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As we all know, a sober taxi journey and a drunk taxi journey are worlds apart.

When we’re well into our second bottle of wine, we think the taxi is our own personal playpen. Hell, sometimes it’s the most fun part of the night.

When we’re sober and channelling our inner grown-up, we think the taxi is that day's adult challenge. Hell, it’s the least fun part of the week.

If you still struggle with correct taxi etiquette, then have a quick glance through our handy guide and you’ll be the perfect passenger in no time.

You may give precise, polite directions at any stage in your journey.

You may not ask if your taxi driver knows where you live because you sure as hell don’t.

You may keep your hands firmly clasped in your lap while you make polite chit-chat.

You may not rub your taxi driver’s head for luck while giggling hysterically.

You may say thanks without knowing your taxi driver’s name.

You may not call him Mr. Taxi Man and laugh like a cray-cray loon.

You may politely comment on the tedious radio talk show he has playing on Snooze Fm.

You may not change the radio station and roar ‘Tune!’ at every song before it even comes on.

You may seek your driver’s approval by tutting at drunk people you pass on your journey.

You may not roar out the window asking where these drunk people got their garlic cheese chips.

You may pay your driver upon stopping and offer a reasonable tip, if you wish.

You may not offer to pay your driver with your Tesco Clubcard and then offer a handful of coppers and one button as a tip.

You may sit quietly in your seat and make pleasant conversation with other passengers, if necessary.

You may not try to get into the back seat because you saw your friend playing crouching tiger, hidden naggin.

You may keep your shoes on at all times, no matter what.

You may not pull off your stilettos, rest your manky feet on the dashboard and make puppy-dog faces at the driver about all your owie’s.

You may ask your driver if he’s been busy because this is what grown-ups do.

You may not hug your driver and ask if he wants a nightcap in yours because you stole whisky from the pub.

You may gather all your belongings and swiftly exit the taxi, being sure to close the door with reasonable force.

You may not accuse your driver of stealing your lipgloss…your phone…and your scarf, and then slam the door after twenty minutes of ridiculous threats.

Stick to these guidelines girls, and you’ll be hailing, chatting and tipping like a pro in no time.

Taxi!

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So many of us consider a day of shopping the ultimate treat… and then we do it. 

Why, oh why, do we always forget how stressful it can be?

Are we suffering from retail-induced amnesia or do we just refuse to admit that we find something which has been marketed to us as a traditional female pleasure completely unpleasurable at times?

Let’s all stand tall and admit that shopping is a MAJOR head-melt more often than not.

Here are 10 reasons why.

1) When the hangers don’t match the tags so finding your size on the rail is like an episode of Crystal Maze.

Question: Do the staff do it for their own personal entertainment?
Answer: Yes

2) When you’ve finally landed upon your dream dress and then discover a line of foundation along the collar.

Mmmm… another girl’s face. I’ll take it!

 

3) When the size 10 is too small and the size 12 is too big.

Why don’t sizes 9, 11, 13 and 15 exist? Why?

4) When a garment is absolutely perfect except for one detail which you can’t overlook.

Glitter epaulettes, anyone? *sigh*

5) When all ten items you’ve brought into the fitting room look so atrocious, you question your sanity and vision for having chosen them in the first place.

Get them off! Get them off!

6) When the mirrors are OUTSIDE the cubicle and you have to skulk out from behind the curtain to see yourself in ankle socks, hairy legs and a dress with glitter epaulettes.

It's fun being me.

7) When you’re dress shopping in winter and every fitting room expedition demands you strip off the 13 layers you dressed in.

This is a great way to spend a day. No, really.

8) Being told you’re only entitled to credit, so you take it as a personal challenge, but choose something you don’t even want, won’t even wear and aren’t even quite sure what it is.

Is it a cape? Is it a skirt? What are these tassels all about? I’d like one, please.

8) Being told it’s 3 for 2 on the rare occasion you couldn’t possibly need any more make-up or toiletries.

Argh, what’s this thing do? Nose-hair trimmer? Gimme and get me the hell out of here.

9) When a store decides you're three sizes larger than you actually are.

Thanks for that, guys.

10) Having no money and seeing all the things; having loads of money and seeing NONE of the things.

Why won’t you shut up and take my cash dammit!

 

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We’ve all been there. We’re apparently DONE with Saturday morning lie-in’s, DONE with Saturday afternoon Netflix fests and DONE with missing out on stellar opportunities to show Facebook just how outdoorsy we are, so what did we do? We organise a Wholesome Day Out.

