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Yearly Archives: 2017

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We’ve spent enough time watching makeup tutorials over the years to have a few looks in the bank to choose from, however when it comes to our locks, we’re at a loss.

Going from our au naturale frizz to the classic messy bun, we rarely change up our look unless there’s a paid professional involved.

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That’s why we were thrilled when we saw style icon, Kate Middleton rocking one of our favourite 90s hair trends that can be oh-so-versatile.

Yes ladies, the butterfly clip is back but it’s come a long way since Hilary Duff rocked the look as 90s style queen Lizzie McGuire.

We’ve got six looks inspired by the trend that are both easy and stylish.

K Middy’s mane

The ultimate greasy fringe solution, this simple yet elegant look is the perfect option for those trying to get an extra day out of their hair or those of you who just can't handle hair hanging in front of your eyes.

Achieve the look with: 

Half up, half down

The half up, half down style always looks best when it's left loose and relaxed which is much harder to do with a bobble – enter the butterfly clip.

Achieve the look with: 

Perfect pony

Rocking a ponytail doesn't have to be boring. Adding a simple butterfly clip into the mix can fool people into thinking you've made a lot more effort than you actually have – WIN!

Achieve the look with: 

Festival fun

It's never to early to start thinking about festival season. Flower crowns got the boot last year for boxer braids but we think 2017 could be the year of the butterfly clip and this is how we'll be rocking ours.

Achieve the look with: 

Glam girl

Butterfly clips don't have to be boring. Why not nab yourself an embellished version, perfect for a wedding or party. 

Achieve the look with: 

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If ever there was a day to pack up and jet off (even if only for a mini-break) today is that day. 

And while circumstances may decree that we simply hibernate until February, if you come across a forgotten few pennies in a Christmas card – that cash could go very far indeed.

Yup, SHEmazing! has now trawled through the Ryanair sale for a bargain… coming up with these gems for your consideration.

 

1) Cork to Malaga

Leave: Sunday, January 22

Return: Wednesday, January 25

Cost: €63

Note: It's currently 18C and sunny in the south of Spain.

 

A photo posted by Rafa Sequeira (@rafasequeira) on

2) Dublin to Brussels 

Leave: Monday, January 23

Return: Monday, January 30

Cost: €20

Note: The River Jazz Festival will be taking place at the time.

 

A photo posted by Cibeli Maciel (@cibelimaciel) on

3) Shannon to Berlin

Leave: Monday, January 23

Return: Friday, January 27

Cost: €51

Note: Berlin is still a gorgeous winter wonderland right now.

4) Dublin to Cologne

Leave: Saturday, January 21

Return: Wednesday, January 25

Cost: €46

Note: The local Kölsch beer is best sampled on home-soil.

5) Cork to Liverpool 

Leave: Sunday, January 22

Return: Wednesday, January 25

Cost: €26

Note: The Tate Liverpool is holding a free Tracey Emin exhibition at the time. 

 

A photo posted by Tate Liverpool (@tateliverpool) on

6) Dublin to Paris

Leave: Wednesday, January 25

Return: Wednesday, February 1

Cost: €37

Note: A notorious pricey city, Paris is a lot more affordable at this time of year. 

 

A photo posted by Futuradria Viaggi (@futuradria) on

7) Dublin to Amsterdam 

Leave: Tuesday, January 24

Return: Wednesday, February 1

Cost: €42

Note: Tulip season is kicking off – so visit the world's only floating flower market, Bloemenmarkt.

 

A photo posted by Francesca (@fra.ric) on

8) Kerry to Frankfurt 

Leave: Monday, January 30

Return: Friday, February 3

Cost: €34.50

Note: So much more than a commercial hub, Frankfurt's foodie scene is amazing. Try Vevay.

 

A photo posted by Katarina⛈ (@vvsions) on

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There are certain places in the world that really have to be seen to be believed.

If you are planning a trip for 2017, but have no clue where you want to go, then you have come to the right place.

Whether you are a beach goer, a party animal, or a sight-seeing city lover, we have you covered. 

Check out our top 8 holiday spots for 2017…

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New Orleans, United States

Whether it's music, culture or partying, New Orleans is the city for you!

Gorge on delicious beignets (fried doughnuts) while people watching at the Café du Monde, or take a glorious historical stroll through the French Quarter. 

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The night life in this crazy city is something that needs to be seen to be believed (seriously, the bars don't close), and there is jazz music playing everywhere you go. 

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You can also take a high speed thrill ride down the Bayou swamp, and visit old plantations. 

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Seriously… this ghostly city ticks every SINGLE box. 

Krakow, Poland

The gem of Eastern Europe, visiting Krakow is like something out of a fairytale (but with really cheap booze). 

