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Yearly Archives: 2014

With the Christmas party season already well on the way, every occasion is a worthwhile opportunity for good food and glasses of Prosecco.

With so much over-indulging, it can be easy to go up a few pounds without even noticing.

If you're worried that you'll fall off the healthy eating wagon over the next few weeks, take note of these tips. Christmas can still be as fun-filled as usual, but with a few tweaks you won't be terrified to step on the scales come New Year's Day!

1. Be realistic
December is not the time to launch into a brand new diet plan. If you're trying to lose weight, let the festive season be about maintaining your weight and not making any gains. If you're too strict with yourself, you're more likely to give in and over-eat. Don't deprive yourself!

2. Avoid mindless snacking
There's always going to be a cheeky box of Celebrations or bag of crisps lying around as Christmas draws nearer. Save your indulgences for things you'll actually savour, like a mince pie after dinner or a cocktail with the girls. You'd be surprised how quickly the calories can pile up when you keep reaching into that box of Roses for "just the one."

3. Eat before the party
If you're going to an event that you know will be full of tempting food, fuel up on something healthy and filling beforehand. Arriving at a party with a rumbling stomach means you have no choice but to dig into all the finger food on offer.

4. Don't be afraid to say "no"
We're all guilty of stuffing an extra slice of Christmas cake into us because Nana would hate to see us go hungry. But if you're genuinely full, just say "no thanks." Its not going to hurt anyone's feelings – you're the only one who notices!

5. Don't have the one too many
Alcohol not only lashes extra calories onto our daily intake, but we're more likely to relax our eating when we've had a few. Unless it's a big night out, stick to one or two drinks and opt for sparkling or still water between every alcoholic drink.

6. Try not to go back for seconds
Sometimes a second helping is just too good to resist, but keep it small and limit yourself to one food type rather than filling your plate up again with an entire dinner. Start off with a reasonably full plate first time around, so that you'll be satisfied enough to resist going back for more.

7. Get some exercise in
It can be hard to fit in exercise if it's raining or icy outside, but do your best when you can. Even a brisk walk around the shops or a stroll after dinner will do your diet the world of good.

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Hurrah! A doll has finally been released based on realistic body proportions and the public are DYING to get their hands on it!

The Lammily doll, which has also been called the ‘normal’ Barbie, is a true-to-life depiction of real life women and the quirks and features that help shape them.

Sporting tattoos, freckles, acne, stretch marks and even the ability to blush, this doll, now available to purchase online, is certainly a welcome change!

Motivated to see what a Barbie would like with average body proportions, graphic designer turned toymaker Nickolay Lamm set about designing her based on data and statistics from the Centres for Disease Control.

Commenting on the groundbreaking creation, Nickolay says: “I wanted to show reality is cool. I knew it was either going to bomb or blow up!”

Attempting (and succeeding!) to challenge beauty stereotypes, Nickolay has officially delivered the type of doll that should have been on the market for years!

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We bet he regrets leaving the details to his mates now! 

If Zayn Malik had any intention of having a low-key stag celebration, then band mate Niall has put a stop to that.

The Mullingar native revealed during an interview with OK! magazine that the lads plan to whisk Zayn away to Las Vegas to celebrate his upcoming nuptials in true bachelor style, to which a downcast Zayn replied with a simple “Oh no.”

We can understand his disappointment; Caeser’s Palace, mile-long buffet tables and endless cocktails… No wait, what’s the problem here?

Maybe Zayn is worried that a trip to Sin City may attract negative press attention? After all, Perrie's future husband was plagued with reports of substance abuse problems for simply missing an interview in the States this week!

If we hoped that Stag night reveals would lead to wedding reveals, we were a little disappointed because it seems Zayn is as much in the dark about the upcoming ceremony as everyone else.

When asked about the possibility of a Disney-themed wedding, the twenty-one-year-old singer expressed surprise, exclaiming; “Disney?! I hadn’t been told that!”

Maybe it's best Zayn focuses on his stag night and leaves the wedding details to the lovely Perrie.

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right?

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Actor and director, Jason Bateman, opened up on Jimmy Kimmel Live this week and revealed that he’s more than a little upset he wasn’t named Sexiest Man Alive.

After a little persuading from Jimmy, the Star of Arrested Development admitted that he thought he had been booked on the show the same night the announcement was made so that he could properly celebrate and deliver a humble speech, but it just wasn’t meant to be.

