Five Types of People Who Wreck Your Head on a Night Out

An Irish night club really is something to behold. For the most part it's all harmless craic but there are some scenes which could be accurately dubbed by some David Attenborough style narration. Besides the lovely girl who compliments your outfit and the kind man who buys you another drink after accidentally knocking over your first one, there are some absolute horrors that just can't be avoided. Here is my list of the people who absolutely rot my guts on a night out...

The Dance Floor Farters

Picture the scene. You're up having a boogie with your girlos, living your best life, when suddenly your nostrils are assaulted by the overpowering stench of a spluttery Guinness fart. You're first instinct is to flee the scene in utter disgust but you're also compelled to glance around and attempt to identify the culprit so you can put a face to this filthy animal. Maybe I sound a bit dramatic but I'm not joking when I say that some farts have the power to clear a dance floor like Moses parting the Red Sea. Seriously lads, if you feel a rumble in the jungle then do the decent thing. Go to the bathroom, go outside, cup it in your hands and throw it in your bloody handbag if you have to, just don't release that evil up in here.

The Bathroom Brigade 

As someone with a bladder the size of a pea and a stomach weaker than the male ego, I can safely say that I spend at least 80% of my time in the toilet on a night out. I know that there's nothing worse than having to wait in line for the jacks when you're on the verge of wetting yourself and/or projectile vomiting but I have zero tolerance for people knocking on cubicle doors like a battering ram. Is there anything worse than when you're in the toilet trying to puke in peace and some hun is hammering on the door telling you to hurry up. Obviously I do not support those who use nightclub bathrooms as their own personal drug dens, but show some compassion for us pukey princesses who just want to have a tactical chunder.

The Creeps

You know these people. The ones who lurk around the dance floor scoping out their prey before shimmying their way over and grinding up against you while you give your friends the wide-eyed 'help me' look. Seriously, what is the matter with these people? Where you raised in the wilderness? Have you no basic social skills? Do you think that you're going to pull by rubbing your sweaty crotch on some poor unsuspecting stranger? I will forever be bewildered by this behaviour and what's even worse about it is that they make YOU out to be the worst in the world when you tell them to go away! Why yes, you did just come over here uninvited and press your genitals on me but sure, I'm the real villain in this situation...

 

The Queue Skippers 

This goes for the bar, toilet, taxi rank, chipper and everything else in between. People who skip queues need to cop the fuck on. We're all here for the same reason and you ain't nothin' special so get in line and wait your turn like the rest of us. And don't even think about trying to brush it off like you don't realise what you're doing because I see your crafty mind at work! Oh you're friend is at the top of the line and you need to get to them? Well tough titties because I've been waiting for these garlic cheese chips for forty five minutes and nothing on this earth will keep me from them so you can take your sorry ass to the back of the line.

The Mirror Hoggers

Come on gals, we're all in the same boat here. We all just want to fix our hair, touch up our lippy and be on our merry way. I know I'm sounding totally Mean Girls here but can't we all just get along? I know you might be in a rush but that's no excuse to mooch in while someone is trying to use the mirror. We all want to be stunning so just give your fellow gals a chance to fix themselves before you bulldoze your way through, Mac lipstick in hand, and boot them bout of the way. There's no reason why you should be exiting the bathroom looking like Kim K while the rest of us are going around like Beetlejuice after trying to apply makeup using our front camera in the smoking area.

7 Hyped Up Products That You Shouldn't Waste Your Money On

I’m no MUA by any means. I’m not a master in the art of winged eyeliner, my eyebrows are always a little bit crooked and I certainly have not required the skills to deceive people of my actual lip size. I like to think of myself as a rational person who isn’t easily lead but I’ll admit that when it comes to makeup I have, on occasion, been well and truly ‘influenced’. Come on, I think we’ve all fallen victim to it at some stage. You’re scrolling through your Instagram feed, bombarded by those five second videos of beauty bloggers applying their makeup and you think to yourself ‘damn, if I owned that shiny gold liquid that comes out of a dropper, maybe I could look like that…’ Although this kind of content isn’t all bad, and can be quite helpful sometimes, I have definitely been swindled into buying products that did not live up to their internet hype. When it comes to makeup, I like to save money in whatever ways I can so I’m going to give you my honest opinion on the products I’ve used that, in my opinion, just weren’t worth it.

