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Yearly Archives: 2016

After months of drama, speculation and controversial revelations, former Spice Girls Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton and Mel B decided to ditch the name which made them famous and reunite as GEM.

Since news of the partial Spice Girls reunion broke, fans have been waiting patiently for a glimpse of the band’s new music and now, at long last, their first track seems to have arrived.

Earlier this week, a single called Song For Her was leaked online with the claim that it is GEM’s debut track as a trio.

While the band has yet to confirm or deny that the music is in fact theirs, many believe Song For Her is sufficiently nostalgia inducing to pass for the work of one of the 90s most beloved bands.

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With sites like Airbnb making unique homes more accessible than ever before, the world’s most creative abodes have never been easier reach.

And since you can already stay in Dracula’s Castle, a Bubble Under the Stars and an actual aeroplane, why not spend a few nights in the dog house?

Bad jokes aside, there is actually a giant beagle-shaped home for rent in the American state of Idaho.

Created in 2003 by artist couple Dennis Sullivan and Frances Conklin, the Dog Bark Inn boasts expansive views of prairie grain fields and surrounding mountains, a library of books and a selection of dog-themed games and puzzles.

Inside “the world’s biggest beagle”, dog-shaped cookies are placed on guests’ pillows, home-baked pastries and freshly fruited granola are served for breakfast and, as you’d expect, visitors are allowed to bring their dogs.

Room rates at the Dog Bark Inn start at €120 per night.

Images: Airbnb

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Since it started getting in on the likes of sweet potato fries (fancy pants alert), Abrakebabra has evolved from guilty pleasure on a night out… to just straight up pleasure.

Case in point being its most recent announcement: festive fries.

We think of it as Christmas dinner with a chipper twist – pretty much perfect for the discerning Irish palate. 

Boasting Abra fries – natch – the dish is loaded with tidings of turkey and ham, as well as stuffing and a pretty perfect gravy garland. 

Launching tomorrow, suffice to say we're sold!

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You'd think after 12 long years we'd have gotten the hang of Facebook.

And yet the site which has seen the revolution of our style, makeup and love life still manages to get the better of us… even now.

Whether it's a slip of the thumb, a drunken request or a mortifying exchange, Mark Zuckerberg really knows how to put us through the ringer.

Here are just 12 things every single one of us has done at least once.

1. Scrolled through your own page imagining what you look like to other people.

"I'm a real good-time girl, aren't I?"

2. Deleted a status after it didn't receive a single like.

"This is the most humiliating thing I've ever experienced."

3. Created an event and then agonised over how long it took people to accept their invite.

"Two hours? And she calls herself my BFF?"

4. Re-shared a status which bombed two years ago in the hopes it would perform better this time around.

"Nope, not funny in 2014, not funny now."

5. Liked a page, and then panicked over whether anyone would know you'd done it.

"The Best of the Golden Girls? I'll never live it down."

6. Blanked a kindly old relative who thinks her messages are private.

"Is she for real? AND she signed off with her name."

7. Accidentally added someone as a friend, and only found out after they accepted.

"OMG, when did I do that? How long has she kept me hanging?"

8. Tagged the wrong person in a photograph.

"Argh, they'll get a notification and it'll be my stupid face staring back at them."

9. Edited a Facebook status so many times, your so-called friends call you out on it.

"Nah, it was better the first time around, Put that one back up."

10. Wondered if you should update your relationship status… four years after getting into a relationship.

"Some people from school might  think I'm still single. They must know the truth."

11. Deleted a Facebook friend only to have them bring it up when you randomly bump into them.

"What?! I didn't! Maybe you deleted me…har, har, har…"

12. Got a secret thrill when the f*ckboy you fancied in school throws your profile picture a like.

"He could have had me back then, girls. And now look at him."

 

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The festive season is upon us, and with party invitations already rolling in, it’s time to embrace the glitz and get outfit-planning!

This is the one time of the year when you’re EXPECTED to arrive ‘with bells on’, and it’s the little details that make all the difference – so your shoe-game needs to be STRONG.

disney shoes cinderella fairy tales happily ever after

We all want to hit Hollywood levels of glamour for Christmas but, unfortunately, our favourite designer heels are way out of our budget.

Enter iClothing, with its truly stunning collection of fancy party heels – including some gorgeous styles that could give Valentino, Christian Louboutin and Jimmy Choo a run for their money!

