Month: March 2015

Your Ultimate Pre-drinks Playlist

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by Emily Crowley

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We all know the struggle to find the bounciest tunes as your friends are coming over before a night out, or the awkward silence in the room after they’ve arrived while you try and search the perfect continuous mix on iTube, or the angry “Who’s God damn phone is that plugged into the speaker?!” when someone is playing a bit too much One Direction and not enough Swedish House Mafia. To ensure this doesn’t occur again I have compiled the Ultimate Pre-Drinking Playlist, to set the mood for the club and to get those rusty dance moves going before you set foot outside the door.

  1. Tiesto & MOTi – Blow Your Mind

A brand new banging tune right from two of the biggest and hottest names in the industry! Released just this January, Tiesto and MOTi will not only kick off your playlist, they will kick off the entire night!

  1. 3LAU & Nom De Strip (feat. Estelle) – The Night

Corona did it, Bastille did it, Ellie Goulding did it – why can’t 3LAU and Nom De Strip? The two teamed up with Estelle back in the latter of 2014 to produce this head bopper. Released back in January, this single has already stormed the internet with over 375,000 views on YouTube alone.

  1. Benny Benassi & Chris Nasty – Aphrodisiac (Original Mix)

Benny Benassi managed to stay quiet the past couple of months, however the Cinema star got together with fellow a DJ, Chris Nasty, and made a pretty awesome track. This future house is sure to get you in the mood to go out, maybe even to Coppers.

  1. Blasterjaxx (feat. Rosette) – No Place Like Home

…Because no pre-drinking playlist is complete without Blasterjaxx.

  1. Marshall Jefferson – Move Your Body (Tchami Tribute)

After winning the hearts of all deep house fans with his remix of Janet Jackson’s Go Deep last year, Tchami assures us he is going nowhere for a while.

  1. Vicetone (feat. J. Hart) – Follow Me

Another brand new song from the duo, released just three weeks ago, Vicetone collaborated with upcoming artist J. Hart. This song is sure to get you up and dancing, and will make you angry when you realise how bad you are at shuffling.

  1. Joey Dale – Zodiac

Joey Dale is the dark horse of Revealed Records. With Zodiac released just one month ago, the 21 year-old has taken the world by surprise with his astonishing talent. Definitely one to watch.

  1. Headhunterz – Once Again

Headhunterz also added to the 2015 market with their new single Once Again. Another Revealed artist, the Dutch DJ has come out with some strong songs already including Dragonborn and Doomed, and he’s not done yet.

  1. FTampa & Wao – Troy

Because tune.

  1. Deorro – Yee

We all know that euphoric feeling when you hear the drop of a decent house music tune. If you haven’t had that feeling, listen here at 0:53.

  1. Charli XCX – Break The Rules (Tiesto Remix)

Originally released as the second single from Charli XCX’s third studio album, Tiesto couldn’t help but spruce up the stereotypical pop song – and God are we glad he did.

  1. Calvin Harris & Alesso (feat. Hurts) – Under Control (Oliver Heldens Bootleg)

The Calvin Harris and Alesso track was already a major tune in the genre, however with Oliver Heldens’ magic touch, it’s safe to say we won’t get tired of this song.

  1. Garmiani – Zaza

Get those dancing shoes on folks.

  1. Hardwell (feat. Harrison) – Sally

With the announcement of his latest album United We Are, Hardwell led the album by releasing Sally as a single. Safe to say, this is another house banger by Hardwell. Beware kids: contains strong language.

  1. DVBBS – We Were Young

Great lyrics, cool vibes and an unbelievable drop. What more could you want in a song?

  1. LuvBug (feat. Mark Asari) – Revive [Say Something]

Unlike the other song on this playlist, LuvBug’s latest single Revive has a different element to it. It’s a much slower song but you can’t deny that the bass in this song is incredible.

