The House of Givenchy is pleased to announce that Riccardo Tisci designed all costumes worn by Madonna during her half time performance at the Superbowl on February 5th, 2012 in Indianapolis.

Performing at the Super Bowl for the first time, Madonna has chosen Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci for her unique performance.

Designed as part of the spectacle, all costumes were changed on stage, from an all over hand-embroidered gold cape that served as the performance’s opener, to the unveiling of a black mini dress worn with its hand-studded belt and an embellished black coat that completed the three costumes set: Madonna’s legendary music met Riccardo Tisci’s codes in what seemed to be the most perfect way.

Channeling Riccardo Tisci’s work for Givenchy in the past years, the designs for Madonna’s Superbowl performance incorporate signature references such as bold leopard print, three-dimensional embellishments, graphic placements and evocative cuts.

Following my collaboration with Madonna on her last tour three years ago, it is a great honor for me to be a part of yet another historical and iconic moment.

People say everything has a limit, but limits do not exist with Madonna.

I am so happy that, after being busy in other scenes, she decided to go back on a music stage. Not only to bring us Music, but also to make such a statement of Performance and Fashion. Riccardo Tisci

Wearing Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci, Madonna performed a 12 minutes set including some of her greatest hits (“Vogue”, “Music”, “Express yourself”) and her brand new single (“Give me all your luvin’” featuring Nicki Minaj and M.I.A.) for the first time.

“Dine with the Dolphins” at Miami Seaquarium offers couples looking for a unique yet memorable Valentine’s Day experience, the opportunity to enjoy a delicious candlelight dinner under the stars in the company of some very special dolphins.

From 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., this Valentine’s Day, Miami Seaquarium invites sweethearts to take a break from the ordinary and enjoy their Valentine’s Dinner overlooking the dolphins at Dolphin Harbor.  And as an added bonus to the spectacular four course dinner that will be featured, for only $398 plus tax, the unique Valentine’s Day package includes two Sea Trek Reef Encounter and Dolphin Odyssey experience certificates, plus two annual passes to the park – a value of $695.

The Sea Trek and Dolphin Odyssey gift certificates are good for up to one year from the time of purchase, while the annual passes are good until December 31, 2012.  Space is limited.  Reservations will be taken on a first come, first serve basis. To make reservations call 305-365-2501 or for more information visit https://www.facebook.com/events/341724992517562/.

Unveiled at Miami Seaquarium in November 2011, the Sea Trek Reef Encounter is a helmet diving experience that allows guests to become one with the park’s reef aquarium, while moving in ethereal slow motion in a near zero gravity diving system.  Sea Trekking, developed by Sub Sea Systems, Inc. can be experienced by non-divers, ages 10 and above – no certification or swimming skills are necessary.  In the magnificent Reef Aquarium at Miami Seaquarium participants may Sea Trek as deep as 15 feet under the sea.

Dolphin Odyssey is a one and a half hour experience, which includes feeding, touching and learning about these magnificent animals plus the opportunity for a deep-water interaction with a dolphin.

Miami Seaquarium, South Florida’s most popular tourist attraction, is a family-oriented marine-life park open to the public 365 days a year. The park provides visitors with a greater understanding and appreciation for marine life through shows, presentations and exhibits. More information on Miami Seaquarium is available at www.miamiseaquarium.com.

In anticipation of Valentine’s Day, OpenTable  announced the 2012 Diners’ Choice Award winners for the 100 most romantic restaurants in the United States.  These awards reflect the combined opinions of nearly 5 million reviews submitted by verified OpenTable diners for more than 12,000 restaurants in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

With 30 winning restaurants serving American cuisine, it is clear that chefs are seducing OpenTable diners with local ingredients and homegrown inspiration. Naturally, reviewers also acknowledged the birthplace of fine dining by honoring 25 restaurants that serve food borne out of the kitchens of France. And Italian restaurants, which are closely associated with serving the world’s most sensual foods, account for an impressive 11 award winners. Transcending cuisine, restaurants that feature shared dishes proved popular, with 16 fondue restaurants making the list. Seven steakhouses also earned kudos.

