SHEmazing!
follow us
more
 
HomeTagsPosts tagged with "lifestyle"

lifestyle

by

G&T's have become one of the most popular drinks on the market, but how is the spirit evolving? It's sophisticated reputation and delicious flavours create the ideal cocktails, as well as becoming the perfect confidence booster BFF:

"You should go to the dancefloor and show off your hip moves, you're such a great dancer" – as said by Hendricks, overheard in Coppers in October 2018. Hendricks was later proven wrong.

There's no doubt about just how much gin has grown in the world of spirits, with Scottish gin especially undergoing a massive revival.

According to the Irish Times, the on-trade gin market in Ireland is now worth at an all-time high of €50 million. It's image has become transformed from a seemingly 'mother's choice' to a millennial's favourite. 

We've put together a list of gin trends for 2019, so you can prepare your livers for the changes due to come in next year for the gin world. Get yourselves ready for relentless gin puns throughout, you have been warned.

1. GINcredible flavours 

Gin flavours are KILLING the game right now, and they're showing no sign of slowing down.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Cocktail Society  (@aboutdrinksandbars) on

Botanical delights such as berry pink gin, plum and cinnamon, pomegranate and rose, lemon drizzle, rhubarb and ginger to passionfruit gin liqueurs, salted caramel flavour and even a bubblegum taste, the flavours of gin available are GINfinite (sorry not sorry).

Copeland Spirits, based in Co. Down, specialises in 37.8% flavoured gins. Aldi Ireland stock its GINSANELY good Rhuberry flavour, naturally infused with local fruit, as well as its new, limited-edition infusion Spiced Apple and Blackcurrant.

Founder of Copeland Spirits, Gareth Irvine has recently spoken about the journey which gin flavours is currently on, saying that a shift in what's popular is incoming:

“Flavours to date have been quite seasonal or trend-led and associated solely to summer, or unicorns, or crazy colours and not veer too much away from berries. Over the coming months, we’ll see the flavour ideas get more adventurous incorporating spices, herbs, exotic fruits.

“Often-times, trend-led flavoured gins are of poor quality and are full of syrups, additives or sugar, rather than real fruit. In addition, the volume is generally around 20% and so a liqueur as opposed to a gin."

Hmmm, this is heart-breaking news. Some of our fave flavah's are legit just sugar and syrup…but this is changing. Thank GOD. We get enough sugar as it is.

Gareth predicts that consumers will start to focus more on quality, just like we saw with unflavoured gin and this will catapult flavoured gin into a category all of its own. Noted, Gareth.

2. GIN-vironmentally friendly

With the introduction of plastic-free consumer goals, especially in terms of straws in bars and restaurants, it's no surprise that gin companies are noticing this important trend. The 'waste not/want not' ideology is spreading fast, with bartenders becoming more aware of the value of not throwing away unneccesary food and drink waste.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Oakmade (@oakmadeuk) on

“We’re thinking first and drinking second. We’ve noticed cocktail menus are changing slightly as bartenders consciously look for ways to minimise food waste." according to Gareth.

When it comes to garnishes such as lemon wedges, egg yolks and limes, the amount of fruit that is thrown away or used needlessly purely for the same of appearance is pretty shocking.

Rather than sweeping these used garnishes into to the bin, some bars have making what is becoming known as ‘closed-loop’ cocktails, where excess fruit is used to create natural syrup or saved for pitchers.

Bars becoming conscious about their eco-footprint is imperative, especially since spirit companies rely heavily on the land to create their infused gins.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Copeland Gin (@copeland_gin) on

3. GINcrease in gin brands

Wait, you mean… we're going to see even more gin? YAS. 

More brands will be arriving on the scene next year, with supermarket-owned brands such as Aldi helping to increase access to the category.

Gin-lovers in Ireland are a passionate bunch of people, and brands are taking that passion seriously. As more and more brands come on the scene, people will only connect with the ones that have strong values, for example supporting the environment or raising talent through graduate programmes.

Brands will be providing a quality product that is conscious of price and quality. Amen to that.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Gin Lovers (@gin_lovers) on

4. GINnovation

Brands in 2019 hope to focus on some brand new categories, many of our favourite brands which have risen in the last three years didn't exist prior to the gin renaissance. These brands, whose journeys are only really beginning, will be competing to adapt in the long-term industry pool.