  1. Fedde Le Grand – Don’t Give Up

Don’t Give Up was the lucky hit to be crowned “The Sound of Ultra” (Ultra Music Festival, Miami) last year – and if that’s not reason enough to have it on the playlist, I don’t know what is.

PS – go watch the video, it’ll make you cry that you weren’t at Ultra Miami in 2014.

  1. Shift K3y – Not Into It

Like Revive, Not into It is another slow-moving song to begin, but don’t forget to crank that volume button and wait for that bassline.

  1. DVBBS vs Jay Hardway – Voodoo

Don’t let the borderline-creepy opening vocals put you off, this song is a definite must have for your pre-drinking playlist.

  1. Zombie Nation – Kernkraft 400 (Basshunter Remix)

Yes, you read that correctly. It is Basshunter. This song is a small bit of a throwback in every sense of the word. Let’s face it Basshunter and Zombie Nation are and will always be our guilty pleasure and there’s no denying that this version of Kernkraft 400 is extremely addictive.

Enjoy your pre-drinks!

Always drink responsibly.

Paddy’s Day Nails

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If you’re like me and green isn’t really something you wear often, you’re left with a dilemma each St. Patrick’s Day. Do I borrow my brother’s rugby shirt and pretend it’s nightclub chic or do I forgo the entire green theme and wear my own, admittedly much nicer yet non- green clothes?

Fear not ladies, the solution to the situation lies in our nails. If you’re struggling to find something appropriately festive to wear, why not invest in some cheap green nail polish and get creative with some Paddy’s Day designs?

Here’s a simple tutorial.

For this tutorial I used essence colour and go nail varnish in green and black. It’s cheap and actually really good quality.

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Step one: paint your nails green using one thick coat of polish and let dry.

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Step two: Get your black nail polish and swirl around the brush in the bottle so it has loads of polish on it. Then bring close to nail and let a drop of polish fall onto your nail and form a black circle.

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Step 3: make two more similar dots in a triangular shape on your nail, join together and create a line coming out of the conjoined dots. You should now have a shamrock of sorts.

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Step 4: Repeat on as many nails as you want. I only did my thumbs as it’s pretty time consuming.

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So there you have it, incredibly easy Paddy’s Day nails. Have a lovely day everyone 💚

8 Unmissable Youtube Web Series

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by Zainab Boladale

Many people are unaware that youtube is not just for watching music video and cute cats doing cute things. Youtube also has many web series created by aspiring writers and directors who use the platform to showcase their talents to a wider audience.

Here is my list of the top 8 web series on youtube.

1.Adult Wednesday Addams:

If you were a huge fan of the Addams Family Values, you’ll love this short web series of Wednesday Addams, all grown up and bringing back the dark humour we all loved so much. Actor, Comedian and Writer Melissa Hunters flawlessly imitates the fictional character and I can’t help but giggle at every twisted joke she makes.

 

2.Carmilla:

Based on a gothic book series about vampires, the web series is another addition to the many vampire tales out there but thankfully this one is quirky,very modern and actually funny. If you were ever suspicious of evil vampire activities being linked to disappearing girls on your campus, then this is the webseries for you.

 

3.Riley Rewind:

Riley Rewind is really a movie that has been released in parts by then couple, Ray William Johnson and Anna Akana (Also famous youtubers). It follows the journey of Riley Brown who can go back in time and change things but it causes a decline in her health.

 

4.Out with Dad:

This series follows a teenage girl on a journey of self discovery, she struggles with coming to terms with her sexuality, coming out of the closet, falling in love and being heartbroken. This show displays the struggles LGBT+ teens go through and contrast the difference between coming out and having supportive parents and coming out and having non-supportive parents.

  1. Most Popular Girls in School:

Ever wondered what an all barbie doll cast would look like if they were in high school? Well, you’re in luck. This incredibly popular web series displays barbie dolls acting Mean Girls but only these girls are meaner. The cheerleading squad are set on remaining on top of their school’s social hierarchy and they will do anything to stay on top!

