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autumn

We were promised an Indian summer (umm?) – but sadly there's no denying that September is feeling decidedly autumnal.

There's a chill in the air, the evenings are getting a smidgen darker that bit earlier, and we're slowing transferring our diets to more hearty stables. 

But hearty certainly doesn't have to mean stodgy: in fact, soup is just about the healthiest – not to mention the most satisfying – autumnal warmer going.

We stumbled across this AMAZING and oh-so delicious recipe for carrot and ginger coconut soup… and suffice to say we're already hooked.

Coming in at less than 100 calories a bowl, it takes just ten minutes to prepare (and about 30minutes to cook).

Serve with freshly toasted bread, or have on its own as a snack, starter, or light-lunch, the SHEmazing! seal-of-approval has now very much been granted…

Ingredients:

  • Low-sodium vegetable broth cube
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • small chopped onion
  • garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon minced peeled fresh ginger
  • medium chopped red potato
  • chopped carrots
  • 250ml coconut milk
  • small chopped red pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1/2 cup cubed apple or pear (optional)

 

1) Taking a saucepan, bring around 1.5ltr of water to the boil before popping in the stock cube and stirring.

2) Turn off the heat and leave aside.

3) Next, heat the oil in a frying pan or wok (preferably one with a lid) and then add your onion and garlic; sauté for around three to five minutes.

4) Add ginger, potato and carrot; cover and cook five minutes, stirring occasionally.

5) Add the coconut milk and red pepper; cover with a lid and cook five more minutes.

6) Take your broth from earlier and gradually add it with ladle into the vegetable mixture. Season with white pepper.

7) Cover and cook until all the vegetables are tender.

8) In a food processor or using a hand blender, puree soup in small batches until smooth. 

9) Serve in warm soup bowls. Garnish with apple or pear cubes, if desired.

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Summer is over – and therefore so are cheeky Tuesday pints, giant barbecues and sweet treats.

There’s something about September too that is the gentler, autumnal alternative to January.

And while at this time of year we may not quite have the same focus on those pesky new-year-new-you resolutions, it’s not a bad month to get into some great habits.

A good start? A serious post-summer fruit salad to help you de-bloat and get your diet back on track.

In fact, this bowl of goodness contains ingredients scientifically proven to help you deflate.

Flat tums, here we come!

What you need…

  • Papaya, cut into chunks
  • Pineapple, cut into chunks
  • Banana, sliced
  • Melon, cut into chunks
  • Some mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
  • One avocado
  • Fresh lemon juice

1. Mix the papaya, pineapple, banana and melon in large bowl.

2. Slice half of the avocado into 1cm cubes, and toss with a teaspoon of lemon juice. Set other half of the avocado and the rest of the lemon juice aside.

3. Top bowl of fruit with the berries and avocado.

4. Mash the remaining avocado and lemon juice.

5. Serve your fruit salad in small bowls, and drizzle with a teaspoon of the avocado-lemon sauce. 

What the ingredients do…

Pineapple: contain an enzyme called bromelain that helps break down hard-to-digest protein. That means there'll be less gas in your stomach.

Banana: In moderation, bananas can help you de-bloat because they're loaded with potassium, a mineral that flushes excess water out of your system. They’re particularly great if you've consumed lots of salt, which in itself makes you hold on to water.

Melon: Also high in potassium and water. The H2O content pushes the extra fluid out of your body so you can slim down.

Papaya: Contains an enzyme called papain, which helps us to break down food, especially protein, and improves digestion. Plus, papain is a diuretic that can help you get rid of those nasty excess fluids.

Avocado: Loaded with healthy fats that help you absorb the vitamins and minerals in the other fruits in this salad. In particular, Avocado boasts monounsaturated fats which have also been linked to burning excess belly fat.

Berries: Since berries are lower in sugar and calories than most fruits, they won't cause you to hold onto the extra water that makes you bloat. 

 

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It's nearly that time of year again (sob). 

The nights are becoming darker and the weather is getting colder – and with that comes a long list of unwanted beauty problems. 

As the cold weather sets in, your skin will feel dry, flaky and chapped; and let's be honest, we really don't have time to deal with that. 

But there are many practical ways to protect your skin during the colder months, and they're actually pretty easy to get used to. 

Cover your skin from head to toe

Of course it's your natural instinct to bundle up when the cold weather hits, but be smart about your choices. Don't just throw on layers; wear gloves on your hands, a scarf around your neck, and protect any part of your chest that isn't covered by your coat. 