Gin and spirit companies will begin experimentation with distilling and flavours which will likely benefit gin, and those who drink it, i.e. us.

We predict that experimentation will lead to some unreal new flavours and tastes, we also volunteer as tribute to test these new tastes. It's a tough job but someone has to do it.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Bethany gale (@bybethanygale) on

For the moment anyway, we're heading straight to Aldi Ireland to grab Copeland’s Spiced Apple and Blackcurrant Gin for just €29.99, see you there gals.

With Christmas around the corner, this new flavour is perfect for winter.

Can someone please le Santa know that a gin advent calendar is on our present list? Just in case he doesn't know…

Trending

by

Are you one of THOSE people? The person who still watches the Friends repeats on Comedy Central because it is pure telly gold. Sure, years after it was actually on the air we could see it had more than a few issues; Ross still being a Class A jerk (they were not on a break and Rachel deserved better), some gags that weren't exactly PC and diversity in casting? Yeah, there was none tbh.  

But, it was of its time. We loved it then, we still (or, for the most part at least) love it now and to fuel our obsession with too much coffee and Joey's love of not sharing food (sometimes, being selfish is worth it) Penneys have just announced a new Friends-themed collection.

happy jennifer aniston GIF

And we love it!

Think t-shirts (maybe not quite as tiny as THIS one), coffee mugs, duvet covers, notebooks, key chains… and lots more I'll-be-there-for-you good stuff. Plus they are all perfect gift ideas for the truly great BFFs in your life, so you have an extra excuse to buy in bulk. 

This (amazing) duvet set is €20

Prices range from €3.50 and up.

Photo frame,€6,  Socks,€3, Lobster candle, Espresso cups, €6, Lightbox, €9

 

We are happy out. 

Head to a Penneys store near you to see the full collection. 

Trending

by

Veganism has become pretty popular these days, with the number of vegans in the UK rising by 360 per cent in the last 10 years, according to a recent study by The Vegan Society.

With this in mind, we're sure there are plenty of Irish people willing to try the vegan lifestyle, which strictly prohibits the consumption of any animal by-products. 

Veganism has been cited to improve the health, aid weight loss and be better for the environment than a carnivorous diet according to its followers. 

Here are a few tips to get started if you want to give it a try: 

8. Watch a few documentaries.

There are plenty of documentaries out there about the reasons for going vegan, and plenty of videos about how to do it efficiently.

Films like Earthlings, Cowspiricy and Vegucated have been credited for turning many people on to the vegan lifestyle. 

A warning though, these flicks expose the grim realities of the meat and animal by-product business and may be a bit much for squeamish folk. 

7. Order PETA's free vegan guide

Animal rights organisation PETA is a huge promoter of the vegan lifestyle.

They have a free Vegan Starter Kit for those interested, all you have to do is head to the website and give your address, and the kit will be sent out to you anywhere in the world, completely free. 

6. Make small swaps

Making small steps like swapping cow's milk for soy or oat milk and switching crisp flavours can take your diet from carnivorous to vegan. 

There are tonnes of options to try when it comes to milk and cheese alternatives. 

5. Try new things

Speaking of these alternatives, don't be afraid to branch out of your comfort zone and try some new taste experiences.

While almond butter and hemp seeds may not sound the most appetising, trying vegan alternatives is so important in order to maintain a balanced plant-based diet. It's not just about eating salad!

 

A post shared by HappyRealFood (@happyrealfood) on

4. Consider why you're doing it.

There are people who move to veganism for ethical reasons, those who do it for health reasons and those who do it to lose weight.

Having a clear motive for your transition will make sticking to it so much easier. 

3. Ditch dairy. 

People cite the amazing benefits of minimising their dairy intake. 

Ditching dairy is a prerequisite for the vegan diet, but it can also help clear the skin and put an end to bloating. 

 

A post shared by Bonnie (@the_wholesome_vegan) on

2. Consider your non-food choices.

A lot of people who choose veganism for ethical reasons look further than their diet when it comes to incorporating the message into their everyday lives. 

Some avoid leather or products made at the expense of any animal, and actively avoid beauty products that test on animals or include animal by-products. 

