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    In Announcements

    South African KFC proposal goes viral

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    Some might devise an elaborate plan to pop the big question, but this man proved that you shouldn’t be chicken to do a humble proposal. His decision to propose in a local fast food restaurant has turned into a social media storm as people across the country come together to give them a wedding beyond their wildest dreams.

    A video of a man proposing in a Vaal KFC outlet was posted to Twitter yesterday afternoon, and quickly caught the attention of social media users. Fast food giant KFC South Africa saw the video of the couple becoming engaged and posted it to their official Twitter. In their tweet, KFC SA appealed to their followers to help identify the couple in the hopes of doing something special for them.

    The couple has since been identified and two Twitter users are meeting with them today to discuss wedding planning. The grooms name is Mr. Kansi, and his financial situation is tough at the moment so he would like to have a small wedding to celebrate their nuptials.

    The video quickly went viral, causing #KFCproposal to trend on Twitter. South Africans are now rallying behind the couple to make their dream wedding come true.

    Takealot has offered a R5000 voucher to the couple to purchase anything on their online store. Vodacom, Total South Africa, Cricket South Africa and Pick ‘n Pay also joined in the hunt to find the newly engaged couple.

    People are offering to support in any way they can, from donating money to supplying cars, outfits, accessories, invites and drinks. Austin Malema has offered to be their photographer free of charge, and Amanda Black is keen to sing at the reception.

    This wedding is sure to be finger lickin’ good.

    Image: Twitter /  KFC South Africa

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    In Advice

    Engagement parties: Yay or nay?

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    Getting engaged is a big deal. We get it. When your loved one pops the question, or says yes, all you want to do is shout it out to the world. Adventure awaits. But how practical are engagement parties really?

    The upside:

    FUN

    There’s really not much to explain here. It’s a good time. You get to celebrate this special time in your life with people you care about!

    Sharing stories

    It’s natural that everyone will want to know how it happened, who asked whom and how. Was it a grand gesture or a private moment? It’s all pretty exciting. So instead of having to answer a bunch of questions over and over, it’s a great opportunity to tell your love story while everyone is gathered.

    Show off the bling

    The real reason most ladies want to throw a party! If your partner gave you a customary ring, you are bound to be super proud of it. Everyone will want to see it up close, and you will want to show it off. Sometimes, it’s okay to brag.

    The downside:

    The money issue

    Sigh. Why is everything so darn expensive? Unless you’re a celebrity, it will probably hurt your wallet. You’re already spending money on the wedding, the honeymoon, the ring and dress… An engagement party seems like an unnecessary expense.

    It can be stressful

    Planning a wedding is already pretty stressful. There is a lot to do and there are many people involved, all wanting to weigh in on how it should go. You have a ton of things on your mind. Planning one more event might add to the stress and only make you anxious.

    Finding the time

    We know it is supposed to be about the couple, but the reality is, everyone’s busy. Supposing you and your fiancee can find an open date, all your guests might not be available. They are already putting time aside to attend the wedding itself, and it might be hard to find another date and time that suits everybody.

    Yay or nay?

    In conclusion, of course, it’s a personal choice so it’s up to you as a couple. However, we think it would be wise to rather put the time, money and energy towards the big day. You’ll see everyone there anyway, and those who really care will call or drop by to say congrats and share in your happiness.

    Picture: Pexels

     

     

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    In Accessories

    Engagement ring trends for 2020

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    A kiss on the hand may be quite continental, but diamonds are a girl’s best friend. This saying still rings true today. Diamonds will never go out of style, but trends do. With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when choosing an engagement ring. We’ve gathered advice from jewellery experts to help you ring in your engagement in style.

    Here’s what will trend in 2020.

    Coloured stones:

    Modern brides have been leaning towards coloured stones and birthstones as of late. “I think today’s bride is more concerned with being unique, and while she still wants a three stone ring, she is looking for something that is one of a kind. Women today want to stand out!” Kendra Pariseault Jewelry told StyleCaster.

