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We asked 10 of our SHEmazing girls to try out Avonmore Super Milk for our Girls Say Trial. The results are in and they loved it! Read our SHEmazing girls’ reviews below:

 

Annie D

Thank you for allowing me to take part in this group for Avonmore Super Milk. I live with three other girls, who all drink Skimmed milk, so I never tend to buy anything different. But since getting selected to take part in this trial, I have convinced them to use Super Milk occasionally, having explained to them the importance of getting the added Vitamin D. I can say wholeheartedly that nobody knows the difference – as long as it’s not used in tea/coffee or cereals. We all eat pretty healthy diets which already include a lot of home cooking, I asked everyone to include the Super Milk in cooking, which they did. We used Avonmore Super Milk in homemade smoothies, omelettes, and a lovely milk chicken recipe – all were gorgeous. Will definitely continue buying Super Milk, it’s such a great way to include vitamin D in our diets – which, lets be fair, we don’t get enough of.

Aisling E

I never would have purchased Avonmore Super Milk before because I only drink skimmed milk. However I didn’t realise that they have a 1% fat Super Milk which was a great surprise. I normally drink Avonmore milk as it is provided in my office canteen. Knowing that Super Milk contained added vitamin D is a great selling point but I don’t know if it’s enough of a motive for me to buy it again. The packaging was attractive and bright and the milk tasted great. I wouldn’t normally drink it alone, usually I put it in tea or cereal. I didn’t make any of the recipes as I am currently undertaking slimming world and it wasn’t part of my diet. Slimming world does allow 250ml of skimmed milk per day and if Avonmore Super Milk was available in my canteen, I’d be more likely to choose that rather than normal milk.

M Conway

I tried the Chocolate Chia Oats for breakfast since starting this group, and I’m addicted, as is my boyfriend – fab recipe for a quick and healthy, and super easy brekkie. We normally buy a combination of low fat and whole milk, I don’t eat a lot of dairy, so milk is really my only source of calcium – never considered that it was pretty much my only source of Vitamin D also. I don’t really eat dairy, not mad on fish, I’m a coeliac so cereals are a rarity and I’m not a huge fan of the sun as I’m so pale skinned. Avonmore Super Milk is a great way to get both Vitamin D and calcium, I’m very aware of the dangers of developing osteoporosis. I had previously taken supplement for Vitamin D, but am delighted to now get it naturally. I have already recommended to friends and family, and will buy again.

Samantha D

I already use Avonmore products and grown up with it, and prefer these to other franchise in-store brands. It’s a well-known brand and I would consider it as a higher end product. The packaging is always brightly coloured and the health benefits are very visible. I already knew it was a good source of vital vitamins for daily functioning.

It’s one of the main things as a working woman that draws me to Avonmore Super Milk. I often swap to almond milk but revert back to Avonmore which is part of my daily diet, a quick cereal bowl with Super Milk before or even after work! I’d definitely recommend this product.

Yvonne R

We already buy Avonmore Super Milk – it’s a no brainer as it’s fortified with vitamin D. I hadn’t considered using it in recipes though – I don’t really do a lot of home cooking, but I did try it in a strawberry milkshake – which was yum, and use it in all my normal cereal, tea and scrambled eggs. Would very much recommend using Avonmore Super Milk, even if you don’t think you’re deficient in either calcium or vitamin D, it’s a healthy way to ensure you’re getting your RDA.

Amy O

While I already knew I liked the taste of Super Milk (both of my parents drink it for cholesterol reasons) I had never considered its other benefits and enjoyed the opportunity to incorporate it into my diet. As I do not eat fish, I find it difficult to get my daily dose of Vitamin D. I was really pleased to see Super Milk is a source and for this reason I would consider continuing to drink and use it.

I normally purchase supermarket brand milk but due to its added vitamin and nutrients, I think Super Milk will be my first choice from now on.

Sile S

I don’t drink a lot of milk on its own, but I cook a lot at home, so we’d often have milk in recipes. As Avonmore Super Milk is fortified with Vitamin D and calcium, I’m very happy to choose that brand over others. The milk tastes the same, and certainly in recipes there is no difference at all. Would recommend.