1. Keep an eye on the carbs.

When going vegan or even vegetarian, it can be easy to rely on pure carbs to keep yourself going if you haven't taken the time to look into new food choices. 

This can leave your plates looking pretty beige, so make sure you're getting plenty of variety into your diet. 

Feature image: Instagram/ Vegan Food Spot/ Lumadeline

Trending

by

Since becoming a household name as the co-host of ITV's This Morning, Holly Willoughby has become somewhat of a role model for women across the UK and Ireland. 

Her laid-back personality, impeccable style choices, and attitude towards body positivity have earned her a spot as one of the nation's favourite presenters, with viewers often keeping up with the star's life, on and off the screen, via her social media. 

Its seems only natural then that Holly would create an online space especially for her fans in the form of her new lifestyle brand Truly. 

Taking to Instagram, the ITV star announced the launch of her new lifestyle brand, due to be released this Autumn. 

Holly revealed how she has been "secretly" working on the project for a long time now, and encouraged her followers to register for the website for more updates. 

Speaking to The Guardian's weekend magazine, the Celebrity Juice regular explained that the new site would act as a blog as well as a home to her lifestyle brand. 

However, she did ensure readers that, unlike the Gwyneth Paltrow version, there won't be any weird (and overpriced) 'healing' products.  

"So the only things I’ve heard on This Morning about Goop, we had some sort of vagina steamer thing that you put on the toilet with herbs and stuff. As yet, on our list, there’s no vagina steamer."

She continued: "For me, being a woman, it’s nice to have a space where you can have that honest, open conversation that isn’t too militant or frightening or one-way."

We can't wait ot see what Holly has in store! 

Trending

by

If you grew up in the town that was famously home to Arthur Guinness's first brewery, you'll know Leixlip is chock-full of its very own quirks, traditions and iconic establishments.

While a lot has changed over the course of two decades, there are some things which will definitely resonate with anyone who grew up in the town throughout the 90s and noughties.

And here are just 12…

1. To outsiders, the smell at the bridge was nothing short of eye watering. To you, it (tragically) symbolised home.

"Don't mind the stank.They're working on it."

2. Stepping foot over the threshold of John Paul's back in the 90s meant the summer was officially over, and a new school year beckoned.

"Mam, I want an elastic tie so I can do the elephant."

3. The Obelisk was haunted; no ifs, ands or buts.

"Dare you to walk around it three times at midnight, ya chicken sh*t."

4. Jungle World was your only man for birthday parties and half-day celebrations.

"Race ya down the Freefall."

5. There are certain songs which will always remind you of nights down the Ozone.

"Sean Paul and Blu Cantrell…"

6. Chanting 'Hiller, Hiller, scum, scum' constituted a good night if you were a 14-year-old Farender.

"Sketch, they heard us."

7. Chasing people who called you 'Hiller Hiller, scum, scum' constituted a good night if you were a 14-year-old Hiller.

"That's it. Get 'em."

8. You spent two hours hanging around outside Sam's after the Ozone in order to see if there were any gaf parties happening.

"Your man said there was something happening in Castletown. Get in that taxi."

9. Lucey's and Smaller's were the places to go if you had 10p to your name, and a craving for pure sugar.

"This is the fifth time we've been in here today."

10. Growing up in the birthplace of Guinness was your claim to fame on every holiday you ever went on.

"Sure, my dad invented it."

11. You used get a secret kick when Intel and Hewlett Packard featured on the news.

"Look! RTÉ is in Leixlip! In LEIXLIP!"

12. The Leixlip Festival was the highlight of your year at one point.

"I've been drinking for three days straight, and I can't find my way home."

 

Trending

by

When it comes to prepping for a trip abroad, there are a number of things that most of us take into consideration before boarding our flight. And up there with confirming we have our passport is ensuring the safety of our luggage.

With that in mind, many of us opt to write our names and addresses on luggage labels, but according to some experts, this act is potentially asking for trouble.

Commenting on a move most of us have made, travel expert, Richard Clive Owens, explains that sharing your details on luggage labels ultimately announces "This house is empty, please burgle – and take your time."