 

Huda Beauty Rose Gold Eyeshadow Palette

 

 

This might cause quite a divided opinion as I know that it’s loved by many, but this palette has to be top of my list of products that didn’t live up to my expectations. When this palette was first released, it caused a storm in the online beauty world and was raved about by bloggers worldwide. It’s creator, Huda Kattan, is a makeup artist and beauty blogger who already had a huge online following before the release so there was a lot of anticipation about this product. Visually, the palette is stunning. The colour selection is lovely and I’ve seen many tutorials of beautiful looks that have been created using the shadows. I actually ordered this palette as a gift for my sister (disguising it as a birthday present but obvs just thinking about how I could also use it) and when I opened it I have to admit that I was pretty disappointed. This product was not cheap so I was expecting a little bit more when it came to the quality of the packaging. The original Rose Gold palette doesn’t seem to be available anymore since they released the new remastered version, but I think I paid around €65 for the original. The palette comes with a removal cardboard sleeve and inside the shadows are covered by a thin plastic sheet. I know some people might not be bothered by this, but I really felt like the overall quality of the product was completely overshadowed (no pun intended) by the cheap packaging. Come on Huda, we’re making you a millionaire so the least you could give us is a mirror! And it’s not just the packaging that I have my gripes with, the glitter shadows are nothing to write home about either. After struggling to apply them with several different brushes, both wet and dry, I eventually gave up and used my fingers like a caveman. I don’t completely hate this palette and it’s definitely not the worst I’ve ever used but I do think that there are plenty of cheaper alternatives on the market that could do the same job. If you have the money to spend and are looking to give it a try then go ahead, you’ve got nothing to lose. But if you’re on a budget and looking to invest in a high-end eyeshadow palette then I would consider other alternatives such as the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette.

 

SOSU Dripping Gold Luxury Tan

 

 

This is a product that’s quite new on the market and definitely one that has been getting a lot of hype in the run up to it’s release. The queen of the Irish beauty industry, Suzanne Jackson is back at it again with a new product in her ever-growing empire. Since launching her beauty brand, SOSU, she has been incredibly successful with her range of makeup palettes, false eyelashes, nail polish and perfume. So, the next obvious step for Suzy J was to delve into a product held near and dear by many of us Irish gals, fake tan. If there’s one thing a good entrepreneur knows it’s supply and demand. (Just picture a Renaissance-style painting of an angelic Marissa Carter cradling a bottle of Coco Brown while pasty hands with long acrylic nails grasp at her like demons.) There was so much excitement about this tan on social media and I was extremely interested in trying this out for myself. I opted for the medium shade and, to cut a long story short, I was fairly impressed with how it turned out after two coats. This is an instant tan but it does develop darker so is probably best used before bed and then showered off in the morning. Overall, I was happy with the colour, it gave me a nice natural tan without having those orangey undertones. Some people may prefer a darker tan but the medium was just enough for me. The product itself isn’t too sticky but it does still have the usual fake tan smell which gets worse the longer you leave it to develop. I am currently in the stages of it starting to fade and it is looking pretty crusty on my feet, hands and chest. I will not give this product a completely bad review as it is fairly good but to be honest, it’s nothing special. It is pretty much the same as most fake tanning products on the market and you could probably opt for a cheaper alternative and still get the same results. I applaud Suzanne for her efforts but at the end of the day, I don’t think this product is revolutionary by any means, soz.

