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Yearly Archives: 2014

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Former TOWIE star Billie Mucklow has revealed that she is expecting a baby in a sweet Instagram photo from Christmas Day. 

Billie posted a cute photo of herself and her fiancé Andy Carroll pointing to her Christmas jumper which reads: “making my little pudding.” How sweet!

She captioned the image: “Merry Christmas #OurLittlePudding” alongside baby face and bottle emojis. 

The couple became engaged two months ago during a romantic trip to Rome before Billie’s friend Lauren Goodger let the exciting news slip on Twitter. Thankfully Billie had the chance to make the news of her pregnancy public in her own special way, and we have to say it is very cute indeed. 

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Rapper and musician Ludacris revealed his romantic proposal to his girlfriend of five years, Eudoxie Agnan on Instagram yesterday. But according to the rapper, she didn’t say yes…she said hell yes!

Sharing a photo of the incredible moment Eudoxie saw her proposal from the air, Ludacris wrote: “She didn’t say yes. She said HELL YES! #milehighproposal.”

 

She didn't say yes. She said HELL YES! #milehighproposal

A photo posted by @ludacris on

Ludacris had the words “Eudoxie will you marry me” emblazoned on the ground as the couple’s flight took off, and her reaction is just adorable. We’re not surprised she said yes after a proposal like that!

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There is heartbreak for Geri Halliwell only two months after her engagement to Formula One chief, Christian Horner, as it has been revealed that his family are less than pleased about the union. 

It has been reported that Christian’s parents have been left devastated following their son’s engagement announcement to the Spice Girl back in November, as a source said: “You can say that his parents are absolutely devastated. We won’t be going to the wedding.”

Their unhappiness at the engagement is believed to be because Christian left his partner of fourteen years mere months after the birth of their first child, Olivia, which was acknowledged by a source who said: “There is a lot more to this story that people know about – do to with his ex-partner.”

Geri and Christian went public with their relationship back in March and in November a public announcement of their engagement was made in The Times that read: "Mr C.E.J. Horner OBE and Geri Halliwell. The engagement is announced between Christian, son of Mr and Mrs G.M. Horner and Geraldine, daughter of the late Mr L.F. Halliwell and Mrs A Parkinson.”

Geri is a mum to one daughter, seven-year-old Bluebell from a previous relationship. 

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It's been one hell of a year – there's been lots of weird and wonderful things happening. Naturally the Internet is to blame for most of these. 

1. The three-boobed woman
This was revealed as a hoax, but it certainly entertained us for a week!

2. The man who has a phobia of the Kardashians
​Can't say we blame him

3. When the world found out Hello Kitty is NOT a cat

4. A guy got stuck in a Waterstone's and Twitter went crazy

5. The man in Australia who bought the very first iPhone 6 and then dropped it on camera

6. Ed Sheeran dueted with…Wayne Rooney (?!)
Footballer turned singer

7. Michelle Obama danced with a turnip…for real
She's down with the kids

8. Jaden and Willow Smith conducted the most bizarre interview of all time
"There’s no novels that I like to read so I write my own novels, and then I read them again, and it’s the best thing"

9. Russell Brand inadvertently became a member of Blur
PARKLIFE!

 

10. Nicki Minaj's video Anaconda got 19.6 million views in one day. One. Day.
We just can't work out why… 

 

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It has been reported that Adele and her boyfriend Simon Konecki are no longer living together. The couple, who have a two-year-old son together, have reportedly been seeing less and less of one another, according to The Sun on Sunday

Although it is alleged that Simon has moved back to the apartment he lived in before moving in with the superstar, it has not been officially confirmed that this marks a split for the couple, as a source told the paper: “It isn’t clear if they’ve officially split, but they are certainly not living together anymore. Simon is back at his bachelor pad. It doesn’t bode well for the relationship.”

Adele is notoriously private about her personal life, especially when it comes to her son, Angelo, who’s name was never officially released after his birth in 2012. The singer has been away from the public eye for some time now, and famously turned down Bob Geldof’s request to take part in this year’s Band Aid 30 single. Adele and her partner were also absent for Elton John’s wedding to David Furnish last week, with Elton posting a photo of her letter of regret at not being able to attend. 

 

The perfect end to the perfect day. So many kind thoughts and wishes. #ShareTheLove

A photo posted by Elton John (@eltonjohn) on

In the photo, Adele’s letter is signed by “Adele, Simon and Angelo” so perhaps the couple are just taking some time apart to figure things out. 

 

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Like most people, we start daydreaming about our Christmas dinner around mid-November every year; we ponder the variety of potato, we fantasise about our mum’s secret recipe gravy and we imagine that first succulent bite.