These excursions, planned excitedly the night before, never actually pan out as we expect and we know why. It’s the visitor restaurant. They stock tasty treats because they WANT us to fail.

If you’ve ever organised a Wholesome Day Out with the girls, then some of the following might ring a few bells.

Expectation: You will arrive at your scenic destination at 8am with a flask of tea and a bag of hang sangwiches.

Reality: You will arrive at your scenic destination at noon with a takeaway coffee and a Twix because your friend underestimated just how long a drive it is to get wholesome.

Expectation: You and your friends will dress accordingly and work that wholesome, outdoor look.

Reality: You and your friends will dress inappropriately and someone will be wearing a pair of Skechers from 2003 because it’s all they had.

Expectation: You will greet fellow trekkers with a cheery wave because that is how wholesome, outdoor activities work.

Reality: You will greet fellow trekkers with a miserable scowl because they know what they’re doing and you don’t.

Expectation: You will have a brisk, bracing walk in the fresh Irish breeze.

Reality: You will have a blister on your heel and despair in your heart as you realise you brought this on yourself.

Expectation: You will become one with nature and forget material goods for at least one day.

Reality: You will become one with your phone as you ring people and ask them to describe the warmth of their houses.

Expectation: You will pose for cute, wholesome photos with rabbits, deer and other adorable Disney creatures.

Reality: You will pose for one depressing photo under a tree, in the rain, so Facebook knows you do stuff.

Expectation: Surrounded by nature, you will reconnect with your friends and remember why you’re all buds in the first place.

Reality: Surrounded by nature, you will remember which of your friends is the biggest whinge and which is the biggest drama queen.

Expectation: You’ll hop, skip and twirl through beautiful tree-lined paths, remembering every family flick you’ve ever seen.

Reality: You’ll jump, trip and stumble through terrifying tree-lined paths, remembering every horror film you’ve ever seen.

Expectation: You’ll rest your weary bones at the end of your trek and relish every mouthful of your carefully-prepared sambos in the great outdoors.

Reality: You’ll crawl into the visitor centre and demand a glass of warm wine which you'll slurp while slowly sliding off your chair with exhaustion.

Expectation: You’ll start to wonder if modern life is really for you and maybe you’ve always been a simple, outdoor girl at heart.

Reality: You’ll start to wonder if going outdoors is really necessary. Can’t we all just open a window?

Now, whose bright idea was that?

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Whether you love the gym or you get most of your exercise lifting a purse crammed with neglected membership cards, chances are you have been to one at least once. 

They're pretty much the same the world over and if you've managed to leave a work-out session without experiencing any of the thoughts below, we want to know your secret.

Teach us your ways because the rest of us are struggling here.

1) Will everyone see if I try to un- wedgie myself? Oh, they will. Ah, well.

There’s more where that came from, anyway.

2) I’m sweating so hard in between my boobs right now. Is that good?

Fit boobs! Yeah!

3) Why is that girl wearing make-up? Should I be wearing make-up?

 Yes. No. Yes. No.

4) Where did she get her cute gym outfit? I never get cute gym outfits. 

Oh my God, are people laughing at my Magic Mike  T-shirt?

5) Will that giant ball hold my weight? I’m not chancing it.

I’m not being THAT girl.

6) Woah. That’s heavy. I’m putting this down now.

Walk away.

7) I can’t work this machine. Oh my God, I’ll have to get off without doing anything.

Everyone knows my shame.

8)  I seriously need to fart right now.

This is HORRIFYING.

9) Look at your man. What a sap.

I mean seriously, what a SAP.

10) Is it time for the sauna yet? I’ve been here for what…only FIFTEEN MINUTES?!

Clock’s broken. Clock is BROKEN.

 

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Looking for an alternative to Saturday night X Factor and Sunday morning fear? Then, look no further!

Whether it’s beer, brunch or ballet that tickles your fancy, we’ve got something that’s bound to keep you entertained before you head back into your working week.

Here are five of our top picks for the next two days!

Brunch
Odessa Club and Restaurant is celebrating its tenth birthday and it wants you to join in the festivities! If you feel like munching on some tasty noms and being treated to the sounds of Irish electric band, Bantum, then book your tickets and make your way to Dame Court on Saturday at 1pm! Ease your way into the weekend with style!

Christmas Market
If you haven’t had a chance to check out the winter wonderland that is the St. Stephen’s Green Christmas Market, then what are you waiting for? Get into the festive spirit and feast on the sights, sounds and delicious smells that these charming little wooden stalls have to offer. If you don’t leave full of the joys of Christmas, we’ll eat our Santa hat.

