Controlling your kid's safety online couldn't be easier

Today is Safer Internet Day, and in our technologically advanced world keeping the kids' safe online can be a real struggle.

iKydz, a new tool created by parents for parents, was officially launched today to make managing your child’s time online that little bit easier.

The home internet control device is controlled via a smartphone app and that allows you to manage your child’s internet usage from anywhere in the world. 

Numerous devices in homes can make controlling time online that bit more complicated.  iKydz plugs into the Wi-Fi router, allowing parents to control all internet devices that use the Wi-Fi in the home.

The app allows them to block, restrict or schedule access to social media, inappropriate content, gaming and chat rooms. The added beauty of the iKydz app is that they aren’t easy to disable by tech-savvy teens, as it’s solely controlled by parents through the app on their phone and the iKydz unit.

With study and sleep schedules, meal time functions and reduced screen-time, iKydz looks set to be an invaluable tool for many parents, to help monitor and control internet access when they are not physically around to do it.  

 Technophobes need fear not, as this ingenious tool couldn’t be simpler to set up and use, averaging at about three minutes. And there is a dedicated customer care line available should you run into any trouble.

Irish TV presenter Baz Ashmawy road tested the app before the launch and only had good things to say.

“When I was asked to try out iKydz for size, I was honestly amazed.  It was painless to set up and use within minutes.  Myself and the Mrs. can now control each internet device in my house, all from an app on my smart­phone.” 

 Gearing himself for backlash from the kids, Baz said, “thankfully, it wasn’t as bad as I was expecting.”

“The kids can still use the internet, but like everything else in their lives, there needs to be limits and it is up to me as their dad to set those limits.”

The small iKydz hardware device retails for a flat fee of €99, and Parents can pick it up in HMV Stores, or purchase online from the iKydz website. 

 Juls x

Spring has sprung: A time for change

Phew, I am so thankful January is over. I was never one for impulsive New Year resolutions. I like to ponder, and so I prefer to wait to make new plans or changes.

February, for me, is like a breath of fresh air after the hustle and bustle of December, and the bleakness of January.  

Spring always brings new life and is the perfect time for a fresh start. 

Time to blow off the dust and grab 2017 by the balls. 

So, mulling over a coffee yesterday morning I started making plans for a blog overhaul. I have already started making some changes.

In November 2016, I started working with Ireland's sole female digital publishing company, Sheology. This was an exciting move for me, where I have spent the past few months creating content for a purely female audience aged 18 - 35. 

There are some exciting things happening this year, and I can't wait to get stuck in.

  

Juls x

Happy Thanksgiving!

Juls x

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Winters frost, Amber skies, snowy clouds, hot chocolate, warm woollies, going to see The Nutcracker, the Christmas lights on Grafton street! It's definitely beginning to feel Christmassy!

The Mother and me on Grafton Street

The Nutcracker - Christmas Eve 

The Nutcracker - Christmas Eve 

Time for Hot Chocolate, movie nights, popcorn, mince pies with brandy cream, snuggled on the sofa with my cats at my feet!

Juls xx

Mascara Mysteries: Dior, Avon and Benefit

I tend to expect a lot from a mascara, particularly the expensive ones: Long lustrous lashes, extreme volume and blacker than black, isnt't too much to expect, is it?
Most don't deliver on the promise that they market with so keenly, so disappointment is a regular occurrence. This is why I tend to go for Mink lash extensions these days, but when I'm not wearing them I do like to have a good mascara - one that works that is!

Dior (Disappointment)

Priced at €33.50 for the Dior Diorshow mascara you would be forgiven for having high expectations for this product.
Having promised "Buildable Volume, Lash Extension effect", I thought, "this is the mascara I have been waiting for". Instead it delivered little better than barely black lashes with no volume.

I find you need a couple of coats and then it's usually worn away by the afternoon leaving the lashes limp. Definitely not worth the price.
⭐️

Benefit they're (SO) real!

Again, I don't tend to like the rubber wands as much as the bristle ones but this mascara is truly a great buy. I tried this first when it came out in 2011 but was given a present of a travel size one recently and I have to say it renewed my love for this mascara. It's blacker than black and the bristles give great definition to the lashes with the angled bristles at the tip allowing you to coat every single lash!
€26
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Avon

Avon-a-buy this again! I absolutely love this mascara which a friend have to me for Christmas.
This also has a rubber wand which I don't normally go for, however this mascara is quite similar to Benefits they're real!
I like to use two coats of this mascara to really define the lashes, but it does give great volume and depth of colour.
It's not available on the Avon Site at present but similar versions are available on Amazon if you're interested in trying this product.
⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

The Naked Truth About Laser Hair Removal | Urbana

I actually can't rate this salon highly enough! Girls, and guys, stop what you are doing immediately and pay attention to this! I guarantee you will thank me later. 

After years of painful waxing sessions at various salons around Dublin, a friend recommended going to Urbana for laser. I thought no way could I, how painful! Boy was I wrong! I swear you will think they are paying me to say this (Chuckling) but I can almost guarantee that it is 99.9% LESS painful than waxing, but I had a full on panic attack outside the salon before my first appointment. Although, I am so glad now that I went through with it now.

I started with my bikini area last summer following a painful waxing session - as I lay there, I thought to myself, "Do I really want to be doing this when I'm 50?". Obviously the answer was no. Granted there are those among us who prefer waxing or shaving, and that's fine - it just wasn't for me. Needless to say the sessions have paid off. They estimate between 8 - 10 sessions (every 6-8 weeks) before switching to bi-annual or annual appointments. 
I have tried the lip, underarm and full leg. I can honestly say the lower leg is the worst, but if you can bear it you will reap the benefits. It is pricier than waxing initially, but the results are so worth it. Plus you can pay as you go and earn points per session with their Loyalty Programme.

The salon is gorgeous, with a modern sleek design and state of the art medical grade laser machines which are used with ice cold air to divert any hint of pain!

The unfortunate thing about laser hair removal is that you cannot currently do it if you have fair hair. As the laser light attacks the dark pigment so if you have blonde or red hair the laser will not pick up the pigment. So I am one of the lucky ones that can avail of this, however having olive skin you still have to be careful because the laser can cause scarring if you've have had recent sun exposure to the skin.

If you are considering laser hair removal, I would highly recommend checking out Urbana as consultations are free of charge. They discuss the whole process with you and even do a skin test with the laser so you know what you are getting yourself in for and to make sure you don't have a nasty reaction.

I urge you to stop abusing your bodies with wax and check out laser!!! It is AMAZING!!!

I was actually delighted last month when after participating in one of their online customer service surveys; I actually WON a €300 voucher! I never win anything, absolutely fantastic prize. Thank you, Urbana.