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The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
8 fashion, beauty & bonkers trends we can't believe we subscribed to in the 90s… how many unlock childhood memories?
DO YOU clearly remember Oasis and Blur battling for supremacy in the music charts? Were you wracked with sobs when Advertisement 7 Sun In, the spray-in product designed to lighten hair If so, you probably There is certain to be a long list of nostalgic items that take you straight back to those days - pining for your misspent youth. Here, Nikki Watkins lists eight things you'll almost certainly remember if you were at school during the 1990s, that will bring a lump to your choker-clad throat. 1. Butterfly clips, Sun In and hair mascara Hairstyles in comprehensives up and down the UK, in the 90s, was certainly a 'vibe.' Advertisement READ MORE FROM FABULOUS The ideal look for barnets was not subtle - the gaudier the better. Multi-coloured plastic butterfly clips scattered through your locks? Check. Hair mascara in a plethora of garish colours streaked liberally? Check. Sun In, the spray-in product designed to lighten hair, but dyeing it a specific tiger-hued orange? Check. What a time to be alive. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive 2. Jelly Bands and tattoo chokers 7 90s kids stacked their arms with plastic bracelets, conspicuously named 'shag bands.' Credit: Geoff Moore/REX/Shutterstock These were heady days when the most sought-after jewellery was cheap, garish and plastic. Want to look like you have a tattoo the circumference of your neck? No worries, the most popular choker around looked exactly like that. And alongside this tacky neck adornment, 90s kids were stacking their arms with plastic bracelets. Advertisement The colour of these thin bangles were imbued with, mainly sexual, meanings that were different from school to school, but the basics were if the opposite gender snapped one of yours: they fancied you. 3. Alcopops, the sweeter the better 7 Hooch was a very popular alcopop in the 1990s. Credit: Alamy So drinking is illegal until the age of 18, sure. But there was always a naughty lad who had a house party- and this get-together was always, inexplicably, filled with the sugariest alcopops known to man. Advertisement If us 90s kiddos ever catch sight of the alcopop big hitters: Reef, Hooch, Breezers or their more sophisticated cousin Archer's peach schnapps with lemonade, we are sent spinning back to a nostalgic world filled with the ghosts of terrible decisions. 4. Just 17, Bliss, Smash Hits and More magazines 7 Bliss, Mizz, Girl Talk and Just 17 were popular magazines in the nineties Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk A glimpse of the nostalgic cover of And there is not one millennial worth their bucket hat who can deny having their mind blown by racy teen magazine More's sex position of the fortnight. The illustrated sex advice made schoolgirls fall about laughing. Sex, gross! Advertisement With the benefit of hindsight, the images are about as saucy as a cave-painting. 5. Puffer jackets with basic wording 7 Mr. Spliffy jackets were popular in the 1990s with rebellious kids Credit: Paddywear If your parents had enough money to buy you a cool jacket for school - you were flying in the popularity stakes. And nothing had more street cred than a plain, shiny black polyester bomber jacket with the name of, inexplicably, a construction brand like Caterpillar. But for extra street cred you had the OG of jackets - Mr. Spliffy. Advertisement The coat was adorned with an embroidered small man smoking a suspicious looking cigarette. Sadly it would inevitably be confiscated by the first teacher to catch sight of it - but the street cred would remain throughout your tenure at school. If you've got an old jacket from school lying in a box somewhere, a savvy Vinted seller has revealed 6. MSN Messenger 7 MSN Messenger was a precursor to texting Advertisement The sight of the This was a basic instant messaging platform by Microsoft that you could use on the dial-up internet of your family computer to contact people you knew from school - in a time when there were no mobiles or 'texting.' It was a great way to waste hours after school- until you were kicked off because your parents needed to make a phone call. Back in these dark ages you couldn't use the blower and the internet together. There really was nothing quite like dashing home from lessons to hop on MSN to talk to the mates you just spent the entire day with. Advertisement 7. Jane Norman placcy bags to hold your PE kit Aside from being able to recite the words to Wonderwall - there was nothing that would set you up as the epitome of cool quite like carrying your PE kit in a Jane Norman carrier bag. The clothes shop may have disappeared from high streets in 2018 - but 90s girls that carried one in a garishly bright colour in the 90s were the bearers of social clout. 8. Record Of Achievement 7 The National Record of Achievement was given to school leavers in the 90s Credit: Alamy It was implied heavily by our teachers that if we did not fill this hefty folder with a range of achievements from academic successes like GCSE certificates to lesser scholastic merits (hello, white swimming badge)- that we would never be welcomed into the workforce. Advertisement And hasn't it served us Millennials well? Want a job in a pub, aged 18? The pleather-clad folder came with. Trying for your first office job in your 20s? of course they want to see that you got your Duke of Edinburgh bronze award in 1997.