    Coloured stones are an easy way to make a statement and express your personal style. Niel Lane says that morganite stones, the pink to orange-pink variety of the beryl mineral, have especially grow in popularity this year.

    Take this trend further by using a birthstone for a personal touch to an engagement ring. Just be careful to speak to an expert beforehand, as not all birthstones are made equal. Some are not durable enough for every day wear.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BzvwwqlB-_0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Unique shapes:

    Square cut and pear shaped is so played out. For a unique take, brides have been loving star-shaped and floral-shaped engagement rings. We’ve seen Elizabeth Olsen, Katy Perry, and Irina Shayk all step out with floral-shaped rings in the past year.

    This ring can be quite busy so the key is to keep the band simple. While typically centered with a coloured stone, you can simplify this style by going with a traditional diamond.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BwNeYu5lsZq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Throwback designs:

    The more traditional bride will be glad to hear that vintage and art-deco inspired rings are also back in style. Inspired by the past, vintage engagement rings are heirlooms in the making.

    Art-deco is all about clean lines and geometric angles. We love how this hexagonal-shaped engagement ring still feels feminine with the array of smaller diamonds on the perimeter of the main stone. This halo effect is another big engagement ring trend, as it makes the main stone appear much larger. Two birds with one stone.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4dALFJlfDD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Rose gold:

    Rose gold has been in for years and is going nowhere. The popularity of this tone stems from the fact that it is universally flattering. It is a bold statement yet romantic and feminine at the same time.

    “Brides will be looking more at alternative metals to white gold and platinum next year. The appeal of rose gold comes from its pale pink colour that not only pairs well with trending yellow gold fashion pieces but also looks great with every skin tone, ” said Alicia Davis, VP of Merchandising at Shane Co.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4gfj9Kh7Kx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Three-stone rings:

    We can thank Meghan Markle for this one. The Duchess of Sussex’s three stone engagement ring sparked the trend a few years ago and it is only rising in popularity.

    “We’ve seen a lot of couples eyeing three-stone engagement rings lately,” Lauren Addison of Lauren Addison Jewelry told StyleCaster. “The two side stones add extra sparkle to a simpler engagement ring style.”

    The three stones are meant to represent the past, the present and the future, giving a beautiful symbolism. The centre diamond is typically hugged by two smaller, equally sized diamonds. For something different, use colourful stones and unique cuts.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4ajAg8jb-I/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Stacking rings:

    Sometimes, more is more. While not a new concept, jewellery stacking has taken the industry by storm. Brides have been loving stackable rings as of late.

    Commonly, the engagement ring and wedding band are designed to pair up. Some brides are taking this a step further and adding more rings to the pile. Eternity rings or embellished bands add an extra style element and bling for glitz lovers. Pairing rings of different styles, like a vintage engagement ring with more contemporary cut embellished bands, is a playful way to create a dynamic and unique finish.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4dutVbpBoZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Image: Pexels

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    In Engagements

    Boks-inspired proposal fail

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    The Rugby World Cup fever overtook us all these past few weeks. One South African in particular was feeling the spirit, and made a big promise. A single Facebook post gripped the nation for days to find out how this fairytale would end.

    Last week, Brian Royalson Mdunge took to Facebook and posted on the group #ImStaying to announce that he would propose if the Springboks won the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

    As we know by now, the Boks won the sports competition, bringing pride to the South African nation. This also meant that Brian had to hold up his end of the bargain.

    Following the win, many waited in anticipation to hear the happy news of another engaged couple. However, no news came. For days, we were left with no updates, leading to the trending of #FindBrian.

    “BRIAN!!!!!!!!! HALLOOOOO!!!!!! THE NATION IS WAITING IN ANTICIPATION!!!!! You had 24 hours to man up,” one comment read.

    Brian has just broken his silence, although unfortunately it was not with good news.

    “Hello Mzansi sorry to keep you waiting so long, but the lady rejected my proposal in front of my friends she said she’s not ready. I’m too embarrassed,” Brian wrote in his post.