6.Bertie Gilbert Short films:

Although he doesn’t make webseries, I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t throw his work into this list. Bertie Gilbert is a 17-year-old talented filmmaker who creates beautiful short films that are meant to be watched not just for their brilliant storylines but also for the amazing cinematography. Each story is very different and told in a well presented manner.

7.The Misadventures of AWKWARD black girl:

This is one of the best web series i’ve come across and I always find myself re-watching it.

It it is relatable, witty and funny. The main character “J” is a normal black woman who has to deal with issues every woman has to deal with. She finds a hilarious way to juggle embarrassing and awkward moments in her relationships, friendships and work life.

You’ll find yourself being able to identify with her problems.

 

8.Backseat Bitches:

Ever wondered what it was like to be an L.A girl? Well wonder no more, these backseat bitches show us how L.A girls “Turn up” even if they don’t have a car. Being a flawless young adult in hollywood is hard and these two girls are here to show you the struggles they face. They show us that its hard being a party girl in L.A!

Love Letters on Mother’s Day

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Let’s be honest, mums are pretty amazing. Not only do they lug you around for nine months, but they stick around afterwards to clean up your sick and look after you when you’re not feeling the best – whether that’s when you’re a baby suffering from colic, or a teenager who’s had one too many is besides the point.

This Mother’s Day, a few of us here at The Ink Ladies decided to take the opportunity to write a little letter of appreciation to our mums. We hope you enjoy, and make sure to show your mum some love this Mother’s Day!

Emily Crowley

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Here’s Mama Crowley pictured with her FAVOURITE child on my Debs day in 2014.

Like most mothers of my fellow colleagues, my mother always wanted me to do well and wanted me to do what made me happy. She wanted me to always try my best in school, which I did, but unlike the other girls who write for The Ink Ladies, my mom was sitting at the other side of the teacher’s desk in school. Having a teacher mom had its downsides, believe me – NO ONE wants their mom to explain the reproductive system in graphic detail to their classmates. NO ONE. However, she always helped me out along the way and consequently got two of my best Leaving Cert results out of me. Who would have thought? Mom did all the worrying for me too; she was the one that cringed at the sight of the maths theorems when she saw me writing them out, she was the one praying the exams would be over sooner, and she was the one that couldn’t sleep the night before results. All in all, it was pretty cool having her near me at school and at home. No one could’ve looked after me any more than she could and it’s kind of weird not being home for Mother’s Day this year.

I’ve always said the being a mother is undoubtedly one of the most special jobs – anyone one can be a parent, but it takes someone special to be a Mom. So I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge everything that my Mom has done over the past 19 years, and here’s to many more years with her! Mom, thanks for everything, love you lots and always. Happy Mother’s Day.

Hannah Kelly

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Selfies with my lovely mam

As mother’s day approached this year, I found myself thinking about just how amazing my mam is. She has always been an inspiring woman to me and has helped shape me into the woman I am today. I look up to her so much and have always considered her a great role model.

Some of the fondest memories I have with my mam were when I started attending Pieta House about 2 years ago and we would make the journey to Lucan together every Thursday. It seems like a trivial thing, but those car journeys meant a lot to me. We got to know each other more, and learned to understand where the other was coming from.

It meant a lot to me that during that time my mam’s attention was fully focused on me, and mine on her. I felt her love and support without her having to say anything, it was a beautiful thing. We didn’t always discuss anything serious; most of the time it was just how school was going, what my plans for the weekend were, and what homework I had. It didn’t matter what we talked about, what mattered was that she was there for me.

I know I haven’t always been the easiest daughter to deal with – I’ve had my problems and I’ve taken my time to figure myself out. But, I have always appreciated what my mam did and continues to do for me. She’s always on my side, never judges me, and always shows her love for me no matter what I say to her.

More than anything I just want to thank her, and want her to know that I realise what an amazing woman she is. If I could be half the woman she is, I would be happy.

