SHEmazing!
follow us
more
 
HomeTagsPosts tagged with "lifestyle"

lifestyle

by

There are few amongst us who haven’t lost a friend to foreign climes in the last decade.

Whether the recession forced them to seek work abroad, their chosen college course required relocation or they’ve always had a serious case of wanderlust, waving goodbye is never easy.

And maintaining the friendship through time zones even less so.

If you’re currently struggling to maintain your friendship due to the oceans which lie between you and your mate, fear not because we’ve got you on this one.

1. Send a ‘for absolutely no reason’ card

It’s a given that you should remember their birthday, but opting to use snail mail for no other reason than you saw a card that reminded you of them or thought it would give them a giggle is extra special.

Getting post (that doesn’t contain a bill) is always appreciated, and is one of the easiest ways to make your friend feel appreciated.

2. Pay attention to the names of their local hotspots

When your friend mentions a restaurant which she goes to on the regular or a new bar which blew her away, don’t just nod along.

Make a note of the establishment’s name and organise a gift voucher for the place. You mightn’t get to wine and dine her in person, but doing it from afar is the next best thing.

3. Make an effort with their family

If you’re close with her family, be sure to pop in to them every now and again as this will mean a lot to your pal who probably wishes she could get home more often.

If you’re not that close to the family, tea and chats may not be an option, but there’s a lot to be said for sending a Christmas card or giving a quick call to let them know that you’re looking forward to seeing them during your friend’s next visit home.

4. Video call while attempting a joint activity

Why not decide on a time when you and your friend can Skype and get busy with a joint activity? Prop the laptop on your respective kitchen tables, and get busy making cupcakes together.

Flour, eggs, butter, sugar and Avonmore Super Milk is all you’ll need alongside a desire to watch your mate get busy baking from thousands of miles away!

5. Record messages from the gang

When you live abroad, you’re used to hearing you were missed at special events, but actually seeing your friends gather together during a big event to record a message for you means the world.

At the next birthday party, hen night or wedding day that your pal can’t attend, take 15 minutes to record messages from everyone to remind them that they haven’t been forgotten.

6. Don’t flake on catch-up dates

There will always be a time when you can’t take an impromptu call from Down Under or delay responding to a text sent from Canada, but if you and your friend decide on a day and time for a catch-up call, do not flake on it.

Time distance makes it hard enough as it is, so if you agree to an allocated time, be sound and stick to it. Your time isn’t any more valuable than theirs.

7. Make an effort with their new friends

Take the time to find out more about their new housemates and work mates so you have a point fo reference that isn’t firmly rooted in the comings and goings of the gang at home.

Remembering your pal’s work mate is an absolute melter or enquiring after their new gym buddy goes a long, long way.

8. Accept their method of communication

If you’d much rather ping tests back and forth all day long, but your friend is all about the scheduled 60-minute phone call, accept it and compromise.

If your pal would always rather voice-on-voice action, but you can’t spare an hour, phone her first and explain you’re free for 30 and hopes she can chat,

9. Don’t hold lack of contact against each other.

There will always be times in your lives when you’re busier than others, so chances are weeks might pass when checking in with friends is neither yours nor her’s number one priority.

Accept that as part of life, explain when you get a chance, accept her explanation and remember that it takes more than a few weeks of radio silence to ruin a friendship as strong as yours.

 

Brought to you by
Avonmore Super Milk

Did you know that most Irish people don’t get their recommended daily allowance of Vitamin D? Avonmore Super Milk has got your back, with your daily dose of Vitamin D in just one glass.

Find out more here.

Trending

by

If a woeful night's sleep results in a whopper binge, you're not alone.

Nothing brings on those pesky sugar cravings quite like a bad night’s sleep, and it’s a habit we could all afford to lose.

And, as usual, science is here to give us a helping hand. 

A recent study published by The Feinbery School of Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago investigated the relationship between sleep deprivation and the brain’s sensitivity to food smells – and the results were interesting.

According to Science News, the sleep-deprived participants underwent MRI scans while being exposed to some unhealthy (but delicious) food smells such as chips and cinnamon rolls as well as non-food smells like fir trees.

Several weeks later, the experiment was repeated, however this time the participants had had a full eight hours of sleep.

