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summer

There's no denying that we all go a bit mad when the sun is in the sky.

Our spirits are lifted, our guards are down and it's suddenly acceptable to sit in a beer garden from 12 in the afternoon.

But it seems the sun may have another effect on us ladies, and well, it looks like we're in for a good time this season.

A new survey has revealed that women are more sexually active during the months June, July and August.

The Eve app analysed data from 1.27 million users and found that the majority of women reported a 12 per cent increase in sexual activity during the summer months.

Users of the app are asked to report their daily health, which includes information about their sex lives.

Figures showed that women reported having sex 41.5 per cent of the time in the summer months, 38.8 per cent of the time in the autumn months, 36.8 per cent in winter and 35.8 per cent in spring.

What's more, during the summer months, most women also reported an increase in the amount of orgasms they experienced and more described the sex they were having as 'mind-blowing' rather than 'pretty good' or 'eh'.

So, what makes us so sexual in the summer?

Well, a user poll revealed that woman want more sex in the summer because they're 'feeling tan and fab' and because they're spending a lot more time 'half naked'.

However, all this summer sex does comes with a consequence.

According to Marie Claire, unprotected sex is at an all time high during June, July and August leading to an increase in young women who test positive for STI's come autumn.

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Summer is well and truly on the way, and we are dreaming of sunshine, beaches and delicious cocktails. 

If you're like me, you probably have at least one summer holiday booked (and your bag packed months in advance). 

Well, one thing I always struggle to pack are swimsuits – I never find nice ones that suit my curvy shape. 

Until now. 

The stun huns at Penneys have revealed their new swimwear collection – and I need it all immediately. 

The collection is made up of bright colours, flattering shapes and fun styles. 

There are a handful of eye-catching one pieces, with statements such as 'Tribe' and 'Malibu' printed on the front.

Bay watch alert also folks, as one of the nicest swimsuits is bright red, and sexy as hell. 

There's also a really groovy suit with a tropical print, and I can actually already taste the Pina Coladas.

Get me to the sun, right NOW. 

This cute number also comes ina two piece – so you've loads of choice. 

My genuine favourite swimsuit of the whole collection? The bottle green one with the cute little frill. 

How nice its this? I will need a spray tan, but I'm ready. 

Prices for this divine collection start at just  €2.50, which means we have an excuse to buy absolutely EVERYTHING. 

Summer, we're waiting.

 

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The sun is out, and after such an endless winter, it would be a crime to stay indoors and not enjoy the gorgeous weather. 

And what would make us happier then a few cold cans on the canal? Nothing, but ice cream is good too. 

This delicious recipe is easy to make and you'll bloody love them.

Seriously, you'll end up eating them all. 

Ice-cream sandwiches

Ingredients

For the cookies

  • 100g sugar
  • 200g butter, at room temperature
  • 300g flour

For the filling

  • 500ml vanilla ice cream (or any flavour of your choice)
  • Optional: sugar sprinkles or mini chocolate chips, to decorate

Method

1. Heat oven to 180°C. Prepare two large baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together. Add the flour and continue to mix until the mixture turns into a soft dough. Using your hands, press the dough together to form a ball.

3. With a floured rolling pin, roll the dough about 4 to 5 mm thick on a floured surface. Using a small round cookie cutter, cut into discs and place on prepared baking sheets.

4. Bake for 16-18 minutes then let cool completely.

5. Place a scoop of ice cream on one cookie, then place another cookie on top and press slightly. You can dip the sandwich in sugar sprinkles or mini chocolate chips if desired. Freeze until ready to serve.  
 

Featured image: Instagram @whatsjuliecooking

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The sun is shining for what feels like the first time in forever. There’s a spring in our step and we’re starting to daydream about the summertime. We know Irish summers tend to be a tad dreary, which will come as no surprise, as the country experiences between 150 and 225 rainy days every single year.

Luckily, HB is here to brighten the coming months as they have re-launched one of their nicest ice-creams. They announced that the Super Split will be back, just in time for the summer.

However, there will be something very different about the popular ice-cream. They have decided to change the name from Super Split to SPLIT.

But fear not, they won’t be changing the recipe!

HB shared, “We’ve received several heartfelt emails, handwritten letters and social media messages asking us to bring back this legend, and we listened!”

They added, "We’ve decided to give the name a makeover, from Super Split to SPLIT, but fans old and new can rest assured that the great taste they’ve come to know and love, is still the exact same."

HB SPLIT is available in packs of nine in shops nationwide.

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It's out with the old, and in with the new!

For many, spring is a time of new beginnings and fresh starts – making it the perfect the excuse to give your wardrobe a well-deserved makeover. 

To help, we've trawled the high street in search of some of the best pieces so you can nail this season's most stylish trends. 

Pretty in Pastel 

Check yo'self 

Puff it out 

Sheer beauty

Statement colour 

 

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By now, the snowy miserable weather is an (almost) distant memory.

We're dreaming of sandy beaches, rum cocktails and sun kissed skin.

So, if like us, you have already booked a summer holiday (has to be done), you may want to listen closely. 

