork
As we enter adulthood, we accumulate more and more paperwork. Not only this but we take control of our own finances, insurance and medical issues. To make this a little easier, invest in some organising folders and keep everything together, rather than in a bundle under the TV.

2. Clothes
Picking out outfits in the morning can be one of life’s hardest decisions. You pick a skirt and then realise the only top that goes with it is in the wash so you’re back to the drawing board. On a Sunday, take a half an hour to open your closet and create five outfits. Place them together on a hanger each and hey presto – five outfits done for Monday to Friday. We think that deserves an extra ten minutes in bed, don’t you?!

3. Cleaning schedule
To keep your home looking and smelling clean and tidy, make a simple schedule that will ensure each room gets attention at least once a week.

4. Meals
Again, a little effort on a Sunday will go a long way for the week. By making a batch of granola or a large soup/stew, you can easily have breakfast and lunch or dinner set for the week. That way, you will only have one meal to prepare every day. Relief! If you’re really dedicated on the rest day, you could get it all done…The freezer is your friend!

5. Diaries and calendars
If you are the type of person who forgets what day you are meant to meet your friend and accidentally make other plans – this is for you. Hang a calendar in your kitchen and circle days you have plans and what they are. Equally, keep a diary and make lots of lists of things that need to be done each day. Even if you don't have a busy schedule. nothing quite beats looking at a completed list at the end of a day! Even if it just says "Eat Oreos"…

10 of the most awkward conversations life throws at us

Uncategorized

Nov 27, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Life can be an awkward thing to handle sometimes. From dreaded sex conversations to housemate trouble – it can all just be so damn AWKWARD! Here are some of life's most challenging conversations to have:

1. The “no mom, I don’t need a sex-talk…anymore” convo
Bit late there, ma.

2. The “those aren’t my condoms, cigarettes or naggin of vodka” convo
Ah, to be sixteen again…

3. The “do you have an, eh… condom” convo
Because if not, this ain't happening!

4. The “can you please stop having such loud, horrible sex right above me” convo
Housemates are the worst

5. The “did you eat all of my almond butter?” convo
That shi* costs like five euro.

6. The “I think we need to talk” convo
It's not me, it's you. You wreck my head.

7. The “erm…I’m not sure I can have three bridemaids” convo
Oh gawwwd…

8. The “I’m seeing your ex” convo
Even though they only shifted twice.

9. The “we’re moving in together, no we’re not getting married” convo
That escalated quickly.

10. The “you might want to make a list of anyone who’ve slept with in the last twelve months” convo
After the anger subsides you realise you have some awkward moments ahead.

10 of the most awkward situations we find ourselves in

Uncategorized

Oct 21, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Life can be hard for those of us who can be somewhat awkward in certain social situations – especially the following ones!

1. Mistaking Somebody for Someone Else

You think you're talking to your friend beside you in the veg aisle about not being able to find a decent avocado in October, until you realise it's actually an old man standing beside you and he asks you what an avocado is. FML.

2. Small Talk

Your friend promises you'll know LOADS of people at the dinner party – until you arrive, realise this was a lie and spend the whole night talking to Mrs. Perky Pants.

3. Trying to Be Courteous

It's not that you're rude – quite the opposite in fact. You see a person coming down the hall and you want to keep the door open for them – but how far away is too far?

5. Trying to Be Witty

A lead balloon never looked so sad…

7. Comforting People

You see a girl crying and you know it would be nice to go and ask her if she is okay…but what if it's all a ploy to grab your bag and run away? Oh God, what to do…

8. Complaining

The. Actual. Worst. You contemplate just eating the hair in your salad.

9. Third-Wheeling

Seriously, you guys?

10. Untimely Laughter

At your great-grandaunt's funeral…while doing your prayer of the faithful. Noooo!

via our content partner CT

5 texts all girls never like to delete from their phones

Uncategorized

Oct 10, 2014

by Amber Saunders

We all have those messages on our phone that for whatever reason when we’re clearing our inboxes they manage to make the cut.

Here’s a list of 5 of the most common messages girls keep on their phones, no matter what!

1. Funny Messages From Your Bestfriend
Those weird conversations with your best friend that no one else would understand that just make you laugh every time you read back over them..

2. Messages That May Be Needed In The Future
These messages may be needed in the future as proof when someone denies saying something, you can whip out those messages as proof. Girls remember everything.

3. Cute Message From Your Granny
The fact she managed to send one successfully without sending it to the milkman by mistake is reason enough to keep it. She probably was wishing you good luck in your exams and telling you she lit a candle. It's also probably all in capital letters because she doesn’t know how to turn them off. She also signs her initials at the end – cute!

4. Messages From The Guy You Like
The sweet message from that one time 2 months ago when he wasn’t acting like a complete arse.

5. Messages For Cheaplist/Guestlist For Your Favourite Nightclub
Who would be bothered signing up and sending invites to get guestlist to your favourite club every week when instead you could just keep the same message to show at the door every week

via our content partner CT

Niall Horan makes a heartbreaking confession

Celebrity

Oct 8, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Niall Horan may be one fifth of the world’s biggest boy band EVER but that doesn’t mean his life is perfect.

For many of us, the idea of that scale of fame may be daunting or exciting, being able to visit so many countries, meet so many people and have millions of adoring fans.

But Niall feels like he has missed out on something most of us had – a childhood.

Becoming famous at 16-years-old means that Niall didn’t get to finish secondary school and do all of the things his former classmates may have done, and it gets to him: “My childhood was cut short by The X Factor, because One Direction took off and I never really got the chance to finish school or do exams or anything like that. After the first audition, I packed everything in my life in a bag. What I didn’t realise at the time was that, when I was stuffing clothes into the little suitcase, that was pretty much me leaving home for good.”