Regionally, honorees cover 31 states and Washington, D.C., with California claiming 16 spots on the list and Texas taking eight places. New York restaurants earn seven wins, while Hawaii boasts six standouts, and Nevada and Ohio take five wins apiece.  Arizona, Colorado, and Florida each count four restaurants. Also represented are Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Washington, among others.

“Romance means different things to different diners, and the array of restaurants on this list shows just that,” says Caroline Potter, OpenTable Chief Dining Officer. She adds, “Some couples are drawn to candlelight and roses, while others want to share the experience of eating by digging into dishes together, such as a pot of fondue or a juicy porterhouse for two. What all the winning restaurants have in common is that they continually create unique dining experiences that make every couple feel like love is in the air.”

The Diners’ Choice Awards for the top 100 most romantic restaurants is generated from nearly 5 million reviews collected from verified OpenTable diners between January 2011 and December 2011.  All restaurants with a minimum number of qualifying reviews were included for consideration. Each such restaurant was then scored based on its percentage of qualifying reviews for which “romantic” was selected as a special feature.

Based on this methodology, the following restaurants, listed in alphabetical order, comprise the 100 most romantic restaurants in the U.S. according to OpenTable diners.   The complete list may also be viewed at http://www.opentable.com/romantic.

2012 Diners’ Choice Award Winners for Most Romantic Restaurants in the U.S.

A Caprice – Tiburon, California
Acquerello – San Francisco, California
Addison at The Grand Del Mar – San Diego, California
Alize at the Top of the Palms Casino Resort – Las Vegas, Nevada
Andre’s at the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino – Las Vegas, Nevada
Bacaro – New York, New York
Bertrand at Mister A’s – San Diego, California
Bouchard Restaurant and Inn – Newport, Rhode Island
Boulevard Steakhouse – Edmond, Oklahoma
Briarhurst Manor – Manitou Springs, Colorado
Brown’s Beach House – Kohala Coast, Hawaii
Cacharel Restaurant – Arlington, Texas
Cafe Central – El Paso, Texas
Cafe Renaissance – Vienna, Virginia
Canlis – Seattle, Washington
Capische – Wailea, Hawaii
Castle Falls – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
The Cellar – Fullerton, California
Chez Francois – Vermilion, Ohio
Chez Nous French Restaurant – Humble, Texas
Chez Shea – Seattle, Washington
Club A Steakhouse – New York, New York
Coach House – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Coach Insignia – Detroit, Michigan
Craftwood Inn – Manitou Springs, Colorado
Different Pointe of View – Phoenix, Arizona
The Dining Room-Biltmore Estate – Asheville, North Carolina
Eagle’s Nest – Indianapolis, Indiana
Eiffel Tower – Las Vegas, Nevada
The Elkridge Furnace Inn – Elkridge, Maryland
Erminia Ristorante – New York, New York
Fearrington House Restaurant – Pittsboro, North Carolina
Fleur de Lys – San Francisco, California
French 75 Bistro – Laguna Beach, California
French Cafe – Omaha, Nebraska
The French Room – Dallas, Texas
Geja’s Cafe – Chicago, Illinois
Genoa Restaurant – Portland, Oregon
Gibraltar – Miami, Florida
Glasbern Country Inn – Fogelsville, Pennsylvania
The Grill Room at the Windsor Court Hotel – New Orleans, Louisiana
The Hungry I – Boston, Massachusetts
Il Bistro – Seattle, Washington
Il Cielo Gardens Restaurant & Bar – Beverly Hills, California
Il Mulino – Chicago, Illinois
La Caille – Sandy, Utah
La Cremaillere – Bedford, New York
La Mer at Halekulani – Honolulu, Hawaii
Latitudes – Key West, Florida
L’Auberge Restaurant on Oak Creek – Sedona, Arizona
The Library Restaurant – Charleston, South Carolina
The Little Door – Los Angeles, California
Log Haven – Salt Lake City, Utah
Madrona Manor – Healdsburg, California
The Melting Pot – Larkspur, California
The Melting Pot – Atlanta, Georgia
The Melting Pot – Greenwood, Indiana
The Melting Pot – Indianapolis, Indiana
The Melting Pot – University City, Missouri
The Melting Pot – Columbus, Ohio
The Melting Pot – Dayton, Ohio
The Melting Pot – Fairview Park, Ohio
The Melting Pot – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
The Melting Pot – Knoxville, Tennessee
The Melting Pot – Memphis, Tennessee
The Melting Pot – Arlington, Texas
The Melting Pot – Richmond, Virginia
The Melting Pot – Virginia Beach, Virginia
Michael’s-South Point Casino – Las Vegas, Nevada
Michel’s at the Colony Surf – Honolulu, Hawaii
Mona Lisa Fondue Restaurant – Manitou Springs, Colorado
Nana – Dallas, Texas
Nikolai’s Roof – Atlanta, Georgia
The Old Warsaw – Dallas, Texas
One if by Land, Two if by Sea – New York, New York
Pamplemousse Le Restaurant – Las Vegas, Nevada
Pepper Tree Restaurant – Colorado Springs, Colorado
Plume at the Jefferson Hotel – Washington, D.C.
Quiessence Restaurant & Wine Bar – Phoenix, Arizona
Red Fish Grill – Miami, Florida
The Refectory Restaurant & Bistro – Columbus, Ohio
Restaurant Iris – Memphis, Tennessee
Ristorante Massimo – Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Riverview Restaurant – Troutdale, Oregon
Roof Restaurant – Salt Lake City, Utah
Sarento’s Top of the ‘I’ – Honolulu, Hawaii
SASSI – Scottsdale, Arizona
Seagar’s Restaurant – Destin, Florida
Second Empire Restaurant and Tavern – Raleigh, North Carolina
Shadowbrook Restaurant – Capitola, California
Sir Winston’s Aboard the Queen Mary – Long Beach, California
The Sky Room – Long Beach, California
Spindletop – Houston, Texas
Stonehouse at San Ysidro Ranch – Santa Barbara, California
Tidepools – Poipu, Hawaii
Tredici Steak – New York, New York
Vernon’s Hidden Valley Steakhouse – Los Ranchos De Albuquerque, New Mexico
White Barn Inn – Kennebunk, Maine
Yamashiro – Hollywood, California
Zenkichi – Brooklyn, New York