Laying under the burning sun is one of the best feelings, but you know what doesn't feel great? Sun burn! 

And while we know that SPF is an absolute necessity, we usually bloody hate putting it on. 

Image result for nuxe sun

However, we have discovered the most delicious range of sun products, that we need to tell you about. 

NUXE sun products will transport you straight to a tropical wonderland with just one sniff – seriously.

The range includes so many wonderful products, so there's something for everyone.

I personally use the 'Milky Spray for face and body' because it has a factor 50, so I won't burn my porcelain skin. 

It's also water resistant and alcohol free, so you don't get that horrid stingy sensation in your eyes when you apply it! 

Image result for nuxe sun

 Its addictive fragrance, a blend of Sweet Orange, Tahitian Gardenia and Vanilla, leaves a unique signature scent on the skin.

Honestly, it is my FAVOURITE sun cream on the market, and I'm not just saying that! 

There are also so many other gorge goodies in the range, from hair sprays and after sun to water scents and self tan.

Every sun-filled box ticked. You're welcome. 

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Yes, it's only March, but now is the time to be booking those days off work and planning your summer holiday. 

Luckily, the high street has the same idea in mind, with new summer stock flooding stores both online and IRL.

Monki is one of our favourite go-to brands, and their new swimwear drop has us dreaming of far-off places. 

Long-sleeved swimsuit €30,00, Minimalist swimsuit €25.00

From bright, punchy prints to streamlined minimalist designs, the Scandi brand is serving up swimwear we can Instagram all summer long.

Check out a few of our favourite pieces: 

Black bikini €27.00, Tropical bikini top €15.00

Striped ruched bikini €30.00  White frill back bikini €28.00 

Sporty bikini €30.00, One-shoulder swimsuit €30.00

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So, if there's one thing we can all agree on it's that summer 2017 was a bit of a flop. 

Sure, we got a few weeks of sunshine at the end of June, but other than that, the weather has been far from perfect for this time of year – and it doesn't look like it's going to get better any time soon. 

With shorter evenings and plummeting temperatures already on the way, it's time to say farewell to farmer's tan and ice-cream cones and hello to seasonal lattés and Saturday night television. 

Here are seven telltale signs that Ireland's summer is well and truly on its way out. 

1. The Rose of Tralee

Dáithí Ó Sé, questionable talents and more Newbridge Silverware than can fit in your Nana's 'good' press? Yeah, Autumn is definitely on its way. 

2. Your house is full of clothes horses

It's far from drying weather out there. 

3. You've already started planning your Halloween costume 

You've got every intention of making this the best Halloween ever, but deep down you now the day will come and you'll end up painting whiskers on your face with liquid eyeliner (again).

4. Distinct lack of Spanish students in Dublin city centre 

Grafton Street is no longer a vast labyrinth of backpacks and teenagers. 

5. Ads for the X Factor are already on TV

Nothing signifies the season ahead quite like a montage of Louis Walsh's best bits.  

6. You're completely broke

All that summer fun didn't come cheap you know. 

7. The countdown to Christmas begins

125 days and counting, ladies (sorry). 

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So, the weather outside might be unpredictable, but that doesn't mean our homes don't deserve a summer facelift. 

From splashes of colour, to fresh scents, there are loads of simple ways you can update your home for the season ahead. 

Here's just a few ideas to inspire your inner designer. 

Botanical Prints

Tropical prints were all over the catwalk for SS17 and now it's time your home interiors got in on the fun.

From ceramic pineapples to palm tree cushions, this trend will inject a breath of fresh air into any living space.

So, even if it's bucketing down outside, simply shut the curtains and relax in your own tropical paradise.  

Climbing Plants

According to Pinterest, climbing plants are a huge trend in home interiors this year.

Traditionally this look would have only featured on the exterior walls of a house, but these winding plants have found a way indoors and actually look super chic in a living room or kitchen.

It can be hard to train plants to grown in the right direction, but all your efforts will be worth it when all your friends are drooling over this statement feature.  

Moroccan

Another trend that isn't going anywhere fast is the bright and beautiful patterns of Morocco.

Whether it's a statement cushion or a simple lantern, the vivid colours and strong textures will add a sense of exotic adventure to any room.

Denim Blue

Designers are shying away from the monochrome colour schemes and are instead opting for a much softer approach.

While they may not be the brightest choice, navy and deep-blue tones provide a fresh yet cosy atmosphere.

New View 

Let's face it, most of us have never even considered the option of pointing our furniture at anything other than the television, but with longer days and shorter nights, it might be nice to enjoy a new view for the summer months. 

Consider rearranging some of the chairs in your living room – not only will it shift the focus of the room, but it will also appear bigger and brighter as a result. 

Shout out to Better Homes & Gardens for this genius idea. 

Summer Scents

Fill your home with the scents of the outdoors for that ultimate summer feel.

Pack away the spiced cinnamon candle you've been lighting since last Christmas and replace it with something more seasonal.

Marine, fruity and cotton scents are all good choices for the summer months.

 

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Some people just hate sandals, it's a thing. 

From the sweatiness brought on from not wearing socks to the horror of having to look at your own toes all day, some of us prefer to rock a cool pair of boots all year round. 