Behold, our top picks:

 

1. Rock my world 

Carla Cage Stud Court Shoe in Black, iClothing, €49.95

Not only are these ankle-strap courts total show-stoppers, but they are absolute ringers for Valentino’s iconic ‘Rockstuds’ – which will set you back the bones of €800! If you’re looking to impress your gal-pals this party season, these babies are right up your street – and they’re a total bargain.

 

2. The girl’s on fire

Clodagh Round Heel Sandal in Petrol Velvet, iClothing, €35

Velvet is THE texture of the season, and it’s not hard to see why – it just screams ‘luxury’. These petrol-blue velvet ankle-strap heels are so hot, they’re on fire! Team them with your LRD (Little Red Dress, obvs) to really stand out and turn heads.

 

3. Shake your pom-pom

Susie Pom-Pom Court Shoe in Black Suede, iClothing, €39.95

Glamour and fun are at the heart of party season dressing, and these pom-pom courts are nailing the look to pure perfection. Why not run with the texture theme by teaming with a satin slip-dress?

 

4. Shine bright like a diamond

Piper Woven Lace-Up Heel Sandals in Silver, iClothing, €45

There’s nothing fancier than a delicately-detailed strappy high-heel, and these Pipers are at the top of our wish-list this Christmas. Not only is the silver metallic shade ticking all of the trend boxes, but these will go a rainbow shade of festive colours and looks. We’ll be dressing up our black jeans and playsuit with these babies.

 

5. Carrie Bradshaw, eat your heart out

Holly Ankle Strap Sandals in Rose-Gold Velvet, iClothing, €30

Metallics are having a serious moment right now, but pops of pink add a distinctly Sex and the City vibe to party season attire. These pink velvet ankle-strap babies look like they were plucked straight from Carrie Bradshaw’s closet – #winners.

 

6. Just call me Kylie

Lana Over The Knee Sock Boots in Grey Suede, iClothing, €54

The over-the-knee boot is THE footwear trend of the season, and we’re in awe every time Kylie Jenner steps out in another sassy pair. We’re taking our style notes from Kylie with these grey suede beauties, which we’ll be lacing up under a luxe velvet shift dress.

 

7. All that glitters

Candice Court Shoe in Silver, iClothing, €45

Is it even Christmas if you’re not wearing glitter? We think not! Want to turn heads at the Christmas party or that cocktail evening with the girls? These babies will go a step further – they’ll stop traffic! Gotta love that cute bow detail, too.

 

8. Marilyn moment

Bree Strappy Sandals in Black Suede, iClothing, €35

These triple-strap suede heels are so classically elegant, they look like they’ve been plucked straight from Marilyn Monroe’s personal collection. Have your own red carpet moment in these beauties, teamed with a luxe midi-skirt and cashmere sweater.

 

9. Rose-gold goddess

Aine T-Bar Sandals in Rose Gold, iClothing, €35

There’s something so classy and luxurious about rose-gold, and it’s no wonder we’ve fallen head-over-heels in love with these T-bar sandals. These will be our go-to party heels this season – perfect to add a new-season twist to our classic LBD.

 

10. Au natural

Sinitta Cut-Out Court Shoe in Natural, iClothing, €45

We almost mistook these quirky cut-out courts for a pair of Christian Louboutins! Elegant, with a funky twist, these will take you absolutely ANYWHERE this festive season.

 

 

awkward youre welcome sadie

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While upping sticks and moving abroad is one of the most exciting things you can do in your youth, it's also pretty damn costly.

Long-haul flights, travel insurance and working visas don't come cheap, so if you're planning a big move but still figuring out throw to stretch your dosh in preparation, you'll be pleased to know Tourism Australia have just made life much simpler for aspiring travellers.

Joining forces with a number of travel companies including USIT, the company is encouraging young people aged between 18 and 30 to take part in their Working Holiday Makers programme.

And that programme includes one very appealing 'all-in' package for just €999 which boasts a one-way flight to Sydney or Australia and a one-year Working Holiday Visa.

In addition to this, applicants will also be provided with a bank account, tax file number, one year’s travel insurance for Australia and New Zealand and one year’s job access.

"Youth travel is a price sensitive market and we’ve been very mindful of that fact as we’ve gone about developing partnerships for this campaign," said John O'Sullivan of Tourism Australia.

“This is the most comprehensive package of youth focused travel offers we’ve ever had in market at one time."