Diners can also read more about the Diners’ Choice Awards for the Most Romantic Restaurants in the U.S. by visiting OpenTable Chief Dining Officer Caroline Potter’s “Dining Check” blog.

Valentine’s Day is the ideal occasion for the modern man or woman to express their love. But when the big day comes along, it can be hard to think of an original destination for a Valentine’s break. HostelBookers, the budget accommodation specialists, reveals their list of the top 5 places to go worldwide for the big day.

Riad Verus, in Fes, Morocco, is located in the Batha neighbourhood of the Old City. It’s a very safe area and close to main monuments such as Bab Beujeloud, the Talaa Kbira and Sghira. All the rooms overlook a large courtyard complete with a fountain in the middle. The large rooftop terrace ‘Happy Times’ has great views over the Zalagh Mount, Rif Mountains and the Medina – the perfect place for sunset drinks. Standard en-suite from GBP26.45pppn.

Dreamtime Travellers Rest is located in Cairns, Australia, behind Cairns Central Shopping Centre and opposite the train station. It boasts lush tropical gardens and hammocks by the sparkling pool where guests can experience the tropical lifestyle. Deluxe doubles from GBP20.21pppn in this Cairns hotel.

In Dubrovnik, Croatia, Hostel Nina is located in the attractive part of Monster Old Town, just a few minutes’ walk to the Old Bridge. It provides clean and comfortable accommodation to travellers, and city tours and excursions in Herzegovina are organised by the hotel. Private doubles are available from GBP9.10pppn.

Krishna Palace in Jaipur, India, is an 80-year-old hotel, repainted in the original style using natural colours from plants. With plenty of open spaces, courtyards, large green gardens and tasty food served in a traditional-style rooftop restaurant, guests are sure to enjoy their stay. Superior double en-suites from GBP9pppn.

In Arequipa, Peru, La Casa de los Pinguinos is a three-storey building in a safe area within walking distance to the Plaza de Armas. All nine rooms have cable TV, wireless internet and private bathrooms. Although the hostel is situated in the city centre, guests can relax in a spacious garden with hammocks, table tennis table and seating area. Private double en-suites from GBP13pppn.

