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How hand sanitizer affects your engagement ring

April 3, 2020 No Comments

With the spread of the coronavirus in South Africa and across the world, people are much more conscious about hygiene. Specifically hand hygiene. All we’ve heard from our leaders is for weeks is “wash your hands, don’t touch your face”. This has led to an increase in the use of hand sanitizer.

The hand sanitizer you should be using consists of about 70% alcohol (isopropyl or ethyl) mixed with water, glycerine and fragrance.

You’d think that no harm can come from using proper hand sanitizer. After all, you’re trying to protect yourself from a pandemic. While you’re taking care of yourself, however, be sure to take care of your engagement ring too!

It turns out that hand sanitizer is quite bad for your ring, especially when it’s used excessively (much like we’re all doing these days). According to James Allen, an online diamond and bridal jewellery retailer, contact with cleaners that contain chlorine, bleach, and rubbing alcohol “can break down the brilliance of metals and gems over time”. The last thing you want is for your ring to lose it’s sparkle!

Experts at James Allen also warned of a different way the sanitizer could be ruining your ring. “Extensive hand sanitizer use can also loosen prongs that hold diamonds in place,” they said. This means you’re putting your diamond at risk. It could loosen and fall out without you noticing.

Of course, we don’t want these risks to stop you from practicing good hygiene. Quite the opposite, actually.

All you need to do is remove the ring from your finger each time you sanitize and you should be good to go! Remember to wait until your hand dry’s before placing the ring back on your finger.

If you really want to protect your ring, you could choose to remove it until the coronavirus pandemic passes. Bacteria can make its way into the grooves of your ring. If you don’t plan on cleaning the ring, it may be better to store it away until this all blows over.

It’s not that difficult to clean your ring though! So, if you want to keep wearing it, simply pop it in some warm water with dish washing soap at least once a week! Voila, good hygiene and a ring that remains safe and sound.

Image: Unsplash

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Romantic home proposal ideas

April 2, 2020 No Comments

So lockdown ruined your big proposal plans but you can’t keep the secret inside any longer? It looks like an at-home proposal is your only choice! There’s no need to worry though, there are more than a few ways to make it special.

If you’re in search for some at home proposal ideas, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to get your love locked in during lockdown:

– The games night proposal

If you’re a playful pair, plan your proposal around a games night. You could do it under the guise of keeping busy on another night under quarantine. Set out a scrabble board, and throughout the game try to spell out words that eventually lead up to “will you marry me?”. “say yes?” or “wife/husband?”.

Alternatively, you could play charades, pictionary, or any such guessing game, and take your proposal from there! Act out or draw marriage, and then get down on one knee.

– The classic dinner proposal

Cook your soon-to-be a romantic dinner, decorate the table with candles, and do it just like they do in the movies. After some casual dinner-time conversation or perhaps during dessert, pop the question.

– The pet proposal

We know those of you with fur babies don’t want to leave the little ones out of anything! Plan to have your pet involved, by placing the ring on their body (without hurting them of course). Have your pet approach your partner for them to find the ring.

– The treasure hunt proposal

Hide the ring, write down some clues, and make a fun activity out of your proposal. Tell your partner you’ve got them a gift but they need to go on a treasure hunt for it. Voila, a fun and flirty at home proposal.

– The pamper proposal

Treat your significant other to a spa day, full with DIY face masks and a massage, perhaps even a bubble bath. After they’ve relaxed to the max, and you’ve built up the nerve then get down to business.

Good luck with your proposals!

Image: Unsplash

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A guide to wedding dress shopping online

April 1, 2020 No Comments

Online shopping can be risky business. There’s always a chance, no matter how small, that you end up with something that’s not quite what you were expecting. If you’re considering switching from window shopping to (Microsoft) Windows shopping, then read on!

We’re absolutely certain that you don’t want to be the bride who buys her dress online and, on delivery, instantly regrets it. As with everything, there are pros and cons of online wedding dress shopping. However, there is something to be said for the convenience, savings, and options that come with the online experience.

Whether you’re sick of making your way through racks and racks of dresses, or you’re simply not keen on the idea of hunting for dresses in store, online wedding dress shopping could be a great option.

If this is the route you’re taking, then keep these tips in mind:

– Measurements

You need to know the measurements of your bust, waist, and hips. If you don’t know these, your dress will not be the best fit it can be. Brides who have undertaken the online shopping experiment report that a great way to find your fit is to go in store (oh no!) and fit on some dresses there, with the sole purpose of finding what fits you. Once you’re clued up on your measurements, pop back online and get searching. Of course, you could just use the trusted measuring tape.