 

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

 

 

This is a product which seems to have a huge cult following in the beauty world and I’ve heard bloggers and YouTubers waffle on about this for ages. It’s really hyped up for its amazing staying power and was even promoted by some of my favourite drag queens when it was first released. However, what swayed my decision to buy this was a review on the Debenhams website from a girl who said she wore this on a night out, got paralytic drunk and vomited everywhere and her makeup didn’t budge. Sold. I was initially hesitant to buy this as it pretty expensive (the 118ml is €31) so I opted for the 30ml bottle which was €12 and honestly, I’m glad that this is all I spent. I’m always slightly sceptical when it comes to setting sprays. A part of me believes that they are 100% necessary but I always wonder if I am essentially just spraying glorified water on my face. With this spray, I honestly saw no difference. I’ve used it before nights out, before long shifts in work and for several occasions where I was out all day and I didn’t see any amazing results. I still came home looking like my usual crusty, slightly shiny self. I know that products differ depending on skin types (I have combination skin) so this spray might work really well for others but for me, it just didn’t live up to my expectations.

 

PS My Perfect Colour Foundation

 

 

This is another product that seemed to be all over social media when it first came out. Penneys have really come a long way with their beauty range in the last few years. No matter what kind of product you’re after, Penneys more than likely have something for you and the prices just cannot be beaten. While I love a bargain, and will be an advocate for Penneys until my dying day, sometimes the cheaper option isn’t always the best. The My Perfect Colour foundation received many rave reviews, with some comparing it to the iconic Double Wear foundation by Estee Lauder. As a long time fan of Double Wear, I can safely say that the only similarities between these two foundations are the bottles. For €6, I obviously wasn’t expecting miracles but there were people going on like this product was the second coming of Christ. It’s definitely not the worst foundation that I’ve used and I suppose it’s fine if you don’t want to spend a lot but I would keep in mind that this is the kind of foundation that needs to be touched up throughout the day, especially around the t-zone. Also, the selection of shades is very limited (my local store only had four) so you may find it difficult to get one that actually matches your skin tone.

 

L'Oreal Elvive Low Shampoo

 

 

Do you ever meet someone and you get a bit of a weird vibe off them but you want to give them the benefit of the doubt so you really make an effort to get along with them but in the end, they turn out to be an asshole just like you initially suspected? Well, that is how I feel about this shampoo. As someone with brightly coloured hair, I had such high hopes for this product and really thought it would be a game changer but I was so, so wrong. The whole point of this shampoo is that it’s supposed to be sulphate free, foam free and overall better for your hair but this did not agree with me at all. I found that this gave my hair a horrible texture and made it feel extremely dull and lifeless. Again, everyone’s hair is different and this product might work really well for other people, but I personally found it very heavy and difficult to use. Sorry L’Oreal, it’s a no from me.

 

Colgate Max White Mouthwash

 

 

This is something that I’d had my eye on for quite a while and I only got around to buying it recently when I saw it on offer in Boots. I wouldn’t usually be sucked into trying teeth whitening products as it seems that every minor celebrity is peddling them on Instagram these days and most of them are probably useless. But, for some reason, I was interested in giving this a try as it was just a straightforward mouthwash and nothing crazy like having to brush your teeth with coal using a bamboo stick. I thought that this was meant to gradually whiten your teeth over time, but upon closer inspection I realised that it claims to give you a whiter smile ‘instantly’. If you read the small print it actually says ‘temporary optical effect of instant whitening’. What is this witchcraft? Unless you’re knocking back shots of this between photos then it’s really not of any use is it? Firstly, the mouthwash itself isn’t very pleasant and has a thick, syrupy consistency. Worst of all, it doesn’t even make your teeth look white but instead leaves a weird residue in your mouth that makes you look like a Warlock from Game of Thrones.

