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The Irish Sun
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Mum slammed after sharing hack for DIY alternative to a sandpit with fellow parents pointing out ‘dangerous' mistake
A MUM-OF-TWO has come under fire for her unique summer play set-up. The Instagrammer shared her hack for keeping her little ones entertained and her house tidy at the same time. Advertisement 2 Instagram user Katy Birkelbach showed her followers the switch up she made on her children's sandpit Credit: instagram Instagram user Katy Birkelbach amassed a whopping 15.3 million views for her She decided to substitue the sand to avoid her children trekking it through her home. And while she said her replacement is "so much better than sand", other parents were quick to point out a potential hazard. Katy showed her audience how she used corn kernels to fill the pit for her toddler son and baby daughter. Advertisement Read More On Parenting She showed footage of the children playing in the corn, with her son even using his toy trucks to scoop up the kernels. Instagram users voiced their concerns over the "dangerous" move in the comments section. "I worry about them putting the corn up their nose or in their ears," wrote one parent. "Also the choking hazard possibility has me so stressed," added another viewer. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive Exclusive "Huge chocking hazard! I've seen some really sad stories! Also attracts bees," pointed out a third person. "OMG, if the baby puts that in her mouth she's going to choke," agreed another follower. Mums issue stark warning about 'dark Peppa Pig' videos going viral on YouTube set out to target and terrify your kids "Bad bad idea, if the baby puts it in to the mouth she can choke. You must be more clever than this," said one parent. "Isn't that a major choking hazard? I prefer to take the sand over corn," commented another person. Advertisement One follower shared an additional way the corn could prove hazardour for children. "In the Balkans that was considered a punishment, kneeling on corn, hurts like hell," they said. Other viewers pointed out additional issues with the unique play set-up. How to survive six weeks of school summer holidays IF you are struggling with the six week summer holidays, you've come to the right place... BATTLING BOREDOM: Despite hours of activities and playdates, if your kids are already complaining there's nothing to do, parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi says: 'Don't feel you have to organise every second of the holidays. Kids benefit from boredom and learn to make their own fun. 'Boredom can trigger creative and imaginative play but you need to encourage kids to get used to not being told how to spend their time. 'Ride out the pleas of boredom. Counter it with comments such as, 'What do you think you could do?' and maybe have a list of 'I'm bored' activity ideas on the fridge.' SCREEN OVERLOAD: It's tempting during the holidays to rely on a digital babysitter but don't let them gawp their whole summer away in front of a screen. Liat says: 'It's unfair to expect older kids to power down but it's important to set some ground rules. 'Set family tech rules together. If you're often distracted by your phone, follow the rules too. Maybe tell the kids they aren't allowed any screen time until they've done set chores, some exercise, or a board game. 'Are there times when you'd like to ban screens completely? Perhaps during dinner or when they have friends over to visit. 'Tech is a battleground for parents, but you have to set boundaries. Stand firm and be prepared to be unpopular.' TOO MUCH TOGETHERNESS: You love your kids, but being with them 24/7 can be exhausting. Do not feel guilty if you need a bit of downtime. Liat says: 'If you're juggling work and household tasks as well as occupying the kids, it's normal to start feeling overwhelmed or jaded and in need of some peace. 'If you can't afford or don't want to send your kids to all-day camps, look for free kids' workshops so you can get on with jobs or have a break for a couple of hours. 'Seeking a spell of quiet every now and then doesn't make you a bad parent — in fact it will probably make you more positive and enthusiastic when you are with the kids.' SCHEDULING CONFLICT: Schedules can go out the window during holidays, but late nights and early mornings can mean tired and unhappy children. Dr Tamara Bugembe, paediatrician and founder of says: 'Children get grumpy, test boundaries and become challenging when routines are broken. 'Sticking to some kind of routine during the holidays is a good idea. 'We release hormones at different times of the day and when regular meal times and bed times are broken, it causes dips and peaks in mood. 'Holidays are about having fun but an early night once or twice a week will make everyone happier.' EXCESS ENERGY: Make sure kids get out in the fresh air to tire them out — and make them healthier and happier. Dr Bugembe says: 'Sunshine also tops up vital vitamin D levels which helps improve bone strength and energy levels in children. Our levels run low in winter so let the kids stock up in warmer weather. 'Letting them run around in shorts and a T-shirt is the best way to top up. Make sure they're wearing sun cream, get outside and have fun. 'Encourage them to try healthy habits such as cycling and walking. They'll hopefully get hooked and want to carry them on when the weather gets colder.' "I was just thinking the squirrels would go nutsss!" wrote one Instagram user. Advertisement "This is cute, but the rodents it would attract," said another concerned person. And another viewer simply pointed out how the corn would limi the fun of a sandpit. "'I don't want to build sandcastles anyway,' said no kid ever," they wrote. 2 Parents pointed out the potential choking hazard of the corn kernels for younger children Credit: instagram Advertisement