Ciara Moran

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Sharing the love with Therese

My mam is not just my mother, she’s also my friend. Like friends, we can argue over things like how long I take to get ready or how she lets my older sister get away with everything (pretty sure that’s typical younger child syndrome). But I can also trust my mam with anything and know that she will always tell me the truth – from letting me know that those trousers look dreadful on me, to how I really need to start job hunting or else I’ll be broke. I am guilty of not telling and showing my mam appreciation for everything she does, such as the weekly shop, collecting me from places and making dinner for the four of us every day. Thank you, mam.

She has been through everything with me. She may as well have sat my Leaving Cert alongside me, going by how much stress I put her through! She can sometimes be funny (emphasis on the sometimes), but always loving and caring. For example, I love the way she puts my pyjamas on the radiator and clears my bed of makeup and clothes for when I come in from a night out. I love how she treats my dog as if she were human. I love how she insists on having an hour nap every day after work. I love her. Plus she makes a killer chicken curry.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mam !  x

Keava O’Loan

“Our mothers always remain the strangest, craziest people we’ve ever met.”

– Marguerite Duras

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Me with my mum and sisters after a few too many Long Island Iced Teas in Cyprus last Summer

I have always been a daddy’s girl. I know that’s a strange way to start a Mother’s Day piece, but it’s true. For years, I didn’t appreciate everything my mum does for me and just how incredibly cool she is. Yes, she has her embarrassing moments, but what parent doesn’t? In fact, now that I’m past those awkward teen years where you cringe at absolutely everything your parents do, I’ve come to realise that she’s never really been that embarrassing at all. The way she mixes up phrases and mispronounces pretty much everything? Provided some of the funniest moments ever. The fact that she’s a massive oversharer? Means that no topic – periods/sex/‘Embarrassing Bodies’ type questions – has ever been off limits. The electric blue suede and faux fur coat? Borrowed it over Christmas. Being weirdly over involved with my friends? She’s been there for some of them when they couldn’t confide in their own parents. In fact, I’ve been told by more than one of my friends that they think of her as their second mum.

While I’m lucky enough to have grown up surrounded by a lot of strong women, my mum has always lead the pack. If anything, she’s too ballsy. She’s also a chronic overspender, can’t handle her wine, and is obsessed with her friends. These are all traits I have inherited from her. Not all of them are useful, but it means that every time I buy something just because it’s on sale, injure myself on a drunken night out, or gush about how amazing my friends are, it’s a bit like she’s right there beside me.

It’s hard to sum up why you love someone – all I can come up with is a series of random memories and silly little things that are special about that person. When I think of my mum, I think of Ain’t No Mountain High Enough (has to be the Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell version), Eau Dynamisante by Clarins, fish pie, spending a night drunkenly locked outside in the rain with just a fur coat for shelter from the elements, and the best laugh in the world.

This Mother’s Day, I can’t wait to crack open a bottle of wine with my mum and raise a glass to the lady herself. Nora, you’re some woman for one woman.

The Biggest Fashion Fails

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by Zainab Boladale

The history of fashion has always hit and miss.Sometimes strange things come into season that ought to be questioned.I look through some fashion trends that I think should never have existed.

Flared jeans:

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I can appreciate jeans but I don’t understand why flared jeans were ever legal in the 70’s. What was the idea behind them? To hide the shape of your legs? They are highly unflattering and remind me of leg parachute that are about to take off.

 

Mullets:

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The only thing special about a 70s mullet is that only a small amount of people can actually pull it them off. For the rest of the unlucky population, trying this hairstyle is condemning yourself to one of the world’s worst fashion decisions. Mullets look like the start of a bad hair day that never ended. Committing yourself to such an alternative hairstyle is risky and takes guts.

Luminous outfits:

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The fact that there was a time when owning a collection of luminous items was considered an accomplishment makes me question the concept of style.

