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winter

There is nothing worse than getting prepared to tackle a workout with enthusiasm and then opening the door to find that a blizzard has arrived. 

Staying fit during the winter months can be a challenge. Waking up at the crack of dawn for a jog and coming home with icicles clinging to your face is less than pleasant. So, we found some genius life hacks that will help you stay motivated and fit despite the temperatures dropping.

1. Do a quick warm-up indoors before you leave the house. 

2.  Buy a great pair of cold-weather running tights. 

3. Run with mini heat patches in your gloves if you need the extra heat. 

4. Get out of your sweaty clothes as soon as you’re finished exercising and avoid any nasty coldsorflus

5. Accept that you’re not going to be running your best times or distances. 

Don't be discouraged, but do be realistic.

6. On windy days, avoid large open areas on your running route. 

7. Cover your ears and fingers as they will get colder faster than the rest of your body. 

Just go ahead and accept that you're not going to be running your best times.

8. Stay hydrated! 

When the weather is freezing it may not be obvious that you're sweating as much as usual, but you still need to stay just as hydrated after your workout.

 

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Flights were cancelled, Darts were suspended and almost 50,000 people were left without power after Storm Barney blasted the country with 129km/h winds.

A status yellow weather alert was put in place yesterday as winds only eased off late in the night. Fallen trees and power cuts won’t be forgotten by anyone soon, but it looks like we might have to brace ourselves for another round of chaotic weather.

 

Met Éireann are warning that the first round of snows are on their way. Parts of the country have already experienced their first few flurries- but now more of us are going to be breaking out the thermals.

Winds are expected to ease slightly over the next few days but this weekend temperatures are supposed to plunge. Delightful. 

North Connacht and parts of Ulster are expected to see the most of the snowfall over the weekend and people in the area have been warned to be mindful of driving on roads in the affected areas.

Storm Barney wreaked havoc all over the country when it kicked off earlier this week. Wicklow County Council was the busiest local authority yesterday as road crews removed more than 50 trees blocking roads.

Both homes and businesses in Delvin, Gorey, Kilmartin, Ennistymon, Enniscorthy, Ennis, Thurles, Baltinglass, Mountrath, Newcastlewest and Kilcullen were among the last to see power restored on Wednesday night.

We just wonder if the weather report will end up with another celebrity this weekend?

 

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Most of the country woke up to chilly conditions this morning – and it's just gotten a whole load more wintry out there too.

In fact, it's currently SNOWING in Co Donegal. 

Fermanagh and parts of Sligo are also reportedly experiencing snow showers.

However, the worst hit areas are certainly in south Donegal, with hail furthermore impacting on driving conditions. 

The likes of Rossnowlagh and Ballintra seemingly have the heaviest snow coverage on the ground.

Met Éireann reports: "Heavy blustery showers (some with hail and thunder) will continue for the rest of the day, with the showers tending to be more frequent over the western half of the country

"A cold day with highest temperatures of 7C to 9C in strong and gusty westerly winds."

Meanwhile, there will be "heavy rain" tomorrow "for much of the day". 

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The second the colder weather sets in, all we want to do is snuggle up on the couch with tea and get warm.

Yes, you may have been lead to believe that the perfect autumn/winter cuddle involves you and a stunning 6ft 5' male model, but really all you need is some fleecy PJs to feel all toasty and cosy.

If you don't believe us, check out our pick of the high street's snuggliest PJs…

Chelsea Peers Snowy Mountain Pyjamas, ASOS.com, €57.35

 

Blue Fairisle Print Onesie, New Look, €22.99

 

Kayla Ribbed T-Shirt and Jogger Lounge, Boohoo.com, €22

 

Blue Fleece Check Long Sleeve Pyjama Top, New Look, €11.99

 

Bear Twosie, Dunnes Stores, €25

 

Cath Kidston Christmas Pyjama Sweater, ASOS.com, €51.47

 

Star Wars PJs, Penneys, Sweater €12 & Bottoms €10

 

Maria Fleece Racoon Top and Check Trouser Set, Boohoo.com, €20

 

Ariel Print Pyjama Set, €38, Topshop

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Turning on the heat can be pricey – not to mention not particularly good for the environment either.