Then today rolls around and we can’t bring ourselves to look at the bloody thing.

Every time we walk into the kitchen, we see it resting under some crinkled tinfoil and we know we’re going to have to start making some excuses pronto to avoid eating any more of that giant bird.

If you’re fresh out of excuses at this stage, then feel free to use some of ours. We won’t tell.

1. Dustin the turkey was the shining light of my childhood and while yes, I did indeed indulge yesterday, I can’t possibly betray him again.

So, no thank you, I will decline your kind offer of turkey curry.

2. Did you not SEE that pregnant Thanksgiving turkey video on YouTube?

How can I be sure I’m not eating that momma turkey’s baby? I can’t, so no thanks.

3. No, I’m sorry. It’s against my religion.

Yes, I was indeed a different religion on Christmas Day when I ate it. Thank you for noticing.

4. Turkey is unfortunately my least favourite meat…

…today.

5. I’m sorry I can’t possibly eat turkey without cranberry sauce.

Oh, you have some? I’m sorry, I meant without marmalade.

6. I found that turkey a tiny bit dry the first time around.

I don’t think I can afford to eat any considering the water charges.

7. Oooh more turkey! Do you mind if I eat it in the nip? It tastes better that way.

No? OK, I’ll sit this meal out so.

8. Eating turkey after the 26th is against everything I stand for.

Yes, my moral compass revolves solely around farmyard animals. Deal with it.

9. I’ll only have some if I can put my head in the carcass afterwards like a zombified Monica from Friends.

No? Grand, so. Your loss.

10. I will projectile if I have to look at one more piece of turkey.

But thank you, I’ll just help myself to this block of brie, tin of roses and tub of miniature heroes.

We didn't say they were bulletproof, but they're worth a shot, right?

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It's the night of the year that carries the most expectation but rarely lives up to the hype. Whether it's down to drinking a little too much champagne before the countdown or not making it out due to a simple lack of planning, our New Year's Eve celebrations often fall flat at the first hurdle. 

You tell yourself every year that it will be different, but this time it actually will be, because we have provided you with a tried-and-tested list of preparations to ensure that you organise the best New Year's Eve ever.

 

1. Make a solid plan

Yes folks, the key is in the organisation, especially if you're planning a trip away or a night out with a big group of people. If you want your New Year's Eve to go as smoothly as possible, decide on your plan as early in advance as you can, and stick to it. Make sure everyone knows what's happening, where you're headed, what time to be there, etc. As one of those nights that can go either way – epic success or major disaster – the best way to ensure that it goes off without a hitch is to plan every detail. Make Monica Gellar-style itineraries if needs be!

 

2. Pre-book your taxis

Heed our warning or you'll still be at home, waiting for a taxi to pick you up during the countdown. Even worse, you might be forced into assuming the role of designated driver for the night, just so that it isn't a total disaster. Whether you're hitting a party or heading into town for the night, book your taxi to and from the venue as early as you can so as not to miss out on one precious moment of celebration.

 

 

3. Make it special

While Stephen's Day seems to be one of those nights where everyone just heads to their local for a bit of craic, there is something distinctly special about New Year's Eve; it's about everyone getting together to celebrate the past and look forward to the future. Whether you're marking the occasion with friends or family, go all-out with the decorations and the tunes to create the perfect ambiance. If you're throwing a party, give it a theme and make everyone come in their finest glad rags to kick off the year in style.

 

4. Park the drama

Okay, so maybe you didn't find the perfect party dress in time, or perhaps you didn't get tickets to that big event that you had been looking forward to. A sure way to ruin your night is to feed into your own drama or that of those around you. Tell yourself that you're going to have an amazing night no matter what, and walk away from any unnecessary conflict. New Year's Eve is all about being with the people you love and having fun, so make the most of the night you get rather than comparing to the night you had hoped for.

 

 

5. Stock the fridge

We're thinking champagne for the countdown and plenty of food for the inevitable hangover the next day! Nothing ruins your epic New Year's Eve like waking up to a pounding headache and an empty fridge. This is even more important if you're throwing a party – there will be crashers and they will expect a feed the next morning!

 

6. Charge your phone/ camera

New Year's Eve is the biggest party night of the year. On top of that, it's probably the last time you and your friends or family will all be together for another year, so it's prime memory-making time. Make sure your gadgets are charged so you don't miss one precious moment – your photos and videos will provide a year's worth of happy memories.

 

 

7. Be with the people you love

Okay, it's prime party time, but the sentiment of the event falls a little flat when you find yourself wandering around a club or a random house during the countdown, wondering who half of these people are. A sure way to guarantee you have the best New Year's Eve possible is to surround yourself with your loved ones. Trust us; there's something really lovely about welcoming in a new year with the people you hold dearest, rather than sweating it out in a club around some seriously drunk strangers.

