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Yearly Archives: 2014

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2014 has been a MAJOR year for television. With amazing series like Orange Is The New Black, American Horror Story and True Detective to homegrown shows like Love/Hate and The Late Late Show – we take a look at the biggest moments in TV from this year. 

1. Love/Hate season finale
We hid behind the sofa for this one – and we've seen Twitter so we know all of you did too! What will become of King Nidge? We'll have to wait until 2016 – nooooo!

2. How I Met Your Mother finale
It all ended this year after almost ten years on our screen. And boy did it go out with a bang! Fans were less than impressed by the final scenes and there has even been alternatives made just to calm the nerves. Which was your preferred ending?

3. Game of Thrones purple wedding
The whole world breathed a sigh of relief – though it didn't have a patch on 2013's epic red wedding. Now that we will never recover from.

4. Miley gets serious side-eye from Katy Perry at the VMA's
Pretty justified to be fair…

5. True Detective obsession
The whole world became addicted to True Detective this year and Matthew McConaughey's role as Rustin Cohle became a thing of legend. 

6. Blue Ivy officially made the cutest Vine of all time
And her proud dad makes it even sweeter!

7. Benedict Cumberbatch tried to say the word 'penguin'
And failed, adorably

8. One word: #bingate
The Great British Bake Off caused pandemonium on Twitter this year after an episode about a baked alaska…

9. Adele Dazeem
Seriously, does this EVER get old?

10. Orange Is The New Black binge
ALL of the second season gets uploaded at the same time?! Not too shabby, Netflix. 

 

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Meeting your boyfriend's dad for the first time is definitely a sweaty palm-inducing moment and even more so when you know your boy's mum already doesn't like you.

However, it seems Miley Cyrus and Patrick Schwarzenegger's relationship has been given the thumbs up by Arnold. Phew! We certainly wouldn't like to be on the wrong side of the Terminator… 

The Wrecking Ball singer has been going out with the 21-year-old for several months now and according to HollywoodLife, a source close to the family has said Arnie is "proud of Patrick for dating such a sought after girl like Miley. He compares it to dating Madonna at the peak of her fame."

But it seems Arnie is not really concerned about his son's happiness, but rather approves of the relationship because of all the attention it has brought his family. The source added: “He’s been showing her off around Ketchum to all his friends. Arnold loves being in the spotlight and is really enjoying all the attention Patrick’s relationship with Miley is getting."

However, not everyone agrees with Arnie – Patrick's mum, Maria Shriver, is none too impressed with her son's choice of girl and is not particularly pleased her ex-husband "is okay with it". 

We wouldn't worry too much, Miley – sure it's the same with all mums and their sons…

 

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New Year’s Eve often becomes less about celebrating the year to come and more about nailing down the perfect look for the final celebration of the year.

Deciding on the perfect hairstyle is just as important as choosing the perfect outfit, but if you’re a little stuck for inspiration right now, why not check out these six bangin’ styles, learn how to recreate them and then see in 2015 in style!

Short hair

Not many of us could rock a super-short style, so kudos to you if you’re one of these gorgeous ladies! We do know, however, that switching-up a gamine look can be a little difficult, so this is why accessories are your best friend this new year’s!

Classic curls

Nothing screams old school Hollywood glamour more than a head of cascading curls. So warm up that curler and channel your inner screen siren at this year's bash!

High pony tail

A sleek, high pony tail requires very little effort, but always looks so chic! For an edgier look, why not incorporate a quiff into your style?

Side plait

If you don’t feel like attempting a complicated up-do, but do want to inject a little glamour into your look, why not opt for a loose side plait which takes little effort, but gets maximum results in the glamour stakes!

Tousled bun

This style may take a little more time and effort to recreate, but it's worth it! When teamed with a pair of statement earrings, a tousled bun becomes the perfect look for any New Year's gathering!