But for the days that you just can’t get cosy, or for the friend who NEVER seems to be warm (they know who they are) thesun.co.uk today has some great tips for achieving a satisfactory level of toastiness WITHOUT having to constantly crank up the thermostat…

Suffice to say, SHEmazing! is a big fan of ALL of the below…

 

1) Watch TV

The heat given off by home appliances such as the TV and fridge could be enough to keep the house warm if you have decent insulation, experts say.

Indeed, according to Max Fordham, a leading engineering consultant, effective insulation could keep houses warm all year round – making central heating only necessary on the very coldest days.

 

2) Make flowerpot heaters

Ditch the expensive electric heater and make your own DIY version using just a few candles and a flowerpot.

These nifty, home-made devices can hit more than 80C and take just five minutes to make. Warning – make sure you buy terracotta and NOT plastic pots.

 

3) DIY draught excluder

It’s not just chimneys that let in chilly draughts – windows and doors are also a hotspot for cold air seeping into your house.

“Sausage dog” draught insulators can be rested at the bottom of doors and windows to stop heat escaping from the room.

 

4) Block up your chimney

Having fireplaces that are just for decoration is common in many households now, and if you’re not using yours make sure you fit a chimney balloon or insulator.

Costing less than €30, the balloon will keep warm air in the house and stop a draught coming in down the chimney.

 

5) Cover bare floorboards

Putting rugs down and covering up bare floorboards can reduce heat loss by up to 10 percent.

 

6) Close curtains

One of the easiest ways to keep a room warm and stop cold air flooding in from outside is to close curtains and trap it out. Pulling the curtains can reduce heat loss from 15-17 percent and save you bundles of cash on the central heating bill.

Wooden flooring causes a lot of heat loss, so if you don’t have carpets one of the simplest ways of heating up a room is to lay down rugs and blankets.

 

7) Let sunlight in

While closing the curtains will keep warm air in, it’s also important to leave them open during the day so the sunlight can warm up the room.

Closing the curtains as soon as dusk falls will maximise your house’s potential to retain the heat it’s generated from daylight – even if it’s cold outside!

 

8) Strategically place shelves

Putting a shelf above a radiator, especially if you have high ceilings, can help channel warmth throughout the room.

While putting a shelf above a radiator helps spread heat, putting things on the radiator will trap warm air and stop it spreading to the room.

 

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A very long winter could be ahead for us poor Irish folks, if a certain weather predicition is to be believed.

The earlier-than-usual arrival of a migratory swan from Siberia to the UK has been taken as a strong sign that a harsh winter is on the way for Western Europe.

A flock of over 300 Bewick swans migrate each year from Arctic Russia to a natural reserve in Slimbridge, Gloucestershire, with their arrival usually heralding the beginning of the winter season.

The first of this year's flock arrived on Monday October 13, the earliest appearance since 1963, and 25 days ahead of last year's date.

An old Russian proverb, based on the belief that migratory swans fly ahead of cold weather, states that "the swan brings snow on its bill."

Before you go panic-buying woolly jumpers though, it might be best to wait, because so far only one swan has touched down at the reserve.

"Of course, we can't infer much from the arrival of a single swan but it's certainly exciting this bird has arrived so early," Slimbridge swan expert Julia Newth told the Daily Telegraph.

"It's only a year old and because it has made it all the way here on its own, we assume that it must have come to Slimbridge last year with its parents."

The lone young swan has been named Record Breaker in honour of his speedy flying.

in other extreme weather news, the weather phenomenon that caused our snowy winter six years ago is at its strongest ever.

The El Nino effect, which occurs when ocean temperatures rise in the eastern Pacific, causes knock-on effects around the globe.

Met Eireann has yet to predict any snow (thank GOD), but ground frost has been forecast for the rest of the week.

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New season, new make-up trends, new wardrobe… and a new set of hard conditions for our skin. 

Let's be honest, Irish winters can be harsh – and we're not talking about the cold, rain and wind – but they dry and dull skin that can result from it. 

Sporting a dry, chapped face is never a good look, but with these few simple tips, your face will be glowing all winter long:

You're using your regular moisturiser

It's time to bring in the heavyweights. A winter beauty kit isn't complete without an industrial strength moisturiser.

You will need a good day-time moisturiser and an even richer one for night-time. Heavy moisturiser is useful because it restores the hydration that is lost on the outer layer of skin. 

