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Yearly Archives: 2016

If pouring a glass of wine is a nightly ritual in your house, then fair play to you for looking after your health.

Honestly, you're a credit to yourself, and we should all take a leaf out of your book by the sounds of things.

According to a study conducted by researchers in Cambridge and Sweden,  partaking in a tipple – especialy a small glass of red –  can help protect against ischameic stroke.

Ischameic stroke affects the individual when clots cut off the blood and oxygen to the brain and the sufferer is forced to learn how to walk and talk again.

So, where does vino come in exactly?

Scientists established that any alcoholic drink less than 1.5 units reduces protein levels which are known to cause blood clots.

"Previous research has found an association between alcohol consumption and lower levels of fibrinogen – a protein in the body which helps the formation of blood clots," explained lead author Dr Susanna Larsson.

While the study revealed that participants who consumed 1.5 units per night were 10 per cent less likely to suffer an ischaemic stroke, researchers are eager to highlight the dangers associated with excessive alcohol consumption.

"The adverse effect of alcohol consumption on blood pressure – a major risk factor for stroke – may increase the risk of haemorrhagic stroke and outweigh any potential benefit," they explained.

Still, it's good to know that the experts are all for our nightly glass…

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Florence Henderson, who was the beloved mother in The Brady Bunch has passed away.

Her publicist, David Brokaw, said that the star died in Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in LA on Thursday night.

Image result for florence henderson brady bunch

According to David, she died from heart failure. 

Her family and friends were all by her bedside when she passed. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

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Never mind that we can't actually name one other thing that he's starred in (OK, so he was in The Good Wife too) – we're still totally swooning over the fact that Mr Big is going to be on our screens once again tomorrow evening.

Yup none other than Chris Noth heads to Montrose for a chat with Ray on The Ray D'Arcy Show.

 

A photo posted by Chris Noth (@chrisnothofficial) on

The Sex And The City actor is now aged 62.

And although he has a surprisingly modest presence on social media – 4.6K followers on Twitter and 10K on Instagram – a quick glance (OK, an elongated drool) at his recent posts confirms that he's still as handsome as ever.

 

The Ray D'Arcy Show tomorrow night on RTÉ One at 9:45pm.

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If the Loose Women team had set out to offend their viewers, they did a pretty good job of it yesterday.

Using their Facebook page to initiate debate on a variety of topics, the team yesterday decided to dedicate one post to 'gay best friends'.

And suffice to say, their approach to the matter did not go down well with thousands of their followers.

"Should every woman have a gay best friend?" they asked. "A new study has found that becoming friends with gay men may be a key part of women's ‘mating strategies’ by making them less threatening to other women – and more appealing to straight men."

"Do you think every woman should have a male gay best friend? Why do you think a friendship between a woman and a gay man is so special?" they asked in a move which resulted in serious backlash online.

Accusing the team of reducing gay men to little more than accessories, one Facebook user wrote: "Always love a good bit of casual homophobia from you lot."

"Belive it or not we are people and not just an "accessory", he continued. "How would you like it if it was "a menopausal best friend'? Absolute jokes."

"Please delete this question. This is disgusting and should not be endorsed by a national TV programme," added another.

"You should be ashamed of yourself. I'm no woman's 'gay best friend'. My sexuality has nothing to do with my freindship with anyone," he finished. (sic)

"Do you think every woman should have a male best friend?" Were they for REAL with that one?

 

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November has officially reached Baltic levels of coldness, and we have never been more grateful for cosy jumpers and fluffy pyjamas.

If you’re gearing up for some much-needed ‘Netflix and chill’ time in the lead-up to Christmas, then you NEED to invest in some cute ‘comfies’ for couch cuddles.

We’ve fallen hard for the following jumpers:

 

1. She’s electric

Lightning L/S Open Shoulder Knit Top in Dark Grey, iClothing, €39.99

We’re getting serious Bowie vibes from this gorgeous glitzy number. Comfy and cosy, that sequin lightning bolt adds just the right touch of glamour.

 

2. Chalet girl

Dakota L/S High Neck Pullover in Black, iClothing, €24.99

We can SO picture Blake Lively rocking this during a romantic ski holiday with Ryan in Aspen! Oh, and we are loving that abstract print TOO much!

 

3. Tangerine dream

Riva Rib Turtleneck Top , iClothing, €24.95

All too often, winter wardrobes can get dragged down by ‘seasonal’ shade overkill – which is why this gorgeous tangerine number makes for a deliciously refreshing addition to the shelf.

 

4. VB, eat your heart out

Ida LS Off Shoulder Blouse in Medium Grey, iClothing, €39.99

This has 'Victoria Beckham' written all over it – classic, elegant and so, so versatile. We'll be pairing this with our trusty black jeans and some killer rose-gold jewels.