 

Don't wash your hair every day

When you shampoo your hair, it actually strips your hair of natural oils. If you do this too often, along with harsh weather setting in, your hair will turn very dry and brittle. Try to go every second or third day instead to keep your hair in top-tip shape. 

 

Provide more moisture

The moisture from your skin evaporates quickly in the cold and wind of winter months, and your skin produces less oil as well. To combat this problem, use a thicker moisturiser on your skin. But make sure it suits your skin type as you really don't want a break-out. 

 

Use hand lotion

You use your hands for every task, every day – yet it's so easy to forget to take care of them. Use a specialised hand cream every morning and evening to help prevent them becoming sore and chapped. 

 

Stay hydrated

You might want to sip hot chocolate during the colder months but it is really important to stay hydrated by drinking water every day. Not only will it help your body stay hydrated, it will help your skin too. This combined with your new moisturising routine, you won't even know it's winter outside!

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Today marks the first day of autumn, and while some might consider the end of summer a sad time, here at SHEmazing HQ we've been feeling giddy all morning.

Yes, the evenings are getting darker and there's a chill in the air, but we secretly can't WAIT to start getting properly cosy. Fire, cup of tea, fluffy socks… that's basically our perfect night in right there.

Here are just a few of the reasons we're excited to embrace autumn in all its crunchy-leafed glory…

1. Scarves, hats, gloves and COATS
Shorts are cute and all, but autumn fashion is where its at. We'll see your bikini and raise you a tartan scarf and camel coat.

 

2. Autumn/winter TV schedules are the best
Thank you, TV gods, for recognising that we're ready to embrace couch time. Autumn TV schedules always feature great new shows AND of course, The X Factor, Strictly Come Dancing and Celebrity Big Brother. Yaaaas.

 

3. Cold weather = a great excuse for hot chocolate
Three trips to Butler's in one day? We regret nothing.

 

4. We get to feel like kids again jumping in piles of leaves
Sooo many leaves, all just waiting to be stomped on. Heaven.

 

5. We can finally start describing the weather as 'brisk'
That cold, crisp feeling in the air that you only get when autumn comes around? That's 'brisk' weather and we LOVE it.

 

6. Halloween is on the way
Costume. Party. Need we say more?

 

7. Plus, we're one step closer to the C-word
It's only three months and 24 days til Santa arrives…

 

8. The clocks go back next month
An extra hour in bed? YES TO THAT.

 

9. Personal grooming can now fall by the wayside
Okay, it's NEVER acceptable to stop looking after your eyebrows, but you can definitely forgo leg shaving until at least February. We won't tell if you won't…

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Now that the clocks have gone back, winter is well and truly on its way.

Suddenly it seems to be getting dark even before we've left work for the evening – not to mention the fact that it's been raining just a little more than we'd like (okay, a lot more).

But life isn't all bad when the colder weather sets in – in fact, in many ways we love it!

Here are just five things we're super excited about for the next few months…

1. All the hot drinks
Hot chocolate, mulled wine, hot buttered rum or a simple cuppa by the fire. Warm up those freezing fingers with a steamy cup of something delicious, and sit back and enjoy the sound of the rain pouring down outside. Give us a warm fire and a delicious hot drink over a sunny summer beach any day!

2. The style!
Cardigans, scarves. hats and gloves – the high street is full of winter clothes now and we can't get enough of it. Not to mention all those slinky and sparkly Christmas party numbers. Winter fashion is the BEST.

3. It's an excuse to eat loads of amazing food
Christmas dinner aside, the colder months are just BETTER when it comes to food. Be it a hot stew at your mammy's table or a steaming bowl of tomato soup on a cold day, we love the tasty opportunities that the cold weather brings. Plus, your body needs the extra insulation, so forget the diet for the next few weeks. That's our expert opinion!

4. The build up to Christmas will be starting soon…
… even though it kind of has already! As soon as Halloween is over, Christmas decorations will start popping up all over the place and you can really begin getting in the mood. Our "Christmas is here" checklist? The Coca Cola trucks ad, Last Christmas on the radio, and of course, The Late Late Toy Show.

5. Couch time becomes essential
A Sunday hike? Ha. Get thee to the couch with a blanket, slippers and a whole lotta Netflix. Now you're in the winter spirit!

6. Parties galore
The colder months are full of work events, friendly gatherings and dinners in the run-up to the festive season.. not to mention Halloween and Thanksgiving (if you have an American friend/roommate/relative). Get your glad rags on!