Penneys Glitter Eye Cream Palette

 

 

Ok, so this isn’t a product that has been hyped up but I just had to include it for the sheer reason of how crap it is. I don’t even know why I thought this would be anything less than terrible but I think I was blinded by the pretty colours. I think this is Penneys attempt at jumping on the bandwagon of ‘festival makeup’ and it really could have so much potential if it actually worked. Not gonna lie, I laughed out loud when I swatched this on my hand as it is literally just Vaseline with a few specks of glitter in it. In fairness, it was only €5 so I knew it wasn’t going to be amazing but come on Penneys, we expect more from you at this stage of the game! I suppose this could be a bit of fun if you had small kids who wanted to play around with makeup but I don’t think any of you gals will be using it for your EP looks anytime soon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Irregular Choice Muppets Collection: My Top Five Picks

 

In today's fast paced world of online networking, it can often feel like new products are being hurled at us from every angle. From social media 'influencers' to celebrity endorsements, it's difficult to keep up with what's on trend and what's old news as our feeds are saturated by a constant stream of fat burning energy drinks and shimmery eye shadow tutorials. I suppose it's just gotten to a stage where I aimlessly scroll through Instagram, Facebook and Twitter without actually taking in what I'm looking at. Truth be told, there is so much repetition within the fashion and beauty industry that everything has kind of merged together in my mind as one large mass of nude lips, smokey eyes and bodycon dresses. (All of which I wear, I might add...) However once in a while, there comes a collection that's just too exciting to ignore. Something that makes your lightning fast fingers come to a halt as you flick through your Instagram Explore page. Something that's so gaudy and so over the top that you can't actually decide whether or not it should even be a thing. Yes my friends, Irregular Choice have done it again...

Irregular Choice are a UK based footwear and accessories company who are renowned for their unique and quirky designs. Founded by designer Dan Sullivan back in the late 1990s, Irregular Choice began as a way for Sullivan to express his creativity and pay tribute to his roots as a punk and an outcast. Since the beginning, Irregular Choice has made a name for itself as a brand that isn't afraid to push boundaries and explore new styles. A favourite on the alternative fashion scene, Irregular Choice takes inspiration from subcultures such as punk, goth and rockabilly to create amazing designs that really are the stuff of dreams. As a teenager, I would spend my Saturdays lovingly staring through the window of a local shoe shop, completely in awe of their display of Irregular Choice heels. I would tell myself that one day, when I was older and cool, I would be able to buy beautiful shoes like that. (That day has yet to come. I'm still not cool...)

Shop Here: https://www.irregularchoice.com/womens/high-heels/tabbris-a.html?___SID=U

Over the years, Irregular Choice have continued to produce new and exciting designs unlike any other footwear on the market. From frills and sequins to their iconic heel designs, it's almost impossible to pass a pair of Irregular Choice shoes without picking them up and shouting over to your friend 'OMG, look at these!' before noticing the display behind them of unicorn loafers and cupcake kitten heels and having a meltdown over the fact that the heels have a tiny princess figure inside them that literally spins around and plays music. (True story!)

 

Shop Here: https://www.irregularchoice.com/disney/star-wars/glitzy-artoo-a.html

 

 

As if they could get any cooler, Irregular Choice have branched out even further through collaborations with companies such as Disney, creating beautiful designs inspired by Star Wars, Disney Princesses and now...The Muppets! Recently, the brand released their newest collection, a collaboration with everyone's favourite little furballs, The Muppets. Following the success of their Star Wars and Princess designs, Irregular Choice decided to go even further with their love of popular culture to bring to us a collection so outrageous that it would make Miss Piggy blush. These designs are definitely not for the faint hearted but as a lover of all things big, bold and retro, they make me more excited than Animal! Here are my top five pieces from the collection...