HostelBookers is the leading budget accommodation website in the travel industry not to apply a service charge and is, on average, 8.7% cheaper than its nearest competitor. It features over 20,000 hostels, cheap hotels [http://www.hostelbookers.com/featured/cheap-hotels ] and budget properties on its website in over 3,500 destinations across the world.

If a new national survey from Sears of more than 1,000 men and women is any indication, Valentine’s Day 2012 will be a date to remember for many couples. A full 40 percent of the men and women in relationships say they expect or are planning to get engaged on February 14 this year, according to the survey, conducted by Sentient Decision Science for Sears. And for those not yet ready to take the big leap, a choice piece of bling may still be the way to go—nearly one-third of women (29 percent) surveyed would choose jewelry if they could pick only one gift to receive for Valentine’s Day this year.

Sears, a quality jeweler since 1888, expanded its assortment by 60 percent this year to feature a wide selection of watches, pendants, and engagement rings.

“A special piece of jewelry, especially on Valentine’s Day, is perfect for symbolizing your love in its early stages and reaffirming the feeling long after,” said David Tutera, the party and entertaining guru and TV host who has an aspirational line of engagement rings and wedding bands at Sears. “Sears has some exquisite designs that are remarkably value-priced.”

Following jewelry, women surveyed said that if they could choose only one gift, they would most want to receive flowers or chocolate (20 percent), perfume (nine percent), the latest technology product (eight percent), lingerie (eight percent), a kitchen or home item (six percent), shoes, handbag or other accessory item (five percent), clothing item (five percent), or a fitness/exercise item (one percent).

While it has been said “it’s the thought that counts,” there is a clear disconnect between the sexes when it comes to Valentine’s Day gift giving. The survey revealed that while 61 percent of men admit they have given a Valentine’s Day gift that had no thought behind it, nearly eight in 10 women have received a gift that appeared to have no thought behind it.

“Valentine’s Day is about expressing your feelings to those who mean the most to you,” said Tutera. “Walk through a Sears store with your significant other in mind and you will quickly find many gift options that may hold special meaning for you as a couple, whether something traditional like jewelry or intimate apparel, or something unexpected like the newest high-tech gadget.”

Sears offers the largest assortment of top brands including exclusive apparel and intimate brands like Kardashian Kollection and UK Style and proprietary brands like Kenmore, Craftsman and NordicTrack. To browse all the hottest Valentine’s Day gifts at affordable prices, visit Sears.com/gifts.

For stumped men still searching for help, Tutera offers his expert take on Valentine’s Day and the survey results:

• “Turn ordinary into romantically extraordinary—it’s easier than you think.” Nearly one-third of survey respondents (27 percent) plan to have a low-key evening at home. Turn the night into a walk down romantic memory lane: Prepare a meal of menu items you shared on your first date, your wedding day or any special occasion.
• “The calendar is just a piece of paper.” When Valentine’s Day falls on a busy weeknight, as it does this year (Tuesday), move your celebration to a more convenient weekend night so neither you nor your sweetheart will feel rushed or stressed.
• “ Be a gifting maverick… it’s fine by her.” Instead of the expected flowers or chocolates, go for something out of the ordinary. Case in point: More than three quarters (80 percent) of women surveyed said they would be excited to receive the latest technology product this Valentine’s Day.

For those planning to pop the question and looking for that special ring, Tutera sees a trend toward timeless design.

“Antique and vintage styles are popping up everywhere from restaurants to music to jewelry,” Tutera said.  ”A classically inspired ring is the perfect way to show your valentine that your love will stand the test of time.”

Tutera also offers the following tips for creating a memorable proposal:

• Consider creative packaging options to wow your bride-to-be, like an antique jewelry box, special book with the ring marking a particular page or between the petals of her favorite flower.
• Look for special diamond cuts and shapes as well as intricate and dazzling band styles—too often, couples focus on the size of “the rock” versus the quality and design of the ring.
• Struggling for a concept? Re-create the fairy-tale story of your relationship or consider popping the question during a favorite shared activity

For additional Valentine’s Day gift ideas, visit Sears.com/gifts. To learn more about David Tutera’s aspirational line of engagement rings and wedding bands or view the collection, visit Sears stores nationwide or Sears.com/DavidTuteraJewelry.