 

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Here's the ultimate checklist you'll need to get autumn and winter off to a cosy start!

1. A Good Pair Of Boots
You might not need them now but you will need them. Need. Mid calf, knee high, over the knee – whatever you decide, make sure you invest in a good pair. These babies are going to see rain, hail and possibly (hopefully!) snow!

2. A Wooly Jumper
For obvious reasons. Also, the right one can actually look great. Get your Granny busy knitting. Come on nan, hurry up now -it's already October!

3. A New TV Season To Get Stuck Into
Netflix. The best boyfriend ever. Autumn and winter are the times that you can binge watch and not really feel that bad about it. Pretty Little Liars, Orange Is The New Black, American Horror Story, The Killing – the list is endless. No excuse now – get under those covers and get to work.

4. A Cuddling Partner
Yes, a boyfriend would be ideal for the winter months but if you can’t bag yourself one of those, just find someone who will come over over for movies and share that couch with possible hair stroking and even hand holding. Okay, well maybe not hand holding but they could at least let you into the nook.

5. Your Own Umbrella
Stop borrowing your Dad's golf umbrella and go out and buy yourself one. They’re not expensive and you can get one in any colour you want.

6. Some Skin Altering Products
That tan is fading – it's time to whip out the lighter foundation colour. Sorry, but it's time. 

7. Slippers
Seriously, don’t even worry about how they look, because on that Sunday when you’re hungover and needy, you’re going to slip into those puppies and have a foot orgasm. It’ll look like this:

8. Pyjamas
Go on, treat yourself. Get the girliest, comfiest, matchy-matchy pyjamas you can find and stick on Bridget Jones' Diary. Bliss.

9. Gloves
Yup, it’s glove season again. You’ll probably lose them so buy cheap and easy…

10. A New Playlist
No more summer music, it's Coldplay season. 

11. A hot water bottle
Like a very miniature boyfriend you can spoon at night that won’t talk back. Perfect.

12. Leggings
Does it get any comfier?!

13. Socks
Buy all the socks. Seriously, just buy so many socks. And not those crappy thin ones that get holes in the toes, get some manly socks. Thick ones with massage comfort. Winter is all about extreme comfort. Socks are where it’s at.

14. A Blanket
Lying on the couch watching Netflix is nice. Lying on the couch watching Netflix under a blanket is fucking euphoric.

via our content partner CT

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This adorable puppy is completely confused by the presence of a mini pumpkin in his life. 

He doesn't seem to like it much so we won't be offering him any of our PSL. 

Only joking, he can have whatever he want because he is the cutest EVER! 

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Summer might be the time for holidays, beaches and sunshine (if we’re lucky), but we’re always a little relieved when it’s over.

It’s not that we don’t LIKE summer – but everyone knows that autumn is far, far superior. Walking to work on a crisp, bright morning, choosing a new winter coat, crunching through leaves… it’s all just so lovely.

Not to mention the fact that we’re pretty much entitled to drink as much hot chocolate as we want. We have to keep warm somehow!

Here are just a few of the reasons we adore the autumn months…

1. The “brisk” weather
There’s no other time of year when the weather can be so perfectly summed up in one word. Before the rain really sets in and while it’s still a little mild from summer, there’s a perfect window of time in which the weather is pure, crisp perfection. Get out for a walk and enjoy it!

2. New coat, new scarf, new hat, new gloves!
Any excuse to go shopping! With autumn comes the need for a new seasonal wardrobe – or to whip out the old favourites from last year. Hello, giant woolly circle scarf, we’ve missed you! Even if you aren’t splashing out on a new coat, seeing new woollies in the shops is a sure sign autumn’s well and truly here. We dare you not to go on a mitten-buying spree in Penneys.

3. Getting cosy is your main aim in life now
Time to relax on the couch with a giant blanket and your favourite park of fluffy socks. What else would you be doing of an October evening?!

4. The clocks go back
It’s a bizarre idea, we agree, but Daylight Savings does give us an extra hour in bed the last Sunday of every October. That means one more hour between you and Monday morning. See, we told you autumn was the best!

5. So many lovely leaves
Ireland gets a lot of rain, but it does repay us with some spectacular scenery. Autumn leaves make your walk to work approximately 150% times more beautiful – why not skip the bus tomorrow morning?

6. Halloween!
The best holiday of the year for fancy dress lovers. Whoever says Halloween is only for kids can leave the room now, please.