"Our Working Holiday Maker program provides the perfect launch-pad for a life-changing year, maybe even two, combining travel with temporary work," he added.

It is estimated approximately 5,000 Irish citizens, who meet the criteria, will avail of the WHM visa this year.

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Avril Lavigne revealed she had caught the infection last year, as did Ashley Olsen, and ever since there has been a lot of talk about Lyme disease.

Thankfully, the disease is fairly rare in Ireland – according to the HSE there are possibly between 100-200 cases of the infection in this country yearly.

However, you CAN get it here. 

But now, worryingly, one of Ireland’s leading infectious disease consultants, Dr Jack Lambert, has raised concerns that Lyme infections are being missed by doctors in this country.

Why? Because, he says, tests can often be inaccurate.

“Right now people are having to send their bloods to Germany and other places to do the tests – tests that should be available to Ireland because the consequences of missing a Lyme infection is devastating to people,” he said on Morning Ireland last week.

"You may or may not have a rash, but you may have a flu-like illness, you may get neurological problems, you may get joint problems,” he said.

"If it goes on for longer and longer you may have lots of non-specific symptoms, which may end up being mis-diagnosed with diseases like arthritis, fibromyalgia or MS."

Symptoms of the infection are pretty generalised and include: muscle pain, rash, tiredness, temperature, neck stiffness, chills, headache and sore throat, and Dr Lambert says that people are being mis-diagnosed.

In a statement to SHEmazing!, the Health Service Executive (HSE) said: "Irish microbiology laboratories that test for Lyme disease all comply with internationally recognised quality assurance schemes."

"These schemes are designed to monitor how the laboratories operate and to ensure that the quality of laboratory reports can be guaranteed."

However, it said no lab tests will be 100% accurate and occasionally a diagnosis can be missed. 

The HSE also said there have been instances of patients travelling to other countries to undergo expensive testing only to be given an incorrect diagnosis of Lyme disease. 

"There is a real danger in looking at Lyme disease in isolation (i.e. looking at only the results of a Lyme blood test)," the statement reads.

"When a doctor takes a history and examines a patient, he/she does so with an open mind. 

"He/she is gathering evidence (in terms of the patient’s clinical history, physical examination and laboratory tests) to determine which diagnoses are most likely. 

"It is the combination of careful clinical history, examination and appropriate laboratory testing that will lead a doctor to making a correct diagnosis."

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Well, it looks like minimalism is officially dead. Want to know how we know? Shoe charms are now a 'thing'.

Yep, while we're still trying to get our heads (and our bangs) around the tiara trend, it seems our street-style cred is now being measured by how blingin' our boots are.

vintage eyes queen 1980s muppets

With Jimmy Choo and Sarah Jessica Parker getting in on the action with their elaborately embellished (and priced) footwear, we decided it was time to DIY the look – but on a shoestring budget. 

 

EXHIBIT A: The SJP look-alike

SJP is an undisputed style star, and so we were pretty darn excited when she launched her own shoe line. The results are nothing short of divine, with SJP herself even donning her own embellished pointed courts as part of this year's Met Gala look.

 

A photo posted by SJP Collection (@sjpcollection) on

It's safe to say that I want one in every style, but there's one major problem – they're retailing for the bones of €500, and that's even before postage and packaging from 'Merica. So, it's safe to say I won't be purchasing a pair of these beauties any time soon.

tv reaction sad parks and recreation amy poehler

But, looking at these shoes and my own collection, I realised there really isn't all that much to an SJP; add on a fancy brooch, and any luxe-looking court could pass for an SJP shoe.

So, I decided to create my own! These high-gloss courts are a particular fave of mine, and the fancy point is reminiscent of SJP's divine line. All I did was add this hair clip (purchased in Dunnes for a few euro), and voilá.

 

I reckon these babies could definitely pass for an SJP 'Tempest'!

 

EXHIBIT B: The Jimmy Choo dupe

Enter Jimmy Choo, the shoe-God who has really taken the charm trend to the next level. 

This season, those who don't have to worry about credit card limits can design and order their own custom-made JCs, choosing a style and charm arrangement of their preference. 

Each charm – essentially, a bejewelled brooch – will set you back around €125, while the shoes themselves come to well over a grand. 

Imagine my delight when I walked into Penneys and found a €5 packet of look-alike brooches; this called for a DIY project!

To recreate the Jimmy Choo look, I literally took an old pair of black heels I wasn't too bothered about sticking holes in, and poked through some brooches.