1. Original Diva

Shop Here: https://www.irregularchoice.com/disney/disney-muppets/original-diva-a.html

2. All About Moi

Shop Here: https://www.irregularchoice.com/disney/disney-muppets/all-about-moi-b.html

3. Who Moi Bag

Shop Here: https://www.irregularchoice.com/disney/disney-muppets/who-moi-bag-a.html

4. Daredevil Bag

Shop Here: https://www.irregularchoice.com/disney/disney-muppets/daredevil-bag-a.html

 

5. She's Hip He's Hop

Shop Here: https://www.irregularchoice.com/disney/disney-muppets/she-s-hip-he-s-hop-a.html

Ok, so they're not the kind of things you'd throw on if you were nipping out for a pint of milk but you can't deny that these are completely badass. It's clear that every detail of these pieces have been designed with such a unique vision and the end result really is something to behold. These pieces are excellent examples of how Irregular Choice, as a company, continue to strive for top quality and originality within a market where thinking outside the social media box isn't always prioritised. Irregular Choice isn't everyone's cup of tea but they deserve to be commended for their ability to deliver fresh and fun ideas and make us question how we ever lived without a pair of Miss Piggy cowboy boots.



Photos from www.irregularchoice.com

Disney Haul: Penneys & The Disney Store

So, if you follow me on Instagram then you'll already know that I've been slightly caught up in the recent Disneymania at Penneys. If you haven't heard about the #ChipGate scandal then let me catch you up. Basically, Penneys released a replica of Chip the teacup from Beauty And The Beast and the whole country has gone nuts over it. At the bargain price of just €6, these little guys are like gold dust and people are snapping them up as soon as they hit the shelves. As if that wasn't enough for us Disney fanatics, Penneys then had to come along with a whole new range of must-have items including a Mrs Potts money box, Chip and Mrs Potts coin purses, makeup bags, t-shirts, pyjamas and much more. Penneys have also released images of new items from the range will be available in stores in the coming months (an actual Mrs Potts teapot, be still my beating heart!). I am a self confessed Disney addict and while my obsession usually revolves around collecting mugs (we'll get to that later), lately I have found myself picking up more bits from Penneys than I usually would. I suppose you have to hand it to Penneys for their excellent marketing techniques. They whip everyone up into a frenzy over the Chip cups and then while you're in the store, pegging it around like Supermarket Sweep trying to find the little shite, you subconsciously end up buying a whole other load of crap! Over the past few weeks, during my many Penneys visits, I have managed to gather quite a collection without even realising it. Between that and the Disney Store summer sale, it was a complete recipe for disaster. Here are my latest finds...

Chip Mug, Penneys €6

 

Mrs Potts Money Box, Penneys €8

 

 

I suppose it goes without saying, but when it comes to these items the early bird catches the worm. These are so in demand right now and everyone wants to get their hands on them so you have to be on the ball. Your best chance of picking these up is to be at your local Penneys store first thing in the morning when the doors open. I just happened to be in Penneys before work one morning as they were putting these out and they were flying off the shelves! I've been told by the staff that they never really know when these are due to come in and they just get sent batches of them every so often (especially in smaller stores) so you just have to keep checking. If your local store has an Instagram or Facebook page then give them a follow as they might post pictures when they come back in stock. (Remember that stock is limited to two per person!)

 

Chip Purse, Penneys €6

 

 

After the mania of the Chip cup left many people disappointed, this little guy quickly became the new must-have item. At first I was a bit indifferent towards him but after a while I decided that I needed him in my life so I went on a mission to find him. After checking both the O'Connell Street and Mary Street stores, and being told by staff that they were completely out of stock, my friend managed to find one of these hanging behind some bags in the accessories section in Mary Street. Moral of the story: if you have the time then search every nook and cranny because you may just find a stray one hidden somewhere in the store. I am currently on the lookout for the new Mrs Potts coin purse but I have been unlucky so far!

Beauty And The Beast Wash Bag, Penneys €6

I actually came across this by accident while looking for a Little Mermaid makeup bag that I had spotted on Instagram. When I couldn't find that one I decided to go with this Belle bag instead and I am so happy that I did. The sketched illustration on the front is beautiful and is a change from the usually 'cartoony' designs that you usually see on Disney merchandise. This bag is a great size and is perfect for storing makeup and toiletries while travelling.

Reversible Glitter T-shirt, Penneys €10

 

This t-shirt was definitely an impulse buy but it's just so cute that I couldn't resist! I know, the reversible glitter is a bit childish but it's satisfying af to play with so I really don't care! I got this t-shirt in a size 10 and I really like the fit of it. It's not too baggy but not too fitted either so it's super comfortable and could be worn as loungewear or even as a gym top.