So, here’s the science bit.

Study co-author Sarabhi Bhutani explains that when the participants were operating on just four hours of sleep, food smells prompted greater activity in the piriform cortex and the orbitofrontal cortex (the parts of the brain that recognise smells) than when they had a restful night’s sleep.  

This difference in brain activity was not noted in response to non-food smells, leading researchers to believe there is a direct link between over-tiredness and excessive consumption.

So basically, get your beauty sleep and you’ll eat better too, it’s win-win!

Trending

by

Remember the last time you longed for a quick text off your favourite milk carton? Yeah, us neither, but that doesn't mean it won't soon happen.

Wait, hear us out.

According to The Irish Times, researchers at the Science Foundation Ireland-funded Amber Centre in Trinity College are currently examining ways in which to turn everyday household items and features into smart devices.

From milk cartons which could text you a 'use-by' warning to window panes that could communicate the weather forecast, you might soon own a home that is basically alive… well, kind of.

And how would this work exactly?

According to the report, leading investigator, Professor Jonathan Coleman, and his team aim 'to take liquid dispersions of nanosheets and, by carefully tuning the liquid properties, optimise them for use as inks.'

Speaking to The Irish Times, Professor Coleman said: "Electronics has been around for donkey’s years and Intel out in Leixlip are among those making high-end, high performing transistors."

"However, unlike them we are trying to make transistors so cheaply that they could be used in pretty much anything."

But before you start naming your window panes, the team are keen to stress that this development won't be taking place today or tomorrow.

"All of this is a long way off in the future, but it is imaginable that at some point milk cartons could send messages to your phone warning that the milk is about to reach its sell-by-date," Professor Coleman added.

Well, we live in hope.

Trending

by

There are few of us who have made it this far in life without suffering a headache or two.

And while the vast majority of us are no stranger to a bit of a thumper the morning after the night before, according to research carried out in conjunction with the #HeadacheHacks campaign by Nurofen Express, a staggering 19 per cent of Irish people suffer from headaches on a weekly basis.

Many sufferers will opt to take painkillers while others are more interested in means of prevention so as to combat the condition before it kicks in. If you’re one of those people, it might be worth your while taking Dr Ciara Kelly’s diary tip into account.

It’s time to consider the following:

What have you eaten?

When you feel a headache kicking in, make a note of the food you’ve eaten so far that day.

Some foods are known for triggering headaches, so it’s always worth your while recording the food you’ve tucked into throughout the day.

What were you doing?

At what point, did you feel the symptoms developing?

Perhaps you were sitting at your computer or staring at your phone for a prolonged period of time? Maybe you were on public transport or reading alone in your house?

Noting your activity will help establish your triggers.

What were you feeling?

Dr Kelly advises sufferers to take their mood into account when they feel a headache kicking in.

By noting your mood in the lead-up to a headache, you may be able to better identify situations which will bring about a headache.

Remember, knowledge is power.

By taking note of these factors, you may begin recognising a pattern, and ultimately be able to pre-empt or prevent the onslaught of a headache.

If you are concerned about the regularity with which you suffer from headaches, it’s important you approach a medical professional for further support.

And don’t forget to bring your diary with you.

Trending

by

Remember the last time you were advised to tuck into a cake before crunching like your life depended on it?

Yeah, us neither, but it looks like that’s all set to change as a new range of nutritious pre-workout treats hit shelves across Ireland.

The brainchild of Dublin-based bakers, Broderick’s Brothers, BC’ Before Cake’ are high in protein and fibre, low in calories, gluten and wheat-free, and include ingredients such as dried red apple, juicy sultanas, cinnamon, high quality cocoa, and roasted hazelnuts.

And they come highly recommended as well.

Having joined forces with World Champion and three time Olympian Derval O'Rourke, Broderick’s Brothers are keen to tap into Ireland’s current and ever-growing #FitFam trend.

“The Irish consumer is becoming increasingly health conscious and these products will allow them to maintain that ethos while enjoying a guilt free treat full of high quality ingredients,” they said.

"I am passionate about imparting the knowledge I have gained around nutrition and performance and the guys have taken it all on board and have included some really strong nutritional credentials in this range," Derval added.