Sleek straight style

If complicated styles aren't your thing, then why not opt to leave you hair down in a sleek, straight finish? For a little extra glamour and volume, just back comb a small section and enjoy a fuss-free, but chic style for the night ahead!

 

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It's been a year of highs and lows, losses and successes, happiness and sadness. To celebrate all of these moments – and some in between – we have selected some of 2014's most emotional moments below. Grab your tissues, there will be tears.

 

1. Omar and Sue's engagement video

Who didn't well up at Omar's amazing, romantic proposal to the lovely Sue? The couple had not seen each other in four months, due to the fact that Omar's job took him away from home regularly. When he decided to propose, he went all out, getting Sue's family and friends around to serenade her before surprising her. This is emotional stuff – you will most likely cry!

 

 

2. Lorraine Whyman's wedding

Lorraine Whyman's wedding to Jon Callahan looked just like any other wedding – beautiful bride, beautiful dress, smiling and happy newlyweds. However, the couple's wedding day was bittersweet, as Lorraine may only have two years to live. The stunning bride was diagnosed with breast cancer last May, and decided to exchange vows with the love of her life in a dream ceremony. Speaking to a local paper at the time, she said: "I know what’s going to happen, I’ve seen it happen. But we just have to enjoy whatever time we have left."

 

3. Emma Watson's speech at the UN

We have all come to love Emma Watson for the talented actress and stunning style icon that she is, however this year, she became one of our most important role models. As part of the United Nations' campaign to bring about gender equality, the Harry Potter actress gave an impassioned speech about feminism that roused a standing ovation and brought a lump to our throats.

 

 

4. Diane Guerrero breaks down on live TV

Fans of Orange Is the New Black will recognise Diane Guerrero as Maritza on the hit show, however we saw a completely different side to the actress as she opened up recently on her devastation over the deportation of her parents and brother to Columbia when she was just 14 years old. Diane is clearly trying to hold back the tears as she recalls being left completely alone to fend for herself, and eventually breaks down as she explains just how scared and lonely she was. Diane's is an unbelievable and sad story.

 

 

5. Lea Michele's Teen Choice Awards speech

Glee actress Lea Michele showed incredible bravery when she got up on stage to accept her Choice TV Actress award, just weeks after the tragic death of her fiancé and co-star Cory Monteith. With tears flowing down her face, the star wore a smile for her entire speech and thanked fans for their support. We imagine there wasn't a dry eye in the house.

 

 

6. Pharrell is overcome with happiness

His song Happy was undoubtedly one of the year's biggest hits, with its feel-good message resonating with so many people all over the world. While he likes to let on he's cool as an ice cube however, Pharrell was so overwhelmed with emotion by people's homemade Happy videos that he full-on bawled over it during an interview with Oprah. The chat show host made things ten times worse by mentioning his grandmother, but thankfully a crew member was on hand with a box of tissues!

 

 

7. Irish man's surprise homecoming

There are so many homecoming videos popping up on our timelines at the moment, but this one took so much planning that we had to give him a spot on our list. Part of why we are so heavily invested in this homecoming by the end of the video is because Bryan has brought us along every stage of his journey home. We just love his mum's and sister's reactions when he pops up.

 

 

8. Tom Fletcher introduces baby Buzz

Given how romantic his wedding speech video was, we should have known to expect a tearjerker when Tom and wife Giovanna introduced baby Buzz to the world. Not only did Tom serenade Giovanna with a song that he had written especially for this son, but he also included time lapse footage of his wife's growing baby bump to bring us along on their journey. Can you say perfect husband?

 

 

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After almost twenty years of marriage, world- famous stand-up comedian and actor Chris Rock and wife Malaak Compton Rose have decided to file for divorce.

Malaak announced the sad news in a statement released at the weekend, saying: “After much contemplation and 19 years of marriage, Chris and I have decided to go our separate ways.”

Chris, who has won Grammy awards for his comedy albums, confirmed this wife’s statement through his lawyer Robert S. Cohen.