Sears Valentine’s Day Survey Methodology

The Sentient Decision Science Valentine’s Day study examines Valentine’s Day perceptions and behaviors among U.S. consumers. Sentient Decision Science, an independent behavioral science and consulting firm, was commissioned by Sears to conduct this study. The research is based on a survey of 1,008 U.S. consumers (600 Females; 454 currently in a relationship, 146 not in a relationship and 408 males currently in a relationship), ages 18 and older, and the data is representative of the U.S. census population. The margin of error for a survey based on 1,008 interviews is +/- 3.1 percentage points with a 95 percent level of confidence. For more information about the sampling methodology of this study, please contact Meghan Van Horn at Sentient Decision Science.

Since its very beginnings, Facebook seems to have had a love-hate relationship with its users. Now, another controversy has emerged following the release of an American Academy of Pediatrics report addressing a new phenomenon described as “Facebook Depression.”

In the report, Facebook Depression is defined as “depression that develops when preteens and teens spend a great deal of time on social media sites, such as Facebook, and then begin to exhibit classic symptoms of depression.” It also argues that these types of websites can create a skewed reality that makes teens feel alienated.

But is this enough to conclude that Facebook is causing more teens to be depressed? Many other resources are arguing that if Facebook causes depression, the same could be said for a teen sitting alone in the cafeteria. Whichever side you agree with, the fact is that teen depression is a serious issue. About 20% of teens will confront depression before they reach adulthood and about 5% are suffering from severe depression at any given time.

The Psychiatry Department at Miami Children’s Hospital has extensive experience helping children and adolescents with behavioral, social and emotional problems. Psychologist Dr. Sara Rivero-Conil, the department’s Clinical Manager, has helped many teens and their families cope with the effects of adolescent depression. “Adolescents with underlying poor self-esteem may be impacted by the sight of others enjoying activities or declaring their happiness. On the other hand, social media sites also allow for well-adjusted individuals to share ideas, emotions and feel connected. As a parent, you can set curfews or time limits around non-school-related activities and keep open communication with your children, allowing them to discuss their stressors, emotions and positive aspects of their day,” she said.

“Teen depression can affect anyone regardless of gender, ethnicity or social background,” said Dr. Rivero-Conil. “It’s important to be aware of the signs, which can include anger, irritability, withdrawal and frequent crying.”

So while we can’t be sure if Facebook is causing teens to become depressed, it is safe to conclude that monitoring your teen’s social media habits, along with their overall behavior and interests, can help you in identifying a potential problem and getting them the correct medical attention in time.

For more information on childhood and adolescent depression, visit www.mch.com.

Nominations were announced for the 47th ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, a star-studded event produced for television by dick clark productions broadcast LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.

Nominees were announced online via the first-ever ACM digital press conference this morning on the Academy’s Facebook and Twitter pages.  Awards co-host Reba participated with a video message to kick things off and entertainment superstars Lionel Richie , who will be honored during a special taping of ACM Presents: Lionel Richie and Friends In Concert in April (to air at a later date on CBS), Beth Behrs (2 Broke Girls), Nancy O’Dell (Entertainment Tonight), Michael Ausiello (TVLine.com) announced batches of nominations in video postings during the approximately 20 minute online event which culminated in music fans announcing the nominees for the Academy’s biggest prize, Entertainer of the Year, a privilege fans embraced for the first time ever by submitting videos naming their favorite artist.   Fans from around the country announced Entertainer of the Year nominees Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton and Taylor Swift .

As previously announced, Blake Shelton will join forces with country music star Reba to host the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards for the second consecutive year.

For the fifth year, fans will select the winner of the Academy’s most prestigious honor, Entertainer of the Year, and for the fourth year, the New Artist of the Year category will also be opened up to fan voting. Nominees for New Artist of the Year were not announced in the press conference today because fan voting for those semi-finalists will close on January 30 (see page 2 below). The winners of Entertainer of the Year and New Artist of the Year will be announced live during the 47th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.