– Fabrics

Be familiar with fabrics and how they look and feel. You wouldn’t want a detail like this to ruin what you expected to be your perfect dress.

– Policies

Look, we’ve said it once and we’ll say it again. There are always risks with online shopping. Before you make this very important purchase, find out what the online store’s policies are. Imagine you’re unable to return a dress that has turned out to be a Halloween costume! The horror!

– Social media

Check across all social media platforms for brides wearing a similar dress to the one you’ve chosen. It’ll give you a good idea of how the dress looks in real life!

– Read reviews

Be sure to check the online reviews of the stores you’re shopping at. You’ll either see many angry customers or tons of happy brides. This will help you decided whether to keep shopping there.

– Read carefully

Be aware of common terms like “fully lined” and “partially lined”. The latter will have you in a see-through dress on your special day. Pull out those comprehension skills and read the dress descriptions carefully.

Image: Unsplash

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Glow from home: 3 ways to naturally radiate

March 31, 2020 No Comments

With life on lockdown, things can start feeling a bit grey and gloomy. Nothing beats a slump quite like some self-care. Feel lighter and brighter with these three tips on how to glow from home.

1. Home-glow face: Amp up your natural beauty with a DIY face mask that will get your skin shimmering without synthetic products – it’s all you! Keep it simple with a coffee and turmeric mask. Caffeine reduces inflammation and puffy eyes, while antioxidant-rich turmeric takes care of the glow. The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of each of these ingredients mixed: ground coffee, powdered turmeric, and Greek yoghurt. Remove the mask after about 20 minutes and voila!

2. Home-glow hair: There’s no better time to give your hair a break and restore your natural oils. Use this time to let your hair breathe. Lay off the dye, ties and heat. Make a homemade mask or let your roots grow out a bit more than usual. Embrace your regrowth now and support a local salon later.

Wella professionals can’t wait to work with your rejuvenated locks. Don’t do damage out of desperation. Wait it out for Wella’s new Opal-Essence range from Illumina Colour. Soft, subtle, shimmering – it’s worth the wait! You’ll be your own ray of sunshine.

3. Home-glow body: A well-rested, well-nourished body manufactures its own natural radiance. Take time to prepare wholesome meals that get you beaming from the inside out. Smoothies are a great way to pack in nutrients. Try including glow-worthy ingredients like spinach, berries, avocado and mango.

Feature image: Unsplash

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How to preserve a wedding dress at home

March 27, 2020 No Comments

Your wedding dress is probably the most loved item in your wardrobe. You may never own another piece of clothing as special as this. Of course you’d want to preserve it!

Preserving a wedding dress means different things to different people. It could be to store away treasured memories, to keep it safe and in good condition for your child to wear one day, or to ensure that it becomes a family heirloom. Whatever your reason, you’ll want to do it properly.

The last thing you want is for the dress to be ruined over time, or to trust somebody else with the preservation only to find out 30 years later that it’s the wrong dress (tragic).

So to be sure you get the best preservation possible, here are some tips:

– Plan ahead

If you know you’re a sentimental person, keep some of your budget aside for dress preservation. This can include a budget for a trip to the cleaners, and any items you may need to do at home preservation. (or to get your dress professionally preserved)

– Handle with care

On your big day you should keep in mind that this is an item you want to keep forever. Try to avoid getting stains on it, carry it in a garment bag if you’re travelling, and only put in one at the last minute.

– Clean the dress

After the wedding, but before the preservation process, you have to clean the dress. Of course you could take it to the cleaners, but if you want to do it yourself you need to be aware of the materials your dress is made of. Don’t use harsh laundry detergent and never use bleach.

If you preserve the dress without cleaning it first, all the tiny stains and marks will set and will become impossible to remove in later years.

– Acid Free tissue paper

At this point, if you’re enlisting the help of a professional, your dress will be put into a preservation box and will be sealed (commonly, you’re advised to never break the seal unless you want to use the dress).

If you’re DIY-ing then you better get some acid-free tissue paper or pre-washed unbleached muslin. Place layers of tissue paper or muslin between folds of the dress. Stuff the bust with tissue paper too, this helps to maintain shape over time.

NB! Do not use coloured tissue paper, it’ll stain the dress over time.

– Acid free container

After it’s folded, store the dress in an acid free container. Add silica desiccant packets inside the box.

– Store in a cool dry place

We all have heard this phrase before, but this time it’s serious. Don’t skip this step. If you’re thinking of storing the dress in the attic, basement or garage…DON’T! Cool and dry is the best option. Under a bed or in a closet is probably the best way to go.