Chris' soon-to-be ex-wife, Malaak, is the founder and director of StyleWorks, a non-profit salon which provides free services for women leaving welfare and entering the workforce.

Determined to look on the bright side despite the sad news, Malaak said: “Being fortunate enough to lead a life of service by working with those most vulnerable makes me well aware of life’s blessings, even when faced with difficulties.”

The couple married in November 1996 and share two daughters together, 12-year-old Lola Simone and 10-year-old Zahra Savannah.

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Having eaten our way through the festive season and likely gained half of our body weight in chocolate alone, our thoughts reluctantly turn to the New Year and the uphill struggle that lies ahead of us to finally attain that bikini body. To help you along with a little inspiration, we have compiled a list of the top diets that our favourite celebrities swear by.

1. Beyoncé and the Vegan Diet

Beyoncé has pretty much always appeared goddess-like to us, but she was looking particularly incredible when she performed at the Grammys with husband Jay-Z earlier this year. Apparently the XO singer's amazing figure was all down to a strict vegan diet that she stuck to rigidly for 22 days. The star then incorporated elements of the diet into her daily food plan, which consists mainly of plant-based foods and some fish here and there.

2. Angelina Jolie and the Ancient Grains Diet

From her voluptuous figure to her glowing skin and shiny hair, it's clear that whatever Angelina Jolie is putting into her body is working. According to reports, the Maleficent star is a big fan of the ancient grains diet, and frequently raves about its health benefits. As part of this diet plan, the star consumes little else other than those ancient and unchanged grains such as quinoa, chia seeds, spelt and buckwheat. The mum-of-six claims that not only do these grains provide her with key nutrients, but they also leave her skin shinier.

3. Victoria Beckham and the Alkaline Diet

She has frequently come under scrutiny for her weight in the past, but there is no denying that Victoria Beckham is looking her healthiest of late. Apparently, this is all down to 'eating alkaline', a new eating plan which promotes avoiding those foods that produce acid and cause the body to stress out. Recipes on the alkaline programme are mainly based on fresh fruit and vegetables, while coffee, junk food, sugar, salt and alcohol are major no-no's.

4. Katy Perry and the M-Plan Diet

Katy Perry has one of the most enviable figures in the world of celebrity, so it's no surprise to hear that she works damn hard to maintain it. As well as dancing her socks off during her live shows, the star is said to be a big fan of the M-Plan diet, which is primarily based on mushrooms. This diet, also favoured by Kelly Osbourne, apparently helps you lose excess weight around your tummy, thighs, upper arms and bottom, while maintaining your curves. Under this plan, you swap one meal a day for a mushroom-based substitute, for 14 days solid. As well as shedding the pounds, this diet is said to add shine and vitality to your hair, nails and skin.

5. Eva Mendes and the Five-Factor Diet

Anyone who can bag Ryan Gosling is doing something right in our books, so when we heard that Eva Mendes was a fan of the Five-Factor diet, we were all ears. This supposedly simple and easy-to-follow diet prescribes that you eat only meals consisting of five simple ingredients, while getting five 25-minute workouts in per week. The main groups you can pick your meals from include: protein, low-to-moderate GI carbohydrates, fibre, healthy fats, and sugar-free beverages (water, tea, coffee or an unsweetened energy drink). You're also allowed a cheat day each week, which just makes this all the more appealing.

6. Sarah Jessica Parker and The Hamptons Diet

Who didn't (and still does) envy the fabulous Carrie Bradshaw's figure? Actress Sarah Jessica Parker is known for her taut tummy and toned arms and legs, and it seems her secret lies in the Hamptons Diet. Founded by Fred Pescatore, the former medical director of the Atkins Centre, the Hamptons Diet is similar to Atkins in that it is a low-carb programme. The Hamptons diet focuses on a mixture of whole foods, lean meats, healthy fats and low-carb vegetables, with special emphasis placed on omega-3 fatty acids and monosaturated fats, which are said to make you feel fuller, sooner.

