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Yearly Archives: 2014

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Iggy Azalea had a rather unfortunate moment on-stage when she accidentally flashed her bum after her pants split at the back.

The singer didn’t seem to notice and continued on with her routine, but the incident was made even more unfortunate when it was reported it had happened at a Bar Mitzvah – a Jewish coming-of-age celebration for 13-year-old boys…

It must have been awkward for the star to continue with her set when she realised the situation, so you have to admire her professionalism!

Sometimes these things can happen – we’re just glad no one is there to record it when it happens to us!

 

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There's no denying that hard work and determination are essential if you want to get fit and see changes in your body and muscle tone. But some days you just want to get in and out of the gym fast without wasting any time.

Follow these tips to cut down your workout length so that you can get fit while still making it home in time for X Factor!

1. Grab a weight
Yes, you probably already use free weights for some exercises, but holding one in each hand while doing exercises like lunges can really amp up the amount of calories you burn without you even noticing. Don't slack off – choose a weight that's heavy enough for you to notice you're holding it. Strap-on ankle or wrist weights are also great for adding weight during an aerobic workout.

2. Add an extra level to your workout
Create mini-circuits during your workout by doing two sets of different exercises in a row before taking a break. For example, try a high-intensity leg workout (eg. lunges or squats) followed by a low-intensity one (eg. single leg calf raises) before taking a 30-second break and starting again. You'd be surprised how much further your body can take you when you give it a chance!

3. Change things up
Your body gets used to repeated workouts faster than you'd think, so what works for you this month mightn't get the same results next month. When it comes to training in the gym, be sure to increase weight and the number of repetitions every few days, as well as modifying certain exercises as you go, to make them more challenging. You should also be aiming to overhaul your workout routine completely every four weeks. Maybe that means switching exercise class, taking a more challenging route on your run, or working on certain areas more than you did before.

4. Take a group class
We can't all afford a personal trainer, but a group exercise class with an energetic teacher is a great way to push your body further than you ever would alone. Sure, it'll be pure hell while it's happening but you'll feel great after, we promise! Swap at least one solo workout a week for a class like spinning or body toning and you'll soon notice the difference.

5. Skip the treadmill
Yes, cardio machines such as treadmills and bikes are great when you want to fit in some aerobic exercise while at the gym, but try to get outside whenever you can. The air resistance and changing terrain outdoors will challenge your body far more, meaning you'll get fitter faster. Why not sign up for a 10k or half marathon in your area to really motivate yourself to get training outdoors?

6. Cool down after your workout
It might seem like an afterthought, but a few cool down stretches are essential for avoiding injury after you train. You don't want to be aching next time you work out, so take 30 seconds or a minute to do a few arm, oblique and leg stretches after every session.

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You might have your work cut out for you on the cinema front this week, girls. Four new releases hit the silver screen this Friday and it's going to be seriously tough to decide which movie to hit up first. There's something for everyone, with a mixture of science fiction, drama and rom com, but if you're into all three genres then maybe an entire weekend at the cinema is your only option! If only they let us bring our duvets, right?

Interstellar

November 7th

If you’re in to science-fiction, then this is the film for you. Directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Anne Hathaway and Matthew McConaughey, Interstellar tells the story of a group of explorers who make use of a newly discovered wormhole in an attempt to surpass the limitations on human space travel.

 

The Skeleton Twins

November 7th

Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig, who we’re more used to seeing in slapstick comedy, have come together to star in a drama directed by Craig Johnson which explores the complexity of sibling relationships. After cheating death on the same day, these two characters analyses their lives and problems after ten years of estrangement.

 

The Possibilities Are Endless

November 7th

This documentary film encourages us to explore the darkest recesses of our mind and memories and poses the question – What would you say if your mind, your experiences and your visions had been wiped clean? This is the situation Scottish songwriter Edwyn Collins was faced with after suffering a stroke so severe in 2005 that it deleted the contents of his mind and memory.

 

Say When

November 7th

Starring Keira Knightley and Kickass actress Chloe Grace Moretz, this romcom sees twenty-something Megan, in the grips of a quarter-life crisis, panic and flee from her boyfriend’s proposal of marriage to spend time with fleeting acquaintance 16-year-old Annika and Annika’s single dad. Craig.
 