The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I'm a stinky girl, my 25p hack will keep you smelling fresh all summer long even on the sweatiest of days
SOMETIME no matter how much deodorant and perfume you put on, the summer heat can leave you feeling sweaty and stinky. But thanks to a budget-friendly hack, you can stay as fresh as ever in the hot weather. Advertisement 2 TikTok user Laura Valentina showed her followers the DIY hack she uses to smell fresh all summer long Credit: TikTok/@laauravalentina TikTok user Laura Valentina ( And for anyone pinching pennies, don't worry because all you need is two kitchen ingredients. "I live by this life hack," Laura told her followers before going on to describe herself as a "stinky girl". She revealed that her mum taught her to use two household items to combat the summer sweats. Advertisement Read More On Life Hacks These secret ingredients are lime and baking soda, neither of which will break the bank. You can pick up a And since you only need a miniscule amount of baking soda, this hack will only total around 25p each time you try it out. In the clip, which amassed 1.2 million views, Laura began by slicing her lime in half and dipping it in baking soda. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive Exclusive She waited for it to start sizzling, showing her audience the bubbles that formed. The TikToker described the hack as "the best and better than any soap you will ever find". £2K Celeb Laser Facial Had Me Smelling Like Bacon She advised her followers to use it "to get rid of any stink", revealing that she rubs it on her armpits and "everywhere else". According to Laura, this process helps to "get rid of any stench" but also has other beauty benefits. Advertisement "It also exfoliates with the little grains of baking soda and for all of my stink girls, it will really help you get rid of that stink," she explained. Laura pointed out that it not only eliminates smells but also leaves you smelling like citrus afterwards. Her followers shared their thoughts on the natural hack in the comments section. Top beauty trends for 2025 Hayley Walker, Beauty Expert at Haircare Hair gloss treatments are a must-have as beauty enthusiasts love the salon-quality shine and enhanced colour delivered by the trending treatment. Hair glosses are multifunctional, as they nourish the hair while offering a vibrant, healthy-looking finish, combining 2025's core trends. This treatment is perfect for those seeking an affordable, at-home glow-up. 2025 will focus on skin repairing and texture-enhancing treatments. Skincare Rejuran treatment, a celebrity-endorsed procedure, will see a rise in demand this year as many seek to enhance their skin's appearance. The procedure entails injecting polynucleotides derived from salmon DNA to enhance skin texture and elasticity. 'Rejuvenation is expected to dominate 2025 skincare trends as many seek to achieve a flawless, youthful complexion. Skincare will also include back-to-basic products for a simplified routine. Ginseng cleansing oil and panthenol cream are among the trending products for 2025. The cleansing oil is excellent for dissolving make-up and impurities without clogging pores and is enriched with nourishing properties to leave the skin feeling and looking refreshed and radiant. Make-up Make-up trends will follow suit to achieve youthful and radiant looks. Under-eye brighteners will be sought-after products for delivering coverage while enhancing natural radiance. This beauty tool will complement natural beauty while improving and brightening dull skin. Make-up looks will be bigger and bolder in 2025 with cluster lashes expected to surge this year. These lashes bring the glam to glamorous looks as they deliver dramatic volume to enhance everyday or special occasion looks. Peel-off lip stains circulated the beauty industry in 2024 and are expected to dominate in 2025. The growing popularity of this product is due to its ability to provide long-lasting, transfer-proof colour to lips, enhancing a natural aesthetic. Additionally, cherry-coded aesthetics are expected to be everywhere this year as the deep, rich hue can be achieved using peel-off lip stains or bold lip looks for a dramatic effect. Nails 2025 will be another year of countless, show-stopping nail trends. Goddess Nails and Aura Nails deserve an honourable mention as these designs channel an ethereal, celestial aesthetic for bold, self-expressing nails. "It also helps to lighten your underarms," pointed out another fan of the trick. Advertisement "I use key limes and it has officially replaced my deodorant," said another viewer. "The smell is from the bacteria. The lime and baking soda is a great for killing the bacteria and neutralizing the pH," commented a third person. Another TikTok user said they "definitely will use" the homemade hack. "OMG, I've been doing this since [childhood] and I don't have dark spots under my armpits as well," shared another follower. Advertisement 2 Laura explained that she uses lime and baking soda to freshen up and combat body odour Credit: TikTok/@laauravalentina