"Don't put a friend's house because the criminals don't know it's a friend's house and will still burgle it," he added, according to mamamia.com

Offering an alternative method, Richard suggests we make use of our place of employment, saying: "Put a work address and mobile number on it.Then, even if your mobile has a problem, your name and work address will help you and your underwear get reunited."

And Richard's stalwart advice doesn't end there.

For anyone concerned that they're unlikely to reach their destination at the same time as their luggage, he advises taking a photo of your suitcase in order to present it to authorities if needed.

"Every time you fly, print this and carry it with you," he advised.

"If you ever lose your luggage, you can hand this to lost luggage when you arrive and, even if they don’t speak your language, they have everything they need to find your luggage."

This lad has thought of everything.

Trending

by

Housework is a right pain in the proverbial, we know.

In fact, most people would rather spend their time doing anything else, but there are some tasks which many of us inexplicably enjoy.

From running a sponge over stained glass to seeing the clean track your vacuum makes across a crumb-filled rug, we like what we like and we won’t apologise for it.

And here are just 6 which bring us untold satisfaction…

Cleaning the bath

OK, it might not do wonders for our backs, but there's something hugely satisfying about seeing layers of fake tan and remnants of sudsy shower gel make their way down the drain, right?

There's just something about a clean bath and shower area that makes you re-evalute everything.

Vacuuming a rug

Some people love nothing more than creating a clean track through a dust-laden floor, and while we're right there with them, what we don't love is having to stretch the cable as far as possible and hope against hope it doesn't snap.

So, if you know that anguish all too well and vacuuming is your go-to household chore, you need a Dyson V8 cord-free machine in your life.

Not only do they clean floors, they quickly transform between stick and handheld mode to clean high, low and everywhere in between. Oh, the satisfaction!

Cleaning the oven

There's a reason so many people are fascinated by snaps of an oven before and after a thorough cleaning, and that's because it's like a brand-new machine.

Yes, it requires a lot of elbow grease, and you do spend more time than you anticipate on your hunkers, but hell is that finished product so worth it.

Just think of the delicious baking you can do in that bad boy now…

Cleaning out the fridge

Ridding your fridge of old produce and making room for new delicious items is a sure-fire way to make you feel on top of things.

Yes, you're being responsible and yes your mam would definitely be proud, but deep down you know that the task basically allows for a much-needed grocery spree, and you're only dying for a few treats.

Emptying the bins

Ok, we admit it, the task itself is pretty grim.

But tell us anyone who doesn't feel like they can take on anything after emptying every bin in the house, tying those bags tight and depositing them in the wheelie bin.

The sense of achievement, the sense of accomplishment and the sense of smugness negates any drop of bin juice that may have landed on your foot.

Brought to you by

Introducing a new way to clean. Balanced for easy handling of floor to ceiling cord-free cleaning.

Dyson cord-free machines don’t just clean floors. They quickly transform between stick and handheld mode to clean high, low and everywhere in between.

Trending

by

Look, we're going to be honest here and admit that when it comes to vino we're far from aficionados.

Oh, we can make our way through bottles of the stuff no bother, but when it comes to differentiating between Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc, we're a little stumped.

So, when it comes to choosing a bottle at dinner, we tend to sidestep the menu for fear of looking utterly ignorant and instead simply request the house wine.

Not only does this approach prevent any potentially awkward exchanges, we generally assume that the house option is easier on the wallet.

But Lord, have we been wrong.

According to Ashley Ragovin, founder of Pour This, there is no hard and fast rule that says the house option will be the least expensive on the menu.

"There is no exacting way to classify house wine; it depends on whose house you’re in!" she explains in conversation with Bon Appetit.

By highlighting the varying approaches adopted by restaurants, Ashley explains that assuming you're saving a few by opting for the 'house' without looking at the menu is a fool's game.

"Some restaurants are excited to feature a rare find to expose their guests to something delicious. Some are just trying to purge the Sauvignon Blanc the wine buyer over-ordered to make room in the cellar." she says.

So, even if you dread that 'wine conversation' with your server, it's probably best (for your wallet) if you actually open that menu.

Trending

by

So, in just over a week, I will turn 30-years-old.

I swear, I literally blinked and it happened.

One day I was 21 in a pair of knock-off Uggs and an over-reliance on Velour tracksuit bottoms, and the next I was 29 and lamenting my lost youth.