 

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Things got very awkward on Twitter after Cheryl Fernandez-Versini performed on The X Factor last night. 

The judge was accused of miming her new single I Don’t Care on last night’s show with speculation she hadn’t sung live quickly going viral on Twitter.

Now, the singer has denied that she was miming with a rep telling The Mirror: “She wasn’t miming.”

However, even her fellow celebrities seem to think she was miming, with EastEnders' Jake Wood tweeting: “Cheryl Nandos-Panini miming on TVs biggest LIVE singing show is like turning up 4 the 100m Olympic final wearing lederhosen & hobnail boots.”

 Former pop star Dane Bowers also tweeted: “There are many reason to mime…fair enough and perhaps @CherylOfficial had one but not admitting it just looks silly on a show like this!”

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High heels are our best friend and our worst enemy. Yes, they instantly add glamour to any outfit (and make our legs look great) but by GOD can they be painful sometimes.

If you've had one blister too many, why not swap your heels for a comfier alternative on your next night out?

Here are a few other options that'll still look classy, without leaving you hobbling sexily for a taxi at 3am…

1. The low-heeled ankle boot
You can go as casual or as glitzy as you like with the humble ankle book. We love this black and gold pair from Oasis – these would look equally fab with black skinnies as they would with your Christmas party dress.

Joey Ankle Boot, €88, Oasis

2. The brogue
Let your inner hipster roam free with some leather lace up brogues. Tan leather goes with any colour and a patterned brogue will liven up the most boring of outfits – we'll be heading to Office for this gorgeous pair:

Victory Brogue, €74, Office

 

3. The embellished loafer
Loafers don't just have to be for daytime – add a touch of sparkle add you're good to go for evenings, too. This black glittery pair will take you from the desk to the dancefloor – an essential for after-work drinks!

Black Glitter Tassle Loafer, €22.99, New Look

4. The wedge heel
Ok, technically these are heels we know, but wedges are THE most comfortable way to add a few extra inches of height. This leopard print pair are so sexy you'll forget you're not in skyscraper stilettos!

Heikes Wedge Heel, €77, Aldo

5. The pointed flat
Whether you've got an important interview or a big night out planned, pointed flats are the cheat's tool for looking put-together and slick without the pain of heels. Take a break from black with this stunning cobalt blue suede pair:

Vixen Two Part Pointed Flat, €49, Office

6. The luxe trainer
If you still want the height of a heel without all the hassle, try a luxe wedge trainer. This pair would look great with a midi skirt or jeans – just don't wear them to a spinning class!

Black Hi-Tops, €34.99, New Look

7. The flatform sole
The Nineties flatform has been brought back with a modern revamp, and they're everywhere this season. If you're not ready for an all-white pair, try this gorgeous cranberry glitter option from Topshop – very festive altogether:

Fliss Glitter Flatform, €44, Topshop

​8. The classy slingback
When all else fails, slip on a slingback for instant sex appeal without the hard work:

Beige Snake Print Slingbacks, €30, River Island (online only)

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Kate Moss has raised a lot of eyebrows today after she stepped out in a Halloween costume inspired by Cara Delevingne over the weekend.

Kate stepped out in a very Cara-like outfit complete with the questionable choice of putting some white powder on her nose – mocking that time Cara accidentally dropped a bag with white substance in it in front of the paparazzi.

The 40-year-old model was joined by Nick Grimshaw who was dressed as Rita Ora, and her husband Jamie Hince who was dressed up as Rita’s boyfriend, Ricky Hilfiger.

 

Out with my hubby and my wifey @caradelevingne

A photo posted by nicholasgrimshaw (@nicholasgrimshaw) on

While the models are very good friends and Cara would surely take this in her stride, we can’t help but feel Kate may have gone a bit too far.

 After all, doesn’t she remember what it was like to have her past mistakes put all over the media?!

We’re sure that was an incident Cara would rather forget as it led to a lot of speculation in the weeks after regarding her health and career.

Kate herself had three fashion campaigns drop her following allegations of drug use so this seems a very odd Halloween costume to choose!