– Check in

If you’ve preserved the dress yourself, you have to check in on it now and then. Every 2 -3 years, have a look at it and maybe give it a re-fold.

Image: Unsplash

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Wedding tasks to do during lockdown

March 26, 2020 No Comments

Just because you’re on lockdown, doesn’t mean productivity can be thrown out the window. With all the extra time on your hands, why not put it to good use by prepping for your big day?

Here are some ways to plan your wedding during lockdown.

Fine tune your Pinterest boards

The first step in any wedding plan is to consult the oracle: Pinterest. Take a deep-dive into this app to craft your perfect day, from your wedding dress all the way to take-home favours. Creating Pinterest boards helps refine your ultimate vision, as well as show others involved in the planning process what you want. Happy scrolling!

Research wedding vendors

Even though they won’t be operating now, most wedding vendors have amazing, informative websites where you can research their offerings in depth. Some wedding venues even offer virtual tours, making it easier for you to suss out the grounds from the comfort of your home. Always make sure to check out their social media pages too, especially the review section. This might save you from some dodgy dealers.

Update your registry

Being at home makes you really realise what you need and don’t need. Now’s the time to think about what would make your life easier or just better. Developed a coffee addiction during lockdown? Add a coffee plunger to the list. Realised the cozy life really is for you? Boom: fluffy blanket.

Plan your playlist

Music can make or break a good party. Since you’ve got all this free time you might as well fill it with some great tunes. Give Spotify a try to discover new artists and find that special song for your first dance. You can also make a list of your favourite ‘feel good’ songs, which will make your DJ or wedding band’s job so much easier.

Learn a new dance

You want to look as good as possible when you take to the floor for your first dance as newlyweds, so why not learn from a professional? Youtube is an amazing resource for those wanting to gain new skills. Whether its the tango or hip-hop, there is a multitude of masterclasses you can follow in your own living room.

Feature image: Pexels

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Youtube channels to keep you fit during lockdown

March 26, 2020 No Comments

The nationwide lockdown isn’t an excuse to lay in bed all day. Getting some exercise (in between your Netflix sessions, of course) will help keep you mentally sane and hopefully stop you from climbing the walls from boredom.

If you want to make some gains but can’t visit the gym, let Youtube be your new best friend. There are many fitness-dedicated Youtube channels offering up awesome workouts and encouraging healthy habits. Here are a few of our favourites.

Madfit:

Maddie’s video’s are done interval style. Her workouts are quick and easy to follow. Ranging in difficulty levels, you can find a workouts dedicated to specific body parts as well as fully-body workouts.

Each workout typically has 7-10 different movements in a set, each one done for 30-45 seconds with a short break in between. The set is then repeated a second time, allowing you to fine-tune your movements and really give it your all.

Best for: the person that likes to see there is an end in sight.

Pop Sugar Fitness:

Popsugar Fitness is great for those of all fitness levels. Here you can find full length workouts as well as shorter, targeted classes. Videos often feature celebrity trainers like Jeannette Jenkins and Jake Dupree.

What makes this channel so amazing is the sheer variety of workouts. From dancing to boxing, HIIT to yoga, there is something for everyone.

Best for: the person who believes variety is the spice of life

Whitney Simmons:

This channel mixes workout videos with practical lifestyle tips such as healthy food swaps to make and dieting mistakes to avoid.

Beyond her workouts, you’ll also fall in love with Whitney’s positivity. Her mantra, “It’s a beautiful day to be alive”, will hopefully keep you going through these trying times.

Best for: the person who needs their best friend to hold their hand through life but can’t right now because of social distancing.

Feature image: Pexels

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Date ideas to keep romance alive during self-quarantine

March 19, 2020 No Comments

As the outbreak of coronavirus gets more and more serious, governments across the world have urged people to practice social distancing. We all know by now that with social distancing comes a lot, if not all, evenings spent indoors.

This has affected date nights everywhere. Oh, the horror! No more movie theatres, bars, restaurants, or any activity that causes a large amount of people to gather in one place at one time.

We’re sure there are a few rebellious souls out there, risking infection for an evening on the town. However, for those of us who prefer living life far away from the edge, safely in quarantine, date nights don’t have to be boring either.

Here are some quarantine date ideas:

– Netflix (with or without the chill)

This one works for those of you who are fully committing to self-isolation. You don’t even have to be in the same room. All you need is two separate Netflix accounts.

Add the Chrome extension called “Netflix Party” to your browser. Click on your date night movie, then click on the extension icon that should have appeared on your browser tab. You’ll see a chat bar appear on the side of the screen. Send a link, which is provided by the extension, to your date. There you have it – Netflix date night from separate houses!