And while turning 30 is nothing to fear (or so I’ve heard), the milestone undoubtedly gives pause, and acts as a fairly handy platform to reflect on your twenties.

And this is what I realise I have learned…

1. The size on an item of clothing means nothing.

At this stage we know they are totally inconsistent, so why EVER get hung up on them?

2. You will ALWAYS feel better after you exercise.

No matter how tired or how miserable, 30 minutes of exercise will genuinely lift your spirits and energy levels.

3. Hangovers will catch up on you.

Enjoy your level 1 hangovers for as long as you can because there will come a day in your late twenties when a hangover means eight hours heaving into a wastepaper bin before a two-hour phonecall to The Samaritans.

4. There’s a lot to be said for comfortable shoes.

'Car to Bar' shoes aren’t for the fainthearted… or the flat-footed.

5. And even more to be said for a good bra.

The support! The comfort! The silhouette!

6. And then there’s the sheer joy of a hooded coat.

For a country as wet as ours, owning a hooded coat is still a novelty.

7. The way you’re treated by someone says more about them than it does about you.

Never forget that.

8. And what you say about someone says more about you than it does about them.

Be kind.

9. It’s never too early to save money.

Even if it’s just €5 a week, you’ll be thankful of the €260 at the end of the year.

10. The ‘you can sleep when you’re dead’ mantra is BS.

Sleep now; you’re bloody wrecked.

11. Your friendships will change, and accepting that sooner rather than later saves a lot of heartache.

Change isn’t always bad, but it is sometimes unavoidable.

12. You’re much more resilient than you ever give yourself credit for.

You will face challenges that you think you’ll never overcome, and guess what? You do.

13. Social media is a total swizz.

The day I see someone cutting their toenails into an empty Coke can on a Saturday night is when I’ll start believing it.

14. Keeping a diary is worth the effort.

Yes, it can be cringey, but for every toe-curling moment, there are ten laugh-out-loud memories.

15. Comparing yourself to other people is time wasted.

Be inspired; don’t be downcast.

16. The heartbreak you thought would cripple you will, in time, become a distant memory.

And guess what? You can also make that experience work to your advantage in the future.

17. Make time for your family.

You don’t know how long they’ll be around, and showing up means more to them than you’ll realise.

18. Spend money on experiences, not material things.

There are only so many photos of your designer bag you can show the grandkids.

19. Say yes, and figure it out later.

Hey, if it worked for Richard Branson…

20. Butterflies don’t last, but what follows is much more exciting.
 
Don’t ever lament the disappearance of butterflies if a feeling of contentment has replaced them.

21. Wearing your earphones does not entitle you to break wind in public.

You can't hear it, but everyone else can. And you know that.

22. It wasn’t a mistake, it was a lesson.

It might not feel like it at the time, but there will come a point when it dawns on you.

23. Water is your best friend.

And not just a hangover remedy.

24. Strong women will ALWAYS build you up.

Surround yourself with them.

25. Love is when home becomes a person.

Simple as.

26. You don’t need pully-in underwear, you need a dress you feel comfortable in.

Time to go shopping.

27. Make yourself known to your college tutors and lecturers.

A person is much more likely to help someone when they can put a face to their name, right?

28. Don't indulge in office gossip.

Yes, it can pass the time, but it's a seriously toxic way to go about it.

29. There is no ‘right’ way to navigate your twenties.

We’re all just finding our way.

Trending

by

Having qualified as primary school teacher, StyleSavvy's Laura Jordan never imagined that her passion for fashion would ultimately result in a hugely popular business, piquing the interest of the press and public alike.

Now a highly successful style consultant, fashion presenter and personal shopper, Laura's journey from the classroom to the changing room was not without its challenges, but a genuine love for the job and a desire to reach people on a personal level means the StyleSavvy star is only in ascendence.

Here Laura recalls the moment she realised StyleSavvy had potential, the lessons she's learned along the way, and why The Devil Wears Prada rep has never sat well with her.

“Developing a business was never my plan which is the interesting part. I was a primary school teacher, happy out working away in that job, but I've always had an interest in fashion and shopping." she reveals as she chatted with SHEmazing. 