 

Now, these are DEFINITELY not going to pass for Jimmy Choos any time soon (although the fact that I hate these shoes and haven't worn them in about six years might have something to do with my harsh judgement). Let's be honest; they really are lacking that 'designer' gloss!

applause amy schumer clap not feeling it mild applause

However, I reckon had I carried this out on a pair of on-trend velvet or suedette heels (which you can pick up in Penneys for less than €20), this DIY experiment would have produced far fancier results. 

 

The verdict

I love a good designer splurge, but it's not always feasible or worth it to splash the cash. Sometimes, it's worth getting a little creative and working with what you've got. If you commit to the project, its definitely possible to recreate the 'designer' look for pittance. 

Over to you guys, to do justice to the Choos!

America's Got Talent agt americas got talent nick cannon michael phelps

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Weddings: stressful, expensive, and exhausting. 

Why would ANYONE want to put themselves through it is something you probably ask yourself on a daily basis?!

Yet, here we are putting ourselves through it – thinking that we'll be different. That OUR Big Day will be done without any hiccups. That we'll be organised.

Ha, yeah right!

We're all the same; we all want that picture-perfect Pinterest worthy day. Ya know, the type that merits a viral video and even a mention in the local paper?!

If you are currently surrounded by excel sheets, magazine cut outs and various ribbon colours, you'll definitely relate to these tweets.

1. You'll still need to go back for more

2. We're all thinking it

3. Because we do. We ALL do.

4. Do NOT mess with the bride

5. Well, we are special enough

6. Oh the FEAR

7. And when it FINALLY all starts coming together

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If the recent spate of freezing weather has you anticipating a white Christmas, you're not alone.

While battling through Baltic winds, hopeful members of the public have decided to put their money where their mouth is by placing bets on the likelihood we'll see in Christmas day to a white landscape.

"Frosty weather has people dreaming of a white Christmas and interest in the betting has increased over the past couple of days," Hayley O'Connor of Ladbrokes explained.

And with Met Éireann having previously released statistics that suggest we may indeed be in for a white Christmas, it's no real surprise that the general public are keen to cash in on the calculations and bookies are keen to now slash the odds.

"Records over the past 70 years show punters could be on the money and another cold snap would certainly see the odds further on the slide," Hayley added.

Ladbrokes, which started off with 6/1 odds of a snowy Christmas Day in Dublin have dropped to 5/1 while Cork, Shannon and Knock have dropped from 5/1 to 4/1.

Well ladies, is it worth it?
 

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Former X Factor star Rebecca Ferguson was in tears today as she admitted in a live broadcast that she was sexually abused as a child.

Appearing on ITV's Loose Women, she told the panel that she was just eight years old and living in a children's home when the abuse took place.

The 30-year-old mother-of-three revealed: "I've never said this – this is really weird," before adding: "I've never spoken about it. I told one friend, but – as I've launched a website – this is the perfect place to speak about it.

"That is what I'm trying to do, make a safe place where women can speak about their problems."

Rebecca continued: "It affects your esteem – how you allow yourself to be treated by men, how you feel about yourself and what you expect to be treated like."

The singer, who finished in the runner-up spot during the 2010 series of X Factor then revealed that it's taken her "years" to build up her self-esteem and she "didn't receive any counselling".

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Earlier this week, Ryanair offered customers an impassable chance to cure their wanderlust by announcing €10 ticket sales for Cyber Week.

Already renowned for its cheap seats, the budget airline has since revealed its ambitions to offer free flights within a decade.

Speaking at the Airport Operators Association conference in London, Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary said he hopes to makes zero fares a reality by offering free flights to passengers while taking a cut of airport revenues for his company.

 

As reported by The Guardian, he said: “The challenge for us in the future is to keep driving air fares down.”

“I have this vision that in the next five to ten years that the air fares on Ryanair will be free, in which case the flights will be full, and we will be making our money out of sharing the airport revenues; of all the people who will be running through airports, and getting a share of the shopping and the retail revenues at airports.”

The 55-year-old Cork native went on to explain that if small airports were to lower airport fees and charges, it would save Ryanair enough money to allow it offer tickets for free.

“I think it will happen.  It just won’t happen at Heathrow or those big hub airports,” he explained.  “But most of the other airports who are looking for big traffic growth, that process is already starting to happen, lowering airport fees and some of the charges.”

GIFs: Giphy

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