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Evil neighbour invited me to a BBQ then drugged & raped me – he laughed as I tried to push him off, then attacked again
AS HER neighbour offered Juanita Greenhalph a cup of tea during a get together BBQ, she was touched by the friendly gesture. Taking her first sip the grandmother had no idea of the horrific ordeal that would follow just an hour later. Advertisement 5 Juanita Greenhalph was thrilled to be invited to her neighbour Meynard Murambakanda's BBQ Credit: True Life Stories 5 But Murambakanda raped Juanita before robbing her of £650 Credit: GMP As she carried on drinking Juanita, 62, felt 'whoozy' and her vision blurred having been unknowingly spiked by her neighbour Meynard Murambakanda. When she next opened her eyes, Murambakanda raped her twice after Murambakanda, 34, was sentenced to eight years and now Juanita has waived her right to anonymity to share her story. Juanita, a retiree who used to work as a barmaid, says: 'When I was invited to Meynard's Advertisement Read More on Real Lives 'It was a beautiful sunny day with all the 'I am now haunted by the memory of accepting that cup of tea, and how stupid I'd been. 'But I now know none of it was my fault. He's a monster who preyed on me.' In 2020, Juanita, from Manchester, was 58 and living at home alone. She was retired and struggling with Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive Her four children, all in their 30s and 40s, had left the nest years before. She says: 'Their dad and I divorced in 2003 and I'd been alone for the past 17 years. Moment violent Scots rapist caught lurking on CCTV before horror sex attack 'I barely left the house. I only left to get food from the shops. 'Every morning, I had a carer visit to give me my medication and help me with breakfast. Advertisement 'My life had become very lonely.' In May that year, she got chatting to one of her neighbours, Murambakanda. They'd seen each-other but had never spoken. She says: 'I was sprawled out on my deck chair in my front garden when Meynard walked past again. 'This time he stopped and introduced himself. He told me he lived with his mother, around the corner. Advertisement 'The next day, he came back and chatted again. He seemed very sweet. 'Admittedly, I never thought I'd find love again. But Meynard's attention made me feel good inside. It had been so long. 5 Murambakanda spiked Juanita's tea while at the BBQ before leading her upstairs Credit: True Life Stories 5 Juanita says the attack left her too afraid to leave her home Credit: True Life Stories Advertisement 'The next day he came for a walk down the canal with me, my daughter, her partner and my granddaughter. 'I was glad to have made a new friend. 'But as Meynard was so interested in my life, I wondered if there was more between us. 'It had been years since I'd been with a man, I felt special.' Advertisement Later that week, Murambakanda hosted a neighbourhood BBQ in his back-garden. To Juanita's delight, he invited her to join. She says: 'I was excited as I never left the house. He took me into the back garden and I recognised lots of my neighbours and locals. 'I sat with them and we all had a nice catch up. Whilst Meynard did the BBQ and kept disappearing inside. I pleaded with him to stop, but he laughed and continue Juanita Greenhalph 'Due to my diabetes meds, I hadn't drank alcohol for nine years. So I stuck to water.' Advertisement After a few hours, Murambakanda ran out of meat for the BBQ and Juanita kindly offered to walk to Lidl to get more. Murambakanda insisted on joining her, and as she paid for the extra steaks and sausages, he helped her with her bags. Juanita says: 'Back at the BBQ, Meynard offered me a cup of tea, my thought was, 'how sweet of him.' 'I thanked him, and he made me a nice brew.' Advertisement But just an hour after drinking her tea, Juanita began to feel woozy. 'I told him I felt very tired and my eyes were heavy,' she recalls. 'He told me I should have a lay down, before helping me out of the garden to go inside. 'My vision went very blurry, then everything went black. Advertisement 'When I next opened my eyes, I was on Meynard's bed. He was on top of me, raping me. 'I pleaded with him to stop, but he laughed and continued. My eyes were still droopy and I drifted off again. 'When I next woke, he flipped me over and raped me from behind. I tried to stop him, but I lost consciousness again.' Juanita woke up again to Murambakanda holding a wet towel on her head, telling her that she was sweating. Advertisement She fell unconscious again, and woke up in a silent house the next morning, realising Murambakanda and the neighbours were gone. Juanita says: 'I broke down in tears and rang my daughter. I begged her to come pick me up. How to report a sexual assault Contact a doctor or practice nurse at your GP surgery. Contact a voluntary organisation, such as Call the 24-hour Speak to the 'Half an hour later she came with her partner. I was sobbing uncontrollably. I had agonising pain below, my daughter was horrified.' Back at Juanita's home, her daughter realised that her mum's bank card was missing. Advertisement 'She went onto my banking app and saw £650 had been withdrawn,' Juanita says. 