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Yearly Archives: 2014

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Now that the clocks have gone back, winter is well and truly on its way.

Suddenly it seems to be getting dark even before we've left work for the evening – not to mention the fact that it's been raining just a little more than we'd like (okay, a lot more).

But life isn't all bad when the colder weather sets in – in fact, in many ways we love it!

Here are just five things we're super excited about for the next few months…

1. All the hot drinks
Hot chocolate, mulled wine, hot buttered rum or a simple cuppa by the fire. Warm up those freezing fingers with a steamy cup of something delicious, and sit back and enjoy the sound of the rain pouring down outside. Give us a warm fire and a delicious hot drink over a sunny summer beach any day!

2. The style!
Cardigans, scarves. hats and gloves – the high street is full of winter clothes now and we can't get enough of it. Not to mention all those slinky and sparkly Christmas party numbers. Winter fashion is the BEST.

3. It's an excuse to eat loads of amazing food
Christmas dinner aside, the colder months are just BETTER when it comes to food. Be it a hot stew at your mammy's table or a steaming bowl of tomato soup on a cold day, we love the tasty opportunities that the cold weather brings. Plus, your body needs the extra insulation, so forget the diet for the next few weeks. That's our expert opinion!

4. The build up to Christmas will be starting soon…
… even though it kind of has already! As soon as Halloween is over, Christmas decorations will start popping up all over the place and you can really begin getting in the mood. Our "Christmas is here" checklist? The Coca Cola trucks ad, Last Christmas on the radio, and of course, The Late Late Toy Show.

5. Couch time becomes essential
A Sunday hike? Ha. Get thee to the couch with a blanket, slippers and a whole lotta Netflix. Now you're in the winter spirit!

6. Parties galore
The colder months are full of work events, friendly gatherings and dinners in the run-up to the festive season.. not to mention Halloween and Thanksgiving (if you have an American friend/roommate/relative). Get your glad rags on!

 

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Kris Jenner, the world’s most famous ‘momager’,  has discussed her son Robert’s body image on a recent episode of The Dr. Oz Show. Despite saying, on national TV, that her twenty-seven-year-old son has always been ‘chubby’, the mum-of-six said that she tells her children “how much they’re loved and how beautiful they are on the inside.”

Recent reports suggested that Rob and his mother’s relationship is far from loving, with the young sock designer claiming that Kris treats him “like dirt” while a source close to the family said: “It’s his mom who makes him feel terrible.” We don’t know how Rob will feel about Kris’s latest TV interview in that case.
 

Rob’s non-attendance at his sister Kim’s wedding to Kanye West earlier this year was yet another indicator that all was not well in the Kardashian camp.  This, in addition to reports that Kylie could no longer stand living with her mother, doesn’t do much to prove Kris’s claims that she’s a “real supportive parent”.

Kris and older sister Kim have reportedly made reference to both Rob’s appearance and professional life in the past, with some sources claiming that Kris once said: “He’s an obese person with a failed sock line.”

Kris says that everyone’s a critic, but it must be very difficult for Rob if he thinks his mum is his biggest one.

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If you're sick of Pumpkin Spice Lattes and feel that the dawn of the Starbucks Red Cups is a long time away, fear not, as the coffee giant is cashing in on the seasonal fun with a special Halloween drink, available for just three days.

Behold, the Franken Frappucino – a Green Tea Frapp with peppermint and white chocolate mocha added. Yum!

Look at all that scary, green goodness!

Starbucks Ireland don't officially have the Halloween drink advertised in their branches (maybe they're waiting to use the recipe for Paddy's Day), but you can just be cheeky and ask for one anyway – here are the instructions!

  1. Start with a Green Tea Frappuccino
  2. Add java chips
  3. Add three pumps of white mocha sauce
  4. Add three pumps of peppermint syrup (and substitute that for the classic syrup – there’s no classic syrup in the Franken Frappuccino.)
  5. Top with whipped cream and mocha drizzle.

We will definitely be giving this one a go!

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This 911 call will raise the hairs on the back of your neck – and you can’t even hear it.