 

5. Rock me, baby

Geena XO L/S Pullover in Baby Pink, iClothing, €14.95

This baby-pink number is infinitely cute and will add a touch of soft femininity to even your edgiest Christmas outfit. Team with everything from leather trousers and heels to your basic leggings and ankle boots.

 

We know what we'll be wrapping up in for our Gilmore Girls binge!

food sweet hamster yummy not my

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It's that time of year again when all you want to do is come home from work or college, lunge into your PJs and drink a nice class of wine.

Well, now you can everyday in the run up to Christmas with this WINE advent calendar (because, who needs chocolate or gin?!)

Image result for wine

And it's not your average 'Lidl, €7' wine, it's the proper fancy stuff.

Each glass of wine is selected by an expert sommelier, and it claims that each glass gets better as the days go on.

The Vinebox website says: "Bold and aged reds built for fireplace chats and wool blankets.  Rich whites as refreshing as unraveling your scarf after a mad dash inside from the cold.  12 different glasses of wine hand-curated to perfectly accompany this holiday season.

"Enjoy a new wine every night, with selections from renowned regions including Burgundy, Barolo, Bordeaux and more! Naughty or nice, these wines are sure to impress."

We'll be guzzling our way to Christmas, so.

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Turns out some things are just too good to be true.

In recent days, various news outlets including the BBC, Time Magazine, The Telegraph, The Independent, and (ahem) SHEmazing! reported on one businessman's final gesture towards the residents of his hometown in north west Spain.

According to numerous international reports, the founder of Corona beer, Antonino Fernandez, had bequeathed his £169 million fortune to the people of Cerezales del Condado.

Unfortunately, it has, this afternoon, been confirmed that reports surrounding Antonino's exceedingly generous gesture had been inflated.

While the businessman, who passed away at the age of 92, left a substantial sum of money to his hometown and facilitated the funding of churches and cultural institutions, he did not leave money to individual residents of the village.

Commenting on the reports circulating internationally, Lucia Alaejos from the Fundación Cerezales Antonino y Cinia explained that while Antonini was known for his contributions over the course of his lifetime, the current reports are inaccurate.

"It seems someone got the wrong end of the stick and the story has just grown and grown," she told the Local Spain. "It’s got completely out of hand. The villagers won’t be sharing in that inheritance directly."

Well, there you have it.

Apologies to anyone who spent the morning imagining how they might spend that kind of dosh…

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Alexandra Shulman has been at the editorial helm of British Vogue for a quarter of a century, and recently gave the media a glimpse into her amazing, "normal" life. 

 

Thank you @ginashoesofficial for running up the best silver sandals at the last minute. #vogue100

A photo posted by Alexandra Shulman (@alexandravogue) on

Arguably the most influential person in British fashion in the last two decades, Alexandra has become widely known as the most "normal fashion editor" in the world.

 

Laughing at my own jokes in Inside Vogue regram @britishvogue. Thank you to all who have pre-ordered so far

A photo posted by Alexandra Shulman (@alexandravogue) on

When you compare her to the likes of Anna Wintour and Stefano Tonchi, Alexandra certainly gives off an ordinary vibe, making her seem approachable. 

 

Wow thank you @mariotestino for your birthday card . Only look that way courtesy you @britishvogue

A photo posted by Alexandra Shulman (@alexandravogue) on

However, when you spend your days wearing custom made Manolos, and hanging out with Kate Moss, just how ordinary can you be?

 

Happy days @villavecchia @calgaryavansino

A photo posted by Alexandra Shulman (@alexandravogue) on

Kitty Grady, from VARSITY, recently spoke to Alexandra about her successful career as the  Editor of British Vogue, and the importance of remaining "true to yourself".

Alexandra explained the importance of never changing yourself for the sake of a career, and that seems to be her secret.

 

Family portrait at last night's Inside Vogue book launch @sibyllaphipps @samuelspike @drusy2014 Regram @darren_gerrish @britishvogue

A photo posted by Alexandra Shulman (@alexandravogue) on

Since she started as the Editor back in 1992, Alexandra has remained true to herself, and admits that she has a distaste for the word "career".

 

Regram @emmaspike practicing my grandparent skills with Maxwell

A photo posted by Alexandra Shulman (@alexandravogue) on

Alexandra has not dedicated herself to work, she prefers to see herself as having "lived and living a life" that happens to involve working for British Vogue… casual eh?

Without a doubt, it is this kind of pragmatism that has resulted in Alexandra's lengthy as editor.