Ballet
If you want to experience one of the world’s most famous ballets, then grab a ticket to Swan Lake which is being performed in the stunning Gaeity theatre by Ballet Ireland this weekend. Hurry though! The last performance takes place tomorrow, so don’t miss out!

Beer
Fancy a night of beer and grub on Saturday? Vision Collector in Sunset Studios on Cecelia Street will be hosting an evening of food and drink when Donegal’s Kinnegar Brewing and BrewsWePlate team-up to provide the lovely people of Dublin with some much-deserved deliciousness. Limited tickets, so get booking!

Vintage
A wander around some vintage markets is always a lovely way to spend an afternoon, so why not channel your inner fashionista and head on over to The Grand Social on Liffey Street who host the fantastic Ha’penny Flea Market every Saturday from noon until six. Chock full of quirky accessories and fashion finds, you’re bound to leave with something worth boasting about!

Enjoy!

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We’re often told to step out our comfort zones and WE think that means ordering a different drink at the bar of a Saturday.  Make that a lime instead of a lemon, good sir.

We did NOT think they meant really challenge yourself, but it turns out they do. Damn.

So what better way to step out of your comfort zone and reap worthwhile results than as part of your daily beauty routine?

We’re not going to sugar-coat this one girls, we’re telling you to take a cold shower at least once a week and we’re doing it because we care.

Here are just five of the body parts that will thank you for your bravery.

Energy levels
OK, so when you step under that ice cold spray for the first time, you’ll tense up and your breathing will quicken. This deep breathing will cause a surge in your heart rate which leads to an increase in energy levels.

Who can actually afford to turn their back on a little energy boost and extra alertness of a Monday morning?

Hair
Warm (or our personal favourite, piping hot) showers dry out our hair. We know, it’s so unfair. We get into the shower specifically to tend to and treat our hair and the goddamn water is undoing all our good work!

Want to hear some good news? Cold water makes you hair extra shiny. Just sayin’.

Skin
Your body’s reaction to a quick burst of cold water means that your pores tighten and your skin is given an immediate overhaul, resulting in fresher, firmer looking skin.

Put down the loofah, and turn that dial to the left, ladies.

Fat
So there’s two type of fat; good and bad. Good is brown and bad is white. Still with us? OK, so the brown fat helps keep us warm therefore when we brave that icy torrent, our brown fat cells will work over time to increase our body temperature, thereby burning fat within our body.

Have a Yorkie when you step out, you deserve it.

Muscle 
Whether you’ve been slogging it out in the gym or you’re as tense as a turkey at Christmas with the office workload, your muscles will thank you for a blast of icy water. Those aches and pains you’ve been experiencing will be a thing of the past in no time.

Aaaaand flex!

If you can't bear the thought that your daily pamper session is going to be turned into what might seem like an initiation to a 1970's college fraternity, then how about easing yourself into it?

Try a thirty second blast of cold water at the end of your shower today, then increase it to sixty and before you know it, you'll have incorporated one full cold shower into your weekly routine.

Know why? Cos you're a champ!

 

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Some weekends are ALL about the sleep, while other weekends are ALL about the session, but some can be well-balanced and just…well, perfect!

It’s all about dividing your time wisely and making the most of the things you choose to do. Why not make this weekend one of those stand-out classics?

Pamper yourself!
Whether that means an all-over-body beautification on Friday night or an hour nursing a hot chocolate with your latest read on Sunday afternoon, devote time to YOU, and only you.

Sweat!
Whether you choose to hit the gym for a forty minute cardio session, take to the streets for a jog or fall around the living room to Davina’s DVD, just get those endorphins flowing and that sweat pumping. Remember; if you still look cute at the end of your work-out, you didn’t work hard enough!

Socialise!
See a group of friends, meet that one mate you haven’t caught up with in a while or enjoy a romantic date night with your other half. Unwind, laugh and enjoy the company of the people who see you through the monotony of the working week with cute texts and funny snap chats!

Eat!
Well, obviously! But what we really mean is eat WELL and no we’re not suggesting a carb- free weekend or anything! Far from it, actually. Eat at least one thing you truly LOVE at the weekend, whether that’s a massive salad or a pecan slice, treat yourself, you earned it!

Look to the future!
It could be as little as buying new tights and underwear for the week ahead (nothing better than the comfort of new socks on a miserable Monday morning!) or as big as enrolling in a language course; just do something the future you will thank you for.