Socks, Penneys €2 each

 

Another impulse buy but again, I couldn't resist! These socks are an absolute bargain at just €2 each and they would make lovely gifts for any of the Disney lovers in your life. These socks are ridiculously soft and comfortable to wear and the designs on them are so pretty.

 

Bambi Mug, Penneys €5

 

 

I stumbled upon this mug completely by accident in the homeware section. I am a mug addict and I had been telling myself to cut down on the mug buying but I just couldn't leave this one behind. The detail on this mug is so gorgeous. The design is very vintage inspired with a lovely rose gold trim around the bottom and on the handle. I had no idea that Penneys were doing a Bambi collection and I have seen pictures of some of the other items from this range including duvet covers, cushions and throws. This mug is a great size for tea or coffee and it's also a lovely piece to have on display in your kitchen.





 

Little Mermaid Flip-Flops, Penneys €3. Wall hanging, Penneys 50c

 

These were definitely a need rather than a want. I was on the lookout for some new flip-flops for holidays and who could resist this fab Ariel pair for just €3. Penneys have a great range of flip-flops in at the minute in loads of different designs, both Disney and non Disney, so you're bound to see something you like. I also picked up this adorable wall hanging for just 50c and although it's not Disney I feel that it is very fitting with the mermaid theme!

 

Belle Mug, Disney Store £8.99

 



So now, back to my mug obsession. This is a mug that I've wanted since the first time I saw it. It's the new Belle mug from the latest range of princess mugs at the Disney Store. I love everything about this mug from the shape and size to the beautiful illustrations on either side. The colour scheme is so pretty and I always like to see merchandise with Belle in her blue dress instead of the gold dress. One of the most adorable details of this mug is the message on the inside of the rim which reads 'Sometimes The Best Cups Are Chipped.' It's little details like this that make the mugs from the Disney Store so special and unique! There are four mugs in this collection including Ariel, Rapunzel and Jasmin. I bought this online as it wasn't available in the Disney Store in Dublin yet but they will probably have them in soon enough!

Check it out here: http://www.disneystore.co.uk/belle-quote-mug-beauty-and-the-beast-465035352850.html?cgid=1000996

Ariel Mug, Disney Store (Sale)

 

Cinderella Mug, Disney Store (Sale)

When I saw these mugs back when they were first released in The Disney Store, I wasn't too impressed by them. I thought the design was pretty but I think I was initially put off by the size as these are quite small and I usually like larger mugs. I had no real intention of buying them but when I saw them in sale I just bought them on a whim. There were four mugs in this collection, including Snow White and Rapunzel, but I only managed to pick up these two. Each mug is decorated with a picture of the princesses and on the back has their names and some silhouettes designs. I think I prefer the writing on these mugs to the actual picture! I was pleasantly surprised by how much tea these can hold, despite looking so small, but I think I will use these more for display. Unfortunately these mugs are no longer available on the website but do check your local Disney store as they may have some left in stock. If not, most Disney mugs can usually be found on eBay.

 

Jiminy Cricket Mini Tsum Tsum, Disney Store £1 (Sale)

 

 

Last but not least, how cute is this little guy?! Ok, he was a complete impulse buy but he was just too cute to resist. I haven't really gotten into the whole Tsum Tsum craze. I think they are adorable but I don't buy plush toys that often as I am running out of space in my bedroom! You can't deny that the Tsum Tsums are cute af and they do look really nice when stacked together (I think this may be the beginning of another Disney addiction...) If you're interested in adding this little Jiminy Cricket to your collection then go quickly as he's available on the Disney Store website now for just £1!