7. Lily Aldridge and the Sakara Life Diet

If it's good enough for a Victoria's Secret angel, it's good enough for us! Stunning model Lily Aldridge is famous for her incredible figure, and while much of it has to be down to good genes, the mum-of-one can also credit the Sakara Life diet for helping her to maintain her amazing shape. While this diet plan works on a meal delivery service, the meals are all organic and vegetarian. Founded on the principle that "food is medicine", the Sakara Life diet is also known as the "reverse cleanse" – sounds good to us.

8. Gwen Stefani and the Pressed Juice Diet

Just what is the secret to Gwen Stefani's iconic rock-hard abs? The Pressed Juice diet, apparently. Under this plan, followers receive a delivery of six special juices each day, with each one packed with nutrients to replace your meals and snacks. Followers of this juice cleanse are advised to avoid nicotine, caffeine and alcohol while this 1,200-calorie power drink works its magic.

Regretting polishing off that entire tin of Roses now? We thought so!

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Former Skins star Kaya Scodelario, who played the ever-complex Effy in the hit teen drama, announced some very exciting news on Instagram this weekend!

The 23-year-old actress, who also played Teresa in sci-fi- thriller film The Maze Runner this year, took a moment to thank her boyfriend Benjamin Walker for making her the ‘happiest woman in the world’ by proposing.

The overjoyed actress posted a romantic snap of the couple kissing alongside her sweet words.

The pair have had a long-distance relationship since they began dating a few months ago, but Kaya was determined not to let the small issue of geography get in the way of their blossoming romance.

The actress who will be starring in The Maze Runner sequel next year commented on their set-up, saying: “Ben lives in New York and I live in London, so we have to work hard to see each other. You have to go for it, which I like.” Looks like their determination paid off!

32-year-old Benjamin, who was once the son-in-law of veteran actress Meryl Streep while married to her daughter Mamie, is best-know for his role in fantasy action film Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.

Congrats to the happy pair!

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One of our favourite performers, the hugely talent musician Alicia Keys, welcomed her second child into the world this weekend and decided to share the news with her fans in the sweetest way possible!

Taking to Instagram, the overjoyed mum posted an image of two adorable baby footprints. Excuse us while we melt.

The snap also included the name, weight, birth date and birth time of her second son so we know that Genesis Ali Dean arrived on Saturday weighing a healthy 6 lbs 5 oz and that his beautiful mum Alicia couldn’t be happier.

The Empire State of Mind singer captioned the shot: “The joy of joy is joy! It’s a boy!! We are so grateful! #blessings.” Her excitement is almost contagious, right?!

Alicia and husband of four years music producer, Swiss Beatz, welcomed their first child Egypt Daoud Ibarr in 2010 and judging by the 33-year-old Grammy winner’s online post, she’s overjoyed at having given little Egypt a younger brother and playmate!

Egypt’s mum told Access Hollywood back in October that he was ‘so excited’ to meet his sibling so we ‘re sure the arrival of little Genesis may be his best Christmas present to date.

Congratulations to Alicia and her gorgeous family!

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2014 is almost over so we have collected our favourite viral videos from the year! Is your favourite in here?

Be prepared to LOL…a lot!

1. Max really, really can't kayak

2. Irish girl's ice-cream gets pooped on by a bird

3. Girl's shameless selfie spree is caught on camera…by her dad

4. Let's just say this little girl needs to let Frozen go!

5. This little boy is the cutest thing to happen all year

6. Cheryl's reaction to her embarrassing moment

7. The Leaving Cert never looked so terrifying! 

8. When life with our parents was summed up so perfectly

9. The best (but worst) Ice Bucket Challenge EVER

10. When selfies go very, very, wrong..

 

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Travel definitely broadens the mind, and ANYWHERE is better than little old Ireland right now! So this year, rather than spending January sticking to a diet you know you won't keep, get planning your summer holiday….