– Cook together

There’s nothing more romantic than cooking together. Get your hands dirty in the kitchen with a recipe you’ve never tried before or better yet, have a cooking competition! Limit yourselves to only what’s in the cupboards presently (since we’re limiting our trips to stores anyway) and cook a dish each. After, you can have a tasting and decide that in the end you’re both winners since you have the prize of each others’ company.

– Couples at home spa

Head to Pinterest for some great DIY face masks, hair treatments and the like. Spend the evening pampering yourselves and relaxing as you take advantage of the extra down time quarantine has provided.

– Picnic

Who says you need a park for a picnic? If you have a garden or a yard, lay a blanket out and get picnicking! Alternatively, for those without a grass patch at their disposal, have a picnic on the floor in your home. All you really need is the right energy. Light some candles, lay out a snack-spread, play some music and you’re good to go.

– Games night

There are plenty of two person games out there. Card games, board games, jenga, don’t limit yourself. Unleash your playful side with those games that have been gathering dust in your closet.

– Make plans

For the extrovert out there who can’t wait for the self-isolation to end, spend an evening making a bucket list. Plan all the things you want to do together as soon as the quarantine ends…and commit to doing them! No bailing out once the time comes.

Don’t forget, being in quarantine doesn’t mean you get to skip your shower! Happy date night!

Featue image: Unsplash

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Proposal mistakes you should avoid

March 4, 2020 No Comments

You’d think it would be difficult to make a mistake with an occasion like this. It’s one of the biggest events in your life, so of course you’d ensure that nothing could go wrong.

But planning the perfect proposal can be stressful. This stress could cause you to make some silly mistakes.

To be one-hundred percent sure that things run smoothly as you pop the big question, have a look at these common mistakes you should avoid:

– Asking for too much advice

If you get too many opinions, your plan will be a bit of a mess and you’ll get confused about the right thing to do. Remember that you know your partner better than most people, which means that you know what they would like and what they wouldn’t. Trust your gut!

– Overcomplicating things

If your plan consists of too many twists and turns, there is a much larger chance that silly slip ups can be made. Keep it simple and meaningful.

Additionally, your nerves may stop you from being on top of your game. A complicated plan will only aggravate the nerves.

– Planing a public proposal without being 100% sure of the answer

If you’re a little uncertain about your partner’s answer, but you’re risking it anyway then a public proposal is probably not the best route to take. Since there is a slight chance, however small, of a negative answer you should save yourself some discomfort and plan a more intimate proposal.

– Proposing without having spoken about marriage before

You should never just assume your partner wants to get married. If you have never discussed marriage as a couple, it is a very bad idea to propose. You never know what their feelings on marriage could be.

– Hiding the ring too well

If you want your partner to stumble upon the ring, then be sure to hide it strategically. Don’t put it in a place they will never find it, it’ll ruin your plan completely.

Image: Unsplash

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When you shouldn’t wear your engagement ring

March 4, 2020 No Comments

Once you receive your precious engagement ring, it’s understandable that you’d never want to take it off. The ring shows your partners love, affection, and commitment to you, which makes it extremely special. For this reason, it needs to be protected!

The best way to protect your engagement ring is to know when you shouldn’t wear it. This way you won’t lose or damage it.

Here’s when to remove the bling:

– When you’re doing housework

While you’re cleaning you may knock the ring. This is more common an occurrence than you’d expect. To ensure that your ring remains unscratched and unharmed, remove it before you start cleaning.

Additionally, cleaning products like bleach and ammonia damages both the metal and the stone of your ring.

– In the shower

The scrubbing and soaking you do in the shower will take a toll on your band. It may even end up scratched.

– Working out

First off, the ring may fall off and you’ll lose it. That’s the last thing you’d want. Second, the ring could get damaged by weights you use – the pressure on the ring could bend the band and result in the stone falling out of its setting.

– During your beauty routine

Soaps, creams, perfumes and other such products all result in damage to your ring. If you keep your ring on every time you apply these products, it will build up and collect. This will result in a build up of grease and over time will result in deterioration. If the products get under the stone, it way loosen it from its setting too.

– Travelling

Travelling is tiring and keeps you busy, you could get lost in the activities and end up losing your ring.

– Cooking

This is a recipe for disaster. The oils, fats, and flours will result in long term damage to your engagement ring. In fact, cooking is one of the biggest reasons people’s rings get ruined! So ensure that you take it off when preparing that romantic meal.

Image: Unsplash