Kenny Chesney leads with nine nominations, including Entertainer of the Year, a category he has won four times since 2004.  He is nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year, a category he has been nominated in nine times previously.  He is twice nominated for Album of the Year for Hemingway’s Whiskey, as both artist and producer, and also earned double nominations for Single Record of the Year and Vocal Event of the Year as both artist and producer for “You And Tequila” with Grace Potter.  Chesney is also nominated for Song of the Year for “You And Tequila” with Grace Potter.

Jason Aldean is nominated for six awards, including his second consecutive nods for Entertainer of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year.  He is nominated for Album of the Year for My Kinda Party, and has nominations for Single Record of the Year and Vocal Event of the Year for “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” featuring Kelly Clarkson.  He is nominated for Video of the Year for “Tattoos On This Town.”

Lady Antebellum leads group nominations with five nods, including Vocal Group of the Year, which they have won for two consecutive years.  They are also nominated for Album of the Year as artists and producers for Own The Night, and for Song of the Year and Video of the Year for “Just A Kiss.”

Reigning Male Vocalist of the Year, Brad Paisley, is nominated for four awards, including his fifth consecutive nomination for Entertainer of the Year and eighth nomination for Male Vocalist of the Year, which he has won five times consecutively between 2006-2010.  He received two nominations in the Vocal Event of the Year category for “Old Alabama” with Alabama and “Remind Me” with Carrie Underwood.

Toby Keith received three nominations for “Red Solo Cup,” including Video of the Year, which he last won in 2003 for “Beer For My Horses.”  He also received a double nomination as artist and producer for Single Record of the Year for “Red Solo Cup.”   Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill is also nominated for Nightclub of the Year in Minneapolis, MN (a nod that is not among Keith’s total nominations count, because it is awarded to the venue itself not its owners).

Reigning Entertainer of the Year, Taylor Swift, leads solo female nominees with three nominations, including her third consecutive nod for Entertainer of the Year.  If Swift wins Entertainer of the Year, this will be her second consecutive win in that category. Swift is nominated for the fifth time for Female Vocalist of the Year, and for the third time for Video of the Year for “Mean.”

First-time ACM nominee, Grace Potter, received three nominations for “You And Tequila” with Kenny Chesney, in the Single Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Vocal Event of the Year categories.

Eli Young Band has three nominations including Vocal Group of the Year, as well as Single Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “Crazy Girl.”

Dierks Bentley, Kelly Clarkson, Vince Gill, Miranda Lambert, Aaron Lewis, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood and Chris Young all received two nominations each.

The Academy of Country Music’s professional membership select the nominees and winners of the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, and select the final top five nominees of the Entertainer of the Year category and the eight semi-finalists in the New Artist of the Year category.  Presenters and performers who will appear at the ceremony will be announced at a later date.

Fan voting for New Artist of the Year began at VoteACM.com and GACtv.com/ACM on January 16, 2012 and will close on Monday, January 30, 2012 at 12noon ET/9:00AM PT, after which nominees in that category will be announced separately.  Fan voting for New Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year begins on March 19, 2012 at 12noon ET/9:00AM PT at VoteACM.com. Fan voting for New Artist of the Year will close at 5 p.m. PT on April 1, 2012 (before the LIVE show starts) and fan voting for Entertainer of the Year will close during the third hour of the LIVE broadcast.

Following is the list of final nominees. Winners in each of the following categories, except where noted, will be presented with an ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARD during the live television broadcast:

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

• Jason Aldean
• Kenny Chesney
• Brad Paisley
• Blake Shelton
• Taylor Swift

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

• Jason Aldean
• Kenny Chesney
• Brad Paisley
• Blake Shelton
• Chris Young

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

• Sara Evans
• Miranda Lambert
• Martina McBride
• Taylor Swift
• Carrie Underwood

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR

• Love and Theft
• Montgomery Gentry
• Steel Magnolia
• Sugarland
• Thompson Square

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR

• The Band Perry
• Eli Young Band
• Lady Antebellum
• Rascal Flatts
• Zac Brown Band

On hand with some helpful advice, face of Littlewoods Ireland and our favourite style queen Caroline Morahan brings us her top picks from Littlewoods Ireland’s new Spring Summer collection and how best to achieve each look..