 

Joining in the campaign to keep the doors open in the UK Welcome to my office @britishvogue #LondonisOpen #BritishFashion

A photo posted by Alexandra Shulman (@alexandravogue) on

She does not consider herself to be a fashion icon… she has "a real human touch", which has allowed her to grow not only as an editor, but as an individual over the past 25 years at Vogue House.

 

My publishers Fig Tree/Penguin announce my diary of Vogue100 out October. More info in bio link @britishvogue

A photo posted by Alexandra Shulman (@alexandravogue) on

To close, Alexandra had some pretty stellar advice for students, who are set to enter the workforce (don't do it!) whereby she emphasised the importance of "nurturing everything outside your job". 

 

Never imagined this moment @britishvogue #voguefestival @charlottetilburycosmetics @kimkardashian

A photo posted by Alexandra Shulman (@alexandravogue) on

There you have it ladies, if you want to be a success you must remain true to yourself, and never become a slave to your work. 

Alex, you wise wise lady, we salute you! 
 

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Fair City is like Marmite to the Irish public – there's a good divide of love and dislike for the soap, but now it looks like it could be totally axed.

As RTÉ contend with cost-cuts throughout the entire company, the future for the show that first aired in 1989 looks grim.

Image result for fair city

The station announced recently that it will outsource all of it's shows for children, and an insider told the Independent that now more shows are in jeopardy.

“There was a rumour about the young people’s department in recent months which has now come true. So people are concerned about what will happen next," the source said.

Image result for fair city bella

Fair City favourite Jim Bartley, who plays Bela Doyle on the Dublin-based soap said: “Whatever they intend to do I have no information on, but if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

“I think the way it is produced and directed, RTÉ have done a great job.”

Ah, we hope it's not going anywhere anytime soon.

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The university town of Maynooth was left stunned this week after a first year Arts student was brutally assaulted in a quiet residential area just minutes after alighting a bus in the town centre.

18-year-old Kym Owens from Castleblayney sustained serious injuries during the attack which took place shortly after 8pm last Sunday evening in the town's Moyglare Abbey estate.

Reacting to the news of the young woman's assault, Ian Marten from Dublin established a gofundme page in order to help Kym and her family during the teen's recovery process.

And it has, thus far, quadrupled its goal, having reached €4,195 in just three days.

Commenting on his decision to reach out to Kym and her family, Iam explained: "I work in Maynooth as a carpenter and I see so many students here."

"I have a wee girl myself, she's 12. I just felt so bad for her and it was an absolutely horrible thing that happened."

Ian, who states he is no relation to Kym on the fundraising page, simply felt he needed to help in some way, saying: "I lost everything two years ago, I had depression and all the rest of it, so I know what it's like when it's hard."

"That's all it was, just an act of kindness in the sh***y world we live in," he said.

Like countless others, Ian was stunned by the random attack last weekend, and wanted to provide an outlet for people to help the Owen family if they felt inclined.

"I don't even know the girl or her family. Up until this morning I didn't even know her name," he said. "I think this just struck a chord with everybody."

Members of the public have the option of leaving a message alongside their donation, with some taking the opportunity to share their thoughts with the family.

"It's a disgrace that one human can do this to another," wrote one. "I hope you make a full recovery, find out who's responsible and also be able move on with your life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."

Kym is currently receiving medical treatment in Blanchardstown Hospital.

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We have died and gone to Potter heaven…

For some, heading to the airport is one of the most exciting bits of a holiday… and when you have a Harry Potter shop thrown in, it makes it ten times better.

So, if you're a Potterhead and are heading to London anytime soon, stop into Terminal 5 in Heathrow Airport.

With over 200 pieces of mystical and magical merchandise, it's every wannabe-wizard's fantasy.

The shop came about to celebrate Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Heathrow's Commercial Director Jonathan Coen said of the venture: "We are really pleased to welcome the new Harry Potter shop to Terminal 5.

"Harry Potter is loved across the globe and what better place to enjoy gifts and souvenirs from the Wizarding World before our passengers fly to the other side of the world?

"We hope our customers enjoy everything the new store has to offer as they take a little magic with them," he added.

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If you've spent any time at all wondering how much the Gogglebox gang earn for inviting a camera crew into their home every week, you're not alone.

Like countless other fans, we've spent hours estimating just how much you should be paid to sit on your own couch watching your own TV in the comfort of your own home.

But thankfully, we can all stop guessing now.

According to reports circulating today, the Gogglebox gang earn – wait for it – £1,500 per family per month, and this is in exchange for spending 12 hours (in six hour shifts) every two weeks on the sofa.

Oh, and then there's the free takeaways as well.

Easy money if you can get it.

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