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While it will be tempting to just go out every night, there are so many amazing things to do in this city that should take precedence. 

Travel 135 metres underground to visit the stunning Wieliczka salt mines, or take a jaunt up to the mountain village of Zakopane, for some serious views (and sledding).

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If you are a history nerd, then you can also tour Auschwitz concentration camp, which may be upsetting but it is something worth seeing. 

All in all, Krakow is perfection. 

Havana, Cuba

Take a step back in time this year, and visit the amazing Cuban city of Havana!

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The beaches, the colours and the CARS are all sights to behold… plus the night life is fantastic. 

While you're there, you absolutely have to try guarapo… it's freshly squeezed sugar cane juice and it is to die for! 

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Havana is one of those places that you can just walk around for hours, and never get bored! 

Toronto, Canada

Canada is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with cities like Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary all worth a visit. 

However, Toronto is at the top of our Canadian list, and for good reason! 

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Toronto has a booming foodie scene, with deliciousness on every corner. Have a wander through the gloriously bohemian Kensington market, and explore all the amazing food Toronto has to offer. 

When you've had enough to eat, head to the historic distillery district and explore the car-less cobbled streets of what was once the British Empire's largest distillery.

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Also, if you need a break from the city life, you can visit the breathtaking Niagara Falls, which is just 90 minutes away. 

Fan-bloody-tastic. 

Tokyo, Japan

Fancy a trip into the future? Because that is exactly what Tokyo feels like. 

Japan's busy capital city is bursting with culture, excitement and the BEST sushi you will ever taste (obviously).

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Head to the Tsukiji market, and devour some of the freshest, and most delicious food on earth.

Also, if you plan the trip correctly, you could see the beautiful cherry blossoms blooming… which is something Japan is famous for. 

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Not that anyone needs another excuse to visit, but it is important to note that there is also a DISNEYLAND in Tokyo. 

*books flights immediately*

Cape Town, South Africa

This beautiful part of South Africa offers tourists the best restaurants, creativity and outdoor activities (keeping everyone happy). 

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The whole city is breathtakingly beautiful, but beautiful the Table Mountain National Park is really Cape Town's crown jewel.

There are countless tours and adventures to go on, including hiking, biking and cave diving (yes please!). 

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There are also world famous eateries, luxury spas and pretty cool shops through this remarkable city. 

Reykjavik, Iceland

Described by Lonely Planet as "a little city with a big soul", Iceland's capital city is, without a doubt, one of most majestic places in the world. 

The pretty streets are lined with colourful, and beautiful buildings that are all perfectly Insta-worthy. 

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One thing that should not be missed when in this stunning laces is the Aurora Borealis, or the Northern lights.

The music scene in Reykjavik is also unreal, with epic festivals and gigs on all the time. 

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The beauty of Iceland is that it can be done as a long weekend, or a longer holiday. 

Sign us up. 

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If you've actively avoided social occasions while on a health kick, you're most definitely not alone.

While we may be able to stay on the straight and narrow for the vast majority of the week, the minute we begin socialising all bets are off.

Whether it comes down to manners or sheer lack of willpower, many of us find it difficult to decline a plate of goodies when pressed upon us by the friend or co-worker hosting us.

But according to new research, the easiest way to curb how much you consume at a party or gathering is by serving yourself, and ensuring you're the only one looking after your food intake.

The findings, which were published in the Journal of Marketing Research, concluded that people ate less unhealthy food when they tasked themselves with filling their own plates.

"We find that when participants are given the choice of whether or not to consume snacks that they perceive as relatively unhealthy, they have a greater inclination to consume these snacks when less (versus more) physical involvement is required to help themselves to the food." study authors Linda Hagen, Aradhna Krishna, and Brent McFerran said.

In other words, if you tell your host that you're good for now and will help yourself in a bit, you'll be less likely to consistently tuck in because, hey, who wants to keep getting up and down from the buffet?

When you accept a plate of unhealthy (but obviously delicious food) you tend to relinquish responsibility, but you don't have to.

“We suggest that this behaviour occurs because being less physically involved in serving one's food allows participants to reject responsibility for unhealthy eating and thus to feel better about themselves following indulgent consumption," the authors added.

Simply put, if you insist that it's your responsibility to keep yourself fed and watered at the next party, you're much less likely to overindulge.

And while that seems to make sense, all we can think about is getting free reign over a buffet…

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The NCT: one of the most stressful aspects of car ownership. And kind of like walking into your Leaving Cert., it is GUARANTEED to leave you a sweating, hyperventilating mess.  