With the help of  food technologists, sensory analysts, nutritional experts, the Broderick’s Brothers have created three nutritious snacks which speak to the priorities of today’s health-focussed generation.

“We have maintained the unrivalled quality of our products and married it with a guilt-free treat. We have not rushed this process, as it was so important to make sure the products were perfect,” they added.

Our pre-gym prep has just gotten a lot tastier, ladies.

Trending

by

If you’re looking for the perfect location for a girly weekend away, Airbnb have got you covered.

Eaton House Studio, situated in Tiptree, Essex is described as ‘the most magical place in Essex’ and it's quite obvious why people have fallen head over heels.

If you think the exterior is over the top, just wait until you see inside.

This amazing house has six bedrooms, six bathrooms, sleeps up to 30 people and of course includes the essential hot tub and disco ball.

Each room is more extravagant than the last with flowers, fairy lights and unicorns everywhere you turn. Even the back garden looks like something straight out of Alice in Wonderland!

The pad boasts a 5 star rating on Airbnb and guests have been leaving incredible reviews.

‘’All I can say is WOW! and WOW again…. There is nowhere truly anywhere like this on the planet!’’

Another guest wrote ‘’Had the most amazing time at the big pink house, so much care and thought for each room! Best place for an unforgettable party!’’

So, fancy a stay in this lavish pink mansion?

A night here will set you back about €2,110, but we can’t help but think it might be worth it?  

Trending

by

If there’s one thing we love more than an actual packet of Tayto, it’s a trip to Tayto Park.

Under the guise of doting older relative, we've treated multiple family members to days at the park over the years, and we don't intend to stop any time soon.

And thankfully, we won't have to as the nation’s favourite theme park will be throwing its doors wide open again at the end of this week.

Getting bigger and better with every passing season, the folk behind the Ashbourne attraction have pulled an absolute blinder this season.

In addition to a host of events which will delight younger members of the family, the park offers rock climbing and sky walking which will obviously pique the interest of adrenaline junkies all over Ireland.

But if rides aren’t your thing, why not check out the park’s zoo which boasts a variety of animals, including big-cats, meerkats, monkeys, fossa and birds of prey?

Ladies, it looks like we have April sorted.

Trending

by

The Irish are known, the world over, as a nation of storytellers.

Our oral tradition dates back centuries, and for a country of its diminutive size, Ireland has produced some of the most celebrated writers, playwrights, poets and performers in history.

And while we may no longer employ the services of the traditional seanchaí, our day-to-day tradition of storytelling has in no way diminished.

Millennials may not gather friends and family around a fire and regale them with tales of yore, but they do partake in their own unique version of storytelling on a daily basis.

Whether it's through Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or with the help of their blog or vlog, this generation have made skillful use of the platforms available to them and ultimately proven themselves masters of storytelling.

The medium may have changed, but the tradition hasn't.

But at a time when our social media feeds are awash with stories from around the world, it's the storytellers who have honed the craft who truly stand out from the crowd.

Whether their story comes in the shape of a 140-character Twitter post, side-by-side Instagram upload or short and snappy Snapchat story, the person behind the story has considered their audience and played to their expectations.

You can argue that the advent of social media (and its multiple filters and edit/ delete functions) means the storyteller can present a certain version of their tale to the world ultimately rendering the 'story' less authentic, but that doesn't mean it's any less captivating or engaging.

We celebrate works of fiction in the same way we laud real-life stories. We pay tribute to scriptwriters in the same way we hail documentary-makers  And we praise painters in the same way we honour photographers.

Fact, fiction or filtered; if a story engages, it engages.

Whether the 'story' presented is an accurate representation of the individual's life is beside the point because if an audience decides it is sufficiently fascinated, it will come back for more.

An individual who presents the public with a warts-and-all version of their life is no more worthy of praise than a person who creates a visual or written narrative which niftily sidesteps the grimmer side of daily life.

A story is a story is a story.

As the SHEmazing Awards seek to illustrate, social media has created a whole new generation of storytellers, inspired a generation of creatives and given a voice to those whose story deserves a platform.

Oh, and while we have you; don't forget to have your say in the inaugural SHEmazing Awards this May! It's time to vote, and you can do it right here! 

