Arlene Harris
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arleneharris.bsky.social
Arlene Harris
@arleneharris.bsky.social
2.9K followers 1.1K following 690 posts
Freelance Journalist with regular bylines in Irish Times, Irish Independent, Business Post, Sunday Times, Irish Examiner, YOU Magazine, iNews and more. Covering health, lifestyle, business, parenting, travel etc. Email - arlene@arleneharris.org
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arleneharris.bsky.social
#journorequest - looking to talk to people in the UK who send their children to private pre-school about the cost and whether or not it is worth the fees. DM if any thoughts. Shares appreciated.
January 2, 2026 at 4:33 PM
arleneharris.bsky.social
In today's @belfasttelegraph.co.uk health experts told me about the changes we should all be making to help improve our mental and physical wellbeing.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/life/health/...
New Year resolutions: ‘Real transformation doesn’t happen in January… it happens quietly’
Another year is nearly over and a new one will soon begin, so traditionally it’s the time to make plans and set goals for the year ahead.
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk
January 2, 2026 at 4:21 PM
arleneharris.bsky.social
In @irishexaminer.bsky.social I spoke to Donnacha O'Callaghan about his time on Ireland's Fittest Family and what he has learned over the past six years as a coach on the popular show.
www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/he...
Donncha O'Callaghan: You have to step back and let the families do it for themselves
A coach on ‘Ireland’s Fittest Family’ for six years, Donncha O’Callaghan says he has enjoyed getting to know the families on the latest show
www.irishexaminer.com
December 26, 2025 at 12:52 PM
arleneharris.bsky.social
In todays @irishexaminer.bsky.social I spoke to some well-known people about how they plan to spend the next few days of Twixmas.
www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/he...
Unwrapping in-between days of Twixmas
From tucking into leftovers to jetting off on a dream holiday, well-known people tell us how they plan to unwind between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve
www.irishexaminer.com
December 26, 2025 at 12:50 PM
arleneharris.bsky.social
In today's @independent.ie this man told me about his Christmas budget and why he won't be splashing out too much over the festive season.
www.independent.ie/business/mon...
What I spend on Christmas: ‘The only thing I spend on is a jumper for 12 pubs – you definitely won't see me in festive PJs’
It is the season of goodwill, but it’s also the season of shopping and socialising, and this means heftier bills to pay, no matter how good you are at budgeting.
www.independent.ie
December 26, 2025 at 12:39 PM
arleneharris.bsky.social
In today's @independent.ie I spoke to three people in Ireland about their #Christmas traditions and why the little things are so important.
www.independent.ie/life/family/...
‘It’s a little bit of magic I’ve carried through from my own childhood’ – Irish families share their favourite Christmas traditions
For some people Christmas would not be complete without a set of seasonal PJs, for others midnight mass or a family viewing of Home Alone is obligatory; some use the night before Christmas to open one...
www.independent.ie
December 26, 2025 at 12:37 PM
arleneharris.bsky.social
In today's @independent.ie I spoke to people around the country who are dreading the prospect of fireworks on #newyearseve as they can cause distress for pets, elderly people and those living alone.
www.independent.ie/life/family/...
Is it time to ban fireworks displays? Pet owners worry as New Year’s Eve approaches, and urge people to sign a petition
Animal owners have already had to deal with the stress of trying to calm their terrified pets during Halloween fireworks displays, but with New Year’s Eve likely to feature more of the same, many are ...
www.independent.ie
December 26, 2025 at 12:31 PM
arleneharris.bsky.social
In today's Independent I spoke to three people who have been through a serious illness or injury about the joys of feeling better over the festive season.
www.independent.ie/life/health-...
Christmas after recovery from illness: ‘It’s a blessing to have the people around you’
The decorations are up and Santa is getting his sleigh ready, as all across the country, people young and old are looking forward to receiving a special present this Christmas.
www.independent.ie
December 23, 2025 at 9:19 AM
arleneharris.bsky.social
In today's @independent.ie this man told me why he will be volunteering his time on Christmas Day @volunteerireland.bsky.social
www.independent.ie/life/volunte...
Volunteering for Blood Bikes on Christmas Day: ?‘I would highly recommend it any time of the year’
“Voluntary work has always been a part of my life, and about three years ago a friend told me that he had started volunteering with Blood Bikes East (BBE), a registered charity, and that they were kee...
www.independent.ie
December 23, 2025 at 9:16 AM
arleneharris.bsky.social
In today's @independent.ie I spoke to seasonal entrepreneurs about the ins and outs of running a business aimed at the Christmas market.
www.independent.ie/business/mon...
‘My main advice would be to plan earlier than feels necessary’ – seasonal entrepreneurs share the financial lessons they learnt this year
Most retail businesses experience their highest turnovers in the last three months of the year. This is especially true for seasonal businesses that focus on the so-called “golden quarter”.
www.independent.ie
December 23, 2025 at 9:11 AM
arleneharris.bsky.social
#Christmas2025 is fast approaching, but while many people will be wishing for a special gift under the tree, in today's @irishexaminer.bsky.social spoke to three men who are hoping for an organ transplant which will transform their lives.
www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/he...
All we want for Christmas: Three men waiting on urgent transplants
We talk to three men awaiting a transplant — a gift that could transform their lives. They are among the 660 people in Ireland on the waiting list
www.irishexaminer.com
December 5, 2025 at 6:01 PM
arleneharris.bsky.social
Christmas is an expensive time and in today's
@independent.ie this woman told me how she budgets for the festive season ahead. #Christmas2025
www.independent.ie/business/mon...