From feeling guilty that you didn't take better care of it to feeling embarrassed that you actually OWN it, the NCT can leave you battling through tears, fears and eight all-too real emotions.

1. Sadness 

Watching Betsy being driven away… it's there – in the rain – that you decide to take better care of her. Reminiscing over the fun you've had, you promise yourself that this time you will take her for regular services, AND vacuum her at least once a month. This year will be different.

2. Anxiety 

"Did you remember to take out the rotten banana under the passenger seat?" "Will the mechanic find out just how how disgusting you really are? "Will they know that you spent three hours cleaning the car the night before?" Oh. Dear. God. 

3. Shame 

Looking at you through the viewing area… you can FEEL the mechanic's eyes burning into your soul – judging you for not taking proper care of the car. Judging you for the banana skin under the seat. 

4. Panic 

WHY are they shaking the car? What if something falls off? What if the bakes don't work? What if the steering goes arseways? Ahhh…

5. The Fear

You have already convinced yourself that it WILL fail… and your stomach feels like you've just stepped off a rollercoaster. WHAT will you do if it does? Can you afford to fix it? Is it even worth it? Can you survive without a car? Will this be a defining moment in your life? Will you have to get the… bus… from now on?

6. Relief 

It's finished. Done. Finito. As you watch the car drive out of the centre you are overcome with this settling feeling, you don't care if it passes once it comes back in one piece. 

7. Confusion

Well that's until they hand you back the failed NCT report… and then start explaining what is wrong with the car. Who even knows where the near side wheel valve is?!

8. Embarrassment 

At the fact that you haven't got a clue what they are saying.

Until next time, lads. 

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Does the idea of cleaning your makeup brushes just seem like the biggest ordeal EVER? Yeah… same.

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Experts say we should be cleaning our cosmetic utensils at least once a month… which sounds excessive, but it's actually not.

A Reddit user recently shared a number of super-zoomed photos of her three-week-old makeup brushes, and all we can say is EWWW. 

The user used an iPhone and a Mpow macro lens to capture the true nastiness behind applying makeup. 

Dirty brushes are not just gross, they can cause your skin to break out and the likes. 

While we appreciate that dirty brushes are a concern, sometimes ignorance really is bliss.

If you need us, we'll be at home SCRUBBING all our brushes. 

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Lets face it… there is nothing that makes us feel more glamorous than a good coat of our favourite lipstick. 

Well, one FAB Irish blogger is taking her lippy obsession to a whole new level, with a very difficult challenge.

Sorcha, of the popular Simply Sorcha, has set herself the challenge of wearing a different lipstick every day in 2017. 

That's right, the Dubliner has committed to trying an astonishing 365 different lipsticks throughout 2017… and we are seriously rooting for her. 

Just two weeks in and we already applaud Socha's efforts – not least as the cost of this project wont be low.

Yup, the average price of a lipstick in Ireland is €12, so Sorcha will be investing more than €4,000 in lipsticks if she manages to stick to the challenge. 

Whatever the cost, however, we have no doubt that this will be a fun and exciting goal for the lovely Sorcha.

Keep an eye on her progress by following her on Twitter and Facebook

Good luck, lady! 

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Yup, it's officially Blue Monday.

And while health experts and doctors are sceptical about the legitimacy of the concept of the 'most depressing day of the year,' a cold, dark, flat-out broke month is certainly enough to make us consider hibernation until February 1.

So if you are looking for something to lift your spirits – and one that doesn't involve spending any money (see above) – having a larf with the help of Netflix is a decent place to start.

 

Classic Comedy Series

 

Only Fools & Horses

London schemer Derek, his brother Rodney and their daft grandfather try anything and everything to leave their working class life behind.

The Big Bang Theory

Quarks fly when two geeky physicists discover that they have a new neighbour : a sexy actress who inspires them to try a relationship with a real woman.

Fawlty Towers

Haughty Basil Fawlty and his bossy wife try to raise the profile of their Fawlty Towers Hotel, but endless mix ups arise, leading to farcical lunacy.

The Fresh Prince of Bellair

The affluent Banks family finds their lives turned upside down when Street smart Will, a Philadelphia relative moves into their California mansion.

Gavin & Stacey

After a long distance courtship, Gavin and Stacey finally meet in person – only to be confronted with the strong opinions of friends and family.

That 70s Show

Feel groovy in 1970s suburbia, where a teen and his pals hang in the basement, listening to rock and indulging other hazy benefits of ‘70s culture.

 

Stand Up Comedy

 

Micheael McIntyre Comedy Roadshow

Michael McIntyre visits some of the UKs most iconic standup comedy venues, unearthing a portfolio of comedy’s brightest new talent.