 

Trending

by

Ah, the Camino de Santiago; most of you will have either done it, heard of it, or aspire to complete it, right?

Traditionally beginning in France and ending at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia northwestern Spain, this 800km walk is undertaken by hundreds of thousands of walkers and cyclists each year.

And while it's easily one of the most awe-inspiring trips you could embark on, it's also one which requires a whole lot of preparation.

As someone who has completed the first 300km of it (and has every intention of finishing it… some day), I lost count of the amount of things I learned along the way, and wished I had known sooner.

With that in mind, here are just 11 things you need to know if you plan to pilgrim it up.

1. You will become obsessed with the quality of your socks.
 
People bang on about hiking boots before they head off, but only true pilgrims will know that it all comes down to the socks you wear.

Investing in socks made for hiking is ESSENTIAL if you don't want to spend your entire trip limping in agony while your fellow pilgrims, who splashed the extra cash on purpose-built socks, stride ahead without a care.

Purchasing two or three pairs of walking socks is the first thing you need to do if you're even THINKING of getting your Camino on.

   1000 mile All Terrain Sock 

2. You will rub Vaseline on your feet in front of strangers.

Completing the Camino with relative ease means you need to know ALL the tips and tricks to protect your feet from blisters and cuts.

And that's where Vaseline comes in.

Coating your feet in Vaseline before slipping into your socks each morning will protect them, and give you a serious sense of satisfaction when you know you're setting off on that day's hike.

3. You will lust after people with plastic cutlery

Keeping your rucksack light is the name of the game from the get-go, but that should never mean sacrificing useful items in order to facilitate lighter, less important items.

With that in mind, it's important to carry items which may not be readily available when you're snacking on the go during your walk, and that means carrying a handy cutlery set.

While there are pit stops along the way, they may not provide you with cutlery, and hacking at a block of cheese with a set of keys is not how you want to spend your break-time.

4. You will not care what you look like.

I'll be honest, the thought of going a fortnight without a hairdryer, straightener or makeup bag left me feeling a little cold, but within 12 hours of walking, I completely stopped caring what I looked like.

When you're walking, all you care about are the views and the destination. And when you arrive all you care about is a hot shower, good food and clean bed.

Anything else is completely and utterly inconsequential – believe me.

5. You will be more than happy with just two sets of clothes

The idea of alternating between just two sets of clothes for a fortnight (or longer) sounds rank, but it's the only way to go if you want to ensure a light pack.

The vast majority of hostels you stay at will have laundry facilities, so lugging anything more with you will seem pretty foolhardy when you have the option to rinse and dry your clothes most evenings.

You will get into a routine with your clothes pretty quickly, and won't think twice about your supposed 'lack' of outfits.

6. You will want to start early…

You may not be an early riser by nature, but on the Camino, you'll find yourself setting off between 6am and 8am most mornings.

Pilgrims tend to make the most of the mornings, so they can make the most of the evenings in their new destination.

And trying to sleep through a dorm of hikers getting ready for eight hours of walking isn't the easiest, so follow suit and get started around sun-up.

7. …but not too early…

Don't make the mistake of starting so early, you're walking in the dark for a prolonged period of time.

While it might seem tempting to get a jumpstart on the day, there is nothing relaxing about hiking an isolated stretch of the route in the pitch dark with only the sound of your heartbeat to keep you company.

Safety is your absolute priority at all points on the route, so always walk in pairs or with a group, and never, ever diverge from the track.

8. You will realise you can send your rucksack ahead each day

You may intend to walk the entire route with bag on back, but sometimes life intervenes, and you decide that you're going to send your bag ahead each day.

When I realised my rucksack was considerably larger than others, and didn't fit my frame thereby causing considerable discomfort, I decided to make use of the transport service, and instantly felt better.

Do anything you can to make the hike easy on yourself, and don't feel obliged to do anything that causes pain or anxiety just because other people have done it.

9. You will surprise yourself

Whether it's your determination, motivation, or ability to overlook the little things, the Camino will test you, and ultimately remind you that you're made of pretty stern stuff.

It's a trip like no other, and in turn, will provide you with a sense of accomplishment few other trips can do.