Grace O

For the past week and a half, I’ve been trying the Avonmore Super Milk with fortified vitamin D. I suffer from a vitamin D deficiency as do many people in Ireland, which is why I used to drink a plant based milk (I heard it had more vitamin D in it) but wasn’t noticing much of a difference. I was tired all the time, extremely fatigued, so much so I couldn’t even do the daily cleaning in the house. A main reason I didn’t drink a lot of milk too was because of my skin, being a teenager, it naturally broke out with any fat I put into my body. This was especially prominent with milk of any kind. I have some problems with my bones too, mostly when I exercised my legs and hips would crack, probably due to the lack of calcium I was having from not drinking enough milk. When I started drinking 250mls as directed per day of Avonmore Super Milk, immediately I noticed a change in my mood. I felt much more lively. I was able to do everything I wanted to do and keep going for hours and hours. The best thing was, it didn’t break out my skin! My bones don’t crack anymore either, so that’s a definite plus.

It was difficult for the first few days to drink my recommended dose of milk every day, but the more I played around with different recipes, the more I was able to drink. Usually I’d have a bowl of porridge with flaxseed in the morning with the Super Milk poured into it, but it started to get boring after a while. I tried one of the recipes that Avonmore gave to me, it was a mango puree bowl! Instead of chia seeds, I just added my flaxseed instead. It became easier and easier with routine to get my everyday 250mls of milk. Not to mention the fact that it tasted delicious when just drank on its own! Something I definitely didn’t think was possible. I’ve even gotten my mam on the bandwagon, putting it in her many cups of tea a day.

I’d definitely continue to purchase the Super Milk. There is actually A LOT of vitamin D in it, which I’m absolutely ecstatic about! Probably the most exciting bit out of the whole experience is that I’m getting my daily dose of vitamin D AND I’m not breaking out! I’d definitely give this product all A’s and I will most definitely be purchasing this product again.

Nelly L

We go through a lot of milk in our house – I seem to be forever running to the shop to replenish, so was very happy to test out Avonmore Super Milk. Never considered buying it before I saw it on SHEmazing, but will be buying again. Have recommended the same to my girlfriends and sisters.

Grainne C

I’ve always known that calcium was essential to healthy bones, and that vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, so it makes sense to have them together in milk. Irish people just don’t make enough vitamin D, with very little UV light naturally available through October to March, it’s next to impossible to make it ourselves. And when the sun does come out, we tend to cover up with sun cream or makeup, being scared of the harmful effects UV light can have on our skin. It’s hard to get the perfect balance. This is why I’m very happy to buy and use Avonmore Super Milk – a 250ml glass contains your RDA for calcium, vitamin D (as well as other vitamins/minerals) – such an easy way to make sure you get what you need in terms of calcium and Vitamin D. I will of course buy again, and I would recommend to others, in fact I’d recommend that every person in Ireland use fortified milk, it just makes sense. Thanks for letting me take part in this group.

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Meet Coco.

A six-year-old Instagrammer with over 100,000 followers and a wardrobe full of drool-worthy clothes. 

The mini-fashionista rocks her funky and unique style so well, she even gets invited to brand parties and fashion shows.

Coco's love of fashion was ignited by her parents who own a vintage clothing boutique in Harajuku, selling one-of-a-kind items from around the world.

While her parents still offer their style tips, they say Coco has been picking her own outfits since she was just two-years-old.

Her mother, Misato Hamamatsu, says her style is a mix of high fashion and art.

"She gets noticed by young Japanese kids and foreigners who have seen her Instagram," Misato tells Daily Mail Australia.

"She enjoys being noticed, and all the attention gives her lots of energy and motivation."

Misato also said that style-seekers of all ages could draw inspiration from Coco's Instagram.

“Her style is very trendy and shows the newest styles in fashion that adults to kids want to copy and imitate.”

We may have just found our summer style inspo. 

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From mindfulness to HIIT sessions, we are absolutely inundated with concepts which encourage us to treat our mind and bodies with the respect and care they deserve.

And yet despite an acute awareness of the various methods we should implement on a day to day basis in order to make the most of ourselves, how many of us actively partake?

But while you may not practice mindfulness and you might be more familiar with HIMYM than HIIT, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other ways to feel great about yourself.

From gratitude methods to nutrition tips, there are dozens of methods which advocate self-love and self-care, and here are just eight of our favourites.

1. Be your own best friend

One of the easiest ways to reassess how you treat yourself is the ‘best friend’ approach.

Whether you’re looking in the mirror, assessing a piece of work or contemplating a change, your inner voice should adopt the same tone and kindness you hear when you’re speaking to a friend.