Chelsea Handler – Uganda Be Kidding Me Live

In her first Netflix comedy special, Chelsea Handler recounts her African adventures (and provides hilarious photographic evidence)

Louis CK – Live at the Comedy Store

The comic puts his trademark hilarious / though provoking spin on finding a bat in his kitchen, seeing rats having sex, Boston accents and dead pets.

Jimmy Carr – Funny Business

British comedian Jimmy Carr unleashes his deadpan delivery and wickedly funny one-liners to a sold-out audience at the UK’s Hammersmith Apollo.

Aziz Anzari – Buried Alive

‘Parks and Recreation’ star Aziz Ansari takes the stage to share his unfiltered views on adulthood, babies, marriage, love and more in the modern ear.

 

Comedy Films

 

Sing Street

In 1980’s Dublin, a teen whose family is falling apart transfers to a touch school, where he forms a rock band to fit in and win a girls attention

Bewitched

Isabel Bigalow seems to be the perfect Samantha to star in a remake of the 1960s sitcom “Bewitched” but no one knows she really is a witch!  Stars Nicole Kidman, Will Ferrell and Shirley MacLane

Eddie The Eagle

This inspirational film tells the true story of Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards who became England’s unlikely ski-jump hero in the 88 Olympics.

My Best Friend’s Wedding

When she learns her platonic pal is getting married, food critic Julianne Potter realises her true feelings for him and tries to sabotage the weddings.

What Happens In Vegas

After a night of heavy partying in Vegas, two strangers wake up to realise, much to their displeasure, that they’ve gotten married.

 

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According to emerging reports, the lifetime ban which prevented men who have sex with men (MSM) from donating blood to the Irish Blood Transfusion Service has been officially lifted.

It has been established that as of today any man who has had sex with another man in the last 12 months will be allowed to donate as long as they meet specific blood donor selection criteria.

Health Minister Simon Harris has welcomed the news and assured the public that he is confident in the services provided by the IBTS.

"In June of last year, I accepted the recommendations of the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) to change their blood donation deferral policies for men who have sex with men," he explained.

"The IBTS provides a safe, reliable and robust blood service to the Irish health system and has the necessary programmes and procedures in place to protect both donors and recipients of blood and blood products."

"Furthermore, the IBTS will continue to keep all deferral policies under active review in the light of scientific evidence, emerging infections and international experience."

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the IBTS for its work over the past six months, which today sees these recommendations brought to fruition within the timescale agreed," he added.

Prior to blood donation, the IBTS tests all prospective blood donors for a number of diseases, including HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.

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Former Big Brother participant Hughie Maughan certainly knows how to get people talking.

He captured the attention of the internet last night – but upon closer inspection it seems that Hughie's unique mahogany hue may not be so outrageous, after all.

Indeed, several famous faces have too displayed distinctly tango shading at times:

1. Rylan Clarke

2. Dale Winton

3. Donald Trump

4. Valentino

5. Ross Gellar (David Schwimmer)

6. George Hamilton

We think he should lay off the bronzer for a while – LOL.

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If ever there was a time to celebrate the wonder that is Ryanir, it's today, ladies.

In an effort to uplift the spirit of our good nation on the most depressing day of the year, Ryanair have announced a sale, but you've got to act fast because it ends at midnight.

Taking to Twitter moments ago, they wrote: "Forget #BlueMonday. We’ve launched a Blue & Yellow Monday sale. Fly from €9.99 & banish the blues."

Commenting on the offer, Ryanair’s Robin Kiely reminded the public if they want in on a spur-of-the-moment holiday, they need to get booking pronto.

"These sale seats are on sale until midnight tonight, Monday, so customers should log on to the Ryanair.com website and banish the winter blues by booking a bargain getaway today.” 

Ladies, we know what we're doing at lunchtime.

 

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After winning Celebrity Big Brother last year, Scotty T probably has a better idea than most what it takes to navigate the minefield that is the long-running reality TV show.

But by the sounds of things, Scotty hasn't let his Geordie Shore co-star, Chloe Ferry, in on the deets on that one.

Commenting on 21-year-old Chloe's performance in the infamous house in recent days, Scotty has been far from complimentary.

Speaking to The Sun, the 28-year-old acknowledged the other contestants' inability to get on Chloe's wavelength, and even suggested that the star's drunken behaviour may get her in trouble.

"No one really can understand her banter honestly man, she’s literally… when she gets drunk, she’s just sheer evil," he claimed.

And he didn't stop there.

Alluding to the Geordie girl's intellect, he added: "She’d probably won’t even realise she’s been in the house, man. She’s that thick."

Well, good to know Chloe has the support of her Geordie 'family'…

 

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