    Group members have rallied to support Brian through this tough time, sending him many words of encouragement.

    “I’m so sad to read this news, ” reads one comment. “But she did not altogether say No. So hang in there, should your spirit tell you she’s worth waiting for. Amen. You stay blessed. Mwaj”

    “Sorry Brian … She’s not ready now, if her unreadiness has to do with you, work on that… If not, give her time… She rejected the proposal, Not you! All the best bro..” another advised.

     

    Image: Unsplash

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    In Advice

    How love languages work

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    Relationships are hard. They require give and take. At the end of the day, being in a relationship means making yourself and your partner feel love and happiness. However, love comes in many forms.

    This is where love languages come in. A love language, coined by author and relationship counsellor Gary Chapman, is a way in which someone expresses their love and appreciation towards themselves and others.

    In his book, The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate, Chapman explains that each person has a primary love language, but can express love in many of them. It can depend on our personality types, and we can also learn our love languages from experiences.

    “My conclusion after thirty years of marriage counselling is that there are basically five emotional love languages—five ways that people speak and understand emotional love,” Chapman explains in this book. “The important thing is to speak the love language of your spouse.”

    While Chapman focuses on romantic love, this concept also refers to familial and friendship love.

    The five core love languages are:

    – Words of affirmation – using words to encourage, appreciate and express love. For example, “You look incredible today”, or “Thank you for cooking dinner tonight, it was great.”

    – Gifts – physical gift-giving and tokens of appreciation. Examples include buying someone flowers or leaving love notes for them to read.

    – Acts of Service – providing an act of kindness for someone that you know they would appreciate. Examples include making them a cup of coffee or cooking a meal.

    – Quality time – spending time with your spouse, even if it’s not doing anything specific. This includes taking them out on dates, or having a heart-to-heart talk.

    – Physical touch – hand holding, kissing, hugs and all other forms of physical touch.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4b9GAdgqvj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Decades after the book was published, Chapman’s words still ring true. Many relationship experts today argue that the building blocks of a healthy relationship lie in understanding your partner’s love language.

    Speaking to Cosmopolitan UK, relationship counsellor Gurpreet Singh said that, “There are two people in the relationship, their expectations are different, their needs are different, their way of communication is different. Everything about them is different. There are similarities of course, but opposites attract quite a lot. When you’re attracted to someone that’s different to you, it is almost necessary you will run into things about the person that grate on you.”

    Your partner’s love language signals how they see love and how they would like to receive it. Once you know how you partner wants to be loved, you can start incorporating those actions into your daily life.

    To identify your partner’s love language, you should take note of the small things they do. You can also simply ask them what makes them feel loved and cherished.

    When you can identify and understand your partner’s love language, you can begin to see the ways they represent their love everyday. Their actions, which might have meant little to you before, now become significant. For example, your partner’s love language may be physical touch and they are therefore incredibly affectionate towards you, something you might have once thought of as a sign of insecurity. When you can identify that their physical affection is their main sign of love, you can begin to appreciate those small moments for what they are. You can also be a bit more physical with your affection to show that you acknowledge how they want to be loved. Of course, your partner should do the same.

    Another important thing not to forget is to practice self-love. When you can love yourself and identify the ways in which you show love, you are in a much greater position to love others.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4ecgE6Hx3S/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

     

    Image: Unsplash

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    In Finance

    Bride scams wedding guests

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    One thrifty bride-to-be took all her would-be wedding guests for a ride.

    Apparently, she and her husband opted for a crowd-funded wedding, then cancelled the wedding after receiving over USD 30 000 (over R440 000!) and pocketed the money. Friends and family alike were outraged, and understandably so.

    According to Digg, the would-be bride posted a message to a Facebook group to say that the wedding has been canelled for now, but did not provide concrete reasons why. Screenshots from her Facebook message were posted to Reddit. In the meantime, the couple plan to use the money for a “honeymoon”, after which they will supposedly reschedule the wedding. Here’s the best part: They said they will re-open the fund once the wedding had been rescheduled to welcome any further donations.