 

Leaving out SPF

Just because the sun doesn't shine through the clouds during winter months doesn't mean the UV rays aren't as intense – yep, they still knock around during the winter. Make sure you still use a SPF.

Sunscreen prevents not only sun burn but wrinkles, age spots, and of course, skin cancer. Look out for a moisturiser with a built in SPF to make your beauty routine even handier. 

 

Over-exfoliating

Exfoliating is a great way to get rid of dead skin cells, but over-doing it in winter does more harm than good. 

Just tone down on the peels and scrubs during these months as you're in risk of stripping away your natural oils. Instead, use a hot face cloth or cleanser to remove dead skin cells. 

 

Not drinking enough water

You knew this was coming! But it's so essential for your skin and your body to stock up on some H2O during the cold months.

Drinking at least eight glasses of water will rehydrate your skin and stop any puffiness you might experience once the chilly weather strikes. Also be aware that coffee and alcohol can dry out your skin too. 

 

Staying in a hot shower

We know it's tempting to stay in a hot shower when it's freezing outside, but after about 15 minutes the heat begins to strip away your skin's lipid layer (a complex of fatty acids that holds in precious moisture).

Turn the temperature down as much as you can or shorten your shower time. Your water bill will thank you anyway. 

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Today, the SHEmazing team went behind-the-scenes in Dundrum Town Centre to check out the amazing trends it's offering this season. 

From high street stores to high end designers, there's something to suit everyone. With over 2,000 brands housed in the centre, no matter what budget, age group or style, they will have you covered!

Speaking at the event today, stylist Colm Corrigan said, "I'm really excited about the collections at Dundrum Town Centre this season, the AW15 catwalks have really come alive! Out four key trends touch on some of the most prominent and accessible trends for ladies and gents of all ages."

And we love the trends they showed us this afternoon! They are really stepping outside-of-the-box for the next season, but it all works fabulously and will be a great guide to stick to over the next few months: 

Great Lengths

Hemlines are heading for the floor! From popular lengths sitting just under the knee, to mid calf length and full on ground grazing maxis, you'll see that the A-line style is key with long pencil skirts coming in close second. 

Have fun pairing different length boots to really push this trend!

 

New Opulence

Fashion is feeling romantic this season with shimmering brocades, jacquards and layers of lace from most collections, so feeling regal this winter won't be difficult. 

Mixing and matching textures is key with gold tones, hearty pinks and burnt orange hues being bang on trend. 

 

Contrast

Instead of head to toe black this winter (which some of us can REALLY be guilty of), drape yourself in this seasons beat tones. To bring the mix of colours up a notch, pair pale pink with yellows and lilac tones with scarlet red.

Rich burgundy will be your best friend this season while keeping accessories on a similar palette. 

 

New Tradition

Borrowing from the boys (woo) … and you granny, heritage gets a modern twist this season. Think quirky film director Wes Anderson (Grand Budapest Hotel) with a new fashion line!

Checks and tweeds are mixed with leather and PVC in fun, bold styles. Cue the rise of the modern geek!

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The arrival of the autumn season is derided by some, and heralded by others.

But whatever camp you find yourself in, there’s no denying that the end of summer forces you to update your look.

Out are the flip-flops and flimsy skirts – you root around and rediscover scarves, jackets and hats that haven’t been seen since March.

Our diets are given something of an overhaul too… because no one wants to be munching on carrot batons and Caprese salad when there’s a chill in the air.

And it’s important that we don’t neglect our tresses either: in fact, September is just about the perfect month to update your hair.

It doesn’t have to be drastic, but a few tweaks will really tick you over into winter and through the festive party season.

SHEmazing! spoke to the experts at Toni&Guy in Dundrum Town Centre – which recently marked its 10th anniversary – for top tips and expert insight into hair trends for 2016.

The result is three key, achievable looks that have oodles of wow-factor. Better still, these are looks that you can try at home RIGHT now…

 

1) A twist on your lob: if your long bob of the summer has grown out to a medium length shape now all is not lost… Until you can make it in for your next cut create a Forties glamour feel with structured waves to bring you through to A/W.