The Irish Sun
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Tight' mum slammed after revealing the ‘offensive' birthday present she takes to kids' birthday parties
A MUM has angered thousands after revealing her unique approach to children's birthday party gifts, or rather, a lack thereof. In a viral video the woman, from Perth, Australia, proudly shows off her 'present' for a children's birthday party: a bag filled with rags, cleaning supplies, tea towels, dishwashing detergent, and cling film. Advertisement 3 TikTok mum has revealed the 'controversial' gift she takes to kids' birthday parties Credit: 3 She says that rather than getting a present for the child she takes cleaning supplies to help clear up Credit: 3 Many argued that the gift was 'offensive' to whoever was hosting the party Credit: Speaking in the video, she says: 'We're going to a family birthday party and the last thing I wanna do to the parents of the child is to give them some present for the kid that's going to end up in landfill, and a whole bunch of clutter that needs tidying and cleaning. 'So this is my secret present that I like to do at kids birthday parties.' The TikTok user known as continues: 'I like to bring a bag of rags. 'So you know when you're at a kid's birthday party and everyone wants to help but nobody knows how to help because they don't know where any of the cleaning stuff is. Advertisement Read More on Parenting 'I bring cleaning rags to wipe up sticky messes at the party. I bring Glad Wrap … so you can wrap up extra food and put it in the fridge. 'I like to bring dishwashing detergent because you can bet that the parents may have run out … I bring a lot of tea towels because these are really handy and nobody knows where to find the tea towels in somebody else's house.' She then finished her video by asking her followers, 'Does anyone else do like that?' The video quickly went viral, and it was immediately clear that nobody else does that. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive Exclusive Many even called the gift 'offensive' and 'weird'. 'Wake up to yourself,' said one viewer. Megan McKenna slammed by cruel mum-shamers as she serves baby son 'dangerous' meal 'That's actually embarrassing,' wrote someone else. 'I run a pretty tight ship and if someone brought this to my house at my daughter's birthday … I would take offence to it. As if they thought my house was gross,' added one mum. Advertisement A different commenter sarcastically wrote: 'Wow those kids are going to be thrilled', while another commenter remarked: 'Wow what a tight-arse'. 'That's actually really sad, it's the kids birthday you should spoil the kid; if you want to know where a tea towel is, ask the host, it's not that hard!' quipped yet another critic. However, not all reactions were negative, with some defending the gesture. 'Wow what a lot of hateful comments,' wrote one. Advertisement 'It goes to show people choose money and gifts instead of help, time and love. This is why we live in a world full of hate and war now. 'People are so judgmental of others. It's sad really.' Another added, 'You don't need to take a present to a birthday, just being there can be enough. Maybe this family don't do presents, did you ever think of that?' A third wrote, 'As someone who lives in a seemingly constant state of overwhelm I would love this gift. Acts of service is my love language.' Advertisement To help settle the debate, we spoke to a world-leading etiquette expert, Jo Hayes, founder of EtiqetteExpert. Org, who, at face value, thought the woman's idea didn't sound quite right. However, after watching the video and hearing the woman's rationale, she ended up thinking, 'all power to her'. 'I can confidently predict most Aussie mums would relish having this woman at their child's birthday party. She sounds like a 'make it happen' woman,' she tells However, she notes that context is key here. Advertisement Dinner party and guest etiquette Whether it's your first time hosting friends at your new house, or you're a regular dinner party invitee... Fabulous' Associate Editor, Rebecca Miller, has put together a list of do's and don'ts when it comes to dinner parties and guest etiquette - and it doesn't include sending a guest a bill at the end of the night! Do show up on time - a 10-minute grace period is allowed, but anything longer without letting the host know, is just plain rude. Don't show up empty handed - unless you're popping round for a quick coffee, you should always show up with a small token of your appreciation for the host and their efforts. Flowers, a bottle of wine, candle, or contribute to the dinner by making dessert. Don't start eating until everyone is seated - what might be an obvious rule, it's one many forget. Cooking a meal for a group of people takes a lot of effort, so wait for the host to park themselves, thank them, and await instruction. Don't do the dishes, do clear the table - everyone has their way of cleaning and tidying up. If you swan into the kitchen and start scrubbing, it could be seen as an insult. So help clear the table, and ask if there's anything else you can do - perhaps top up everyone's glass? Get off your phone - few things can make a person feel less seen or important than coming second to a mobile. Leave it in your pocket, and check anything urgent during toilet breaks. 