7. Better television
The autumn/winter TV schedules are designed to keep us entertained through the colder months, so you’ll notice lots of series start back at this time of year. Love/Hate, anyone?

8. Less leg shaving!
You don’t need to shout it from the rooftops, but you can slack off a little with the personal grooming once the colder weather sets in. Bye bye shorts!

 

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Colds, headcolds and flus are just the WORST.

From annoying sniffles and a niggle at the back of your throat to a fever and sweats; colds and flus can really bring us way down.

However, there are some things you can do to help avoid getting sick this autumn and boost that immunity to the max!

1. “I work out”
That’s right, exercise can help keep those pesky sniffles at bay – just another reason to get those runners on! Studies show that people who exercise on a regular basis get sick less often than those who do not.

2. “You can totally make friends with salad”
Don’t listen to them – fruit and veggies are one of your best bets against the common cold! Fresh produce will boost your immune system and keep sickness away. Garlic is also an amazing way to help boost your immune system against colds and flus because it is antiviral and anti-fungal – basically it’s magic. So eat it.

3. “Rub-a-dub-dub”
Keep some anti-viral gel in your bag or at your desk during cold and flu season. Sure, you may seem like a germ-phobe putting it on every time someone shakes your hand – but isn’t it better than the alternative?

4. “Zzzzz”
Make sure your sleep pattern is up to scratch as disturbances in our sleeping can really affect our health. Aim for 8-10 hours and you should be feeling fresh and perky.

5. “You’re not going out in that”
Now, we don’t want to sound like your parents but if you feel a cold coming on, going out with bare legs and wet hair isn’t going to help, is it?! Invest in a good winter coat and wrap up warm and cosy against the wind and rain. 

If all else fails and you do come down with a cold…or even a cursed flu then grab that water bottle, a big blanket, a day off, lots of fluids and some Disney movies and you'll be right as rain as soon as you know it!

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It's been hard to say goodbye to summer, but there are some reasons we are very happy to see the back of it…like these!

1. College Time

For those of us lucky enough to be heading back to college, it's the best time of the year! Until one week in and you're starving, all your clothes are dirty and you're broke. But it's all in the anticipation!

2. Less Socialising

Whatever it is about summer, it tends to bring out our inner disco drinking divas. We come down with serious case of FOMO if we’re not perched in a beer garden, cider in hand, every single weekend. Winter then, paves the way for less drinking, more nights in catching up on Netflix and a general sense of letting our livers rest up. 

3. Everywhere Smells Better

The ever lingering smell of sweat is replaced with a smell of hot chocolate, cool breezes, log fires and joy.

4. Fun Non-Festival Events

Festivals are great and all, but once the summer is over you’ll probably be glad to see the back of them for a while. Sure, what’s not to like about all day drinking, camping in a leaky tenet and eating enough burgers to sink a ship, but it’s good to try something new which is why, come the close of summer, Halloween and Oktoberfest are where it’s at. No portable toilets, no muck, no wellies, just pure, unadulterated joy.

5. Less Personal Prep

With summer comes shaving, tanning, waxing, polishing, buffing and boring times all round. Alas, not so much when it’s all over. The end of summer spells the end of personal grooming and personal pride too, on some level. Layer on the woolen goods because there’s a yeti hiding underneath this jumper.

6. Public Transport Is More Bearable

Public transport during the summer is really some mild form of torture. Sweat, tight spaces, late schedules, angry people and windows that won’t open all combine to make for a very uncomfortable commute indeed. Now, getting on to a warm bus is somewhat of a comfort instead of a curse. For the most part.

7. Better Food

Goodbye boring salads and hello fantastic comforting winter food, we’ve really missed you. After all a few extra pounds in the winter equals insulation, meaning there’s no better time to treat yourself to that tempting little treat that you’ve no doubt got your eye on…

8. More Excuses To Curl Up On The Couch

When the weather’s great outside, you might feel guilty for swapping that run for a run of the Kardashians and a nest of blankets, but now there’s no such guilt factor. Stock up on blankets, socks and great films because it’s getting chilly out there and we’re going nowhere.

9. A Fresh Start

September is ingrained in our minds as being a fresh start, a new beginning and the start of another year, perhaps more so than January. Think about it, you spend roughly 18 years of your life starting anew every September so now is as good a time as any to rid yourself of any past mistakes, any regrets and above all, to try and achieve anything that you want after a lazy or unproductive summer. Go out there and get it.

via our content partner CT

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If your summer holiday is nothing but a distant memory and a couple of idyllic Instagram snaps, fear not. You can always plan a short city break with some friends or your other half to give yourself something to look forward to (Christmas is still too far away to get excited about!). Here are out top five city breaks!

