It's no secret that 2016 has been an absolute disaster of a year.
From Trump and Brexit to the passing of some of the world's best-known stars, 2016 was the year that just kept on giving… but not in a good way.
Drawing on everyone's mutual distaste for the last 12 months, Friend Dog Studios have created a movie trailer which accurately sums up the year that brought us endless upset.
And if possible, it's actually scarier than the year we've just lived through.
It's been an interesting year – from Brexit to Trump and numerous terrorist atrocities, globally we face increasing uncertainty.
But it hasn't all been bad news. In fact, we've crowned eight celebrities our 'heroines of the year' for being shining lights in a lot of darkness…
Michelle Obama, 52:
From speeches that captivated the world to her head-turning fashion, the First Lady will be sorely missed from the White House. No wonder there's already a campaign underway to have her run for US president in 2020.
The Duchess Of Cambridge, 34:
Sure she's privileged, but being married to a royal means a life in the harshest of spotlights. Arguably the world's most photographed – and thus, critiqued – woman, we applaud Kate for just getting on with it. She has evidently embraced being a mum too: far from being royal brats, George and Charlotte are impeccably behaved in public.
Annalise Murphy, 26:
The Rathfarnham sailor nabbed a silver medal for Ireland at the Olympics – but in the two years prior to that incredible achievement she struggled to perform at her best. She finished a frustrating fourth in London 2012 and in the aftermath her confidence took a knock. For getting back in the saddle and not giving up, we salute you, Annalise.
Iskra Lawrence, 26:
A plus-sized model with A LOT to say on the fashion industry, Iskra is also an ambassador for the National Eating Disorders Association in the UK. And a time when a lot of social media stars feel compelled to edit their posts, we (and her 3m followers) love that Ms Lawrence refuses to do so.
Hillary Clinton, 69:
Agree or disagree with her policies – there's no doubt that she's broken down a lot of boundaries for women in politics, still very much an industry where women struggle to be heard. That and her concession speech was nothing short of inspirational.
Alicia Keys, 35:
We love her for her no-nonsense attitude; during the summer she announced in a letter that she had reconsidered her approach to cosmetics. Since then, she's turned up at a load of high-profile events and appearances entirely fresh-faced and makeup free.
Saoirse Ronan, 22:
Being nominated for an Oscar aged 13 would set a lot of actors up for tabloid-infused, wild-child future. Not so Saoirse – who earlier this year nabbed her second Oscar nomination for Brooklyn. Still just 22, she continues to change the way Hollywood considers young female actors.
Winnie Harlow, 22:
Winnie hasn't allowed her vitiligo to dampen her dreams. Indeed, the Canadian model is now one of the industry's most recognisable faces. She's also a valuable contributor to discussion on the self-esteems issues young people today face.
Variety – as well as compromise – is the spice of life. So while we might not be able to resist EVERY single treat going – some small tweaks and occasional changes can make a big difference to how we look and feel.
That and reaching for a large glass of Pinot Grigio most nights of the week isn't always so appealing when you know you'll be up at the crack of dawn with loud and lively small ones.
With that in mind, we've compiled a list of five fabulously delicious snacks to tuck into when you feel a lift-me-up that doesn't involve a pounding headache or inhaling two packets of Hobnobs…
1) Dark chocolate and green tea
According to one US study, dark chocolate and green tea is the ideal combo to tackle that mid-afternoon energy drop. If you snack on these, you should feel more alert and attentive thanks to the dark chocolate (minimum 60 percent cacao). Meanwhile your blood pressure should also instantly drop thanks to the amino acid L-theanine, which is a relaxant found in green tea.
2) Apple with peanut butter or banana and almond butter
Peanut, almond or cashew butters are great sources of healthy fats and protein, and fruits provide us with fibres, essential for our gut health and to regulate our appetite. Spread a thin layer of nut butter on your favourite fruit and you get a lovely sweet, filling and healthy snack. However, if you're keeping an eye on your calorie intake, don’t be too heavy-handed with the nut butter, as it’s very rich.
3) Almond stuffed prunes
So much more than an elderly lady constipation treatment! To make them softer, soak your prunes in tea or water and stuff them with a lightly grilled almond. Prunes are a good source of potassium, iron, and of course fibres to help digestion and promote a healthy gut. To mix things up a little, swap almonds with walnuts and the prunes with dates.
4) Energy balls
Energy/protein balls were a BIG food trend in 2016, and for good reason. Making them yourself in bulk will make them much more affordable than when you buy them in the shop. Depending on what ingredients you use, they can be a great source of vitamins and minerals. Just Google “energy balls” and you will find countless recipes. Try the likes of peanut butter, dates, oats and cacao power ball, or blend together dates, your favourite nuts, goji berries, coconut and cacao for example. Be careful, these treats are seriously addictive!