 

#Throwback #Spain #Camino

A post shared by Niamh McClelland (@niamhomac) on

10. It will be hard

Chances are you will have at least one day which you will remember with a pang of horror.

Mine was the first day when we made our way across the Pyrenees; I had no concept of distance, my rucksack hurt like hell and I questioned why I ever got myself involved in the first place.

But that period of anguish gave way to the kindness and advice of other pilgrims, and ultimately provided me with the tips and tricks needed to navigate the rest of the journey with ease.

11. But it will also be unforgettable

There's a reason millions of people have taken time out of their lives to walk miles across France and Spain, and you only truly get it when you do it yourself.

Whether its about taking stock, finding yourself, testing your limits or taking time out of the rat race, the Camino can be whatever you want it to be.

And forgettable, it is not.

 

#Throwback #OnTheRoad #Spain #Camino #MapOfTheWorld

A post shared by Niamh McClelland (@niamhomac) on

Oh, and while we have you; don't forget to have your say in the inaugural SHEmazing Awards this May! It's time to vote, and you can do it right here!

Trending

by

The clocks went forward on Saturday night which means millions of us have had a vague feeling of jet lag since yesterday.

However, for many women in Ireland, that feeling is all too familiar, and not given the attention it deserves.

Existing on six hours sleep, putting in long days at the office and attempting to maintain a social life takes its toll on our bodies, and we just need to accept exhaustion as a side effect, right?

Wrong.

All too often, women ignore symptoms of iron deficiency because they assume feeling tired and run-down is part and parcel of today’s hectic lifestyle.

Iron is vital when it comes to maintaining energy levels and boosting the immune system, so when you’re lacking in it, you automatically begin feeling tired and lethargic.

So, why don’t more women address the issue head-on?

Well, many of us fall into the trap of assuming that we’re on top form because we eat well, work-out regularly and get enough sleep, but it’s important to remember that various elements can have an impact on our iron stores.

“There are many life stages for women where iron levels become a watchpoint, such as at puberty, hormonal changes and during menstruation.  Even fitness regimes and changing your diet can impact iron stores,” explains Dr Eva Orsmond.

And that’s where Blueiron comes in.

A cult product in its native Finland, Blueiron, made with fresh mineral water and rich in immune-boosting vitamin C, is a liquid iron supplement which increases a person’s iron levels.

Unlike many traditional iron supplements, Blueiron is gentle on the digestive system resulting in fewer of the side effects most commonly associated with iron supplements, such as constipation or abdominal pain.

So, if you spent much of your day feeling like you're treading through treacle, it might be time for a burst of blueberries…

Oh, and while we have you; don't forget to have your say in the inaugural SHEmazing Awards this May! It's time to vote, and you can do it right here! 

 

Trending

by

If you spent last night tossing and turning, and woke up this morning looking like you'd been on a three-day bender, you're not alone.

While we love the idea of longer evenings and brighter days, the clocks going forward on Saturday night brought with it a whole world of pain as we adjusted to the change, and ultimately found ourselves trundling around in a sleep-deprived fog for most of this morning.

It might have only been 60 minutes, but hell we really needed every one of them.

And so did these people by the sound of things.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh, and while we have you; don't forget to have your say in the inaugural SHEmazing Awards this May! It's time to vote, and you can do it right here! 

Trending

by

If you've ever found yourself losing sleep over the number of people who appear in the photographs you upload to social media, your concerns may be placated with the help of a Japanese company called Family Romance.

In a bid to help those who tend to think quantity over quality when it comes to friends, Family Romance have launched a service called Real Appeal which allows you to 'hire' people to populate your uploads.

So, here's the deal.

Those who feel they're in dire need of a mate or two can choose people from a catalogue – and can even specify certain characteristics, such as gender, age and style – before hiring the individuals for a minimum of two hours at a cost of €42.

According to the folk behind the service, they receive an average of 100 requests per month for their service, and they even offer fake family members and seat fillers for various other occasions like weddings and business seminars.

Something to think about the next time you think your friends are about to bail on you…

Oh, and while we have you; don't forget to have your say in the inaugural SHEmazing Awards this May! It's time to vote, and you can do it right here!

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