'If she had a child with her, who was the actual/main invited guest to this party, it would be poor etiquette to show up with a 'bag of rags' and no fun gift for the child,' she explains. 'However, it appears this woman is a bit more mature, is perhaps an older aunty, or even a grandmother.' 'What she's saying is true: families are usually swamped with loads of plastic toys on a child's birthday … and while the birthday boy/girl certainly deserves a few fun gifts, bringing something different, but helpful, is actually a very thoughtful gesture,' she says. Jo points out that the actual gift here isn't the physical bag of rags but the elbow grease she would provide. Advertisement 'She isn't simply showing up with the cleaning items,' she explains. 'She'll be the one buzzing around wiping up spills, cleaning dishes and covering leftover food with glad wrap. I'll invite you to my next party!' In saying that, she believes that a nice card for the child would be a 'thoughtful gesture' in addition to the cleaning. This article was originally published on and has been republished here with permission.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
We're raising our children without rules – they don't have a bed time and they only go to school if they want to
A COUPLE who are raising their children without rules have shared an insight into their everyday life. The family-of-five described themselves as "unconventional", with the young children allowed to set their own schedules each day. Advertisement 2 A couple who practice 'unconventional' parenting shared an insight into their everyday life Credit: YOUTUBE Adele and Matt spoke to the YouTube channel the The Brighton-based pair shared 11-year-old son Ulysses and daughters Astara, six, and Kai, three. All three children are being raised with "no strict rules" in any aspect of their lives, including meal times, bed times, and school. "The children listen to their bodily cues, they sleep when they're tired, eat when they're hungry," said Matt. Advertisement Read More On Parenting He joked that this does mean that their diets include a lot of "junk food", such as crisps, cookies, chocolate, and pizza. Matt clarified that their "unconventional parenting" style was about giving their children the freedom to choose. This began at a young age as the kids decided when they wanted to stop breast-feeding and co-sleeping with their parents. While their oldest son co-slept until the age of 11 and stopped breast-feeding around six, his younger sister was happy to move into her own room at five and quit breast-feeding the year before that. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive Exclusive Meanwhile the youngest Kai still sleeps in her parents' bed at three and continues to breast-feed, with Adele saying she didn't see either ceasing any time soon. This feeds into the couple's main parenting philosophy which involves attachment parenting their children when they are young as well as practicing gentle parenting. How one poly couple make it work while raising teenage sons This close relationship is continued all the time as the children do not attend school. Instead, Adele and Matt use an "unschooling" technique at home, though they clarified this is not considered homeschooling. Advertisement According to them, it lets the child lead what they learn, with nature playing a huge part in their education The family even have a garden farm, which includes a flock of chickens and roosters, as well as rabbits and dogs. "We do not worry about them not being in school, I'd worry about what they'd miss out on if they weren't in school actually," Adele said. Different parenting techniques Here are some widely recognised methods: Authoritative Parenting This technique will often foster independence, self-discipline, and high self-esteem in children. It is often considered the most effective, this technique is where parents set clear expectations - enforcing rules - whilst also showing warmth and support. Authoritarian Parenting This is opposite to authoritative parenting, as it is where the parent sets high demands but is low on responsiveness. It involves ensuring the child is obedient and often employ punitive measures. While this can lead to disciplined behaviour, it may also result in lower self-esteem and social skills in children. Permissive Parenting Permissive parents tend to be indulgent and lenient, often taking on a role more akin to a friend than an authority figure. They are highly responsive but lack demandingness, granting children a lot of freedom. This method can nurture creativity and a free-spirited nature but may also result in poor self-regulation and difficulties with authority. Uninvolved Parenting Uninvolved or neglectful parenting is marked by low responsiveness and low demands. Parents in this category offer minimal guidance, nurturing, or attention. This often leaves children feeling neglected, which can have significant negative effects on their emotional and social development. Helicopter Parenting Helicopter parents are extremely involved and overprotective, frequently micromanaging their children's lives. Although their goal is to protect and support, this approach can hinder a child's ability to develop independence and problem-solving skills. Free-Range Parenting Free-range parenting encourages children to explore and learn from their surroundings with minimal parental interference. This method promotes independence and resilience but requires a safe and supportive environment to be