You’ll need:   

  • Heat protection spray (we love Label.m’s Protein Spray, priced at €17.50)
  • Hair Spray
  • Volume mousse
  • A curling tongs or waver                         
  • A bristle brush (again, Label.m has a stellar offering for €16.40)
  1. Shampoo and condition your hair before gently towel drying. Next layer your heat protection spray through the hair followed by the volume mousse, carefully taking sections and distributing evenly. 
  2. Hair can now be blast dried. Using your fingers to brush through the hair, dry it roughly in the direction of where your parting will be. Hair needs to be 100 percent dry.
  3. Clip away the front sections and begin to wave your hair with waver, starting from the back, working forwards taking 10cm sections. The curler or waver will create an effortless effect.
  4. Once you're satisfied that the curls have cooled and set, tease the hair out into a more 'lived-in' feel.
  5. Secure hair on one side behind the ear for an asymmetric feel and finish with hair spray.

 

2) Beach braids be gone: The classic ponytail takes over from summer braids bringing a more groomed and glamorous feel for autumn/winter. Best done on day-old hair this is a time-saving, stand-out look.

You’ll need:   

  • Back-combing brush
  • Hair jewellery or accessories (Toni & Guy has a particularly cool range)
  • Volumising spray
  • Hairspray (Quick Dry by Redken, priced at €14.20, is a good bet)
  1. Part your hair to the left or right with a low exaggerated, side parting.
  2. Apply a volumising spray in crown area and tease/backcomb to create a low beehive.
  3. Secure into a ponytail at the nape of the neck.
  4. Adorn shape with a pretty hair jewel at the front or to the side.

 

3) Sleek and shine: Wet-look locks are still a fashion fix must-have. Make the style ultra-wearable by creating an edgy, sleeked-back look. 

You’ll need:  

  • Volume mousse
  • Extra strong gel (take a look at Label.m’s version for €13.90)
  • Hairspray
  • A length of black elastic
  • Wide-toothed comb
  • Bristle brush
  1. Apply some extra strong gel from roots to ends on dry hair.
  2. With your comb make a spotless clean centre parting. Using your brush, slick and secure in to a low ponytail.
  3. Wrap the length of elastic along the ponytail.
  4. Finish with some hairspray. 

 

As well as on-trend hair and styling services, Toni&Guy Dundrum boasts lots of lovely added extras such as head massages and giant reclining chairs at its basins. Refreshments on offer include – hurrah! – herbal teas, red and white wine, and cold beers so you can REALLY relax.

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Summer '15 won't go down as one of the greats, granted (we love and miss you summer 1995) – and even the much-promised back-to-school surge of sunshine has largely failed to materialise. 

Now there are mutterings that a Freezageddon to rival that of 2009/10 – a winter which was Ireland's worst in 50 years – is on the horizon.

Although meteorologists caution against making predictions too far in advance, in Britain there have been repeated warnings of a forthcoming El Nino phenomenon – a term used to describe specific atmospheric and oceanic conditions in the Pacific.

The natural effect is believed to occur around every two to seven years and it can have disastrous effects on the world’s weather system.

In this part of the world, it results in bitterly cold and snowy winters, although in Asia and Australia drought is a consequence, while the west coasts of North and South America can expect torrential rain.

Six years ago, heavy snow and ice caused traffic chaos in Ireland's cities, and grounded numerous aircraft.

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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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The sun is fading fast and the temperature is dropping (sigh), but there is still a way to cling onto the summer with the right beauty buys. 

A bright lip, golden tan and sun-kissed freckles will make you feel as if you're in sunny Spain – even if you're in the damp and dreary hills of Ireland. 

So if you want to re-live summer, check out the make-up essentials that will brighten up your day.

Lipstick

Never under-estimate the power of a bold lip. If you want a post-summer glow, embrace a bright lip colour that you normally wouldn't try. Stand out in shades of pink, orange or red to really make a statement. 

 

White nails

If you still have a tan from your summer holidays, dare to try the white marble nail trend. It will perfectly compliment your sun-kissed glow… even if it's fake. 

 

Turquoise

If you really want to stand out from the dull crowd, opt for a turquoise liner on your eyelids. This is the ultimate beauty-buy to remind yourself – and everyone else – of the blue skies and seas of summer. 

 

Golden glow

For the best golden glow, go for a duo palette, like this one from Nars, where you can choose what tonal colours you want. Use the darker colour in places that the sun would hit like the nose, chin and cheeks and then save the lighter colour to run along your cheekbones.

You'd swear you only came back from holidays yesterday. 

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