    Credit: Reddit

    Some guests, who have already gotten leave for the supposed wedding, were very upset and called the bride “greedy”. She responded by saying she felt attacked, and that since they donated the money as a gift, it doesn’t matter how she spends it.

    This after loved ones selflessly donated hard earned money for what they believed was a worthy cause. Beware ladies and gents. No good deed goes unpunished.

    Image: Unsplash

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    In Bachelorette Party

    Fun alternative bachelorette ideas

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    Your bachelorette is seen as the last time you get to party with your girlfriends as a single woman. It’s often associated with wild nights out, drinking way too much and some scantily-clad well-built men. We’ll stop there.

    This special event can be so much more. If you want to do things a little different, it can become a treasured memory of best friends coming together to spend some much needed girl-time, allowing you to share your hopes and dreams for the future while getting rid of the wedding stress.

    Here are some fun, alternative ideas to the traditional bachelorette party:

    Take a hiking-trip

    If you like being active, getting outdoors with the gals is a great way to recharge, forget about your phone and get close to nature. Remember to do research beforehand and only hike on established routes. Booking a tour-guide might also be a good idea, so you don’t have to worry about anything! For a full weekend of fun, you can even consider setting up camp and sleeping over.

    Take a cooking or cocktail class

    If you’re not that adventurous, why not keep it indoors and take a culinary class together? Learning to make something yummy to eat or drink is guaranteed to result in loads of laughter and a satisfied tummy. Plus, adding skills to your repertoire is always a plus!

    Guided garden tours

    If you like sunshine, beautiful flowers and fresh air, but you’re not keen to do a full on hike, get out there with a botanical garden tour. Many botanical gardens have amazing histories and it’s always interesting to have someone knowledgeable to teach you about the birds and the bees. End it off with a lovely picnic!

    Sing your heart out

    If you have the talent (and even if you don’t) a sing-off is always a goodie. Karaoke is a great way to let your hair down and forget the world. Take a trip down memory lane and sing to your high school favourites, or strut your stuff with the latest pop song.

    Get creative: Clay, soap or candles

    Art is known for being therapeutic, and having something to show for it will be a special memory. There are many different options, like pottery, candle making and soap making. Choose something that strikes your fancy and will look lovely in your home.

     

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    Picture: Pexels

     

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    In Do's And Don'ts

    Best and worst engagement photoshoots

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    You know how it goes: Photos or it didn’t happen. Recently, it has almost become a competition, with some couples going to extreme lengths to do certain poses and photographers bending over backwards to capture it on film. Some fail hilariously, others make for incredibly beautiful photos. We’ve found the best and worst.

    The best

    We’ve all seen them, and we’ve all wished we were in them. Some engagement photoshoots out there are simply jaw-dropping, and here are the best ones we found.

    Playful:

    Include your pet:

    Romantic:

    Funny:

    The worst

    From going horribly wrong, to just plain uninspired, here are the worst. Don’t try this at home.

    Uhm…

    Breaking bad indeed

    Careful now!

    Why though?

    Image: Unsplash

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    In Engagements

    Man makes wedding ring from own fingernails

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    Creativity is always encouraged and being inventive is cool. But this guy might have just taken it too far. A Japanese man collected his fingernail clippings for a year, then ground it to a powder and baked it to create a “stone” for an engagement ring. The end result is a pitch black, rock hard stone. If you didn’t know, you would probably never guess that’s it’s made from human nails.

    He created the silver band himself too, baking and filing everything from scratch, and filming the whole painstaking process. The video went viral and has over 5,593,473 views. The internet is not quite sure how to respond, ranging from disgusted to amazed!

    We’re not sure if he actually proposed to someone with it yet, but we do think he would be a very hands-on husband.

    Picture: Youtube:/ kiwami Japan

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