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Irish actor Jack Reynor is reportedly being sued after allegedly running over two women in Hollywood two years ago.

The women involved in the case, reported by TMZ, say they were walking on a crosswalk when the Transformers actor ran them over: “throwing them into the air and onto the hood of his vehicle.”

The women were left with injuries including head trauma and knee and back injuries and are allegedly suing Jack for $25K.

Eek, this doesn’t sound very good for the actor – TMZ say they have contacted a rep for his side of the story but have heard nothing back yet. 

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Take a moment to notice how you’re sitting as you’re reading this, and how your body would look to an outside observer. Are you sitting tall with your shoulders back like all the experts recommend? Maybe. But if you’re anything like me, you’re probably slouched, hunched over your phone or computer screen.

Even though you mightn’t feel tired, or bored or powerless, it’s surprising how your body language can give people the wrong (or right) idea about you. Have you ever noticed that you just warm to a certain person even though you only met them five minutes ago? Sometimes people seem friendly and open without even trying, meaning we automatically feel content in their presence.

When we interpret a person’s body language, our brain automatically makes snap judgements about other elements of their personality, even though we may not realise it at the time. So that guy in the bar who is leaning in just a little too close is far more likely to be written off as a creep, even if he’s a genuinely lovely lad. A few inches of space or a certain movement can make all the difference.

Two of the most important areas of our lives that body language can have an influence on are our relationships and our careers. Something as simple as smiling – be it while sitting with friends in the pub or while typing at your desk – can have a huge effect on how others view us. In the same way that we make quick fire judgements about new people based on their facial expressions and movements, they too make the same conclusions about us.

For example, when we’re shy or nervous, our body language can betray us, leading people to think we are rude or disinterested. Have you ever looked at the floor instead of directly into someone’s eyes when you’re speaking to them? You probably do it more than you think without even noticing. Avoiding eye contact or getting fidgety are nervous reactions that we notice instantly in others but are often oblivious to in ourselves.

So how can we avoid those little “tics”? Well, some experts say the key is to use our body language as a tool to make us feel more confident than we actually are. In a TED talk by social psychologist Amy Cuddy, she tells people to “fake it til they make it” using certain poses, like standing with their hands on their hips or leaning back with their hands behind their head, to increase self-confidence. 

 

Doing these poses for just two minutes before an important event like an interview or a date (not during it, don’t worry) can make us feel more sure of ourselves – and in turn can affect how others view us. “When you pretend to be powerful, you are more likely to actually feel powerful” she says.

Next time you have a stressful or nerve-wracking event ahead, take time to notice your body language. It can have more of an influence than you think – not just on how others see you but on how you see yourself.

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It seems that Sean Bean truly is a believer in love (and marriage!)

The Game of Thrones actor is reportedly set to walk down the aisle for a fifth time after it was rumoured he is engaged to his 29-year-old girlfriend, Ashley Moore.

The actor has previously said that marriage clearly wasn’t for him – but it looks as if Ashley may have changed his mind: “Of course I believe in love. There is nobody who doesn’t believe in love. But marriage – that fits some people but obviously not me.”

The couple are said to be living together in Sean's London home and it sounds as if things may be moving onto the next level. 

Sean’s last marriage to Georgina Sutcliffe ended in 2010 so perhaps the actor is ready to try out married life once again four years later. 

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If you ever need anyone to spill the beans on your big news just ask Lauren Goodger!

The TOWIE star sent a congratulatory tweet to her friend and former co-star Billi Mucklow who got engaged in Rome to footballer Andy Carroll over the weekend.

Last night, Lauren tweeted: “Congratulations @BilliMucklow and @AndyTCarroll just seen the ring on @giorgiemucklow FaceTime wow!! So happy for you both lots love.”

It was only an hour ago that Billi actually managaed to announce the news to her followers in her own way, with a lovely photo of herself and Andy in Rome with the caption: “Last Night The Love Of My Life Asked Me To Marry Him – I’m So Happy! @andytcarroll You Are My Everything And I Can’t Wait To Be Your Wife #MrsCarroll.”

Look at that ring!

We hope Billi got the chance to share her news with her loved ones before Lauren’s big reveal on Twitter!