A victim of domestic abuse raised an alarm at her house by ordering pizza – but she had actually dialled 911.

At first, the operator, Keith Weisinger, is somewhat confused by the woman’s call, but soon come to realise her covert operation.

He later told the story on Reddit, in his own words.

Here is how the call went:

“911, where is your emergency?”
“123 Main Street”
“Okay, what’s going on there?”
“I’d like to order a pizza for delivery” (Oh great, another prank call)
“Ma’am, you’ve reached 911”
“Yeah, I know. Can I have a large with half pepperoni, half mushroom and peppers?”
“Ummm…I’m sorry, you know you’ve called 911, right?”
“Yeah, do you know how long it will be?”
“Ok, Ma’am is everything ok over there? Do you have an emergency?”
“Yes, I do”
“And you can’t talk about it because there’s someone in the room with you?” (moment of realisation)
“Yes, that’s correct. Do you know how long it will be?”
“I have an officer about a mile from your location. Are there any weapons in your house?”
“Nope”
“Can you stay on the phone with me?”
“Nope. See you soon, thanks.”

Weisinger then checked the address given and discovered multiple domestic disputes reported from there.

Police officers at the location found the woman beaten up with her drunk boyfriend in the house and Weisinger says he’ll never forget the clever rouse she used to raise the alarm of her abuse. 

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Why can’t real-life relationships be more like the ones we see on-screen? Here’s our list of the best fictional boyfriends ever.

1. Noah from The Notebook

With his combination of charm, sincerity and adventurous spirit, Noah has all of the ingredients to be the perfect boyfriend. He knows what he wants, and he’ll do whatever it takes to get it, even if that means dangling off a Ferris wheel. Let’s face it: Ryan Gosling in any role is our dream boyfriend.

Memorable quote: “I want all of you, forever. You and me, every day.”

2. Nick from New Girl 

From the moment that Jess moved in with the guys, we were already rooting for her and Nick to get together. Although he can be a little grumpy and pessimistic at times, he’s a loyal friend, a great listener and the perfect partner in crime. Who didn’t swoon during that amazing first-kiss scene?

Memorable quote: “I think you’re the kind of girl a guy would come back for.”

3. Jack from Titanic

Jack Dawson is the ultimate romantic. Come on, the guy froze to death to save the life of the girl he loved, even when it was quite clear he could have fit on that piece of wood. We love his boyish charm, spontaneity and smile that could melt any girl’s heart. Plus, he really knows how to wear a tux.

Memorable quote: “You jump, I jump, remember?”

4. Dr McDreamy from Grey's Anatomy

Oh swoon swoonage. Mc Dreamy, the ultimate gentleman; he’s kind and gentle and… he’s a brain surgeon. Meredith is annoying as hell and we don’t know how she got him, but wow. 

Memorable quote: “You’ll never love yourself half as much as I love you.”

5. Pacey Witter from Dawson’s Creek

Pacey Witter was the heart throb of many a girl born in the late 80’s/early 90’s who watched Dawson’s Creek religiously. The way he looked and treated Joey Potter was unparalleled, he was the bench mark that many a boy was measured against, and few measured up. So sweet, so unrealistic.

Memorable quote: “You and I were one of the few things, perhaps the only thing, that ever made perfect sense to me.”

6. Tom from (500) Days of Summer 

Tom is a hopeless romantic and one of the few guys left who still believes in fate and true love. You would never have to worry about “defining the relationship” with him – if Tom is with you, you can rest easy knowing he’s in it for the long haul. Plus, we love that he has good taste in music and a penchant for running through IKEA stores.

Memorable quote: “I love how she makes me feel. Like anything’s possible… or like life is worth it.”

7. Graham from The Holiday

The heartbreaking story of poor widowed Graham who falls hopelessly in love with Cameron Diaz in The Holiday. The scene when he’s doing Mr Napkin head for his daughters is really what gets us in this one. 

Memorable quote: “I finally know what I want and that, in itself, is a miracle. And what I want is YOU.”