5) Greek yoghurt, blackberries and honey
A great source of protein, probiotics, potassium and calcium, Greek yoghurt is definitely your waistline friend. Top it with blackberries (full of vitamin C and antioxidants, and low in calories) and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, you will get a filling and delicious snack that your tummy will thank you for.
It looks like Kylie Jenner is moving just as fast as Kimmy K did in the old days, as the youngest sister is about to launch a clothing line.
And one of the first pieces going on sale is just an epic troll… of herself.
We all remember the video she shared last year, saying that 2016 is going to be the year she 'realises stuff', and as we all laughed and sniggered at her choice of words, she's going to make some serious bank from it.
Will Young has unexpectedly quit this year’s Strictly Come Dancing for “personal reasons”.
This evening, the Leave Right Now singer said in a statement: “To be a part of Strictly has been a long time ambition of mine. As a performer, a viewer, and a fan of the show, to dance as a contestant was an experience I always hoped for.”
“I have made some great friends, and am in awe of their performances week in, week out.”
“I have found a creative partnership with Karen that has been the most wonderful thing to experience,” he continued.
“I will be eternally grateful to her for her direction, talent and guiding me through three wonderful dances that I will be able to show my grandkids in years to come.”
“Unfortunately, I am leaving the show for personal reasons. I leave with joy in my heart that I have been able to take part in one of the most loved shows on British television.”
While fans of the show have been quick to speculate that the 37-year-old’s shock departure could be linked to criticism he received from Strictly judge Len Goodman on Saturday night, sources say the row had nothing to do with his decision to leave.
X Factor hopefuls Bratavio have been hit with death threats and homophobic abuse as they progress to the talent competition’s live shows.
Bradley Hunt and Ottavio Columbro enraged fans of the long-running programme when they were named among Louis Walsh’s final three acts for TheX Factor’s group category.
According to The Mirror, viewers believe the singers’ ability to progress to the live shows demonstrates how The X Factor has lost credibility in recent years.
The lads – who have received much recognition for their colourful costumes and love/hate relationship – have been attacked online by angry trolls from both the gay and straight communities.
Sharing a picture of Bratavio, one Twitter user wrote: “What the fook is this all about…and we ask our self…why do gay people get beat up…theses 2 make me look straight and I am a drag queen…get them off my TV (sic).”
While others have encouraged the band to “kill themselves”.
There are very few young women who haven't, at one time or another, struggled with body image issues.
We firmly believe here in SHEmazing! HQ that we should love ourselves just the way we are, and f*ck everyone who says different.
But, at the end of the day when your feet are sore and your hair is in tatters and you can feel a spot forming on your face, it's easy to feel defeated and it's easy to believe that other people have it easier than you.
That's why one fashion and lifestyle blogger, Fenella Fox of The Fox Files, decided to write this inspiring blog post to women everywhere.
She believes that we all need to take a step back from the realm of social media, and focus on our REAL lives.
"I often see the downsides of body image taking their toll on women, myself included. Is social media who we really are all the time? Of course not!" Fenella writes.
"Take one scroll through my Instagram and you won't find a picture of the stretch marks on my thighs, read through my tweets and you won't actually know how I've been feeling on the inside all week, look through my profile pictures on Facebook and try to realise that I don't actually walk around covered in filters or likes."
The Irish blogger then touches on how we need to stop believing everyone else's life is so perfect – because just like us, people only put what they want people to see on social media.
"There is a huge difference between being able to depend on someone to like your photo and being able to depend on them outside of the screen when real life gets tough. That girl with hundreds of likes who you think is so popular is probably eagerly waiting for one particular person to like it, and even if he does like it, what good is that to build a relationship if he never shows himself in the flesh?
"Just because a man gives you all the attention in the world on your Instagram account, he doesn't know the real you – he doesn't know your favourite colour, the way you talk in your sleep, or the way you like your tea."
And we all know the perfect cup of tea is important! But something even more important is knowing when to retreat.
"All the girls facing the pressures of the ever changing world around them need to take a step back and breathe. Just because you don't look like her, or have her legs, her stomach, her nose, her friends, it doesn't mean you aren't amazing. Another woman's beauty doesn't mean your own disappears."
And to finish off, Fenella encourages women everywhere to look after their bodies, and their minds.
"Your body is a temple, don't let it be brought down by hurricanes of people or an earthquake inside yourself. If this has already happened, then start building and repair the damage – Brick by brick, with stronger foundations, a damn good attitude, a smile to kill and a touch of girl power!
"Yes, she is beautiful. Yes, so are you."
Fenella's blog The Fox Files, touches on aspects of fashion, beauty, relationships, and random rants. You can follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
There was a time when silky slips were confined to the bedroom, but thanks to some forward thinking fashionistas the simple slip dress is about to become this year’s fashion staple.