Expressing surprise that the esteemed accolade went to Australian star Chris Hemsworth, the forty-five-year old actor said he thought the younger actor had looked ‘puffy’.

Jimmy assured Jason that Chris’ speech wasn’t really up to much, so the disappointed star went ahead and delivered the speech he had prepared for what he thought would be his big night.

Initially hesitant,  Jason said: “Growing up sexy was not easy for me. I always felt different than everyone else. Not different, just sexier I guess.“ Jason managed to get through his speech despite seeming to get choked up at times, so we take our hat off to the brave man.

Our thoughts are with Jason at this sad time.
 

 

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Inviting a gang of friends over for dinner might seem like a GREAT idea when you suggest it, but when it comes to executing it… well that's a different story.

Sure, you can make a mean chicken stir-fry for one, but how about plating up starters and mains for eight people while still looking like the picture of tranquility? Not quite so easy.

Not to worry though, there are a few foolproof tips which will make your gathering a whole lot easier to plan for and put together.

Here are our tried and tested tips for a group dinner to remember (or not remember, depending on how many double-strength cocktails you serve up):

1. Don't go too fancy
Okay, an Domino's pizza isn't going to cut it if you've invited everyone over for a homecooked meal, but don't think you have to run out buying lobsters either. A great pasta dish or casserole will satisfy everyone's tastebuds without leaving you in tears because you have no idea where to buy truffle oil or something equally snooty.

2. Prepare, prepare, prepare
The more you can do ahead of time, the less you have to worry about when your pals arrive. Try to pick a recipe that can be made earlier in the day and heated up with a few minutes in the oven just before serving. For pasta dishes, make sauces beforehand and cook the pasta just before dishing it out to guests. The less time you need to spend in the kitchen, the more time you have to actually have fun with your guests!

3. Theme it!
Fancy dress = instant craic. However silly the idea, getting people to dress up or bring a themed drink is a surefire way to start your evening off well. As the hostess you most definitely have to participate though, so make sure it's a theme you like!

4. Don't forget appetisers… and cocktails
If you'll be in the kitchen finishing off the main food, don't leave your guests without something to eat and drink while they wait. Some easy cocktail pitchers or a couple of bottles of wine will get things going – plus, that way they won't notice if your lasagne is a touch charred!

5. Relax!
This is a friendly gathering, not a gala ball. Hosting can be a tough job, but it's a great way to get friends together in a comfortable, easy environment rather than in some crazy-busy restaurant. The evening is about good food and good pals, so don't get wrapped up in the stress of getting things exactly right.

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It was reported this week that Oscar-nominated actress Angelina Jolie ‘personally banned’ Kim Kardashian, Internet Breaker, from the world premiere of her World War II film Unbroken. Ooof.

Kim who was Down Under promoting her new fragrance Fleur Fatale apparently got wind of the red carpet event in Sydney and contacted Angie’s peeps in a bid to snag a couple of tickets, but was said to be well and truly pied in the face.

A source has revealed: “Angie’s people told Kim to buzz off and that Angie didn’t want to socialise with Kim or do a photo op in Australia with her. Kim was crushed.” We would be too, in fairness.

Apparently, recently-married Ange has bigger goals in mind than rubbing shoulders with the controversial reality TV star, with a source saying: “She is focused only on getting the Oscar nomination she’s always wanted and didn’t give Kim a second thought.” Ouch.

Kim, however, has gone on to deny these embarrassing reports with a spokeswoman from Kim’s camp saying: “The story is preposterous. Completely false. She did not ask to attend the premiere.”

Hmmm, who to believe?

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Whether you have an effortless sense of style or haven't a notion what's going on in your wardrobe, there are certain style mistakes we're all guilty of making from time to time.

These aren't once-off bad outfit choices that we regret a year later, they are more likely lifelong habits that we refuse to break.

Take note of these fashion mistakes to avoid…

1. You avoid white like the plague unless it's summer
Maybe you have a few white tank tops and dresses in your wardrobe for the rare sunny day, but you'd never splash out on a classic white item for the colder months. Sure it would only get dirty and it's WAY too summery. Wrong. Luxurious fabrics like wool, mohair and faux fur look amazing in white and cream – and the colour can often be far more flattering than black! Solange had the right idea dressing her guests in an all-white palette for her recent wedding:

2. You refuse to go a clothes size up
Some shops are sized bigger and some are smaller – that's just the way it is. So if that dress doesn't fit in a 12 but looks great in a 14, what's the problem? It's just a label at the end of the day – what matters is how things look on your body. Model Crystal Renn has spoken before about how she varies from a UK size 8 to a 12 depending on the designer – see, it's not just us!