Luminous outfits should be reserved for young teenage disco and luminous themed nights.


Harem pants:

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Apologies to anyone who actually think these look cool. They look like a really heavy diaper pants for adults. These should only be worn for comical reasons.

 

Patterned/colourful suits:

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From time to time the fashion industry tries to test us by throwing things like this at us. Yeah sure, they may look good, that is if you are going to a dress up party but correct me if i’m wrong but I thought the purpose of a suit is to make you appear official and powerful. If so, I wouldn’t advise wearing this to your next interview. Yes, you’ll make an impression but you might not get the job.

 

Metallic dresses:

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Save yourself from looking like you just got wrapped in the cheapest kind of tinfoil. Metallic dresses, especially metallic dresses that are made with cheap fabric, will make you look, well….Cheap!

 

Puffy sleeves:

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No, No,No, No, No! What was the fashion industry thinking? I thought the whole purpose of clothing was to accentuate your best assets. What do puffy sleeves do for anybody except make them look like they are about to take flight into another dimension.


Crocs:

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It’s funny that crocs are now one of those things people will forever deny owning. Crocs have now become something you only wear indoors. Heaven forbids someone actually finds you in them, your social status would be ruined!

 

Crimped hair:

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The 80s and the 90s took crimped hair to a whole new level, if your hair didn’t look like a packet of uncooked ramen noodles then forget about being one of the popular kids.

 

Socks with Sandals:

To think that someone looked at a pair of sandals and said to themselves “you know what would really go well with these sandals?…A pair of socks”  actually makes me a little sick. This look was doomed before it started.

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Mother Knows Best: Merits of a Mom

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by Bronwyn O’Neill

Mother’s day is fast approaching. A day to celebrate the most important woman in your life and dote on her.The woman who gave you life and then puts up with you for the remaining years until you get a house of your own. Although, most people never stop relying on their mother. For most girls especially mothers are the most important person in their life.

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Your mom is your first best friend. You can tell them anything and they’ll listen. Even though they may seem seriously annoying and overbearing sometimes, your mother always knows best. She is always a shoulder to cry on and someone who will listen to your crap.

Mother’s always seem to have a magic sense to know when someone is bad news. This can range from boyfriends to friends. If your mother doesn’t like a person you associate with there is a 90% chance that person is bad news. However, in five month’s time when you’re sobbing to your mom about how horrible the person was, she won’t say “I told you so.”

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Even if sometimes your mom can be a bit embarrassing around your friends, trying to relieve their youth, they always mean well. Deep, deep down. Moms just want to be part of your life and make sure you’re being safe. And this can lead to loads of awkward conversations though, they do mean their best (I have to remember this).

Moms are seriously the best people. They will tell you when your dress is horrible and they always seem to know what clothes will suit you. Yes, they may be a bit cruel when they say stuff, but at least they want you to look well. Moms are also the best people to watch girly shows and films with, followed by discussions of the plot, characters and especially the main actor.

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Who else would have taught you how to do make-up and hair? Especially when you were a little girl, dressing up in Mommy’s clothes and shoes. Moms also manage to be the best cuddlers and teamakers. It is a known fact. Luckily for all girls, moms are there to get us through our first period and make us hot water bottles. Whilst dads and brothers cringe at the topic, you know your mom has always got your back.

Mothers are literally the best creatures in the entire world. So, they definitely deserved to be treated right on Sunday. Give them one day when they are not juggling twenty-two jobs. I know my mom certainly needs it. So maybe don’t shout at your mom for one day, I know it’s hard, but let’s try.

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10 Signs You’re A Disney Princess At Heart

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by Bronwyn O’Neill

As a little girl, I always wanted to be a princess (after my brief Barbie phase). Of course, most of my desire to be a princess was fuelled by my love for Disney films. This obsession has not left me yet. I am the girl who you will find singing “Let it Go” while I hold a glass of vodka and coke and dreaming of balls in my spare time.