Billi and Andy are rumoured to have been dating since February of this year, but were friends for a long time before this.

Congratulations to Billi and Andy on their engagement! 

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We all love to be pampered, but very few of us can afford expensive treatments and regular spa days. If like us, your Netflix subscription, addiction to handbags and the general cost of living is eating into your beauty budget, then fear not, you can still be pampered and preened like you deserve!

We were lucky enough to catch up with Spa and Beauty Therapist, Katie Bohan from Carton House Gym and Spa in Maynooth, Co. Kildare who offered advice to students seeking a bit of R&R as well as first time spa-goer's on what to expect.

Katie trained as a therapist for three years and is currently qualified with five years experience, so we know we're in good hands!

If you could recommend any spa treatment to the student on a budget, what would you suggest and why?
My top recommendation for someone seeking deep relaxation and who’s also on a tight budget would be a mini facial and a 30 minute back massage. It’s the perfect combination for relieving tension and stress from everyday studies and stresses experienced by students and a good deep cleanse will definitely not go unnoticed, especially if you’re on the go and use face wipes everyday! Your skin will be left revived and fresh looking. It also means your make up will last much longer.

From your experience, what's the most popular spa treatments with students?
In my experience, students or younger girls tend to opt for back massages, as they are affordable and are the ultimate stress reliever. You really do get maximum results.

Some people are hesitant about going for spa treatments because they're conscious of their body or the intimate environment- what advice can you offer these girls so they don't miss out on a bit of pampering?
Firstly, I would reassure my client that any personal information or medical history shared with me is strictly confidential and does not leave the treatment room. I would always begin with a brief informal chat and ask if they have any questions or requests. This usually makes my client feel immediately at ease. For a nervous first time client, I would also suggest, when booking, to enquire if there is a couple's treatment room available; that way they can share their experience with a friend/partner.

We love at-home treatments, but what treatment should we splurge on and leave to the professional, if possible?
Personally, I love a good thorough pedicure. You can only do so much at home yourself and it’s usually better to leave the tricky parts i.e cuticles etc to the therapist. Your feet bear the brunt of your hectic lifestyle, poor footwear and are subject to general wear and tear so it’s the ultimate luxury to have them pampered and revitalised! (Unless, of course, you have a phobia of feet, which a lot of people do!)

What's your personal favourite treatment to have done yourself?
MY absolute favourite treatment overall has to be reflexology. It’s an alternative treatment performed on the feet. It’s based on the principal that the feet are a map of the body. Applying pressure to points on the feet which correspond to parts of the body completely relaxes mind, body and soul and creates a deep sense of harmony throughout. If you don’t mind people touching your feet, then this is an absolute must.

Do you think girls need to do any prep before taking part in a spa day?
The only advice I would give to clients in preparing for their treatments is a good exfoliation to remove the remnants of excess tan. Old tan can often transfer onto the therapist, towels and bedding, and streaky is not a good look! If you’re going for a facial, there is no need to wear a full face of make-up. Chances are you'll only waste time trying to remove your favourite waterproof mascara and this will eat into your actual facial time. After all, we work within time constraints and we want you to get your money’s worth and leave feeling brand new. We want you floating out the door!

So there you have it, ladies. A bit of pampering doesn't have to cost a fortune, but can have really long-lasting effects. What are you waiting for?!

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Cheryl Fernandez-Versini took to the stage on X Factor last night to perform her newest single, I Don't Care. The singer filmed a pre-recorded segment which was aired during the results show last night – but fans didn't approve.

Cheryl's sensational white outfit and high-octane dance moves weren't enough to disguise the fact that she seemed to mime for the majority of her performance.

Many viewers took to Twitter to share their criticism of the X Factor judge's decision to lip-synch:

Despite the negative reaction, Cheryl's rep claims she was indeed performing live. And the singer herself admitted she was suffering a serious case of the butterflies before going onstage. "It's natural to be nervous," she told presenter Dermot O'Leary afterwards. "I think it's healthy."

Cheryl's singing wasn't the only thing causing some shock, though. Her gaping white top left a number of fans wondering if they'd seen just a little too much more than they bargained for:

Hmmm, maybe stick to judging for now, Cheryl!

You can watch the performance in full below:


 

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