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We all get to a point over Christmas where we cram the final chocolate caramel in our mouths and vow that that will be the last grain of sugar that will ever pass our lips. Ooooh, warm mince pies? Eh, yes please.

Resolving to embrace a healthy, sugar-free diet is as standard a December resolution as resolving to be the best possible person you can be in January, but it’s not a simple task.

It takes dedication and perseverance, but it might be exactly what you and your body are looking for!

If you’re serious about trying a sugar-free diet in the new year, then here are some handy tips to get you started on this life-changing path.

1.  Remember it’s not going to be easy.

Like any big change in your life, it takes some getting used to so don’t expect to embrace the sugar-free life with open arms in your first week!

2. Do NOT go from eating sugar every day to banning it from your life entirely.

 This is a recipe for disaster, so be sure to gradually reduce your sugar intake day-by day by no longer taking sugar in your tea or coffee, for example.

3. Do NOT replace sugar with sugar substitutes and sweeteners

You’re only going to have to start weaning yourself off those too, so don’t put yourself through it!

4. Familiarise yourself with labels.

You will be shocked by the sheer amount of sugar in the food we eat, so things that you may have deemed healthy in the past will need to be left on the shelf from now on!

5. Include as much protein in your diet as possible.

The protein you obtain from eggs, fish and nuts is extremely satisfying, so filling up on these will reduce your chances of being hit with a sugar craving.

If you truly want to cut down on your sugar intake or exclude it from your diet completely, it’s important to educate yourself on sugary foods, from fruit to fudge cake, be realistic with your goals and remember that a sugar-free life is possible!

And one more thing; if you slip one day and eat an entire chocolate cake, so what? Tomorrow’s a new day!

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This is one of the busiest shopping weeks of the year, but it can be super-stressful for the uninitiated. Hordes of crowds, clothes flung all over the floor and battles for the changing rooms – not exactly an ideal day of shopping.

Your best bet is to enter each shop with a plan of action – know what you're looking for and move on if you don't find it. With new season clothes coming in soon, you'll find classic pieces at a fraction of the price they were last week.

Here are a few ideas of things to nab this year – all items are listed here at full price, but we have our fingers crossed!

1. A striped Breton top
If you don't already have a navy-and-white striped tee in your style arsenal, now's the time to get one. A good quality striped top goes with everything from jeans and flats to high-waisted midi skirts. We love the loose fit of this relaxed boyfriend t-shirt:

Striped Boyfriend Tee, €18, Warehouse

2. A great pair of jeans
Just because jeans are on sale don't mean they're any lower in quality than they were three days ago! Take an armful of pairs into the changing room and keep going until you find the ones you love. You can't go wrong with these high-waisted black skinnies:

Black Amelie Reform Superskinny Jeans, €50, River Island

3. Next year's handbag
Another key investment that you could grab this week at a bargain price. Keep it simple – this bold red bag can be dressed up or down and will see you through to next Christmas!

Therapy Naomi Cross Body Bag, €44, House of Fraser

4. A pair of killer heels
It can be tempting to go for budget buys when it comes to heels, but if you want a pair that won't fall apart or leave you with blisters, it pays to splash out. Save yourself a few quid and get high-quality heels in the sales.

Pixelate Premium Heels, €123, Topshop

​5. Winter woollies
With spring ranges coming in soon, now's the time to stock up on some great winter pieces cheaply. 

Check Blanket Wrap, €24.99, New Look

 

Sequin Scarf, €25, Oasis

6. An elegant cape
Capes were everywhere this season so you're bound to find some great ones in the sales with knockdown price tags. We're seriously lusting after this gorgeous reversible cape and praying the price goes down this week!

Whitney Reversible Cape, €150, French Connection

​7. That perfect LBD
No-one can predict next year's trends but you can't go wrong with a classic black dress. This bodycon one from Warehouse will look great on all body shapes.

Bodycon Mesh Insert Dress, €56, Warehouse

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We love our family, we really do. But when it comes to Christmas presents, sometimes we find ourselves asking, 'WHY?!!'

Here are the worst gifts you could get from a relative at Christmas:

1. A highly inappropriate diamond thong 
Erm, thanks Gran…

2. A Westlife calendar
Well, at least your Aunt Betty remembered you love Westlife…five years ago. In fact, where did she even find it?!