"And I soon learned I loved shopping for other people as much as for myself which was good news for my bank manager," 

“I went to the Institute of Design one summer. Obviously, as a teacher you have better holidays and more free time than you do in other jobs. I studied there one summer and ironically I now teach there so it’s come full circle. I loved it."

Laura didn't make any rash decision upon the completion of her course, saying: "I spent about a year, I suppose, deciding what exactly I’d do with that qualification, and I‘d go shopping with friends and friends of friends, and then it got to the point where I wanted to establish it as a business."

"It was not ever going to be just Laura going out shopping, I wanted a brand with it, but I always thought it would be a sideline," she explains.

"Many teachers have something else they do alongside their job, and I thought it would satisfy my interest and I would still have my normal job.”

She soon realised, however, that juggling both jobs was unrealistic.

“It grew and grew and I was trying to balance two things. I realised the challenge that was there at the start wasn’t there anymore, and I wanted to see if I could develop it, I just wanted to see where it could go."

"I went to the Enterprise Board, and that was a turning point for me. They have a business clinic, and they asked if I could come in the next day.”

Recalling the hours leading up to her appointment in the business clinic, Laura reveals that she poured her heart and soul into a plan to present the following day, saying: “I ended up staying up that whole night making a plan, making accounts to bring into them to show them I was serious. And they said it definitely had potential and I remember getting into my car and crying."

"I couldn’t believe other people could see potential in something I was only starting to see the potential in myself. And from then I took a break from school and haven’t gone back, and started pushing it full time.”

Considering the success of StyleSavvy, it's hard to believe that Laura's background in business is essentially non-existent.

"I don’t have a business degree. I have absolutely nothing. I have a genuine passion for making people feel good about themselves through the way they dress and their image and how they interact with other people. And that’s the reason I did it," she explains.

A steep learning curve, Laura saw the benefits of surrounding herself with people of varying skills, admitting: "I’ve always asked for help."

"You’ve got to surround yourself with people better than yourself. You need to put people who are better than you around you. Admit you don’t know how to do it, and you have to give control.” 

"The girl who ended up being my mentor was from the business clinic," Laura continues.

"She listened to my pitch, and I asked her would she mentor me and she would. We met regularly. She could be pretty blunt and she told me some hard truths but I’ll always be thankful for her."

Remarking on the initial day-to-day running of the business, Laura added: "I’ve literally had to learn how to use Excel. You learn pretty quick if you quote the wrong price. It’s been through trial and error. 80% of it has been myself with a calculator and trying to figure out."

And being a fully-fledged business owner means that Laura must accept that the standard workday no longer exists.

“For me, the downside of the job I do is that you can’t decide you’re working 9 to 5 and then turn off your phone."

"On average I work a 12-hour day because when you get home you have to look after social media. You have to be on when other people are off."

With a nod to her need to delegate and seek help, she adds: "I have someone who looks after my social now, I have learned that if I don’t take time off I get tired and sick and I can’t work.”

“I find it really, really hard to switch off. That is the biggest challenge of this job. It consumes you, it is like a child. It does take a significant toll on your social life and your personal life because you have to put work first."

"In this job, I do media work, present seminars, and a lot of shopping appointments. And I’m particularly conscious that with shopping appointments, this could be the woman’s treat for the year and I'm there to give her the best experience."

Admitting she rarely has an off-day, she adds: "I constantly feel pressure to represent the brand. It’s always in the back of your head. Just because of the nature of work that I do, girls are fascinated by it, and people will ask you about this, that and the other on nights out."

"I don’t have a typical day. My service levels are straddled over most areas, business, education or personal. You need organisational skill. You can’t afford to drop a ball.".

While StyleSavvy has received considerable praise since its launch, Laura acknowledges that her business is often subject to criticism.

"People say it’s an image-based analysis of a person. But you often see it changes the inside of a person. It boosts their confidence. It helps them push forward in other aspects of their life," she stresses.

And it sounds like this aspect of her job is undoubtedly the crux of the business – something Laura acknowledges when reflecting on client feedback.

"I get emails from clients who say you’ve changed your whole perspective on myself," she continues. "The shopping appointments aren’t lucrative, but it’s the foundation of my business. The core is working with clients."