Being kind to yourself and treating yourself in the very same way you treat your BFF is sure-fire way to feel good about yourself.

2. Fuel your body

Not everyone is all about the kale way of life, and that is totally fine, but small changes that positively impact on your energy levels are not to be dismissed.

It’s important to remember to fuel your body and that means eating in such a way you can navigate through the day, to the best of your ability. We hear it all the time but eating a balanced diet is key. This should include protein, high-fibre carbohydrates, plenty of fruit and veg and 3 portions of dairy products a day.

3. Listen (and accept) compliments

How often do you dismiss a friend or colleague’s compliment with a self-deprecating remark? Yeah, we thought so.

As we never want to be seen as smug, self-satisfied or boastful, we go out of our way to dismiss a compliment, but not only does this response belittle your friend’s kind words, it doesn’t give your mind time to process the sentiment behind their remark.

It can be so difficult to implement, but the next time someone compliments you, take a split second to register what they’ve said to you, and thank them. It’s as simple as that.

4. Treat yourself (without feeling guilty)

We’ve been programmed to believe that treats are meant to be enjoyed sporadically, which means were often left feeling guilty when we tuck into something we enjoy.

The key to treating yourself on the regular is educating yourself on the various foods which taste great, but don’t leave you feeling bloated, drained or sluggish.

Take Danone Light & Free, for example. This snack feels utterly decadent, but  with 0% fat and 0% added sugar*, it’s a treat your body will actually thank you for.

5. Learn how to say no 

This is perhaps one of the most difficult things to master because when you’re attempting to balance work and college responsibilities with social engagements and family commitments, it can be tempting to say yes to everything that comes your way because you don’t want to be seen neglecting any particular aspect of your life.

But, as most of you will have learned the hard way, this is a sure-fire way to experience burn out and end up feeling resentful.

The world will not stop spinning if you turn down a night out, decline a family invitation or decide to speak to your boss about your workload. In fact, it will actually leave you feeling relieved, revived, reassured, and pretty damn great.

6. Face a small fear

And when we say small, we mean small…relatively-speaking, of course.

So, we’re not talking about facing your fear of heights by bungee-jumping, but instead tending to a small task which has, over time, become more and more daunting in your head.

Whether it’s making that phone call, filling out that form or scheduling that appointment, one of the easiest ways to feel great about yourself is to take a deep breath, make that leap and ultimately reap the rewards.

7. Keep a gratitude diary

Keeping a gratitude diary is an oh-so-simple way to find the positive in the day-to-day, and recognise the random acts of kindness shown by friends, family, colleagues and strangers.

Not only does it help lift your mood at the end of a long day, it works well to boost your spirits if you choose to read over past entries when you’re in need of a pick-me-up.

Feeling great about yourself shouldn’t be dictated solely by your own actions, but can also be determined by the wonderful people you have chosen to be around, and who have chosen to be around you.

8. Lend a hand

There’s a lot to be said for how good it feels to help out a friend or family member.

Whether it’s offering a lift, running an errand or simply lending an ear, being there for loved ones reminds you of your worth and how important you are to countless people.

Yes, they’re certainly benefiting, but so too are you.

And remember…

Caring for yourself inside and outside is not because society is fixated on perfection, but because you deserve it.

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Nineties kid, listen up!

This Friday night, prepare yourself for the ultimate throwback experience, as classic gameshow, The Crystal Maze, returns to our screens.

The Channel 4 revival will be hosted by comedian Richard Ayoade, best know for his role in The IT Crowd, and will keep the same look and feel as the original show.

The show's re-launch comes after the success of last October's Stand Up To Cancer special with Stephen Merchant and team captain Rio Ferdinand.

According to metro.co.uk, the production crew at Channel 4 have really gone the extra mile and have recorded the new series in a purpose-built 32,500 square foot maze created by the original maze architect, James Dillon.

Much like the original, Richard Ayoade will employ a number of interesting tactics involving a wooden hand to distance himself from the contestants and ensure fairness in the games.

However, the new series does have one major difference.

Instead of groups of six made up of complete strangers, contestants will now apply as a group of five in their quest to tackle the maze.

The first episode will be a celebrity special featuring Vicky Pattison, Louie Spence, Alex Brooker, Lydia Bright, and Ore Oduba, and honestly, we're laughing already.

They will compete for time in the dome where they will have the chance to collect tokens to win money for Stand Up To Cancer.