3. The gift that you gave them last year…
Nice

4. A weighing scales
Get out now

5. A boxset of all of the Bridget Jones movies
Hint taken

6. How to Find a Boyfriend for Dummies
No seriosuly, HINT TAKEN!

7. The way-too-expensive gift
As you sheepishly hand them them the selection box you bought them

8. Pajamas that are five times too big
TALL DOESN'T MEAN BIG

9. An iron
Sigh…thoughtful but disappointing

10. The boxset of Cribs
"I remember you love that show" – yup, thanks Uncle Pat!

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There is just no denying it – Christmas is the best time of the year. With epic gifts, food and movie marathons to look forward to over the coming fortnight, we've compiled a list of the best Christmas traditions to get you even more excited for the celebrations.

1. Decorating the house

Multi-coloured tinsel? Check. Gaudy baubles? Check. Tacky LED Santa? Double check. Despite the annual struggle to get the garland to stay up, decorating the tree and house is the most exciting part of the Christmas preparations, and the first sign that the festive season has begun. Throw on the Christmas tunes and have a hot port while you're at it, and you might as well be in the North Pole.

2. Watching the lights turn on

It doesn't matter what age you are, there's something so timelessly magical about watching the lights get turned on in the city. It's the first sign that Christmas is on its way, and the festive cheer in the air is infectious. Only downside? So many street selfies.

3. The work Christmas party

The one time of the year where it's almost acceptable (yet always so regrettable) to get drunk and overshare around your bosses. Inappropriate comments and a sneaky hook-up under the mistletoe are par for the course, as are ridiculous Christmas jumpers.

4. Secret Santa

It's hard enough trying to buy for your family, so trying to keep to a €10 budget on a gift for a person you've barely said more than hello to is a definite challenge. As stressful as Secret Santa may prove each year however, it's a lovely way to bond with your work crew. Also, it's always fun trying to figure out who gave that one completely awful gift. Fun times!

5. Going to mass with the family

Once you get over the initial guilt that goes with the realisation that it's been a year since you set foot in a church, Christmas mass is a lovely way to bring the real meaning of the holiday home. Even if you are just there to keep the parents happy, hearing the hymns and the story of the nativity, and seeing the excitement of the little children around is very special.

6. Binging on chocolate and turkey sandwiches

So food is probably at the top of the list of things we most look forward to at Christmas. We spend weeks preparing for the feast of chocolates, desserts, whopper dinners and mince pies that mum has stashed away in the cupboards, and gladly take the opportunity to gorge ourselves to the point of illness.

7. Reuniting with friends who have moved away

They spend their lives on Facebook sharing photos and statuses of how fabulous Australia/ America/ China is, but when it comes right down to it, there's nowhere on Earth they would rather be at Christmastime than at home. Even if it's just for a few hours, Christmas is a great time to catch up with your buddies who have moved away, to reminisce on the good old days and swap scandal.

8. Hitting the pub on St Stephens Day

If there's one day that you always manage to make it out for over the festive season, it's St Stephens Day. It's the one night of the year when absolutely everyone is out – from friends to relatives and all the local talent – and the craic and feel-good atmosphere cannot be beaten.

9. Watching Christmas movies

This is probably the only time of the year where the family won't fight over the remote. Whether it's just that good old Christmas cheer or the fact that everyone is too full to move, no one will protest to a little Harry Potter marathon, and even the most hard-hearted among us will melt at It's A Wonderful Life and The Polar Express.

10. Hitting the sales

While the mere thought of leaving your hibernation spot on the couch to face crowds of bargain hunters is a terrifying one, we can never resist a trip into the sales. Best case, you'll find that amazing coat you had your eye on reduced to a steal; worst case, you can look on at the sad faces of the sales assistants and thank god it's not you having to put up with that angry mob.

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Mass on Christmas Day can be a stressful time. Here are the things that happen every year:

1. Your dad will try to make you leave 30 minutes early for the five minute walk to the church

2. You sit there and listen to the rosary for what feels like a lifetime

3. You forget all of the times you are supposed to sit, stand and kneel

4. You forget all of the prayers and use the old women sitting in front of you who are five lines ahead as a guide

5. You’ll trip on the way/way back from Communion

6. You don’t put your hands out on time and the Holy Communion is shoved in your mouth

7. Your mom will catch you on Twitter #boredinmass

8. You begin a totally in-your-head feud with the girl across the altar. She totally just dissed your new dress with her eyes – she’s going down

9. You forget said feud once you realise that guy you eyed up on the way in is the dribbly kid you went to primary school with. My, my, what a few years can do…

10. You realise going for that one (five) drinks with your bestie in the local was a mistake as you now REALLY need to pee and he is still nowhere near final blessing

11. You hear those magical words “mass is now over thanks be to God go now in peace to love and serve the Lord" and leg it back to the pub

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