With everything from bold prints to candy-inspired sweetness, littlewoodsireland.ie is your one stop shop for all the latest fashion trends this season.

Check out some of Caroline’s stylish tips and top picks:

The Candy Shop (Ice cream and candy colours)

“Whether or not you’re a girlie girl, the candy colours that have come through this season are so delicious even tomboys will want to wear them. The great news is these soft shades (of strawberry, peach and lemon) look wonderful on our cool Irish complexions.”

“It’s a fact – a pretty dress puts everyone in a good mood! For those who feel a bit flat of chest, a higher neckline will help achieve a fuller look up front.”

In love with lemon – South Pretty Prom Dress, EUR54

“If a thigh high hemline doesn’t put you off, a 60s style mini dress is guaranteed to turn heads. Never team a stiletto heel with a hem this high – a wedge is much more demure.”

Thigh’s the limit – Love Label Lace Sleeve Detail Dress, EUR44

Whitewash

“There’s a simple reason white is a perennial favourite for summer – when done right it looks simply fabulous! But don’t ruin a great outfit with the wrong underwear. Dark flesh coloured underwear is preferable to white. So the first step has to be – sort out your smalls!”

“The gold trim of the South Embellished Hem Dress, EUR72 adds a glamorous twist to this classic shift dress. Team gold or nude shoes  with your white look to pull your ensemble together – white shoes would be overkill.”

Prints Charming

“Get your tribal groove on, have fun with florals or jump into some geometrics! Whatever you fancy, we’ve got a print to match this season so have fun and experiment.”

“Prints add a great edge to your run of the mill office dress. This geometric number will add some fun and colour to your office look.”

Print and File – South Print Shift Dress, EUR54

“Wide leg trousers are great for a laid back summer look and the tribal print gives an instantly funky feel.”

Out of Africa – South Printed Wide Leg Maxi Trousers, EUR39

Bright and Bold

“Not for the faint hearted, big and bright colours make a bold statement this summer. Vivid pinks, hot reds, kelly greens; they’re all here! You can colour block or wear them alone – either way prepare to stop traffic!”

“Colour blocking is a great way of keeping attention on your assets and if you are feeling a little self-conscious, wrap dresses  are a godsend to anyone who wants to look slimmer.”

Teatro Corsage Wrap Dress, EUR89

Black and Gold

“Evening wear is enjoying a metallic moment as gold shifts into the spotlight this summer. But it’s not the brash, all out bling of past seasons. Look for black dresses with subtle touches of gold. We’re not channeling Vegas here!”

“Don’t waste your money on a going out dress unless you feel great in it. This dress (South Necklace Dress, EUR44) is an instant ego boost for anyone self conscious about their body. The cleverly constructed pleats will do wonders for your tum.”

With over 40,000 products to choose from online and free 4 day delivery, http://www.littlewoodsireland.ie has you need for sassy Spring Summer style.

The WiFi-enabled WF457 washer’s Smart Control system allows consumers to stay connected to the washer cycle without having to remain close by the machine. Consumers can, via a wireless router and a smartphone application, monitor cycle selections, remaining time and finishing alerts, as well as remotely start or pause the washer – a huge benefit to busy moms who spend time running back and forth from the laundry room trying to estimate when the load is done.

In addition, Samsung’s Smart Care system makes user manuals obsolete by quickly diagnosing washer issues and sending alerts to consumers’ smart phones. And the washer features the industry’s largest 8” color LCD touch screen – as intuitive as it is stylish – for easy cycle selection.

The WF457 washer is also the first from Samsung to feature SpeedSpray, which delivers a cleansing shot of water with dissolved detergent and then a rinsing shot for improved rinsing performance. These result in a cycle time that is up to 25 percent shorter compared with conventional washers.