At the end of a long week, the thought of trying to incorporate all of the above into two days seems like a serious challenge, but give it a shot.

By Sunday night, you’ll find you’ve packed so much more into your weekend than you thought possible and will feel all the more fabulous for it too! Just don’t boast about it too much in the office on Monday, don’t be THAT girl.

 

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If you're sick of sitting in front of Netflix every night after work or listlessly flicking through week-old magazines, then you may be in need of a hobby!

With the weather becoming more miserable by the second, we're not going to suggest you take up rollerblading or pole dancing, but why not give one of these five a go?

Yes, they're a bit nerdy, but so what? They're also fun and useful; everything you could want from a hobby you can do from the couch, right?

Knitting
It used be the reserve of our grandmothers, but knitting has taken on a whole new lease of life in recent years! You need look no further than Instagram accounts and Facebook posts to see how many people are proud to boast that the snood they’re rocking is handmade or that their niece is currently sporting the cutest cardigan known to man, all courtesy of their talented auntie or uncle.

Girls, there’s no greater feeling than being complimented on something YOU MADE YOURSELF!

Scrapbooking
Many girls are hoarders; we have boxes FULL of old photos, cards, and random scribblings from our school days stashed around our rooms, but how often do we sit down and go through them? How much easier would it be to stroll down memory lane if all your souvenirs and mementos were in scrapbooks?

Take your time with this hobby, going through years of memorabilia is a mammoth task, but let’s face it, your 2002 Westlife ticket deserves your time and attention!

Photo albums
Like scrapbooking, this deserves time and should be enjoyed! Remember before our lives went digital, we used to get our photos developed? Well, if you’re anything like us you have piles of photos in drawers around your room that need a proper home.

Treat yourself to some lovely albums and take the time to chronicle the photos that meant so much to you once upon a time! How much nicer is it to flip through an album than click on the next shot?

Crosswords
Again, normally the reserve of our parents or grandparents, but there’s a lot to be said for taking twenty minutes every day to challenge yourself. You don’t have to fish around the apartment for a newspaper, simply download a crossword app and get answering!

There’s no feeling quite like filling in that last white box and knowing that you, in no uncertain terms, are a GENIUS.

Decoupage
This is a seriously fun hobby which guarantees a lot of satisfaction. Yes, it sounds like a little bizarre, but all it involves is gluing images of your choice on an object and covering them in layers of glue until you’ve transformed a dull object into something you would proudly display around your place.

Grab an old shoe box, decide on a theme, entirely cover the box with these pictures, cover in layers of PVC glue and voila! Storage boxes that are as cute as anything you’d find in the shops!

Give it a go, ladies, you never know, you could discover knitting is one of your secret talents!

 

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Very few of us jump at the chance to be the designated driver on a girls night out, but there are some occasions when a night on the tiles may be an alcohol-free experience and we all just need to accept it!

Whether you drew the short straw and promised to bring everyone home or your wallet simply can’t stretch to five double vodkas; you will at some point find yourself the only sober one in a gang of drunken mates. Uh, life!

But here, ladies, are just a few reasons why that is not The Worst Thing Ever.

Style
You know all the effort you put into your hair and make-up? Well, isn't it nice to know that you’re going to look just as bangin’ at the end of the night as you did when you first strutted into the bar?

Hey, see your friend over there that just spilled a pint down her new dress? That’s not you for once, now rejoice!

Wealth
There's no way you're going to be short changed at the bar this time. Oh no, this is NOT going to be repeat of the night you tried to buy yourself and your reflection a drink and that damn barman let you.

Bask in your clear state of mind, wily ways and tight purse strings.

Mind
You know the way you have a whole host of memories now that you've woken up? Embrace them.

How many times have you woken up from a night with the girls and had to ring yourself to find out who you were? No? Just us?

Body
Those memories, when you are lucky enough to have them after a night out, are usually accompanied by a heaving stomach and blinding headache. Not this time. Need we say any more?

Embrace the feel-good factor, get yourself a healthy breakfast instead of your standard, 'been waiting to ring Domino’s since 9am' pizza and enjoy every nutritious morsel.

Soul
You know those texts you’re currently receiving from distraught friends who don’t know if it’s Sunday or August? That’s not you.

You know damn well it’s November and you’re going to enjoy every second of it.

There's definitely a lot to be said for abstaining from the old devil juice every once in a while, but that doesn't mean you should turn your back on those wild nights out with the girls where the blind lead the blind, the drunk dance with the drunk and the hungover comfort the hungover.

It's acceptable in your twenties so embrace it. 