With that, let’s dish out the Disney diagnosis and look at the ten sure fire signs that you’re a princess at heart.

  1. You randomly burst into song.

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Any chance you get, you are singing. Any moment is an opportunity to express yourself through music.

  1. You sleep. A lot.

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Napping is always on the cards. Also you look amazing doing it.

  1. Your hair is always on point

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Obviously, all Disney princesses have perfect hair. This is your secret power. #IWokeUpLikeThis

  1. You dream of adventure and faraway lands.

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Of course you’ve looked out the window at the drizzly weather and dreamed about getting out of here. All Disney princesses want adventure and change.

  1. Your friends are seriously awesome.

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Every princess always has the most amazing friends. They’ll always be there for you. They’ll tell you when your outfit is amazing and even on the messiest nights they’ll remind you not to lose your shoes!

  1. You are brave as hell.

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You can handle yourself. You face your challenges and are strong and amazing. Girl power!

  1. You dream of finding your prince charming.

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Even if he is a little rough around the edges, he’ll always be your prince charming.

  1. You won’t let anyone else rule your life.

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You decide your destiny. No one else. All Disney princesses are strong willed.

  1. You’re a feminist

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Hell yes, you can do everything a man can do. You’re not a damsel in distress.

  1. You dream of your happily ever after

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*sigh* Yes.

Five Famous Feminists

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by Bronwyn O’Neill

At the Ink Ladies, we love being feminists. Even though International Women’s day was on Sunday, is there any reason we can’t have any more girl love. So, I thought about some famous ladies who are really paving the way for women everywhere (even if you don’t think they are the stereotypical feminists).

Beyoncé

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Of course, Beyoncé makes the list. We had a whole article about her and why she is an amazing feminist. Not only does she donate to charity and stand up for equality, she also shows us that feminism can be sexy.

Emma Watson

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Miss Watson has been an inspiration for me since I first saw her in Harry Potter back in 2001. Therefore, she has always been a role model for me. When she stood up at the UN and spoke about feminism I was in awe. Finally someone that everyone will listen to. No one would call her stupid or a slut. However, she was soon a victim of hate. Why? Simply because people have no idea what feminism is. Emma is an amazing role model and face of feminism for young girls.

Taylor Swift

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Although, a newly fledged feminist, Taylor deserves to make this list. She realised she was wrong in her views of what a feminist is and is now out there spreading the word. Taylor suffers a lot of injustice due to the fact she sings about heartbreak. A pure example of this was during an acceptance speech where she thanked her exes that made her album a possibility. She, of course, received hate for this. However when Sam Smith said the same thing at the Grammys, he received a positive reaction. Taylor has also stopped dating so the media cannot make anything out of her “relationships.” This highlights why we need feminism.

Nicki Minaj

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Yes! Nicki Minaj makes this list. The amount of wisdom that comes out of this woman’s mouth is astounding. She may not be your “average feminist”. However if she wants equal rights, if she supports young girls and respects herself then hell yes she’s a feminist. Although, she may flaunt her sexuality in videos, that doesn’t mean she’s any less of a feminist. If a man did it then no one would bat an eyelash.

“I’m fighting for the girls who never thought they could win.” – Nicki Minaj.

Mindy Kaling

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An incredibly successful woman, with her own show “The Mindy Project”, she reminds everyone that successful women aren’t always cookie cutter shapes. She is honestly such an inspiration to all girls who don’t feel like people will respect them. Who cares if you’re not a tiny stick figure girl? Her sitcom was the first to have the focus on an Indian-American female and her self deprecating jokes and coffee- fuelled charm have made it a major success. She also wrote for The US Office.

So there you have it, five women who set great societal examples in their individual ways.