What I spend on Christmas: ‘We no longer get meat from the butcher and get a smaller turkey and ham from Aldi’
With two small children and another on the way, Linda Kelly is well used to the chaos and cost associated with Christmas and says that there is no getting away from the fact that lots of money will be...
www.independent.ie
December 5, 2025 at 5:52 PM
arleneharris.bsky.social
#journorequest - looking to talk to people in Ireland who set up a small business in recent years making/creating/selling products, gifts or services associated with Christmas. DM if any thoughts. RTs appreciated #SmallBusiness #smallartist #supportsmallbusiness #CreativeDesign
December 3, 2025 at 4:41 PM
arleneharris.bsky.social
#journorequest - looking to talk to people from Ireland who are living abroad and won't be home for #Christmas2025 DM if any thoughts. Shares appreciated.
December 2, 2025 at 4:04 PM
arleneharris.bsky.social
In today's @irishtimes.com I spoke to students and experts about the worrying trend of restricting food intake in order to 'save calorie allowance' for alcohol. @ncirl.bsky.social
www.irishtimes.com/health/your-...
The students restricting food in favour of alcohol: ‘It isn’t seen as a big deal’
Restricting food in favour of alcohol is a slippery slope to dependence, poor dieting and worsening social anxiety
www.irishtimes.com
December 2, 2025 at 9:55 AM
arleneharris.bsky.social
In today's @irishtimes.com I spoke to Irish graduates who have either left the country or are planning to in the near future, about the lack of opportunity available in their chosen sector.
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/educ...
Ireland’s graduates: ‘Everyone I know is thinking of moving abroad or has gone’
Many find it tough to find work in their desired sector upon leaving college - a harsh situation each year that doesn’t seem to improve
www.irishtimes.com
December 1, 2025 at 4:25 PM
arleneharris.bsky.social
In today's @independent.ie this woman told me about the reality of life with lupus and how everyday is a struggle - but she hasn't let it hold her back and is living life to the full.
www.independent.ie/life/health-...
Lupus makes me nauseous, tired all the time, and I have breathing and mobility issues – but I’ve achieved everything I want to in life
Throughout her life, Louise Crowley was seen as a high achiever. Always acing exams and getting impressive grades, she went on to become a Professor of Law at UCC.
www.independent.ie
December 1, 2025 at 1:55 PM
arleneharris.bsky.social
With #turkey shortages expected this #Christmas2025 in
@Independent_ie
I spoke to people who will be dishing up something different on Christmas Day.
www.independent.ie/life/food-dr...
Eight Christmas dinner options without the turkey: ‘It’s a simple choice, but one that makes the day infinitely more enjoyable’
Christmas is coming but this year it doesn’t look like the goose, or the turkey, is getting fat as an outbreak of bird flu has led to the culling of thousands of birds in farms across the country, man...
www.independent.ie
December 1, 2025 at 1:47 PM
arleneharris.bsky.social
#journorequest - looking to talk to people in Ireland who have changed their energy/electricity/phone or health insurance provider. DM if any thoughts. Shares appreciated.
November 28, 2025 at 3:30 PM
arleneharris.bsky.social
As shopping begins in earnest for #Christmas2025 in today's'
@independent.ie this man told me about his budget for the festive period and why the thought behind a gift is more important than the cost.
www.independent.ie/business/mon...
What I spend on Christmas: ‘I usually spend around €150 on each of my adult children’
Like everyone else, James Bourke is making preparations for Christmas, shopping for supplies and presents. But, unlike others who swear by a to-do list, he relies on his own intuition to ensure that h...
www.independent.ie
November 28, 2025 at 9:59 AM
arleneharris.bsky.social
In today's @independent.ie I spoke to two women who had babies when they were over 45 and they say that although it is tiring, being an older mum is great.
www.independent.ie/life/family/...
Becoming a mum after 45: ‘Women like me are having children a lot later in life and it is amazing’
The average age for motherhood in Ireland is 33.2, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), but its most recent figures also reveal that an increasing number of women are waiting until they a...
www.independent.ie
November 26, 2025 at 11:49 AM
arleneharris.bsky.social
In today's @irishtimes.com I spoke to facilitators and parents at a forest school in Clare where children are thriving while enjoying a totally different education to the national curriculum as they immerse themselves in nature. #Education
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/educ...
Less forest ‘school’, more ‘nature immersion project that focuses on a child’s wellbeing’
A forest school in Co Clare offers no curriculum or classes, just a nature-based space, and activities that seek to spark children’s curiosities and interests
www.irishtimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:34 PM
arleneharris.bsky.social
In today's @independent.ie this woman talked to me about the cost of #Christmas and how much she will end up spending on gifts, food, travel and entertainment.
www.independent.ie/business/mon...
What I spend on Christmas: ‘We have 21 gifts to buy… I estimate we’ll spend around €3,000 on overall shopping’
It’s that time of year again when purse strings will be loosened and budgets will be stretched as households up and down the country splash out on gifts for loved ones as well as treats for themselves...
www.independent.ie
November 21, 2025 at 7:16 AM
arleneharris.bsky.social
In today's @independent.ie I spoke to three people who are caring for elderly parents about the ups and downs and the mental and financial toll it can take, but how it can also be a rewarding experience.
www.independent.ie/life/family/...
Carenting: Three Irish people who care for elderly parents on the mental, physical and financial toll – and their advice to others
Parents look after their children until they fly the nest, and then, when the time comes, the roles are reversed with some needing more care than others. According to Family Carers Ireland, there are ...
www.independent.ie
November 21, 2025 at 7:13 AM
Reposted by Arlene Harris
derekbrauders.bsky.social
#speirgorm might find this of interest.
November 19, 2025 at 5:50 PM