Rumour has it, a team of karate instructors who appeared on the original show will make an appearance during the series.

Yes, really.

The show will run at an hour-long for 20 episodes

The first instalment of the new-look Crystal Maze will air on Channel 4, Friday June 23 at 9:00pm.  

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US reports have claimed that Kim Kardashian and Kanye West have hired a surrogate to carry their third child.

Kim suffered a number of complications during her two previous pregnancies and was told by doctors that it was too risky for her to carry another child.

Citing unidentified sources, People Magazine and E! News reported that the couple has chosen their surrogate, while TMZ claimed the couple had agreed to pay the woman more that $113,000 to carry their child.

“Kim and Kanye will use a surrogate to carry their third baby. They are both very excited to give their kids a sibling,” a source told People.

The rumours have been fuelled by a recent episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians in which Kim spoke about the option of surrogacy:

"I think I always knew that surrogacy was an option, but I didn't think it was that realistic of an option, and now I feel like that's my reality." 

The news comes after a difficult year for the couple. Last October Kim was the victim of a robbery in Paris and Kanye was forced to cancel his December tour after he was hospitalised for apparent mental health issues.

Since then, the couple, who are already parents to North (age 4) and Saint (age 1), have taken a much more modest approach to social media, with just the occasional post about family life.

The reports did not reveal whether the supposed surrogate was already pregnant.  

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Permission had been granted for the demolition of Apollo House and Hawkins House as part of a €50m development for Dublin City Centre.

An Bord Pleanála have granted planning permission for the re-development of the two buildings, despite opposition.

The buildings have long been regarded as some of the 'ugliest' in the city, however last Christmas Apollo House took on a new function when it was occupied by housing activists seeking a solution to Dublin's growing housing crisis.

According to The Irish Times, the 1960's office blocks will be replaced by a ten storey office building, shops, restaurants, a public plaza and a new diagonal pedestrian street.

The project will be one of the capital's largest redevelopments in recent times.

The area was seen as one of three ''key'' sites within the Georges Quay Local Area Plan which envisaged the construction of a ''mid-town'' area of Dublin.

The board said the proposed redevelopment “would not seriously injure the amenities of residential development in the area by reason of overbearing impact, overlooking or overshadowing and would be acceptable in terms of public and private transport and pedestrian safety and convenience”.

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Bookworms unite!

Emma Watson is at it again and this time she's been busy hiding copies of Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale in mystery locations around Paris.

The distopian novel has experienced somewhat of a resurgence in recent times thanks to its critically acclaimed TV adaptation, starring Elisabeth Moss, so it makes sense that Emma, an avid reader and women's rights advocate, would want to spread the book's feminist message.

The title also just so happens to be this month's selection in the actor's online book club, Our Shared Shelf.  

Emma's post sparked a huge scavenger hunt across the French capital, and lucky fans have taken to Twitter to post their findings.  

We can't help but feel insanely jealous of everyone in Paris right now. 

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Emotions ran high today as Kerry Katona took to Instagram with a sentimental post ahead of her daughter's move to Dublin.

15-year-old Molly, the eldest daughter of Kerry Katona and Brian McFadden, is planning to move in with her Irish grandparents so she can following dream of becoming a surgeon.

Although the move is still a few months away, the former Atomic Kitten star shared her feeling about daughters decision with her 490,000 Instagram followers yesterday evening. 

“Omg just burst into tears looking at my eldest come home from work! All grown up gonna miss her so much,” she wrote alongside a picture of a young Molly.

 

Omg just burst in to tears looking at my eldest come home from work! All grown up gonna miss her so much @123_mollymc

A post shared by Kerry Katona (@kerrykatona7) on

Fans were quick to offer their support, with one user commenting: “Shes lovely Kerry..such a credit to you both..she'll knock their socks off I'm sure!”

Another wrote, “Always emotional when our children reach milestones. Be proud of what you've done as her mother.”

Speaking to OK! Magazine, Kerry admitted that although she will be sad to see her go, she is incredibly proud of her daughter.

"[Molly] is going to live with her grandparents Mairead and Brendan. They dote on her and will look after her and keep her safe."

"Molly wants to be a surgeon," she added.

"She wants to get really good grades in her GCSEs so she’s going to Ireland to do a transition year. This will give her an extra year of biology and science. Molly wants extra knowledge – I am so proud of her."