'I realised Meynard must've seen my pin number when I bought the meats at Lidl. He stole my money. 'I pulled down my top and showed my daughter my bruises. I told her he drugged me with a cup of tea and raped me. 'I was hysterical. I also felt like it was all my fault. I felt stupid.' Advertisement Juanita's daughter helped her ring the police and 20 minutes later, two police officers arrived. Whilst Juanita was taken to the rape clinic to have swabs taken, police couldn't find Murambakanda. Two weeks later, they tracked him down at his house, and was arrested. Whenever I thought I could no longer live with such pain, I looked at photos of my grandkids. They kept me alive Juanita Greenhalph Juanita says: 'He denied seeing me that day but police had CCTV footage of us together at the shops, and the bank confirmed he'd withdrawn the money. Advertisement 'Although Meynard was charged, and remanded, I lived in fear every day after that. 'Every time I looked out my bedroom window, I thought I saw him in the bushes, watching me. 'I couldn't sleep. I ended up moving my bed from the window, and keeping my curtains shut. 'Months later my daughter gave birth to my second grandchild but I was so depressed I didn't meet her. Advertisement 'Due to my PTSD, I missed the first year of my new granddaughter's life. I shut my family out. 'But, whenever I thought I could no longer live with such pain, I looked at photos of my grandkids. They kept me alive.' In March 2023, Meynard Murambakanda, now 34, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to two counts of rape against at Manchester Crown Court. Juanita says: 'I was too terrified to see him again, I stayed away from court. Advertisement 'But my case officer visited me, to break the news of his eight year sentence. The court also ordered Meynard to be deported back to Africa after his sentence. 'I burst into tears. For such a long time, I lived in fear and shame. 'Meynard knew I was very vulnerable when we met and he targeted me, taking my kindness for weakness. 'Now, I'm trying to make it up to my kids and grandkids for lost time. And I'm getting my strength back, day by day. Advertisement 'If you have been assaulted, please tell someone. There will be people there to help you. It's never your fault.' 5 Juanita wants to encourage other survivors of sexual assault to come forward Credit: True Life Stories
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I love stepping out in a skimpy dress with my super long legs – and watching jaws hit the floor when I reveal my age
A MUM has rubbished the suggestion that people should dress their age - despite what brutal trolls have to say. Stylish mother Sue Giers, from Advertisement 2 The mum, who looked sensational, had paired the fit with strappy heels, loose waves and a chic purse in black Credit: tiktok/@ 2 The German mum also shared some of her go-to tips to stay in top shape, including a shower trick. Credit: TikTok / @ Although some expect women to become invisible after reaching a certain age, one thing is clear - Sue refuses to do so, regularly sporting skimpy frocks and ensembles. The blonde beauty, who left people stunned after revealing her age, is no stranger to jumping on the latest trends - whether that's showing off her toned legs is teeny dresses or flaunting her enviable body in figure-hugging rompers. Despite what keyboard warriors have to say, the German entrepreneur also continues to share fit checks on Advertisement read more on beauty The mum, who looked sensational, had paired the fit with strappy heels, loose waves and a chic purse in black. For Sue, who is 55, it's more than just about clothes - it's also a reflection of how far she's come, she previously revealed. ''These pieces aren't just fabric: they're a celebration of the journey that brought me here. ''From moments of uncertainty to moments of pure confidence, my style reflects the courage to embrace every stage of life with grace and authenticity. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive ''I hope to inspire others to redefine ageing and beauty, showing that true style knows no age. ''Let's continue to empower each other to boldly express ourselves and live life to the fullest!'' Sue reminded in Six steps I follow to keep my legs looking so good at 55 The 55-year-old also shared some of her go-to tips to stay in top shape, 'I think my legs are in better shape than they were in my twenties,' Sue, from Germany, told Advertisement 'I've been focusing on fitness all of my life, dancing until I was 17 and trying out new things – I love a challenge. 