 

Check him out here: http://www.disneystore.co.uk/jiminy-cricket-tsum-tsum-mini-soft-toy-412151010065.html?cgid=1505505

Unnecessary Festival Fashion

So, it's that time of year again. Festival season is upon us. Time to dust off your old wellies and break out the raincoat, right? Well, wrong apparently as these days it seems that practicality has been tossed in favour of face jewels and body glitter. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for creativity and expressing yourself through fashion. You do you. Get down with ya bad self. Festivals can be a great chance for doing something a bit crazier with your look but seriously gals, you have to think practically. Gigi Hadid might look unreal in her booty shorts and fringed bralet as she saunters around Coachella but this look won't have the same effect when you're standing in a field in Stradbally in the torrential rain while your Coco Brown streams into a puddle. Here's a list of my top five unessential festival items.

Too Many Jewels

Ok, I know these are all the rage and I probably sound like a begrudging old witch but seriously, this whole face and body jewel thing has gotten way out of hand. It started off with a dash of glitter under the eyes and now young ones are going around in full jewel encrusted body armour looking like the damn Tin Man. Maybe I'm just jealous. Jealous of the fact that I can't even wear regular foundation without it sweating off around my mouth and making me look like Homer Simpson. Of course face jewels can look fabulous and I am amazed at the work that goes into creating these looks but I can't help but wonder what those perfectly placed gem stones will look like after a few naggins and a sweaty shift behind the portaloos.

Tons of Accessories

When it comes to festivals, less really is more. I know, sometimes accessories can make an outfit and while a flower crowns and chokers can seem like the perfect way to dress something up, there is a fine line between an accessory and nuisance. When you're at a festival, you want to be able to relax and enjoy yourself so the last thing you want if something wrecking your head or causing you unnecessary pain all day long. Chunky belts, dangling jewellery, anything tight, heavy or capable of rubbing against your skin should be avoided at all costs. Coco Chanel once said "before leaving the house, a lady should look in the mirror and remove one accessory." In this case, before leaving the house, a lady should look in the mirror and remove the glittery unicorn horn. You don't need it and it will probably end up being snatched off your head by some culchie singing Maniac 2000.

Impractical Clothing

It always amazes me when summer rolls around and I see the some of the shite that's being advertised as 'festival fashion'. Maxi skirts/dresses being one. Now don't get me wrong, I love a good maxi, they look dressy without any real effort and bonus, you don't have to shave your legs. However, there is a time and a place for them and unfortunately a festival is neither. Have you ever tried to walk through a muddy field wearing a maxi skirt? You may feel like a free spirited forest nymph but you will end up dragging along a large chunk of said field on the hem of your skirt. Not a good look. Also, playsuits are out of the question. I know, they are super cute and summery but try and consider the toilet situation. (Trying to unbutton a playsuit after a few cans and then having to hover naked over a smelly toilet while some young one hammers on the portaloo door telling you to hurry up.) Yeah...maybe give the playsuit a miss.

 

Impractical Footwear

I think it goes without saying that there are certain shoes that just should not be worn to festivals. Anything with a high heel or an open toe is a huge no-no. This is knowledge that I take for granted and assume that everyone is aware of but I continue to be surprised by the amount of people who wear RIDICULOUS shoes to outdoor music events. Seriously girls, don't be hung up on looking glamorous. Those Western style boots with the chunky heel may go really nicely with your outfit but you have to look beyond your Instagram photos and think about the long-term effects. Blisters, cuts, your heels sinking into the mud. Also, avoid gladiator sandals unless you want your toes to be left in a plaster cast of hardened mud.

Designer Bags

Everyone loves a designer bag and I'd be lying if I said I didn't want one. But gals, there's a time and a place. And a mucky field certainly isn't the place for your YSL blogger bag. Perhaps I sound a bit too over protective but just think about it. Rain, dirt, muck and not to mention the possibility of it being stolen by some little scourge. Get yourself a cheap little cross body bag from Penneys and be on your merry way. The same goes for jewellery and accessories. Leave your Michael Kors watch and your Ray Bans at home and invest in some cheaper alternative that you won't have to stress over. You can enjoy yourself without worrying about carrying your life savings under your arm in the form of a bag the size of a Tic Tac box.