3. You wouldn't be seen dead in horizontal stripes
Whoever woke up one day and decided that no-one over a size 8 should wear horizontal stripes needs to be told a thing or two. A classic Breton stripe on a well-fitted top is a gorgeous look on any woman, and bold stripes give a great stylish accent to any outfit. Kim Kardashian gets it 100% right with this blazer:

4. You're scared to mix prints
If the thought of wearing two clashing prints has you running for the hills, you're missing out on so many outfit opportunities! Some prints like leopard and camouflage are so mainstream that they can be treated as neutrals, while floral prints work well with almost anything. Diane Kruger is loud and proud in this pretty combo:

5. You think "classic" pieces have to cost a fortune
High street shops like Penneys, H&M and New Look aren't just for throwaway tops and dresses – they do great classic basics too. A great winter jacket or leather boot doesn't have to cost a fortune. Alexa Chung is on the right track with her budget-friendly Topshop coat:

6. You think sparkle is only for evenings
Sequins don't have to be saved for your Christmas party dress – they work well in the daytime too. This street style queen looks glamourous but relaxed in her sequined blazer with low-key jeans and boots:

7. You think sexy is all about showing some skin
Yes, a tiny dress and heels can be totally sexy, but sometimes less is more. A well-cut top and a great pair of jeans can be just as hot as a body-con dress. Emma Watson looks every inch the glamour puss in her black skinnies, black top and white blazer:

8. You avoid clashing colours
Blue and green should never be seen? Nah! Same goes for navy and black – worn right it can be a really fresh and fashion-forward colour combo. Just look at Zoe Saldana's Paris Fashion Week ensemble!

 

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After Taylor Swift and Harry Style's relationship ended with a bang last January, it seemed unlikely they would ever smoothen things out.

But following repeated rumours of a reconciliation, it seems the pair are finally back on track as friends.

"They have become pals," a source told Us Weekly, adding that things ended messily last year when Harry "said something he shouldn't have."

Although the two singers are willing to be civil to one another these days, the insider also revealed the break-up was "definitely going to be for good."

Whatever the outcome down the line, Taylor at least got some great material out of her acrimonious split. Two songs from 1989, Out of the Woods and Style, are strongly rumoured to be about Mr. Styles.

The One Direction star didn't seem to mind being referenced in the album, though. "We write from personal experience. I think everyone does. So it would be hypocritical of us to be like, 'Oh, you can't write about us,'" Harry said of the songs.

Although Taylor's love life has been quiet of late, she has been out and about enjoying herself in a big way – last week she posted this snap of herself and Amanda Seyfried hanging out at a Knicks game:

A girls' night out beats a date night every time, we say!

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Voting is one of those things that many of us twenty-somethings can take or leave. Sure, it’s great to know we CAN cast a vote, but lots of us simply don’t bother, especially when it comes to smaller things like local elections.

That’s why, for the past few weeks, your Facebook and Twitter timelines have no doubt been full of reminders to get registered by November 25th, which is the closing date to be listed on the 2015 register of electors.

Next spring, one of Ireland’s most important referendums will take place – the vote for marriage equality in Ireland. It’s been a long road for Ireland’s LGBT community and this is one of the biggest steps the country has taken so far.

The government does legally recognise same-sex civil unions for couples who have chosen to get married in other countries, but it’s currently not an option for gay and lesbian couples to marry on Irish soil.

Even if you aren’t up to date with voter turnout figures in Ireland, you can probably guess (correctly) that our over 65’s vote more than any other age group. But in a referendum like this one, it’s Ireland’s younger adults that need to stand up and make their voice heard.

Recent statistics show that 30% of Ireland’s 18 – 25 year olds are not even registered to vote. Worse again, when you look at the 18 – 21 year old age group, just 43% of them are on the register. For something that is so simple to do – it’s a matter of filling out a form, getting it stamped and sending it off – it’s slightly disheartening that the numbers are as low as they are.

One of the most well-known Irish advocates for LGBT equality is Rory O’Neill, a.k.a. drag queen Panti Bliss. His “Noble Call” speech brought Ireland’s equality journey to a global stage earlier this year, when he spoke beautifully on stage at the Abbey Theatre about oppression and homophobia.

The video soon went viral, sparking huge debate about this country’s attitudes to homosexuality.