For the ultimate life experience and taste of adventure, you need to hit these destinations:

Vietnam

To really get out of your comfort zone, head to the glorious country that is Vietnam. Head to the FITO Museum in Ho Chi Minh City and while you’re there go to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Rent a bike in Hoi An, a stunning old seaside town, and head to the Sand Dunes of Mui Ne and try sand sledding – yes, it is a real thing!

South Africa

For a real wildlife adventure you need to go on safari in this beautiful country. The Hluhluwe and Imfolozi National Park is the largest in Africa and you might even spot a white rhino. If you are feeling brave, hop into a kayak and have a leisurely row down Catalina Bay – just watch out for the crocs and hippos! 

Japan

Japan is an absolutely stunning destination that needs to be seen to be believed. There are so many Shrines and Temples to be explored, festivals to enjoy,  shopping to do , Japanese culture to experience and so much traditional cuisine to try that you’ll never want to leave.

Chile

This incredible South American country has so much on you won’t know where to begin. To give you a helping hand start off at the Atacama Desert, hop over to Easter Island, explore the Torres del Paine National Park, take in the incredible beauty of the Patagonia or enjoy the nightlife in Santiago and have a wander around the La Vega market.

Serbia

Not on many people’s travel wish list, this European country is truly a sight to behold. Here you can explore the capital Belgrade, visit the Djerdap, hike in the Fruska Gora or soak in the culture at Novi Sad.

Now all you need to do is get saving…. 

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This year was huge for trends, phenomenons and everything else that goes along with it!

The internet can be a weird place, there’s no two ways about it – but if it didn’t exist then we would’t have these amazing topics to talk about!

1. The no make-up selfie

2. Ellen’s Oscars selfie

3. Kimye break Instagram records

4. The ice-bucket challenge

5. Kim’s bum breaks the internet

6. Frozen

7. The three-breasted woman

8. Solange attack Jay-Z in #elevatorgate

9. Ariana Grande’s face when she was wacked by an Angel’s wing at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

ariana grande face angel

10. Adele Dazeem

 

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New Year's Eve is the one night of the year where sequins and glitter are pretty much considered an essential!

You don't need to go full-on glitter queen, but a few touches here and there will instantly add some festive magic to your look.

Here are a few of our favourite New Year's-inspired pieces from the high street…

1. Pastel perfect
This gorgeous creamy pink metallic skater dress has just the right amount of shine and sparkle for December 31st, but it's relaxed enough to see you through the rest of the year, too.

Metallic Skater dress, €25.45, Forever 21

2. Mirror mirror
Shine like a firework with this stunning bronze and silver sequin dress. Tone down the rest of your look with minimal jewellery!

Two-tone Sequin Bodycon Dress, €86, Topshop

3. Crop it out
If you're not in the mood for a party dress, go for a sophisticated matching skirt and crop top set like this one from RIver Island… with a touch of sparkle, just because!

 

Black Sparkle Crop Top (€30) and Black Sparkle Pencil Skirt (€40), River Island

4. Sheer class
We're in love with the intricate design detailing on this sheer mesh dress. Perfect for ringing in the New Year in style!

Goldie All Over Lace Bodycon Dress, €78.57, ASOS

5. Golden girl
This dusky metallic clutch is the perfect way to add just a hink of sparkle to your look without going overboard!

Twist Lock Envelope Clutch, €33, Warehouse

6. Beaded babe
If you're not in the mood for sequins, a beaded print clutch makes an equally bold statement.

Monochrome and Neon Green Beaded Ethnic Print Clutch, €24.99, New Look

7. Toe the line
We're dying to get our hands on these nude heels with gold detailing – perfect for hitting the dancefloor to ring in 2015!

Nude and Gold Platform Heel, €39.99, Korky’s

8. Bling bling
Just look at those stones! If you're budget won't quite stretch to the real deal, these cheap and cheerful earrings from H&M will do the job nicely!

Sparkly stone earrings, €6.99, H&M

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