'Since I started doing weight training, my legs have become very toned, and I'm stronger than ever.' As well as spending time working out, Sue shared six 'unique hacks' she swears by to keep her legs looking 'fabulous'. One of them includes leg elevation which ''reduces swelling and promotes better circulation'', as well as alternating between hot and cold water when showering, which she says is a 'game changer'. Advertisement The 5 best exercises to lose weight By Lucy Gornall, personal trainer and health journalist EXERCISE can be intimidating and hard to devote yourself to. So how do you find the right workout for you? As a PT and fitness journalist, I've tried everything. I've taken part in endless fitness competitions, marathons and I maintain a regime of runs, strength training and Pilates. Fitness is so entrenched in my life, I stick to it even at Christmas! The key is finding an activity you love that can become a habit. My top five forms of exercise, especially if you're trying to lose weight, are: Walking Running Pilates High-intensity interval training (HIIT) Strength training She said: 'This enhances blood flow and firms up the skin on my legs.' Next, the fitness buff also likes to creates She said: 'Massaging this blend onto my legs in circular motions smooths the skin and boosts circulation.' As with any health advocate, Sue is also a staunch supporter of the high-fibre diet. Advertisement She said: 'Lots of fruits, veggies and wholegrains help reduce water retention, keeping my legs lean and toned.' As for her taut and toned stomach? Sue recommends taking cold showers and ice baths, trying to stand up instead of sitting down wherever possible, practice a stomach 'vacuuming' exercise to strengthen the core, cut The mum's to her thousands of followers is simple: embrace your age – but don't let it limit you. She added: 'Don't be afraid to age. Advertisement 'But don't be afraid to make changes either. 'Find your discipline and just do it every day, no matter how you feel – because eventually you always feel better. 'Even if it's just 10 minutes, it's the quality time that you deserve for yourself.'
The Irish Sun
09-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
I turned a plant pot into a DIY water feature using Temu bargains – I spent £8.41 and there's no fuss, just zen vibes
A DIY enthusiast has revealed that rather than splashing the cash on a posh water feature, she decided to make her own. The bargain hunter and savvy mum who is from the UK, used two cheap buys from Temu to turn a plant pot into a Advertisement 2 If you're looking to add style to your outside space and want to make your own water feature, you've come to the right place Credit: tiktok/@the_restingrichface 2 Here, a bargain hunter reveals how she made a DIY water feature for less than £8.50 - and there's "no fuss" involved Credit: tiktok/@the_restingrichface Not only this, but Emma, who often shares cleaning and crafts content online, explained that with her garden project, there's 'no fuss' involved. Posting on social media, Emma demonstrated how she used just two products from She explained that she already had a large plant pot and slate stones, but used a solar fountain and silver gazing balls from Temu to keep the costs down. Emma spent £8.41 in total - just £4.44 on the solar fountain pump and £3.97 on the stainless steel gazing balls. Advertisement Read more garden stories To create the water feature, Emma placed a cheap plant pot into a larger, more stylish plant pot she already had, that she originally purchased from Home Bargains. She then filled the pot with slate stones, which she had previously purchased from B&Q. Following this, she added the solar fountain to the pot and poured in some water. According to Emma, the affordable solar fountain has 'no wires' and is 'no fuss.' Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive With Emma's water feature, all you need is sunlight and water, for what Emma described as 'instant zen vibes.' The mother finished off the water feature by adding the silver balls to the large pot to 'add a touch of reflective decor.' I transformed my garden patio into summer haven for less than £100 with cheap B&M buys including gadget to keep bugs out The content creator's daughters even got involved in the process too, as she beamed: 'The girls enjoyed helping.' Clearly thrilled with her bargain water feature, Emma described it as 'affordable, stylish and fun to make.' Advertisement And it's clear that others are equally as impressed with Emma's garden project, as her TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @ Love it!!! The balls really make it look special!!!! Well done girls TikTok user One person said: 'Love it.' Another added: 'Love it!!! The balls really make it look special!!!! Well done girls.' Advertisement A third simply described it as 'beautiful,' whilst a fourth commented: 'Adordable.' Garden features that add the most value to a house A well-kept garden can add anywhere between 5-20% to the value of a property. And the experts revealed the garden feature which adds the most value to a property is a shed. Shed - 82% Patio or paving - 76% Secure fencing, walls or gates - 72% Outdoor lighting - 66% Sturdy decking - 62% Water features eg. fountain or pond - 58% Modern garden furniture - 54% Artificial lawn/grass - 40% Meanwhile, someone else wondered: 'How did you secure the balls?' To this, Emma replied and confirmed: 'They are just placed in. I haven't secured them. They just add a nice extra touch.' At the same time, another user asked: 'Do you find you need to keep topping up the water?' Advertisement In response, Emma wrote back and shared: 'Yes we top it up occasionally… but it's not too bad.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