8. Chuck from Gossip Girl 

With confidence, class and a smouldering gaze, Chuck Bass is the epitome of tall, dark and handsome. Although he can be kind of mean, we can’t help but be drawn to his bad-boy charm. If more college guys dressed as well as Chuck does, the world would be a more beautiful place.

Memorable quote: “I’m sorry I gave up on us when you never did.”

9. Johnny Castle from Dirty Dancing

Pretty much the coolest guy we’ve ever seen, Johnny from Dirty Dancing was the best. We all dreamed of meeting an older, sexy ride that taught us everything we needed to know about life and sex in one summer. Dem hip moments though…

Memorable quote: “Nobody puts baby in the corner”

10. Aidan Shaw from Sex And The City

He’s not Mr.Big, he never will be – he’s a whole other kind of guy. Aidan was just… so…. nice. This man just wanted to carve you furniture and take you to a log cabin and then out to his cool bar. Okay so maybe he wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but for the sane women out there who can actually appreciate a genuinely nice guy – he was your Adonis.

Memorable quote: “I love you, Carrie. There’s no one I could love more. I want to live my life with you.”

10. Smith Jarrod from Sex And The City

Well we couldn’t exactly include SATC and NOT have Smith in here. Not only was he literally the hottest thing ever to grace our screens, he was also head over heels in love with Samantha, totally faithful, accepted her for exactly who she was and just an all round absolute gem.

Memorable quote: “I forgot to tell you something on the phone: I love you.”

via our content partner CT

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This week on Spotlight we were delighted to get the chance to chat to rising duo Hudson Taylor. Showbiz reporter Emma Power went along to meet Alfie and Harry and found out if their latest single Chasing Rubies was about a particular girl, how to seal the deal when on a date and what working with your brother is like! Could you do it?

They also chatted about their success in the UK, their upcoming Irish tour dates and when their much anticipated album will be released.

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Is there anything Taylor can't do?

The pop star shut Times Square in New York City down yesterday with a fantastic performance. 

Taylor performed Welcome to New York on Good Morning America, letting everyone know her new album 1989 is set to be a massive success!

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If you're trying to stay in shape or maintain a healthy weight, it can be hard to tell which tricks are working for your body and which aren't.

Sure, you battled your chocolate cravings at 11am but then you ended up eating twice as much dessert as usual after dinner. Sometimes, it's better to relax your attitude to food and fitness and just do what feels right.

Here are some health rules it's okay to break every once in a while…

1. No junk food, ever
Denying yourself when you have cravings can often backfire later in the day when you overindulge without thinking. If you have a craving for something sweet or unhealthy and it doesn't pass, don't just block it out! It's better to eat something unhealthy and enjoy it in the moment, rather than overeating later and feeling guilty for it.

2. Only eat salads
Yes, plain salads are a great option if you're trying to eat lightly, but they lack the comfort of heartier foods. Why not swap that boring lettuce for a non-creamy soup, some grilled veg or a wholewheat sandwich? You'll feel fuller and more satisfied without harming your weight loss plan. Adding cooked grains or beans to a salad can also help to make it more appealing, without adding fat or sugar.

3. Exercise every day
Your body needs time to rest! If you're lacking in sleep, allow yourself a lie-in and skip that morning spin class. In the long run it'll be better for your health and fitness levels.

4. Control your portions
"Portion control" seems to be the word of the year for anyone with an interest in clean eating and fitness. But certain non-starchy foods like salad leaves, peppers, celery and cucumber do not need to be strictly controlled. If you find you're getting sick of tiny dinners or feeling unsatisfied, try adding extra amounts of these safe foods to your plate.

5. No eating after 6pm
Your body doesn't automatically store calories as fat if they're consumed at night. If you've stayed late at work or are starving after an evening workout, give your body the fuel it needs. Skipping meals for the sake of not eating after dark will just slow down your metabolism in the long run. Try to keep evening meals healthy – but don't deprive yourself of food!

6. No bread
Yes, white bread is a refined carb that is generally high in calories. But wholegrain breads are packed with fibre and will leave you feeling full without bloating. Carbohydrates are your body's preferred source of energy, so give in to your needs!