Niall also said that there are days when he wishes his life wasn’t so hectic: “There are days where I wish I could just sit on my own and have a bit of my own time.”

Niall, who is from Mullingar, is very close to his family and often posts photos of his adorable nephew Theo on his Intsagram page.

Theo was actually hospitalised in Crumlin earlier today so we're sure his uncle is sending him his well-wishes. Feel beter, Theo!

Thank you everybody for your kind thoughts I'm mending well in crumlin hospital x pic.twitter.com/qF10ASlzOL

— Theo Horan (@TheoHOfficial_) October 7, 2014

9 awkward things that can happen in life

Uncategorized

Oct 2, 2014

by Amber Saunders

1. Lecturers singling you out
It’s the reason we skip class. The ultimate fear of being singled out in a 200 seat lecture hall. Most days you might get away with it, but of course, on this particular day you’ve spent the whole hour daydreaming about what outfit you’re going to wear tonight.

2. Getting 'buddied'
It can happen anywhere. In a lecture, on a bus or at the cinema. You run into that friend of a friend that you met once at a party and you got along so well that you feel obliged to say ‘Hello’. But it doesn’t stop there. It slowly gets more and more awkward as the conversation dwindles and eventually you both stand there rocking back and forth on your feet until one of you comments on the weather.

3. One night man
You thought you were rid of him when he finally stumbled out of your house at 11 O’clock looking like Zach Galifianakis. Now here you both are, face to face in the hallway. Eyes down, feet forward, godspeed!

4. Saying something stupid like 'I love you'
We’ve all been there, haven’t we. Whether we’ve asked someone when they’re due and they end up not being pregnant or we drunkenly tell Johnny from down the road with that he’s a “sexy stud muffin”, we’ve all let our big mouths make us look like idiots.

5. Your back-stabbing best friend
You’ve spent the last three months sweet talking Peter from the rugby team and you’re finally ready to pounce. You set your wing woman in to cement the process and 5 minutes later, her and Peter stumble out of the bathroom together, her looking like The Joker. Now, she’s your friend so you’re obviously not going to fall out with her over some lad. But still…

6. Meeting an ex's parents
Awwwwkkwwwaaarrd. Is there anything worse? Firstly, they greet you with a smile and you’re all “Hi, haven’t seen you in a long time” and then the reality sets in that you broke her sons heart and then you realise her smile is actually a smirk and she wants to stab you in the throat.

7. Short changing the taxi driver
You know you don’t have enough money to pay him, but you’re obviously not going to walk home so you jump in and give him your best “I’m a poor student” story hoping that he might leave you off the 50c. It’s when you get to your front door and you have to drop the money and run that things take a turn for the Aca-aca-awkward.

8. Bumping into the housemates
Tip. Toe. Tip. Toe. You’re trying to get out of this house ASAP before a soul finds out that you stayed here last night. You’ve already managed to worm your way out from underneath the arm of the beast you let take you home and you can see your escape route right ahead. The door stands 5 feet away and you’re almost home free. Until some pain in the a** walks out of their bedroom and you’re both standing there, in the ultimate awkwardness with a stale stench of “FML” off you.

9. Confessions
It’s inevitable really. After 8 months of living with the same handful of people, there’s always one that falls in love. Be prepared for that moment when a housemate sits you down and confesses that “Your beauty knows no bounds. Thou art as glorious as a summers day”. Time for a Daft.ie search.

via our content partner CT

12 signs that guy is using you

Relationships

Sep 22, 2014

by Amber Saunders

If you feel like that guy might be using you for booty calls, do a quick check. If most of these ring true, it may be time for you to find someone who actually appreciates you!

1. They never talk about anything personal
Conversation is very ‘top line’, you talk about the weather, a recent film, maybe even a bit of college work, but they never discuss their friends, family, past relationships or experiences.

2. They never want to hear about your life
You can see the glazed look whenever you bring up something about your own personal life. They nod and smile but quickly chance the subject to either something about them, or sex.

3. They never want to talk on the phone
You call, they text ‘what’s up?’

4. You only meet in places where sex could potentially happen
Cinema is off limits, ‘why not a DVD instead?’ they suggest.

5. Every time you see each other, all you do is have sex
A movie might be put on, but the opening credits are barely finished before it’s pants off dance off.

6. They only text you at ungodly hours
Drunken texts at times you know the club has cleared out and it’s slim pickings

7. They’re really sweet before you have sex but as soon as it’s finished, they become cold
During the foreplay it’s all ‘you’re so hot, I love your smile’, after the big finish it's all downhill.

8. They never sleep over or allow you to sleep over till morning
They might dance around the subject of breakfast and possibly a day date but as soon as the shows over, it’s Hailo time

9. You don’t share meals together unless it’s left over pizza
You don’t even go to get a a quick bite together, not even a McDonald's…

10. They call you names like ‘pal,’ ‘buddy’ or ‘mate’
…And initiate things like a fist pump

11. They have casually brought up someone else they fancy or are seeing
So not on.

12. They can be a little cold when you bump into them in public
‘Oh hey, yeah… so, I’m late for…. pizza… See ya’

Dump their sorry ass because you deserve SO much more!

via our content partner CT

8 lies us women tell ourselves every day

Uncategorized

Sep 16, 2014

by Amber Saunders

Don’t worry girls, we all tell these lies to ourselves on a daily basis. You are not alone.

1. I’ll go to bed early tonight

No, you won’t. And you knew that almost immediately after you made this decision, it was not going to happen. Go on, stick on another episode of Gossip Girl. One more won’t hurt.

2. I’ll start going to the gym every day