The Irish Sun
08-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
I quit the UK for Malaysia as life here is so dangerous & depressing – there's lots to do after school & it's dirt cheap
A family of four have revealed why they ditched their life in the UK for sunny Malaysia. The family who goes by The Unconventional Fam on social media moved over a year ago and haven't looked back. Advertisement 3 The family-of-four left the UK for sunny Malaysia Credit: tiktok/@theunconventionalfam 3 They revealed that life in Kuala Lumpur was mutch better than in England Credit: Getty In one The dad said: "We've seen kids 11 to 12 years old getting hold of class A drugs. Also the knife crime, it's just on the rise. "It does scare us, it scares us for our kids, but there's also the behaviour and respect level. "You don't see a lot of respect for authority in the UK from kids, whether it's for teachers or for the police or even for other adults." Advertisement READ MORE REAL LIFE STORIES The mum also said the healthcare system was a concern for them, as it was becoming impossible to visit a GP or be seen by a professional quickly. They also said the weather in the UK was a big reason for moving, adding: "It's cold, it's miserable, it's wet. "You get back from work and you just have to stay inside. It's just quite depressing." The pair also said the cost of living in the UK was just getting too expensive. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive Not only were daily essentials pricey, but it also meant the family couldn't afford to go out and enjoy themselves. Last but not least, the pair said they hated the pressures of Western standards of beauty being put on to their two daughters. 3 The pair quit the UK as they were sick of rising living costs and crime Credit: tiktok/@theunconventionalfam I ditched my retail job in the UK for island paradise…rent is just £225, dinner costs £2 & our poolside office has a spa "16 to 20-year-old girls going out on a night out and they're wearing basically underwear. These tops that are just a bra," said the dad. Advertisement "I don't want to see my kids growing up feeling like that's the way that they should be treating themselves." A year on since ditching the UK, the family couldn't be happier and they shared one of their favourite parts of Malaysia. The mum said one of her favourite parts of Malaysia was the shopping malls. Not only was it much cheaper than in the UK, she said they were also open later. Advertisement "I cannot express to you how much that makes a difference to life. In the UK, everything closes at 5pm, you finish work, the kids finish school, and you might as well go home and put your pyjamas on and sit in front of the TV because there is honestly nothing to do," she explained. "There are obviously cinemas and restaurants to go to, but they cost an absolute fortune, and you can't do it all the time." But in Malaysia, she said you were able to go out and enjoy the evening without going bankrupt. The clips have gone viral on her TikTok account @ Advertisement Moving house hacks 1. Declutter Before You Pack Sort through your belongings and get rid of anything you no longer need. Donate, sell, or recycle items to lighten your load. 2. Create an Inventory Make a list of all your items. This helps keep track of everything and ensures nothing gets lost in the move. 3. Use Quality Packing Materials Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape. This will protect your belongings during the move. 4. Label Everything Clearly label each box with its contents and the room it belongs to. This makes unpacking much easier and more organized. 5. Pack a 'First Day' Box Include essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes, snacks, and important documents. This will keep you from rummaging through boxes on your first day. 6. Take Photos of Electronics Setup Before unplugging your electronics, take photos of the wiring setup. This will make it easier to reconnect everything at your new place. 7. Use Suitcases for Heavy Items Pack books and other heavy items in rolling suitcases. This makes them easier to transport and reduces the risk of injury. 8. Colour-Code Your Boxes Use different coloured stickers or markers for each room. This will help movers quickly identify where each box should go in your new home. Public Reaction One person wrote: "I was in London during winter. Getting dark so early in the day and with the cold weather was so depressing. Sorry how can that be enjoyable. Sunny warm weather anytime beats this." Another commented: "I'm Malaysian and now live in the UK. I feel you; I went to Costa at 4:55 PM and was told they were closing." "What a boring life in the UK," penned a third. Meanwhile, a fourth said: "Honestly, same. I moved to the UK and I miss Malaysia every day!! I am so much happier in Malaysia." Advertisement "You get to live more over here,' claimed a fifth Someone else added: "Yes, I used to study in the UK, they literally don't have a nightlife."