10 Cute, Smart and Funny Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day

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by Lucy Mangan

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With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to start saving and scrimping for that perfect gift. But it doesn’t have to be as hard as it was last year with all the cute DIY gifts and cheap shops that have been popping up all over the place. If you’re as lucky as I feel to have a mom who is pretty similar in age (and taste) to you then shopping for her will be a breeze, but if you’re struggling to find a gift for your mom, I’ve made a list of 10 cute, smart and funny presents that all moms will appreciate.

  1. Sharpie Mugs

These are an absolute personal favourite of mine. You can put anything you want on them and it doesn’t matter if you’re artsy or not. I’ve seen some funny quotes done on mugs for mother’s day, like ‘World’s okayest mom’ and things like that but you can also personalise them and make more heartfelt and sentimental if you want, which is why they’re a perfect mother’s day gift! They’re also cheap and all you need is a mug, a sharpie and an oven!

 

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2. A Drawing

This one may be a little harder to perfect, but it’s still an amazing idea if you can get it just right! A drawing sounds pretty sad but I found that when you draw pictures of people with people they love and give it to them, they really appreciate it, as shitty as the drawing may be. Even if it is awful, your mom will love it because of all the time and effort you put into it and plus you can both laugh at how pathetically bad at art you are!

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  1. Old recreated pictures

I’ve seen this one around the internet a lot and I personally think it really shows your mom that you care. Siblings and fathers may be included in these pictures so it’s a good idea to get your whole family involved and make a scrapbook for your mom out of it. From what I’ve seen and heard these old memories always go down a treat with parents.

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A video of why love your mom

Okay, a little cringe I know, but I can guarantee that your mom will appreciate it. There’s nothing more a mother loves than getting told she’s loved and appreciated by her children and that’s all you need to do. Another good one to include the siblings in, if you have any! Completely free and definitely worth it.. Unless less your mom is like mine and will laugh at how cringe the whole situation is!

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  1. Chocolates

Don’t diss the classics. It may be a bit overdone and cliché, but a bit of a ‘background check’ for this one will never go astray. Find out from your dad, aunts, family friends, anyone who may know, what your mom’s favourite chocolates are. This will earn you a lot of favours. I know that you can’t get my mum’s favourite chocolates where she lives, but you can where I live. Not a hard trip to go in and get them and she will definitely appreciate it!

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6. A cheeky picture of you

This is another one of the funny little gifts that put a smile on my mum’s face when I did it for her. All you need to do is find a cute or funny photo frame to put yourself in and voila! The best part is you can put on your best angel face and she’ll have a good laugh at that! This is also another place where a sharpie could come in handy because with a few cute designs or phrases it becomes personalised and unique!

angel

7. Candles

Again, don’t disregard the classics. Every time you talk to someone about gifts for mothers, candles always comes up tops! Just look around your house for the type of smells she likes and MAKE SURE you find out the smells she doesn’t like. Yankee Candles are by far the best but can be quite pricey, so a cheap substitute isn’t hard to find. If you’re willing to splash the cash though, I’d recommend Yankee!

yakee

  1. Bath bombs/body wash

One trip into LUSH will completely sort you out for this one. LUSH can be a bit on the pricey side but if you’re only buying one or two things it’s quite manageable. What you buy depends mostly on your mom and what she does. If you mom is a bath person, get her a cool bath bomb, if your mom is busy and doesn’t have time for a bath, get her a nice body wash! Again, be careful with the smells you chose for these things!

bombs

  1. A good old-fashioned clean up

This one will get you a million brownie points with mom! I recommend waiting until she goes to bed/ goes out to start this master plan. It’s pretty simple, just clean up as much as you can! Do all the horrible jobs that your mom does every day and I promise she will be positively glowing when she sees what you’ve done for her!

mop 2

  1. Just show her you care

Really, our parents know that half the time we’re completely skint (they also know we all spend every penny of our money on going out) and they understand that  big extravagant presents may not be on the cards, but just doing little things around the house like making tea and feeding cats or dogs, or even just telling her that you love her will genuinely be all that your mom needs on mother’s day!

luv