7. No fatty foods
Fried and greasy foods should generally be avoided if you're dieting – but their high fat content isn't the only reason they're bad. Certain foods contain high levels of healthy fats which your body actually needs to help absorb nutrients. Nuts, seeds, olive oil and avocado might be high in fat on paper, but they're better than a snack box from the chipper any day!

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Beauty buffs, you have been told!

Smashbox has a big surprise in store for its lucky customers this coming Friday.

To celebrate #FoundationFriday, the poplar makeup line is giving away full-size bottles of foundation, absolutely free!

Yes, you read that correctly.

On Friday, October 31st 2014, Smashbox will be giving away free bottles of its best-selling Studio Skin 15 Hour Wear Hydrating Foundation SPF 10 to the first 20 customers who show up at any of their counters across Ireland and the UK.

All you need to do to claim this amazing free gift is print off the Smashbox Facebook Event page, or show it on your Smartphone, and make sure you’re one of the first 20 in the queue.

The lucky 20 will be gifted with a foundation perfectly matching their own skin tone, keeping them flawless and shine-free for up to 15 hours.

Sounds like a pretty epic way to kick off the weekend!

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Have you ever loved someone so much you paid for their vom over the internet?

We didn’t think so…

A few weeks ago, One Direction star Harry Styles puked on the side of the road in America and fans erected a shrine at the spot. That’s fair enough, but what happened next will turn your stomach…

Bandmate, Liam Payne then told BBC Radio’s Scott Mills that he actually saw Harry’s sick being sold on eBay.

His actual sick. For sale. On eBay.

Liam said: “Woah I saw that thing [the eBay post], it’s weird.”

Harry himself said that the whole incident – shrine and all – is a little alarming: “It’s worrying that this is the world we live in.”

The singer also said that he was not sick due to alcohol, but hiking: “I’d been on a hike. I’d been on a very long hike.”

A very long hike back from the pub was it, Harry? You can tell us… 

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'The Style Show' delivers your daily dose of fabulous fashion! In today's segment, "Fashion Flashback" our reporter Emma Power takes a look back at the style evolution of Lindsay Lohan. Watch the video above to re-live her best (and worst!) fashion moments.

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Rejection can be hard for many people to take. No actually, everyone. Whether it be a job interview you thought you nailed, a friend who turned away, or the love of your life turning you down, we've all been there. 

Here are the five stages of dealing with rejection:

1. Denial
This is the stage where you bury your head in the sand and pretend 'the incident' never happened. 

2. Anger
At your ex, the person who turned you down, the universe, yourself. Everyone is out to get you, nothing is working out for you. You feel hard done by and will not let anything pass. Try to avoid emailing/texting/calling whoever it is you hate right now. It's a bad idea, this stage will pass. 

3. Bargaining
Reverting back to denial, you still can’t accept that there’s nothing you can do to change their mind. You promise to change, to be a better person, you email the college and tell them you’ll take up extra classes or work for free on campus, you ask for a second interview, you promise that guy you'll change. 

4. Depression
Usually the stage where you spend days in bed, not getting washed or dressed. Feeling hopeless and either overeating or under-eating. Friends, housemates and family don’t know what to do because you are feeling so hopeless. Nothing they can say will penetrate the depressive cloud that has formed all around you. You feel like you will never be accepted anywhere by anyone. You see yourself as a failure. You still blame everyone else but now you’re blaming yourself too. You have no energy to be angry anymore. You’re done with that, all you feel is sad and alone.

5. Acceptance
Finally, you come to terms with everything. This can happen suddenly, or gradually, bit by bit. It doesn’t mean that you’re going to be jumping around thinking life is great but you’ll be able to deal and move on. You’ll get into another college, you’ll be in another relationship and you’ll be attracted to another person. You recognize that you totally over-reacted, but you're human and everyone deals with it. Hopefully you won’t go through it again but now that you have, you might handle it better next time. Everything is going to be okay. Okay?

via our content partner CT

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