A Day in Dublin: The People's Park Market, Dún Laoghaire

 

 

Sunday. It's one of those days when if you're not working (or lying in bed like a hungover sack of crap) then you don't really know what to do with yourself. Of course you could do the usual carvery/pub combo before returning home to deal with the Sunday night fear, but if you are looking for a different way to spend your day then the People's Park Market in Dún Laoghaire could be just the thing for you! The People's Park Market is a food and crafts market which takes place in the People's Park in Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin every Sunday from 11am to 4pm. It's an outdoor market which hosts various stalls including food, books, flowers, art and lots more. Many independent retailers showcase their goods at the market and each stall offers something unique.

If you are a food lover then this market is the place for you as there are so many different types of food on offer and it's a great opportunity to try some new things. They have everything from burgers and chips to Thai food and each stall freshly prepares their food. Many stalls also offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options so it's a win win for everyone. There is so much delicious food to choose from and it may take a lap of the park before you are able to make a final decision on what you want to eat. One of my personal favourites is the falafel wrap from Ali's Falafel. The queues can be pretty long as it's very popular but it's definitely worth the wait as the wraps are so tasty and filling!

As well as savoury foods, there are also lots of sweet options too including handmade fudge, truffles and ice-cream. One of the most popular stalls in the market is Arctic Stone who have created a storm on social media with their Instagram-worthy snaps of fabulous hand rolled ice-cream. Arctic Stone offer a range of flavours including Kinder Beuno, Reece's Peanut Butter and salted caramel. You then choose your toppings which can be anything from cookies to gummy bears (don't knock it 'til you try it!). The most interesting thing about Arctic Stone is watching how it's made and how it gets it's unique look.

I don't know the technical term but basically they mash up all the ingredients on a slab before cutting it into individual little rolls. I went for the Kinder Bueno ice-cream with white chocolate buttons on top. As well as looking super pretty, this ice-cream is delicious and is definitely worth a try. The only downside is that you will have to wait in line for quite a while as this ice-cream is extremely popular, especially on a sunny day.

If you'd like to pick up some food to take home with you there are stalls which sell fresh fruit and vegetables, breads, cheeses and much more. There is also a fantastic stall which sells different organic oils and tasty sauces which are perfect for taking home and adding to your own cooking. If you are interested in cooking then you are bound to be inspired to pick up some new ingredients and create your own dishes at home.

The market also hosts a great range of art and craft stalls which are great for browsing and also worth checking out if you're looking to pick up a unique gift. There is so much to choose from including fashion, pottery, art and even handmade beauty products.

Along with all the eating and shopping, the People's Park Market is a great place to chill out and spend time with friends and family. There is always such a great atmosphere in the park, especially on a sunny day, and it really is a great way of getting out and about and making the most of your Sunday. If you plan on bringing kids along with you then you'll be glad to hear that there's also a playground in the park as well as toilets and baby changing facilities. Dogs are also welcome at the park so you can bring your pets along to the market too! After you've finished browsing (and have eaten yourself into a food coma) you can take a stroll along Dún Laoghaire Pier and take in the beautiful sea views.

The People's Park Market is a fantastic day out and there really is something for everyone. There is always a great buzz around Dún Laoghaire town, especially when the weather is good and there's so much to see and do. There are regular trains to Dún Laoghaire or you can get the 46A bus which is about forty minutes from the city centre. There is no admission fee for the market so you are free to come and go as you please and you can stay in the park for as long as you want. If you're looking for something different to do with your Sunday then I would highly recommend the People's Park Market. It's such a fun day out and the event itself is extremely well organised. Although it can be quite busy, the atmosphere is still very relaxed and the park doesn't feel too overcrowded. So next time you're deliberating how to spend your Sunday, why not consider taking a trip down to Dún Laoghaire for a relaxing day beside the sea. For more information see www.dlrcoco.ie


Photos by Conor Heavey