Molly currently lives with in East Sussex with her four siblings, Lily-Sue, DJ, Heidi, Max, her mother, Kerry and her husband George Kay.

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An Irish company have launched an incredible online tool just in time for Pride 2017.

Ireland have made massive strides towards equality over the past few years, with 2015's marriage referendum proving we are a country that wants to make positive changes.

However, despite our progress, online hate and discrimination still remains.

Enter Connector – an Irish company working to fix this problem once and for all.

In an effort to combat online hate speech, Connector have created a free tool called #LoveWins.

The Google Chrome extension works by monitoring homophobic language online.

When the software detects any kind of derogatory term, it automatically changes it to a positive word.

The altered phrase will appear in rainbow colours, so users know where changes have been made.

The company hopes the tool will reduce the amount of hurtful language circulating online, thus allowing users to feel safe and secure when browsing the internet.

You can download the tool for free here.  

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Catherine Noone, a pro-choice Fine Gael senator, has been elected as the chairperson of the Oireachtas abortion committee.

Originally in was thought that Jerry Buttimer would take the position, however it has now emerged that Noone was unopposed in her candidacy.

Speaking about her new role, the senator said: “It’s a great honour and privilege to have been elected chair of the committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution. I look forward to working with all of my colleagues from across the political spectrum to ensure the Committee fulfils its remit.”

The 21-person committee had been tasked with drafting the proposed changes to Ireland's abortion laws following recommendations made by the Citizen's Assembly.

Earlier this year, the assembly put forward recommendations that the Oireachtas should allow abortion without restriction in Ireland.

Noone's appointment comes after the news that Leo Varadkar has committed to a referendum on the issue in 2018.

The committee is not expected to hold public sessions until September, hever they will continue to proceed and are due to meet again in two weeks time, when the Citizen's Assembly report has been been received.

The committee must deliver it's conclusions to both Houses of Oireachtas within three months of its first public meeting.  

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Whether you're a fully fledged MUA, or just an occasional dabbler in the world of beauty, chances are you've probably got a Real Techniques brush floating around your makeup bag.

The brushes, made by Youtuber sisters, Sam and Nic, are some of the most affordable on the market and have quickly become a favourite among makeup nerds everywhere.

Well, lucky for us, the brand are about to launch a brand new collection and we could not be more excited.

Inspired by blue squirrels, the Real Techniques' PowderBleu collection promises to be the softest yet.

The 6-piece collection includes a Soft Complexion Brush, Soft Powder Brush, Soft Finishing Brush, Soft Shadow Brush, Soft Kabuki Brush and a Plush Powder Puff.

The brushes have been designed to mimic squirrel hair, but don't worry, no animals were harmed during the manufacturing process.

Sam and Nic have used FauxBleu™ technology and synthetic hairs to create the super soft new range.

An you haven't even heard the best part. 

The PowderBleu brushes have been made to work specifically with powder products, meaning that their soft touch will provide flawless application whilst keeping the makeup underneath intact.

Hallelujah!

The brushes will hit Boots stores across the country this July, and will be available to order directly from the Real Techniques website. 

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So, James Corden has never been shy about discussing his political views.

The Late Late Show host often uses his platform to speak about his dissatisfaction with the Trump administration and on Tuesday night he blasted the US President for his ignorant stance on the HIV/AIDS crisis.

Following the news that six members of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS resigned in protest of Trump's lack of interest, James took it upon himself to educate his viewers about the seriousness of the situation.

Speaking to his audience, both in studio and at home, James said: “He [Trump] has proposed changes to healthcare, which if they were to happen, would devastate all marginalised American's who are living with HIV and AIDS.”

“I looked up some stats today. More than 1.1 million people in the US live with HIV and AIDS and of those, nearly 60 per cent are unable to access life-saving medications”

“That's not to mention the 36.7 million people worldwide who live with HIV, of whom nearly 2 million are children under the age of 15.”

But, in true James Corden fashion, the British comedian has came up with quite a humorous solution for Trump's ignorance.

Explaining how the film Philadelphia inspired him to care about the disease, James suggested that it may do the same for Donald Trump.

“Maybe Donald Trump doesn't care because he's never seen Philadelphia. In fact I'm almost certain that's what it is.”

Convinced that Tom Hank's Oscar-winning performance would ignite something inside the president, James decided to send 297 copies of the 1993 film to his home in Mar-a-Lago, Florida.

Check out the full, clip below.

Well played James, we just hope it works.

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