Other features of the WF457 include:
• The industry’s largest capacity – large enough to fit 31 bath towels
• Seven Specialty Cycles to take the guesswork out of laundry and provide the best washing performance and stain treatment for specific every day occasions. And unlike most stain treatment cycles that only remove a specific stain, Specialty Cycles treat all potential stains and dirt for the best cleaning results
• Eco Seal to prevent the build-up of residue around the washer door
• Samsung’s exclusive PowerFoam™ Technology, which infuses detergent with air and water to create a powerful cleaning foam that penetrates fabrics quicker
• Steam Cycles in both the washer and matching dryer for enhanced stain removal, wrinkle reduction and fabric refreshing
• Stainless Steel Diamond Drum design that reduces wear and tear on delicate fabrics
• VRT Vibration Reduction Technology Plus™ which makes the washer so quiet, it can be installed on second floors and near bedrooms, even at 1300 revolutions per minute
• Smart Vent Sensing in the DV457 dryer that indicates blockages in vents and notifies consumers when it’s time to clean them, helping with overall appliance performance and reducing potential fire hazards

Recognized by ENERGY STAR as a ‘Most Efficient 2011’ clothes washer , the WF457 is leading the charge toward eco-efficiency within the industry. It uses just 96 kWh/year in electricity and up to 70 percent less water than top-loading washing machines, helping consumers save even more money on utility bills. In addition, the WF457 is the first Samsung washer to be Smart Grid-ready, a national program created in conjunction with utility providers to enhance the overall efficiency of consumers’ electricity consumption and CO2 emissions, saving energy and reducing their electricity bills. The WF457 was also named a 2012 CES Innovations Award honoree in the eco-design category.

Breast cancer is now the most common cancer in Italy with more than 47,500 cases diagnosed annually, and is the leading cause of death among women in Italy and worldwide. However, breast cancer mortality rates in Italy have shown a decline from the early 1990s, which is mainly attributable to advancements in treatments and the role of screening in detecting the cancer at an earlier stage.

“There is still a clear unmet need for new treatment options for women with heavily pre-treated metastatic or locally advanced breast cancer. The launch of eribulin in Italy marks a significant medical advance in a setting where there is currently no standard of care. Eribulin is an effective and well tolerated option that has been shown to extend life, offering women precious additional time to spend with their family and loved ones,” commented Professor Stefania Gori, AIOM Board Member.

“The reimbursement of eribulin in Italy is a positive step for women living with metastatic breast cancer who would have otherwise been faced with limited treatment options. Access to this novel chemotherapy means that eligible patients will benefit from a new treatment which significantly increases their survival, providing them with valuable extra time with their families. We are very proud to bring this new treatment to Italy, and are committed to improving the lives of our patients,” commented Laura Forni, Oncology Business Unit Head for Italy, Eisai Europe Ltd.

Discovered and developed by international pharmaceutical company Eisai, eribulin is a non-taxane, microtubule dynamics inhibitor and a synthetic analogue of halichondrin B, a natural product isolated from the marine sponge Halichondria okadai. Results of the pivotal Phase III study, EMBRACE (Eisai Metastatic Breast Cancer Study Assessing Treatment of Physician’s Choice (TPC) Versus Eribulin E7389), showed that patients treated with eribulin survived a median of 2.5 months longer than patients who received TPC (overall survival of 13.1 months vs. TPC 10.6 months, respectively p=0.014). An updated analysis demonstrated that patients treated with eribulin survived a median of 2.7 months longer than patients who received TPC (eribulin 13.2 months vs. TPC 10.5 months, nominal p=0.014).[1,2] TPC represents active treatment options currently used by doctors in real world clinical practice.

The most commonly reported adverse reactions among patients treated with eribulin were asthenia (fatigue), neutropenia, alopecia (hair loss), peripheral neuropathy (numbness and tingling in arms and legs), nausea and constipation.

Eribulin received European Commission approval on 17 March 2011 based on the results of the EMBRACE study. Eribulin is approved in the European Union, USA, Switzerland, Japan, and Singapore. Eribulin is currently commercially available in Austria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Singapore, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the USA.

Eisai’s commitment to meaningful progress in oncology research, built on scientific expertise, is supported by a global capability to conduct discovery and preclinical research, and develop low molecular weight organic compounds, therapeutic vaccines, monoclonal antibody-based therapies, biologics, and supportive care agents for cancer across multiple indications. Through these efforts, Eisai will make further contributions to addressing the diversified needs of and increasing the benefits provided to patients and their families as well as healthcare professionals as it seeks to fulfill its human health care (hhc) mission.