successful. Attachment Parenting According to Each of these parenting techniques has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. The key is to find a balanced approach that aligns with the family's values and meets the child's needs for a healthy, happy upbringing. "A conventional education I would say is definitely failing a large majority of children right now." Advertisement Astara shared her hopes to learn how to write when she's turns "seven or eight" but in the meantime she is focused on things like gymnastics and ballet. As well as "outside school", the couple's unconventional parenting approaching also relates to medical care. They opt to "respect our children's bodily autonomy" and try to steer clear of vaccines and medication unless absolutely neccessary. Instead, they use alternative forms of care, such as herbal teas and extracts or "anything holistic without outside effects". Advertisement And as for how they invision their children's futures, the couple said they are with whatever lifestyle they choose when they grow up. 2 The children are allowed to decide what they learn, when they go to bed, and what they eat Credit: YOUTUBE
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Shoppers in frenzy over £18 Sainsbury's summer dress that's flattering, heatwave-friendly and guarantees compliments
SHOPPERS are in a frenzy after spotting a "really pretty" summer dress in Sainsbury's - and hailed it their frock of the season. Advertisement 4 Shoppers are racing to Sainsbury's for a 'really pretty' summer dress Credit: Getty 4 The blue and white midi dress has a cute daisy pattern that's perfect for summer Credit: Tu Clothing 4 Shoppers have insisted the material is perfect for the hot weather Credit: Tu Clothing 4 It's already sold out online so you'll need to get it in store Credit: Tu Clothing So if you want to look chic on a budget as well as feeling comfortable in the warmer weather, this bargain frock is the buy for you. Shoppers have insisted the blue and white daisy-print And the timing couldn't be better to snap it up, with temperatures set to hit highs of 33C across the UK, and 27C in Scotland. The Gingham Daisy Midaxi Tea Dress comes in sizes six to 24. Advertisement Read more in Fabulous Describing it on the website, the Tu Clothing team say: "Introduce beautiful florals to your wardrobe with our blue gingham tea dress. "Cut to a flattering midi length, this dress has been designed with a pretty daisy pattern throughout. "It's finished with short elasticated sleeves, button fastening and a thin waist belt." The £26 frock is currently on sale for just £18.20, so it's the perfect time to pick it up for your summer wardrobe. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive Exclusive But it's completely sold out online, so you'll need to be quick to nab it in your nearest store. And it has already racked up five-star reviews from delighted fashion fans. Tesco fans are set to love the latest items in stores for 25 per cent off when you use clubcard One said: "Really pretty, lovely fit, size 14, calf length, I'm 5'8, so will be longer if you're shorter, it's polyester but feels more like viscose/cotton, so comfortable to wear in heat." "Lovely dress true to size. Fabric is very easy to wash and only needs quick iron", chimed in a second. Advertisement A third gushed: "This is my new season summer dress. As soon as I saw this I wanted to try it on. I had to travel to another store to find my size. "I would say it comes up a little big, but as it's for summer I did not want a tight fit. "It hangs well and the split at the front is flattering and not too high. I wore it the next day and got lots of compliments." Advertisement "Looking forward to summer to wear the dress", revealed a fourth. A fifth added: "I bought this dress ready for spring and summer. It's so fresh looking and summery and it just fits so well." Meanwhile, a sixth wrote: "This dress is gorgeous and very flattering, I bought it as i had a similar one many many years ago and I literally wore it out. "Seeing this today I grabbed it and the same dress in the green which is also gorgeous. Buttons are fidly but once it's on, done and you only need to use the first 4 buttons really at the top. Advertisement "I'm going to keep my eyes open for more colours it's that amazing." Is supermarket fashion the new high street? DEPUTY Fashion Editor Abby McHale weighs in: The supermarkets have really upped their game when it comes to their fashion lines. These days, as you head in to do your weekly food shop you can also pick up a selection of purse-friendly, stylish pieces for all the family. Tesco has just announced a 0.7 per cent increase in the quarter thanks to a 'strong growth in clothing' and M&S has earnt the title of the number one destination for womenswear on the high street. Asda's clothing line George has made £1.5 million for the supermarket in 2023, 80 per cent of Sainsbury's clothes sold at full price rather than discounted and Nutmeg at Morrisons sales are also up 2 per cent in the past year. So what is it about supermarket fashion that is becoming so successful? Apart from the clothing actually being affordable, it's good quality too - with many being part of schemes such as the Better Cotton Initiative. A lot of the time they keep to classic pieces that they know will last the customer year after year. Plus because they buy so much stock they can turn around pieces quickly and buy for cheaper because of the volumes.