In recent months the slip dress seems to have been given a whole new lease of life as it’s been worn both over and under tees, with cowboy boots and leather jackets and even on the red carpet.
And this trend is only going to keep getting bigger and better as the new Autumn/Winter stock finally arrives in stores.
Check out some of our favourite slipspiration below.
Natalie Roser:
With more than half a million followers on Instagram model Natalie Roser knows a thing or two about fashion, so it’s little wonder the Aussie beauty pulled off the perfect casual slip-centred look by matching this yellow dress with a denim jacket and nude flats.
Alexa Chung:
Alexa went for a slip with a difference when she paired this leather-look LBD with plain black boots.
Rumi Neely:
American fashion blogger Rumi Neely showed everyone how good a plain slip can look when she was photographed wearing this strappy red dress at New York Fashion Week.
Selena Gomez:
Last month Selena Gomez was spotted in New York wearing an eyecatching floor length red slip with a simple pair of strappy gold heels.
Rosie Huntington Whiteley:
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley stunned in this pale pink satin Galvan gown at the Opening Ceremony dinner back in January proving that slip dresses can be worked for casual and occasion wear.
Rihanna:
Never one to fear adventurous fashion, Rihanna wore this bronze slip out in November with a long fur coat, silver sandals and navy baseball cap.
Kendall Jenner:
Back in April reality TV star Kendall Jenner wore a champagne coloured slip over a white tee on a night out with her model bestie Gigi Hadid. Kendall accessorised her slip with a chunky silver choker and nude thigh-high boots.
Hanne Gaby Odiele:
Belgian model Hanne Gaby Odiele proved that there’s a slip to suit everyone when she married her DJ boyfriend in boho style over the weekend. Henne’s bridesmaids wore lilac slip dresses of various lengths and styles on the big day.
Beauty pageants have long been a topic of conflict among women but when the contestants involved are aged under 18 the conversation gets a lot more heated.
In the last few years teen beauty pageants have come under increasing pressure to ditch the swimwear element of the competition mainly because it is now largely seen as a sexist, over-sexualised and a pretty demeaning platform on which to place young women.
Last month Miss Teen USA received widespread praise when it announced it would be banishing the bikini walk from its upcoming show and ever since people have been wondering what the controversial event would be replaced with.
Well, according USA Today, instead of wearing bikinis in this year’s pageant the Miss Teen USA hopefuls will be dressing to impress in custom-made sportswear.
Each competitor will wear one of eight themed sports bra and legging sets which will be designed by Tapout and Goldsheep to represent the region of the US the girls are from. Once the finalists are chosen, they will then wear sports gear which will be customised to show which exact state they represent.
Apparently the switch to sportswear is in keeping with the original purpose of the swimwear competition which – according to Refinery 29 – was actually to demonstrate the participants’ athleticism.
Over 50 15 to 19-year-old hopefuls will take part in this year’s Miss Teen USA competition on July 30.
Taylor Swift’s romantic endeavours may be dominating headlines lately, but it doesn’t mean the pop sensation has been anywhere near out of work as a brand new rich list has revealed Taylor is the highest earning celebrity in the world for 2016.
According to Forbes magazine, the Shake It Off singer shook her way right to the bank as she raked in $170 million in the last year and earned herself the top spot on the Forbes 2016 Celebrity 100 List.
Taylor’s massive pay check comes in part from her successful 1989 World Tour and advertising for big names like Diet Coke, Keds and Apple.
The star’s income for this year is the most she has ever made annually and is more than twice the $80 million she made last year.
2015’s winner was pro-boxer Floyd Mayweather who made $300 million, while the world’s highest earning performer was Katy Perry with a cool $135 million.
Between that hefty bank balance and the wonderful Tom Hiddleston is it any wonder everyone wants to be TayTay for a day?
A photo posted by Darren John King (@darrenjohnking) on
Some of the country's most handsome bachelors filled The Wright Venue yesterday in the battle to become the new Mr Ireland, but it was one fitness enthusiast who took home the crown.
In association with Platinum Barbers, the Mr Ireland competition was judged by top stylist Sonja Mohlich, talent agent Julian Benson, current Miss Ireland 2016 Sacha Livingstone, Platinum Barbers owner Richie Lalor and Mr Ireland 2015, Karl Bowe.
The model took home the new title, and was congratulated all over social media yesterday.
Speaking to Goss, 2015's winner Karl said, “Mr. Ireland has opened so many doors for me and my chosen career in the entertainment business, I have loved every moment of it from presenting my Country at Mr. World to allowing me to go for my dreams.
“I have been honoured to hold the title the last two years and I won’t lie when I say I will be sad my time has come to end but look forward to see what the new Mr. Ireland will do with this title and wish him the best.”