And with a great reputation, satisfied customers, and strong client relationships, you'd be forgiven for thinking the face behind Style Savvy might be entitled to take her foot off the pedal for a moment or two, but that simply isn't an option.

"The higher you climb, the further you have to fall," Laura warns. "I don’t think any entrepreneur gets that feeling that ‘I’ve made it’. The pressure increases, but so does potential. You’ll never reach a plateau where you think 'I’ve made it'. You’re constantly striving. You see potential anywhere."

Having started StyleSavvy with little to no experience of the world of business, Laura is well aware that false starts are part and parcel of the journey.

"You have to remember you falter all the time, the same as everyone else, and I think that’s what makes businesswoman great."

"While we can be self-critical, it can stand to us in the long run. It works for us in business," she opines. "We’re shrewd enough to say I’m not sure if it’s working out and we need to change it. We’re great at self-reflection, we can be hard on ourselves, we all put pressure on ourselves, but that works for us in business. You can channel it positively."

"Occasionally women in business have a reputation for being tough and highly competitive. In the fashion industry I blame The Devil Wears Prada for that one. In business in general, women have a reputation that they’re tough hard and always stressed. It’s not the truth. Any I’ve met have been positive and encouraging and motivating."

And for the woman who hopes to launch her own business or make strides in her field?

Laura says: "It takes twice as long to get half as far. You do find you get impatient."

"Yes you have to push and struggle, but if you keep pushing it’s a reminder you need to take a step back and take a different approach. And always try your best to work smarter, not harder."

Trending

by

If you're on Instagram, there's a pretty high chance you follow at least one food-focussed influencer, right?

The vast majority of us take inspiration from their creations, take heed of their gastronomy advice, and positively salivate over their uploads on a daily basis.

And as these influencers help to add more than a splash of colour to the Irish foodie scene, we were only dying to pay tribute to them at our inaugural SHEmazing HP Awards on May 4.

Fighting off competition from Yummy Dublin, Cocu, The Happy Pear and Gastro Gays, Ketty Elisabeth, the face of French Foodie in Dublin, took the crown.

Authentic, passionate and utterly charming, Ketty started her blog in 2012 and has watched it grow in popularity over the past five years.

Celebrating the win, she wrote: "I still can't believe it. It was down to public vote and there were some awesome people in the final, I really didn't think I'd won."

"Mr. FFID and I attended the very glamorous ceremony at the Mansion House and being there was already brilliant but then when Daniella Moyles announced me as winner (after a long pause that seemed endless) I was completely astonished. It all happened thanks to YOU!"

"I'm so glad that even after almost five years, you think I'm still worthy of an award, value my blog and trust my recommendations. I'm very grateful for you taking the time to vote for me, even though most of you have never met me in real life."

 "I was very touched by all the lovely comments on Facebook and Instagram from people who have been following for the last few years. I feel very lucky to have you and can't thank you enough."

"I've won awards in the past but this one is probably the most special because it happened during the week of my birthday and at a time when blogging and social media is changing a lot."

"As a foreign person it also means so much and warmed my heart," she added.

Congratulations, Ketty!

 

Trending

by

When the foodie and #FitFam wave swept Ireland in recent years, the nation displayed a desire to fuel their body properly without sacrificing themselves to the Gods of Kale for all eternity.

And as it's not always easy to strike that balance, the contributions of Roz Purcell did not go unnoticed, so it's no surprise that the Tipperary-native took home our Foodie of the Year Award at the inaugural SHEmazing HP Awards in the Mansion House on May 4.

The face behind uber-popular Natural Born Feeder, Roz's impact on the Irish health food scene in recent years is undeniable.

Combining delicious meals with guilt-free treats, Roz taps into the nation's desire to learn about food and nutrition without depriving themselves, and she absolutely nails it.

 
Up against The Little Green Spoon, The Wonky Spatula, The Healthy Tart and Derval O'Rourke on the night, Roz was ultimately crowned winner, and was thrilled by the award.

"Thank you so much at SHEmazing and all the readers for voting and awarding me Foodie of the Year – one of my favourite nights out to date!"

Congratulations, Roz!

Trending
© Copyright 2012-2024 - Shemazing.net. Déanta in Éirinn - Sheology.