From the perfect festival boots to bright patterns to spruce up a summer wardrobe, here's 10 of our favourite boots for summer 2017. 

 ASOS Leopard Print Boots €81.08, ASOS Reality Star Boots €60.81

 Pretty Little Thing Coin Boots €39.20, Pretty Little Thing Western Boots €42.00

 New Look floral boots €49.99, River Island Khaki Boots €80.00

 River Island cut-out boots €50.00, River Island Grey Suede Boots €65.00

ASOS White Bow Boots €87.83, ASOS Festival Boots €37.84

Feature image: Instagrammydebeauvoirdiaries

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Hygge took over as the biggest lifestyle trend for winter, but there are ways to adapt the trend to the summer months. 

While hot chocolate and fluffy socks are part and parcel of winter hygge, there are plenty of ways the distinctly Danish feeling of cosiness and contentment can be applied in the summer months. 

Garden parties

While cosy nights in with hot chocolate and vanilla candles is the quickest route to winter hygge, when the weather is good Netflix usually isn't the first thing on the agenda. 

Getting your friends or family together for a perfectly prepped garden party is the quickest route to summertime hygge happiness. 

String up some bunting (and fairy lights when dusk falls), scatter your outdoor furniture with throws, cushions and tablecloths, and swap hot wine and s'mores for a crisp wine spritzer, Aperol Spritz or G&T with a strawberry salad and you're ready to go. 

Gardening

Hygge is simply the Danish ritual of enjoying life's simple pleasures. 

Keeping your garden, balcony herb garden or window box looking beautiful is the perfect way to embody the ritual of creating something simple and charming, and is an excellent way to indulge in summer hygge. 

Plus, the garden will be looking lovely for the garden parties. 

 

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Fresh hygge decor

Winter decor with a hygge vibe involves thick knitted blankets, fluffy furnishings and plenty of creams and muted tones. 

Adapting the look for summer involves making a few small changes to brighten up the home. 

Swap your indoor fairy lights for copper string lights, trade your fur covered pillows for bright Nordic-print cushion covers, hang some plant-filled terrariums, and incorporate green and pale yellow tones into your summer-styled rooms.

 

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In-house foliage

Speaking of interior decor, live plants and fresh cut flowers are an ideal way to brighten up the inside of your home, and admiring the beauty of nature is definitely very hygge. 

Fill a vase with seasonal flowers, as well as lots of green foliage to create the ideal summer bouquet for your coffee table.

Lavender and leaf arrangements smell divine and keep very well if you don't want to invest in a bouquet that will wilt before the week is out (and you can throw a sprig in your gin with some juniper berries for a refreshing but aromatic cocktail).

 

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Summer siestas

Napping is definitely one of life's simple pleasures, so taking a weekend nap is the perfect way to practice self care while catching up on your zZzZzs. 

And if you can mange it in a hammock in the back garden?

Then all the better. 

Star gazing

It's rare in Ireland that we get a mild enough night to sit out and star gaze, but the activity definitely reflects the core value of hygge.

While the weather is balmy, set up the deck chairs or bring your winter throw out and lay it on the grass and count the stars. 

 

A post shared by Ross (@rossmoton) on

Feature image: Instagram / westelm

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So, at this stage we all know the importance of applying sun cream on a daily basis. 

However, if like us your often forget this vital step, it might be time to consider using an SPF foundation. 

With one simple step you’ll achieve that flawless look while also protecting your skin from the sun – essential as we head into summer

Here's our top picks. 

Dior Diorskin Forever Fluid Foundation SPF 35

As well a providing impressive sun protection, this non-oily formula provides a long-lasting matte finish while also helping to improve the texture of your skin in as little as four weeks.

It is available in 18 different shades and is available from Debenhams stores nationwide – € 50.50

Rimmel Lasting Finish 25hr Foundation SPF 20

Great value, flawless coverage and long-lasting.

What's not to love?

This sweat, heat, humidity and transfer-proof formula lasts up to 25 hours, making it your perfect go-to base this summer. 

Rimmel's flagship foundation includes SPF 20 and is available from pharmacies nationwide. – €7.99

Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow! Liquid Foundation SPF 25 

The liquid foundation builds from light to medium coverage for a natural finish.

The oil-free formula will leave your skin looking luminous and healthy, while also providing superb protection from UV rays. 

Available from Benefit counters around the country and online at benefitcosmetics.com.

Vichy Dermablend Fluid Corrective Foundation SPF 35

If you're looking for a light-coverage foundation that will stay in place all day long – this one's for you. 

The hydrating formula is enriched with Vichy’s thermal spa water, glycerine and plant oil, making it the perfect choice for all skin types. 

All seven shades are available from feelunique.com – €18.00

Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Perfectly Satin 24hr Makeup SPF 15

This matte finish foundation is infused with climate-resistant technology that lasts through heat, humidity and moisture.

Shine control ingredients are time released to absorb oil throughout the day for and most importantly, the built in SPF 15 works to protect your skin from UVA/UVB damage.

Available from Debenhams stores nationwide – € 38.00

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