Barcelona
This city has so much character, and it’s probably even better to go around this time of year as during the summer it is VERY hot and if you’re like us, you may not be able to deal with big crowds and big heat! If you go there, make sure to find some of the traditional Spanish bars away from the touristy spots – they are really pretty, and much better value!

New York
If you have some money to spend and plenty of holidays left to take, why not jet over to The Big Apple before the Christmas rush? We would definitely go if we got the chance, imagine all the clothes, and food! Heaven!

Paris
Ah, the city of love. Climb the Eiffel Tower, eat some snails, whisper sweet nothings into your lovers ear – but whatever you do, don’t get over excited if your boyfriend bends down to tie his shoelace!

Edinburgh
Edinburgh is a brilliant city to explore any time of year. It’s got so much history, and more importantly, great shops! If you’re looking to go somewhere that doesn’t take too long to get to, this is the perfect option!

Lisbon
If you’re not a fan of the heat, but you’re quite fond of Portuguese culture, then Lisbon is a great option. It’s Europe’s second-oldest capital city next to Athens, so it has plenty of history – not to mention style. And once you’re done you can relax on the beach and watch the sunset. How much more perfect can you get?

images via Pinterest

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Summer is almost, if not already, over. You know what that means: woolly jumpers and hot water bottles are back baby! You may act sad, but deep, deep down, you are looking forward to clearer air and counting down the days till Christmas (125 days). Here are the 16 best things about autumn:

1. Less Sweat, More Success

Summer equals sweat. Simple as. Despite the fact that we live in a country where the highest temperature for the entire summer period is 20 degrees, there are some days when it gets a little muggy, also known as being ‘shockingly close’. Autumn brings with it cool breezes and less of a need for lashings of deodorant.

2. A Better Night's Sleep

Trying to sleep in sticky, warm weather isn’t that easy. Too warm with a duvet, too cold without it. Cool nights mean warm blankets, spooning and restful shut eye all round.

3. No More Hayfever

Hayfever, the very bane of many a persons summer. Which is why, come Autumn, noses all around the country clear up, along with the dampened spirits. Goodbye nasal spray, farewell and feck off.

4. Halloween

Halloween is the best. The costumes, the shameless inhalation of sugar, watching Hocus Pocus – it's magical. 

5. Blankets Everywhere

Goodbye sheet for a duvet and HELLO thick blankets, how we’ve missed you. Welcome back.

6. Less Grooming

In comes the temperature drop and with it, hair. Goodbye smooth legs, hello a warm layer of hairy insulation. That goes for the men too. Stubble and autumn go hand in hand.

7. Extra Weight Equals Insulation

The beach body is out and the inch to pinch is in. Cuddly is the height of sexy and practical. Hey, there’s only so many layers a person can wear externally, after all.

8. Decent TV Is Back

If you are sick to the back teeth of the same Friends re-runs (LOL, as if), then fear not, we have autumn scheduling to look forward to. The best of the best usually begins in and around September/October. Many nights in to look forward to.

9. The New Fashion Season

Tights, coats, jumpers, scarves, joy. Layering is caring, the more the merrier, nothing is too much, no layer too many. Pile them on and glow with warmth.

10. Oktoberfest

A festival renowned for and based around beer. Could there be anything better we ask you? Not unless you actually go to Germany for it, now there’s the dream.

11. Early Nights Are More Acceptable

When it’s bright until ten at night, going to bed early is a difficult task and by difficult. When, however, the depths of winter set in and it’s dark outside at 5pm, getting into your onesie and hitting the bed at 8pm is totally acceptable. Yes. 

12. Comfort Food

Soups, stews, anything that’s hot and warming hits the spot. Farewell salads, see you next May.

13. Hot Drinks

Is there anything better than coming in from the cold and straight into a steaming cup of tea/coffee/hot chocolate/hot whiskey? No, there isn't. 

14. Thick Socks

Following a summer of baring our ugly feet (everyone has ugly feet, it’s a scientific fact), letting them retreat to the fluffy depths of some woolly socks is a great moment in itself.

15. Tanning Is Out

16. Everything Is An Instagram Moment

From the leaves on the ground, to the shadows that appear everywhere, to the rich sunsets, everything around you looks ten times more beautiful in autumn. The autumn colour palette itself is enough to warrant those many Kodak moments.

via our content partner CT

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