This referendum, as well as making Ireland a more equal place for everyone, is also our way of showing the rest of the world that we are becoming more modern and open and considerate. What a pity it would be if the result was skewed simply because too many of us had failed to register on time.

Maybe you’re an LGBT person, maybe your best friend is, or your brother or sister. Maybe the person sitting next to you right now is. Whoever this referendum affects in your life, be it everyone you know or just one or two people, it’s important that we don’t let our laziness get in the way of a fair vote.

If you’re not registered make sure you fill out that form this week and get yourself on the list. If you’re registered in your hometown but are living elsewhere in Ireland, it’s equally important to note your change of address so that you can vote on the day. Check the register here, download the forms, and make sure your vote for change is counted!

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It's Bey Day again!

The diva's platinum edition of Beyoncé drops on November 24, but the world has been given a sneak preview. 

The DVD/album boxset combo only features two new songs – but a 30-second snippet from one of them has leaked online and it is downright epic!

Have a listen below to the widely-circulated clip and see what you think – we reckon it's going to make for a dancefloor filler!

Although it doesn't seem to have come from Queen B's camp, the clip of 7/11 is definitely the real deal – according to Shazam, anyway:

A shorter clip of the same song was also leaked earlier in the day:

There have been rumours that 7/11 will be the first single to be released from the new album – we certainly hope so because we can't survive with just this 30-second clip for too much longer.

Given that we only have two new tunes to look forward to, the other song, Ring Off, had better be a good one too! 

The boxset will also feature a live DVD featuring 10 performances from the Mrs Carter Show world tour.

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Just last week, Tallulah Willis chopped off her blonde locks and debuted a cropped blue hairdo.

It seems a pixie cut wasn't enough for Demi Moore's daughter though – now she's taken things a bit further and shaved her hair off entirely.

The star shared a picture of her new look on Instagram yesterday:

 

A photo posted by tallulah (@buuski) on

Just in case there was any doubt as to the inspiration behind the new look, Tallulah then shared a pic of her mum Demi with a similarly bare head for her role in G.I. Jane back in 1997, with the hashtag #ThankGodGoodHeadShapesRunInTheFamily.

 

A photo posted by tallulah (@buuski) on

Like mother, like daughter!

The military style is a drastic change for Tallulah, who until recently sported a plain blonde bob. Her sister Rumer even shared a video of the big moment on her own Instagram page – and it looks like it was a DIY job!

 

@buuski is a bad ass bitch #GIjane #rawbeauty

A video posted by Rumer Willis (@ruelarue) on

Tallulah has spoken in the past about her issues with body image and her struggle with body dysmorphia disorder. She also recently completed a six-week stint in rehab for substance abuse, but seems to be doing well since her release.

Rumer has chatted openly in recent interviews about how proud she is of her sister. "I’ve actually been so impressed and blown away by her strength and her openness and willingness,” the 26-year-old told People magazine. “Not only to move past things but also to share herself with other people. She’s doing really well."

Whatever about Rumer and Demi, we wonder what dad Bruce Willis will think of the new look!

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Remember the hysteria back in 2008 when word got out that our beloved Sex and the City was hitting the big screen? After four long years without our four favourite women, we were going to be treated to a two hour extravaganza. Squeal!

Now, remember when Sex and the City 2 was released two years later? Yeah…

If you've blocked the sequel out, don't worry, here's a quick rundown on why they probably should have hung up their Manolos back in 2008.

SATC 1 featured a frantic Carrie skidding through cold, snowy streets on New Year’s Eve to the tender sounds of Auld Lang Syne.

 

SATC 2 featured the four New York women scrambling through Abu Dhabi streets, appearing continually aghast that local dress and customs were different to their Manhattan norm.

Sigh.

SATC 1 gave us a montage scene depicting some of the most divine wedding dresses we’ve ever laid eyes on. Vivienne Westwood, Dior, Vera Wang; we were in bridal heaven.

SATC 2  gave us Liza Minnelli murdering Beyonce’s Single Ladies in a pair of fishnets.

Cringe.

SATC 1 gave us the line "I curse the day you were born!"

 

SATC 2 gave us the line "Lawrence of my labia"

Facepalm.

SATC 1 featured the fabulous Jennifer Hudson.

SATC 2 featured the unappealingly buff Australian rugby players.

Gag.

Sex and the City 1 gave us four sassy, feisty women who finally got the happy endings they deserved while Sex and the City 2 gave us four moany, whiney women who needed to stop kissing their ex-boyfriends.

There, we said it!

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