You can enjoy fifty two wholesome hangover-free Sundays in your forties.

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What would a bedroom or sitting room be without a few cushions thrown around for extra comfort? They can make the most boring room into something really special if you get the right ones. So if you’re looking at your sofa wondering what it’s missing, it could be one of these amazing cushions…

Floral cushions
These cushions are just so pretty and would go perfectly if you have a brown sofa. We love the intricate details!

Round Cushions

Who ever said that your cushions need to be square? These round velvet cushions are the perfect shade of pink and are sure to add both comfort and a touch of luxury to your sofa setting!

Book pillows
Is your reading corner lacking in comfort? Perhaps these book pillows would be the perfect addition – falling asleep while reading your book will be at least ten times more comfortable with these!

Colourful cushions
We would LOVE to see these in an all white sitting room or bedroom. They’d add a great sense of character too – and you COULD tell people you made them yourself if you wanted…!

Guitar cushions
Forget air guitar – what you want is a soft, cuddly, cushion guitar. Great for parties, no doubt!

Reading cushion
Quite possibly the best invention ever. We really need this!

Jigsaw cushion
We know this is probably for kids, but we don’t care. So comfy – but challenging too (kind of….)!

Poetry cushion
Add a bit of culture to your sitting room with some poetry on a cushion – so cute!

Cactus cushion
Last but not least, horrify friends and family my throwing yourself on this cactus cushion (may only work for particularly gullible friends!).

images via Pinterest

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Whether you’re a whizz in the kitchen or not, there is no one in the world you can’t get some use out of a good gadget. If only we had these five in our lives, everything would be SO much simpler!

A portion controller!
We definitely need this, especially when it comes to pasta!

A cake slicer
Definitely a necessity for a fairer world. Why are the ones who get the tiny slice always at the end?!

Tea/anything you want holder
Say goodbye to balancing your cuppa on your leg as you open your packet of biscuits – this nifty little table on the side of your sofa will save you from scalding yourself with hot tea ever again!

This thing, that takes the corn off the cob
No more picking bits of corn from your teeth after dinner. Amazing.

Soup/sauce pourer
You know when you’ve made yourself some soup, but you don’t want to use the ladle to pour it because then you’ll have to wash that too? Well, problem solved! Though, now that we think of it, you’ll have to wash this once you use it too. Ah, well! 

images via Pinterest

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Have you ever felt like you have no clothes to wear, despite the fact that you have absolutely no space in your wardrobe, because of all the clothes?

If your answer is yes, you are not alone and there IS help out there. All it takes is a little organisation. Here are some top tips on how to do it:

Throw it out
If you have piles of clothes that you haven’t worn in years for whatever reason, you need to get rid. If they’re in good enough shape you could sell them, or bring them to a charity shop. Otherwise, it’s off to the clothes recycling bin for you, unless, of course, you’re handy with a needle and thread and could turn them into something amazing.

Lift and separate
Separate all your jeans from your jumpers, your tops from your dresses and your underwear from your outerwear. Having all the different types of clothing in a different place makes picking an outfit MUCH easier.

Jeans
There are different ways to organise jeans – whether by size, colour, or style. The easiest is probably by colour, as it’s the most visual which is what you need when you’re staring into your wardrobe at 6am. Whether or not you decide to fold them neatly on a shelf, or hang them on the railing, is up to you.

Jumpers
It’s best to fold heavy jumpers so that they don’t lose their shape on the hanger, and do use some kind of moth repellent to protect your woollen clothes. Natural repellents such as patchouli oil, or cedarwood oil are always worth a try.

Dresses
A hanger is the only place for your dress. Organise them by colour rather than length, as it makes them easier to find. You could also have sub-categories of day and night dresses, if you’re REALLY organised!

Skirts
It’s best to hang these on those hangers especially made for skirts with the clips. Fold them in at the sides so the outside doesn’t get damaged and organise them by colour, but also by style. That skirt you wore in Ibiza last year probably isn't going to make an appearance any time soon, so you could stick that one at the back.

Shoes
If you have one of those closet organisers that are made for holding shoes, use it. They do collect a lot of dust, but isn’t that better than running around the place looking for your missing shoe first thing in the morning? If you don’t have one, the bottom of your wardrobe does the job too. Organise them by the height of the heels and style.

Underwear
Keep your fancy underwear separate from your normal, everyday underwear. Otherwise you’ll end up wearing your nice things to work, and they won’t seem so fancy anymore. If you want to REALLY go all out, you could line your underwear drawer with silk. How very seductive!

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